Paisley Party @ State Fair
Posted on August 23rd, 2008 – 12:15 AMBy Jon Bream
I’m debating whether Brad Paisley was better this year or last at the State Fair. No question that last year’s opening acts were superior, especially Taylor Swift and even Kellie Pickler, who in retrospect fared fabulously compared to Chuck Wicks. And Taylor tops Jewel.
Last year was an eye-opener in terms of Paisley’s range, depth, versatility and creativity. But maybe this year’s show was better because he has more quality songs and more fun and exciting videos and animation.
Which show did you like better — 2008 or 2007?
Here’s the set list from Friday:
1. Mud on the Tires 2. Better Than This 3. You Are the World 4. Wrapped Around 5. Waitin on a Woman 6. Celebrity/Guitar Zero 7. Mr. Policeman/In the Jailhouse 8. A Country Boy Can Survive/I’m Still a Guy 9. Letter to Me 10. Im Gonna Miss Her (Fishin Song) 11. Throttleneck and another instrumental 12. Whiskey Lullabye (w Alison Krauss on virtual video) 13. The Way Love Goes w Jewel 14. When I Get Where Im Going 15. Online 16. Alcohol ENCORE 17. Ticks 18. She’s Everything 19. Let the Good Times Roll (w BBKing on video)
What did you think of the show? Please post your comments here:
5 Responses to "Paisley Party @ State Fair"
There are not many performers that can write music, write lyrics, play an awesome guitar AND sing the way Brad does. There are also not many songs that can bring tears to my eyes and touch my heart the way a couple of Brad’s songs did last night. I have met Brad twice - and to top off his musical talents - he seems to be a genuinely nice guy. Last night was my 3rd Brad concert and afterwards I promised myself to never miss another of his Twin Cities appearances… he was AWESOME! It was a perfect summer evening, with the fireworks and a bucket of Martha’s cookies following the concert putting the perfect finishing touch to the night.
Last year’s concert was a revelation. This year’s was confirmation. Paisley’s got the best live show going in any genre. (Sorry, Springsteen. You’re a VERY close second.) There was better sound and live showmanship last year. This year relied a little TOO heavily on the video support. (Make it law — no concert should be allowed to have more than one virtual duet). But this year’s song selection was superior. It was nice to see “Wrapped Around” and “I’m Gonna Miss Her” included after being unjustly ignored last time. This year’s show was more sentimental, adding “Letter To Me” (has ANY guy NOT said that stuff to himself in his lifetime?) and “Waiting On A Woman,” which left my wife, a very non-country fan, crying on my shoulder. This will easily turn out to be one of the year’s top 10 best concerts. Right, Jon….?
Is Brad Paisley the only Grandstand show you guys have reviewed so far? how come?
jsmith, because the only other 2 shows so far at the Grandstand were Staind & Three Doors Down (both awful), and Backstreet Boys (ditto)
This was the first time in the grandstand and after the performance I saw with Brad I will be back every year. Its a great set up and a fantastic evening.. He out did himself in all aspects. Loved the video screen in the back great job! Nice thing was all age groups were represented there everyone was dancing phsically or mentally..Please come again!
