Dream Concerts

Classic Rock

This is the toughest genre of music to make a dream line-up for. There were so many good bands/talented musicians that I found myself at a loss for what bands to include. After racking my brain and going through my itunes library, I finally came up with this lineup:

Opener: Bob Dylan

Mid: Pink Floyd

Closer: Jimi Hendrix

I am a huge fan of Bob Dylan- He is a great storyteller and one of the best poets of his time. I could listen to him for hours on end and, lucky for me, he has enough songs that would allow me to do so. I know he's more of a folk singer but I couldn't keep him out of the concert.

I included Pink Floyd in this list, not only because of their mind-numbing, psychedelic music, but because of the laser light show that would accompany the concert. It would be so captivating to be there in person and take it all in.

To close the show I chose Hendrix because he is a guitar God. He plays so effortlessly and practically speaks through the guitar. Also, his showmanship is unparalleled. His on-stage antics, playing behind his back and with his teeth, would really be something to see. It is a terrible tragedy that he died so young; he had an immense amount of talent and was one of the most influential guitar players of all time.

If I was able to attend this concert, my life would be complete.

Hip-Hop

I know these artists may not technically be considered hip-hop artists, but I have to include them in my ideal line-up.

Opener: Atmosphere

Mid: Nas

Closer: Biggie

Although I already saw Atmosphere in Madison on Halloween (which was amazing), I love their music and would see them whenever the opportunity arises. Slug is a great lyricist and his lyrics have deep and intellectual meanings that really hit home with me.

I also saw Nas in Milwaukee already but the show was awesome and I would love to see him again. He has a great style and doesn’t give a damn about what anyone thinks of him.

Biggie is a pretty obvious and cliché choice, but that’s just a testament to his ability. He has the best flow and his rhyming style is very unique. It has a naturalistic element that makes it seem like he is talking to you rather than rapping.

Jazz

This is a rather difficult genre for me to pick a line-up for because I don’t listen to a whole lot of jazz, but I do appreciate genre.

Opener: John Coltrane

Mid: Louis Armstrong

Closer: Miles Davis

It would be blasphemous not to include Coltrane in this line-up. He has influenced so many musicians and genres with his sound and really paved the way for jazz saxophonists.

Armstrong had a great stage personality that really complemented his style. His trumpet solos and improvisations made him a great entertainer that I would love to see.

There isn’t anything I can say about Miles Davis that hasn’t already been said. His mellow grooves and rhythm make him a great closer that you can just sit back and enjoy.

Alternative Rock

I’m using a relatively loose definition of this genre so I can include some great bands that I would thoroughly enjoy seeing.

Opener: Indigenous

Mid: The Black Keys

Closer: Red Hot Chili Peppers

A lot of you probably haven’t heard of Indigenous but they are a tremendously talented band. It is comprised of a group of Native American siblings from South Dakota. The lead guitarist is really good and his style is reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s mixed with a little Hendrix. I highly recommend you check them out if you haven’t already.

The Black Keys have recently become one of my favorite bands. They have a crunchy, blues sound that really makes me want to shred some air guitar. I’ve also heard that they are great live.

Who doesn’t love the chili peppers? They have so much stage energy and each member of the band is very skilled with their respective instruments. They really rock out on stage and I think that John Frusciante is one of the best guitar players of the current era.

Well that was fun but I’m out, I got a midterm to start studying for that I’ve been putting off for hours.

Ideal shows

Classic Rock

Opener: The Doors
I was thinking about having them headlining or mid lineup but who knows what drugs Jim Morrison will have found by then. Maybe my favorite band to listen to in any mood, the Doors music screams masculinity in Jim Morrison’s baritone voice.
The show opener would have to be “Roadhouse Blues.” Any song that declares “I woke up this morning and I got myself a beer, the future’s uncertain and the end is always near…let it roll, baby, roll” is well suited to set the pace for a great night of music.

Mid: The Rolling Stones
If anyone can top Jim Morrison’s onstage presence (on one of his good nights) it would be Mick Jagger. I’d have them perform as they were in the 60’s, because unfortunately time isn’t on their side (even though Keith Richards has amazed science by surviving this long).

Closer: The Beatles
Nobody can follow them so I say put them on last. through the myriad of music to come out of this supergroup.

