The Speakeasy

March 12th/2001
I knew the wait for this one would be worth it!
This show, to me, was the best live bootleg I've received from 00:54 so far.  My son Geoff and I listened to this one together and so my review this time is sprinkled with many insightful comments from him (thanks Geoff!).  This means you will not have to put up with as much of my gushing <g>.

For a great review of this CD, please surf on over to my friend Jule's site....

A whole bevy of beautiful guest musicians:


Ephraim Owens

Ian Moore

           Brian Standefer

Brannen Temple

 "Poppyseed" - The clarity is is striking!  Nice touches from Brannen with the cymbals.  Great mixes and as always vocals to die to for.

"Nashville" - Wow!  Love the progressive rock touches on the keys during the bridge.  Great vocals and nice harmonies.  Brannen's on fire.

"Blown Away" - Okay, this performance is the best ever!  Slightly faster and very groovy.  This works wonderfully.  I am in love with those windy effects.  Cool, cool, cool.

"Sell It To A Girl" - This songs keeps evolving live.  The extended intro is cool.  Stewart owns this intro.  Ephraim takes over toward the end.  He really blends well with the instruments.

"World Stood Still" - This song is a breakout hit for sure!  Everyone shines in this one and the performance is smoking.  One musician accentuates the other.

"Complicated" - This new song is saving my life!  It is soo good.  What a great jazzy feel.  The chord changes are amazing.  Can't wait to hear this one again.

"You Are Not Me" - Brian's astounding cello adds a different side to this one.  It gives the usual sad feel a ray of hope.  Lovely three part harmonies.

"Plastic Love" - Spencer's vocals are hauntingly melancholy and his lyrics give voice to my deepest feelings. While he sings, he is supported by an exquisite arrangement of instruments. They connect beautifully with his vocals and evoke such emotion .The deeply felt emotional responses I am left with, absolutely knock me out. (this one was all mine...hence the gushing...)

"It Got You Thinking" - Whoa, one of the best performances ever.  Highly energetic and  having the other musicians seems to breathe a breath of fresh air into this favorite.  Brannen takes over and goes crazy at the end.  Excellent performance by all.

"Strange Day" - Cool effects on the intro.  Drums have a driving force on this one.  Great tune that gets incredibly rocked out every time!