O.A.R. was the last concert of the summer, and this is the last entry for a while. Gotta make sure I pace myself better next time though, and not leave an entire year’s worth of entries (17 total) for the last week of August!
--- Who's waving at us as we walk into the Merriweather pit? Whoa, Jesse Bogue, Meg Bogue, Dave Shoroma, Lexx Paige, Anna Hickman, Alex Shiroma, Felicity Prince, and Josh Kodeck are here as well. Cool.
--- “Black Rock.” I actually like the restrained intro. Slow build adds intrigue; explosions still to come!
--- “Fire.” Flicker?
--- “Two Hands Up.” One hand?
--- “About an Hour Ago.” First song they ever recorded!
--- “Whose Chariot.” Nice “take me hommme” part and sax solo.
--- “Love and Memories”! HA at Hark pointing out that they failed to abruptly cut off on the last note as in the album version. Good ear!
--- “About Mr. Brown”!! So many specific Merriweather references: the weather, the venue, and the picture on the screen of the Merriweather fan who requested it.
--- “52-50”!!! Love that a fan who's been to 205 shows gets to dance and selfie with the band. The repeated line “some day I'm coming home (to Rockville) to stay” is awesome as well.
--- “Hey Girl”!! By far the best trumpet of the night and the most extensive Hark Arm Song. Man, things have really picked up since the too-high expectations early on.
--- “Road Outside Columbus.” Chill vibe brings back fond memories of our trip to Maureen, Jeff and Mel in Columbus. The trumpet guy is the clear MVP. No one else is even close.
--- “Caroline The Wrecking Ball.” Great story song even though I'd never heard it before. Hark helped...
--- “Night Shift,” “Untitled,” “Hold On True,” and “Peace” are decent. “Anyway” is elevated by this absurd lyric: “Never say that nothing ever came from a mouse anyway.” What does that mean?! Love the dueling sax and trumpet on opposite ends of the stage. “Best part of music is that when you hear it, you feel no pain.” Thanks, Bob.
--- Aww, Hark sings “Shattered,” and the entire pavilion joins in!
--- “Heaven.” “I don't want to go heaven if I can't get in -- if they don't want me." Metaphor for past groups' homophobia? Either way, unexpectedly strong song. [Update: I researched it online, and apparently it was part of an It Gets Better campaign. Can’t believe I called it right!]
--- Um, scented herbs exist...
--- Aww, they're inviting the opening bands and fans on stage. TO PLAY BON JOVI. All of the covers I remember bands do live are either obscure or for comedic effect. Them tearing into such an unabashed mainstream hit was awesome. Knowing “Crazy Game of Poker” was coming next, flying cards and all, made it even better. What a way to end summer 2015.
Grade: A
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
177 -- Rise Against -- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 -- The Fillmore -- Silver Spring, MD
Almost every A+ show brings something new: new songs, venues, interpretations, experiences, etc. This Rise Against show, though, generally brought the same (awesome) elements as the previous ones.
The difference was that this was the first time I was able to share it. Hark, Alex Bush, Angie Bryl, and Zach Wood had never been to a Rise Against concert before. It was especially rewarding sharing with Zach, now a junior at JMU, since this was the first concert with a (former) student. Technically, it was not perfect: Tim McIllrath’s vocals lacked clarity, Appeal to Reason made few appearances, and the band should always play more songs. Being able to revel in so many good things with four good friends, though, made it special.
Among the good things…
--- Hearing the crowd shriek in protest at “I Don’t Want to Be Here Anymore.” Such lies – no one wants to leave.
--- Hearing the band pay specific attention to the Fillmore audience: “We are in Silver Spring, not Silver Springs. I want to make sure I get that right…We were first in DC 15 years ago at a tiny place called The Nation. We were slotted to perform 10 minutes before doors opened?!...Few thing better than hot punk rock…This next song is scientifically better with a circle pit. If you spin, it’s a proven improvement.”
--- The fact that they did everything they could to combat homophobia before doing so was socially acceptable. Not sure the crowd would have been as unified during “Make It Stop” a few years ago, but I’ll still take it!
--- Including Revolutions for old-school fans, literally being caught by someone during “Help Is On Way.”
--- Alex and I flying from the back through the mosh pits to the front and back again in ten seconds flat. The best mode of transportation: being flung by fellow fans. Planes, trains, and cars can’t compare.
--- Hark, Angie, and Zach getting rid of sloppy wastes of space in time for a group song. Linking arms made “Hero of War” / “Swing Life Away” even better.
--- The gate-based heart attacks Zach and I survived in the parking lot.
--- And finally, hearing the progression of songs. They went from good to great to !!!!: “Dancing For Rain,” “Satellite,” “Give It All,” “Reeducation,” “Collapse,” “Ready To Fall,” and “Prayer of the Refugee.” Glad Hark, Alex, Angie, and Zach were all there to hear them.
Grade: A+
The difference was that this was the first time I was able to share it. Hark, Alex Bush, Angie Bryl, and Zach Wood had never been to a Rise Against concert before. It was especially rewarding sharing with Zach, now a junior at JMU, since this was the first concert with a (former) student. Technically, it was not perfect: Tim McIllrath’s vocals lacked clarity, Appeal to Reason made few appearances, and the band should always play more songs. Being able to revel in so many good things with four good friends, though, made it special.
--- Hearing the crowd shriek in protest at “I Don’t Want to Be Here Anymore.” Such lies – no one wants to leave.
--- Hearing the band pay specific attention to the Fillmore audience: “We are in Silver Spring, not Silver Springs. I want to make sure I get that right…We were first in DC 15 years ago at a tiny place called The Nation. We were slotted to perform 10 minutes before doors opened?!...Few thing better than hot punk rock…This next song is scientifically better with a circle pit. If you spin, it’s a proven improvement.”
--- The fact that they did everything they could to combat homophobia before doing so was socially acceptable. Not sure the crowd would have been as unified during “Make It Stop” a few years ago, but I’ll still take it!
--- Including Revolutions for old-school fans, literally being caught by someone during “Help Is On Way.”
--- Alex and I flying from the back through the mosh pits to the front and back again in ten seconds flat. The best mode of transportation: being flung by fellow fans. Planes, trains, and cars can’t compare.
--- Hark, Angie, and Zach getting rid of sloppy wastes of space in time for a group song. Linking arms made “Hero of War” / “Swing Life Away” even better.
--- The gate-based heart attacks Zach and I survived in the parking lot.
--- And finally, hearing the progression of songs. They went from good to great to !!!!: “Dancing For Rain,” “Satellite,” “Give It All,” “Reeducation,” “Collapse,” “Ready To Fall,” and “Prayer of the Refugee.” Glad Hark, Alex, Angie, and Zach were all there to hear them.
Grade: A+
176 -- Foo Fighters -- Saturday, July 18, 2015 -- Fenway Park -- Boston, MA
Walking out of Fenway Park with Erik Kastman Saturday night, one thought occurred to me, “I just saw the future of Rock and Roll, and his name is Dave Grohl.” This may seem like an odd statement because Grohl is, after all, 46 YEARS OLD. I wish there were someone younger, and I foolishly thought a few years ago that a certain folk band could answer the call, but after Saturday, the reality is abundantly clear. Dave Grohl is the only performer who comes close to Bruce Springsteen.
That combination of talent, energy, versatility, and nuclear-powered charisma that Bruce has, Dave has as well. His songs may be less subtle and sermons less socially conscious, but in every other way, Dave measures up. When Bruce finally, tragically fades, Dave will be the new Boss.
If that strikes any Springsteen fans reading this as hyperbolic, read on. The number of euphoric highs at this concert outnumbered most of the year’s concerts combined...
--- How do you *start* the show with “Everlong”?! Bold, cool.
--- Noooo, “Monkey Wrench” this early is a bridge too far: wasteful! [Update: Dave added new riffs and whipped everyone up to such an extent that he won me over. Fortune favors the bold.]
--- “Learn to Fly” is a nice opportunity to breathe. It’s also a reminder to K and I that Hark is here in spirit.
--- “Something from Nothing,” the Chicago song, one of the two best tracks on Sonic Highways, delivers.
--- “The Pretender”!! Time to LEAP in the air.
