Concert Junkie Gives a Brief Inaugural Review

Its official. America swore in the first African American president at 12:05 P.M. on Jan. 20, 2009. Barack Obama took the Oath of Office in front of over two million people, who were lucky enough to be at the actual event despite the frigid temperatures, and a global audience of billions. One does not have to be a political expert or fan to honor this moment in American history.

Obama inherits the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, two wars (not also counting the tensions in Mumbai and Gaza), the threat of Global Warming and Schools not quite making their marks and a failed Healthcare system. This is a huge order for the native Hawaiian to tackle. However, Americans can rest assure, we now have someone in office who is willing to actually unite instead divide (for real this time), interrogate instead of torture and resolve instead of invade.

Obama spoke with style and grace when he proclaimed, "America is a friend of each nation." The new president has a tremendous amount of work ahead. Now is time for our government to "put aside childish things" and put the U.S. in a better direction once more.



By Lori who enjoyed sharing Inauguration Day with her students and is happy to have a First Lady with great style.

Concert Junkie's Year-End Review of Politics and Music

Hey everyone! To quote John Lennon, "Another year [is] over and a new one just begun." So much has happened in the topsy-turvy world of 2008. Awesome tours and reunions took place, while an over abundance amount of festivals popped up. We said farewell to some highly influential performers. The world economy is slip-sliding away with one of the worst global recessions. America broke a huge barrier and made history with the monumental victory of Barack Obama as the new President Elect. The music world is on rocky grounds, while Axl finally releases "Chinese Democracy." I don't know about you, but I know I continued to melt my face with some awesome tuneage. So let's take a shot of Drambuie (one of the shittiest alcohols known to man) or toast with the finest Champagne (cheers) to 2008's politics and music.

January
Music
Drambuie me: Radiohead's "In Rainbows" was supposed to release to stores the first week of 2008. However, it started going on sale earlier than expected. It doesn't matter though, the band is nominated for various Grammys, including album of the year. Plus, they started the trend of allowing their fans to pick a price for what they want to pay for their music. It can be downloaded for free. Turns out, most true fans paid for their downloads.

Cheers: Awesome 71 year old musician, Buddy Guy hit the road and played some shows. Jay-Z released the track "Ain't I." The Mars Volta shredded and rocked at Terminal 5. Once again, another mind-blowing amazing set. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss release “Raising Sand.”

Politics
Drambuie me: A huge focus was geared on the 2008 Election because George W. Bush was entering his last year in office with the lowest approval ratings since Herbert Hoover.

Cheers: Bush enters his last year in office, and gave his final State of the Union Address (aka-fun drinking game). Obama surprises everyone and wins the Iowa primary. About twenty-four different European countries lift their border police and allow people to travel through them freely.

February
Music
Drambuie me: Amy Winehouse won Grammys and continues to smoke crack.

Cheers: Sarah Silverman released "I'm Fucking Matt Damon" to her boyfriend and fellow comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel retaliated with the brilliant star-studded cast with "I'm Fucking Ben Affleck." Even goodie boy Josh Groban dropped a few f-bombs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_pFTAY7MF8

Politics
Drambuie me: Bombings at a marketplace in Baghdad kill 43 and injure 85 people. Senate grants immunity to the telecommunication companies. Super Tuesday is moved to February. Obama lost New Hampshire primary.

Cheers: The Giants win the Superbowl!! Oh wait that has nothing to do with politics. :) The Democratic race starts to become a nail-biter between Obama and Hilary Clinton. Both won a majority of the votes on Super Tuesday. Despite Obama losing the New Hampshire primary, he delivered his famous “Yes We Can” speech; thus creating Will.i.am’s song “Yes We Can.”

March
Music
Drambuie me: Brett Michaels has the "Rock of Love part 2." Why must there need to be a show about how a member in Poison picks a groupie as a wife. Why can’t they just film back-stage at a Poison show, or at their after parties?

Cheers: The Rolling Stone's feature flick, "Shine a Light," was released to theaters nationwide.

Politics
Drambuie me: The House fails to override Bush's veto of the bill outlawing water boarding. The fifth anniversary of the invasion in Iraq was announced. When Vice President Dick Cheyney was asked how his feelings towards the 3,999 troops that are dead and the lack of approval for going into Iraq, his response was "So?" Bear Stearns is the first to get emergency money from the government and JP Morgan bail them out. Sub-prime Mortgage crisis takes full swing. Elliot Spitzer gets caught up in a prostitute scandal. Clinton reveals Rev. Jeremiah Wright to the news media.

