THE perceived impression of Suede is that of a band on the cusp of greatness led by a fop called Brett Anderson. "Fey" is a word that springs to mind.
Nothing could be further from the truth, however. Suede is a collection of people who have created a granite hard sound from one of the most productive and imaginative eras in rock music of the past 40 years. Their mixture of prime time (1972-75), David Bowie and Roxy Music, is a wonder to behold, but before the question of where influence begins and plagiarism takes over is asked, one must ponder what is ultimately the most important question of all: do Suede do it well?
The answer is that Suede do it so well it knocks into a cocked hat the hoary old plagiarism debate. Rock music is founded on past influences, and unless someone invents a new form, there's little that can be done except to base constructive criticism on how it's done. There is no doubt in this reviewer's mind that Suede add to the Bowie/Roxy axis by virtue of their songwriting: classic anthemic pop structures windswept by a sense of the dramatic.
One brilliant song after another (Trash, Lazy, So Young, Saturday Night, Star Crazy ) transcended the open air chill and wavering sound. Final thoughts? Suede were terrific, but next time an indoor venue, please.