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