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IN THIS ISSUE:
Dude, Where's My Hobbit? & Philly Dambuilders/Noho The Reviews News & Links TTOY Hall of Fame Archives
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GETTING CRAZY AT
Surprised fans were then hit with Friction Baby’s "R3wind" complete with a snippet of Salt ‘N’ Pepa’s "Push It" and a smattering of The Kink’s classic "You Really Got Me." This is a song the guys seem to pick when they are feeling particularly in the groove. Old friend "Allison Foley" followed. Yet another song that the guys seem to relish (maybe even more than some fans). KG added an extra special "So long, bye bye sugah!" to the song and Travis got to break it on down with his drum solo. The show’s playful momentum was almost lost at this time because of the crappy behavior of a few concertgoers (see related story). Luckily, after this unpleasantness, the guys were able to get things going again with yet another Garden favorite "Happy Day MaMa." Griffin called out a reluctant Kenny Corbett (BTE drum tech) to add the "Pork Chops and Applesauce" line to the song. As the line was delivered, KG asked teased: "Was it really that hard Kenny?"
As the guys retooled for "Extra Ordinary," they gave a special shout out to the exuberant under 21 fans exiled to the Troc balcony. The fans seemed to love this and cheered wildly. This time EO featured DJ "scratching" sound effects operated by Travis. As these were played, I realized these seem to come and go from show to show (perhaps for technical reasons). Refusing to let go of his acoustic guitar just yet, Kevin started playing a partial cover of The Who’s "Pinball Wizard." Tom and Travis started to get in on the action, but were only got about 30 seconds of the song before KG started to regale the audience with takes of recent Mardi Gras festivities. KG explained how the band got to meet The Lord of the Rings Dominic Monaghan (aka Merry the Hobbit). "A lesser known Hobbit, but a Hobbit nonetheless."
It seems Dominic got up on stage with the guys at Harry Connick Jr.’s Orpheus Ball to perform the Rolling Stones "Jumping Jack Flash." KG said after they partied the night away, but at some point he turned to Jim and said: "Duuuuuuuuuude, we’re partying with a hobbit!" This new Orleans story served as a perfect segue into the BTE classic "King of New Orleans." We’ve all seen it so many times, but KG’s breakdown and cover of Beck’s "Debra" always cracks up the house. This time he decided to serenade the front row causing a serious blushing episode. He also made eye contact with several ladies in the front row, including one who looked around to see who he was looking at and finally realized she was the subject of the attention. KG looked straight at her and said softly: "It’s OK honey, it’s only rock ‘n’ roll." This line produced giggles all along the front row. Mid-song, Kevin also introduced guitar tech "Uncle" Mike Keel to the crowd as Neil Young and this set the stage for covers of Young’s "Old Man" and "Sugar Mountain," as done by Axl Rose (or a great imitation thereof). As KONO ended, the guys kicked into their now familiar "Classic Rock Medley" as a segue into "Rosealia." This evening’s selected riffs included those from "Ocean" and "Immigrant Song" (Led Zeppelin), as well as Rush’s "Limelight" and "Spirit of Radio." A particularly ass-kicking version of "Rosealia" ensued culminating in the traditional ending with James Arthur Payne Jr. Coming up to Tom’s mic to add his vocal treatments. As often happens, KG fought Jim to stop him from returning freely to his usual place on stage.
After Kevin greeted "The Beautiful People of Philadelphia and surrounding Metropolitan Areas," Tom decided to point out a couple "mugging down" a few rows back. As he pointed them out, he asked: "Can you come to every show?" and "Can we all get some of that?" He then proceeded to tell the crowd how he’d seen the final cut of the DVD and it looks great. It will be packaged with a live CD. KG then announced that "Special," the next song, would not be on the DVD (but presumably the new album). The song continues to sound better and better. KG’s guitar solo sounds more polished every time it’s played. The song got a tremendous reaction from the crowd even though many of them had probably never heard the song. |
Tom next gracefully thanked openers Ingram Hill "from the 901 area code" for doing such a good job. This telephonic reference inspired KG to do a short cover of Ludacris’ "Hos in Every Area Code" followed by "Stand Up" sung in the style of Dave Matthews.
