Mark Ronson, Oct.5, Webster Hall (NYC)

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Mark Ronson, Oct.5, Webster Hall (NYC)

POSTED: Tuesday, October 9, 2007, 3:26 PM

Filed Under: Music

Photo - Claudia Toledo

Mark Ronson and Tawiah

"Too much of a good thing..."

Despite not really having money to spare, I will see a performer I dig multiple times in a short span. I think it is my fear of getting older or something. Hence is the case with Mark Ronson, the DJ/musician who has won over elite artists, critics and fans with the release of Version (Allido Records/RCA), an album that has the likes of Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Robbie Williams giving their 'version' of previously released songs. Friday was my third time seeing live them since July 2006. To my credit, the first time it was a festival in London, and I didn't go to see Ronson. Both times (second being NYC - July 2007) the concert was on point, energy was high and everything came together. This time around - things were slightly different. Ronson and his band (which includes bass superstar Stuart Zender) rolled on stage around 9:15pm. My adrenaline was there for about 7 minutes and then it all kinda blurred from there. While the brass and rhythm section were pretty much stellar, the performers (with the exception of Tawiah - get to that later) and Ronson came across a bit tired which is justified considering their television, radio and international commitments. Rapper Wale and singer Tiggers did their rendition of "Toxic" (Britney Spears), which did nothing for me. Wale redeemed himself however when he kicked a nice rhyme in addition to doing his own track that gave the night a bit of needed electricity. Australian Daniel Merriweather sang hit "Stop Me" (The Smiths) and "Amy" (Ryan Adams). While Merriweather can sing his ass off, I think he has to understand that every song doesn't need to be R&B-inized. Alex Greenwald from Phantom Planet busted out "Just" (Radiohead) before going into his band's popular O.C. theme song, "California" ("Here we comeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"). It is also worth mentioning that Philly native SantoGold has made herself one of Ronson's favorite people and bopped her way through little diddy "Pretty Green". It was all just okay.

At this point, I'm thinking if I'll make the last train home to Philly.

And then London songstress Tawiah belts out "Valerie" (The Zutons). That is when I was grateful I made the hike. Tawiah's vibrant personality, memorable voice and contagious energy bring the upbeat song to life. This chic is going places - for serious.

Although from here on out, I rather listen to Version in the comfort of my home, I enjoyed singing along to the music with my friends that joined me in the front row on Friday night.

Everyone needs those moments, right?

Mark Ronson MySpace
Tawiah MySpace

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Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

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