I've waited two years to see this concert, and all I got was a set of greatest hits?!
Not entirely true, but it could have been, had Mr. Robertson not come in contact with fans who suggested to play more new songs. Unless that was the idea, and that feedback was what led to the flip.
Hello Folks, to those who are reading something of mine for the first time, or a returning reader, I thank you. I will also state that this is not exactly a review as it is a recollection of the show and my own personal reflections. I was debating about how to start this endeavor, and frankly, this may not be the way to start.
Regardless, I can run down a road of what-ifs when it comes to songs that I would like to hear live, but it would be pointless. In fact, it may be a labyrinth. It would be much easier to see if I can find them on Youtube.
So, before I begin the BNL set. I'll admit that I missed the set of Toad the Wet Sprocket, and that I knew more Gin Blossoms songs then I realized; I caught the last five songs, which the band performed very well I should add.
The Ladies opened up with "New Disaster," which has the lines that describe this recollection's potential: "It might be a mess, but it's..." to be determined. The enthusiasm that the band brought right out of the gate, especially when shouting "They're killing it at retail!" was very encouraging, in spite of the mess that may have inspired the record and the state the world is in.
While I am a fan of the band, I don't listen to their music often, but made sure I listened to all of their studio albums, and some compilations and live recordings. So, even though I was aware of their track record, I still was surprised to hear how solid their new album was as I listened to it for the first time, the day before the show too. It can also be said it that it was not a "return to form," but they have always produced the music they wanted to, and never really lost that "form," or modus operandi may be more accurate.
The crowd was vibing with the first song but questioning when the first hit would be played. Well, they didn't have to wait long before they were treated with "It's All Been Done" that was followed with something that hasn't been (that I have heard prior to this), an Artpark Rap Anthem. It was a sign that there was more to come than mere hitlist regurgitation.
"Pinch Me!"
Yes, Mr. Robertson did reference cross-dressing and even indirectly addressed acceptance(?) in a lyrical edit {"changed into my sister's clothes"}. Then, there was at least one more edit in a big hit, it may have been the same song, but I cannot recall. What also struck me was when the classic "underwear" line came on, the band was cracking up at their own joke; you could hear it through the speakers, but they were not alone, it stood the test of time.
Before the next song, they told us a tiny tale, involving their big break in the States, based on a true mispronunciation and an introduction by a famous android. This would be the first of many introductions that enrichened the whole concert experience with these extremely talented gentlemen.
It was funny because I was singing "Gonna Walk" on my way into the venue not knowing it would be on the set, and although I heard it several times before then, listening to it the last time before I heard it live struck a chord with me. Of course, I sang along with them when the chorus came on, partially because of their kind request. I must admit, this song really did find its way to the bottom of my heart. Thank you, Tyler. I wasn't the only one that heard that drum fill, right? As well as that one?
Kevin Hearn has a unique voice, which I am beginning to appreciate more. I recently was reminded of the song "Invisible Fence," and although I didn't have many requests because I just wanted to hear them play deeper cuts (and a few hits), the latter would have been nice to hear. Instead, Hearn broke the wall of expectations down and expanded the circumference of possibility with "Big Back Yard," which was more pleasant than I remember.
While the band "Roll Out" a rocking rhythm for an entourage of fun, and raised the bar with this live version, the references are tied at the top, and even with the quality of some of the songs mentioned, the Backstreet Boys component is my favorite one. it also stood out because I was planning to see the boys a few days prior but could not.
"Here Together" was another new addition to the closet they would try on for the crowd, and I have no complaints. It didn't sound like anyone else did either. I thought it was interesting that the sequence of the last two songs they performed were opposite of how they are placed on the new record.
Ed had relayed the perfect introduction to their next song, that is aligned with its positive message in the chorus. Flying over the border with all the required documents hours away at his dock(right?). He saw an old friend/acquaintance, played it cool when it came to any questions asked, and remained on the side of the righteous, avoiding deception, and he was alright. The chance of this happening again? "Odds Are" different now, but the song is still an uplifter in spite of it being a death lister.
If you are still here, I appreciate you and your patience! How are ya'll out there?! Good? Fantastic! Let's continue with the next tune!
