Pixies Nov. 26th, 09

It seems that New York has a sweet spot for bands from Massachusetts. Strange that some of the states residents are "Massholes" and others are Rock Gods. But if you go up to say.. Boston you find great venues and killer shows. You can and will find that most of the state knows how to rock, its just some of their laws that suck. One being that you can only buy booze if you have in state ID. Lucky for bands like the Pixies we don't card them for a drink. They graced NYC with their presence four times in the last week. Selling out show after show, was a snap. They even added a late night show and we all love to support late night in the city that never sleeps. A fan on the way out said that the Pixies did three songs, then Doolittle in its entirety and then three more songs. The smart late night audience got much more. First you thought it was over at "Into the White," ready to find you coat after "Nimrod's Son," but no they came out a third time with "Where Is My Mind." The next time you hear, "The Pixies are coming!! The Pixies are coming!! either hide or grab a ticket.
http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pixies/2009/hammerstein-ballroom-new-york-ny-5bd7271c.html

John Fogerty Nov. 24th, 09

With such a busy weekend ahead it is good to start with the classics. John Fogerty is one talented musician and songwriter. His looked and acted just like his band on stage behind him and most of them were 20 years younger. Starting strong with "Green River" and his first hit single with CCR "Susie Q," in the first ten minutes. It could make you dizzy watching him switch guitar's. Seems like he had one of every color gold, red, blue, black, an acoustic, maybe more its was hard to count. There was also a slide guitar and two other guitar players on stage. Fogerty covered the old stuff with a heap of tunes from the 70's. ("Bad Moon Rising", "Born on the Bayou"," Fortunate Son," "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?") He also played "Garden Party", "When Will I Be Loved" and other Solo Hits with stuff from a the new record. He loves the Blues and Country and did covers from both genres. He even brought out some old Buck Owens with "I Don't Care." (Just As Long As You Love Me) Wait is that another guitar? Got to have a bat shaped guitar for the song he opened the new Yankees Stadium with "Centerfield." Fogerty never left the stage except for a split second before a three song encore. His voice is so unchanged over the years and he still likes to rock it. He proves that wearing plaid was always in.

Book Then Movie: The Road

You think we have problems now just Wait till the end of civilization is upon us. With all these movies about the "end of days" it's hard to look forward to the future, but remember you never know what the future can bring. The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a short little narrative about the day to day hardships of a man and his son after the would has turned to "ash." Without any chapters the small journal like entries are followed by some dialogue between the two wonders. Lots of Danger out there on the road but you have to travel south as the winters are getting longer, darker, and colder. This book was almost to easy to finish. (read in three sittings) The movie looks good with a good director and a a fitting cast, but you don't want to feel like you missed out when someone says, "you should have read the Book first."

Sonic Youth and Dion. Jr. Nov. 21st, 09

This weekend came and went with only one show for this reporter. On stage was not only Sonic Youth, old schoolers of NYC Noise Rock, but they brought with them Dino. Jr. Yes, the boys from Amherst Mass. love to play New York. Scoring a ticket and walking in as Dino's six foot Marshall Stacks started to pump out huge amounts of sound was key. They played a mixed set of old and new songs including "Over It" from their ninth studio album "Farm." Get the Vinyl edition of this album and get a free 7" inch white vinyl with live tracks "I Don't Wanna Go There" and "Tarpit." This grunge power trio brought everyone out early for terminal 5, filling the floor by eight thirty. The kids got so riled up that some of them crowed surfed. It was a nice change of pace to see a drummer that does so much with so little. Murph and his jazz like Drum kit left lots of room for J Mascis and Lou Barlow. (and their Stacks) Sonic Youth also came out with a new album "The Eternal," not that this was a surprise. Some say that Sonic Youth will never stop. The great Thurston Moore was looking good in black and white. The set was most of the new material with a sprinkling of old stuff from as far back as the 80's. The lights were kind of a surprise, no video screen this year. If you like to listen to the show a second time you have two choices. One place is at setlist.fm. Where you can here the set pieced together with videos and old live footage, or you can go to nyctaper.com and get the real show!!