--- Lol, 10,000 people screech “slideshow.” That is, they want to see the hilarious/inspiring slideshow of Dave breaking his leg on stage and preserving the tour by performing on a circular guitar throne. The slideshow concludes with “Big Me,” a first-album tribute to the “hairy road crew” who kept him going when he got injured.
--- I'd forgotten “Walk”’s ending; it builds really build well. Underrated.
--- “Congregation,” the Nashville song, is decent. I like the “no false hope” line.
--- Drummer Taylor Hawkins riffs on “Another One Bites The Dust” during the band member intros. He then performs his own song “Cold Day in the Sun.” I find it hilarious that seconds before typing that the lyrics are subpar, I read an article quoting Hawkins as saying, “I wrote it morning before the song was recorded, and the lyrics suck. It's more about the melody. Dave always said he liked it, but I was like, ‘Yeah, bull.’”
--- “My Hero” and “Times Like These”! Mmm, gotta love those warm and fuzzy 40,000-PERSON sing-a-longs.
--- “I try to make these stadiums like every person is in the hot, sweaty club down the street.” Yes!!!!
--- “When I say the Foo Fighters love Queen, I mean they *love* Queen....You wanna know why? When we heard Queen, we wanted to be here. We wanted to be a rock band. For me, it goes back to Thomas Jefferson High School Battle of the Bands 1983 in Alexandria, VA. We played ‘Footloose.’ We got third place. First place played (some other song). Where is first place now though? Not at Fenway in front of 40,000 of you!!!”
--- They prompt the crowd if they want to hear Classic Rock or Classic Foo? Heh, Foo has an unfair phonic advantage, but alright. Not alright: “All My Life.” More than alright, it qualifies as Black.Red.MAGIC!!! I was able to jump and pump full throttle for four minutes. Glorious.
--- “These Days” off Wasting Light is solid. More than solid: random guy across for me comes in for a high five!!
--- “Outside,” the L.A. track on Sonic Highways, has an incomprehensible intro but settles into a nice trippy jam halfway through. Wish Boston did not hate NY, so they could have played “I Am a River,” the NY track / best track on Sonic Highways.
--- Aww, I recognized "Breakout" from first half-note. Aww again for K being all, “That is the second song after ‘Stacked Actors’ on my album.” Random guy who hasn't said anything the whole time insists “great song!” Love that Dave gives a shoutout to the nosebleeds AND the good seats. YES. Rich/poor, privileged/disadvantaged: all fans matter!
--- Some dumb old "water shed" song. Oh, it's literally called "Water Shed" haha.
--- If Dave and I didn't live in Alexandria, “Arlandia” would be meh. We do, though, so it's solid. Better than that actually. As K said, “Nice groove near the end.”
--- “I'll Stick Around.” Aww at this guy airing the guitar during the “I don't owe you anything” section. Heh at ape grunts on the last notes.
--- “This is A Call.” ANOTHER one off the first album. I don't even love that album, but I love the sentiment.
--- Oooh, I think they have different local bands open in every city, connecting with Sonic Highways. Great idea.
--- “When I was in 16, I was in a band called Brain Damage. We were awful. But we wanted to be Mission Inferno. One of the highlights of my life was to be on stage with these people, and I am tonight.”
--- “Best of You” has this new riff and perfect pacing. Tenderrrr!!!
--- I’m glad I was here for all these moments and got to experience them with Erik Kastman. Twenty years from now, my kids won’t be able to get live Bruce, but fingers crossed, they will be able to get live Dave…
Grade: A+
That combination of talent, energy, versatility, and nuclear-powered charisma that Bruce has, Dave has as well. His songs may be less subtle and sermons less socially conscious, but in every other way, Dave measures up. When Bruce finally, tragically fades, Dave will be the new Boss.
If that strikes any Springsteen fans reading this as hyperbolic, read on. The number of euphoric highs at this concert outnumbered most of the year’s concerts combined...
--- How do you *start* the show with “Everlong”?! Bold, cool.
--- Noooo, “Monkey Wrench” this early is a bridge too far: wasteful! [Update: Dave added new riffs and whipped everyone up to such an extent that he won me over. Fortune favors the bold.]
--- “Learn to Fly” is a nice opportunity to breathe. It’s also a reminder to K and I that Hark is here in spirit.
--- “Something from Nothing,” the Chicago song, one of the two best tracks on Sonic Highways, delivers.
--- “The Pretender”!! Time to LEAP in the air.
--- Lol, 10,000 people screech “slideshow.” That is, they want to see the hilarious/inspiring slideshow of Dave breaking his leg on stage and preserving the tour by performing on a circular guitar throne. The slideshow concludes with “Big Me,” a first-album tribute to the “hairy road crew” who kept him going when he got injured.
--- I'd forgotten “Walk”’s ending; it builds really build well. Underrated.
--- “Congregation,” the Nashville song, is decent. I like the “no false hope” line.
--- Drummer Taylor Hawkins riffs on “Another One Bites The Dust” during the band member intros. He then performs his own song “Cold Day in the Sun.” I find it hilarious that seconds before typing that the lyrics are subpar, I read an article quoting Hawkins as saying, “I wrote it morning before the song was recorded, and the lyrics suck. It's more about the melody. Dave always said he liked it, but I was like, ‘Yeah, bull.’”
--- “My Hero” and “Times Like These”! Mmm, gotta love those warm and fuzzy 40,000-PERSON sing-a-longs.
--- “I try to make these stadiums like every person is in the hot, sweaty club down the street.” Yes!!!!
--- “When I say the Foo Fighters love Queen, I mean they *love* Queen....You wanna know why? When we heard Queen, we wanted to be here. We wanted to be a rock band. For me, it goes back to Thomas Jefferson High School Battle of the Bands 1983 in Alexandria, VA. We played ‘Footloose.’ We got third place. First place played (some other song). Where is first place now though? Not at Fenway in front of 40,000 of you!!!”
--- They prompt the crowd if they want to hear Classic Rock or Classic Foo? Heh, Foo has an unfair phonic advantage, but alright. Not alright: “All My Life.” More than alright, it qualifies as Black.Red.MAGIC!!! I was able to jump and pump full throttle for four minutes. Glorious.
--- “These Days” off Wasting Light is solid. More than solid: random guy across for me comes in for a high five!!
--- “Outside,” the L.A. track on Sonic Highways, has an incomprehensible intro but settles into a nice trippy jam halfway through. Wish Boston did not hate NY, so they could have played “I Am a River,” the NY track / best track on Sonic Highways.
--- Aww, I recognized "Breakout" from first half-note. Aww again for K being all, “That is the second song after ‘Stacked Actors’ on my album.” Random guy who hasn't said anything the whole time insists “great song!” Love that Dave gives a shoutout to the nosebleeds AND the good seats. YES. Rich/poor, privileged/disadvantaged: all fans matter!
--- Some dumb old "water shed" song. Oh, it's literally called "Water Shed" haha.
--- If Dave and I didn't live in Alexandria, “Arlandia” would be meh. We do, though, so it's solid. Better than that actually. As K said, “Nice groove near the end.”
--- “I'll Stick Around.” Aww at this guy airing the guitar during the “I don't owe you anything” section. Heh at ape grunts on the last notes.
--- “This is A Call.” ANOTHER one off the first album. I don't even love that album, but I love the sentiment.
--- Oooh, I think they have different local bands open in every city, connecting with Sonic Highways. Great idea.
--- “When I was in 16, I was in a band called Brain Damage. We were awful. But we wanted to be Mission Inferno. One of the highlights of my life was to be on stage with these people, and I am tonight.”
--- “Best of You” has this new riff and perfect pacing. Tenderrrr!!!
--- I’m glad I was here for all these moments and got to experience them with Erik Kastman. Twenty years from now, my kids won’t be able to get live Bruce, but fingers crossed, they will be able to get live Dave…
Grade: A+
175 -- Kelly Clarkson -- Thursday, July 16, 2015 -- Radio City Music Hall -- NYC
My big reason for seeing Kelly Clarkson was my best friend, James Porter, the biggest KC fan I know. My big surprise was how much I enjoyed the show as well. She should have featured her “Sober” masterpiece, and she could have featured fewer produced album tracks, but overall, she was a force to be reckoned with. She was up there with Dave Grohl and Ben Folds in terms of personality, and vocally, she did not really have an equal. Her voice was stronger and clearer than any performer I have heard live.
