Hey MS fans! How was the show last night? Any song lists, photos, stories from ol' Miss would be
much appreciated.

The set list was pretty much the same as Kansas City:

American Boy
Mr. Lonely Man
Let me Down East
Somebody's Crying
(short intro, thanks audience, etc.)
Love me Tender
Beautiful Houses
Summer Holiday
We Let Her Down
Speak of the Devil
Wicked Game
You Are the Best
I Want You to Want Me
Don't Make me Dream About You (gospel-style)
We Lost Our Way
Take My Heart
Judy (not played before...artist?)
Only the Lonely
Killing the Blues (sung by Rowland Salley)
I'll Go Crazy
Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing
break for mirror suit change--Lonely With a Broken Heart music only
Blue Hotel
San Francisco Days
Big, Wide Wonderful World
Western Stars

What can I say about the show? First, some background explanations...I love a live show by Chris Isaak and Silvertone. I made my dutiful husband drive with me to Tunica--about 45 minutes southwest of Memphis, or about 7 hours from our home in Oklahoma. We barely made it back to Tulsa to take my teacher examinations--the first which started at 7:15 A.M yesterday! And my husband just laughed when he said, "I can't believe we're scheduling this move around Chris Isaak!" The movers come first thing Monday morning--we're moving to the Phoenix area. We've had to be flexible about the move because I also went to the show in Kansas City on the 16th. We had to be back from house-hunting in Phoenix for the KC show...My point is, I wasn't willing to miss CI&S because of a move, teacher examinations, or anything else. We all have priorities, right?

I told you all that the Kansas City show was awesome. The Memphis show was so different. The first thing I noticed about 5 minutes to showtime was the number of empty seats. I told Mark (my husband) that people always take their seats at the last minute. When the band came on, they were energetic and played really well. Mark was amazed at their style and skills--he was impressed by how they gave it their all.. After several songs, Isaak finally addressed the crowd very briefly, thanking us for coming to see live music, and they continued to play.

They did Love Me Tender, but it seemed to be a shorter version than at other shows. Isaak went out into the audience to flirt with the lady next to me, then back a few more steps to talk about being lonely on the road, then he went right back on stage. The crowd interaction was short, and not as playful as I've usually seen him. I sort of hoped for another Elvis song, given that he was playing to the Memphis crowd, but that was all.

Then they played more energetic numbers. Beautiful houses was fun--I think we all liked the bobbing baby in the background. The sound was great and the music was loud! The lady next to me tried talking to me a few times, but I couldn't hear a thing she said! The energy level was high for the next few songs, with some dancing, but it gradually came back down for their jam session.

The jam session was great because they connected with the audience. Isaak chatted only a little bit--none of the funny stories or making fun of the band members. I must say I missed that. For me, that is one of the great things about their shows--and it was noticeably gone; the show just about the music. One awesome thing was that the did a song I'm guessing is called "Judy" I've never heard it all all. I did get to record it, and I'll put it on YouTube as soon as I can--Isaak joked that it would be a good one to bootleg because they never recorded it. I got one good nugget!

Roly got to sing "Killing the Blues." He sounded better than in Kansas City--I think his voice is just raspy. Isaak was very gracious about letting him sing, and applauding his efforts. I recorded that, but I just posted KC last week...I was just happy to record Roly doing his own song because so many others have put themselves on YouTube using Roly's song. He does a great job, and he's a true artist on his own. Chris makes it a point to acknowledge that.

BDABBT was very energetic, and well-recieved--always a favorite. Also Blue Hotel was a favorite. Chris walks out in his mirrored suit and the crowd just goes wild. It never gets old! San Francisco Days is just a great song, and it gived Rafael Padilla a chance to showcase his talent. Isaak is always so funny in the background while Rafael plays--making weird facial expressions, shuffling his feet, or gyrating his hips with a ridiculous look in his face. It always makes me laugh to watch him.

The show ended with Wonderful World and Western Stars. WW gives all of the band a chance to join in vocally--so they all give it their all while they're playing. And Western Stars showcased Isaak one last time. He hit all his notes and sang it "purty." When he's done with that song, you know the show is over.

After the show, the venue manager let me have a foamboard poster--I had asked for a poster near the entrance, one that advertised the show. It was a normal 2'x3' poster. Instead, this guy gave me a 16"x40" stiff poster. As we were leaving, we ran into the guys heading out to their bus. Scotty signed my poster after we laughed about it--he asked what the heck it was. I told him it was free, which was good enough for me. He was very friendly. Kenney wouldn't sign--he mumbled about having to go and just walked away. And Hershel signed my--or his CD cover. He was polite but didn't say anything. I thanked him and he just smiled, got on the bus, and they were gone.


