Counting Crows, Woodlands
Pavillion, Woodlands, TX, August 25, 1997
Opening Act, Wallflowers
What a great billing! Counting Crows, who I had never seen before, and the Wallflowers,
one of my new very favorite bands, headed by my second favorite dark-haired, blue-eyed
guitarist, Jakob Dylan. (For my first fav, you'll need to check out BNL
corner). The lovely Houston evening started with the Wallflowers hitting the stage
with authority. Early on, they played "One Headlight" and "6th Ave.
Heartache", leaving you wondering what they might have left to do for the rest of the
set. However, they continued to keep the heat on by playing many other songs from the CD
"Bringing Down the Horse", including "Three Marlenas" and
"Josephine". They even added a song that Jakob described as "pretty
good" which was no other than his dad's song, "The Night They Drove Old Dixie
Down". Jakob coerced the crowd throughout to get up and dance along. He had much more
energy this time around then when I saw them open for Sheryl Crow
back in January. Closing with "The Difference", a night with The Wallflowers
alone would have been completely satisfying, and if I smoked, I would have needed a
cigarette. On a side note, I got a big thrill walking down the street in Minneapolis on
Labor Day, when I met eyes with Jakob Dylan on 7th St.
However, the fun was just beginning, and I got my second wind for Adam Duritz and
Counting Crows. First time seeing them, and long overdue, they performed songs from
"August and Everything After" and "Recovering the Satellites", often
modifying lyrics or changing styles. The popular "Mr. Jones" was slowed down,
and while some were disappointed at missing a pogo dancing opportunity, I found it
interesting to experience their versatility. I truly love the song "Long
December" despite its being overplayed on the radio, and it was done perfectly this
evening. I think Adam Duritz is one of the best songwriter/poets of our time with his
beautiful descriptions and clever turn of phrase. Other highlights of the show were the
haunting "Good Night Elizabeth" and the current "Daylight Fading".
My only wish is that I could have seen Counting Crows at an earlier point in their
career at a smaller venue. While the Woodlands is a nice place for a lovely evening
outdoors, the lawn seats make it hard to truly get into what is going on onstage.
Nevertheless, a great show and a great time.
On That Note, I'm outta here......
C
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