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.

Bret Michaels: Nothin' But a Good Time

You've got to hand it to Bret Michaels.

He's transformed himself from a washed-up, big-haired '80s rocker to a washed-up, big-haired '80s rocker with the #1 show on VH1 for two seasons in a row.

(Take that, Axl Rose.)

Ratings were explosive for 'Rock of Love 2', which wrapped last Sunday, and Bret has wasted no time in banking on its popularity. He's already lined up a nationwide solo tour, and is continuing talks with VH1 for yet another spin-off show.

So, what's next for the Poison frontman? Designing a line of high-quality bandannas, perhaps?

Because if anyone can revive that fashion trend, it's him.

Mimi's Back

Huge first-day sales point to Mariah Carey grabbing the #1 spot on next week's Billboard charts with her new album, 'E=MC2'.

The disc, released yesterday, had estimated first-day sales of 154,000 -- more than five times the amount held by current queen-of-the-charts Leona Lewis.

It's the latest event in what's been a very good month for Mariah.

A few weeks ago, it was revealed that she had surpassed Elvis Presley in terms of most #1 singles. (With 18 #1's to her name, Mariah is two singles away from tying the Beatles, who hold the record with 20. )

Then, last night, she guest-starred on American Idol, giving the show some of its highest ratings of the season.

It's as if Mariah can do no wrong.

(Except for, you know, Glitter.)

Roundup: Album News

• Back to Basics: After Gwen Stefani's solo stint, No Doubt is officially back together in the studio and writing new material for the first time in years. A new album is expected in 2009. Fingers crossed that Gwen ditches the Harajuku girls for good and gets back to her ska-infused OC roots.
  
  
• A Praise Chorus x2: Jimmy Eat World is re-releasing the 2001 album that put them on the map: Bleed American. The new 2-disc edition features previously unreleased material, live recordings, and a brand-new track.
  
  
• Keeping it Consistent: Third time's a charm for Weezer, who has announced that their new self-titled album will hit shelves on June 17. For those keeping score: out of the six albums that they've released, this is the third time that they've named one -- what else? -- Weezer.

Power Pairing: Stones + Scorsese

In theaters this weekend is the latest of the big-screen rock-docs: 'Shine a Light.'

Director Martin Scorsese teams up with the The Rolling Stones, and the result is a film that is equal parts gorgeously choreographed cinema and raw, rapturous rock 'n' roll.

"The film marks a collision between two of pop culture's most stubbornly instinctive creative forces," writes Ty Burr of the Boston Globe.

"Jagger remains the Energizer Bunny of rock stars, a miracle of good genes, modern chemistry, or both. The voltage he exudes onstage is nothing less than astounding. Scorsese, by contrast, lays low after some pre-concert scenes in which we see him fretting comically about a missing set list."

"As Jagger is the ringmaster in front of the cameras, Scorsese is the maestro behind them. 'Shine a Light' isn't one of Scorsese's most personal projects, but could any other director have turned classic rock into something so intensely kinetic?"

Filmed over two performances at New York City's Beacon Theater in 2006, 'Shine a Light' features almost all of the Stones' staples -- 'Start Me Up', 'Satisfaction', 'Brown Sugar' -- in full, Jagger-strutting glory. Other classics are also given a fresh twist with the help of cameo duets from Buddy Guy, Jack White, and Christina Aguilera.

Local showtimes and tickets here.

New Kids (back!) on the Block

Time to break out those Jordan Knight plastic lunchboxes and Joey McIntyre pencil-toppers.

The New Kids are back in town.

Today, NKOTB released their first photo together in 15 years, above. (Note how they've traded in their parachute pants for slacks.)

And taking a page right out of the Spice Girls' playbook, they are expected to announce their official reunion tour this Friday, April 4, on NBC's 'The Today Show.'

Nevermind that the New Kids are all now in their mid-30's and 40's. Apparently, these boys are still hangin' tough.

New Music Tuesday: Madonna + JT

"4 Minutes to Save the World"

Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland

The first single from Madonna's upcoming album, Hard Candy, officially hit shelves today -- and it's shaping up to be a hit. Radio stations have only had the song for seven days, and it's already received a staggering 25 million spins nationwide.

"It doesn't take anywhere close to '4 Minutes' to realize that Madonna is poised to score her first top 10 hit since 2005's 'Hung Up," predicts Chuck Taylor of Billboard Magazine.

"There's an awful lot going on in the busy dance track: sing-song verses, insistent foghorns, cowbells, chants of 'tick-tock' and a rap from Timbaland—but the trade-off chorus between Madge and Justin of 'We've only got four minutes to save the world' is hooky enough unto itself to sell the song."

