Maybe Now I'll Pay Attention

The first time I saw Sheryl Crow, I spent most of the night with my back to the stage. Not that the wee singer-songwriter wasn’t engaging; touring behind 1996's self-titled sophomore album, she sounded just as good live as she did on disc, her bewhiskeyed wail unloading those radio-ready roots-rock hooks. The gig was at the intimate, and absolutely packed, 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., and Crow’s guest list included one small young teen by the name of Chelsea Clinton. The First Daughter was up in the balcony, and she and her gaggle of underage pals — well, let’s just say they were having a rollicking good time in front of God and everyone. So although I cheered Crow, I was mesmerized by Clinton, who seemed to be graduating from good-girl to gone-wild right before my eyes.

Crow became an even bigger star after that, of course, so the chances to see her at equally cozy confines have been few and far between. So thus, I’m pretty pumped about her local gig at Ruth Eckerd Hall. This time, I’ll keep my eyes on Sheryl, touring behind new album Detours, every second of the show. Well, unless Jenna Bush is there. That one drives me wild.

Sheryl Crow performs Tuesday, April 29 at 8 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $46-$60.50. (727) 791-7400.

Comments

[Marissa]

You know, just when I think I'm ready to wash my hands of Sheryl Crow she comes out with a song that I can't get out of my head. Her recent release has that nasally, slightly pained lead in. I'll declare, "whoa! that's annoying!" Yet, I sing along.

And Sean, I know her show is on Idol night. Go! Have a good time. You have my blessing. *wink*

[sparky]

That's quite the ladylike pose on Ms. Crow. Wow, would my great aunt go bananas over that. She used to yell at my cousin for whistling because as she would say "Ladies don't whistle."

So I guess my 8 x 10 ain't coming, what about my restraining order from Ms. Gibson?

[CBBC]

What is this odd infatuation with the children of power. I'm guessing your first crush was Amy Carter when you were in grade school, right?

[Marissa]

Sparky, I almost commented on Crow's pose, but I preferred to maintain my ladylike composure. ::cough::
All that's missing is the "Lance Armstrong landed here" sign complete with arrow.

[Sean Daly]

Tonight is Springsteen -- next Tuesday's Crow.

Don't worry, I have a parade of special guests lined up for Idol duty.

[Marissa]

Sweet! To be honest, not even margaritas are making Idol interesting. I'd consider hallucinogens, but I'm reluctant to take Advil. So, there ya have it.
Have a grand ol' time, Sean. Sparky, you're on double snark duty.

[sparky]

Actually Mis Ris, you may have a sparky free snark zone tonight. Tonight is the all important Pennsylvania primary, so I have to do my civic duty and Rock the Vote. Plus Mrs. Sparky decided that she would like to have coworkers over for dinner. So I have to get out my ascot, pocket square, smokers jacket and pipe, so I can thoroughly entertain the masses with my wit, charm and sophistication.

[NickWithAnAxe]

Sparky, I rocked PA's vote at 7 AM this morning. My civic duty is done.

That being said, it will still be a frigid day in Hades before I watch minute one of American Idol.

It makes my heart sing to see America finally turning on the show, albeit slowly. Baby steps, I suppose. It's my dream that this land will be Idol free by 2010.

As for Sheryl Crow?? I feel like I shouldn't like her music, but damned if she doesn't craft a catchy tune. I agree with Marissa, she constantly puts out little pop-ditties that I just can't banish from my head.

Speaking of which, I'll now have that image of Sheryl's va-jay-jay in my head all day. Thanks, Daly.

[Bassnote]

My softball team has a practice scheduled for tonight, so unless it rains (of which there is a strong possibility), I will not be joining in the snark-fest tonight. I am a co-captain on the team, so I have to be there. Tonight is Andrew Lloyd Webber night, so I'm glad I will be missing the show, but i will miss snarking with everyone here. As for Sheryl Crow, I haven't bought anything by her since C'mon,C'mon.

[Lori]

Sean, isn't the 9:30 Club the best music venue ever?

Redskins and 9:30 are two of the (very few) things to miss about living in that congested D.C. area. The the third thing to miss would be The Washington Post, having the actual paper in my hands, not reading the computer.

[Sean Daly]

Indeed, the 9:30 is what I miss most about D.C. (A close second? City Lights. Best Chinese delivery on the East Coast.)

As for the Washington Post, well, that's a trickier answer...

[Lori]

Yeah, I guess the topic of The Post would be a tricky one for you. I don't know the story of you leaving there for here, but would be interested in hearing it. Small world it is: we're a displaced Post family, too. But I do still think it's a better read than any paper here, and I wish I could have it with my morning coffee.

How about Luigi's?

[Lori]

Not for Chinese, obviously! Was asking if you are familiar with it. Best pizza in the world.

[DG]

I saw Sheryl Crow at Ruth Eckerd Hall after C'Mon C'Mon was released and she was incredible, especially given the intimacy of the venue.

At the encore, she walked out with a bottle of beer, took off her shoes, climbed up on the grand piano and sang Zeppelin's "Rock & Roll" while she danced like a teenager. She was fantastic.

[Sean Daly]

Don't know Luigi's. But can there be better pie than Pizza Paradiso in Dupont? Oh, and I also miss the Brickskeller -- a great place to drink for 13 hours.

[sparky]

You guys want pizza, come up to my small corner of the world. Old Forge, Pa. is the Pizza Capitol of the World! Although I am not a fan of Old Forge Pizza we have so many Mom & Pop corner pizzerias that Pizza Hut, Dominos and Little Caesars just don't make it here. Also, although most people know The Grotto as Ocean City and Southern Delaware, the Original Joe's Grotto was and still is in Harvey's Lake, Pa.

[Tonianne]

City Lights is my go-to for shrimp and broccoli. But 2Amys just might rival Pizza Paradiso for (DC's version of) pizza. Their weekend doughnuts are to die for.

And I totally pegged you a fan of Madam's Organ.

Lori - are you speaking of Luigi's near GW?

[Lori]

Tonianne: yes, on 19th Street. Sean is probably right on the Pizza Paradiso: it's highly praised, but I haven't had the pleasure. I was Mom in the Suburbs; Sean was single guy in the city, with an expense account to boot.

Has anyone noticed the extreme digression from the original topic of Sheryl Crow?

And Sean, you dropped the topic of Daly and TWP. Maybe not for public discourse, but still I would love to know.