| Counting Crows | Heineken Music Hall-Amsterdam Zuidoost | Feb 06, 2003 |
      |
Counting Crows are one of those bands that have been on my ´bands I want to see but never had a chance to-list´ for years. Their Americana roots folk rock has always appealed to me. Just as Adam Duritz´ lyrics are always an inspiration. The news that they were about to tour Europe finally made it possible to scratch their name from the list just to put the name on my ‘bands I would love to see again and again-list’. Daryll-Ann A two hour drive, an emotionless hyper modern concert hall and tasteless beer from plastic cups. The music better be good this evening. My biggest concern however was the question if the warm eclectic tones of the Counting Crows would survive in a concert hall this size. For starters, support act Daryll-Ann helped out. This Dutch alternative rock outfit gave the somewhat numbed audience very fine songs to enjoy. Their intimate performance reminded me of Pavement and Grandaddy. Great songs performed by a sympathetic band. Check out their last album called ´Trailer Tales´. Counting Crows Their vibrant performance turned out to be one to remember. Adam Duritz´ powerful (his voice reached unrecorded heights) and recognizable voice, the fantastic lyrical drama and the effective yet beautiful harmonies sung by Dan Vickrey and David Immerglück. I have no doubt that Counting Crows would have given 110% even if it was just you and me at the venue with our backs turned towards the stage. Like I said, it was all Counting Crows-time tonight. Adam Duritz frequently changed the melodies of the songs into new corners of the Counting Crows spectrum. A bit confusing at times, especially if you’re trying to sing along. But the man is creative and he can’t hide it. So is the rest of the band as they show us at the end of the song ‘Catapult’. The band improvised a session that seemed as if it came straight out off a Motorpsycho show. Loud, hard and leaving us with no doubts whether these guys can play their instruments or not. With a huge discography at hand it must have been a nightmare for the band to decide on what songs to play. This resulted in a surprising mix of songs gathered from all four of their albums. The obligatory Mr. Jones, American Girl (without Sheryl Crow), A Long December, Hangin´ Around and Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi. But also songs like If I Could Give All My Love (Richard Manuel Is Dead), Miami, Time And Time Again, Holiday In Spain and Daylight Fading passed in the line up. Giving Duritz and the rest of the band a chance to show us what they’ve got. This resulted in great audience interaction and enough feedback for the band to return and end the show with a few extra songs. In short, being part of this exhilarating night, months before the start of the festival season puts the pressure on the rest of the musical year. I have serious doubts whether any band can top this in 2003 but if one should…that would make my year only better.
Pics by Nunu, taken from www.countingcrows.com (Review & Pics: Marc Lochs) |
      |
© Rockezine.com Feb 06, 2003, viewed 1281 times since 666
back
back