Natalie Merchant
by NewMusicFan on 7/23/10The Chicago Theatre - ChicagoRating: 1 out of 5I have long declared "Cannonball Run" the worst film I have ever seen. Natalie Merchant has firmly taken her place in my hall of shame as "The Worst Live Performance of all Time." This was the most self-indulgent, audience be damned display of artistic arrogance I have ever witnessed. Ninety minutes of late 19th century/early 20th century children's poems put to song ranging from an Irsh jig to a Yiddish folk tune. Akin to watching a weekend reader of the NY Times wax poetically about climate change, recycling, and Keynsian economics all the while expecting her rapt, sophisticated audience to hang on her every intelligent word. Do the music scene a big favor - save your $50 on Natalie Merchant and go support ten independent bands by paying $5 covers at your neighborhood music venues.
