This was one of those shows that took me completely my surprise in how amazing The Pretenders were, how hauntingly beautiful Cat Power comes across live and how badly Juliette Lewis wants to look like Karen O and try to wail like Janis Joplin.
Beginning with Juliette Lewis, the intensity was never lacking, but I felt it was mostly an act, it didn’t seem entirely genuine and lyrically, it was rather bland. That and call me crazy, but I found it a little on the showy side for a band to take two curtain calls as an opener after a five song set. 
With that aside, let me confess my admiration and appreciation for Cat Power. I’ve been a fan of her covers for awhile now, but getting to hear them live, takes it to another level, especially in such an intimate setting, her voice is allowed to shine. I was particularly impressed by her ability to transform a song into something completely. Most covers are done to replicate the original band, Cat Power makes them her own and for that, I thank her a great deal.
As for The Pretenders, let me say how completely impressed I was by how Chrissie Hydne as the only original member left of the band breathes new life into their catalogue of classics with a new backing band full of amazing showmanship by the drummer and lead guitarist. The soaring riffs and beats complimented Hydne’s vocals as she ripped through the band’s catalogue, barely taking a breath between cuts, trying to cram in as many songs as possible and I for one, was not complaining.
My only gripe with the show was the photo rules for the show, which barricaded photographers stage left and right, and did not allow us directly in front of the stage, making for cramped conditions and poor angles. All in all, I had one hell of a good time and I suggest anyone to see The Pretenders and you will not be disappointed.
Setlist:
01. Break Up the Concrete
02. Message of Love
03. Talk of the Town
04. Love’s a Mystery
05. Kid
06. My City was Gone
07. The Nothing Maker
08. Rosalee
09. Angel of the Morning
10. The Last Ride
11. Back on the Chain Gang
12. Don’t Get Me Wrong
13. Don’t Cut Your Hair
14. Boots of Chinese Plastic
15. Thumbelina
16. Night in My Veins
17. Precious
18. Mystery Achievement
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19. Watching the Clothes
20. Brass in Pocket
21. Middle of the Road
The Pretenders: website | myspace