Hip Hop

Opener: Rahzel
Nobody can beatbox like Rahzel. I saw him perform with Slick Rick a few years ago and would love to see him again. The added bonus is that with his “verbal percussion” he would be able to not only open the show but also to beatbox for all of the following artists.

Mid: Wu Tang Clan
With ODB of course. The Wu have had me hooked on their music since they released Wu Tang Forever. Throughout the years they’ve made so many good songs. With the Rza and Gza holding it down, I can’t imagine how good they would be (especially with Razhel on the bill too).

Closer: Jay Z
Big Pimpin’ would close out this concert (with an encore). Jay Z’s raps are smooth and fluid. He has the ability to make you laugh, dance, or just enjoy solid music. Of course he would have to be performing at the Madison Square Garden.

Jazz
Opener: Miles Davis
The best trumpet player I’ve ever heard. My favorite part about Miles is his timing. He had the impeccable ability to make pauses and silence as much a part of the song as the trumpet playing itself. I could only imagine how great a concert with him would be.

Mid: Grover Washington Jr.
What would a jazz concert be without a funky saxophone? Grover Washington Jr. has made some of the most memorable songs including (with Bill Withers) “Just the two of us” and “Soulful strut.” Grover would bring the smooth jazz to the show.

Closer: Louis Armstrong
His raspy voice and ability on the trumpet would make him a pleasure to see. I’ve read about his stage presence and would love to see this master in action.

4th Genre (Blues)

Opener: BB King
The man has a tad bit of experience putting on gigs. 15,000 performances will do that. He’s one hell of a guitarist, with Rolling Stone magazine deeming him the 3rd best guitarist ever. The electric guitar would never have evolved to what it is today without him.

Mid: Eric Clapton
This blues show wouldn’t be complete without Clapton hitting the stage. It would be an absolute treat to see someone who has put forth so much diverse music, yet remains so grounded in the blues.

Closer: Jimi Hendrix
Is there a better guitarist out there (past or present)? Hendrix talked through his guitar when playing the blues. Just thinking about his rendition of “Red House” gives me chills. I can’t think of any show I would rather see than Hendrix pouring out his emotions through his electric guitar.

The Ultimate Lineup

So for this weeks post you get to hear all about my opinion...as usual.   The idea behind this post is to pick my ultimate concert lineup; however, it isn't that easy.  The bands are coming from different genre: hip-hop, jazz, rock, and one that's up to me.  I encourage you to try and do this, it's harder than you would think.  Anyway here it is:

Jazz

Opener: Vince Guaraldi

He's mostly known for his Charlie Brown contributions which are both easily accessible and timeless.  His stuff is catchy and fun.

Mid: Dave Brubeck

So for this lineup the ongoing theme is Jazz pianists.  Dave Brubeck was really the first jazz artist I ever really listened to on a regular basis.  Take Five and Blue Rondo a la Turk are two of the most amazing jazz compositions of all-time.  If you haven't heard of him before just check out the football sequence in Wedding Crashers.

Headliner: Thelonious Monk

All I have to say here is timing, timing, timing.  Just watch Dave Chappelle explain it in Chapelle's Block Party.  His stuff isn't always the most accessible but it is absolutely brilliant.  If you've never heard him check out his version of Sophisticated Lady...amazing!

Hi-Hop

Opener: The Roots

One of the few hip-hop bands to actually play instruments.  ?uestlove is amazing.  Not much else to say here.

Mid: Kanye West

You can say whatever about his character (I agree he has some issues), but his music is amazing.  I would prefer if he played mostly his older stuff, but even his newer stuff is just musically beyond what most hip-hop groups are capable of.   

Headliner: Outkast

I am not a big hip-hip person, but I can always listen to Outkast.  They are one of the most musically talented hip-hop groups with their ability to combine a vast array of sounds and influences to great beats.  I also think that their concerts would probably just be a huge party based on how they appear on TV.

(Classic) Rock

Opener: Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

Ok so they should probably go under a folk category, but a lot of their stuff could be called rock. There has never been a band that will ever be able to compete with the vocal ability of this group.  The world's best supergroup.

Mid: Cream

Everyone knows Clapton, but the drummer Ginger Baker is also amazing.  If you listen closely to their songs you'll notice some ridiculous base drum work.  People will probably know them best for their contribution to Guitar Hero with Crossroads.  Perfect set up to Hendrix too.