--- Considering her sense of humor, it was appropriate that the concert began with an absurd, hilarious moment. “Dance With Me” started to play, and this psychotic usher started yelling at me, James, Katie, and the people around us to sit down. Did she think we were to see not Kelly, but Tchaikovsky? Was she aware that the name of the name of the song was "DANCE With Me"?! It was all okay, though, because it brought about the most exciting uprising since Rise Against in Richmond. Little by little, people next to us started to get up. Then the people in front of us motioned to each other. By the end of the song, everyone had leapt up and danced! Take that, (wo)Man! The fact that all this happened during “My Life Would Suck Without You,” my favorite KC pop song, was gravy.
--- “Nostalgic” had a cool glowy-window background, but the actual song was meh.
--- Apparently “Mr. Know It All” is about “every boss, boyfriend, or jerk you just wanted to punch in the face.” HA!
--- “We're usually in hot outdoor amphitheaters, so it's crazy having A/C. No, don't turn it off though. No one wants a sweaty pig church girl. Don’t want Jesus dripping off, oh no." Love her unscripted rambling! She's a musical Jennifer Lawrence! So endearing.
--- “Second Wind” had a solid sound and a good message.
--- “I was running from an empty threat of emptiness.” Omg, the vocal on "Invincible"!! I told James I thought she was lip syncing. I was lying. It also has a nice guitar riff at the end.
--- After “Because Of You,” she explained that her mom is an English teacher! Heh, she thought her mom would critique her for saying "sadder."
--- “Piece by Piece”!!!! To use American Idol terminology, a true MOMENT if I've ever seen one. She took a song I didn't even like on the album and made it MAGIC. How? Primarily, with a deep personal connection. The story of her husband being the father her dad never was would be moving in any context. The fact that it was delivered with an *exquisite* vocal makes it that much better. Think I was the first one in all of Radio City Music Hall up for the standing O.
--- The flubs during “Break Away” became assets, thanks to her hilarious ad libs: “I'm a professional.”
--- “Tight Rope”!! After “Piece by Piece,” it’s THE vocal of the night. She apologizes that she writes “really depressing stuff,” but it sounded uplifting to me!
--- “Take You High” was too techno for my taste to connect emotionally, but it was effective as a change of pace. Lol at James pulling a me by playing the whole song on his knees.
--- Glad “Behind These Hazel Eyes” gets back to darkness.
--- “I'm having a helluva good time. I hope you guys are.” Clearly.
--- She got her start before Idol on open mics. In keeping with this, she gives a random guy from San Diego named Chuck who's been in NY for three months his first open mic – at Radio City Music Hall! Kelly comes in as backup on Clean Bandit's "Rather Be." "Thank you, Radio City Music Hall."
--- I like the idea of taking a fan request. I wish it was something more melodic than Nick Jonas' “Jealous.”
--- Heh, apparently she's “Side Note Sally.” Fine by me.
--- “The Trouble With Love Is” from Love Actually is okay. The next song is a lot “Stronger”!! Such an anthem.
--- Heh, she joins acapella opener Pentatonix in a heart-shaped “Heartbeat Song.” Nice.
--- Hahaha, her kid is on stage saying “uptown funk you up.” To quote (sigh) Randy Jackson, her Bruno Mars cover is “better than the original, dawg, better than the original!”
Grade: A- [Next time, if she favors deeper, darker songs – or at least plays “Sober” – it’ll be right up to an A.]
--- Considering her sense of humor, it was appropriate that the concert began with an absurd, hilarious moment. “Dance With Me” started to play, and this psychotic usher started yelling at me, James, Katie, and the people around us to sit down. Did she think we were to see not Kelly, but Tchaikovsky? Was she aware that the name of the name of the song was "DANCE With Me"?! It was all okay, though, because it brought about the most exciting uprising since Rise Against in Richmond. Little by little, people next to us started to get up. Then the people in front of us motioned to each other. By the end of the song, everyone had leapt up and danced! Take that, (wo)Man! The fact that all this happened during “My Life Would Suck Without You,” my favorite KC pop song, was gravy.
--- “Nostalgic” had a cool glowy-window background, but the actual song was meh.
--- Apparently “Mr. Know It All” is about “every boss, boyfriend, or jerk you just wanted to punch in the face.” HA!
--- “We're usually in hot outdoor amphitheaters, so it's crazy having A/C. No, don't turn it off though. No one wants a sweaty pig church girl. Don’t want Jesus dripping off, oh no." Love her unscripted rambling! She's a musical Jennifer Lawrence! So endearing.
--- “Second Wind” had a solid sound and a good message.
--- “I was running from an empty threat of emptiness.” Omg, the vocal on "Invincible"!! I told James I thought she was lip syncing. I was lying. It also has a nice guitar riff at the end.
--- After “Because Of You,” she explained that her mom is an English teacher! Heh, she thought her mom would critique her for saying "sadder."
--- “Piece by Piece”!!!! To use American Idol terminology, a true MOMENT if I've ever seen one. She took a song I didn't even like on the album and made it MAGIC. How? Primarily, with a deep personal connection. The story of her husband being the father her dad never was would be moving in any context. The fact that it was delivered with an *exquisite* vocal makes it that much better. Think I was the first one in all of Radio City Music Hall up for the standing O.
--- The flubs during “Break Away” became assets, thanks to her hilarious ad libs: “I'm a professional.”
--- “Tight Rope”!! After “Piece by Piece,” it’s THE vocal of the night. She apologizes that she writes “really depressing stuff,” but it sounded uplifting to me!
--- “Take You High” was too techno for my taste to connect emotionally, but it was effective as a change of pace. Lol at James pulling a me by playing the whole song on his knees.
--- Glad “Behind These Hazel Eyes” gets back to darkness.
--- “I'm having a helluva good time. I hope you guys are.” Clearly.
--- She got her start before Idol on open mics. In keeping with this, she gives a random guy from San Diego named Chuck who's been in NY for three months his first open mic – at Radio City Music Hall! Kelly comes in as backup on Clean Bandit's "Rather Be." "Thank you, Radio City Music Hall."
--- I like the idea of taking a fan request. I wish it was something more melodic than Nick Jonas' “Jealous.”
--- Heh, apparently she's “Side Note Sally.” Fine by me.
--- “The Trouble With Love Is” from Love Actually is okay. The next song is a lot “Stronger”!! Such an anthem.
--- Heh, she joins acapella opener Pentatonix in a heart-shaped “Heartbeat Song.” Nice.
--- Hahaha, her kid is on stage saying “uptown funk you up.” To quote (sigh) Randy Jackson, her Bruno Mars cover is “better than the original, dawg, better than the original!”
Grade: A- [Next time, if she favors deeper, darker songs – or at least plays “Sober” – it’ll be right up to an A.]
174 -- Mumford and Sons -- Wednesday, June 10, 2015 -- Merriweather Post Pavilion -- Columbia, MD
By the end of this Mumford and Sons’ show, there were many things I enjoyed. It paled in comparison to the previous show, though, largely because of a ticket debacle that made us miss “The Wolf” / “I Will Wait” and threw us from the front of the pit to the side of the lawn. Considering this, I’m going to launch straight into notes and hope everything’s back to magic next time. Considering the band sent us shirts, koozies, and messages after seeing wedding clips, that just might happen…
--- “Monster”: meh. “Lover of the Light”: way better. REJUVENATION.
--- “Thistle and Weeds.” Nice flip on the order with “Lover of the Light” from the previous show. Intriguing electronic version. I prefer the original, but points for trying.
--- Heh, Chad Mumord’s fake bashing the lighting guy: “He can't light anyone back there [on the lawn]. It's a disgrace.”
--- “Ghost We Knew.” Expectations! He said it was going to be quiet, and it wasn't that quiet, and it sounded better than it ever did on the album / in class.
--- “Tompkins Square Park” has a smooth midtempo backbeat to it -- if that's even a thing. Heh, Hark's all into it.
--- “Easily the best crowd we've had this tour so far.” Hark: “Mmmhmm…” Awww, points to #CynicalHark.
