Where There is Rain, a Rainbow Always Follows

It’s not cold, it’s f**king cold

            On November 10, 2011 my friend and I stood outside of Pop’s Bar and Night Club in Sauget, IL waiting to see one of our favorite bands, Panic (!) at the Disco. The line was long and the air was bitter; it was a night for the die-hards. Fans shivered in the near freezing weather and waited for the doors to open. Some people were just arriving at around 6 p.m. (a mere hour before they would let people in) and some had been in line all day.

            I find concert lines to be one of the best places to meet the most interesting people. There were people rocking steam punk costumes, girls in fish-nets, and kids wearing their favorite Panic shirt. There were kids in their early teens to kids in their late twenties all waiting in the biting wind with the same anticipation. My friend and I made company with a couple of high school kids from West County, who waited in line behind us. We chatted about everything from whether Fall Out Boy sucks or not to whether Glee sucks or not (I sense a theme). We waited, shivered, and laughed until the doors opened at 7 p.m.

Hometown Replacements

            The opening spot at the Panic show was meant for the band Foxy Shazam who, unfortunately for many fans, dropped out of the line up to tour the UK with The Darkness. Shazam was replaced by St. Louis’s own Last Nights Vice. The band gave the night an energetic start with their dance rock vibe that reminisced bands like Head Automatica. The crowd, that filled the venue, danced and watched as the band played. The band interacted well with crowd encouraging them to scream “Oh” along with the song at one point, and even struck up a competition between the singer and the guitarist over which side screamed louder.

Last Nights Vice in Sauget, IL 11/10/11

“Comeback of the Year”

            After Fall Out Boy announced their indefinite hiatus in 2009, it seemed like there wasn’t much going on with former singer, Patrick Stump, but it was quite the contrary.This past September, Stump released his solo debut, Soul Punk. Stump definitely takes a cue from pop artists like Prince and Michael Jackson on his new record. Shortly after the album hit stores, Stump joined his friends Panic at the Disco on Tour.

Patrick Stump in Sauget, IL 11/10/11

            Stump, entered the stage with his funk-style band. This was big for a die-hard Fall Out Boy fan such as myself. I hadn’t seen Patrick Stump live since FOB headlined the Black Clouds and Underdogs tour back in early 2006, and the first thing I noticed was that Stump’s vocals were amazing! They were better than I had ever heard them before. Unfortunately, despite Stump’s clear talent, the front half of his set suffered due to a guitar technical difficulty and a confusing set list. It seemed as if the first two or three songs just ran together into a never ending jam session. I couldn’t quite figure out what was going on and the rest of the audience seemed just as baffled.

            Half way through the set, Stump finally played a familiar song off his new album, “Run Dry (X Heart, X Fingers).” All I have to say was that the song about binge drinking saved the performance. The crowd sang along happily to the lyrics “One more shot then I’m quitting forever, cross my heart, cross my fingers…” Stump rocked the single and anthem, “This City” telling the crowd that “this song is for you.” By then end of set the crowd cheered loudly. Despite the set’s rough start, Stump proved that was more than capable of standing on his own outside of Pete Wentz’s shadow.

“I’m Pleased to Please Ya”

           The moment that the crowd and myself had been waiting for had arrived, it was time for Panic at the Disco to Play. Replacement members Ian Crawford (guitar) and Dallon Weeks (bass) took their places on stage and were shortly followed by original members, drummer, Spencer Smith and, front man, Brendon Urie. Fans screamed loudly and excitably for the headliners. Panic opened the show with “Ready to Go” of their latest album, “Vices and Vertues.” The crowd jumped to the infectious beat and sang along with Urie’s entrancing vocals.

            In between songs Urie was more than willing to converse with the crowd responding to “I love yous” and talking about his frustrations with his Mormon upbringings. He even talked about a conversation he had with a drunken man and one quote in particular stuck out, “If you want the rainbow, then you have to put up with the rain.” It seemed very fitting as the crowd stood a little too close for comfort with total strangers.

Urie singing to the crowd in Sauget, IL 11/10/11

            Panic mixed up the set with various tracks from “Vices” and from their debut album “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out”; the crowd actually started moshing to “Time to Dance” which Urie said was the first Panic song ever written. They only briefly touched on songs from 2008’s “Pretty Odd,” playing only the singles “Nine in the Afternoon” and “That Green Gentleman.” Throughout the show Urie proved himself to be a truly talented singer and stage presence. He would occasionally screech into the strasosphere and then quickly growl into the depths, showing off his impressive range. The band overall seemed tight knit and on their A game.

