Review of concert from 2002-06-08: Chicago, IL, Chicago Theatre - with Imposters
- Ann Barish

 

I left with the feeling that I had experienced something special

This was my first time seeing Elvis with a real band - I don't count the Burt Bacharach Orchestra - and I was really impressed. After a brooding set by Billy Bob Thornton, the crowd was anxious to see Elvis and his arrival brought forth a standing ovation. As the first notes of '45' rung out, however, the crowd immediately plopped down in their seats like a reverse tidal wave. This was a bummer, as I was ready to rock. I couldn't stop my jittery seat-dancing, and noticed that many of the people around me felt the same way. I was surprised and thrilled to hear 'Sulky Girl' - a solid rendition which really benefitted from Farragher's backup vocals. This song also made me appreciate Pete's presence - his performance really made the evening for me.

'Spooky Girlfriend,' a song that took longer to grow on me than most of the new album, was surprisingly strong live. It was played a little faster and sounded busier than the version on the album, which was a good thing. Other standouts from the new album included a loud, pulsating 'When I Was Cruel 2,' the boppin' anthem 'Tear Off Your Own Head' (or, as one fan hollered in request, "Tear Your Head Off!!!") and a seething 'Alibi' complete with a call-and-response singalong. I think Elvis may have mixed up some of the verses on this one, but I'm not sure. Elvis' voice sounded clear and strong; the sound in general was sufficiently loud, without sounding cranked-up. Again, a good thing.

Besides 'Sulky Girl,' they also played 'Clown Strike.' I think this can be a really neat song but this version was just lacking somehow. Same with 'Shabby Doll.' Both of these songs failed to really 'hit it' on the parts they're supposed to. As a result, these songs seemed more plodding than they should have. Don't get me wrong - I considered it a treat to hear them both, but they still need some work (hey, it's been a while). I would have rather heard a so-so version of Man Out Of Time. On the other hand, 'Clowntime Is Over' (slow version) was quite good, especially the ending when they picked up the pace and finished it off in the style of the fast version. 'Deep Dark Truthful Mirror,' though somewhat overplayed throughout the years, remained heartfelt and powerful in this rendition. I attribute this to Elvis' voice - It has done nothing but get stronger with time.

We also heard a number of songs from "This Year's Model." Standouts included a slammin' 'You Belong To Me' and a not-quite-dramatic-enough 'Lipstick Vogue.' 'Pump It Up' was it's usual crowd-pleasing self, and 'Little Triggers' was nice but Elvis mumbled through the first verse. No one really seemed to notice.

I was happy to hear so many songs from "Blood and Chocolate," including 'Honey Are You Straight...?' Again, the backup vocals allowed for a more "complete"-sounding performance on this one. 'Uncomplicated' kept the crowd on its feet during the encore, and 'I Want You' kept the crowd completely silent (well, almost) and at full attention. It was a powerful and effective show-closer - the kind that leaves you satisfied, but puts you in the right frame of mind before having to shuffle out the exit like a sheep.

Elvis and the Imposters played for almost two hours including a double encore. The band's performance lived up to high expectations. They seemed truly enthusiastic, and their hard work was evident. I thought the crowd was impressive, given the fact that almost half of them were more proabably more concerned with how their babysitter was doing than what song they would hear next (and if that song would be 'Pump It Up'). Overall, it was a great evening - I left with the feeling that I had experienced something special. I am satisfied and delighted to have been there.