Las Vegas review 1996 Las Vegas show review 12/15/96 By Dennis Cook A special & unique evening was had by the faithful yesterday in the land of wretched excess. The crowd in line was lively but friendly with conversations between strangers springing up as we waited to get into The Joint. Govt. Mule tore up the place with a hard, exploratory set that began with Son House's "John The Revelator" and wandered far & wide through a short take of Yes' "Gates of Delirium" during one jam and closing with the meanest version of "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" I've ever heard. With the crowd primed by the Mule, the Crowes came on a short while later and surprised me (and I'd guess a few others...) with "Jailhouse Rock". Then a soaring, perfect take on "Feelin' Alright". Right away a smile spread over my face that I don't think anything in this world could have pulled off. And it stayed there the whole time. Too many wonderful, delirious moments to recount them all but I'll offer a couple of highlights: -Only four Crowes originals all night (but what originals !) CURSED DIAMOND, BAD LUCK BLUE EYES GOODBYE, TIED UP & SWALLOWED, JEALOUS AGAIN & TWICE AS HARD. I was laid flat by TIED UP, a song I'd never heard live. What a showpiece this becomes live ! Each song was delivered with an edge, an edge made sharper by being sandwiched amongst so many covers... -Among them...DREAMS with Warren Haynes sitting in. Rich in particular shined so brightly this night. His solo went on and on and on, with Chris smiling big & sunny behind his brother the whole time. During this tune I was reminded that their might be a God if only because there are people who can make such a holy, glorious sound. Sound like hyperbole ? Well it ain't. You just had to be there. -A stirring reminder of the band's Southern roots in the heartfelt THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN. Their harmonies have gotten so tight, so sweet that I think the Band would be proud to have them cover this one. -And it all ended with the triple-whammy-encore of Stones covers, TORN & FRAYED, SILVER TRAIN and HAPPY !!! The last of these had both Rich & Marc taking a verse which gave it an electric feel I can't quite find words for. I was hopping up and down with glee as each Stones tune followed the other. The whole evening felt like a gift from the Crowes to their fans. A singular event that I truly felt honored to be at. Kinda like Christmas coming early. I'd hate to say these guys are in their prime since I have no doubt they'll just keep getting better, but after this show I have a hard time imagining where they'll go from here. Part of me wanted to hear more of their own songs but the obvious love they feel for the songs they cover gives them a new life. And the vibe of overwhelming FUN that presided over the affair held everything together in a crucible of rock & roll bliss. One for the record books if you ask me... Many thanks to the Black Crowes for giving this night to those who gathered. May they each get something their hearts desire on their holiday break. Peace to all and to all a good night. -Snappy