This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
Barenaked Ladies are taking part in a concert cruise with their fans. As described on their web site, “the band will perform multiple concerts and multiple trips to the buffet.”
How can you not love these guys?
I headed to Agganis Arena, quite confident that I would be properly entertained. Upon entering the venue, I was amused by the gender bias exhibited by security staff. Men and women were separated into two lines, in order to be given the once-over by a same-sex guard. Funny thing was, only the men got pat downs, the females escaped with just a quick purse check. Bad call, Agganis Arena. Because if anyone is going to be smuggling in something they shouldn’t, it’s me, not my goody-two-shoes boyfriend. “Why yes, that is a camera down my pants, and no, I’m not happy to see you.”
Opener Mike Doughty’s Band eased the audience into the show with their mellow, jam band vibe. The highlight of their set was a cover of “Paradise City” that somehow morphed into a full-blown version of “The Gambler.” (They fully committed, so it worked.)
A little BNL background: the Canadian quintet (co-frontmen Steven Page and Ed Robertson, drummer Tyler Stewart, bassist Jim Creeggan, and keyboardist Kevin Hearn) are best known for their quirky, often comical songs and videos, particularly the rapid-fire, “One Week” (a #1 Billboard hit in 1998), and the irresistibly catchy “If I Had $1,000,000.” So, for those not familiar with their other work, Barenaked Ladies may appear at first glance to be a gimmick band.
This actually could not be further from the truth. Sure, they’ve got a sense of humor that pervades many of their songs, but BNL has a deep catalog of solid tunes to choose from. Take their love songs, for example. They range from the brilliantly titled “Be My Yoko Ono,” which, not surprisingly, has a comical edge, to the lovely harmonies of the more serious-minded “Jane.” This particular evening’s selections included inspired versions of “Too Little Too Late,” “The Old Apartment,” and “It’s All Been Done.” The older songs were integrated nicely with those from the new album, “Barenaked Ladies Are Me.” While some of the new material admittedly did not resonate quite as strongly as past hits, “Maybe You’re Right” was especially well received, as was “Down to Earth,” from the deluxe, extended version of the new disc.
The highlight of the show was the closing number that preceded the two sets of encores. Before the entire band joined in, “Brian Wilson” began acoustically, and then turned a cappella, showcasing the incredibly rich tone of Steven Page’s vocals. Page’s voice is, quite simply, stunning. It has a soaring, almost operatic quality to it. Listen to him hit the high notes on “Call and Answer,” or check out “Sell, Sell, Sell” from the “Maroon” album. Hearing that voice live, at certain points during a BNL show, I just want to grab the stranger sitting next to me, shake him, and cry, “That man has the voice of an angel, I tell you…AN ANGEL!!!”
The bottom line is that Barenaked Ladies are not just a bunch of goofballs — these guys are talented musicians. Beyond this, though, the band members, especially Robertson and Page, are consummate entertainers. Consequently, even if they never chart another hit, I’d wager that they’ll have no problem continuing to attract large-capacity crowds to their live shows. Because in addition to the music, audiences know there are a few things you can count on when you go to a BNL concert, and tonight was no exception:
O First-rate between-song banter: When it comes to addressing the crowd, Ed Robertson has got to be the most charming, natural, at-ease musician I’ve seen in front of a microphone. He speaks to the audience as if he’s amiably chatting with a group of friends. His comments generally elicit comebacks from Steven Page, the funniest of which involved the band’s desire to emulate the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Page’s suggestion to his bandmate? “Just say ‘California’ a lot.”
O Improvised songs: The banter between Page and Robertson often evolves into a funny, off-the-cuff musical number. This happened a few times during the evening. One choice lyric that Robertson quickly came up with to describe Page: “He worked at Wendy’s back in the ‘80s, before he joined a band called Barenaked Ladies.”
O Inspired, fully choreographed dance routines: From Page’s randomly placed, absurdly high leg kicks, to an all-group number that turned into a West Side Story-style fight, replete with finger-snapping, the band’s unique dance stylings are always entertaining.
One past element of their shows — a medley of current hits by other artists done BNL-style — was disappointingly missing. While I’ll always cherish their version of “The Real Slim Shady,” its absence didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the show. There was plenty to take its place.
This concert marked the fifth time I’ve seen Barenaked Ladies live. With each show, my sense has been that the goal of the band is to make sure, above everything, that the audience has a good time. Fittingly, before I left work to head to the arena, I read the closing line of a friend’s email. I had been bitching about various things to her all day. She said simply, “If BNL can’t put a smile on your face, what can.”
Mission accomplished, boys. And you know, if it weren’t for my innate hatred of cruise ships, I’d be looking to join you on that buffet line, too.
Find the rest of the dates on the BNL tour on their official website here.
Reviewed by: Heather Kobrin | November 2006