On the drive home, Mark and I talked about the show. We were very impressed with the music, the energy with which they play throughout the entire show, and their committment to put on a great performance. Having seen numerous other Silvertone shows, I can honestly say that they lacked some enthusiasm. I wonder if poor tickets sales factor into this. Mark and I wondered if the smaller crowd was due to the economy or the band's lack of mainstream popularity. I thought that he would play to a sold-out crowd, especially since Isaak has been influenced by Elvis Presley, and the locals still love the King.

In retrospect, it seems to me that they are just tired. They have been travelling and doing shows non-stop. I'm sure that they are tired of being accosted by women--or other fans. In his old blog, Kenney had made a joke about the stalkers at the hotels. What struck me as odd in Kansas City was that we had to be checked by security before going in to the Voodoo Lounge--with one of those metal detecting wands, and then a purse inspections. When I went though, the guy teasingly asked me if I had any knives, a gun or a missle launcher--as he checked my bag. That combined with the limited interaction with the audience made me wonder if the band has to look out for deranged stalkers. No more Meet and Greets...It just made me wonder what might have happened to bring about the changes. Or maybe they're just getting on in age--and all of it wears them out!

Hope you enjoy the show, wherever you go!
Laura

Thanks for sharing your reviews and videos. Just curious, did you have an opening act at the Mississippi show? I hope you did well on your exams and good luck with your move.

Hey, thanks for the review. This question is for Laura of anyone who has attended one of the more recent shows: was wondering if they had a merchandise table?

Uncle Pat

PS-Maybe the "not signing" (except for the VIP thing) shouldn't be such a surprise. At a recent concert , Mr. I seemed (in my opinion, anyway) OVERLY friendly and accommodating (more than normal, I mean) to his fans in the autograph line.

In retrospect, perhaps he was enjoying the zaniness of the line one last time (cuz he knew he wouldn't be doing it anymore...).

UP

Laura, God Bless You! You totally rock; you're a super star/super fan and good things will come your way! So many things you did in your review, hit it all on the head, were so right-on, that I was moved to comment, as below:

They did Love Me Tender, but it seemed to be a shorter version than at other shows. I sort of hoped for another Elvis song, given that he was playing to the Memphis crowd, but that was all. One awesome thing was that he did a song I'm guessing is called "Judy" I've never heard it all all. I did get to record it, and I'll put it on YouTube as soon as I can--
One awesome thing was that he did a song I'm guessing is called "Judy" I've never heard it all all. I did get to record it, and I'll put it on YouTube as soon as I can--PLEASE DO!

It is so priceless, is that he gave you your wish. He did give you another Elvis song---Judy! It is a fabulous classic and one I adore.

Isaak chatted only a little bit--none of the funny stories or making fun of the band members. I must say I missed that. For me, that is one of the great things about their shows--and it was noticeably gone; the show just about the music.

Laura, I'm sure many of us ardent fans feel the same way, that maybe he has been "advised" to be more "sophisticated,"--"mainstream"--but so much of his charm and personality--and self definition, I think, and joy--is lost when he is reined in.

Having seen numerous other Silvertone shows, I can honestly say that they lacked some enthusiasm. I wonder if poor tickets sales factor into this..if the smaller crowd was due to the economy or the band's lack of mainstream popularity. I thought that he would play to a sold-out crowd, especially since Isaak has been influenced by Elvis Presley, and the locals still love the King...In retrospect, it seems to me that they are just tired. They have been travelling and doing shows non-stop...and all of it wears them out!

Laura, I think you're right. I think it is all of that! CI is a very sensitive person (even brother Nick says so) so there's no doubt C was dismayed by the low turnout, and especially since it's Elvis territory, but then strangely he has never done well on box office in that region for some reason and it seems C would be last to truly believe that it's the economy, but he should because Miss. is factually the poorest state in the nation with the lowest income/employment levels of all.

And lastly, Laura, I think that in closing, you nailed your assessment then too. They HAVE been travelling and doing shows non-stop for eons already and that can't help but wear them out!

Dear lady and dear husband, Mark, I know I speak for many of us here in wishing you all the best in Phoenix and in your teaching career and in all you do. May the best of luck follow you all your days. Thanks for the hours you put in shooting and posting all those KC videos and here's hoping we'll see you in Phoenix at another CI show there. Love and hugs, dmc.

P.S. As a love bonus, I will post lyrics to "Judy," as sung by Elvis, soon after this, in this same thread.

