Somewhere in the jumble of grunge bands of the mid-nineties was a band that lyrically kept to the period’s gloominess, yet instrumentally broke free from the traditional guitars, bass and drums. Counting Crows was that band, their hit “Mr. Jones” off their debut album became a 90s rock anthem. But besides a few successes since then, the Crows haven’t managed to re-kindle that flame and the currents of music history are slowly washing them away.
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Counting Crows & Augustana
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 Entertainment
 Art
Petrillo Music Shell at Taste of Chicago
Chicago, IL
June 27, 2009
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So it’s interesting that the Crows played to the zombie-like glazed-eyed hungry masses at Saturday’s Taste of Chicago. While the group likely would not have gotten as much attention at any other venue, tasty and greasy food is always made better with a source of entertainment, especially when it’s free.
And though perhaps only two percent of the crowd actually followed the band through its history, the majority of folks at the Taste readily clapped their sauce-drenched hands to the band’s arrival. Counting Crows, why not? It’s that one band with that one song...sure! We’re too sweaty to care.
Yes, Counting Crows can get a bit dull and repetitive stylistically, but it would be a shame to dismiss them as just a relic that made its way onto light rock stations. They show depth of musicianship, and lead singer Adam Duritz belts out heartfelt melodies. The dreadlocked Duritz also had the stage presence of a mime desperate for attention. His (nearly painfully failed) speaker-jumping combined with hand clapping and down-on-knees singing was a bit much at times, but it kept the eyes on the act.
“Hanging Tree” was a rocker that showed off Duritz’s structured clumsiness in full force. “Washington Square” had Duritz on piano with additional vocals, courtesy of the members of opening act Augustana. The result was a 10-minute super ballad complete with multiple guitar solos and banjo adding a country charm as the piano added tension throughout.
“Mr. Jones” was the obligatory hit that came late in the show. The crowd let out a brief roar and sang along to “ Sha la la la la…”. Another catchy number, “Rain King” off their 1993 debut was a highlight. Duritz’s voice echoed through: “I belong in the service of the queen.”
The show ended on a spirited note with a long version of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends”, as if to show that despite the often-somber lyrics in their songs, Counting Crows are trying to have fun now. Their glory days may be over, but they can provide a solid soundtrack to a day of munching.
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