[bethelblues]

I was there too!! I took the advice and got floor seats, my first time ever being so close to them. Everything was amazing, except for the venue. The parking system was so rough and backed up to get in I was only able to catch the end of The Chain as I was entering the arena and had to listen to You Make Loving Fun as we were trying to find how to reach the floor. I missed the crickets and The Chain is one of my favorites, so that was a total bummer, but the show did not disappoint in the slightest.

It seemed to go by so quickly. Now that I think back, it was hard for any song to really stay with me or make a strong impact because they move on so quickly. And I know the songs so well, I'm not sure I'm remembering what I just experienced or some other memory of the song. I feel bad calling it a blur, but that's what happens in a concert. I loved Stevie's little addition to Landslide: "And if you see my reflection in the snow....tomorrow." We in the NY area are getting a huge blizzard. Lindsey was so entertaining and amusing to watch. He's got the serious nodding face and then he shoots glances at people. He's not what I would call a "cool" guitar player in terms of composure and presence, but he has no qualms looking like a dork skipping around. I love how he works the stage. He was sitting on the speaker during the end part of Stevie's Gypsy story and talking to the crowd; he also gave handshakes at the end. I wish he didn't do Never Going Back Again and Tusk as slow as he does...I miss the original version of the former and the faster Tusk of around 2004. He sure does like to heighten the drama, I just would prefer more momentum.

I think Christine sounds great. And Stevie too. There must be something about arena acoustics vs. how they sounded on the Today Show outside; shame the band had to deal with Internet comments. Both demonstrated great tone and control in their singing. I noticed Christine didn't struggle on any higher parts and saw her do a little trick of making an upward motion to hit "I'm not about" in Don't Stop. She was strong throughout and it's like she never left. She's so comfortable, and what a skilled and natural-born musician as we know! So happy to see her getting much deserved attention. Stevie went for some big notes. She did something interesting in the second refrain of Dreams holding out a note. And in Gold Dust or Gypsy was going big but just took down the very last note of a phrase when I thought she was going to hit it---I need to see the videos to find the exact point. At the end of Gold Dust, her voice was distorted. I don't think I picked up on that from the last tour. We thought she nailed Silver Springs.

There may have been a few dead spots. You need the hits for the audience. Most people sit down on the floor when they don't know a song and the energy temporarily evaporates. I noticed that for the first time with I Know I'm Not Wrong, though it is for sure upbeat and fun. Sisters still doesn't rock, but Lindsey and Christine were looking at each other for the instrumental refrain. I wish I had been alive to see how they used to perform that song; it's the side of the band the critics forget, that they really rocked. I agree with Ghost_Tracker about Little Lies. They sound great together, and Lindsey's guitar solo really fits. I got similar vibes with the harmonies and how great the ensemble musicianship is for Say You Love Me and Over My Head as well. I basically heart any time they are just jamming, no singing, and I can hear all the parts.

I thought the band rapport was very very positive. Lindsey was nesting his head in Christine's chest, he knocked against John's head, he and Mick were joking during Stevie's Gypsy speech. Christine and John had a few words. Stevie and John connected a few times. Stevie and Lindsey were singing to each other and holding hands. Stevie's "Op" sound in World Turning's second verse. Even the background musicians looked totally into it...Brett in World Turning. Sharon looked so skinny against the bright screen. I don't know if any of this is new, but I had a blast seeing it up close. Everyone was having fun, and it was contagious.