New Date!

I'm adding another date to this year's concert marathon! I was just thinking that I really hoped that 10 Years would come around to Knoxville again. I saw them once in March of 2009. They came back around on December 27th, but it was just bad timing. I was home for the holidays, and that would have put me in a rush to get back up here for the show. Then they came around for the Carnival of Madness on July 23rd. I missed that one because 1) the Smashing Pumpkins were here the same night, and 2) 10 Years and Chevelle were the only bands I cared about at that show, and they were the first two playing.

The Valarium is the most active venue here. It's small, standing room only. There's not a bad place to be in the house. Some bigger acts come through and play the larger venues from time to time, but the Valarium definitely sees the most action. There I've seen 10 Years, Chevelle, Tantric, Theory of a Deadman, Halestorm, and the Smashing Pumpkins, all as headliners. Several other bands have come through there in the past year that I've missed (Hollywood Undead, 311, Silversun Pickups, Cage the Elephant, AFI, The Used, just to name a few...). Seeing as how their stage is so busy, I check the website frequently to see if anyone new has been added.

I already have a ticket to see the Sick Puppies and Janus there in a couple of weeks. The Deftones are coming in September, and I haven't made up my mind about going to that one yet. But I popped in yesterday to see if anything had changed and hellloooo...There was a new date right before the Deftones show. 10 Years!! They're coming back through again! And I was just thinking about how I wanted to see them again!

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, and I get paid tomorrow. So guess who'll be buying a ticket? I already can't wait. They put on such a great show! Their new album comes out on August 31. The show is September 3rd. That means I'll only have a few days to familiarize myself with the new songs they'll be playing. This is exciting!

Anywho, sorry that I rambled for so long. Basically, all I have to say tonight is I'm buying a ticket to see 10 Years again.

I've got an idea for another post, but it will require some thinking.

Weezer Have Gone Crazy

I love Weezer. We've had a long and satisfying relationship. If you remember from an earlier blog, the Blue Album is on my "Deserted Island" list. Also, if you remember, I've said that I like to see bands change and evolve over time. Then to refresh your memory one more time, I've also said that no opinion on music is definitive, and critics are full of it. So that being said, bear in mind that this is mere opinion, and I don't like Weezer any less.

Really guys? Another album? The "standard" gap between albums is two years, with more being common. Bands that churn out yearly albums (in this era) are typically commercial machines looking to sell their name for a buck or two. So what's going on, Weezer? You wait three years to release the Red Album (#6), then about a year later, you hit us with Raditude, a very controversial album amongst Weezer fans. I use the term "controversial" pretty liberally here. But you know what I mean. As if there wasn't enough of an argument between Weezer fans about the direction of the band, Raditude comes along with its pop-oriented sound, drastically different from Weezer's geek rock/power pop roots. Come on, they even collaborated with Lil Wayne on one of those songs, after poking fun at artist's for doing that just one album prior (specifically, poking fun of pairing up with Timbaland).

And now, this September (roughly one year since Raditude), they will be releasing a yet-to-be-titled eighth album. Three albums in as many years. For the Red Album, frontman Rivers Cuomo was not the only one with the pen, or even the mic. All of the other band members contributed songs and even assumed lead vocals on the album. Weezer said that with all of the band members writing songs now, new material was popping up faster than ever, thus speeding up the album releases. But wait...let's look at the credits for Raditude, shall we? Drummer Pat Wilson wrote one, then the others...Cuomo...Cuomo...Cuomo...Cuomo...see a pattern, yet?

Again, I'm not really complaining. Though it's different, I'm not disgusted with the seventh album. Plus, who I am to judge their creative streak? Maybe inspiration is just striking left and right and these are the results. I'm eager to hear what this new album will hold in store for us. I'm hoping it will dispel all fears for the future of this beloved band. Nevertheless, wherever the future takes them, I still love albums 1-6, and I will always respect the band that recorded them.

Don't Be That Guy

This post is inspired by my own encounters at shows and encouraged by a comic a read a while back.

