List You Set
We all know that Florence and the Machine’s concerts are heavenly. But what would
make for the perfect live experience? Malcolm Calder gives us an insight into his ideal
Florence and the Machine gig set list, and exactly why those songs should be featured.
S
uppose you were given an opportunity to compile
a set list for your own Florence + the Machine gig
. What songs would you choose? And why? I’ve as
ked myself this question once or twice, this is what I wo
uld come up with I think (but if you asked me this next
week I’d probably come up with a different list!). The se
t list is limited to 16 songs (although I didn’t class Bird S
ong Intro as a separate song)
1. Howl For me Howl is the definitive opener.
Howl.
Florence shows work best earlier on when the
THE FLOW MAGAZINE ISSUE 6 | APRIL 2014
tension is ramped up, and my first Florence show,
in 2010, was the most intense live music
experience of my life. During the Lungs shows of
2010, Howl was the normal opener.
2. What The Water Gave Me Another definitive
Me.
early show classic for Florence. It’s well enough
known by the non-Flow public to keep the
interest levels up as well, and it’s quite an ‘up’
song despite the subject matter!
3. Cosmic Love No show should ever be without
Love.
this one. Quintessential Flo. Probably the one
song that most Flows would insist on being in the
set list. The minor disappointment on the T in
the Park 2012 set was the omission of this one, a
bit inexplicable given that it was the third
anniversary of the release of ‘Lungs’ that day, and
it was missing from only 5 Ceremonials shows.
4. Drumming Song Another ‘Lungs’ favourite.
Song.
The 2010 performances of this one with Florence
climbing on top of the speakers is one of the
iconic images of that period. We need Flo’s side
drum brought out of retirement for this one as
well as Howl!
5. Bird Song Intro (leading on to…)
6. Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) There can be no
Up).
argument about this one. It has to be played! We
need ladies on shoulders!
7. Shake it Out Keeping the tempo up, another
Out.
euphoric Flo song despite the dark subject matter.
As it’s also well known to non-fans as well, it will
be instantly recognised and the crowd will be
bouncing!
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