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The concert last night
was very entertaining. I'll try to keep the
hyperbole to a minimum. While I thought that
over-all they sounded and played wonderfully, I do
believe that this tour is beginning to wear on them
a bit. They really looked tired at the end of the
show. Of course, if I were doing what they are
doing at their age, I would probably look tired
too.
Don gave us a "Wasted
Time" like I've never heard it before. While I've
always liked "Sunset Grill," it was never a must
listen to me...until last night. I have a new
appreciation for that song. Perhaps it's the little
differences between live and studio but I enjoyed
that song last night like I never have before.
The harmonies on "Hole
in the World" were fantastic. While I
wholeheartedly agree that a third stanza is needed,
that is still easy on the ears. I didn't enter
the "extra verse" contest here and I'm not much of a
wordsmith but I would offer up this as a
third verse.
I look around at the
before and the after
Openly wonder if we've
filled the space
I still can hear the
crying and all the laughter
Ooh, what will be our
saving grace?
There's a hole...
OK, enough of
that...back to the concert.
Timothy succeeded
quite well with both his songs despite a bout with
sore throat/laryngitis. The women just love this
guy. He is a pretty smooth dude.
Glenn was very good
all night long. However, I do have to agree with
most of the media types when they say he needs to
leave "You Belong to the City" at home. Give us a
"Heat is On," or how about a real surprise like
"Lovers Moon," "That Girl," or "New Love." The
crowd was very appreciative of his "Take It to the
Limit."
And before I get to
Joe, let me just say this about Steaurt Smith. I'm
officially over Don Felder. I'll always appreciate
Felder for what he brought to the band, but Smith
can flat out play. And his confidence and stage
presence (yes, I know it's very little) have
improved greatly. I will also say this--it seems to
me that he's featured much more now than when I saw
them in Denver in 2001. Of course he was brand new,
especially in the U.S., but he's really "one of the
boys" now as far as I'm concerned. Don has said
that he's been contributing to the creative process
during the making of the album. If that is so, I
hope Don and Glenn do the right thing and make him
official.
Joe was...Joe. And
anyone who says he doesn't steal the show every
night is not listening to what I'm hearing. The
crowd absolutely loves this guy. He consistently
draws the biggest cheers. The Eagles will always be
Don and Glenn but the band without Joe Walsh may as
well change the name.
The backing members
were all very competent and go along way to enhance
the sound. A lot of people don't like the different
arrangements to certain songs but to me, that's one
of the draws of the "live" experience. I was
particularly impressed with Will Hollis and Michael
Thompson on keys.
The guys are not
getting any younger and to me, it shows. But they
still put on a wonderful show, sound better than
ever and I will continue to be entertained as long
as they want to entertain me.
Other song highlights
One of These
Nights...Always great live.
Walk Away/Turn to
Stone...Both seemed to be toned down a bit and I was
appreciative of that. Stone was especially clear.
Not sure what I mean by that but it just seemed
very clean.
Heartache Tonight is a
great live song and I always enjoy when most of the
audience doesn't recognize it from the intro. Then,
when it kicks in, it always generates a resounding
applause.
Hotel California...I
just don't think you can mess this song up. From
Reggae to Flamenco to Ska--just doesn't matter.
It's a great song and lends itself to the
flexibility that which it's been used.
Rocky Mountain
Way...Hey question. In San Diego in '94, Joe uses
the talk box and says "Happy Birthday...someone"
Who is saying HBD to? Always a lot of fun and a
must for every Eagles concert.
Take It
Easy/Desperado...I think they've established that
these two pretty much have to end the concert. Both
just great.
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