After playing two songs from his solo career, Glen Phillips says “Hey, isn’t this the guy from Toad?” He then launches into his first Toad the Wet Sprocket song, “Windmills”, from their 1994 album, Dulcinea.
Soon afterwards, he plays “Walk on the Ocean” from the 1991 album, fear. “Walk on the ocean / Step on the stones / Flesh becomes water / Wood becomes bone.” This is such a beautiful song. It would fit right in with a Jars of Clay set.
His latest solo album is “There Is So Much Here” from 2022. He plays a few songs from this album including “The Sound of Drinking” and “Call The Moondust”
There was some timely political commentary from the Toad song “Old Habits Die Hard”. “It’s a new day in the District / after 4 years off the rails / want some checks and balances / not just the same rich old white males”.
Towards the end of the night, he plays “All I Want”, which is Toad’s most popular song on Spotify with over 58 million streams. “All I want is to feel this way / To be this close, to feel the same / All I want is to feel this way / The evening speaks, I feel it say”. It’s easy to hear why this one was such a big hit in the 90s.
During challenging times, music can provide comfort, hope and community, to help us carry on. Glen Philips delivered a little of that to the people of Chicago tonight.
See the full setlist here.
Toad the Wet Sprocket are still touring together. Catch them with Semisonic and Sixpence None the Richer on August 7th at the Salt Shed!
Also of note: City Winery started a new policy that requires a $25 minimum spend per person. You can spend it on food, beverages, wine, or City Winery merchandise. See the FAQ here.
Cost of a ticket: $38
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother
Quinn Delaney
PlaylistHQ 