The Best Counting Crows Songs to Hear Live (and Why Counterfeiting Crows Nails Them)

If you're a die-hard Counting Crows fan, you know that there's something truly magical about their live performances. The energy, the raw emotion, the way the band effortlessly blends improvisation with their well-known hits—it's an experience unlike any other.

That's exactly what we, Counterfeiting Crows, aim to replicate in our tribute performances. We bring the spirit of the original band to life with an authentic tribute to their sound, stage presence, and unique musical moments.From the powerful opening notes of "Round Here" to the soul-stirring conclusion of "A Murder of One," we carefully craft every show to deliver an unforgettable experience for Counting Crows fans. Here are some of the best Counting Crows songs you'll hear live (and why we believe we nail them every time).

Round Here-We start our show with Round Here, one of the most iconic tracks in the Counting Crows catalog. The song's hauntingly beautiful introspection and vivid storytelling set the stage for an incredible evening. Counterfeiting Crows performs this track with all the intensity it deserves, capturing the soaring highs and subtle nuances that make this song so powerful. But we've also added a little tribute of our own: we incorporate elements of "Raining in Baltimore" into the medley of Round Here, just like Counting Crows does in their live shows. The combination creates an emotionally charged journey that captivates the audience from the very first note.

Angels of the Silences-When we perform Angels of the Silences, we focus on its powerful rhythm section and crisp instrumentation. The song's infectious energy and dynamic changes are the perfect platform for a high-energy show, and we make sure to bring every ounce of intensity to the performance. The entire band syncs up to recreate that unforgettable Counting Crows live sound.

Mrs. Potter's Lullaby-“Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" is one of those songs that requires intricate guitar work and delicate phrasing to truly capture the atmosphere of Counting Crows' live performances. With its intricate verses and anthemic chorus, our version of the song takes the audience through its emotional highs and lows. We pay tribute to the original by ensuring every note feels deliberate and heart-felt.

Mr. Jones- There's no way to do a Counting Crows tribute without Mr. Jones, and we give it everything we've got. The upbeat rhythm, the fun piano lines, and the carefree energy of this fan-favorite track all come to life in our performance. It's always one of the most exciting moments of our show, with the crowd singing along and feeling the joy of the song as if it's the first time they've heard it live.

A Long December- When it comes to A Long December, it's all about capturing the raw emotion of the song. This ballad is a staple of Counting Crows' catalog, and we make sure to perform it just like they do—bringing the melancholy of the lyrics to the forefront while keeping the spirit of the music intact. The moments of reflection and release during the song create an incredible bond with the audience, making it one of our most impactful performances.

Scarecrow- Scarecrow is a track that gives us room for a bit of improvisation, especially in the breakdown sections. Just like Counting Crows does live, we like to take the song to new places, experimenting with subtle changes in tempo and phrasing. It's always a highlight for fans who enjoy hearing something fresh and spontaneous each time they see us perform.

Hanging Around- This track brings the groove, and we deliver it with the swagger it deserves. Hanging Around has a fun, almost bluesy feel, and we pour a lot of energy into its performance. With its infectious rhythm and lively atmosphere, it's the perfect moment to really engage with the audience, who can't help but clap along.

Rain King (featuring "Thunder Road")- When we play Rain King, we take a page from Counting Crows' live shows by infusing it with an unexpected twist. During the breakdowns of the song, we seamlessly integrate parts of Bruce Springsteen's Thunder Road, just like Counting Crows does in their live sets. The shift from the folk-rock sound of Rain King to the epic, sweeping feel of Thunder Road elevates the entire performance, adding a layer of emotional depth and making it one of our most anticipated songs in every set.

At Counterfeiting Crows, our goal is to take you on a musical journey that mirrors the magic of a real Counting Crows show. We honor every note, every lyric, and every improvised moment, just as they do on stage. Whether it's incorporating Raining in Baltimore into Round Here, performing Rain King with a touch of Thunder Road, or bringing the raw improvisation of A Murder of One to life, we do it all with a passion that matches the original band's energy.