           Towards the end of the night Panic switched gears and played more unfamiliar tracks such as “New Perspective” (off Jennifer’s Body soundtrack) and doing several covers, which Urie said was a hobby of the bands, from Zeppelin to Marvin Gaye. One cover in particular that was interesting was their rendition of The Darkness’s “I Believe in a Thing Called Love.” The crowd danced along to the retro rock song and sang along to the catchy chorus “I believe in a thing called love, just listen to the rhythm of my heart…” Panic closed the evening with the final track off of “Vices”, “Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met…),” and ending the song singing“good-bye.” Panic thanked the other bands on the tour, threw out a few souvenirs (picks and drum sticks), told the crowd that they loved them, and exited the stage.

Panic at the Disco in Sauget, IL 11/10/11

 Seeing Rainbows

            As I walked away from the stage, Panic pick in hand, I felt that unmatchable rush that you get at live shows. Seeing you’re heroes in concert may not always be the most ideal experience (the line is cold, technical difficulties happen, bands drop out, you get squished in the crowd, etc) but there is always that moment of magic where you are singing along with the artist you love and you experience a moment with that artist and with a community. It really is magic and it really is the rainbow after the rain.

***Please let me know what you think of my coverage and reviews. It really is helpful =)

Concert Survival 101

“Party rockers in the house tonight!”

                Everyone likes to party and have a good time at some point, and one of the best places to do that is at a live show. Unfortunately, events (or people) can occur to hinder the merriment. The trick is to find a way to survive the madness and be able to walk away with an unforgettable experience. These are some tips to keep the good times going even in the weirdest, tiring and most disgusting of times.

The crowd gets wild durring Bullet For My Valentine set at Taste of Chaos 2008

Read the fine print, people

                Many fans go to a concert and expect to have the night of their lives, but sometimes forget that a night to remember comes with a cost. Keep in mind that a concert is a crowd environment and depending on the style of music can also entail a mob mentality. This means that yes you may get shoved, stepped on and (God forbid) made-out on.  Being in a crowd is NEVER comfortable; it involves a lot of standing and a lot of not seeing. Remember everyone else is there to have a good time and some are more ruthless than others



"Moshing" at Underoath show at Warped Tour 2009



                Now this is not to discourage anyone from attending a show that involves a large and sometimes intense crowd. This is just a warning that things can get a little too close for comfort. The trick to surviving the animal-like crowd is to know what to expect and not let it be a damper on the evening. It really is that simple. People are going to be rude, and no, the tall guy whose head is blocking the stage doesn’t care if the people behind him can’t see, but that is opportunity cost of the experience. If you can’t see, move; if you get pushed, dance it off; if you’re tired, dance more.

Don’t be unrealistic

                We all have out mental lists of what we would like to see happen when we go to a show and that’s normal, but keep in mind it is LIVE and anything can happen. Technical difficulties occur, they may not play your favorite obscure song, band mates get sick, and sometimes fights happen.  I can easily list the many times that something unplanned occurred. While opening for My Chemical Romance in St. Louis back in December, Middle Class Rut Drummer, Sean Stockham, had his bass drum give out and proceeded to throw the instrument out of frustration. Fortunately the drum was replaced and Stockham laughed it off, but this is still an example of “shit happens.”

                The other thing I have seen fans get caught up in is hearing their favorite song at the show. Back when I saw Plain White T’s last month I heard numerous “boos” every time the band pulled out an acoustic guitar and didn’t play “Hey There Delilah.” One fan even said that he only came to the show to hear that one song. Seriously?!? ! Moral of this story, don’t get caught up in an ideal; enjoy the moment and don’t let one song ruin your night.

Living life through a frame…

                It’s all over facebook and youtube, concert pictures and footage. Every show you go to there are tens to hundreds of kids with their phones and cameras out trying to document every second of the performance. It’s like we’re on a mission to prove, not only to the world but to ourselves that what we experienced really happened; trust me, it happened and you don’t need a picture to prove it.

One fan showing their love for the Plain White T's at the October 14th show

                I understand the desire to get tons of videos and pictures at the show, but save that for the reporters and just experience the show. Honestly do you want to spend the entire night watching the show through a camera lens? I know I don’t. If you’re allowed to have a camera then take a few pictures and record a video or two, but don’t overly immerse yourself in it.

