Focus Group Greg (or FGG) will now be my shorthand for any uninformed critic. Thanks for this.
I wish I could have seen your set opening for Sheryl Crow. I got to open for my heroes twice (Chris Whitley 1994[?], Son Volt 2018), and they weren't near as famous as Sheryl Crow. But I was so nervous.
Chris Whitley! Especially in 94, that's some real cred, right around the time Living With The Law was on all the (non FGG) critics' list. (Isn't it funny/weird how I still lean on stuff like critics lists? Probably because the good ones are true guides.) Son Volt too. Nerves to spare.
Living with the Law and the next one Din of Ecstasy were huge for me.
I have to consult critics' lists because I don't have time to find and listen to all the records. I need some kind of shortcut. That's why it's extra disappointing when critics behave like FGGs.
This was a great read Paul! I had no idea you 'd opened for Sheryl Crow! Holy crap, that is epic!
And these are insights and lessons I needed to hear as having just booked my first "real" show since 1993! A reminder that live performances are part of a very long journey and not the only thing that matters.
I Shall Believe is THE BEST Sheryl Crow song out of many very good songs. I still think you should do a Sheryl Crow Velour tribute someday.
Focus Group Greg (or FGG) will now be my shorthand for any uninformed critic. Thanks for this.
I wish I could have seen your set opening for Sheryl Crow. I got to open for my heroes twice (Chris Whitley 1994[?], Son Volt 2018), and they weren't near as famous as Sheryl Crow. But I was so nervous.
Chris Whitley! Especially in 94, that's some real cred, right around the time Living With The Law was on all the (non FGG) critics' list. (Isn't it funny/weird how I still lean on stuff like critics lists? Probably because the good ones are true guides.) Son Volt too. Nerves to spare.
Living with the Law and the next one Din of Ecstasy were huge for me.
I have to consult critics' lists because I don't have time to find and listen to all the records. I need some kind of shortcut. That's why it's extra disappointing when critics behave like FGGs.
Agreed. That's where the trusted critics come in, the ones who are out ringing the bell for stuff they love (rather than bashing stuff they don't)
This was a great read Paul! I had no idea you 'd opened for Sheryl Crow! Holy crap, that is epic!
And these are insights and lessons I needed to hear as having just booked my first "real" show since 1993! A reminder that live performances are part of a very long journey and not the only thing that matters.
Thank you!
Judd