--- “The Cave”! No need for back lighting on that song; the crowd's alive!
--- The Maccabees, the opener, join in on “Just Smoke.” The song is endorses group singalongs not cigarettes. ;)
--- “Ditmas” is solid/underrated. The instrument is off a bit, though, prompting Hark to comment, “Ah, they done 'd it up this time.” !!!
--- “Below My Feet”! Best of the new ones, especially with our new friends – i.e. people on the lawn who are actually into the songs.
--- “Dust Bowl Dance.” Meh, they played this last time too. Solid rock by the end though. Whoa, shredding light show followed by tender -- nice.
--- Encore.
--- “Hot Gates”: mehhhh. Tepid gates?
--- TRIFECTA: “Awake My Soul,” “Little Lion Man,” and “The Wolf” are a worthy finale.
Grade: B+
--- “Monster”: meh. “Lover of the Light”: way better. REJUVENATION.
--- “Thistle and Weeds.” Nice flip on the order with “Lover of the Light” from the previous show. Intriguing electronic version. I prefer the original, but points for trying.
--- Heh, Chad Mumord’s fake bashing the lighting guy: “He can't light anyone back there [on the lawn]. It's a disgrace.”
--- “Ghost We Knew.” Expectations! He said it was going to be quiet, and it wasn't that quiet, and it sounded better than it ever did on the album / in class.
--- “Tompkins Square Park” has a smooth midtempo backbeat to it -- if that's even a thing. Heh, Hark's all into it.
--- “Easily the best crowd we've had this tour so far.” Hark: “Mmmhmm…” Awww, points to #CynicalHark.
--- “The Cave”! No need for back lighting on that song; the crowd's alive!
--- The Maccabees, the opener, join in on “Just Smoke.” The song is endorses group singalongs not cigarettes. ;)
--- “Ditmas” is solid/underrated. The instrument is off a bit, though, prompting Hark to comment, “Ah, they done 'd it up this time.” !!!
--- “Below My Feet”! Best of the new ones, especially with our new friends – i.e. people on the lawn who are actually into the songs.
--- “Dust Bowl Dance.” Meh, they played this last time too. Solid rock by the end though. Whoa, shredding light show followed by tender -- nice.
--- Encore.
--- “Hot Gates”: mehhhh. Tepid gates?
--- TRIFECTA: “Awake My Soul,” “Little Lion Man,” and “The Wolf” are a worthy finale.
Grade: B+
173 -- Dave Matthews Band -- Saturday, May 13, 2015 -- Jiffy Lube Live -- Bristow, VA
Dave Matthews is a big reason I started this blog. During elementary school, middle school, and high school, I did not listen to music. It was embarrassing. Sports, films, and shows, I devoured, and became an expert, but I knew close to nothing about music.
Part of it was my family never got MTV – back when it stood for Music (not Mediocre) Television. Part of it was the minimal music my family did play was Gershwin, not Green Day; Nat King Cole, not Nirvana.
The turning point in my musical life was a speech a fellow student, Jim Lynch, gave senior year of high school.
I had not even been friends with him, but seeing and hearing the passionate, specific way he described what it was like to attend was inspiring. I vowed to discover music in college and concerts after that. Thanks to the huge iTunes playlist provided by my college roommate Mike Schobel and the huge variety of concert venues in the DC area after college, I was able to fulfill this vow.
It took me 12 years from the time the speech to actually attend a Dave Matthews show, but one Saturday this May, I did. In honor of the Lynch speech, I will do my best to be specific…
--- I start the concert in a good mood because I showed up five minutes before the set yet ended up with the best parking in all of Jiffy Lube. Seriously, I could have crawled from my car to the seat and still would have made it on time. Procrastination pays off!
--- Walking up those 1000 Jiffy Lube steps is a trip. Speaking of a trip, is this concert being held in Colorado...
--- Great seats. Row 300, but dead center stage!
--- Heh, apparently they're going to have an intermission after a little less than an hour so people can go to the bathroom. That's a first.
--- “The Song That Jane Likes” and “Recently” meander, but they fit the breezy May weather. The fact that the crowd's all into them all helps. “We've been traveling around telling the audiences they look good. But you guys -- you guys look GOOD.” HA.
--- “What Would You Say”! Okay, that was legit. I like that the part I most remembered, the “birthday” part, was the crowd's favorite as well. The flute(?) solo at the end made the song.
--- Intermission.
--- “Big Dead Fish” has a cooler, bluer, Quentin-Alexander vibe to it. I prefer this to the opening set.
--- “Lie in Our Graves” has a great violin solo. Hehe at the "splish splash" line. Take that back, multiple great violin solos. What an enjoyable song. Took me totally by surprise!! There's room for “Impossible Germany,” Morello's “Tom Joad,” AND this. [Revision: The subsequent guitar section turns super indulgent – still dig the violin though.]
--- “Crazy” starts as a strong Dave-driven performance. It devolves a bit into a haphazard jam, but in the moment, it felt good.
--- “Black and Bluebird,” a new song about flying at the speed of light, is meh.
--- Odd, cool scifi intro to “Corn Bread.” The rest is fast paced -- hahaha at the near-rap part. Worthy sax section -- everything's unified! They've earned another jam.
--- “If Only” I'd heard this slow song before. It might have more meaning.
--- Moody, intriguing intro to "Don't Tread The Water." Love that it transitions into a soaaaring vocal.
--- When filled, Jiffy Lube is better than Merriweather. MASSES of people.
--- “Long Black Veil,” a warm, slow, audience-participation song, makes me consider a second DMB show. Those woman soloists have soul. Aww at the whole crowd easing into the melody!
--- “Save Me” and “Baby” are solid. I like “Be Yourself”’s Latin flavor and sentiment.
--- Lol at DM and these gospel singers going back and forth on “Rooftop.” A trumpet then starts to come in, and it's awesome. Literally made me say Brucccce at the end. The show itself did not approach Springsteen, but that’s an impossibly high bar. I’ll end by attempting to pay it forward for Jim and other big DMB fans. If you love Dave, you could love Bruce…
Grade: A-
Part of it was my family never got MTV – back when it stood for Music (not Mediocre) Television. Part of it was the minimal music my family did play was Gershwin, not Green Day; Nat King Cole, not Nirvana.
The turning point in my musical life was a speech a fellow student, Jim Lynch, gave senior year of high school.
I had not even been friends with him, but seeing and hearing the passionate, specific way he described what it was like to attend was inspiring. I vowed to discover music in college and concerts after that. Thanks to the huge iTunes playlist provided by my college roommate Mike Schobel and the huge variety of concert venues in the DC area after college, I was able to fulfill this vow.
It took me 12 years from the time the speech to actually attend a Dave Matthews show, but one Saturday this May, I did. In honor of the Lynch speech, I will do my best to be specific…
--- I start the concert in a good mood because I showed up five minutes before the set yet ended up with the best parking in all of Jiffy Lube. Seriously, I could have crawled from my car to the seat and still would have made it on time. Procrastination pays off!
--- Walking up those 1000 Jiffy Lube steps is a trip. Speaking of a trip, is this concert being held in Colorado...
--- Great seats. Row 300, but dead center stage!
--- “The Song That Jane Likes” and “Recently” meander, but they fit the breezy May weather. The fact that the crowd's all into them all helps. “We've been traveling around telling the audiences they look good. But you guys -- you guys look GOOD.” HA.
--- “What Would You Say”! Okay, that was legit. I like that the part I most remembered, the “birthday” part, was the crowd's favorite as well. The flute(?) solo at the end made the song.
--- Intermission.
--- “Big Dead Fish” has a cooler, bluer, Quentin-Alexander vibe to it. I prefer this to the opening set.
--- “Lie in Our Graves” has a great violin solo. Hehe at the "splish splash" line. Take that back, multiple great violin solos. What an enjoyable song. Took me totally by surprise!! There's room for “Impossible Germany,” Morello's “Tom Joad,” AND this. [Revision: The subsequent guitar section turns super indulgent – still dig the violin though.]
--- “Crazy” starts as a strong Dave-driven performance. It devolves a bit into a haphazard jam, but in the moment, it felt good.
