| Concert Review of Kanye West at Dodge Theatre on Fri Dec 02, 2005 |
| Event Date |
| Fri Dec 02, 2005 |
| Source |
| The Arizona Republic |
| Concert Review Preview |
| West shines at Dodge Theatre Lita Beck azcentral.com Dec. 3, 2005 10:00 AM Kanye West demonstrated that he can do more than just serve up smash hits and critically acclaimed rap albums - he can do it all live and make it just as good as what you hear on your iPod. In many ways, West is a contradiction - his lyrics portray him as a kind of everyman, but paired with the designer suits and trendy sunglasses, he is also a figure that's simultaneously polished and rough, crude and intelligent. All of that and more was evident on stage when his "Touch the Sky" tour hit the Dodge Theatre Friday night. Backed by musicians as varied as a DJ, violinists, back-up singers and a harpist, West prowled the stage, often in suits, but always with his distinctive blend of eloquence and down-to-earth lyrics as he laid down songs such as "Jesus Walks," "Slow Jamz" and "Addiction." It was just as much a concert as it was story time. West is not one of those rappers who just talks about women and guns. Words are just as important as the beat, a point hit home during Friday's concert. Take the hospital bed prop during "Roses" or the clothing rack and the rumpled bed West emerged from during "Spaceship." Or the quotes denigrating West that were projected on a video screen during "Bring Me Down." Interestingly, the last quote put up was West's infamous complaint about not winning all the Grammys he was nominated for this year. Does he sometimes see his own bluster as bringing him down? Only Kanye could say for sure, but the inclusion of his own quote certainly added a neat little spin to what could have otherwise come off as self-righteous griping. The combination of those personal touches, the frequent (at least four) wardrobe changes and the slick stage show added up, presenting the enigma of Kanye West. He's polished to a sheen, but that glow doesn't cover up any shortcomings in talent. Stylish, polished and articulate, his music is also the kind that hooks you until you're moving to the beat. This is hip-hop at its best. The crowd certainly agreed, as was evident during current smash "Gold Digger." Hands in the area, everyone was on their feet, moving to the music and singing along. Even after the song was over, cheers and screams filled the concert hall.. |
| Read rest of Review Here URL |
| Click here to read rest of the review |
| Rate this Concert ! |