One Thing I've Always Wondered About The Band....

[Diva]

For SOL and this tour I've noticed a couple of things:

1. More reviewers are noticing that Al really can sing.

2. More reviewers are noticing that the band is versatile, tight, consistent and really kicks butt. The reviewers also usually comment that Al's had his core band for about 25 years and his keyboardist since 1992 and that that kind of consistency is very atypical.

Casual fans and concertgoers may or may not really appreciate the band, but people who know anything about music, performing, etc., almost always seem to note the band's excellence.

In 49 concerts, I've never heard any of them be musically 'off'. Amazing.

Cheers, Diva
Awaiting July 17.........

[algonacchick]

You said it, Diva! I love how tight the band is, and every concert I've gone to has sounded exceptional. When I saw Al back in 2003 with my friends Dawn, Scott and Sandie, Scott was impressed with the sound, and complimented the sound man as we walked out. Also, he drooled over Jon's drumset, as he is a drummer as well. So, even though Al's band does not always get the recognition we feel they deserve, they are well appreciated for their excellence as musicians, and in dealing with the fans.



Thanks, guys, for being so great!

[Bruce the Duck]

In 49 concerts, I've never heard any of them be musically 'off'. Amazing.

I don't know...Jon's drum solo was pretty crummy if you ask me.

[M_Robertcop]

I always feel terrible because due to the way the band is lit on stage, my camera can barely ever get a clear photo... especially when I'm in front, because it looks like all I care about is Al, which isn't true. I love TBITB just as much as Al, it's just my darn camera.

[Kristine]

The main reason why non-hardcore fans don't really know he has a band is because he's technically a single artist. He is recognized by his label and by the industry as a single artist.

It's unfortunate, but IMO, I think it's better that way. If one of them walks down the street, most people won't recognize them without their instrument and a crazy curly-haired singer with them. So, they aren't bothered during every day life activities. While I'm sure they appreciate Al fans calling them by name and asking for autographs and pictures, they are still regular people like you and me. Everybody needs their space and privacy.

I love that they all do their own work besides their work with Al. They are all incredibly talented individuals! The fact that they can all perform (skillfully!) such a variety of genres with Al, plus their own individual work- Hawaiian, African, Latin, etc. is awesome.

[Orthography Enthusiast]

The fact that they can all perform (skillfully!) such a variety of genres with Al, plus their own individual work- Hawaiian, African, Latin, etc. is awesome.

Not to mention a really kick-butt cover of "Hang On Sloopy"

[kaztaylor]

One reason SOL is the greatest comedy-music album of all time is because Al has assembled the best band in the history of rock*, and they've been together long enough that they can practically read Al's mind. The band is tighter than toddler shoes on a teenager, and Al is such an accomplished bandleader, he can make them sound like anything he imagines.

*How many other bands could do spot-on imitations of Nirvana, Devo, REM, and the Mothers of Invention one after another and also play original songs in any genre Al decides to work in? They are truly amazing, and I'm really grateful that Al was able to assemble such a talented collection of musicians so early in his career.

Kudos to the Greatest Band In The World!

[M_Robertcop]

HERE HERE!!

[Twinkies Are Yucky]

I agree wholeheartedly.

[Lauren]

i totaly agree with everyone here the band doesn't realy get the respect that they deserve. i got some of Jim's and steve's songs and they totaly rock and they totaly talk to me if u know what i mean.