Edmonton 4/14

[Liam]

Couple of reviews from the show:

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/B/Barenaked_Ladies/ConcertReviews/2010/04/15/13592796-qmi.html

http://communities.canada.com/EDMONTONJOURNAL/blogs/pluggedin/archive/2010/04/15/bnl-wednesday-april-14-2010-jubilee-auditorium.aspx

Anyone here go?

[designerfox]

Ooo, I'm glad to hear that they played Bank Job. It's one of my favourites. Thanks for linking the articles!

[barenakedboy]

You can tell the writer is unaware of what typically occurs at a BNL show in the last 10 or so years. "Change into my sisters clothes" has been in the LIVE version of Pinch Me for a long time and throwing Kraft Dinner died down around '96-'98. Those in the know, don't throw.

From http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/B/Barenaked_Ladies/ConcertReviews/2010/04/15/13592796-qmi.html: "There were only minor mutilations of some of the favourite hits. In Pinch Me, Ed made a minor lyric change thus: “Take a drink right from the hose and change into my sister’s clothes.” And we saw no thrown boxes of Kraft Dinner when the inevitable If I Had a $1,000,000 came along. Page was missed particularly in that one."

[Cynful1]

And we saw no thrown boxes of Kraft Dinner when the inevitable If I Had a $1,000,000 came along. Page was missed particularly in that one."

Why particularly? Was the author hoping to throw some MacNChs right at Steven?!

"Damn! I haven't been to one of these concerts in 15 years and the last time I REALLY MISSED Steven Page with a cheese packet by mere centimeters! Now I just really miss Steve particularly during this song because I have no chance of missing him again with either the mac OR the cheese. So for my review: this sucks."

[shakes1327]

Testing 123
OA
FFTFT
Wind it Up
Every Subway Car
Bank Job (Jim/Ed acoustic, side of stage)
SOYV (Kev on on side, Jim/Ed/Ty doing barbershop quartet backups on the other - super fun!)
Ordinary (acoustic, center stage)
Lovers
Four Seconds
Another Heartbreak
Leave
You Run Away
Eraser (with "special guest" Tiny!)
On the Lookout
One Week
IABD
Summertime
Pinch Me
IIHAMD (+ Magic)
--------------
BBTT
Easy
TTWF

Bank Job was a fun one to hear - most of the crowd wasn't familiar with it, so the comedy of it came across really well. The backups on SOYV had me in stitches. It definitely changed the mood of the song, but I think it helped to take some of the attention off of Kevin as well. Four Seconds was introduced as the song you can't sing along to (even though I can :p) and turned into an adlib about the old man with a funny accent beside Ed on the plane. The guys did some wonderful impressions of The Count from Sesame Street! Ed tried to introduce Leave with the story behind writing it, but the guys kept interrupting him and eventually he just gave up. Before Eraser, Ed asked Kevin if the "special guest" had shown up - it was clear something was up their sleeves. I'm sure only a handful of us truly appreciated Tiny's appearance, but I loved it!

[Cynful1]

I just read the second review and see author, Sandra Sperounes, believes Another Heartache was '...filled with references of Page...' Really?! I didn't realize that. I thought it was about falling in love with someone and how easy you think it's going to be, only to find out people are complex and it won't always work out, but you take a chance at another heartbreak because it's a chance you have to take to find love, and let's face it, we ain't getting any younger. I even have this really great, cute video for it in my head - and Steven is NO WHERE to be seen in it.

Wow. One song I didn't realize I was going to have to delve into deeper and NOW I have to go re-cast the video. Damn you, Sandra Sperouneeeeees!

[shakes1327]

What a night!! If you saw me, I was the one wildly dancing in my seat, singing every lyric, and grinning from ear to ear the *entire* night. :D

The venue seemed fairly full, though it was definitely not sold out. A bit sad to see, considering played the hockey arena last time they were here. (Though I'll take the Jubilee over Rexall any day!)

Big disappointment of the night was the lack of standing and dancing. Early in the show a few people were asked to sit down (I guess someone behind them had complained), and we were stuck in our seats for most of the night. At one point (during IABD maybe?) Tyler actually said "you can dance if you want to", but not many did. Most people stood during the encore (or rather there were enough of us stubborn enough to stay up after the standing ovation to keep everyone else up! :rolleyes:). I really wish the band had encouraged it more, and at the beginning of the show. I'm sure my manic chair dancing was every bit as annoying. I was surprised that even where I was sitting (3rd row) there seemed to be a lot of grumps. One man beside me sent me a lot of funny looks as I was singing along, cheering, dancing, etc. Sorry, I thought I was there for a rock concert!

