last night at irving plaza

[mpc443]

What do people thing of the show last night at Irving Plaza? I think it was a bit alienating, and uncomfortably narcissistic on her part. Maybe I expected too much because the new CD is so good.

[johansen smith]

what happened?

[mpc443]

after a really late start she re-interpreted most of her songs, which I usually appreciate at a live show - but she slowed every song down so much that people seemed to be getting tired, the energy level was low. Artistically the show was cool, but she didn't really seem to care about the experience the audience was having.

[respectcat]

last night's show at irving plaza was shameful. not because of chan marshall or her bandmates, but because of so many of the audience. why would someone go to a show and talk and be disrepectful? if you don't like the show, then just leave. maybe some people do want to see the performance, and not have to hear your inane commentary. but, you know, some people are just evil like that. some characters near me were taking all these photographs with a wicked professional camera, they were clearly not fans and out to make a buck out of the pictures. they were saying all kinds of rude and crude things. fans were yelling at her to perform songs like 'piano man' or 'daniel' as if the whole thing was a joke. others seemingly drunk or stoned or bored or just plain stupid were saying idiotic things. what was up with people last night? of course there were the usual people whose cell phones ring during a show, as if it was so important thier small lives and can't even turn on vibrate mode. during a short intermission sort when she was talking to coleman, the audience was just chatting away as if this was not the person they paid (or most probably got free tickets) to see. no wonder near the end, she just did what she did. how could anyone complain about her? most anyone else would have just left the stage. but she was strong enough to stay, in that she would not be cowered by some fools. that is how strong she seemed to me last night. at the end, her remarks were probably lost on the majority of the uncaring crowd, but the last thing, she said, probably as a belated response to the typical fans yelling 'we love you' blah blah blah: 'you love me, but you don't even know me'.


i saw her solo show at tonic on sunday night, where the crowd was full of love, quiet respect and awe. she was surrounded by her friends too, out in the audience (whom she acknowledged) and it was as if it was a private show for those who like/love but most of all respect her music and feel they know something of her 'character' to give her room to perform honestly, openly and beautifully.

anyway, i'm just talking. hey, but what do i know anyway.

[bitterfruit]

Can't stand shows where people fucking have conversations with each other as if they are in their own little world and someone just happens to be there playing music.

Agreed. It's inconsiderate. I've never seen her live, but I know what you're talking about.

The other type of "private" crowd is a dream sometimes. Hope you enjoyed it while it lasted.

[shakemyhand]

I was so confused by the end of the show last night. First off all, the audience was clearly divided. There were the people that wanted to be there and the people that got drunk and forgot where they were... A FUCKING CONCERT. I got so mad. One asshole in particular shouted out, "Cat Power? I thought this was Cat Stevens." I mean, what the fuck? Who treats ANYONE (performer or not) like that? And the interactions between people like that and the musicians on stage grossed me out. I mean... c'mon, she is not a fucking jukebox or bar mitzvah DJ that you shout requests at all night. But, I feel in a strange way... that ambigious hostility towards her fueled her. Tense moments were recycled into inTENSE, beautiful vocals and harmonies. She sounded great and she held her own. Right on Chan. I will definetley buy tickets to her next show, but my first sure was memorable.

p.s.- how fucking great was taking people?

Oh- respectcat... after cross bones style, is that what she said? and I know exactly who you are talking about... the girl with the camera, right?

[rmcphedr]

man, i would kill to hear 'taking people' live...
damn those talkers at concerts!

[Futureman]

My wife and I saw Wilco twice last year, and on both occasions we were amazed by how many people treat the musicians as an insignificant house band. I hope this will not be the case tomorrow night in Cleveland. Anyone else going? I will post my review of the concert upon my return.

By the way, you folks are groovy.

[earl grey]

here's a NY times review of the irving plaza show that pretty much misses the point....

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/11/arts/music/11CAT.html