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.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
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
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