Tag: Counting Crows

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Counting Crows @ Opera House, Sydney – April 9 2013

Goodness, has it really been that long? I apologise, I really do. Life’s been a bit hectic with birthday celebrations (yes plural – I managed to stretch mine out over four days, which is no mean feat) and concerts. I could wax lyrical about the former, but since this is a music blog turning my attention to the latter is probably for the best.

The day before the big birthday bash I made a pilgrimage to the Opera House to see one of my favourite bands of all time, the Counting Crows. I’ve loved them since I hit my teenage years and the lads released August and Everything After. So much has happened since then, but I found myself becoming that enthusiastic thirteen-year-old again as I entered the venue.

I’m kicking myself that my dinner dragged on and I missed the start of Jackson McLaren’s set. Vocally he reminded me a lot of one of my favourite singers Howie Day, but his tight alt-country rock band gave his music a different dynamic. Not enough acts play with a fiddle either; I take my virtual hat off to their violinist who added a real richness to the sound. I definitely want to hear more from Jackson and his crew. I’m a fan.

I could have listened to Jackson all night if I weren’t so psyched to see the Counting Crows. They set the scene with the opening number, one of those first singles “Round Here”. It’s a song that’s morphed into something very different over the years, as many of the Counting Crows songs have. The band likes to play free and easy with the melodies and lyrics, which can be alienating. I know I’ve criticised some acts for this before. But I felt that the changes were sincere and heartfelt. It wasn’t about being bored with the songs or trying to be clever. It’s just how they come out right now.

The Counting Crows aren’t a band that ever delivers a predictable set. There are no certainties, and that makes every favorite song you hear that much more exciting. To hear my two absolute favourites was something I hadn’t dared dreamed of. Yet sure enough, “Mrs Potter’s Lullaby” made an early appearance, and “Anna Begins” came out in the encore. “Colourblind” was also breathtaking, with a single spotlight on singer Adam Duritz ensuring we stayed transfixed. As if that was ever in doubt. “Rain King” had me pumping my fists in exultation.

If I was to make any criticism it’s that I wish Adam talked to us a little more. We had a word here or there, but there were none of the long explanations of songs or tales of travel that I adore. However it’s a bit hard to criticise someone for not sharing enough of themselves when they do it so completely with their music.

They say that you can never really go back and perhaps that’s true, but when you can spend a night with a favourite band it feels like for just a few hours, you can.

Image source: Jimmy Harris @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Counting Crows Announce Bluesfest Sideshow

I’ve been crossing my fingers for this announcement since they announced their inclusion at this year’s Bluesfest and I’m thrilled it’s finally official: the Counting Crows will play a string of shows later this year.

The Counting Crows are one of those bands that have been with me an awfully long time. I remember excitedly finding August and Everything After in my Santa sack when I was just 13 years old. I’ve loved them ever since. The last time I caught them they were playing short sets in big venues as part of The Who’s tour, so I’m thrilled to see them downsizing this time around. The intimate venues make these dates a must for fans.

Tickets go on sale on January 21 for the following shows.

27 March 2013 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
30 March 2013 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne
3 April 2013 – Concert Hall, Perth
6 April 2013 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
9 April 2013 – Opera House, Sydney

Image source: Zach Klein @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Counting Crows and The Who @ Hope Estate, Hunter Valley – 28 March 2009

Another weekend, another winery show. This time I was off to a relatively new Hunter Valley venue, Hope Estate.

Aussie rockers Dallas Crane kicked off the afternoon with a set that offered energy, but little variety. I must admit, I’m just not a Dallas Crane fan. Dave Larkin’s gravelly voice began to grate on me after not too long, and the tunes started to sound all the same. I guess they do what they do well, but it just seems like they do the same thing.

I was a lot more enthusiastic about the Counting Crows, but anyone who knows me wouldn’t be surprised by that. I’ve been a massive fan since the start, and since they’ve only toured Australia once before I was more than ready for a return set. As a fan it didn’t disappoint me, but I can see how many wouldn’t share my view.

The choice of Counting Crows as support act for The Who was a curious one. They’re just so different, and I could tell as I looked around the venue that the difference wasn’t one the bulk of the audience appreciated. I think the Counting Crows could too. And so it seemed that they played to those of us who cared, and disregarded those who didn’t. So there was no “Big Yellow Taxi,” no “Mr Jones,” but such fantastic music for those of us who knew the back catalogue.

I lapped up “Mrs Potters Lullaby,” the sprawling epic so long I never imagined it would make the set list. I was so thrilled to hear “Goodnight Elisabeth” and “Round Here.” I cherished the rambling free form jams and Adam Duritz’s utter abandonment. There is a man that leaves his heart on the stage, performing with such passion and commitment. I can only hope the Counting Crows make a return visit soon, because they deserve to perform for a crowd who really wants to hear them.

As the Counting Crows left the stage I commented to my husband that I couldn’t imagine how I could muster the same enthusiasm for The Who. Sadly I was right. Don’t get me wrong: I love The Who. But last time I saw them live, I remember seeing a lot of flaws. In fact, if the Counting Crows weren’t on the bill, I probably wouldn’t have bothered with a second outing.

But they were, and there I was, seeing a band that was good but just not quite as good as they used to be. Roger Daltrey still swings his microphone cord around like a demon, but his voice shows the ravages of time. Pete Townshend still rocks hard and shows plenty of personality, but there’s something missing. The band doesn’t sound as tight as they should be: I guess that’s what happens when you lose your drummer and bassist. Zac Starkey and Pino Palladino are both fine musicians, but there’s something missing.

While the sound wasn’t quite up to par, the hits everyone came to hear were there. The newer songs they played didn’t quite measure up, but mercifully they were few and far between. For the most part the crowd had all the nostalgic tracks they could hope for. And in many of those songs I could forget about the flaws and just enjoy the show. “I Can’t Explain” and “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere” came early, starting us all off on the right note. “You Better You Bet” has always been one of my favourites, and it didn’t disappoint here. And I loved hearing “Pinball Wizard” and “See Me, Feel Me” from Tommy.

The Who are getting on a bit, but by delivering the hits that made them famous they’re still put an enjoyable show. But for me the real stars of the night were the younger guys, the Counting Crows.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Who Hunter Bound

The Who has extended its upcoming Australian tour, adding a show at the Hope Estate Winery in the Hunter Valley. If I were touring Australia I couldn’t resist getting out to some of the wineries, so I don’t blame them!

It promises to be a big night of music under the stars, with Counting Crows and Australia’s own Dallas Crane also on the bill.

Tickets to the Hunter Valley show will go on sale next Friday, 19 December through Ticketmaster. The other concerts on the tour are already on sale. Here are all the dates!

24 March 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
26 March 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
28 March 2009 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
29 March 2009 – Grand Prix, Melbourne
31 March 2009 – Acer Arena, Sydney
4 April 2009 – Members Equity Stadium, Perth

Image source: Ninjapoodles @ Flickr