I love that every show I go to is a unique experience. Not just because of what happens on stage, but also because of the goings-on in the crowd. However, not all of the latter experiences are desired and can be downright annoying. Let's look at those, shall we? And remember: when you go to a concert...DON'T BE THAT GUY!!

Concert Attendee Party Fouls

1. The Rock Show Amnesiac

This is the person who gets plastered before the first band sets foot on stage. I'm all for pregaming and feeling good throughout the show, but I think it kinda defeats the purpose if you're going to be spending the duration of the concert in alcohol blackout, plus the likelihood that you'll sick up all over your fellow concert-goers is pretty high. Prime example: A woman stumbled up to my friend and me at the Smashing Pumpkins concert, and asked us (in slurred words, might I add) if we were into women. When we replied no, not our thing, she asked us if we would kiss for her. When we passed on that one, she then tried to "hook us up" with every guy in the vicinity, finishing with asking us if we wanted to go to an orgy after the show. Indeed she was funny, but it qualifies as annoying, too.

2. The Solo Mosher

This happens at nearly every show I've been to. Let's face it, the days of moshing are over. Somewhere along the line, concert-goers tired of getting trampled and breaking limbs and decided to enjoy the music in a less destructive fashion. But there's always someone who decides they're going to start shoving everyone around them and try to get the pit started. It's kinda funny the angry reaction this elicits these days.

3. The San Diego Chargers.

These are the people whose goal is to have nothing between them and the stage, and they don't care how they get there. This varies in severity from the mild, but annoying, "Excuse me, sorry, I'm just trying to get to my friends," to those who lie in wait for the crowd to start jumping to plow through as hard as they can.

4. The Bachelorette

These are the girls who seriously overdress for the show. They do the hair and make-up, don the most revealing dresses in their wardrobe, and then complete the look with a pair of strappy heels. They're not there for the band, they're there for the bad boys who like the band. All I have to say is good luck in those heels, chick.

5. Mr. Grabby Hands (this one's for you, Pam)

This is the guy who's at the show because the Bachelorettes are at the show. In such a big crowd, how can she possibly know who grabbed her ass? And no, you certainly didn't qualify as a "Bachelorette" that night, Pam. Haha. You were just nearby and lookin' hot! ;)

So in summation....

Pace yourself. You can feel good and not make a fool of yourself at the same time.

Chill out! It's possible to go crazy and not take out everyone in a 10 foot radius.

You're not the only one that wishes they were closer. So stop pissing off everyone else and enjoy the show!

If you want to look good, it's totally possible to look good and be comfortable at the same time. And trust me, your feet will appreciate the effort.

Keep your hands to yourself, unless you want your ass beat. One of these days, you're gonna grab the WRONG ass.

So remember, kids. Go to all the concerts you can. And DON'T BE THAT GUY! :)

The Indescribable Moments of Your Life

Wow. Wow wow wow! Tonight was amazing! And I finally remembered to bring my digital camera along, so I got some decent pics and even some passable video. Just remember, I don't have a great camera, and I have no idea what I'm doing with it, so the pics here are the best I can do.

The first band to play was Bad City. They're a new band from Chicago (actually, every band on stage tonight was from Chicago). Their first studio album is due out in August. To be honest, I really wasn't all that impressed. I felt that they were a little out of place at this concert. They would have fit right in with the hair bands of the 80s. The lead singer pranced around stage with his perfect platinum blonde hair and sang his songs about how rock and roll would never die. They weren't really for me.

Kill Hannah was band number two. They had a more alternative sound. I thought they were okay. I might look into them a little more, but I'm not sure that they've completely won me over.

Then the main event. The SMASHING PUMPKINS!! First let me say this: it was bloody hot. I've been to a lot of shows, and I've never been that hot before. It rivaled my days in band camp. I'm sure it was a combination of the hot July weather outside, plus the sold-out crowd inside, who were all shoving forward as close as they could possibly get. All of the bands made comments on how unbelievably hot it was. Billy Corgan said this about halfway through their set: "Well, that's the show! It's too fuckin' hot, so I'm gonna go lay down in the bus!" Haha. Oh Billy, you kidder. For real though, he seemed to be having a really great time. He said he couldn't believe how into it we were despite the heat.

