Wednesday, September 8, 2010

SPECIAL EDITION!

                                          CONCERT REVIEW: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Welcome to my first (and EXTREMELY late) SPECIAL EDITION!

     I went to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers last month. I had a BLAST! The best thing was the opener was Crosby, Stills and Nash! That was a great experience! CSN opened with the song "Woodstock." That song is my favorite by them, and it's rare to see a band play the song I want to hear let alone open with it. They played songs such as "For What it's Worth" and a rendition of "Ruby Tuesday." David Crosby still has such an amazing voice! They would keep the crowd entertained, and talk about why they chose the song they did. I was surprised, being only 10ish miles from Manassas, that they did not talk about Stills being in a band called Manassas (maybe he forgot?) Besides the drunks behind me feeling my head, and falling over us (literally,) it was a perfect opener, I just wish the t-shirts weren't so expensive! I would rate their performance that night a 7.5 out of 10. Now on to the main event, Tom Petty...now this is time #2 seeing him. This man sounds better live than on CD, seriously. He opened with "Listen to Her Heart." That was the perfect song to open with...Just the way it throws you right in and carries you away. Then he went in to "You Don't Know How it Feels" on to "Won't Back Down," and "Free Fallin'." He did a few songs from Mojo (great album by the way,) songs like "I Should Have Known It," but the best song of the night was "Running Man's Bible." That is a fantastic song. Great rhythm, a stunning lyrical enthusiasm, with a spooky story and vivid imagery. He then went on to more classics like "Don't Come Around Here No More," "Refugee," and "Runnin' Down a Dream." That is unfortunately when we left...I don't remember everything he played after that because we were trying to beat the crowd. Anyway, if you get a chance to see him in concert, I say do it. He said 2006 was when he was going to cut down on touring because his knees are toast from all the jumping around...but looking at his tour, I would be scared to see what exactly he trimmed off.

     O.k, now that is done, I do apologize for my absence, I went to N.Y and forgot how much goes in to prepping for vacation...Anyway, I have been using youtube as a go to for music listening. I mean come on iTunes, SERIOUSLY? Following up Slipknot, Metallica, or Iron Maiden with Eddie Rabbit, (one of the slower songs by)U2, or Neil Sedaka? There is a reason I put metal on. Plus if I don't have it, I can just youtube it. I have also been doing a lot of karaoke, and just singing in general (much to the dismay of the crowd.) I visited Strawberry Fields in New York, I had my picture taken in the "Imagine" circle, and got a glance at the plaque. I did not however see where Lennon was shot. As the song says "nothing to get hung about." It is amazing that "Strawberry Fields Forever" shelved the Beachboys and Paul Revere and the Raiders...that's the impact the Beatles had on this world. There is a band called the Like, from 2001, and I am embarrassed to say I just heard their music the other week. Not a big fan, but there is a song called "He's Not a Boy" that the video was inspired (clearly) by British Invasion style videos. In fact, their drummer is the daughter of Elvis Costello's drummer (which lead me to an interest in them,) and is the touring drummer for She & Him (Zooey Deschanel's band.) On another note, it is good to hear that Mike Portnoy is being well received in the Revv's place. Apparently Revv was a big fan of Portnoy (I mean who isn't?) I just find it refreshing to hear, because most bands pick up any replacement, it is usually not well received...more so in the wake of a tragedy. On the other hand John Myung has been nominated as a "est bass player ever," that's exciting. Well I hope I get some requests on what to add. I do not write everything I know, because as I start this blog, I forget some things I want to write, and I often weave things out as others come, so if there's anything you want me to elaborate, research on, etc. just let me know! Until then...keep hitting the high notes!