12-Jul-08 Atlantic City Concert Review

Dan's review:
Superb ending to the six night U.S./Toronto run. Van's voice strong, supple and supremely expressive. Plenty of zingers. During In the Afternoon, as Van took us down the Ancient Highway, we again arrived at "GnomeWorld," where the half- dozen "motherfucking" gnomes that were purchased were "so fucking heavy" when they were placed in the car trunk and driven home. "Nothing really happened, but you got six gnomes." Before Keep It Simple: "We're going do a selection of Tiny Tim's Greatest hits." Before Healing has Begun: "This is a simple tale of ordinary folk." Van dedicated Comfortably Numb to 2 Universal Music executives.

The Cypress Avenue flowed beautifully. It is still a work in progress, and this version ended a bit abruptly. But it was great to hear the song again live for the first time this century.

On the other hand, the Ballerina tonight reached to the stars. Sublime.

And the Healing was Begun was an absolutely joyful, ecstatic romp, Van roaming and roaming and roaming across the fields. "By George, you've got it," Van told the band.

It feels like a brand new day has dawned in this artist's astounding career.

Setlist:
Domino
Tupelo Honey>Why Must I Always Explain
Tore Down A La Rimbaud
Wavelength
Comfortably Numb
In the Afternoon>Let It Roll>Ancient Highway>Raincheck
Ballerina
Cypress Avenue
Moondance
Keep It Simple
That's Entrainment
Rough God
Burning Ground
Healing has Begun
Brown Eyed Girl
Gloria

Big Hand For The Band!
Sarah Jory, steel guitar
John Platania, guitar
Paul Moore, bass
Paul Moran, keyboards + trumpet
Tony Fitzgibbon, fiddle
Bobby Ruggiero, percussions
Neil Wilkinson, drums
Katie Kissoon & Vanessa Haynes, background vocals