My Crows Count to Two

Before last year, if anyone asked me if I thought I would ever see my favorite band in concert I would have replied with a saddened "doubtful." To my great joy, that answer would now be twice and counting. That's right. I'm still counting the number of times I will see the Crows in concert. Number two came last night here in Louisville at Slugger Field. And the Counting Crows played better this time than they did last time, and I only expect them to be better the next time I find myself at their concert.

Last time, it was the first tour they had been on in a couple of years, and my excitement brewed almost exclusively from the fact that I was getting my long awaited wish to see the Crows in concert. Beyond that, I didn't know what to expect or what they would sound like after a long lay off. Caught up in the spectacle that was the Crows, it was a great concert.

This most recent concert, however, showed my that the Counting Crows are definently back. Back, and maybe better than ever. It was evident that the band had found there former skill and had been fine tuning in the studio while recording a new album. It was obvious they were hyped up to be back on the road gaining some face time to get us fans ready for another album. And I couldn't be more excited.

Due to lame friends (haha) and kind of expensive tickets, I went out to the concert by myself. All for the better considering I know one who loves the Crows as much as I do. It was a chance for me to be soley focused on the concert. After sitting through a pretty mediocre 2 and half hours of (unlike the Crows) definently washed up 90's bands Collective Soul and Live, plus breaks, I was more than ready to hear my favorite band rock the house.

On a tour such as this, it was kind of surprising for Adam to walk out and tell the crowd they were going to start out with a new song. But to my relief and utter joy, it was a very good sound. Made me eager to get my hands on the next album, but that will have to wait til November. They played 2 other songs from their upcoming album, both sounding just as good for new songs. Nothing was better than the classic Counting Crows they played though. There were a few songs I was disappointed they did not play last concert, but I got all of them this time, lucky me. The set included Recovering the Satellites, Mr. Jones, Perfect Blue Buildings, Holiday in Spain, and many of their old favorites. But my favorite was, and will always be, his amazing rendition of A Long December.

Adam's performance once again shone through, with his uncanny ability to add to his songs and make them much more than their studio recorded form. He was very personal with his singing and his attachment to the crowd. His voice just captures all the emotion and purpose he intends to have in his songs. He seems to do it with such ease as well.

So as I wait for the next album to drop and the next tour dates to be released, I'll be content listening to what has kept me happy for many years. Here's to hoping I'll never have to stop counting the number of times I see the Counting Crows.