Be an opportunist

                Going to a concert is an amazing opportunity in itself; seeing a favorite artist in the flesh for one night and for that one moment YOU are their concern. It’s pretty friggin epic! But if you can don’t let it stop there. If there is an opportunity for a signing or a meet and greet, take it! I can cannot stress to you enough how important it is to not let these chances slip by. I went to warped tour back in 07 and I got the chance to meet Hawthorne Heights, three months later guitarist, Casey Calvert, passed away. I still have the memory of meeting him and I have the autograph to prove it. I took the moment when it was there and it was a good thing because I won’t get that chance again.

                What I’m really trying to get at here is this…concerts are individual once in a lifetime experiences, so don’t waste them! Meet people in line, dance until you feel like you’re going to pass out, wait after just for the possibility of a brush with greatness, start a mosh pit, do whatever it is that makes that $40 you spent worth it. Truly make it the best night of your life….so far ;)



Me with Ludo at Vintage Vinyl on Sept. 8th 2010



A Rant to Consider

Don't Criticize What You Don't Know!

We've all seen it. Some cynical cyber-bully who thinks they know everything about everything. Just log onto your favorite message board and chances are it is overloaded with whole threads dedicated to just that. You see comments like "Twilight is gay!", or "Fall Out Boy should be renamed Sell Out Boy. Their music is [crap]!" And more than likely these people, who can't seem to thrive with out lording over the message board with their magical Thread-Nazi power, have never listened to, read, watched, or taken in any of the content they are criticizing. This is my public service announcement to those people: No one cares if you don't like it unless you tell us why! (and no, "because it's stupid" is not an acceptable answer)

"Twilight fans are better than you and we'll kick your [butt]!"



by: -Bi- via Flickr

 So maybe that's not the quote verbatim, but I have seen a comment like that on a post about why a certain reader did not like the finale, Breaking Dawn, to the infamous book series. Personally, I respected the girl who made the post. She was entirely professional about it and did not bash the series as a whole, but logically stated why she was dissatisfied. That post was a great example of how to criticize properly. You have to know the subject at hand and then analyze it critically. Unfortunately everyone is allowed to voice their opinion on the Internet, and the girl with a reasonable opinion was harassed with comments like the quote above.

"At least my music doesn't sound like pigs are dying..."
I am sad to say that while some people are able to express themselves logically and with reason on the Internet, many are not. Many forum "regs" (regulars) can rant for miles about how much they hate something that they've only heard about via word of mouth or through the media. They make their post like they are the king of all things deemed cool or uncool, but they only accomplish making a fool of themselves by babbling out a bunch of irrelevant and ignorant garbage. These bullies make it seem as if they are such opinionated individuals when really they are just repeating what others have said, all the while the cyber-bully feels accomplished and "hip".




by: TheeGoblin via Flickr


Stop Cyber-Nazism in its Tracks!

by: Aldo Risolvo via Flickr

My advice to you, the people who care, the people who have reason behind their opinion, is to challenge the know-it-all in their criticism. Ask them for their specific reasons of distaste and expose the arrogant nuisance for what he or she really is. Don't be afraid to criticize or speak your mind, but remember you can't criticize it if you don't know it.

This has been a public service announcement...

3 Bands You Need To Know!

Okay so I think I'm going to try and make this a monthly thing. I will give stats and links on 3 really amazing and yet not very well-known bands. So here it is for June:

Building Rome:

Members:

 Jon Heisserer - Vocals/Guitar

Tom Butler - Guitar/Back-up Vocal

Heath Robertson - Bass

Brian Porter - Drums

When they started: 2003

Where are they from: St. Louis, MO =)

Genre: Alternative/Rock

Latest Album: Nightmare

Website: buildingromerock.com

Why they are awesome: I may be a bit biased on this (STL pride!), but their music is funny and catchy. Plus these guys are hard workers (I’ve seen them handing out flyers for shows a couple times while waiting in line for a concert at The Pageant). On top of that, this band took the time to thank fans individually on the last album, Nightmare, including yours truly. If you like music that can make you laugh and rock out at the same time, then seriously click the links above and below!

A Must-Hear: What Are We Fighting For (youtube)

I Fight Dragons:

Members:

Bill

Chad

Hari

Brian

Packy

When they started: couldn’t find

Where are they from: Chicago, IL

Genre: electro/power pop

Latest Album: Welcome To The Breakdown EP

Website: ifightdragons.com

Why they are awesome: This band is a new favorite of mine, thank you to AP Magazine (100 Bands You Should Know)! They are interesting to listen to because they use a variety of sounds including 8-bit digital sounds (aka: video game sounds). Also, if you go to this band's website and sign up for the mailing list you can get 4 FREE downloads! If you are an avid gamer and need music to nerd-rage to, then I Fight Dragons is the band for you!

