Lily Allen @ Academy 14/3/09

It seems a day never goes by where Lily Allen is not in the public eye, the latest celebrity slagging or new love interest which ever apparently matters to us most at that specific time. But with all this attention it seems to have been forgotten why she came to the publics attention first of all, her music. Debut album Alright, Still’s sunny ska-pop sound brightened up the summer of 2006 leaving people from all over the musical spectrum with a smile on their face. Latest offering It’s Not Me, It’s You sees a new slimmer, more glamorous Lily take a more electronic path. Yet, while maintaining that poppy appeal it lacks the sunny freshness that the debut brought.

Tonight sees Lily in her usual stage capacity as she exchanges words with the crowd like they are friends down the pub, while sipping from a wine glass containing what appears to be cider. Onstage she maintains her refreshing ignorance to the attention that is thrust her way, it all seems to by pass her as she chats about tomorrows forthcoming cup final.

Disappointingly the set is short of older material as only three pre-It’s Not Me It’s You tracks make it in, even classic LDN is harshly cut short as they try jam every song from the new record into the show. The new songs do not lack appeal but you do find yourself longing for a Friday Night with each new track leaving you appreciating how good her debut was. Lily herself is on her game as she struts about in her now trademark trainers and dress willing her ‘friends’ to sing along to every word.

The show itself is strong and most, like the press, seem to be lapping up everything Lily does. Yes, the old songs are few and far between but the new songs have their charm and the lack of a brass section might not do the older tracks justice. Still the gig taken on first hand is highly enjoyable and closing on her superb yet trouble-ridden cover of Britney’s Womanizer ends the set on a high. Let’s face it could have been much worse, she could have played Alfie.