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/sonic-youth/2009/terminal-5-new-york-ny-43d72b27.html

http://www.nyctaper.com/

Pirate Radio

There is no disputing Rock 'n' Roll has shaped are lives. The last five decades have given us so many tunes, riffs, and love songs. It is hard to believe the British government was against Rock 'n' Roll on the radio, but they were in 1966. The '60's was the age of the concept album. This brought about some of the best Rock music of all time. In the '70s it was said that radio was king. That might not have happened without some upstarts in the UK and their pirate radio stations. When you think pirate radio an unlicensed station in someones basement might come to mind. No this was real "Pirate Radio" on boats in the ocean off England pumping out rock and or roll. In this movie music and comedy mix with some of our favorite actors as the DJ's. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays "The Count," the only American on this ship of Brits. The captain of this "ship of fools" is Quentin played Bill Nighy. In this movie, as in life, the government in the bad guy and Kenneth Branagh plays the top Brit is in charge of sinking the ship. This is all brought to us from "feel good" director Richard Curtis which gave us “Bridget Jone’s Diary,” “Notting Hill,” and “Love Actually." Yet another great movie set in one of the best decades. Here you get it all the sex, the love, and the rock 'n' roll.

Metallica Nov. 15th, 09

Metallica always puts on a great show. This last weekend they put on two great shows. Some concert professionals got in to both shows, others settled for one. One Sunday the set dove deeper into the old stuff then the night before. Late seems to be a theme this week, late getting out of work and late trains makes one too late for the open acts. When finally getting inside the Garden you could see that this was different then other Metallica shows. The stage was set up in the round with the people packed on the floor in all directions. When they took the stage a laser show blazed through the whole room. Then after the lasers the giant casket shaped lightning trusses move up and down with every song. They did not skimp on the lights, that is for sure. These California boys used almost ever spot light rig in the ceiling of MSG. The drums turned around in one slow circle so you could see Lars from every angle. It was cool to see his feet on the bass drum peddles. Not only did one get to see the band from all sides, but you could enjoy seeing the crowed at the far end of the stage go crazy. This was one of the coolest crowds at the garden all year. There was not one, but two mash pits, and tons of kids crowd surfing. The security guards where not pulling people down but pushing them back over the crowd. Metallica only left the stage to pick up a new guitar or for the movement of the drums. It was a night for deep cuts and heavy riffs. If there is a chance to see Metallica go and have the time of your life.

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/metallica/2009/madison-square-garden-new-york-ny-7bd736d8.html

Peaches' Nov 14Th, 09

When it comes to stage shows there is nothing as crazy and sexy as Peaches'. Getting uptown is hard to do sometimes, or maybe getting up to go uptown is the problem. Whichever it was this reporter was not the only one that was late. For one minute Terminal 5 looked like it might stay half empty. Then as she took the stage the floor filled up to where people were almost standing on top of each other. This new show has so many costumes changes it makes ones head spin. She puts it all on then takes it all off, everything from fur to spandex and leather to well virtually nothing. This Canadian is known for her flamboyant stage antics. She has the dance rock thing down to a science. The last album "I feel cream" is more Dance then Rock. Her backing band Sweet Machine get where she is coming from and where she is trying to make the audience go. They all have so many different gadgets, and toys to manipulate beats and feed back. They came out for three encores. On one Peaches' got many in the crowed to take their shirts off. Not everyone got the clothing back, some left topless. And as Peaches' left the stage she said that she hoped it was the best show we had ever seen. It was definitely one of the best. Check out the setlist the best way by listening to it on setlist.fm.

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/peaches/2009/terminal-5-new-york-ny-6bd7323e.html
Pictures Coming soon......

Bassnectar Nov. 13th, 09

Walking through the city on a rainy night can sometimes surprise you. When you think your night is over something else to do justs pops up. This is what happened on the way to Union Square on Friday. Who new that San Francisco based music project slash social experimentation Bassnectar was playing the Fillmore. The show went till two in the morning, so getting there just after midnight meant that Bassnactar had just took the stage. It is hard to see what this dance music is trying to accomplish because it takes on so much. Using some electronic methods to manipulate baselines of all speeds and from almost any source. Name a type of music and it might be mixed in, Rock, Blues, even Salsa. Then don't forget other styles brought in like Rap, Ska and Dub. The place was packed and whatever this music is it does a good job of keeping the kids dancing.

