EELS NOTTINGHAM ROCK CITY LIVE REVIEW The Nottingham Rock City is still the best venue in the country. And on this lively summer night, EELs opening act Texas Piano Man Robert Ellis has the crowd eating out of his hat. Boasting a natural charisma and dressed in a super white suit and stetson, Ellis looks like Christian Bale or Matthew McConaughey going method for a Wes Anderson film. Like a sexy Colonel Saunders, EELs singer E described him as “A great player, a great writer, and handsome as fuck… I hate him.” Ellis proved the perfect support for the EELs, sharing both E’s song writing talent and dry sense of humour. Stand out track had to be ‘Passive Aggressive’, dedicated to Nottingham’s lovers. One ‘hilarious-only-if-you’re-from-Nottingham’ moment was when someone shouted “Howdy” in the crowd. Responding quickly, the Piano Man asked what he should shout when he’s in Texas watching from someone from Nottingham? Struggling to interpret the crowd’s reply as “Hey up big dog?” there was a huge cheer when he finally caught on to “Ey up me duck!”. An American using Nottingham’s most famous greeting, that shit never gets old. After a short break, the Rocky theme filled the Rock City and the EELs come out punching for their decidedly older crowd. With the Rock City boasting a sea of hair as white as The Piano Man’s suit. The EELs music has always been a masterful example of eclectic genius but what surprises is E’s ability to reinvent their live act. Even to the point where it’s not representative of their latest album. The EELs have been a grunge band, a skiffle band, a punk band and today we have psychobilly-blues. A statement is quickly made, they’re here to have fun and to rock. Blasting through a mix of covers and music from their most recent releases, we’re treated to an amazing version of Prince’s ‘Raspberry Beret’ complete with choreographed and dad dance moves, Quo style. ‘Flyswatter’, the first genuine Eels classic, is quickly followed by the Beck-esque ‘Dog Faced Boy’. After which E exclaims “God damn, I’m old as fuck but God damn I rock!”. I fucking love this guy. Things are then taken down a notch, but not too far. E brands us the Soft Rock City and the classics continue to flow with Shrek favourite...