Johan [Live] @ 'De Kleine Komedie', Amsterdam

February 28, 2009

For a band who – because of the melodic music, the personal lyrics and the voice of singer Jacob de Greeuw – is often compared to the likes of John Lennon, Crowded House and R.E.M. and is as popular as well in Holland, three albums in twelve years isn't much of a catalogue. And so it was time to make it up. With the motto '12,5 years, 3 albums and 36 songs', Johan decided to go on tour to play their songs in chronological order, as frontman de Greeuw explained after his band played four songs in a row without pausing once. By this time the five piece band had already played the pre-Johan song Visions of Johanna and three songs of their 1996 debutalbum Johan.

The decision to play in theatres maybe was, considering the type of music, not the best ever; the decision the change some of the arrangements was though. Especially Matthijs van Duijvenbode, who played the piano, harmonium and organ, and guitarist/ pianist Maarten Kooijman, turned out to be a great added value. When part one of the show was finished with a great version of Everybody Knows their value became apparant during the almost complete reproduction of second album Pergola. Highlights included title track Pergola, How Does it Feel, Why_CP, Day is Done and the hitsingle Tumble and Fall – despite their popularity their only big hit. Johan played ten out of the twelve songs of the album and the response of the audience made clear that this was the reason to stop by. Because of that, the last part of the show – five songs of 2006 album Thnxs Johan – was, although not bad performed at all, nevertheless a bit of a let-down. The inclusion of new songs Maria and Don't Say I Told You So from the upcoming album '4', brought the house down again though and by this time Johan decided to end the party.

The setlist couldn't be more perfect, the performance was even better. Only the venue wasn't that well-chosen. Because you can't get loose and let your hair down in a comfy chair, even despite the setlist and the performance.

Setlist

Visions of Johanna
Swing
Suffer Baby
Payment
It's 5 O'Clock
Everybody Knows

Pergola
Here
I Feel Fine
Save Game
I Mean I Guess
How Does it Feel
Why_CP
Paper Planes
Day is Done
Tumble and Fall

Oceans
Walking Away
Staring at the Sun
She Got a Way with Men
You Know

Maria
Don't Say I Told You So