DIR EN GREY Nov. 13th, 09

This Friday was the not only the 13Th, but was the last show of a three night run at the Gramercy for the Japanese band Dir En Grey. This band formed over ten years ago and has crossed the language barriers to become popular across the US and around the world. Their sound and stage show is Gothic in nature, but hard to place in a genre. Stylistic and progressive could be two of many adjectives used to describe their music. They performed with the Deftones for a small run and now have kids sleeping on the streets of NYC to get into a packed theater. The Bassist (Toshiya) and Guitarists (Kaoru) have a tight sound together on stage. Vocalist (Kyo) is known for his effortless switch from harmonious singing to deep growl, which mesmerized this young crowed without a word of English. The best part was the drummer (Shinya) and his 52 piece Pearl drum kit with three drums and two cymbals over his head. This was a incredible show one to catch next time if you could get in.

Rock and Roll Alert: AC/DC Backtracks Box Set

"For those about to rock" here is a set for you. This box set is chucked full music including "studio rarities," and has two discs of “live rarities.” This is a huge deal for all of us live music fans. You get two DVDs, three CD's, a hardcover book and “memorabilia from the band’s earliest days of touring.” What kind of Memorabilia? Well a little of everything lithographs, a poster, and a replica of one of the fake $100 bills used to shower audiences during the ‘91 Moneytalks tour. This and much more crap that should send you speeding down memory lane. That's not all they take care of the Vinyl lovers with a LP featuring 12 studio rarities. All this and more stuffed inside a functional 1-watt guitar amplifier. Yes, you can play riffs through you box set like Angus Young does on the Backtracks website. A New box set means new shit from our favorite Aussie band, only $200 BUCKS.

http://www.acdcbacktracks.com

"(Untitled)" with Adam Goldberg

Have you ever stepped into a art gallery and thought, "What was this artist thinking?" This reaction might be because the show is plain, commercial and uninteresting. Or it might be on the other extreme, and be out-there shit that know one would want in their house. Is this the art world now? Before, like in the Renaissance, an artist was commissioned and had patrons. Art was paid for before it was finished. Now in a supply and demanded world art is made by "artist" and then put on display to be sold. If it sells then a new star is born. Does only good art sell, or does some crap get sold as art? This movie asks these funny questions and many more. Like, does music need to be pleasing to the ear to be music? Yes, this is a heady movie with jokes made to make you laugh first and think second. We see the "downtown" art world through the eyes of two brothers. One brother a composer of avant-garde works played by Adam Goldberg from "2 Days in Paris." The other brother is a painter that can only get his art up on walls of hotel chains. Then in comes the fashionable gallery owner Madeleine. (Marley Shelton) She has a inner struggle of keeping the painter as her backroom meal ticket, and putting on new shows of "outsider" art. When she meets the truly out-there composer she starts a romance that puts one brother against the other. Many other weirdos make this satire complete, the artists themselves, the art collector that buys anything, and the gallery employee that makes sale's by pointing out what should be obvious to any "art lover." If you know about art you might be able to tell who exactly they are making fun of. If you are a novice everything is funny, especially the on going joke about Madeleine's choice in noisy clothing. In the end is the contemporary art world just catering to bigwigs? Are artist more about the hype then the art? Shouldn't art be more about the process then the product? If you want to be shown all this in a dark comedy then go out and see "(Untitled)."

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band Nov. 7th, 09

It is something to see Bruce & the E Street Band at MSG. The hometown fans will travel to see Springsteen even after five shows in Jersey. One woman had seen all five and had tickets for both MSG shows. The line for the will call was all the way down the steps to 7Th Ave. This was the second time the man, and the band played the Garden in all of two weeks. On this occasion they played "The Wild, The Innocent and the E Street Shuffle." With a line of 100 people to get in "if" they release extra seats, it was hard to get in on time, but getting in is half the battle. Once in a seat one look at the trimmed down stage and you knew it was all about the music. After 1984's "The Wild" he gathered signs from fans and played two of the songs. "Does This Bus Stop at 82ND Street" one sign said with numbers, and the other with a Yankee jersey on it said "Glory Days." It was a sight to see all the fans together in a packed MSG. Then at the end they went from "Dancing In The Dark" To "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher, and Higher" with Elvis Costello helping out on vocals. Bruce really knows how to give the crowed what it wants, more Bruce.

