This is the first summer in a while that I have nearly no concerts on my calendar. My only plans to go to Red Rocks are for a Women's Bean Project / Bonnie Raitt show I'm volunteering for in August.But a few days ago I noticed the Wallflowers were sold out at the unusually quaint Botanic Gardens, so I tracked down a single ticket on Craig's List and headed over there tonight.
The Wallflowers are a contradiction in many ways. They can't seem to shake off the catchy radio tunes and 40-something groupies in the crowd. They seem to want to be successful musicians without wanting the fame and junk that goes with it. When I first heard them in college, I remember my roommate and I immediately put them in the same category as Matchbox 20, as in, "Just kill me and put me out of my misery now if I have to hear that song again". Their singles were insanely overplayed and overrated. It seemed like magazines were obsessed with the band just based on Jakob's anomalous blue eyes.
But over the years I've really gotten into the Wallflowers, especially for their albums that were less played on the radio. And don't say I'm getting old...
It occurred to me tonight how ironic it is that Jakob originally came on to the music scene trying with all his might to not be compared to (or even associated with) his father. First of all, it's a pretty good relative to have. Second of all, it's not like they sound anything alike. Third of all, it's not like anyone is ever going to compare anyone's work to the reach and scope of Bob Dylan. I never even thought they looked alike, but tonight the resemblance was uncanny.
Seeing him in person made me realize, this boy is a bonafide miracle. He has inherited his father's musical talent and originality without inheriting the chip on his shoulder or the lack of a melodic (& piercingly nasal) voice. He is modest and genuine, a great singer and a great songwriter. What could be better than that.
