Kris Allen w/ The Barenaked Ladies at The Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
CAN’T STAY AWAY
HEARTLESS/GANGSTA’S PARADISE
THE TRUTH
ALRIGHT WITH ME
PARANOID ANDROID
IS IT OVER
LIVE LIKE WE’RE DYING
COME TOGETHER
Pictures, thanks to @TimeOfDaffodils, occlaiken, Getty Images
@summerdaze_’s album here
Awesome review of the performance from The OC Register:
As for Allen, anyone who still thinks he’s a lightweight after winning the 2009 Idol crown would benefit from seeing him rock out in concert. His 40-minute set here started with “Can’t Stay Away,” and immediately he and his four-piece band locked into a tight, funky groove. Clad in his usual white T-shirt, black vest and jeans, a gaggle of teen girls screamed whenever he lifted an acoustic guitar.
Although his self-titled debut narrowly missed the Top 10 and hasn’t sold in huge quantities like previous Idol alumni, it’s still a pleasant slice of contemporary pop/rock that suits Allen well. It should, after all: he co-wrote most of the songs. Not every American Idol can say that.
Current single “The Truth” (co-penned by Train’s Pat Monahan) featured a bigger dynamic buildup live than on the album, as Allen crouched down to deliver his passionate vocal. And the band’s blistering rock cover of the aforementioned Radiohead tune was a real eye-opener.
His popular take on Kanye West’s “Heartless” featured impressive cascading harmonies and incorporated Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise.” A loose, fun and folksy “Alright with Me” recalled Kenny Loggins, while “Live Like We’re Dying” found the amiable Allen and the band elevating the intensity level.
Finally, a searing version of the Beatles’ “Come Together” (Idol watchers will recall Allen doing it during Rock Week, later teaming up with Danny Gokey on Styx’s “Renegade”) capped things off well. He definitely left the audience wanting more.
Here’s some feedback from a Barenaked Ladies fan:
Roughly 15 minutes after I got settled, Kris Allen took the stage as the second opener. I Googled him before going to the concert, and was a little put-off that he was an American Idol winner, as I am typically not a fan of the pop music that comes from that franchise, and I don’t watch the show, but needless to say, I was very impressed with this guy. He sang nearly everything off of his new album, and totally surprised me by covering “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead. Unfortunately, the younger audience didn’t seem to recognize the song, and the venue was still pretty empty. He finished out with a fantastic cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together,” which sounded more like the Aerosmith arrangement, but this kid rocked it. Mr. Allen was a pleasant surprise with his very crisp vocals and gritty rock music from his band. I hope he sticks around for a while; I’d see him again, for sure.
Read Watercooler Convo’s recap of the show here.
