Pointers Lose Touch With the Basics

The Pointer Sisters have come a long way since their first local appearance at the Troubadour in 1973. But judging by their glitzy, unsatisfying show at the Universal Amphitheatre on Friday, it’s time for them to head back to the Troub and brush up on a few basics. Like stay on stage long enough to establish a rapport with the audience and build momentum, rather than continually dash off to change costumes. And don’t push so hard that you seem desperate to have a good time. And never, ever, blame the audience if the show fails to catch fire--as June Pointer did when there was only tepid response to her request for applause for the band. “What’s the matter with you,” she snapped. “Are you deaf?”

The Pointers also need to put the heart back into their show. The trio’s sassy hits and image--sort of computer-age Supremes with attitude--are what put them over the top, but on Friday they seemed hard and arrogant. The show was especially disappointing because Anita, Ruth and June Pointer are all excellent singers and have recorded some of the most irresistible hits of the ‘80s. But at the Amphitheatre, they were strictly on “Automatic.”