After an evening of free styling, quirky dancing and the absence of Gordon, I felt that the group let their Chicago fans down.

	Barenaked Ladies Entertainment Art Allstate Arena Rosemont, Ill. November 16, 2006

Before I go into the negatives, the highlight, and possibly most entertaining part of the concert, was when a little girl celebrating her eighth birthday was serenaded by the band. Her “happy birthday” sign drew the band’s attention and they took out a few minutes to sing “happy birthday” and joke around a bit. She was elated and the crowd joined in as her reactions were projected on the big screen.

Aside from that heartfelt moment, there were a couple things I couldn’t get past. One was the lack of Gordon. Now, maybe I’m biased for only wanting to hear songs from my favorite album, but that’s what people come to see; the songs they can sing along to. In all fairness they played a few favorites (well, my favorites). “Brian Wilson” was outstanding, and they performed a couple classics from Stunt, such as “One Week” and “It’s All Been Done;” however, the number of songs from the new album, Are Me, lost the crowd quickly and weren’t received with the same enthusiasm of the classics.

The sets were separated with repeatedly terrible attempts at free styling. The free styling didn’t have the fun sounds they’re known for a la “If I Had A Million Dollars;” they sounded more like dorky third grade versions of Eminem at “show and tell” telling their classmates about a trip to the Shedd Aquarium. Sadly, that’s exactly what they were free styling about – a freakin’ visit to the aquarium!

I consider myself a big Barenaked Ladies fan, not diehard by any means, but still a big fan, and the night left me disillusioned and annoyed with the band…maybe they should either go back to free styling 101 or just stick to the classics.

Comments

Your review does not speak for anyone bu Written by Guest on 2006-11-29 13:06:30 How can you say "absence of Gordon"? Grade 9, Million Dollars, and Brian Wilson are all Gordon tracks. Considering how many albums the band has under their belt, and the fact that this tour is promoting their LATEST album, did you really expect there to be many more than 3 songs in the set from their FIRST album? And since you are one person that claims to be a fan but not diehard, you can't speak for the rest of the audience. Most of the crowd was very satisfied with the show, as you would know if you spoke with any of them or had done any research to find out what comments from other concert-goers were. The majority of the crowd that comes to a BNL concert isn't their to only hear the songs we've heard for 15 years, but for the amazing experience BNL gives us. btw, Million Dollars is not a 'free-styling' song, One Week is. Too bad you haven't learned that BNL has no desire to be Everything To Everyone, but to be true to themselves. That's what true fans love them for and continue to support them. Their new album is their best yet. Cheers.

Hi... Written by publisher on 2006-11-29 14:19:18 Thank for your comments and you are obviously a big fan. But keep in mind, all reviews are just one person's opinion that's all they are suppose to be anyway. Glad you enjoyed their Chicago show and glad you are reading Lumino Magazine.

Saw the concert in Fairfax Written by Guest on 2006-11-29 18:07:14 In anticipation of the BLAM Tour (BLAM being the acronym for the new CD, one would expect songs from, uhm, the new CD...), I listened enthusiastically to all 27 new tracks available via download in September so when the band rocked with Wind Me Up, Bull in a China Shop, Sound of Your Voice, Easy, etc. I was rockin' along with them and so were a lot of other folks in attendance. I thought the concert was a terrific mix of songs from all their CDs and walked away saying that it was the best concert I'd gong to of theirs (and it was my 4th). We were really entertained and look forward to the next time the band tours so we can see them again.

back from Gibson in Los Angeles Written by Guest on 2006-11-30 08:14:26 I went to the concert having never heard their   catalog. Fact is I won the tickets on a radio thingy.  Out of 6 thousands seats, the place was 2/3rds full  and people stood the entire time even though it was  stadium seating. These were die hard fans. And they  showed their love.     While I find them muscially uneven, that is my particular taste. I overall, was very impressed and  will see them again when they come to town.

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