Most reviews I've seen so far talk about it not being the same without Steve, but I honestly didn't notice his absence at all. I'm fairly used to the four-piece by now, but I still figured there would be some point in the show when something wouldn't sound right and I would miss Steve's vocals. Yet even on songs like Lovers and IIHAMD, I didn't feel anything was missing until I purposely reminded myself. I think someone commented on a different show that the harmonies are sounding a lot better, and I definitely agree. There were several moments when I just felt so proud of the band and how great they sounded. (Though to be fair I'm more than a little biased and I've spent the last year adjusting to the new sound. I can see how the four-piece show could be a shock to someone living in the Stunt era.) I do wish we could have seen a bit more of Jim and Tyler on vocals though!

On a very personal note, I realized during the show that this is the first chance I've had to really interact with the band. I've been a fan for as long as I can remember, I know all the songs, I've seen every bit of live video I can find... I *know* this band and what they look/sound/act like. I've even seen the band live twice before this, but this was the first time I've been close enough to really experience the band on stage. It was an entirely different experience to be right there and experiencing every detail of the show. I must say I'm hooked! I'm having a tough time thinking that it could be another three years before I get to see them again. (So BNL, please come back soon!!!)

[AnotherHeartbreak]

Eraser AGAIN! It's crazy lol. Also glad to see Bank Job in there, pretty good setlist.

[sun]

Ha! Eraser! See we are starting something! First the girl in Calgary with the sign, then me in Saskatoon! :D

[Genliz]

My daughter and I were the ones at yesterday's concert in Edmonton who drove 10 hours to be there (YAY Ed commented on my sign!). We had actually won our tickets just the night before, so made the decision to hop in the car the next morning and make sure to get to Edmonton in time to see the concert. Was an easy decision, and TOTALLY worth it! We were in the sixth row right-center, but moved to the empty third row on that side to stand and dance through the whole concert (just couldn't imagine sitting the whole time with such great music going on) - no one behind us there on the right side to complain, it was awesome!!! It did seem to be a more subdued audience than I've been used to in the past (been to four BNL concerts in Prince George, BC), perhaps the venue setting had something to do with that...lack of an arena party feel, methinks? At any rate, it was great to see sprinklings of people throughout the rest of the auditorium up and dancing too. :)

Like above, I didn't really feel like I missed Steven much - I'd catch myself every so often thinking "oh yeah, this is normally Steve's song" but I was never disappointed with the alternative, and just found myself enjoying every single minute! Everyone in the band is so strong vocally, and they sing all songs well no matter who we're used to doing the vocals.

I had mentioned to my daughter beforehand that I hoped they would do Bank Job, I really wanted to hear it live - SOOO happy they did it!! The concert was top-notch - BNL never seems to fail at entertaining, being funny and personal and ad-libbing throughout while choosing great songs from their oh-so-extensive repertoire, not an easy task I would imagine!! Every time I get the chance to see them live it reinforces for me why they are, and always will be, my all-time favourite band!!

[Cynful1]

I'm seriously thinking I need to bring a sign that says IF YOU'RE NOT DEAD, GET UP AND DANCE! Maybe if TV didn't have so many "judging" shows people wouldn't feel content to sit on their asses and STARE at a bunch of performers, while at the same time directing annoying comments and stares to those trying to enjoy themselves by being ENGAGED in the performance.

If you're sitting in front of me, I will encourage you to stand and dance, so then I can stand and dance! It's a form of "paying it forward", but in reverse. "Pass it to the row behind" I think it's called.

That being said, on the chair dancing just makes me think you're going to fall and hurt yourself. I don't need that kind of stress. :p

[sun]

Genliz, what did your sign say?

[ProudMommy77]

I'm seriously thinking I need to bring a sign that says IF YOU'RE NOT DEAD, GET UP AND DANCE! ...

This is exactly why I am SO glad that my tickets for the April 26th show are at the end of an aisle. A few years back I saw Blue Rodeo and was 4th row and I was up dancing the entire show. So many people around me gave dirty looks for getting into the show that I didn't go to concerts for a while.

This time, I hope to see lots of dancing! And I'm so bringing a sign for "Spider In My Room"!!!!

[Cynful1]

This is exactly why I am SO glad that my tickets for the April 26th show are at the end of an aisle. A few years back I saw Blue Rodeo and was 4th row and I was up dancing the entire show. So many people around me gave dirty looks for getting into the show that I didn't go to concerts for a while.

This time, I hope to see lots of dancing! And I'm so bringing a sign for "Spider In My Room"!!!!

Pleeease report back as to your show going experience on the 26th! I really have become so curious about these crowds that, not only remain seated, but dare to stink eye those who want to have fun. I don't get drunk at concerts, I don't invade the space of others, I don't run back and forth on the chairs of people standing, I don't spout (unnecessary) vulgarity - c'mon, I gots to scream the final 2 words of "Go Home" - I DO NOT have conversations with the people around me during songs, and I don't sing over the band. For the love of Pete - I WILL DANCE!:p

[Amicustoall]

Cyn, all of the things you mention that others do will get me pissed off very quickly........the standing and dancing do not. I do not always do it, but do not mind and in fact encourage those that wish to express their appreciation in that way. I do have to say I do not understand those that stand up and stand straight like a board without even tapping their toes............I don't get them. I do lots of chair dancing and often stand, but I do not always feel compelled to.