I'm a really big Smashing Pumpkins fan. The anticipation I felt for this concert was only surpassed by Muse. They didn't play anything from their first album, but they played a few songs each from albums 2-8 (except 6. Skipped that one, too). It was so incredible. It was kinda funny though. All day, I had been watching SP videos, in most of which Billy was in his 20s. It was funny to go from that to the 43-year-old Billy Corgan on the stage in front of me. He still looks good though. And still has his voice.

Pretty sweet, huh? I thought that one turned out quite well. And lookee there! I was pretty close to the stage, eh? Man, it was so amazing!! And you haven't quite lived until you've jumped up and down with hundreds of sweaty people screaming "DESPITE ALL MY RAGE, I AM STILL JUST A RAT IN A CAGE!"

But the biggie...the moment I was really waiting for..."Tonight Tonight." I've loved that song for years. I actually teared up when they played it. It was so incredible, and the crowd was so into it. They closed the set with it, before coming out for the Encore of a 1000 Guitar Solos. I took a video. It's not great, but it's really not that bad considering my equipment. Of course, it's shaky as hell. I was trying to hold somewhat still, but well...you'll see how that worked out. So yeah, I was screaming out lyrics, and throwing my left arm in the air, and moving to the music. But here's the video anyway. It's just a minute or so.

Also, as you can see, I'm having format troubles again. Get over it!

Unity Tour

I've been out of commission for a little while thanks to my computer woes. Picked up a virus, and since I'm a complete idiot when it comes to computers, it took me a whiiiillle to get it fixed. But I'm back online now, and I have a show to tell you about!

Saturday, I drove down to Atlanta for this year's Unity Tour. For 2010, 311 added The Offspring to the roster, and daaaaaamn this show was good!

I've only attended two concerts by me onesy so far, but I must say that I sorely missed company on this one. I think I've told you before that 311 is simply the best for summertime, windows down, driving music. I wanted someone in my passenger seat singing along with me so badly. When I arrived, I ended up parking fairly far away the venue, but it was only $10, so I can't complain. When I arrived at the actual site, it was 6:03, and the show started at 6:30. Good timing, eh?

I had never been to a concert like this before. The traffic coming in was bumper to bumper with attendees, and the streets were packed. The actual parking lot for Lakewood Amphitheater was filled with people tailgating. I felt a stab of envy at that scene. I drive a truck! That would have been so perfect to have a group of friends pile into the back with a case of beer. But alas, I was solo...

By the time I made a much-needed pitstop, bought a shirt, and a beer (a big one), it was about ten minutes until the first band, Pepper, went on. I had never heard of them before, but they fit in nicely, and I believe I shall be taking a closer look at them. I was so stoked when The Offspring took the stage. Though most of the crowd was clearly there for 311, everyone was really into The Offspring. My only complaint was my own damn fault...That beer went right through me, and I had to take off to the bathroom, and I missed "Why Don't You Get a Job." Dammit!! But it was still amazing.

I will definitely be checking out some more 311. I only have their ninth (and newest) album Uplifter. Their show was amazing, and the crowd went hella crazy for them. They played for almost two hours straight, and the energy never stopped or even slowed down.

It sucked that I had to do this one alone, but the trip was definitely worth it.

My Library IX - New vs. Old

Belatedly, the next installment of my series.

Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin (2009)

I'm quite impressed with this album. I've never been a big fan of Breaking Benjamin. I do like heavier rock music just fine. I'm just prone to more melodic sounds, and they've never really explored that outlet. Until now, that is. I've been hit or miss with the tracks from their first three albums, but I'm definitely into this one. I'm not utterly enthused with each song on here, but the majority of the album appeals to me.

In addition to harder rock that's similar to their earlier music, this album is also ballad-heavy. I like and don't like this at the same time. Ballads are nice, but too many can slow an album down. That being said, I still immensely enjoy this album. I think this is a rare example of when I prefer a band's latest work to their earlier work. Not very common for me.

