Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel

I had a chance to read some of the reviews from previous shows, and was really surprised at some of what was written. More of that in a second. First of all, Royston Langdon. Here's hoping that a major label with the power of distribution and promotion can get a CD out of this guy. What a great opening set. We as music fans, are suffering from such a glut of crap in the market right now. Somebody smack Clive Davis in the head and wake him up, and turn him onto Royston Langdon. I'm sure that most labels are tired of seeing their back catalog sales even up with the new pieces of shit that litter the CD bins. Great job and good luck with the rest of your dates. I had the pleasure of sitting in the front row for this show. Drove to Asheville from Charlotte (where I will catch the Friday show), and enjoyed all of Todd's set. I thought "Hammer In My Heart" showed that he was having a good time, contrary to other reviews saying that he was tired or just going through the motions. I thought his piano work occasionally bordered on beautiful, and his voice and guitar work was perfect for the intimate setting. The crowd really got into "Love In Action", "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away", and "Love Of The Common Man". He played "A Dream Goes On Forever" for an encore, which was my favorite. It is hard to believe that Todd takes criticisms for hitting a wrong note (even though millions of Americans watch "American Idol", which contains some of the worst singing performances in television history), and taped music (which he composed and performed anyway). Does anybody really think that most current "singers", who really dance more than sing, amplify their voices through their McDonald's drive-thru headsets? Here is my only criticism. If you read these reviews, when you come to Charlotte Friday night, please play "Real Man" and "The Last Ride". Great show, and thanks for signing my TODD album. By the way, I am 32, and was happy to be with an older crowd who was there for the music, and not to puke on the floor and get their facial piercings tangled. THANK YOU!!!!!!!