--- “Black and Bluebird,” a new song about flying at the speed of light, is meh.
--- Odd, cool scifi intro to “Corn Bread.” The rest is fast paced -- hahaha at the near-rap part. Worthy sax section -- everything's unified! They've earned another jam.
--- “If Only” I'd heard this slow song before. It might have more meaning.
--- Moody, intriguing intro to "Don't Tread The Water." Love that it transitions into a soaaaring vocal.
--- When filled, Jiffy Lube is better than Merriweather. MASSES of people.
--- “Long Black Veil,” a warm, slow, audience-participation song, makes me consider a second DMB show. Those woman soloists have soul. Aww at the whole crowd easing into the melody!
--- “Save Me” and “Baby” are solid. I like “Be Yourself”’s Latin flavor and sentiment.
--- Lol at DM and these gospel singers going back and forth on “Rooftop.” A trumpet then starts to come in, and it's awesome. Literally made me say Brucccce at the end. The show itself did not approach Springsteen, but that’s an impossibly high bar. I’ll end by attempting to pay it forward for Jim and other big DMB fans. If you love Dave, you could love Bruce…
Grade: A-
172 -- Ben Folds with yMusic -- Thursday, May 7, 2015 -- Lincoln Theater -- DC
Let’s start with the good things. Hark got to his first meal at Ben’s Chili Bowl; I got to randomly run into Ben Marzouk on the way in. “Effington” / “Rock This” sounded better than normal with a syncopated orchestra, “Annie Waits” / “The Last Polka” / “Landed” sounded strong as ever, and it was fun playing “Jesusland” on Hark’s knee. It was also funny hearing a performer do the “In A World…” voice in the same theater we saw In A World star Demetri Martin in.
The main problem for Hark is that Ben did not play “The Luckiest.” The main problem for me was that the concert was dominated by songs the audience COULD NOT HAVE KNOWN. I don’t mean he played a few songs from a new album the audience did not bother to listen to. I mean, like the first time I saw him, he played mostly unreleased songs the audience could not have heard unless they were in Ben’s head. I am confident that next time, though, he will remember to respect his fans and be back to the top quality Ben.
Grade: B-
The main problem for Hark is that Ben did not play “The Luckiest.” The main problem for me was that the concert was dominated by songs the audience COULD NOT HAVE KNOWN. I don’t mean he played a few songs from a new album the audience did not bother to listen to. I mean, like the first time I saw him, he played mostly unreleased songs the audience could not have heard unless they were in Ben’s head. I am confident that next time, though, he will remember to respect his fans and be back to the top quality Ben.
Grade: B-
171 -- Taking Back Sunday -- Sunday, March 29, 2015 -- 9:30 Club -- DC
The best part of the show: seeing how excited Emily DeCarlo got throughout. Yay for high school nostalgia tours.
Other memorable parts:
--- “Liiiiiiiiaaaaarrrr…liiiiiiiiaaaaarrrr!" An addict for dramatics indeed. This featured the first (polite) mosh pit of the night.
--- “Flicker Fade” has strong lyrics, “Number 5 with a Bullet” is well paced, and “What's It Feel Like To Be A Ghost” has a cool ghost / green heartbeat sensor in the background.
--- “Timberwolves at New Jersey.” Awww at the crowd flipping out and the “words at the tip of my tongue” section.
--- “You Got Me.” Solid story song. I enjoy that you could actually understand words in this one -- nice swirling storm in the next one.
--- “A Decade Under the Influence”! Cool slowdown halfway through and a good “I've got it baaad” ending.
--- “Faith”!! The puffy white clouds against a blue sky are a bit corny, but I like ‘em.
--- “Spin.” Heh, just like the album version Can't understand a word; the rhythm's awesome.
--- “You're So Last Summer," the first-heartbreak song. Apparently everyone in the club knows it. They're a dime a dozen. Heh, the frontman swings the mic every song.
--- Yeah, Long Island frontman Adam Lazarra. You tell off that heckler: “Hey, we'll get to that song. Let us play these songs first, so I don't have to throw my mic at you.” Lol.
--- “Better Homes and Garden.” Ultra-depressing lyrics redeemed by a great driving rhythm. If I were angry, I'd blast this song.
--- “Error Operator”!! Love the discordant swirl, the “can't go back” part, and the old man doing a handstand. Aww at Emily DeCarlo's enthusiasm.
--- “You Know How I Do.” The crowd appreciates the “we won't stand for” section. Umm, and now there are animal (silhouettes) coming on stage.
--- Hahahaha, halfway through “Call Me in the Morning,” Lazarra literally puts his kid on his head! “Keaton Ivory, ladies and gentleman!”
--- The crowd flips out for the Exit 152 sign during “Tell All Your Friends.” Awesome “why can't I feel anything” sound drop during “Cute Without the E.”
--- Heh, more Lazarra riffs: “The last show I saw here was Devo. The crowd was much less loud…Our sound guy makes the best coffee in the world. It’s undeniable…Gotta quote Jay Z: ‘You could could have been been anywhere in the world tonight, yet you're here with us’…Alright, time to go put my kid to bed.”
--- “Make Damn Sure”! The best kind of way to end.
Grade: B+
Other memorable parts:
--- “Liiiiiiiiaaaaarrrr…liiiiiiiiaaaaarrrr!" An addict for dramatics indeed. This featured the first (polite) mosh pit of the night.
--- “Flicker Fade” has strong lyrics, “Number 5 with a Bullet” is well paced, and “What's It Feel Like To Be A Ghost” has a cool ghost / green heartbeat sensor in the background.
--- “Timberwolves at New Jersey.” Awww at the crowd flipping out and the “words at the tip of my tongue” section.
--- “You Got Me.” Solid story song. I enjoy that you could actually understand words in this one -- nice swirling storm in the next one.
--- “A Decade Under the Influence”! Cool slowdown halfway through and a good “I've got it baaad” ending.
--- “Faith”!! The puffy white clouds against a blue sky are a bit corny, but I like ‘em.
--- “Spin.” Heh, just like the album version Can't understand a word; the rhythm's awesome.
--- “You're So Last Summer," the first-heartbreak song. Apparently everyone in the club knows it. They're a dime a dozen. Heh, the frontman swings the mic every song.
--- Yeah, Long Island frontman Adam Lazarra. You tell off that heckler: “Hey, we'll get to that song. Let us play these songs first, so I don't have to throw my mic at you.” Lol.
--- “Better Homes and Garden.” Ultra-depressing lyrics redeemed by a great driving rhythm. If I were angry, I'd blast this song.
--- “Error Operator”!! Love the discordant swirl, the “can't go back” part, and the old man doing a handstand. Aww at Emily DeCarlo's enthusiasm.
--- “You Know How I Do.” The crowd appreciates the “we won't stand for” section. Umm, and now there are animal (silhouettes) coming on stage.
--- Hahahaha, halfway through “Call Me in the Morning,” Lazarra literally puts his kid on his head! “Keaton Ivory, ladies and gentleman!”
--- The crowd flips out for the Exit 152 sign during “Tell All Your Friends.” Awesome “why can't I feel anything” sound drop during “Cute Without the E.”
--- Heh, more Lazarra riffs: “The last show I saw here was Devo. The crowd was much less loud…Our sound guy makes the best coffee in the world. It’s undeniable…Gotta quote Jay Z: ‘You could could have been been anywhere in the world tonight, yet you're here with us’…Alright, time to go put my kid to bed.”
--- “Make Damn Sure”! The best kind of way to end.
Grade: B+
170 -- Rock and Cole -- Friday, December 12, 2014 -- Frost Middle School -- Fairfax, VA
Note: In a few weeks, my students will read this entry as part of a music analysis lesson. That is why some of their achievements appear in it. ;)
There are many perks to being a teacher: working with hilarious students/colleagues, creating meaningful lessons, seeing students improve, etc.
One specific perk I get every November is participating in Rock and Cole. In the Rock and Cole project, students create their own mixed CD, matching five characters from the novel Touching Spirit Bear to five songs. (The project gets its name from Spirit Bear’s central character, Cole Matthews.) In the days leading up to the in-class concert, students scour book passages and song lyrics to find things that connect. On concert day, each student analyzes another student’s CD, trying to match the characters, songs, traits, and quotes. It’s also a pretty entertaining day, considering the desks are filled with 30-plus CD players, boom boxes, and headphones, and several students rock out as they work.
