This is a show I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time. First because I am a huge fan of Garbage. I’ve seen that band more times than I can count, and I love their music. Alanis Morrissette is an artist I’ve always respected but have never had a chance to see perform live. It also made sense that these two would perform together because they both have that 90s era filled with angst. The music from that ear really impacted the times.
First up was Garbage, who played a 60-minute set filled with classic songs as well as new material. They are one of those bands who never shy away from playing their latest songs. As a fan, I like that they always play some of their new material. I must be the odd person out because it seems like so many people that go to concerts only want to hear the old songs. Gratefully I can say that didn’t seem to be the case last night. People showed up early and were totally into it.
Shirley Manson the lead singer seemed almost overwhelmed with emotion and if I’m correct said something along the lines of this is one of the largest crowds they had played for on this tour. Which leads me to believe that many fans are not showing up to see the opening act. You never know who will be huge in the future that is starting out right now. She recalled how their very first show ever as a band took place at the 7th St entry. That’s a small second stage that is attached to First Ave.
Garbage is on my list bands that I don’t understand why they are not more popular than they are. This statement is taking nothing away from the headliner, but they should be headlining arenas on their own. The only issue I take with them at times is they get a little eclectic with their set lists and do a few songs that most concert goers who have not seen them may not connect with right away. Case in point, they performed “The Trick is to Keep Breathing” and closed with a slow song “You Look So Fine”. In my opinion they should have done ”Bad Boyfriend” and “Empty”. Or even perhaps “Blood for Poppies”. Either way I’m nitpicking as it is every fan’s right to do. The performance as always was flawless, from the vocals to the musicianship. This band is busting at the seams with talent. If you are not familiar with Garbage but you want to check out their music. May I suggest you start with my favorite cd, Absolute Garbage. I dare you not to get hooked on them. They deserve your attention and respect!
Headliner Alanis Morrissette has not toured in quite some time. It sounds like she got married, had a family and was raising children. Either way it was great to see her back on the stage again. There were several things I took away from this performance. First off how she hasn’t lost a step when it comes to her vocal ability. Second how impactful her music is to so many people. I don’t mean that in a negative way. It just seems like as the years go by it’s easy to forget how much of an impression she made on a generation of music fans. It all comes back to you when you’re sitting there listening to these incredible songs.
I recall how some of the artists of the day complained when she released her album, Jagged Little Pill. Which by the way is now 25 years old. Some have a problem with the fact that she was a strong independent female. It was different than many that had come before her. Use Sheryl Crow as an example, a wonderful talent but falls more into the genre of what many people would expect from a female artist at the time. Alanis Morissette was nothing if not unconventional. She is outspoken and covered subjects in her songs that made some people uncomfortable. But that’s what her appeal is. All of that was on display last night at the Xcel Center. Some people just didn’t know what to do with her. Like somehow she was upsetting the balance of nature by singing the way she did.
It was a real treat to hear her do the majority of that first record. I was surprised that she played songs like “Mary Jane” and “Not the Doctor”. Even more so that the crowd attending seemed to know all the words. For me it’s great trip back to the 1990’s and reminded me that I need to pull out my CDs and become reacquainted with her again. I found myself singing those songs today. If you have the chance to see this tour before it’s over, I highly recommend you do so. It was an incredible night of music and a great double bill.