Headliner: Jimi Hendrix

I don't think there needs to be much explanation here.  Some of the most powerful, memorable, and impossible riffs of all-time.  Not to mention what he played would probably never be played again.

Indie Rock (my personal favorite at the moment....i'm in college so its to be expected)

Opener: Peter, Bjorn, and John

Just fun, catchy, sing-along kind of music.  

Mid: Vampire Weekend

Came out with my favorite album last year.  Their stuff is so simple but it has so many influences.  Great lyrics that I will never fully understand.  I saw them this summer and they were a lot of fun.

Headliner: The New Pornographers

Canadian Indie Supergroup!  Great stuff on all their albums.  Their four part harmonies are the perfect complement to their complex instrumentation.  

So here are my choices...can you do it?

Band to check out: The Saps

Movie to See: Vicky Christina Barcelona

Revolutionary!

Disturbing, Sterile, Boring, Depressing....

Sam Mendes' Revolutionary Road shows that all these words are a perfect fit for the American Suburban Dream.  He doesn't try and tiptoe around it.  There is nothing subtle about it.  He takes suburban living and kicks it straight in the balls.  This film perfectly shows the imperfection of something that so many believe to be perfect.  

This film plays right to the current young college generation.  One that is moving back into cities, trying to find a real passion to turn into a career, and talking about real issues instead of tuning them out.  Instead of the Graduate philosophy of floating through life until you find something that makes you feel alive, the new idea is to work for the feeling. This movie depicts such a couple, one that wants to actually do something to avoid becoming part of bland suburbia. The sad part is the self-destruction that ensues as a result of not being able to fulfill their big dreams, something that I think we all fear. The couple is essentially torn apart between fulfilling their supposed "responsibilities" and doing something that would make their lives have meaning.

Everyone should see this film, if nothing else, just to bring about discussion.

Recommendations

Movie: Revolutionary Road

Band: Phoenix

Soup Or Bowl (or both)

Ahhhhhh the superbowl. Possibly the best day on earth. But with such an unpredictable match up it’s hard to pick who is going to win. My money is on the Cardinals. I don’t know why, I’m usually rational when it comes to sports and the logical pick would be the Steelers and their stellar defense but I’m hopping on the Larry Fitzgerald bandwagon. It’s going to be a hell of a game to watch (especially when the booze starts kicking in). By the way Adrian Wilson, a safety on the cardinals, has this clip on youtube where he jumps over a 5’6” bar like it’s nothing. It’s ridiculous. This man is 6-3 230 pounds and could probably hold his own against a grip of polar bears. In fact I would put my money on him. Clearly my betting sucks.

Good Franz Ferdinand CD

Since the first time I heard “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand I had been a fan of the band. Their most recent CD “Tonight: Franz Ferdinand” picks up where that song leaves off and treats the listener to more rhythmic rifts and lustful lyrics. My two favorite songs on the album are “Ulysses” and “No You Girls.” The first pleads the question, we have nothing to do so what should we do, with getting high the clear answer. It’s an interesting song that has catchy bass and fun/ny lyrics. “No You Girls” sets the precedent of the song early, opening with the lyrics “Flick your cigarette and then kiss me/Kiss me where your eye won't meet me.” It’s a raunchy track with a catchy tune. The rest of the album isn’t as enjoyable as these two songs but is still a joy to listen to. I’d highly recommend putting the album on when doing some studying or going on a walk, it’s solid.

Too Much Media

As the world becomes more connected, I feel less and less able to connect to individuals.  What I mean by this is that as there is more information, more media, I feel like it's almost impossible to be able to connect with people in terms of common interests.  In the past it seemed that geographic proximity was enough to really have a common interest with people you meet; however, as more and more of us are living our lives online, I feel like its harder to have common interests with everyone.  Because we have access to almost everything within seconds, it expands the amount of information that a given person can absorb.

As we progress in terms of world connections, I feel like there will become more and more of a divide within our communities.  Local information as a topic of conversation is giving way to world topics; however, the immense amount of information out there makes it impossible to know everything.  I feel like this is leading to a situation in which the people around me are able to know a lot, I can spend hours trying to know a lot, and yet we won't have any information in common to connect us.  

This seems like a fairly cynical view of the world; however, I also believe that this situation will help people who have common interests find each other and connect easier.  Conversation and connection will come down to common interest and not just common location.  

So I guess this could be a good thing too....

Movie to check out: The Visitor

Band to check out: The Brodrick