Crowded House & Pete Yorn: Bank of America Pavilion, Boston MA 8.5.07

When I requested to go to see singer/songwriter Pete Yorn in Boston this past weekend, I overlooked the fact that he was just the opening act for Crowded House. I also overlooked the fact that most Crowded House fans are probably twice my age (if you don’t know who Crowded House is, they’re an Australian band that was mostly popular in the ‘80s, especially for their song “Don’t Dream It’s Over”). Needless to say, I felt a little out of place (and young) in this crowd, but I still had a good time and saw a great show.

Thankfully, Boston public transportation was having a good day, and I arrived at the Bank of America Pavilion just in time for Pete Yorn. I had a photo pass, but there was no formal photo pit set up, so I had to stand to the side of the stage to shoot. I couldn’t capture the greatness of Pete’s fluffy head of hair at this angle very well with my camera phone, but I did my best.

He started the show with a cover, and continued with “Life on a Chain,” which was one of his more popular singles. “On Your Side,” which is a more ambient song compared to most of his music, came next, followed by “For Us” and “The Man.” The album version of “The Man” is performed with Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, but he was accompanied by Boston singer Juliana Hatfield for this live performance. The rest of the set included “Closet,” “Turn of the Century,” “Crystal Village,” and, finally, “Strange Condition.” He traded his acoustic guitar for a harmonica for the final song, which is probably his most well-known, since it was one of the theme songs for the movie Me, Myself, and Irene. Pete Yorn’s gritty, country-twanged voice, sometimes reminiscent of Eddie Vedder’s, lends perfectly to his laid-back folk rock sound, and I thought he had a great stage presence.

For Crowded House, the photographers were taken to the soundboard to shoot. Since this was further back in the venue than my seat, I gave up early on taking photos here. I’m not familiar with most of their music, but I did find many of their songs catchy and well-executed, although some of the lyrics of the slower songs were a little mushy for my taste. However, lead singer Neil Finn was very charismatic, as he joked around with the band members and the audience in a cute Australian accent between nearly every song.  When a fan in the audience yelled that he thought the band members were geniuses, Neil thought he said “senior citizens,” so the witty banter ensued. One song I really liked was “Don’t Stop Now,” which is their newest album, and it had a fresher sound than some of the others I heard that night. Later on, of course, they played “Don’t Dream It’s Over.” Overall, the vocals were smooth, with the Australian accent only sometimes being noticeable, and the band put on a great show.

Comments

[Sharon]

Well, I know who Crowded House is (I guess you think I'm 'old') but never heard of Pete Yorn. Will have to go back and watch 'Me, Myself & Irene' and catch the tune. Norm does own a Crowded House CD, so gonna dust it off and give it a spin. Good job, again!

[Sharon]

Well, I know who Crowded House is (I guess you think I'm 'old') but never heard of Pete Yorn. Will have to go back and watch 'Me, Myself & Irene' and catch the tune. Norm does own a Crowded House CD, so gonna dust it off and give it a spin. Good job, again!

[Becca]

Man this post is depressing. It's kind of like being a Stones fan and hearing, "I don't know who these Rolling Stones people are (maybe you remember that song 'Brown Sugar') but anyway, here's a review of the Black Crowes...."

Crowded House are platinum artists, have a worldwide fanbase who are slavishly devoted (see frenzforum.com) and Neil Finn is one of the greatest songwriters this side of Lennon & McCartney. Pete Yorn, though talented, can only hope for what CH have. If you think CH's writing is mushy, you need to get yourself the actual CD's or mp3's and listen because you haven't. Not to mention, New Zealanders would cringe at hearing Finn's accent described as Australian.

And unless you're a teenager, I'm not twice your age.

[Michael]

I remember Don’t Dream It’s Over from when I was about 4 years old!!

[Doug]

Cool pics.

[kathryn]

So, I've heard of Pete Yorn but don't exactly know what he sings.. but you did a lovely job of writing this one!! Send me some of his songsssss.

[DiZ]

Totally disagree with Becca! What a mean Poster! Crowded House havent been on the radio for years but still remember don't dream its over from the late 80s!!

[DiZ]

Dying to get to one of these shows Jelous!!

[DiZ]

Dying to get to one of these shows Jelous!!

[Marcus]

Pete Yorn is great!~Love your style of writing!

[Michael]

haha 80s bands SICK

[Stormin Norm]

Okay, I admit it...I'm the Norm who has the CD of Crowded House. It is a little dusty, but they were a definite top 40 play for DJ's in the 80's. Sorry you missed it. Just think when you get to say to your kids "remember that band from back in 2007!!!"

[dee]

once again, very well written melissa. thanks for introducing me to new bands!

[lauren]

did you have fun??? it looked fun.

[jake]

pete yorn is NOT awesome. but, as usual, a good read

[RaYmOnD]

i love 80-s musix

[Michael]

not into pete yorn, but who doesnt like one hit wonder crowded house

[Michael]

not into pete yorn, but who doesnt like one hit wonder crowded house

[chris]

Sounds like a fun show

[Marcus]

80ssssss, sounds like fun, even with lots older crowd!

[Marcus]

80ssssss, sounds like fun, even with lots older crowd!

[RaYmOnD]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!

[Marie]

Love Crowded House...yes, I'm a little older than you. A fan is ageless though...ask any band!

[Susan]

I love when a band interacts with the fans like Crowded House did. Fun!