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JulianaHatfield, December 11, 1997, Fitzgeralds, HoustonI've been a Juliana Hatfield fan forever. Well, at least since 1989, when I first heardthis group called The Blake Babies. They had this unique pop sound with childlike femalevocals. One of the Babies, Juliana, ultimately went on her own. What draws me to her soundis that she can really rock on the guitar while displaying this innocent quality, adimunitive, waifish figure on stage. Influenced by one of the most clever song writers ofour time (Evan Dando, she went out with him for a while in the 80s), Juliana knows her wayaround rock music. She has several albums including "Hey Babe", "ForeverBaby", "Become What You Are", "Only Everything", and her recentEP "Please Do Not Disturb", with a full length CD planned in the near future. This is the second time I've seen her live (last time back in 94 in Cincinnati). Bothshows were similar. She played a straight set with a little chat and a lot of music goingthrough songs like "My Sister" (although she doesn't have one of her own),"Addicted", "Supermodel", "What a Life", and "UniversalHeartbeat". While I thoroughly enjoyed the show, what I found to be obviously missingwas representation from "Hey Babe" which I particularly like and includes thesong "Everybody Loves Me But You." I guess she doesn't want to go back to thatpoint in her career, because in both shows that song was omitted. I now consider it"pulling a Juliana Hatfield" when a band doesn't play the one song you want tohear. Sort of like if Billy Joel didn't play Piano Man. Anyway, I don't know why Julianaisn't more popular or played commercially because she is very good. I understnd that therehave been some problems with labels and some personal problems. I hope that she can getthings working for her because I feel that she could really take advantage of the pushtoward promoting women rockers. I would have expected her to be on the forefront of theLilith Fair trend. However, if she is having fun, I can't blame her for laying low. Sherocked in front of the 200 or so at Fitzgeralds this night and that's all that matters. Oh, and I'm sorry to say that I don't remember the name of the opening act, but theywere pretty good. I do remember a very nice rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" atthe end of their set. If anyone knows their name, please send me an email to fill in theblank between my ears. On That Note, I'm outta here...... C |
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