The best part for me is that I get to listen to all the CDs. New discoveries this year were Carrie Underwood’s “Something in the Water” [LM], Bastille’s “Pompeii” [CL / TM / EM], and Disney’s “Colors of the Wind.” (Ok, so the last three weren’t ‘new discoveries.’ I had, sadly, heard those three 300 times before.)
Student award winners for this year included:
-- Star Performers JS, AN, JT, RM, AJ, BP, BHN, MS, AS, CC, CC, FH, SS, AA, KW, CH, JC, and C “I Knew It!” D. These students proved they did not need a band or stage to perform. They could rock out in a DESK!
-- Rock Survivors RM, EL, CH, TC, KM, KH, JP, MC, CL, AC, AC, EB, KR, BA, KS, NC, CC, NC, LM, SS, SS, AS, MP, AC, AD, AN, MG, BL, JS, and NL. These students made it all the way through their CDs, despite multiple CD / headphone debacles.
-- Star Vocalists JS, AC, IG, SC, FH, AA, CD, and KW. These students totally understood how to speak with headphones on. They always spoke AT AN APPROPRIATE VOLUME…
-- Star Reviewers MD, CS, KR, GG, EP, CD, KM, SY, CB, AJ, and BP. These students reviewed their CDs with the precision of professional rock critics. Wonder if Rolling Stone magazine is in any of their futures…
-- These Rock Comics: Barbie shakin’ JS, ninsha dancin’ JT, swaying skiier AN, swaying quarterback FH, burning-up CC, jingling-down CC, headphone flinger AJ, ultra headbobber AA, mouse headbobber KW, R “Not-so-fevered-for-Bieber” M, and J “hot-and-cross-about-buns” J. These students should be recognized for filling the concert ‘jams’ with funny moments.
JJ could not choose a ‘jam’; he was too busy getting amusingly angry at the number of songs that matched Spirit Bear’s main character. The songs prompted JJ and other students to ask the same basic question, “I get that Cole is a round, dynamic, three-dimensional character, but does EVERY song have to fit him?” All periods got to share in the amusing misery in the preceding days, as they heard parts of that song and other ridiculous songs: “I’m a Little Teapot,” “I’m a Gummy Bear,” Frank Sinatra’s “Happy Birthday,” and Tiny Tim’s “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” / “Living in the Sunlight, Loving in the Moonlight.”
-- All students, for making this another solid Rock and Cole concert. More students also submitted full folders and got playable CDs than ever before, and all students were able to find classmates’ Favorite Word on their folders, which has not been true in previous years. In the end, SS and JL still said it best: “Couldn’t we listen and learn from music every day?” If only…
Grade: B+
There are many perks to being a teacher: working with hilarious students/colleagues, creating meaningful lessons, seeing students improve, etc.
One specific perk I get every November is participating in Rock and Cole. In the Rock and Cole project, students create their own mixed CD, matching five characters from the novel Touching Spirit Bear to five songs. (The project gets its name from Spirit Bear’s central character, Cole Matthews.) In the days leading up to the in-class concert, students scour book passages and song lyrics to find things that connect. On concert day, each student analyzes another student’s CD, trying to match the characters, songs, traits, and quotes. It’s also a pretty entertaining day, considering the desks are filled with 30-plus CD players, boom boxes, and headphones, and several students rock out as they work.
The best part for me is that I get to listen to all the CDs. New discoveries this year were Carrie Underwood’s “Something in the Water” [LM], Bastille’s “Pompeii” [CL / TM / EM], and Disney’s “Colors of the Wind.” (Ok, so the last three weren’t ‘new discoveries.’ I had, sadly, heard those three 300 times before.)
Student award winners for this year included:
-- Star Performers JS, AN, JT, RM, AJ, BP, BHN, MS, AS, CC, CC, FH, SS, AA, KW, CH, JC, and C “I Knew It!” D. These students proved they did not need a band or stage to perform. They could rock out in a DESK!
-- Rock Survivors RM, EL, CH, TC, KM, KH, JP, MC, CL, AC, AC, EB, KR, BA, KS, NC, CC, NC, LM, SS, SS, AS, MP, AC, AD, AN, MG, BL, JS, and NL. These students made it all the way through their CDs, despite multiple CD / headphone debacles.
-- Star Vocalists JS, AC, IG, SC, FH, AA, CD, and KW. These students totally understood how to speak with headphones on. They always spoke AT AN APPROPRIATE VOLUME…
-- Star Reviewers MD, CS, KR, GG, EP, CD, KM, SY, CB, AJ, and BP. These students reviewed their CDs with the precision of professional rock critics. Wonder if Rolling Stone magazine is in any of their futures…
-- These Rock Comics: Barbie shakin’ JS, ninsha dancin’ JT, swaying skiier AN, swaying quarterback FH, burning-up CC, jingling-down CC, headphone flinger AJ, ultra headbobber AA, mouse headbobber KW, R “Not-so-fevered-for-Bieber” M, and J “hot-and-cross-about-buns” J. These students should be recognized for filling the concert ‘jams’ with funny moments.
JJ could not choose a ‘jam’; he was too busy getting amusingly angry at the number of songs that matched Spirit Bear’s main character. The songs prompted JJ and other students to ask the same basic question, “I get that Cole is a round, dynamic, three-dimensional character, but does EVERY song have to fit him?” All periods got to share in the amusing misery in the preceding days, as they heard parts of that song and other ridiculous songs: “I’m a Little Teapot,” “I’m a Gummy Bear,” Frank Sinatra’s “Happy Birthday,” and Tiny Tim’s “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” / “Living in the Sunlight, Loving in the Moonlight.”
-- All students, for making this another solid Rock and Cole concert. More students also submitted full folders and got playable CDs than ever before, and all students were able to find classmates’ Favorite Word on their folders, which has not been true in previous years. In the end, SS and JL still said it best: “Couldn’t we listen and learn from music every day?” If only…
Grade: B+
168 / 169 -- Rihanna / Eminem -- part of the Concert for Valor -- Tuesday, November 11, 2014 -- The National Mall -- DC
General Festival Intro: I’m glad I went to the Concert for Valor. Festivals are never my favorite: too few songs, too few true fans. It’s hard to complain, though, about a night on the National Mall that lets you pay literal tribute to the troops as you listen to Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Eminem. Knowing I could discuss the show the next day with my students, CH and SL, whose families attended the show, made it even better. The only performer I missed was Jessie J, whose “Titanium” I could half hear as I made the long trek from the metro to Archives to 15th.
Specific Band Entry: Rihanna / Eminem: Before the set, Oprah introduces a moving Medal Of Honor package. Omg, Bryan Cranston makes me squee. I didn’t know that both of his parents served – nice. Talks about contributing to an organization that connects local business with skilled veterans -- amen to that. “If you don't contribute, you may get a visit from my man Heisenberg.” HA!
Apparently every person on The Mall came for Rihanna. And they get what they came for: “Diamonds” sounds fantastic. Wait, is she lip syncing, or are those background vocals when I’m hearing lyrics even though she's not even facing the mic? Breathy last line is cool. Wow, “Stay” is smoooooth. Two navy pilots are locked arm-in-arm. No issues with military readiness right there -- troops seem pretty cohesive to me. ;)
Lol, “Monster” transition to Eminem: i.e. all the females start shrieking. Because he’s always earned their support? If this is not lip syncing, the two of them have absurdly clear voices. Eminem must think this show is taking place on July 4th, given all the bombs he’s launching into the night sky… “Guts Over Fear” fits thematically, but sounds weak. “Not Afraid” is gold – as is the transition to “Lose Yourself.” Nostalllllgia.