I give this one a 4.5/5 on my scale.

Concert Marathon has begun!

Yeah, so guess who's been falling behind on their blog series? Oh well, whatever, nevermind... (hee hee...that there be a lyric).

Between now and October, I have five concert tickets, four of which happen within about a month (and there's a possibility of a sixth one being thrown in for September. More on that later). Tonight was round one, right here in Knoxville.

Headlining: Halestorm

Opening: Adelitas Way, New Medicine, and Skytown Riot

Let me begin by saying this: This. Show. Was. Amazing. Everyone who was there was there for Halestorm, and because Halestorm and Adelitas Way have played together in Knoxville so much, everyone knew their music really well, too. There was so much energy there in the crowd tonight, and the crowd's energy can really make or break a concert.

According to the Valarium's website, Since October was supposed to be there, too, but they were a no show. I don't know if they just can't make the first few dates on the tour or if they just had something come up at the last minute for this particular stop. Either way, they weren't there.

The first band that went on was a local band called Skytown Riot. I was definitely into their music. They're on iTunes. I'm thinking I just might download their album. Perhaps you should check them out as well. I wonder if they come off as great in the studio as they did on stage. We'll see.

New Medicine took the stage next. They reminded me a little bit of Cage the Elephant, using similar styles in the verses. Only a little bit though. They also put on a great live show. I don't know if I felt them as much as Skytown Riot. I'll check them out a little more on iTunes before I completely form an opinion on them.

Then Adelitas Way came out. This was the fifth time I had seen them. This was probably the best time yet. Lead singer Rick's voice was still a little weak, but I've heard him be spot on before. They do a massive amount of touring, and I know that's hell on one's vocal chords. He still did a great job. Like I said before, so many of the people that were there had seen these guys multiple times, so the energy was solid. The majority of the crowd knew the words to every song they threw at us. It's great to be in a crowd that's totally rocking out. You feed off of each other's energy, and I like to think that that energy empowers the band as well. Great times. My question though: what's the deal with "Inside?" I really like the song, but it's not on the album. Wonder if they're saving it for the next...gonna have to use my own methods to nab that one, it looks like...

I'm not sure words can express the electricity of Halestorm's performance. They're always solid, but tonight, they were on fire. Lizzy's voice was impeccable, as usual. I don't know how she does it. It's usually especially difficult for female vocalists to stay on pitch and project in this environment, but I don't know if I've ever heard her miss a note in the four times I've seen them. The song choice was great. They played every song on their debut album, plus a couple of covers, and I do believe a couple of new songs as well. I think their next album could be quite promising. Again, I think what really made a difference was the energy in the crowd. It's so amazing when everyone is into it. And perhaps Lizzy says all the things that she says to every other city that they land in, but I like to think that they really do have a special place in their hearts for Knoxville. I hope, anyway.

Oh, and for the record, Lizzy threw out her bracelets after the show. I totally caught one. Whoo hoo! And on my way out, I patted Keith Wallen of Adelitas Way on the arm and said that they were great tonight. Then I tittered off like I did something naughty. Celebrity is in the eye of the beholder. All in all, it was a great night.

My Library VIII - We Really Do Have Some Remnant of Punk

Hmm...the frequency of these posts has already began to slow down (something about that verb tense bothers me. I don't think I executed it correctly...). Perhaps my own little wager at 12 will be correct...

Enema of the State by blink-182 (1999)

I think this is one of those albums that everyone has. At the turn of the millenium, these guys were what's hot. I think everyone knows the song "All the Small Things." There were a lot of other great things happening on this album. Most of the songs on this album retain some essence of punk, such as the fast tempos and upbeat lyrics. This is an album that I can't really take seriously. It's one of my "fun" albums. Plus, I kinda like the fact that they use two singers that alternate lead duties. Sometimes I think more bands should do that.

I give Enema of the State a 3.0/5. I like it, have fun with it, but I don't love it.