Summer in New Jersey. Asbury Park, to be exact. Where else can you see Counting Crows on an outdoor stage, and just a few yards down the boardwalk have a Star Wars themed roller derby event (Jersey Shore Roller Girls, to be exact)? It's reasons like this that make New Jersey the legendary place it so rightfully is.

This season's Outlaw Roadshow went a little something like this:

Band #1 (by the way, the order of the opening bands changes every night, so get there early, people!) was Filligar. American music played by a bunch of fellows that have the kind of good looks that make them pantydroppers, and the kind of chops that make other musicians jealous. Good rock and roll made by capable hands. A solid opening to the day, no doubt about it.

Band #2 were Foreign Fields. This indie band (originally a duo, expanded for the tour) play the kind of indie stuff that seems more at home in a darkened room, late at night, when you are haning with your college sweetie, her less pretty friend, and that girl's boyfriend, the amateur chemistry major. While not my thing, they did their thing well enough, it just felt a bit off for me in the summer sun. I think a different locale and time of day would've helped this band get over a bit more.

Band #3 happened to be Philly's own Good Old War. They were the surprise of the night for me. I was blown away by these plucky individuals. Imagine a sets worth of upbeat Paul Simon (think "Cecilia" of "I Am A Rock" style) with three part harmony throughout. I knew none of their songs before the set, but by the end of the set I wanted to know ALL of their songs. By far and away the winner of the night for me.

Band #4 was of course Counting Crows. A top notch set that was similar in it's song list to the previous time I saw them (a few weeks back in NYC), with a few curveballs thrown in ("Hard Candy" was a very welcome addition). I have to say the Crows version of Gram Parsons "Return Of The Grevious Angel" is stellar, and I hope it remains in their set list long after this album cycle is through. That, and the new arrangment of "Rain King" made for a stellar night of Americana rock and roll. Keep the roadshow going, boys. It's a beautiful ride.

- Jay Ingstrup

www.filligar.com

www.foreignfields.bandcamp.com

www.goodoldwar.com

www.countingcrows.com

Photos by Lazlo
(click on photo to see each Photo Album)

FILLIGAR	FOREIGN FIELDS
GOOD OLD WAR	COUNTING CROWS