Grade: A-
1st Endnote: Napoleon, Hitler, Pinky, and The Brain each failed to take over the world. If any of them tweeted about Rihanna, however, they clearly could have done it. Somehow my post-festival Rihanna tweet got picked up by one of her fan sites, and it exploded. 19 RTs in 19 minutes; it was insane. [The tweet: “Just saw Rihanna and Bruce Springsteen go head to head -- and Rihanna won. Not really sure how to feel about it.”] Glad I did not mention Kim Kardashian or Justin Bieber. Would not want those RTs…
2nd Endnote: To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
Specific Band Entry: Rihanna / Eminem: Before the set, Oprah introduces a moving Medal Of Honor package. Omg, Bryan Cranston makes me squee. I didn’t know that both of his parents served – nice. Talks about contributing to an organization that connects local business with skilled veterans -- amen to that. “If you don't contribute, you may get a visit from my man Heisenberg.” HA!
Apparently every person on The Mall came for Rihanna. And they get what they came for: “Diamonds” sounds fantastic. Wait, is she lip syncing, or are those background vocals when I’m hearing lyrics even though she's not even facing the mic? Breathy last line is cool. Wow, “Stay” is smoooooth. Two navy pilots are locked arm-in-arm. No issues with military readiness right there -- troops seem pretty cohesive to me. ;)
Lol, “Monster” transition to Eminem: i.e. all the females start shrieking. Because he’s always earned their support? If this is not lip syncing, the two of them have absurdly clear voices. Eminem must think this show is taking place on July 4th, given all the bombs he’s launching into the night sky… “Guts Over Fear” fits thematically, but sounds weak. “Not Afraid” is gold – as is the transition to “Lose Yourself.” Nostalllllgia.
Grade: A-
1st Endnote: Napoleon, Hitler, Pinky, and The Brain each failed to take over the world. If any of them tweeted about Rihanna, however, they clearly could have done it. Somehow my post-festival Rihanna tweet got picked up by one of her fan sites, and it exploded. 19 RTs in 19 minutes; it was insane. [The tweet: “Just saw Rihanna and Bruce Springsteen go head to head -- and Rihanna won. Not really sure how to feel about it.”] Glad I did not mention Kim Kardashian or Justin Bieber. Would not want those RTs…
2nd Endnote: To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
167 -- Bruce Springsteen -- part of the Concert for Valor -- Tuesday, November 11, 2014 -- The National Mall -- DC
General Festival Intro: I’m glad I went to the Concert for Valor. Festivals are never my favorite: too few songs, too few true fans. It’s hard to complain, though, about a night on the National Mall that lets you pay literal tribute to the troops as you listen to Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Eminem. Knowing I could discuss the show the next day with my students, CH and SL, whose families attended the show, made it even better. The only performer I missed was Jessie J, whose “Titanium” I could half hear as I made the long trek from the metro to Archives to 15th.
Specific Band Entry: Bruce Springsteen: Before the set, Michelle Obama elicited half cheers and half boos........partisan sigh. A legless runner named Cedric overcame so much........non-partisan tear.
Gahhhh, the awful audience has never heard “The Promised Land” and the acoustic version doesn't work anyway. The ultra-twangy “Born in the USA” is slightly better because of sheer uniqueness, but there's still no connection. People don't know “Dancing in the Dark”?! I mean, the character in his voice is strong, but the whole vibe of the set is deflating.
Grade: D+
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
Specific Band Entry: Bruce Springsteen: Before the set, Michelle Obama elicited half cheers and half boos........partisan sigh. A legless runner named Cedric overcame so much........non-partisan tear.
Gahhhh, the awful audience has never heard “The Promised Land” and the acoustic version doesn't work anyway. The ultra-twangy “Born in the USA” is slightly better because of sheer uniqueness, but there's still no connection. People don't know “Dancing in the Dark”?! I mean, the character in his voice is strong, but the whole vibe of the set is deflating.
Grade: D+
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
166 -- Metallica -- part of the Concert for Valor -- Tuesday, November 11, 2014 -- The National Mall -- DC
General Festival Intro: I’m glad I went to the Concert for Valor. Festivals are never my favorite: too few songs, too few true fans. It’s hard to complain, though, about a night on the National Mall that lets you pay literal tribute to the troops as you listen to Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Eminem. Knowing I could discuss the show the next day with my students, CH and SL, whose families attended the show, made it even better. The only performer I missed was Jessie J, whose “Titanium” I could half hear as I made the long trek from the metro to Archives to 15th.
Specific Band Entry: Metallica: Before the set, Will Smith introduces Mr. Oaklander, a Chicago Dangerous-Minds-esque teacher whose student challenged him to a push-up competition...and lost. The kid eventually went to West Point, instead of being a gang leader -- like his dad. Such a moving account of multigenerational change. About to tear up. Clearly the biggest applause of the night. Jack Black's Metallica intro is hilarious -- totally channeling his teacher from School of Rock.
I've never heard “Ride The Lightning” and don't understand the lyrics, but the intensity's awesome. A dull crowd can't stop metal. I like the hilarious growl midway through “Master of Puppets” -- and the electronic interlude near the end. They enter “Enter The Sandman” with “we finally get to play for our heroes.” Nice!
Grade: B+
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
Specific Band Entry: Metallica: Before the set, Will Smith introduces Mr. Oaklander, a Chicago Dangerous-Minds-esque teacher whose student challenged him to a push-up competition...and lost. The kid eventually went to West Point, instead of being a gang leader -- like his dad. Such a moving account of multigenerational change. About to tear up. Clearly the biggest applause of the night. Jack Black's Metallica intro is hilarious -- totally channeling his teacher from School of Rock.
I've never heard “Ride The Lightning” and don't understand the lyrics, but the intensity's awesome. A dull crowd can't stop metal. I like the hilarious growl midway through “Master of Puppets” -- and the electronic interlude near the end. They enter “Enter The Sandman” with “we finally get to play for our heroes.” Nice!
Grade: B+
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
165 -- Carrie Underwood -- part of the Concert for Valor -- Tuesday, November 11, 2014 -- The National Mall -- DC
General Festival Intro: I’m glad I went to the Concert for Valor. Festivals are never my favorite: too few songs, too few true fans. It’s hard to complain, though, about a night on the National Mall that lets you pay literal tribute to the troops as you listen to Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Eminem. Knowing I could discuss the show the next day with my students, CH and SL, whose families attended the show, made it even better. The only performer I missed was Jessie J, whose “Titanium” I could half hear as I made the long trek from the metro to Archives to 15th.
Specific Band Entry: Carrie Underwood: Before the set, Tom Hanks introduces a piece about Team Rubicon, an organization that gives veterans renewed purpose, linking them with first responders in disaster areas around the world. Great idea.
Heh, I think the crowd knows Carrie. Hmm, the midtempo wisp “See You Again” would not have won her American Idol… “Before He Cheats” is better, and it’s good to see the crowd wake up. “Something in the Water” is the clear high point – it showcases vocals, and she puts everything into it.
Grade: B
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
Specific Band Entry: Carrie Underwood: Before the set, Tom Hanks introduces a piece about Team Rubicon, an organization that gives veterans renewed purpose, linking them with first responders in disaster areas around the world. Great idea.
Heh, I think the crowd knows Carrie. Hmm, the midtempo wisp “See You Again” would not have won her American Idol… “Before He Cheats” is better, and it’s good to see the crowd wake up. “Something in the Water” is the clear high point – it showcases vocals, and she puts everything into it.
Grade: B
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
164 -- Black Keys -- part of the Concert for Valor -- Tuesday, November 11, 2014 -- The National Mall -- DC
General Festival Intro: I’m glad I went to the Concert for Valor. Festivals are never my favorite: too few songs, too few true fans. It’s hard to complain, though, about a night on the National Mall that lets you pay literal tribute to the troops as you listen to Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Eminem. Knowing I could discuss the show the next day with my students, CH and SL, whose families attended the show, made it even better. The only performer I missed was Jessie J, whose “Titanium” I could half hear as I made the long trek from the metro to Archives to 15th.
Specific Band Entry: Black Keys: Before the set, Reese Witherspoon thanks Colonel McCoy. John Oliver thanks the audience for their ‘patriotic profanity.’ Wish Oliver could have a done a deep dive, like on Last Week Tonight.
I had no clue Black Keys were from Akron, Ohio. The audience apparently has no clue they’re not at a silent auction. “Fever,” “Lonely Boy,” and “She's Long Gone” (AKA the nanana song) limp as a result.