Other new albums out today:

• Gnarls Barkley -- The Odd Couple
• Counting Crows -- Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings
• Panic at the Disco -- Pretty. Odd.
• The B-52's -- Funplex
• Morrissey -- Greatest Hits

(Full list here.)

Where are they now?: Jackson 5

Skimming through the New York Post this morning, I came across their "Where are they now?"-esque feature on The Jackson Five, which highlighted the group's "riches to rags" spiral. With each member currently facing their own share of troubles, it's clear that they're a long way from their successful '60s heyday. This, especially, caught my eye:

"Marlon Jackson, 51, an original Jackson Five member...[now] stocks shelves at a Vons supermarket in San Diego."

Wow.

I wanted to know: "How could one of the Jacksons be reduced to a grocery store employee?" "Where did the J5 fortune go?" "Why aren't Michael and Janet helping out their siblings?" And my most important question, being a fellow San Diegan myself:

"Which Vons?!"

Roundup: Tour Tidbits

In the works: Queen + Paul Rodgers will hit the road for a four-month international tour in September, their label has announced. They'll be promoting their upcoming record -- the first all-new album to carry the "Queen" name in 13 years.

Rescheduled: Van Halen's on-again-off-again tour has been sidelined yet again, this time due to medical troubles on behalf of guitarist Eddie Van Halen. It restarts in April.

Dates announced: Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, Souljah Boy & Lil Mama

SXSW: Don't mess with Texas

Few times in my life have I wished that I lived in Texas.

(Never, in fact.)

But every time mid-March rolls around, I can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy towards those lucky Austin-ites, because their city is home to the largest music, film, and media conference in the world: South by Southwest.

Thousands of people flock to Austin every March for their yearly bash. Musically, SXSW stands apart from the nation's other festivals -- Coachella in California, Lollapalooza in Chicago -- because of its vast lineup. We're talking over 1,400 performers playing in more than 40 venues in downtown Austin over the span of two weeks. It's huge.

This year, you can see everyone from stadium bands (REM) filling the cavernous Austin Convention Center, to up-and-coming indie darlings (The Raveonettes) playing downtown bars and restaurants packed with the locals.


Among the (varied!) others: Nada Surf, The Kills, Augustana, Jakob Dylan, Hanson, The Lemonheads, Dolly Parton, N.E.R.D, Josh Radin, Tech N9ne, Kate Voegele, My Morning Jacket, The Von Blondies, The Black Keys. (Full list here.)

(And if the music isn't enough for you, there's a film festival screening over 100 upcoming major and independent releases. Plus, the multimedia portion of SXSW features keynote speeches and panels from the creators of Facebook and PostSecret. Not to mention the annual Bloggie awards!)
SXSW continues on through this Sunday.

And I'll stop now. Because I probably sound like an advertisement.

(PS: ...someone go with me in 2009!)

Idol + Itunes Team Up

Love it or hate it, there's no denying that despite being in its 7th season, American Idol still packs a veritable music industry punch.

AI continues to rake in the ratings, and many major artists -- from Billy Joel to Paul McCartney -- have, at some point, licensed their song catalog to be used on the show. Past winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have gone on to win Grammys. (Heck, even past losers like Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken have seen their albums top the Billboard charts.)

So it doesn't come as a complete surprise that iTunes has finally jumped on the Idol bandwagon. Last month, iTunes began selling exclusive MP3s of AI's weekly contestant performances. And starting today, full videos of the performances are also available for sale.

Which means for only $2, you can watch a semi-tone deaf high schooler murder a perfectly good Journey song. On your iPod. As many times as you want.

(Or, better idea? You could buy the original song for half the price. Either way, it's a good week for iTunes.)

Disorder in the court

This week in music legalities:

Gulity: Former boyband mogul Lou Pearlman (the mastermind behind *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys) pleaded guilty today to over $300 million in conspiracy and money laundering charges. The accusations revolve around a Ponzi stock scheme that Pearlman owned and operated prior to the boyband wave. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $1 million if convicted.

Not Gulity: Singer Scott Weiland, frontman for Velvet Revolver and Stone Temple Pilots, pleaded not guilty to a November DUI charge on Wednesday. Weiland is free on $40,000 bail and is due back in court on April 4. If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail because of a prior DUI conviction.

Lawsuit: Producer Linda Perry is suing Warner Music Group for breach of contract . In the suit filed Tuesday, Perry asked for more than $10 million in lost royalties and damages from the debut album of her client, singer James Blunt.

Local Pick: Get Back Loretta

I've always been a big advocate of the local music scene. Sure, alot of bands are forgettable and there's a reason why they're not making it past the local level. But I've also found that if you do your searching, you're bound to find some diamonds in the rough.

