Friday Fives – in concert edition

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, or over-think this.  Just whatever pops in to mind.

Best concert

Gosh, I have been to so many concerts. Hundreds. See those ticket stubs in there?  That is just the last ten years, after I had effectively stopped going to concerts.  Best Concert? In the spirit of not over-thinking it (per our instructions), it just may have been Pearl Jam last night in Denver. I have seen the band a lot. Over ten times, I would say. Last night’s show was unique and amazing. And long. Almost four hours. I wrote that up this morning, though, if you are interested.

Worst concert

I can’t think of any overtly bad shows. Ok, there were some that were a little disappointing. I saw Smashing Pumpkins three different times on the Siamese Dream tour. Each and every one of those shows was stopped early because Billy lost his shit at something stupid. However, the band was absolutely at the height of their powers then. So, even a shortened Pumpkins set was still more beautiful and powerful and intense than every other rock band playing a full set.  At that time, in that era, on that tour, Smashing Pumpkins*** were the greatest rock band in America.  This was a band at the height of their powers > like Guns and Roses ‘Appetite for Destruction’ era.  Zeppelin in ’77, the Destroyer bootleg era Chili Peppers*** on the ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magic’ tour.  Beastie Boys*** on ‘Ill Communication’.  Nirvana*** on Nevermind tour.  Pearl Jam*** on the Ten Tour.  Police*** on ‘Synchronicity’.  Prince in the ‘Purple Rain’ era.

Billy Corgan:  he will cut you

These are bands that were in top form, taking over the Earth.  It never lasts long, but if you can catch a band in this moment, you should.

There was another show I was disappointed at, but not the band’s fault at all. Back at Lolla 2 (1992) Pearl Jam had been added to the bill last minute. They were just coming up, and getting bigger every day. Because they were a late add, they had a shitty time slot. They went on at 2 pm. PLUS, it was a school/work day. So, about half the audience wouldn’t show up until about 7 pm, after work, time to catch the headliners. PLUS – it was Phoenix in the summer. So, it was 118 degrees out… as it is in summer in Phx.

At this point in time, I was already a rabid Pearl Jam fan. This was my third time seeing them, and they were still just out whoring for their very first album. I saw them three times in Phoenix in one year.  Can you imagine how many shows they must have played that year?  Editors note:  I counted them up.  They played 71 shows in one year. So, there was virtually no one there to see them. It was early and it was hot as hell. There was no shade at this venue, so most folks found a shaded beer garden and holed up there for a few hours. Sadly, those folks missed an amazing show. Pearl Jam ALWAYS puts on a killer and passionate show.

Most overrated live band

Poison. Actually, I don’t know how they are ‘rated’ live. But, I do enjoy their music. I don’t actually have any albums, but I know the music. Many, many years ago I had the cassette ‘Look what the cat dragged in’.  Look at this cover.  They were seriously hot, beautiful women. Their show was flat. It felt like they were just going through the motions. I fully get how that happens. After 4 or 500 hundred live shows, I imagine it gets tedious. The good bands, though, never let it show.

Oh, and Pink Floyd. That is correct, I have not only seen Pink Floyd, but they sucked. Even kookier – I can tell you that every other person there will tell you it was the greatest show in history. Why the discrepancy? Because most people are stooges. Couple that with the fact that I seriously am an expert in live concerts. I have actually seen more national touring acts than all of your friends put together.

At this point (early 90’s, Division Bell tour) the band was basically the David Gilmour show. That isn’t a necessarily a bad thing. The band played only expected songs. The setlist was boring and predictable. On top of that, the versions played were too good. There was no character or intimate moments. It literally sounded like the band put on a greatest hits CD and stood there. I understand that saying Pink Floyd is wildly over-rated sounds like a hipster douche. However, they are wildly overrated. I very much enjoy their music. However, about 60% of it lost its appeal after I stopped doing drugs. In an unrelated side note, here is my favorite Pink Floyd song, performed awesomely by David Gilmour. This is a beautiful and unique performance of a very deep cut… the kind of moments I live for… and the kind of moments that were not present that evening in Tempe.  I could tell you the name, but it’s so absurd you wouldn’t believe me.  Put some headphones on and dig it!

If you ever get me cornered, ask me to tell you about the drive home. In a blizzard. On drugs. In a strange car.   With a busted window. With 3 guys tripping balls. Oh, I guess I just told you the story. Well, never mind.

I love to play this song camping. It’s tough for the others. I tell them I am going to play some Floyd. Then, I play that song, an Fearless. People get quite disappointed. Sorry, but Wish you were Here gets boring after playing it for 30 years.

Most underrated live band

Again, I am going to mention a couple here. The first is Barenaked Ladies. I haven’t seen them since Steven Page left, so I can’t vouch for their shows now. However, this band is the most fun band live… consistently. I went in to the first show (tour supporting Rock Spectacle, and excellent live collection) just being a casual fan. Maybe even the tickets were free. I can’t remember laughing so hard or feeling so engaged as I did that night. Once that happened, I went to see them every chance I got. In Winterpark the show became rather famous among hardcore fans as the ‘pipe guy’ show.

It’s a great story, but one you need to hear in person. I have met hardcore BNL fans, who have never been to Colorado. I tell them “I was at the ‘pipe guy’ show and they gush every time. Ever been to a rock show at a ski resort? It is super cool. They set up a stage at the bottom of the hill/run. Then, the people just fill up the hill. Everyone has a great site line, because you are halfway up a mountain. On top of that, you are in the woods. It is just magical.