Grade: C
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
Specific Band Entry: Black Keys: Before the set, Reese Witherspoon thanks Colonel McCoy. John Oliver thanks the audience for their ‘patriotic profanity.’ Wish Oliver could have a done a deep dive, like on Last Week Tonight.
I had no clue Black Keys were from Akron, Ohio. The audience apparently has no clue they’re not at a silent auction. “Fever,” “Lonely Boy,” and “She's Long Gone” (AKA the nanana song) limp as a result.
Grade: C
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
163 -- Zac Brown Band -- part of the Concert for Valor -- Tuesday, November 11, 2014 -- The National Mall -- DC
General Festival Intro: I’m glad I went to the Concert for Valor. Festivals are never my favorite: too few songs, too few true fans. It’s hard to complain, though, about a night on the National Mall that lets you pay literal tribute to the troops as you listen to Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Eminem. Knowing I could discuss the show the next day with my students, CH and SL, whose families attended the show, made it even better. The only performer I missed was Jessie J, whose “Titanium” I could half hear as I made the long trek from the metro to Archives to 15th.
Specific Band Entry: Zac Brown Band: “Free (As We'll Ever Be)” sounds so smooth. His voice is even better on “America.” “God Bless the USA” is a bit much, but that's the song, not the band. Apparently there are more ZBB fans than Foo Fighters fans. “Chicken Fried” is not my genre, but I love the fiddly solo at the end. Yay, Dave and Bruce joining for “It Ain't Me” (AKA CCR's “Fortunate Son.”)
Grade: B+
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
https://youtu.be/WByoGR6aBbM
Specific Band Entry: Zac Brown Band: “Free (As We'll Ever Be)” sounds so smooth. His voice is even better on “America.” “God Bless the USA” is a bit much, but that's the song, not the band. Apparently there are more ZBB fans than Foo Fighters fans. “Chicken Fried” is not my genre, but I love the fiddly solo at the end. Yay, Dave and Bruce joining for “It Ain't Me” (AKA CCR's “Fortunate Son.”)
Grade: B+
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
https://youtu.be/WByoGR6aBbM
162 -- Foo Fighters -- part of the Concert for Valor -- Tuesday, November 11, 2014 -- The National Mall -- DC
General Festival Intro: I’m glad I went to the Concert for Valor. Festivals are never my favorite: too few songs, too few true fans. It’s hard to complain, though, about a night on the National Mall that lets you pay literal tribute to the troops as you listen to Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Eminem. Knowing I could discuss the show the next day with my students, CH and SL, whose families attended the show, made it even better. The only performer I missed was Jessie J, whose “Titanium” I could half hear as I made the long trek from the metro to Archives to 15th.
Specific Band Entry: Foo Fighters: “My Hero” is awkwardly quiet. Dave Grohl implores everyone to sing along; no one does. I shout “yyyyeah” at “Everlong.” People look upset that I'm keeping them up on a school night. Grohl does a cool, coffee-shop performance....which is undermined by the construction going on, the police siren, and the people who think they’re at a PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Grade: C
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
Specific Band Entry: Foo Fighters: “My Hero” is awkwardly quiet. Dave Grohl implores everyone to sing along; no one does. I shout “yyyyeah” at “Everlong.” People look upset that I'm keeping them up on a school night. Grohl does a cool, coffee-shop performance....which is undermined by the construction going on, the police siren, and the people who think they’re at a PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Grade: C
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
161 -- Jimmy Eat World -- Wednesday, October 15, 2014 -- 9:30 Club -- DC
This Jimmy Eat World show had the distinction of being the only concert I have ever been to that started at 11:30pm – on a school night?! When I found this out that afternoon, I was less than thrilled. I tried taking a (rare) nap when I got home from work, but this left me more groggy and irritated as I drove to the show. Not only did I feel completely out of sorts, I worried I would never be able to fall back to sleep when I got home, hours before my 5am wakeup call.
The minute I entered the 9:30 Club, though, that all changed. Seeing the entire club packed, how passionate the fans and band were at that absurd hour, was thrilling. It lent the show this underground vibe, this aura of exclusivity. The fact that the first song I fully heard, “Work,” featured the ironic lyrics “get out of this place while we still have time,” made it even better. That is, fair weather fans would be concerned with leaving at a reasonable hour on a work night; the people here were in for the long haul.
Other moments below:
--- After hearing “Futures,” “Just Tonight,” and “Kill,” I realized this was a straight album show, in honor of Futures 10th anniversary, just as they had done with Clarity. Wish more bands did albums shows; love those.
--- Frontman Jim Adkins to the crowd: “This is our 20th year coming to DC. It’s intimidating, but it’s one of our favorite places to be. Love your passion.”
--- “The World You Love.” Somehow I had never heard the song. Hidden win.
--- “Pain”!!! Christian Keppler flashback.
--- “Drugs or Me.” Nice change of pace. Similar to "Goodbye Sky Harbor" without the infuriating 11-minute cowbell.
--- People who casually talk about things other than music to pass the time during slow songs should be shot. Repeatedly.
--- I called “Polaris” before it got to lyrics! Really smoky, satisfying ending.
--- “Nothing Wrong”: hard rock! Omg, the lights, the smoke….a drug-free *trip.*
--- “Night Drive.” Yes, lady, I like this song too. It’s got layers.
--- “23.” Love the extended Explosions In The Sky intro.
--- “Over”: meh. “Closer”: meh. “Claire”: would be meh, but the fact that they last played the song at The Black Cat a million years ago makes it endearing.
--- “Blister”: resurgence! If you ask me, after that song, the East Coast has been traumatized. ;)
--- “Disintegration.” Unexpectedly strong -- such jagged BUILD.
--- “I Will Steal You Back”: okay. More than okay: “My Best Theory”!!
--- “Bleed American.” The jumping overwhelms me. I can feel it in my calvvvvves!
--- Whoa, no “Middle” at the end – in fact no “Middle” at all. I like the song, don’t get me wrong, but it feels right. This is a 1am show; no need for casual fan pandering.
--- The knee bend during “Sweetness”? Always works.
Grade: A
The minute I entered the 9:30 Club, though, that all changed. Seeing the entire club packed, how passionate the fans and band were at that absurd hour, was thrilling. It lent the show this underground vibe, this aura of exclusivity. The fact that the first song I fully heard, “Work,” featured the ironic lyrics “get out of this place while we still have time,” made it even better. That is, fair weather fans would be concerned with leaving at a reasonable hour on a work night; the people here were in for the long haul.
Other moments below:
--- After hearing “Futures,” “Just Tonight,” and “Kill,” I realized this was a straight album show, in honor of Futures 10th anniversary, just as they had done with Clarity. Wish more bands did albums shows; love those.
--- Frontman Jim Adkins to the crowd: “This is our 20th year coming to DC. It’s intimidating, but it’s one of our favorite places to be. Love your passion.”
--- “The World You Love.” Somehow I had never heard the song. Hidden win.
--- “Pain”!!! Christian Keppler flashback.
--- “Drugs or Me.” Nice change of pace. Similar to "Goodbye Sky Harbor" without the infuriating 11-minute cowbell.
--- People who casually talk about things other than music to pass the time during slow songs should be shot. Repeatedly.
--- I called “Polaris” before it got to lyrics! Really smoky, satisfying ending.
--- “Nothing Wrong”: hard rock! Omg, the lights, the smoke….a drug-free *trip.*
--- “Night Drive.” Yes, lady, I like this song too. It’s got layers.
--- “23.” Love the extended Explosions In The Sky intro.
--- “Over”: meh. “Closer”: meh. “Claire”: would be meh, but the fact that they last played the song at The Black Cat a million years ago makes it endearing.
--- “Blister”: resurgence! If you ask me, after that song, the East Coast has been traumatized. ;)
--- “Disintegration.” Unexpectedly strong -- such jagged BUILD.
--- “I Will Steal You Back”: okay. More than okay: “My Best Theory”!!
--- “Bleed American.” The jumping overwhelms me. I can feel it in my calvvvvves!
--- Whoa, no “Middle” at the end – in fact no “Middle” at all. I like the song, don’t get me wrong, but it feels right. This is a 1am show; no need for casual fan pandering.
--- The knee bend during “Sweetness”? Always works.
Grade: A
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)