Cheers: The EPA announces to expand and fight smog in US cities and towns. Tibetans start to challenge China with protests about China's not-so-clean human rights record. In response to Clinton’s unraveling of Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s harsh words towards America, Obama delivers a historical speech about race in Philadelphia. This was the defining moment of the Primary.

April
Music
Drambuie me: NKOTB reunite for a tour, now I know I'm getting old. Roger Waters lost his pig, and yes, that is a big deal. Jimmy Page starts teasing us all about Zeppelin getting back together and touring.

Cheers: STP announced a reunion tour. REM's "Accelerate" takes the #2 spot on Billboard album charts.

Politics
Drambuie me: Despite ongoing investigations, the State Department renews Blackwater’s contract to stay in Iraq. The body affiliated with the Olympic Committee fails to mention Tibet in the Beijing Games. The Olympic torch is protested in dozens of cities world-wide.

Cheers: Kosovo is an independent country. The Washington Post gets a Pulitzer for their story on the conditions at Walter Reed Hospital.

May
Music
Drambuie Me: R. Kelly has a bad day in court. Oh wait! This is a cheers! The lip-synching Simpson is in the news.

Cheers: Michael Jackson releases 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller." Trey Anastasio announces to play at some festivals during the summer. Radiohead start their North American tour.

Politics
Drambuie Me: Over $24 billion is used to bail out the mortgage crisis. Clinton stays in the primary despite financial issues.

Cheers: Obama is ahead of Clinton in all aspects. North Korea hands over a 1000 page document in regards to their plutonium holdings.

June
Music
Drambuie Me: One of the greatest comedians, George Carlin dies. Oakland hip-hop group the Coup were the first performers ever accused of obscure obscenity in Northfolk, VA. Guitar Hero launches Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. During the creation of the game, the record label did not have all of Aerosmith’s original recordings from back in their hay-day. Needless to say, the game did not sell well.

Cheers: My Morning Jacket releases “Evil Urges.” Weezer releases “The Red Album.” Coldplay releases “Viva la Vida or Death and All his Friends.” Robert Plant and Alision Krauss give an awesome performance at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles with star-studded newcomer Sharon Little.

Politics
Drambuie Me: A large fire breaks out at Universal Studios in Los Angeles (not political, I know, but I almost planned on going there during my vacation.) Athletes Antonio Pettigrew and Michael Johnson give back their gold medals. The America’s Climate Security Act of 2007 stalls in the US senate. About seven people were killed and 10 injured in Japan coincidentally coinciding with the Seventh Anniversary of the Osaka School Massacre. Floods occur in the mid-west. Hundreds of Koreans protest beef deal with US over the concern of Mad Cow Disease. Many people were severely injured by the police during the protests because of their use of water cannons and night sticks.

Cheers: Obama becomes the first African-American to win a party’s nomination. Clinton suspends her campaign and endorses Obama. Bush goes to Europe one last time. After a decade of waiting, China and Taiwan resume talks. California courts allow same-sex marriage. Two Bear Stearn Hedge Fund Managers were arrested and faced criminal charges.

July
Music
Drambuie Me: July 31 was declared by Los Angeles Mayor as Motley Crue Day (this is both good and bad). The Jonas Brothers are on the cover of Rolling Stone. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Cheers: Jov Stock ’08: Bon Jovi played a free show in Central Park. I took my Korean friend to his very first concert, Radiohead at the Camden Waterfront with Brooklyn band Grizzly Bear as the opener. Queen and Paul Rodgers (from Bad Company) announce a new album deal.

Politics
Drambuie Me: Starbucks announced to close 600 underperforming coffee shops around the country. Chinese restaurants in Beijing are told not to serve dog meat during the Olympics, but they can continue to serve donkey meat. One third of the coral reefs face extinction.

Cheers: Luis Moreno-Ocampo, prosecutor to the International Criminal Court, accuses Sudanese President Omar-al Bashir of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. Obama speaks to over 200,000 people in Germany. Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) presents his articles of impeachment of George W. Bush to the House Judiciary Committee. Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens is indicted. Obama announces Joe Biden as his VP.

August
Music
Drambuie Me: Sarah Palin uses Heart’s "Barracuda" without permission. Kevin Cogill leaked tracks from "Chinese Democracy" and was arrested by the FBI. Leona Lewis sang “Whole Lotta Love” with Led Zep guitarist Jimmy Page to close out the Beijing Olympics. McCain uses parts of “Running on Empty” in a commercial. Brooklyn’s outdoor venue, McCaren Park/Pool, closes. Sonic Youth entices fans at the pool.

