round here
"step out the front door like a ghost into a fog"

The album notes left me disappointed; in the commentary I read that they weren't including Adam's explanations of the songs on the cd. But the songs, I still believe, speak for themselves. "Round Here" is pretty much still the same in this cut; it's acoustically performed, with Adam's solo backed by Dave and his guitar. The intimate nature of this performance brings home the impact of this song all the more.

I've heard several interpretations of the song: that it's about a girl committing suicide; that it's about an illegal alien and her messed up dreams of America. I don't go for either of those, really. I believe it's simply a song about what it is: a confused young man trying to make it through the days without falling apart. We've all been there, though some of us longer than others.

Nobody could get away with not relating to this song. When he sings "..well, everybody's tired of something.." you know exactly what he's talking about. Adam's voice is much softer in this performance than on August and Everything After, and with your eyes closed, you could almost picture him sitting on a stool right in front of you, singing quietly. "Would you catch me if I was falling? Would you kiss me if I was leaving? Would you hold me, cause I'm lonely without you.." The song takes on a sadder tone with this desperate cry, and ends with the hollow plucks of Dave's guitar. Then the audience swells in applause and you remember that it's simply a performance and that it's not real and you catch your breath and wish it could go on forever.

---------------------------------------------

Of all the songs on "Across a Wire", this has got to be the best represented among the lot. I just find it simply amazing how one song can carry such emotional power no matter how it's being played. Aside from these two versions on this live album, I've also come across the original version played by the Himalayans, and even that version is so different from the rest. But the message and power of the song's lyrical content still doesn't change.

The Storyteller's version of Round Here, may at first impression sound a little empty, since it's only being done by Adam Duritz and David Bryson, in fact, I initially thought that it was a little.....raw(?). However, that's what makes it standout, that fact that only a simple guitar back up Adam, gives him an opportunity to shine on his own(not that he never does), and you're forced to do nothing but listen to what he's saying. Another reason I like this version is that it is the exact opposite of the tenspot version(which I'll get to in a little while), quite simple and straight to the point, aside from the fact that it is done by only two people here, there are no major changes to the song structure(only subtle ones). Like his "Go to sleep, little angel..." bit he often starts the song with, is not used here(would've been perfect though....). Overall, although, it is the simplest of songs on this record, it's no doubt the most powerful....just like "Walkaways" in the RTS album, the Crows aren't afraid to let their songs stand on their own merit, when needed, they expose the songs for what they truly are, with no frills, just pure emotion...and speaking of emotion.....

The MTV version of Round Here, is the complete opposite of the Storytellers. Before getting myself a copy of this CD, it was all I heard about. People kept telling me of the "beautiful rendition" of Round Here tha the Crows did in that concert. So of course, you can imagine the anticipation. A lot of people would probably accuse these guys(especially Adam) of being too exhagerated, that they made this song go longer than it should, well, I for one don't care. This song right here is one of the reasons why the Crows truly stand out, and why they are a "live" band. The best part about this live CD is the fact that it shows the Crows at their emotional peak, and it's this that makes them special. They're not afraid to let loose, not just musically, but emotioanally as well, and this is what people like me can truly relate too. It's not just Adam, what I especially liked about this version was that short little guitar "solo" that Dan Vickery plays after the bridge, the one with the "wah wah" pedal. It's short, but it packs a lot of feel....i swear! this guy is the perfect compliment to Adam Duritz(okay they all are).

Anyway, it's amazing how six guys can come up with such a song, play it in so many different ways, and still remain true to its message and meaning...pure talent.

-chris