The lights dim, the audience screams in anticipation, music
begins and Matchbox 20 jumps into "Girl Like That"
from their multi-platinum debut album "Yourself or Someone
Like You." Fans of all ages turned out for the triple bill,
sold out show Tuesday August 11 at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford.
The thought-provoking lyrics combined with the energized intensity
of Rob Thomas's voice captivated the crowd as they per-formed
such hits as "Push," "3 am," "Real World,"
and "Long Day." Matchbox 20 also performed "Kody,"
a softer heartfelt song. Behind the band, the video screen took
you on a journey through the lonely roads they have traveled.
Energetic and eager to please, this Florida-based band demon-strated
that they are talented, polished musicians who have come a long
way. With songs like "Busted" a metal sounding song,
to "Tired" a B-side song to "Soul Sick"
a newly written song, Matchbox 20 has nothing to prove. They
are the band of the nineties.
Matchbox 20 not only puts on a great live show but use their
fame to help causes close to home. They urge fans to bring donations
of clothing, blankets, and shoes for the "children of the
Night" organization. This organization helps distribute
these items to the homeless nationwide.
The second show on the triple bill was Soul Asylum, which created
much excitement for long time fans. After a little over two years
of being absent from the tour circuit, they came back playing
better than ever. Their latest release "Candy from a Stranger,"
brought their eagerly awaiting fans songs such as "Misery"
and "I Will Still Be Laughing." Their 1995 big hit
"Runaway Train," touched many, and the crowd stood
and sang along with frontman Dave Pirner and ended it with screams
and a deafening applause. Excited to be back on the road, an
enthusiastic Pirner pulled out his new blue guitar which he claimed
was "ugly," and he spun it around, tripped over a cord
and fell into the amplifiers. Never letting his enthusiasm falter,
he finished out the set.
The first band of the night was Semisonic, a Minneapolis band
best known for their chart topping hit "Closing Time"
from their album, "Feeling Strangely Fine." This stylish
alternative I pop band was vibrant and had a refreshing new sound
the audience seemed to enjoy.
This is a band to expect to hear more from in the future.