"Simple Song" came next. BTE rarely plays two new songs in a row, but according to KG: "We’re going to do it because if you came out to see us when it’s 2 ½ years since our last album, you must be fans!" The song came off without a hitch and featured a different type of keyboard sound from Jim – does this mean they’re tinkering with the song in the studio again? Fans hope so. An imitation/cover of Dave Matthews’ "Crash Into You" then segued into "Misunderstood." According to Kevin, it might sound like Jim plays the piano part with two fingers. But in fact: "he’s using all 7 fingers on his right hand!" Props were then given to sound man Brian from Kissimmee, Florida as the guys ventured into "Rolling," a song about "72 hours of debauchery." As the song ended, Kevin explained the band’s good mood was probably due to the Margaritas they had at dinner at local Mexican restaurant, El Vez. Kevin looked over at Tom and deadpanned: "Apparently they put tequila in those, Tom."
Next came a faux blues introduction that set up the following tune "Recognize." The song once again featured Depeche Mode’s "Personal Jesus." As the song ended, KG called on Jim to add some "Philadelphia themed music" to the show, so Jim wracked his brain and started a very bizarre rendition of Elton John’s "Philadelphia Freedom." You can imagine the response of the crowd to this hometown favorite... Yet another cover was to come, however, as KG started singing Jack Johnson’s "Rodeo Clowns." AS soon as this was over, the guys launched into "Desperately Wanting." Not your ordinary DW though. This time the song included no less than 3 covers! First was a little traditional southern spelling lesson with the "M-I-Crooked Letter-Crooked Letter-I-Humpback-Humpback-I". I’m told the song most recently has been covered by Mississippi-born rapper Afroman (and Kevin Griffin, of course). As the song progressed, the crowd was also treated to the classic "Bruce Springsteen Throwdown" with the guitar behind the back. Kevin also challenged to Tom challenge Travis to play using his hands like John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. Thankfully, the crowd didn’t have to sit through a complete recreation of Bonham’s 25 minute drum solo in the song "Moby Dick!" Travis did a very short and spirited solo using only his hands, as instructed. The Encore As if the main set was entertaining enough, the encore was also to yield some surprises. It began as the guys came out to a deafening roar from the near capacity crowd. "A Lifetime"was the first song up and it has never sounded better. Once again, the key to this song is the energetic drumming of Travis McNabbb.
As the song ended, Kevin was called over to speak to a fan at the side of the stage. Apparently, the gentleman (Jim) was heading overseas in the near future and felt compelled to propose to his long time girlfriend (Christy). After a few seconds on intense negotiations, it was decided the couple would have the proposal and then a BTE "Spotlight Dance" to "At the Stars." The couple were then brought up on stage and Jim got down on one knee and made his proposal (sans ring). And, of course, Christy said "Yes," the crowd roared with approval and the dance began with KG proclaiming: "God bless this marriage made of love and beauty!" The couple began to twirl around the stage kissing and hugging and in between Jim would back Christy up into the Kevin and Tom and they’d do a little "booty" move. Finally, the song came to an end and the happy couple departed the stage to much applause.
KG then opined that the couple would find out that marriage was a "challenge every day." He then said that he, Tom and Travis are all married. Consequently they live vicariously through Jim. He said when they see Jim in the morning, they ask him for details about his escapades. Jim usually says "Well, I took and shower and went out to dinner and hung out with friends" but KG said they always say: "Whoa! Back it up Jim, we want details. You took a shower and then what?" Not waiting for the crowd laughter to subside, the band then launched into their final song for the night "In the Blood." As Travis kicked into gear, Jim glanced over and gave him a look as if to say: "Dude, you’re on fire tonight!" Rarely has a more rocking version of this song been heard. The bottom line? Philadelphia rocked. (More about Philly, page 3). |
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