Having been lucky enough to attend a concert that was innovative, inventive, invigorating and inviting, I had nothing but praise for the Barenaked Ladies Concert, held at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Feb. 18. If you like high-energy performances, this was hands-down a hit.
Barenaked Ladies is currently touring after the release of their new album “Everything to Everyone.” Opening for the Ladies was British newcomer Butterfly Voucher and America’s up-and-coming singer Gavin DeGraw.
DeGraw is a 26-year-old singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist who charmed audiences in Manhattan’s downtown music scene before releasing his debut album “Chariot” in the summer of 2002. This 11-track CD features an array of songs “in a gently raspy, effortlessly emotive voice,” according to Gavin Degraw
His pre-BNL performance was just the right hors d’ouevres before the main course. The words of songs such as “I Don’t Wanna Be” and “Crush” shocked unknowing music goers who had ever heard of DeGraw. “He’s really good,” a shocked fan murmured in the crowd. Then came one of DeGraw’s most liked songs “Chemical Party,” with the refrain “She thinks her name is ‘pass the joint.'”
“Do you guys like soul music?” Degraw asked the audience. With the positive reply of screams and hollers, DeGraw began singing a truly soulful rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” He finished-up with his title song “Chariot,” and left the audience hungry for the Ladies.
The Ladies performed a concert that was truly for everyone, everywhere. Fans ranged anywhere from early teens to late 50s. Whether you are an old fan or a newcomer, the Ladies definitely reached a majority of its Philadelphia fan-base.
Fans jumped to their feet the second the Ladies hit the stage. Aside from old favorites like “One Week,” “Call and Answer” and “It’s All Been Done,” the Ladies played their new hit “Another Postcard,” just another original creation from the men who have kept our attention for years.
The Ladies began their career in 1988, founded by Steven Page, current lead singer/guitarist and Ed Robertson, currently on vocals and bass guitar. The Toronto based band and has sold over 10 million records worldwide. “Along the way, they have developed a dedicated following, and a reputation as one of North America’s best-loved live acts,” according to BNL Music
During the concert, Page remarked on the Ladies recent airtime on VH1s “Remember the 80s” and urged everyone to look for them on the new VH1 show “Remember the 90s.”
The music from the new CD keeps the long-loved BNL sound and adds a twinge of something new. Resembling the Beatles hit “Eleanor Rigby,” their new song “Shopping” takes a radical twist on musical composing. Running with shopping carts on the amazingly lit stage, this song brings about the truth in shopping, “When the going gets rough, just shop with somebody tough.”
If you are a BNL lover or would like to become one, remaining tour dates can be found on their website at www.bnlmusic.com. If you have not checked out DeGraw, listen to selected tracks from his new album online at Gavin Degraw
Posted to the web by Lauren Joseph
