Red Rocks Review (Denver Post) & Pics

[MacMan]

It's not positive...

In Nicks of time, Isaak pulls double bill into 2007

By Ricardo Baca
Denver Post Pop Music Critic
The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_6009592


Create Your Own

Stevie Nicks - the rock star of few facial expressions - is nowhere near her prime.

The singer-songwriter who gained fame via Fleetwood Mac and furthered her career through a successful solo outing can't help being a little bit of an anachronism.

She's a legend from another decade, and while some of her music stands the test of time, most of it falls into the category of so-1980s. It doesn't help that her witchy wardrobe, including the free-flowing, black get-up she wore Monday night at Red Rocks, looks like something out of an episode of "Electric Company" or "Charmed."

While Nicks has refused to conform to many modern trends, don't ever let her rabid fans hear you call her anything but a goddess. Her fan base is one of those notorious groups - not all that unlike Jimmy Buffet's "Parrotheads" - known for their unconditional love. And as they applauded and worshiped their way through Nicks' co-headlining set Monday night, they failed to recognize the singer's main fault, which is her inability to move into the contemporary realm.

Nicks was one of the great American songwriters, but then she failed to evolve. Songs like "Landslide" and "Stand Back" remain powerful tracks. But as she sang "Stand Back" at the beginning of her set Monday night, the song's aged sentiment was obvious. About an hour into her set, "Landslide" encouraged an impressive singalong, but it was the only song of the night that resonated with any honesty in 2007.

And even then, it was obvious she was just going through the motions.

More entertaining was the always-effervescent Chris Isaak, who co-headlined the evening. His songs "Wicked Game" and "Somebody's Cryin"' were thoughtful meditations on love in the 21st century.

He later covered Cheap Trick's "I Want You To Want Me" and Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel," but they weren't nearly as exciting as his own "Bad Bad Thing" and the humor that littered his set. Isaak, sporting a hot-pink suit and later a mirror suit on Monday, stole the show with his very modern charm and affability.

Nicks, with a ribbony mic stand that looked as if it had been through a long Mardi Gras weekend, was left telling stories about the early '80s. The most modern element of her time on stage was the set-opening intro of a Destiny's Child song that heavily sampled "Edge of Seventeen." That actual song ended up unimpressively closing her set.

Contact pop music critic Ricardo Baca at 303-954-1394 or [email protected].

[RockALittle250]

This guy obviously knows nothing about Stevie...what a clueless douchebag!

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by RockALittle250

This guy obviously knows nothing about Stevie...what a clueless douchebag!

What doesn't he know?

I thought he captured many of Stevie's flaws, as hard as they are to swallow. Not everyone is going to enjoy a nostalgia show. I would expect similar reviews to pop up from time to time.

[RockALittle250]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

What doesn't he know?

I thought he captured many of Stevie's flaws, as hard as they are to swallow. Not everyone is going to enjoy a nostalgia show. I would expect similar reviews to pop up from time to time.

You make a good point. Granted, not all of the reviews are going to be positive as not everyone understands Stevie, or likes her show/setlist and they are quick to point out her flaws, but this guy was just plain condescending.

[sparky]

Originally Posted by MacMan

Stevie Nicks - the rock star of few facial expressions - is nowhere near her prime.

Ouch.

Nicks was one of the great American songwriters, but then she failed to evolve.

I've been saying that for years.

And even then, it was obvious she was just going through the motions.

Ditto.

The tone is harsh, but some of this is undeniable.

That actual song ended up unimpressively closing her set.

Actaully, I think Edge is always stong. Even in her most somnambulant shows, she is present during that song.

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by RockALittle250

but this guy was just plain condescending.

Yes, he was. I thought he took too many potshots. But, as much as I hate to admit it, I thought he was right in many ways. Stevie was one of the great American songwriters (and will always be known for that), but hasn't really evolved as a songwriter and her setlist is stuck in the 80's. I wish he had mentioned that her vocals are in fine form, though.

No critic is going to take away the fact that thousands are loving her performance. But from a critical perspective, he is rather spot on.

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by sparky

Actaully, I think Edge is always stong. Even in her most somnambulant shows, she is present during that song.

I agree. I have never seen or heard an unimpressive Edge.

[darklinensuit]

Her face and songwriting are valid subjects to write about, but it seems odd that he says nothing of her voice.

- Jake

[sparky]

I don't know that I would call him condescending. He was certainly dispassionate and unimpressed.

The review was a little stilted. I think that even the most jaded could still be taken at least a bit by BATB and R & R. And her voice is in pretty good shape so far. But, if one is already of such a mind as he is about her and her schtick, then that isn't gonna happen.

[Johnny Stew]

Her fan base is one of those notorious groups - not all that unlike Jimmy Buffet's "Parrotheads" - known for their unconditional love. And as they applauded and worshiped their way through Nicks' co-headlining set Monday night, they failed to recognize the singer's main fault, which is her inability to move into the contemporary realm.

Mr. Baca failed to take into consideration the fact that many of us gravitated toward Stevie because we like that she's somewhat old fashioned.

There's absolutely no shortage of songwriters writing about "love in the 21st century" -- what's wrong with Stevie having a different perspective? Even if it is one that's "behind the times"?

At any rate, what's most important is that the people who paid to see her, enjoyed themselves.

[JazmenFlowers]

Originally Posted by sparky

somnambulant

**** you! I have always wanted to use this word, in any form, in a sentence and you just did. bastard.

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

Mr. Baca failed to take into consideration the fact that many of us gravitated toward Stevie because we like that she's somewhat old fashioned.

you are the modern one
I am the old-fashioned

[Janis_no1]

yes, ouch!

i agree with what Sparky said, except for the evolving part. I get disappointed at her shows because she doesn't interract with the audience, and compared to all the bootlegs from 10+ years ago, she seems uninterested in the songs for the main part. No passion, the same song sung the same way seems to be the thing. Though she does try for the tv shows more than for the fans it seems.

Dont all hurt me now

[RockALittle250]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

Mr. Baca failed to take into consideration the fact that many of us gravitated toward Stevie because we like that she's somewhat old fashioned.

There's absolutely no shortage of songwriters writing about "love in the 21st century" -- what's wrong with Stevie having a different perspective? Even if it is one that's "behind the times"?

At any rate, what's most important is that the people who paid to see her, enjoyed themselves.

ITA, that's what makes Stevie, Stevie! She's a non-conformist, and she refuses to be a follower. She goes her own way and isn't ashamed of it. She may always be in a timewarp (or her own "TimeSpace"), but that's just who she is. I do think she needs to shake-up that damn setlist, but besides that, i'm not complaining.

[Kelly]

There are a few people who paid to see her at Red Rocks that were also a bit disappointed. I have read one a few minutes ago on 7W. Set list is blah and she was going through the motions. Vocally she sounded
good.

One thing Stevie is not is a risk taker. She follows along with what she thinks the majority of the ticket buyers want to hear.

[danax6]

Originally Posted by MacMan

And even then, it was obvious she was just going through the motions.

Certainly won't argue that.

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

Mr. Baca failed to take into consideration the fact that many of us gravitated toward Stevie because we like that she's somewhat old fashioned.

But I won't argue this either. That is a huge part of the draw for me. That combined with her naivity and her carefreeness and sometimes somewhat childlike views is what's most appealing to me. It definitely beats a lot of other artists that get forced down our throats these days who can't seem to even think for themselves, let alone write and create their own songs.

I think the reviewer is putting apples and oranges together. Yes, certainly as an outsider her performance can come across as uninspiring, but don't blame it on the songs, the clothes or anything else that is essentially Stevie. She is what she is.