Tributes to Slapshot, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag & Bad Brains Cambridge Concert reviews
A Historic Matchup
Beck's MSG show last night was awesome as usual. It was particularly entertaining to see him with Narada Michael Walden. The Led Boots was fun to watch. He played the cool drum intro just like on Wired. The version of A Day in the Life with the orchestra backing was a nice touch.
The differences between Tributes to Slapshot, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag & Bad Brains really highlighted them. By starting his set on acoustic, he really showed what he could do in that setting. Say what you will about Beck's mastery of the electric at volume, EC really shines in a variety of genres, acoustic and electric. His set list was a bit obscure but highlighted just how broad his catalog is. JB can't get close to that discography.
When they played together, it was much as I expected based on the Ronnie Scott dvd. They share the blues as common ground. So it was mostly limited to that. The one time Clapton ventured into Jeff's territory was on Moon River. I was expecting it to be corny but Beck's melody combined with EC's unexpectedly beautiful vocal rendition was very moving. The concept of him and JB as old friends chasing the rainbows end was a nice touch.
It was great that Eric had done more in Jeff's vein rather than vice versa. When I saw him with the ABB's at the Beacon last year, it was great to see him play their songs - I think he responds well to challenges like that.
Overall, it was a great show. I'm glad I flew up to witness this historic matchup.