Of the many concerts I've been to in my short life, Tracy Chapman tonight, was the best.
To truly understand why it was such a great show you have to understand that one of my top 5 albums of all-time is her self titled debut album. She has, of course, made some great music since then, but that first album is still in my regular playlist on a daily basis.
Bethany and I had a good vegan dinner on our way to the show, and we missed most of Ben Taylor, who, from what I did hear, is quite similar to his dad, James Taylor.
Now before I get into the set list, let me also say that the other thing that made this concert great, was the venue--The Roseland. I was expecting this place to be big, not arena big, but definitely auditorium big, I was wrong. It was bigger than say a bar, but smaller than an auditorium, if that helps you. So, we find our seats, settle in for an intimate evening with one of my favorite recording artists of all time.
I can't remember the entire set list, but I know that she played these favorites (these should be Windows Media Player links, courtesy of Amazon.com):
Why?
Baby, Can I Hold You
Crossroads
Fast Car
Behind the Wall (This one, of course, is one of my absolute favorites, and it was incredible. The a capella was amazing.)
Talkin' Bout a Revolution
Give Me One Reason
She did several new songs, off of her album Where You Live, which were great. She did 2 encores. The first one she did an amazing cover of the Bob Dylan song, Knockin' on Heaven's Door. For her second encore she did an even better cover of The Cure's Lovesong.
I've always known she was a wonderful singer and songwriter, but she truly seemed to enjoy being on stage, and seemed genuinely flattered by the audience's need to constantly tell her how much we love her. I realize that it's not much of a tour, but if she has a stop anywhere near you, please try to make this show. You won't be sorry.
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Why? by Tracy Chapman
Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home
Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free
But somebody's gonna have to answer
The time is coming soon
Amidst all these questions and contradictions
There're some who seek the truth
But somebody's gonna have to answer
The time is coming soon
When the blind remove their blinders
And the speechless speak the truth
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