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Duncan Sheik
A Concert Review |
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August 23, 1997 |
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The Park West |
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Chicago, IL |
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| A Review
and Photos by |
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Stu
Gotz |
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After having the opportunity to have a few words with him back in
1996, I was left with the impression that Duncan was the meekest
person in modern music today. After seeing him perform at Chicago's
Park West recently, I was left with somewhat a different impression.
I still think he's a meek guy, but his performance that night
brought out such a sincere child-like quality in him I dare say he
was "moving." It was obvious that the man simply loves his
music and loves to share it with his audience. Aside from some
personal problems I was having that night (sorry but I care not to
share them with you here and now), I dare say this was the most laid
back and enjoyable musical experience I've ever had. I've seen a lot
of shows in my time so I think that says a lot! But before I get all
warm and huggy… I must share with you some disappointments with
this night's line-up.
Duncan Sheik, without a doubt, is a strong, up and coming name in
modern music, and I'm sure any struggling band would be willing to
give their little toes to be his opening act. With that, I'm not
sure what deal this unsigned band from Indiana struck with the Devil
to get their spot on his stage, but I must say I was totally
disappointed. Being the nice guy that I am I will not name the band
but will simply say this… You can take the band out of the garage
but you cannot take the garage out of the band. Or, as my buddy
Wheeze put it, "They're like John Mellencamp, without all that
bothersome talent." I'm not sure who arranged this pairing but
I hope they get canned! I sat through some terrible opening acts and
acts that didn't match the headliner, but aside from the Geraldine
Fibbers opening for Joan Osborne this was the worst!
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The night's second opening act faired a little better in my book and
was more readily accepted by the audience, and the fact that the
second act was Duncan's guitarist should account for that. He was
allowed to take the stage to perform three highly experimental, solo
guitar rifts. I kind of thought it was cool, but it seemed that only
about 25% of the audience were in tune with his efforts. Hmmm… Was
it their closed minds or simply the mellow guitar loftings set to a
recorded on-stage loop that wasn't to their liking? Fuck 'em. I
liked it and thought it was great that Duncan gave his guitarist a
chance to make his own name, much like Duncan had the chance to make
his own name while playing for Lisa Loeb.
Unfortunately the night's disappointments did not stop there.
Sadly I must say that I was not fully impressed with Duncan's
performance either. Now if you're saying to yourself "Hold it!
Stu, you started this article by saying 'This was the most enjoyable
and laid back musical experience I've ever had.' You're
contradicting yourself, asshole!" Well wait a minute. First of
all, don't call me an asshole, and secondly allow me to explain the
"contradiction." I've seen Duncan perform three times now
and all three shows were enjoyable. Unfortunately though, all three
show were pretty much the same. Simply put, for a review of this
show, you can check out any of the archived reviews. Talented as he
may be I don't see Duncan evolving as an artist. Now that doesn't
always mean writing and playing new music, but also taking old and
well-known songs and changing them up a little. You know, maybe a
little "unplugged", or just Duncan with a guitar and no
accompaniment. Why not slow a song down or rev one up and give it a
punk feel? These are the things that I would like to hear because
the "same-old, same-old" is becoming mundane to me. It's a
good show, just the same show.
Since the time I had seen him open for Jewel at Chicago's tiny
Metro Theatre I have always enjoyed Duncan Sheik's musical
renderings, and I wish him and his band a long and prosperous
career. Seeing Duncan perform at Chicago's intimate Park West was
for me the perfect atmosphere to enjoy his music. I don't doubt that
he could, and will someday, fill large outdoor venues, but for me it
just wouldn't be the same. I give Duncan Sheik TWO "GOOD TO SEE
HIM AGAIN" THUMBS UP and I'm Stu Gotz. 'Nuff said! |