Gentlemen Broncos

This movie is about a young kid Benjamin (Michael Angarano) that has dreams of being a science fiction writer. His story gets riped off by has been Sci-Fi writer Ronald Chevalier. (Jemaine Clement) This movie is set in the only place in the country that could be so behind the times - Utah. If you are not into Science Fiction or have never been to Utah you might not get all the jokes in this film. If you do read authors like Larry Niven, Piers Anthony, or even Ray Bradbury then you will find this film right up your alley. The on-going joke on book covers is nicely done. Jennifer Coolidge plays the part of the home schooling, church going, popcorn ball making Utah mother, and Sam Rockwell plays the Sci-Fi Hero that represents the dead father. All of this brought together by the support charters, a group of misfits filmmakers, a Garden Angle and some other people that are out of there small town minds. This weird story could only be brought to us by the Creator of "Napoleon Dynamite," Jared Hess. So if you had fun laughing at the dorks before then be prepared to get even dorkier. Again if you have never been to Utah or never picked up a Sci-Fi paper back this could not be for you. (Go out and get a good Sci-Fi novel it will change you life)

Great Sci-Fi Books

Weezer Oct 31st, 09

After checking out the Halloween Parade some ghost and ghouls went to party's, bars, or just stocked the streets. Lucky for us Weezer was playing a show over at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Getting in just in time to see them crawl out on to the stage dressed like big bugs. They could not do the whole show in those costume, so they invited some even luckier fans up on stage to rip off the bug parts. As always it was a upbeat show with lots of hits and some new material. Weezer is a fun band to see on the 31st of October because of all the dancing animals, action hero's, and other funny get-ups. They had some opening acts, and did not take the stage to after nine o'clock, than they finished at eleven thirty. A short set for a Holiday, but a good one. They even did covers of Kids by Brooklyn's MGMT, and Poker Face by New York's Favorite lady, Lady Gaga. Check out the setlist on Setlist.fm. There you can find a video of the band in there bug costumes doing Hash Pipe.

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/weezer/2009/hammerstein-ballroom-new-york-ny-6bd7ca6a.html

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Show Oct. 30th, 09

Wow! The first show for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 25Th anniversary went till one thirty in the morning with big names acts and special guests. Now we are ready for more on this Friday in late October. Getting in on time tonight was almost too easy, but we take all that we can get right? Jerry Lee Lewis started the night off with "Great Balls of Fire." Last night he also was the first of many famous names to grace the stage. He did not leave the stage without kicking down his piano bench to show that even at 75 he is still "the killer." You know it's a special night when Aretha Franklin is on the bill. This Soul diva is still sounding great singing songs like "Baby, I Love You" and "Don't Play That Song." Annie Lennox came out to help on the classic "Chain of Fools." Then Aretha said she was contemplating moving back to New York, singing for us Sinatra's "New York, New York." Then a friend of hers and her sons, Lenny Kravitz was there to help out on "Think." And last but not least her hit "Respect" was one that had everyone singing along. When this concert was announced Eric Clapton was going to be at the event. He was unable to make it because of some health issues. So instead we get more Jeff Beck. He was just a guest last night but tonight he had a small band with a big sound. Playing a long set with "Drown in My Own Tears" "Freeway Boogie" and "Cause We've Ended as Lovers" with just his band. Also He had guest of his own. First was Sting looking a little shaggy with "People Get Ready." Then Buddy Guy came out looking great playing around with Beck on "Let Me Love You." These men are some of the worlds best Guitar players. Billy Gibbons another legendary rocker came out in black leather and did "Rough Boy" and "Foxy Lady." At the end of Becks reign on stage he came out with a tribute to the Beatles playing the words of "A Day in the Life" with his strings. Who would want to fallow that....How about playful Metal-Heads Metallica. They burst out on stage with "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "One," and "Turn the Page." After that trio of heavy hits they came out with some of the most interesting guests of the night. Lou Reed came out and did not only "Sweet Jane," but also out of nowhere came "White Light/ White Heat." This was a real treat and surprise for some fans at MSG. Then we learned you have to cheer loud for Ozzy Osbourne when he comes out and before he will leave the stage. It is worth the sore throats when you get his hits "Iron Man" and "Paranoid." Metallica seems to fit in with all these guests even Ray Davies who came out with a rockin' "You Really Got Me," and "All Day and All of the Night." At the end of "Enter Sandman" it was clear why Metallica was chosen for this show. The last band to get the spotlight was U2. Lots of guest on stage with U2 including Bruce Springsteen, Roy Bittan and Patti Smith tacking the time to do it right with "Because the Night." Yes, when done with the song Patti smiled and said "take two " playing the song a second time. The Black Eyed Peas came out to do a medley of Mysterious Ways"/"Where Is the Love"/"One." As U2 was entertaining on the front of the stage, Mick Jagger was dancing behind it. Then The legendary Stone Came out to do a hot "Gimme Shelter." Friday nights show ended with "Beautiful Day" over an hour earlier then the night before. Having both these shows in NYC was a beautiful way to celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's silver anniversary.