A Must-Hear: Money (youtube)

Eleventyseven:

Members:

Matthew Langston- Vocals/Guitar

Jonathan Stephens - Drums, Back-up Vocals

Davey Davenport - Bass, Back-up Vocals

When they started: 2002

Where they are from: Greenville, SC

Genre: Punk Pop

Latest Album: Quota EP

Website: eleventyseven.com

Why they are awesome: Their music is fun, positive, and relatable. They sound a bit like a mix between Blink 182, Motion City Soundtrack, and Hellogoodbye. Also, I met these guys at a recent show at my school; they’re pretty much the nicest guys ever and they really enjoy what they do. If you want something enthusiastic to party to then go check them out right away. PS: If you ever get the chance to catch them at a show, stop buy and say "Hi" at their merch stand; It’s worth it!

A Must-Hear: Evil Genius (youtube)

Bonus Link: AP Magazine (Official Website)

A Question for the Readers: What is one band you think everyone should know?

A CD Review: Killing Time, by Bayside

Rating: 4.5/5

Bayside’s latest album Killing Time is something I recently purchased. I had been thinking about how I liked Bayside and everything I heard by them, but yet I did not have any of their music (unless you count one song on the 2007 Warped Tour compilation album). When I heard in AP Magazine that Bayside had a new album coming out, I made up my mind that I would finally buy one of their CDs. It was January when I heard of this album that was to be released in February. Before I knew it February had come and past and I still didn’t have any Bayside. Finally One day in late April I got in my car and headed over to the nearest Slacker’s CDs and Games and picked up a copy of Killing Time; the wait was well worth it.

Killing Time starts energetically with fast hitting drums and a catchy guitar lick on the song “All Ready Gone”.  Anthony Raneri sets the tone for the rest of the album aggressively singing “You, you never call, you never write me or nothing at all!” the song goes on in the same manner seeming to rub it in the face of an ex-lover that their relationship is over. This song is all high energy and smugness complimented by hard hitting beats and choppy guitar lines. This song sets the pace for the album and builds up the excitement for the listener.  Much of the album continues on in this fashion, but not in a way where every song sound the same.  The album carries the energy of punk pop with a hint of emo-like darkness. Eventually they slow things down a bit with the acoustic and piano laced “On Love, On Life”. The melody is light and sways as Raneri sings and reflects on the mistakes of a past relationship. As it gets to the chorus they add in a simple and lovely two-part harmony. Musically, this album has all the right ups and downs.

I also believe this record deserves a listen just for its creative and witty lyrics. You just can’t beat lines like “I wish upon a satellite that wrong can turn to right…” from “It’s Not A Bad Little War”, or “So what do you want from me? Another song about apathy? Heartbreak is a friend these days, but I could care less, that’s what I get paid to say…” from “Seeing Sound”. Each song has its own bit of humor, bite, and insight such as: “But it’s the ride, it’s not the point you end up at…” from the final and namesake song “Killing Time”. This album is filled with lyrical goodness and that is one of my favorite features.

The one and only downside that I could find with this album was that some of the melodies were a bit complicated and could come off a bit awkward at first listen, but trust me by the second time it’s hard to resist the urge to sing along.

This album had everything I could have ever expected or asked for. It was a great introduction for great band in my opinion. Bayside’s Killing Time not only deserves an honest listen, but a (legal) download or an in-store purchase (that’s how the cool kids do it). I know I will definitely be adding Killing Time to my “Great Albums” playlist.

Links:
Slacker's CDs and Games

Bayside's Myspace Page

Are there any albums that have left you pleasantly surprised? Is there an album you’ve heard about or are not sure about buying that you would like me to review?

My Top Ten Albums of All Time!

So this is Blog post #1. Here in Netter Land I will be discussing the things I love, and since music is my true love, most of what I say will revolve around just that. I figured a good way to get to know me and what I'm all about would be to show my Top Ten Albums of All Time (currently)!

I like to believe that in this world there are a few type of music listeners; there are Artist people, Song people, and Album people. An Artist person is the diehard fan for their favorite band(s) and probably don't go too far outside that loop. Song people are your avid radio listeners who go with the flow and don't really ever get caught up in any band or artist hype. Album people are often Artist people as well, but they focus more attention on specific albums. While many can have traits of all three, most have their set preferences. I tend to lean towards being an Album person, thus why I am capable of contriving this list.