For Laura, Mark, and all CI/Elvis fans!

"Judy" – by Elvis Presley
They say you found somebody new
Someone who always will be true
I don't know what it is to be alone
That's why I dread to know you're gone

Oh Judy, don't let our sweet love
Wither and die like flowers in the Fall
Oh Judy, don't you know it's you
I love most of all

Oh, please come back I promise always to be true
Oh Judy, there'll never be anyone else dear but you

Oh, please come back I promise always to be true
Oh Judy, there'll never be anyone else dear but you.

For those who haven't seen the show, the cool "bobbing dancing baby" we all like....is on the big screen.......they have taken several of CI's doodles on the new album cover and made them come to life..........

KDJ and the others were friendly to fans out by the bus at the Ryman.....signing and chatting for a while. I know that for sure KDJ signed alot and I saw Hershel signing too....Roly may have just been talking.

The little dancing girl and especially the two kissing flowers was my favorite part on the screen and I was really hoping she would return for more songs. Seeing Chris' drawings animated was so enjoyable and a very good idea. Also, it was one of the best shows being able to hear CI&S play at the Ryman. However the meet and greet was sorely missed.

I forgot to mention that at the end of the show he thanked the audience and named all of his band members. Then ended by stating, "And I'm Trisha Yearwood!"

I've heard him do that before, but I don't remember when. Does he always end like that?
Laura

Floyd.....please add more to my Ryman review....I'd like to see more of your comments there.....thanks

I think there are a lot of good seats left in DC...in the front section. I hope he got some rest before tomorrow. I get the feeling he is going through the motions, about to crack if he doesn't get a break. Wish I could take care of 'em.

I wonder too about if he has gotten any threats to his life. This would piss me off royal and not want to interact with fans anymore.

There was no special security at the Ryman or at Best Buy. Maybe that Voodoo Lounge has tight security rules.
What other kind of acts play there?
Were they looking for cameras or recording equipment?

Update, I did a quick internet search..........this is probably why they searched you.

Police Arrest 4 In VooDoo Lounge Melee
No Serious Injuries Reported At Harrah's Nightclub

POSTED: 9:53 am CST February 15, 2009
UPDATED: 10:21 am CST February 15, 2009
NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Police arrested four people after a brawl inside a bar at Harrah's Casino.

The fight broke out at about 2:30 a.m. inside the VooDoo Lounge, North Kansas City police said. No serious injuries were reported.

The four people were charged with disturbing the peace.

Oklahoma, thanks for sharing your review and setlist of the Mississippi show. Glad you had a good time. Good-luck on your move to the Phoenix area and hope your exams went well.

-Deanna

Yes, enjoy the new life adventure!!!

Just got my test scores. I passed both tests! Hooray!!! The tests are not brain-busters, but I have to admit I was completely unprepared to take them.

I saw Chris Isaak in Tunica then picked up the kids from my sister in Memphis and drove home around midnight. We got home at around 6:45 AM, and when we got home I was supposed to hop in the hybrid and go test. When the garage door lifted, I was shocked to see no car--we had left it at my husband's workplace to shave off some time when we headed out. I freaked out and left my family as I drove about 25 minutes to the test site. For breakfast I finished off an old Diet Coke that my husband had sipped from hours before, to keep him awake. I also found a half-eaten bag of Corn Nuts and finished those off. I had slept maybe and hour....I was tired, hungry and smelly from a long car ride. Plus I had never bothered to send for the study guides--so never studied or prepared. I felt that either I knew the stuff or I didn't.

All turned out well.

In case you missed it, Isaak sang Judy, and Elvis song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSE27H4-gEo

Did anyone read about the country "star" Kenney Chesney and the camera incident? He saw a fan taking photos and he got pissy, taking the camera from the lady. She got it back later, but her memory card was missing. I just laughed! Chris Isaak will pose for you and look your way if he sees a video camera. He has even told the audience that it's a good time to bootleg the next song. He's a smart guy and I think he knows that when we (the audience) record, he might potentially reach a larger audience. In Kansas City last month, Chris was about to hop back on stage and I stood up within his line of sight, then he came toward me and smiled and sang until he saw the camera flash. He waited for my little camera--when the lighting is low, it takes longer to focus. Hershel did the same for me two years ago also in Kansas City--but the camera wouldn't take the photo and Hershel moved on--I missed an incredible shot!

I think Silvertone know that we love the shows for the music, the entertainment, and the opportunity to connect with the band, even if only for a little while.

Enjoy the weekend!

Thanks for all the info, Laura! Congrats on your tests.