Case in point: Get Back Loretta.

These five guys have swept the San Diego music scene (most recently winning "Best Pop Album" at the 2007 San Diego Music Awards, for the second year in a row) with their infectious blend of indie-pop and soul.


I caught GBL over the weekend at the Epicentre, and they put on quite a show. I saw them for the first time about a year ago, and their debut EP "Over the Wall" has been a staple on my iPod ever since. After months of touring, I'm glad these guys are finally back in town.


(Bonus points that GBL took their name from a Beatles lyric. And that their music is good enough to let them get away with it.)

"I thought I'd discovered the best unknown band in San Diego. Catchy enough for Clear Channel and sassy enough for the kids that won't listen to it. Yeah, [Get Back Loretta] is that kind of good. Best out-of-nowhere goodness we’ve heard."

-Troy Johnson, San Diego City Beat

Rattle & Hum: U23D

My roommate and I saw U2-3D the other night, and I was expecting it to be good.

But I wasn't expecting it to be that good.


Some background on the film: It's a musical documentary of sorts, which combines footage from three South American dates on U2's recent "Vertigo" tour. It's a landmark technological achievement: the first live-action, multi-camera film to be shot, edited, and shown entirely in 3D.

The result is nothing short of a stunning piece of cinema. Towering, crystal-clear images paired with intricately remastered sound. Soaring camera angles that take the viewer from centerstage with magnetic frontman Bono, to deep within the thundering arena crowds -- and back again.

It's immersive. It's sensory overload. It's a remarkably distinctive concert experience.

The music didn't disappoint, either. U2 swept through their arena anthems -- 'Vertigo', 'Beautiful Day', 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' -- with theatrical relish. Slower jems like 'With or Without You' and 'One' were given their due depths as well.

Is this the new concert wave of the future? Will music fans now dismiss the idea of shelling out $100 for top seats, and instead opt to pay only $11.50 for the comfort of a 3D IMAX theatre that makes you feel like you're at the concert anyway -- minus the nightmarish parking, cramped floors, and the tall person blocking your view?

Maybe not. Nothing beats a live show.

But in the case of U23D, it's a very good alternative.

Black Crowes vs. Maxim

The Black Crowes have lashed out at Maxim magazine for reviewing their upcoming CD -- without actually hearing it first.

The review, which was published in Maxim's March issue, gave the album 2 and a 1/2 out of 5 stars, and claimed that the blues-rock group needed "room to grow."

Both The Black Crowes (via an official statement on their website) and the overall music community have directed heavy criticism towards the magazine this week, prompting Maxim editorial director James Kaminsky to attempt to clarify things in an interview with the Associated Press:

"This is a mistake. We have often run previews, which are based on the fact that an album is coming out ... but (those in the March issue) should not have had star ratings attached to (them)," said Kaminsky. "There was a bit of a breakdown that led to that happening and I'm looking into it and, as I've said, we've already put measures in place to ensure that this will not happen again."

Black Crowes manager Pete Angelus dismissed Kaminsky's statements as nothing more than "self-serving damage control."

"It comes as no surprise that Maxim has elected to apologize to their readers now that the world has been informed of their deception. However," said Angelus, "That is not full accountability."

Roundup: Tour Tidbits

• Just launched: Bon Jovi kicked off their 3-month nationwide tour last night in Omaha, Nebraska. Full dates here.

• Likely the last: It's the final touring round for The Police and the Spice Girls, say sources close to the groups.

• Dates announced: Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Paramore & Jimmy Eat World.

Spotlight: Sara Bareilles

Even if you don't recognize her name, chances are -- if you own a television or radio -- you've already heard of Sara Bareilles.

A 28-year-old singer/songwriter hailing from Eureka, California, Bareilles found her musical niche earlier this year when her debut piano-pop album, "Little Voice", shot to the top of the Billboard charts -- propelled largely by the success of lead single "Love Song."

So, how'd she do it? How did she transition from years of playing the local UCLA scene of coffeeshops and bars, to suddenly playing Saturday Night Live, and sharing a nationwide tour with Maroon 5?

Two words: song licensing.

Bareilles is the poster-child for internet endorsements. She's become a main spokesperson (songsperson?) for companies including Itunes and Rhapsody.

It all started back in June 2007, when Itunes featured "Love Song" as their Free Single of the Week. The following month, her debut album shot to #1 on the Itunes charts.

Then in October, Bareilles recorded an exclusive Itunes-only Live EP. That topped the charts, too.