So here it is: My Top Ten Albums

10.  This Is War, by: Thirty Seconds to Mars: The music is catchy but still has the band’s edge. All the songs work together to make a really inspiring and motivating record. I remember listening to this a lot when I was working on a novel about rebellion and it really kept me into the mood of the story, made me want to get out there and fight for a cause. This album is a bit different than 30STM’s early records, but it sounds more polished and complete and I give them props for doing something new.

9.      My Dinosaur Life, by: Motion City Soundtrack: This was not my first album by MCS, but it was the album that made me fall in love with them. With songs like “Stand Too Close” (The song speaks of the anxieties of getting close to someone and letting them see all that you are. This is something I have always struggled with) that are simple, easy to sing along too, and relatable this record is non-stop quirky fun. It’s filled with great punk pop and lyrics made for basket cases like me and these songs will never leave your head.

8.      Sound Of Madness, by: Shinedown: As my dad and I would put it, this was definitely one of the best albums to come out of 2008 and Shinedown’s best album by far. Front man, Brent Smith, seemed to make a good decision when he switched up the band before creating Sound Of Madness because the record is a true masterpiece. They stick to their hard rock roots while still making the album diverse, going from songs like mosh-worthy “Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide” to mellowing it out with the piano based ballad “Call Me.” This album is hard edged and still maintains melody and beauty.

7.      Pretty Odd, by: Panic At The Disco: While this record was the beginning of the end of the emo-pop band as we knew it, this album solidified the band as more than a fad. Panic changed things up when they released this very Beatles-inspired album. They drifted from just catchy pop tunes to a more whimsical sound. I personally, even as a fan of their debut (A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out), loved the switch. I loved how they added more musical depth by adding more instruments and more voices especially guitarist/songwriter, Ryan Ross. They successfully showed their growth creatively and as musicians.

6.      The Everglow, by: Mae: Listening to this album is almost like reading a good story, mostly because it tells a story. I remember cracking open the booklet the night I got the album and following along to every song. The mix of the words, the illustrations, and the music made for one magical experience. Mae, in my opinion was one of the best piano-rock bands in recent years. Their lyrics speak volumes while their melodies soar and wrap you in a warm fuzzy feeling you won’t want to escape. This is one of my favorite albums to listen to no matter what mood I’m in because it’s just a work of art.

5.      Avenged Sevenfold, by: Avenged Sevenfold: This is most definitely my favorite metal album. While Avenged Sevenfold’s Waking The Fallen is a strong contender, it cannot quite compete with their 2007 self-titled and it’s consistent greatness. It’s heavy, melodic, and even a bit dramatic. A7X have been known to change things up on a regular basis, and I would have to say that this album is their best sound yet. A7X has always been good about putting out strong records, but based on overall awesomeness, the self-titled takes the cake.

4.      Hot Fuss, by: The Killers: Hot Fuss, The Killers first and what I believe to be their only great record they ever put out. The modern new wave vibe is infectious and makes it hard not to dance; who can’t help but to sing along to their hit, “Mr. Brightside.”

3.      Take This To Your Grave, by: Fall out Boy: Take This to Your Grave is fun-loving, punk-pop at its best. The songs are the right balance between angst and energy. This record has me singing along to every song. The band themselves wanted this album to be one that you could listen to over and over again and never get tired of it. I’ve had this CD for six years now and each listen is as exciting as the first. I’d call that a success boys!

2.      Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, by: My Chemical Romance: MCR’s newest album has taken the greatness of their first three records and put them all to shame. This album shows the bands willingness to try new sounds and ideas and does it in a wonderful way. Danger Days is all over the place, but in a good way. The album jumps from sound to sound starting with powerful pop/rock songs like “Bulletproof Heart” to almost indie sounding songs like “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” and then ending the whole thing with classic rock ‘n’ roll songs like “Vampire Money.” This album is one excitement after the other and is a truly entertaining listen.

1.      Nimrod, by: Green Day: So this selection is a bit biased considering Green Day is my favorite band, but Nimrod is truly a great album. It’s humorous with an underlying seriousness and it is punk rock with a hint of California mellow. Some songs are non-stop head-bobbers like “The Grouch” and some are nearly tranquil like the instrumental “Last Ride In.” This album is one of (if not the most ;) ) enjoyable albums to listen to, but then again I’m biased.

So there you have it; my top ten albums of all time (okay currently)! Now it is your turn. What are your top five or ten favorite albums, songs, or artists?