Reviews by...
Mike
John
Jail Bait (Sara)
Jail Bait #2 (Jill)
Since this composition won't be graded, I'll forego narrative flow and just go with a bullet list (minus bullets). Be forewarned there is some negative content, intentionally included to balance out this post's yin-yang energy.
Cracker opened with a top notch version of Dr. Bernice, excellent tempo, with great instumental breaks from Johnny and Kenny.
The band is locking in rhythmically, Brandy and Frank are laying down one steady beat. Of course we all know David can pull his weight in that department, so, for the most part, the songs really locked into a groove. Consequently, none of the tempos felt rushed. I hate it when that happens.
David introduced a song about midway through by saying "We'll get this one out the way". My friend Reg called me psychic when I turned to him and told him they would be playing "Low" next. Those of you who've read this far are just saying to yourselves "well DUH!". During the tune I saw at least three people call their buds cell phones and hold them up towards the stage. OCR - Did I say that right?
OK, you were warned, I'm going negative now. The sound in the Brewery was pretty bad. No fault of the band's. In fact, Kenny's accordion came through as clearly as I can ever remember. The problem was that bass notes around 50-60 hz were several db louder than anything else, by virtue of the fact that they were reinforced by the room's geometry. This phenomena is known as a standing wave and occurs when room dimensions are multiples of each other. The folks at the Brewery should be well aware of this problem by now and be able to advise the sound man on ways to minimize it's effects. I think turning down Brandy's bass amp may have helped. This is not to contradict what I said before, she played well, she was just "too far up in the mix". Short version - The whole show could have been much more enjoyable if they could have gotten rid of the "thumps". There I've said it. All of you standing wave afficianados can blank my blank.
Red pjs, and David made a comment about the wifebeater t that he was wearing under it.
My personal highlight of the night was I Ride My Bike just before the encore - very intense.
I was right up against Johnny & David's monitors so I didnt get to hear the weird echo effect mentioned, but it was LOUD right up there at the front (louder than normal).
Another highlight was when David introduced Kenny as the King of Bluegrass Accordian from Ashville, NC. The whole
crowd cheered wildly about the almost local boy who has made it so big with Cracker. After the show someone came
up to Kenny and introduced themselves and said they were from Elkins, NC (near Ashville I am guessing). What I
think is really amazing is that Kenny has been able to get rid of his southern accent since moving away from NC.
: )
Thing to look forward to ...
David mentioned that he was teaching Brandy about 4 new songs every time they take a day off. They are taking a
day off today (the rumors of a keg party in Chap Hill are just that ... a rumor). It's also reported that Johnny
has still more pjs to show off at future shows (besides blue, green and red). Also, it'll be Brandy's birthday at
the Ziggy's show... sorta.
John
Here is the set list:
1.Dr. Bernice
2.Been Around the World
3.Lonesome Johnny Blues (Johnny made the remark "I'm going to try and croak this next one out for you")
4.Euro-Trash Girl (David broke a string)
Apparently they were keeping the drinks cold behind Frank so David said Frank was their bartender for the
night.
5.Take Me Down to the Infirmary
6.How Can I Live Without You
7.Sweet Thistle Pie
8.7 Days
9.Big Dipper
10.Another Song About the Rain (these two songs sounded really beautiful back to back)
11.Mr. Wrong
12.Low (always good to see in the middle of the set)
13.Cracker Soul
14.100 Flower Power Maximum
15.Trials and Tribulations
16.Loser
17.I See the Light
18.Be My Love
19.Wedding Day (with Kenny on accordion)
20.I Ride My Bike (as requested by John) =)
ENCORE:
21.I'm a Little Rocketship (a David solo)
When the rest of the band came on stage Kenny had a towel draped over his head with something holding it
on, David commented that Kenny was a sheik from Arabia ... or something like that
22.Teen Angst
I took a bunch of pictures at the show and I hope they turn out OK. I'm going to have them developed now ... wish
me luck. Oh by the way John, the picture of you and LP is on the first roll. =) See you guys tomorrow.
Sara
(A.K.A. Jail Bait)
really? i wasnt that hot and i was in long sleeves.
the show was really good but holy crap it was loud. that and my almost no sleep for the past couple days that turned into a really bad headache made me wimp out and leave the front row for the back of the club. but that was near the end of the show anyway so i was only back there for one song. i'm getting earplugs for tomorrow's show.
so should we get a birthday present to give to brandy tomorrow? thatd be kinda funny. (it's not really her bday, it's david's version of her bday.)
i asked johnny if it's cool if we all wear our pajamas to the shows now. i dont remember exactly what he said though, just remember a yes and some laughing. i think we should all wear em tomorrow. john and sara didnt seem to be with me on that one though, haha, anyone else? i would do it.
i wonder where all the bandmembers will be from at the show tomorrow night :)
i guess that makes me jail bait #2
jill