In December, Bareilles signed on to appear in a series of commercials for Rhapsody, giving her even more mainstream exposure. Cue the album breaking into the Top 10 Billboard Charts, Bareilles doing the TV talk show rounds, and Rhapsody quickly booking her second single, "Bottle It Up", as the centerpiece of their next commercial -- which just hit airwaves last month.

These are exposure deals that virtually guarantee immense album sales and buzz for the artist. (Case studies: The Ipod commercial that launched Feist's "1,2,3,4" into American pop-culture; Grey's Anatomy -- largely responsible for The Fray's "How to Save a Live" climbing the charts.)

On the flip side, there's also a stigma attached to it. Licensing your songs to appear in DirecTV and Samsung commercials doesn't exactly scream musical credibility. (I'm talking to you, Beyonce.)

But good for Bareilles. She's talented, and deserves to be heard. It's often difficult to get your head above water in the current music industry, and Bareilles rode the endorsement wave until she did.

(Although it's too bad I can't get tickets to her sold-out shows anymore, where I'm willing to bet that 80% of the audience only knows "Love Song.")

New Releases: Feb. 12

Notable new releases this week include:

• Ryan Adams -- Everybody Knows
• Natalie Grant -- Relentless
• Buddy Holly -- 1957: The Complete Recordings
• Mighty Mighty Bosstones -- Medium Rare
• Kylie Minogue -- X
• The Smashing Pumpkins -- American Gothic

My pick:


Michael Jackson --Thriller 25
There's a reason why -- with more than 104 million sales -- 'Thriller" is the best-selling album in history. This re-release offers a handful of bonus tracks with new artists (Will.I.Am, Akon, Fergie) remixing some of MJ's classics, but most are forgettable. The real draw is the original tracks. They still retain their genre-revolutionizing distinctions: Eddie Van Halen's bass hook on "Beat It"; Jackson's vocals on "Billie Jean." Bottom line? It's an essential.

Cliff Notes: The Grammys.

If you didn't catch the Grammys this year, you're not alone. Sunday night's telecast only averaged about 18.2 million viewers -- its lowest ratings since 1992.

Here's what you missed:

Amy Winehouse: A Clean-Up Act
Winehouse took top honors, scoring five out of the six awards she was up for, including Record and Song of the Year for her smash soul hit (and self-fulfilling prophecy) "Rehab." After her request for a Visa was denied earlier this year, Winehouse was forced to perform and accept via satellite.

Also, in a quote that's sure to find itself mass-produced on t-shirts sometime soon, Winehouse would dedicate to her award to her imprisoned boyfriend.

"To my Blake! My Blake incarcerated!"

--
Kanye West: Predictably Unpredictable
West racked up four awards, including Best Rap album for "Graduation." He performed a juxtaposed pair of hits -- including an electric, pyro-laced version of "Stronger," followed up by a sparse, heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Donda. Later, in accepting his award, he addressed the orchestra below when they attempted to play him off stage:

"It would be in good taste to stop the music," he said, in typical Kanye West fashion.

And (perhaps realizing that he is, after all, Kanye West:) they did.

--
Beatles: Cirque De Universe
A Beatles tribute -- featuring the casts of Cirque de Soleil's "Love" and Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe" -- was a commendable (if not a bit rushed and cramped on that small stage) effort at paying homage to the Fab Four. An avant-garde "A Day in the Life" dazzled, and a gospel version of "Let it Be" wrapped up the set nicely, while Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, and Olivia Harrison applauded from the audience.

Super Petty.

After this week's one-two punch of Super Bowl Sunday and Super Tuesday, one artist emerged victorious from both events:

Tom Petty.

Petty headlined the half-time event in the New York Giants-New England Patriots showdown. He churned out a greatest hits medley that included "Freefallin'" and "I Wont Back Down" -- a fresh, no-frills performance. It was a welcome break from previous years, where acts like Prince and Aerosmith went all-out with over-the-top costumes and enough spotlights to probably anger some global warming activists.

In contrast, Petty went back to basics and made his music front and center. The result? His "Greatest Hits" album immediately catapulting to #1 on the Amazon.com Classic Rock charts.



On to Super Tuesday, where Hillary Clinton's official campaign trail playlist -- mostly feel-good country, a la Rascal Flatts and (rocker-gone-rancher) Bon Jovi -- received yet another spin. But Senator Clinton's all-important Track One? The song that kicked off every single event, and played immediately after her Tuesday night victory speech in New York? That's right. Sir Petty. "American Girl."

So, to sum up:

1) The Giants' record is Freefallin' -- to the bank.
2) Hillary Clinton wants to remind you that she's an American Girl.
3) Tom Petty is the ultimate good luck charm for New Yorkers.