Oh, the other is James Taylor.  As you can guess, I have seen him a ton, too.  Over ten times.  Now, you imagine a James Taylor show is relaxed white people listening to very pretty songs.  It is.  But, it is SO much more.  First off, his voice is still crystal clear.  It sounds as good or better than it did in 1972, when Fire and Rain first came out.  Next, he is a super good guitar player.  Then, my favorite part; he is incredibly funny.  He is as engaging and fun as BNL.  There is no concert I laugh at more than a James Taylor show.  He gets is self image.  He is keenly aware that is a punchline of all that is white and boring in music.  He plays off that. Here is my favorite song of his, Copperline.

Best concert album

Simon and Garfunkel – Live in Central Park. There is no further discussion. There is top five list. Just that concert, far and away above the others.  I defy you to watch this and not cry.

 

*** I was at these shows

Advertisement

Friday fives – radio edition

• 1. How often do you listen to music?

always.  I keep Pandora on at work quietly in the background

• 2. Do you ever listen to the radio? What is your favorite station?

nope, gave up on radio years ago.  If I were to listen to radio, it would be KBCO in the morning.  Bret Saunders is the greatest DJ in history.  I love him.  He is brilliant and funny and compassionate and knowledgeable and quick and shit.  LOVE HIM.  However, the Clear Channel beast he works for just bores the crap out of me.  You know, Adele, Jack Johnson, and quirky feel good songs from white hipsters with dreads.  Still, I can not say enough good things about Bret Saunders.

• 3. How do you find new songs, albums, or artists to listen to?

well, admittedly, I rarely listen to new music.  I have been that way for too long, admittedly.  I know there is new music which is great, but I am simply not hiring.  Basically, I find about 1 new great band a year.  Here is who I have discovered and fell in love with over the last five years > Amy Winehouse, Ray LaMontagne, Brandi Carlile, and most recently… Zac Brown Band.  I am crazy for the Zac Brown Band.

• 4. When was the last time you bought a CD? A digital music file?

Pretty often.  I probably buy about a disc a month.  Mostly, I simply use iTunes.  Most recently, I bought the Adele cd.  It really is that good.  Seriously, every song is really good.  There is a reason that CD has sold a zillion copies.

• 5. Do you think any of the technologies and distribution methods mentioned above will still be around in ten years? Why or why not?

thoughtful question.  I believe there will be many digital versions, for sure.  Digital is RAD for a couple of big reasons.  One is replication.  When you used to make a copy of a cassette, it got all hissy.  Each subsequent copy gets worse.  Being a copier of bootlegs, this sucks ass.  With digital, there is zero generational loss.  Also, what I love about digital is how portable it is.  I can email myself songs, I can stream them.  Remember those huge briefcases of cassettes we carried?  That shit was a pain in the ass, and also sounded like crap.  Plus, being in Phoenix during that period, those fuckers melt. With digital, there is zero generation loss from copy to copy.  Each copy is identical to the first, even if it is a copy of a copy of a copy… you get the point.  Art can’t do that, conversation can’t do that, life doesn’t do that, and money doesn’t do that… but with music… you can.  That, my friend, is rad.  Neil Young can get off his high horse, and “add more barn”. *

Now, this is also a serious question.  The library of congress only archives music in record/vinyl form.  They are hesitant to adopt new technology, because it would take them billions, and 50 years.  Imagine if they did 8 tracks, or cassettes, or CDs?  Those are all on their way out or gone.

Honestly, the most important thing to me is convenience.  I would easily take the convenience and portability and flexibility of digital music over the superior audio quality of vinyl.  Just rewinding tapes.  I HATE rewinding tapes. It felt like it took forever.  I also love that with digital, I can pick what song I want to hear.  On the tape you pretty much had to suffer through the order of the music.  For those people who say “but the artist meant for it to be heard in order”… stfu.  You are a pompous asshole.  Maybe 1% of records should be heard in that order.  Mostly, that was in the 70s, and that is because everyone was wicked high.  To be fair, though, most Pink Floyd albums are structured carefully and beautifully to be in order.  Also, Hendrix’ last album (Electric Ladyland) should be in order… and St Peppers from the Beatles.  That’s it!   Everything else in life should be fast forwardable.

* quick pro-tip about Neil Young.  Almost everything he does with an acoustic is amazing and transcendant.  Almost everything he does with electric is meaningless ear rape.  I can’t think of anyone who can move so easily between the two.  Seriously, I dare you to listen to a Crazy Horse bootleg straight through.  It is ear rape, and I am going to patent that bad ass word.

Friday Fives

1. In the rock business, for the longest time,  “Floyd” ruled.  Who rules now?

to the scale of Floyd or Zeppelin? I don’t think that exists right now.  The closest would be Springsteen or U2.  Both are amazing live.  In fact, I have seen almost all of those bands live.  All other three, and for the Zepp, I did see Page and Plant live.  So, that mostly counts.  It’s tough to be a live music fan, the big shows are hundreds of bucks each, and Ticketbastard now charges 100% fees.  So, the business of rock is suffering.

2.  What is the secret vice that can only be found in the suburbs?

ClownFight

3. Do any current devices use the 9 volt?  Where does the juice come from?

being a guitarist, I have zillions.  about five petals, and my wireless rig.   It sucks, 9 volts are incredibly expensive.  About $5 each, and they don’t last long. While all my stuff at home and in the truck is rechargeable, that won’t work for stage gear.  They drain too quick.  Luckily, I bought this great product this week that powers all my pedals off one power line.

4. What job would you never want to have to do?

Fishmonger

5. What is your favorite flower?

The Columbine – it’s the state flower of Colorado, and rightfully so