It is more serious and was preceded by Ed's relay of his relationship with his father, and advice he sought from someone who told him that just because he had a bad father, does not make him a bad son (I'm paraphrasing, and I'm human). He said the advice he received that day had freed him, and then he suggested to the crowd that if they needed to talk about something they should, and that it does help. I almost forgot to mention that it was from the new record, and the song was called "Live Well"
The lyrics of part of the chorus also hit home and address resilience.
"I'm Alive
Doesn't Mean I Lived Well
Means I Got Back Up Every Time I Fell...."
Yet, he acknowledges where he is, and he changed his life for the better (or "got his"). But I agree, better ways can be utilized to make better men, than some of the follies and activities some men engaged in.
The Barenaked Ladies then jumped back in time to perform "Hello City." As strange as it sounds, the song could serve as a sonic prequel to one of their biggest hits, that they played later on in the show, "If I Had $1,000,000." While we're on the subject, the band managed to sneak in a hit record inspired by the old apartment a former member lived in, and maybe broke a few hearts of fans that might have wanted to hear the full song. To some, me included, it was enough.
They gently eased to the present to perform one of their most recent additions to their repertoire, into a "Man Made Lake," a cannonball would be too much.
Not that the rest of their new record doesn't rock, but the next selection featured on the BNL set, performed on this long-awaited tour de force, was an intriguing exercise in rockin' restraint. I would say "Internal Dynamo" was more Granite than Pumice, yet not as heavy as Gabbro or Emery.
From one dynamo to another, they performed their ode to "Brian Wilson" and his hurricane of mental health issues. Even though it is not directly connected, the beginning of the biopic "Love and Mercy" makes more sense to me now.
Their performance of this classic was just as tight as the studio version recorded decades ago, if not tighter. Then, what about the secret agent hiding in that guitar riff close to the last minute of the song? He managed to survive the instrumental-centered conclusion just as exciting now as it was then.
"The Good Life" and "Lookin' Up" were two sticks of dynamite that led to the big bang...theme song, which was dedicated to everyone with a television. At the time, I was wondering what song was it? Safe to say, I would not even be able to act as a genius on the show.
Every band member had their time to shine, simultaneously and alone, and the funky interlude/dance party before the band played another Barenaked Banger was brought to you by Jim Creegan's prowess on the bass. I will say in one week, this will still be one of my favorite concerts I have ever been to and will remain that way for a long time. As for what particular place it will be, I cannot discern yet.
The closing medley includes snippets of songs I knew and songs I wasn't aware of.
Was it a coincidence I was not paying attention to the version of "Sing a Song" they sang?
I have been "Just a Friend," and that zone can be painful, but it could be a lot worse.
"Coincidance?" It is a synchronicity of two people dancing to their favorite song, simultaneously. I may have to check the definition first.
The last two components of the medley were my favorite. It was the first time I heard a band take this cover and whip it good! It was fun.
Tyler Stewart returned to the mic for the medley finale, and the impression that I got was that he was in "This Real? Rock and Roll Fantasy" mode. The band have been touring for decades, but to play a great song by one of the best bands in the world for thousands of fans sounds like a dream come true to me and is not something you would think is easy to get used to. The conclusion, medley itself, and full set was met with a "Whole Lotta Love." I even heard a concertgoer say, "anytime Led Zeppelin is played, it's a good time" (paraphrased).
While all was well and good on a Tuesday Night, far from a record shop I might add.
The show was nearly over, there was an encore to be had!
What better way to encore a show than with a tribute to a supergroup with the collaborative efforts of several super groups? What better supergroup to pay a tribute to then the Traveling Wilburys? Yes, there are more, but when would a mere formation of a band like this by happenstance occur again? Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne all working together. Although I am not the biggest fan of the band or any of the members' solo efforts, or that with their own groups, that magical event in music history should not be overlooked.
Suffice to say, this cover was a complete surprise, and a coincidence that it was the only track by the Wilburys that I have heard. I don't know who wore the sunglasses similar to Orbison, but I am guessing it was intentional. The tour mates managed to handle the tribute with care, as the crowd sang some of the song for Tom, as well as Orbison and Harrison too.
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