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Show Oct. 29th, 09

Last week New York was the place every Rock 'n' Roller wished they could be. Those lucky enough to live here had a chance to see living legends on stage at the garden on Thursday and Friday nights. The 25Th anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is what brought all the music stars into the Big Apple. This was some weekend, the line up was almost unbelievable. It was so difficult to find a ticket that getting to the garden early made no difference. But sometimes when you think its all over and your not getting in, something happens and your right up front and center. Missing most of the beginning of the show was sad because of the acts that already came and went on the stage including Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Dion, and Little Anthony & the Imperials. Just barely missing Paul Simon sing some of his hits from the 70's and 80's. When Garfunkel came out it was like the 60's all over again. Their harmonies sounded sweet on songs like "The Sounds of Silence," "The Boxer," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Finishing their set with "Cecilia," an upbeat choice that had the whole room dancing. Then it was Stevie Wonder's turn to make the people dance. Unfortunately his set started with some tech problems. Wonder did not let that stop him, he just switched up his set a little. The kinks got worked out and Stevie played hits like "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," "For Once in My Life," and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours." Then he brought out his guests one by one starting with Smokey Robinson doing "The Tracks of My Tears". Then John Legend came out for two songs. One being Michel Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel." Wonder got a little chocked up on this tribute to the king of pop. It went from the king of pop to the king of the blues when B.B. King came out and did "The Thrill Is Gone." Then before bring out Sting, ("Higher Ground"/"Roxanne") and Jeff Beck, ("Superstition") Wonder reminded us that in the 70's, like now most of us are "living just enough for the city." What a high spirited performance from Wonder, one of the best. Then after a small break it was Bruce Springsteen's turn. The man from Jersey came with his own guest's and of course the E Street Band. Having fun in letting everyone know that the Yankees had just won game 2 of the world series with "10Th Avenue Freeze-Out." Springsteen's first guest was non other then the "Soul Man" Sam Moore. When John Fogerty Came out for three songs it brought to mind his show coming up at the Beacon. Will Springsteen show up there for a jam? Then Bruce put in a plug for people to vote Darlene Love into the hall of fame before he brought her out on "A Fine, Fine Boy," "Da Doo Ron Ron." Tom Morello was on and off stage at least twice during the set. A Set that went long when Billy Joel came out for hits like "You May Be Right," and "Only the Good Die Young." It would not be Billy Joel in New York without hearing "New York State of Mind." And then after Bruce's "Born To Run" the band left the stage, but even though it was well passed one in the morning there was still more to come. An all star "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" with Darlene Love, John Fogerty, Tom Morello, Billy Joel, Jackson Browne, Peter Wolf with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. What a night to be at the garden...and there is one more night to go.