Central Park: Bon Jovi

Less than a dozen artists have ever played a full-scale concert on Central Park's Great Lawn: Simon & Garfunkel, Barbra Streisand, Dave Matthews Band, to name a few. But last Saturday, Bon Jovi added their names to that roster.

The still-solid Jersey foursome kicked off with an explosive one-two punch of 'Livin' on a Prayer' and 'You Give Love a Bad Name' -- much to the delight of the 50,000 fans in attendance. (Many of whom, might I point out, were glowing cougar-like testaments to 80's fashion at its finest: teased hair, Slippery When Wet-era t-shirts, and denim. Lots and lots of denim. With decorative patches, no less! Stunning.)

Jon Bon Jovi: After all these years, still rocking wind-blown hair,
deep-cut vests, and that ever-so-classy Superman arm tattoo.

Richie Sambora: Less of a guitar face, more of a puckered pout.
That's so MySpace of you, Sambo.

Viva La Vida

Nevermind that it's been over a week since I saw Coldplay on the Today Show. The fact remains that I deem them worthy to jump-start this blog again. I've been in love with their new album, 'Viva La Vida', since its release. It's that good.

Back to the show.

Really wasn't expecting much from it. I just wanted to start my morning off with one or two of their live gems. Got to Rockefeller Plaza a few minutes before they were scheduled to hit the stage. Quickly decided not to brave the largest crowd in Today Show history, since I still had to go to work in an hour. So I resigned myself to the far back corner, by the playback monitors. I had two alternating views:

actual, non-zoomed view // perfect monitor view!

Surprise #1: They play six songs, instead of the standard two. And it's amazing. Even from the far-as-hell-I-can't-see-anything-but-I-can-still-enjoy back.

Surprise #2: Halfway through the fourth song, Chris Martin decides to ditch the stage. He comes racing down the never-ending side aisle, and comes to a solid stop -- waaay in the back. Right. In front of. Me.



I proceed to die of shock and happiness.

But not before -- in true music reporter spirit -- I snap some photos. Then sing along, huge grin plastered on my face.

I also touch him repeatedly. (Sorry, Gwyneth.)

Few performers make me starstruck. But he's one of them.

In three words?

An epic show.

This Just In.

Alert the presses:

Due to overwhelming popular demand from the masses, I've decided to re-start this blog.

Or, in more realistic terms --

A handful of friends said something to the effect of: "You need to update your blog."

I did, however, pay them to say that.

Updates soon!

Artist Spotlight: Vampire Weekend

I'll be in New York City this summer. So, of equal importance with where I'll be living, where I'll be working, and how long it'll take me to memorize the Subway lines?

What concerts I'll be attending.

(Obviously.)

One that I'll definitely make some time for is Vampire Weekend. They're playing as part of Central Park's Summer Stage -- a free weekly concert series! -- in June.

More on the band:

Background: Four guys who originally met a few years ago as undergrads at Columbia University. They gained a fervent NYC following, subsequent promotion through all the big music blogs, and ultimately -- a record deal.

Sounds like: Indie-pop rock with some left-field eccentricities thrown in. Members cite influences ranging from classical, to showtunes, to African choir hymns. The result, as described by lead singer Ezra Koenig, is "Upper West Side meets Soweto."

Accolades: Spin Magazine declared them 'The Year's Best New Band.' Rolling Stone listed their hit "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" as one of the year's finest.

In short: Vampire Weekend is often dubbed as the current indie-darlings of the press, but don't let the hype get in the way of giving these guys a listen.

Listen to: 'APunk' and 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa' here.

Coldplay freebies

The new Coldplay album won't hit shelves until early June -- but the Brit quartet is serving up free music and concerts to tie fans over in the meantime.

For the next week, first single "Violet Hill" is available for download on the band's website. They've also announced two free shows: June 16 in London, and June 23 in New York City. Full details on how to get tickets will be up on their site soon.

RS Mag: Best of Rock

This week, Rolling Stone magazine released their Best of Rock compilation list, where they gave their two cents on everything from Best Breakthrough Artist to Best Guitar Tech.

A few tidbits:

Best Festival Band:
Radiohead

"The best live band in rock played its greatest concert ever on June 17th, 2006, at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. "The performances are brilliant," says Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood, "because they are so relaxed."

"In 'House of Cards,'" Colin says, "50,000 people threw their glow sticks in the air to this kick-drum beat and Thom's keening voice. In the film [of the concert], it looks like Thom walked into a party where he feels instantly at home."



Best Live Band:
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band

"Springsteen has been opening recent U.S. shows with vintage optimism and highway thrills: "Out in the Street," "Spirit in the Night" and "Thunder Road." But he is also telling poignant stories on this tour about the state of our faith in this nation, bundling new songs about America under siege ("Livin' in the Future," "Long Walk Home") with enduring tales of great escape ("The Promised Land," "Badlands") in inspirational segues that recall the narrative arcs of Springsteen's epic Eighties shows."



Best Modern Song Lyrics:
Various Artists


1. "If they ask why we left in the first place
Say we were young and we were so in love
and I guess we just needed space
And we heard about this place
Called the United States"
("Killer Parties" -The Hold Steady)

3. "Spaceships don't come equipped with rear view mirrors."
("International Playa Anthem" -Andre 3000)

18. "I got soul, but I'm not a soldier."
("All These Things That I've Done" -The Killers)

20. "I'm going to Wichita!"
("Seven Nation Army" -The White Stripes)

Pope - a - palooza

Pope Benedict XVI, Kelly Clarkson, and 25,000 screaming fans in Yonkers, New York this past Sunday?

Now that's a show.

Donned in a demure blue dress, Kelly peformed "Ave Maria" for the Pope at St. Joseph's Seminar as he wrapped up his first visit to the U.S.

Guess Kelly thought that the lacy black tank top, ripped jeans, and silver-studded belt that she wore to belt out "Since U Been Gone" before Pope Bendict took the stage was a bit too punk -- even for P-Ben.