[ProudMommy77]

Cyn, I will definitely let you know how the dancing was at the show. I hope there is lots of it! (The setlists I've seen have lots to dance to.)

I don't mind if people don't want to get up and groove, but don't get in my face about it! (I do try to stay out of people's way.)

[Cynful1]

Cyn, all of the things you mention that others do will get me pissed off very quickly........the standing and dancing do not. I do not always do it, but do not mind and in fact encourage those that wish to express their appreciation in that way. I do have to say I do not understand those that stand up and stand straight like a board without even tapping their toes............I don't get them. I do lots of chair dancing and often stand, but I do not always feel compelled to.

Me too. I never discourage others from moving, dancing, grooving, even when they're in front of me and I'm not up. USUALLY the stage is above the audience, and performers tend to move about, so whatevs, knock yourself out. Just don't be an ass to the people around you.

I LOOOVED when Ed personally escorted - during the concert - "The Tall German" and friends down to the front for the Primm show. The casino "high rollers" (LOL! Primm high rollers!) we're pissy but Tyler murmured something about them having the right to stand at a rock concert and then Kev said something like, if you prefer to sit, there are 4 seats right over there, and gestured toward the side riser seats the Germans just left.

YAY KEV! I know we have the support of the band to stand and dance, so I don't care what pissy little flat asses have to say about it! Humph! :p

[sun]

Man, why didn't they say something to the crowd in Saskatoon! woulda made my night a little more enjoyable.

[Bosman71]

I was at the Edmonton show and the Calgary show 6 days before. I was sitting up in the balcony in Edmonton and the crowd seemed quieter than Calgary as well as almost no dancing in comparison. In Calgary Iwas front row centre and was up the entire show and so was everyone to my right. Everyone to my left remained seated. The little girl with the Eraser sign was about 4 seats to my left. I would also say imho the set list in Calgary was just a touch better however the freestyle in Edmonton was better. That is really splitting hairs though. Both great shows. I wish the US tour would have been more in the summer I would have certainly drove down to Spokane for a July or August show.

[Genliz]

Sun, my sign said:

10 Hour Drive
Prince George to Edmonton
TOTALLY WORTH IT!!

My daughter had a sign she first brought to their concert in Prince George a few years ago, it said:

BNL Fan
B4 Birth

(I was pregnant with her when Maybe You Should Drive came out, and so she's been a true fan since she was in the womb!) :o)

Ed commented on her sign at that concert, which of course tickled her pink, so she brought it again to this one hoping he'd remember it. :)

As for the subdued audience, I wonder if it's the venue? I mean, when you go to a concert in an arena most people expect that those in the floor seats will stand and dance, generally for the whole concert - so anyone buying tickets there really has to expect that to be the case, and if you don't want to stand you instead buy tickets in the stands. Whereas in an auditorium such as the Jubilee, people perhaps expect their seat to remain just that, a seat, no matter where they're sitting. Unfortunate I think! When my daughter and I went to our last BNL concert we had Row 2 Floor tickets, and ended up joining the crowd at the barrier right in front of the stage and dancing away the whole night - was quite a different atmosphere entirely, more the concert experience I'm familiar with! :)

[sun]

Genliz, the friend who came with me thought the same thing. The smaller "classier" venues where this tour is being held must bring out the uptight boring crowd! But bnl can't possibly fill an arena, so these smaller venues are the only suitable place! When the White Stripes played the same venue that bnl did here in saskatoon, i hardly think the audience was sitting, chewing on their winegums!! :mad:

[Genliz]

The 'classier venue' was also trying very hard to eliminate camera usage during the concert, kind of a futile and losing battle as far as I'm concerned considering how everyone and their dog now has a camera phone, and probably not something BNL themselves encouraged. It seems to me that BNL is actually very media friendly and in the forefront of encouraging audience interaction and documenting of shows, I mean they have spots on each show's webpage for posting of videos, pictures, and tweets - I hardly think it was them directing the ushers to run around telling people to put away their cameras! Ah well...I was able to get in a few pics (albeit not great quality as I was told to put away my camera because he thought it was a 'professional' one and I could only use my phone).

So are all of their tour shows going to be available for purchase online...does anyone know?

[sun]

No they are not being recorded yet. This i got directly told by Ed. :(

[Genliz]

Awwwww that's too too bad!! :( Their last tour they sold USB sticks of the concert right after the show - it was so cool to be able to take home a copy of the performance we'd just seen, best souvenir EVER!!

There were signs at the auditorium stating that CBC was recording the show for broadcast purposes - maybe it'll end up on the Radio or TV sometime...