Indigo Girls & Magnapop (3/24/05)



I'm almost falling a month behind on shows... whoa. Time to kick it into high gear...

So Indigo Girls are probably the third most viewed band in my concert-going repertoire (Ani & Melissa Ferrick being 1 & 2). It's been an amazing couple months for shows, and it doesn't seem to be letting up.

Magnapop opened the show. I checked their website before going and was fairly uninspired to see them. I'm not sure why I was so unenthused. Most bands associate with IG and Amy's label Daemon Records usually draws a bit more interest from me, but not these guys. Live, they were mediocre. The lead singer was excited to be there and I can't help to equate her presence on stage with that of my Mom being on stage. They way she danced, acted, etc... it was weird. Not that it's necessarily a slam because I would love to see my Mom on stage rockin' out... just a comparison. They did sing a song that I recognized (and liked) but it wasn't until just now that I realized that it's the first song "Listen, Listen" from the movie soundtrack to Mad Love (Chris O'Donnel & Drew Barrymore).

Indigo Girls came out and opened the show with Least Complicated. They continued with songs like Power of Two, Jonas & Ezekial, Hammer & a Nail, Go, Get out the Map, etc. I think that Indigo Girls are amazing musicians and songwriters, but it wasn't until this show that I realized what's been missing. Seeing all the shows I do, I guess I get most appreciation out of hearing new music from artists I have liked for a long time. I understand that's not always the case with people. I think one of the reasons that people like to go see the Indigo Girls so much is because they always play their standards, and there are lots of them. People sing, drink, get drunk and sing some more. It's great stuff and I'll always see them when they're in town, but I also want to hear new stuff. I want to see where they are at now, what they're going through, what they sound like at this moment. I think it's important for musicians, and artists in general, to progress, experiment and change. I'm not so sure why the Indigo Girls feel they need to always play the same songs. I think the audience would love them just the same... well, at least I would. Amy did play a new song by herself called what I believe to be "Driver Education." It was great, and probably the point where I came to this realization.

I guess while I am criticizing the Girls (and hopefully they're reading this - it's constructive!) I also say that i miss the chatter between them during shows. It's like the get up and just hammer out the tunes with not nearly the presence and camaraderie that I've seen with them in the past. Regardless, they are a top 10er for me, and they always will be.

Posted: Sun - April 10, 2005 at 11:30 AM           |

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