-Set lists: He does change them for every tour, but they are often very similar. Does the set list always have to be so "set"? It is sometimes nice to have a standard format, but I miss a lot of the older stuff, and I understand that the show is very technical and that makes it necessary to have the show usually be the same without changing it up by the show. It would be awesome if there were more rotating songs, or two medleys or something where he could include some more stuff in there that he doesn't usually include. Or, if he kept a couple slots open to actually take audience requests, with the band ready to play a selection of songs that they foresee someone asking for. That would be cool. Also I loved when Albuquerque was the encore - I LOVE the Yoda Chant and those two need to stay, but do they always have to be the encore? Does Fat always have to be the final song before the encore? It would just be cool to see SOME changes.
-Songs themselves: As much as I love them, they are usually SO similar to how they sound on the album. With all the backing vocal tracks and what not- they are often replicas of the album recordings. It would be cool if he messed with some instrumentation, did more twists in the vocals, acoustic versions of songs, have the entire song be just the band playing without the need for backing tracks. I loved the truth or dare version of Like A Surgeon, it made it so much fun! Also when he changed the lyrics of Headline News, that was great.
-CONCERT ONLYS! Back in the day, half the sets were concert onlys! (of course, he had far fewer albums then so it was much easier), but I loved songs like Free Delivery, Laundry Day, Green Eggs and Ham, Fast Food, etc- those were awesome! More more more! Oh, and Also Cell Phones should stay! Or something like that.
-I wish Al would talk more! I mean, we get plenty of "talking" with the videos, but the only time he really talks (usually) is when he is introducing the drum solo or something, he seems to talk less and less with each tour. Running With Scissors had that whole thing with the shooting Ruben when he interrupted his little speech, or the Poodle Hat tour he talked before A Complicated Song. Stuff like that. Audience interaction (besides WBUL) would be sweet too.
Of course, I know the show is already so long and it is hard to add without taking something away, and Al tries to stay very topical which kinda pushes some of his older stuff out. He should reprise some old set lists someday. That would be amazing!
Just some things I think about. Despite those, I love going to Al's shows and I never complain about anything he does, just things I wish he'd add!
Anyone else have similar thoughts?