Cheers: Heart sends a letter to the Republican National Committee to stop using their song. Jackson Browne sues McCain for the use of his song without permission. AC/DC release a new single. Obama uses Brooks & Dunn’s “Only in America” at the end of his acceptance speech; the same song was used four years ago at the end of Bush’s speech. Nice how the tune crossed party lines.

Politics
Drambuie Me: The Olympic Games opened in Beijing despite the numerous protests and boycotts over China’s lack-of human rights record. Many countries boycotted the opening ceremonies. War breaks out between Georgia and Russia. John McCain announces to his friends Sarah Palin as his VP.

Cheers: Swimmer Michael Phelps breaks Mark Spitz’s record and wins eight gold medals(I know I know not politics). Jamaica’s Usain Bolt becomes the fastest man alive, and breaks world records at the Olympic games. The Democrats host their national convention in Denver, CO.

September
Music
Drambuie Me: Backstreet Boys do some shows. Britney Spears makes a come-back. Richard Wright of Pink Floyd dies from Cancer.

Cheers: The New York Dolls return. Tom Morello, the Nightwatchman, releases a solo album. James Taylor releases a new album full of fantastic covers. Alicia Keys and Jack White collaborate for new Bond theme. Pretenders release new album. Rock Band 2 is released to rousing hype and success. Travis Baker, drummer formerly of Blink-182, survives an air plane crash, but he’s critically injured and four people died. Metallica release their hardest-thrashing album since their 90's work with “Death Magnetic” (it put their post "Black Album" stuff to shame).

Politics
Drambuie Me: After the stock market took a hard blow, McCain says, “The fundamentals of our economy are strong.” Palin’s 17 year old daughter is pregnant. Bush allows special forces to go into Pakistan without approval from the Pakistani government. Unrest and possible civil war in Bolivia. Hurricane Ike hits Texas. Bush asks for $700 billion for a bail-out. McCain post-pones his campaign, but doesn’t exactly go to Washington right away.

Cheers: The bail-out was first rejected. McCain puts his campaign on pause. The presidential debates begin. Rachel Maddow has her own show on MSNBC.

October
Music
Drambuie Me: After 10 years, MTV says farewell to TRL (did anyone other than me notice that?) Beyonce clearly lip-synchs at TRL show. Led Zeppelin announce to tour without Robert Plant as their singer. Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were murdered.

Cheers: AC/DC makes their first Rolling Stone cover, ever! BRUCE and Billy Joel perform together for an Obama fund-raiser in NYC. BRUCE performs at various Get out the Vote rallies. Joelle announces On the Verge internet TV. Rock Band won the rights to the Beatle’s library; a new Rock Band will be out next year. Def Leopard decides to go Indie.

Politics
Drambuie Me: The House and Senate pass the revised bail-out, which means more pork-spending. The economy around the world takes a massive dip. The G-7 met to discuss possible economic solutions.
Cheers: Biden and Palin debate. A bi-partisan committee in Alaska finds Palin had abused her power unlawfully when she fired the Alaska Public Safety Commissioner. Stevens is found guilty.

November
Music
Drambuie Me: After waiting 14 years, “Chinese Democracy” is finally released, but Axl is no where to be found. Boy George could face life in prison on assault and false imprisonment charges.

Cheers: “Chinese Democracy” is released. BRUCE releases new single “Working on a Dream.” The Catholic Church finally forgives Lennon for saying that the Beatles were “bigger than Jesus.” Lennon uttered those words back in 1966.

Politics

Drambuie Me: Some of the US Senate races are still unresolved (I’m pointing my finger at Minnesota). Proposition 8 passes in California, now banning same-sex marriage. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, funded the California government millions of dollars to put Proposition 8 on the ballot. This triggered millions of protests world-wide in front of Mormon Churches in over 300 cities. American unemployment rate reaches 14 percent. A volcano erupts in Columbia. Bush declares No Child Left Behind as one of his greatest achievements next to the War in Iraq.

Cheers: Barack Obama is elected as the first African-American American President. Supreme Court of California agrees to hear a challenge to Prop 8. President Elect Obama dubs Rahm Emanuel his Chief of Staff and reveals his Treasury Team.

December
Music
Drambuie Me: Joe Satriani’s “If I could Fly,” vs. Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida.”

Cheers: Pearl Jam’s "Ten" is reissued.

Politics
Drambuie Me: Massive cuts and layoffs nationwide. The auto companies are asking the government for money (if the companies tank, say bye, bye to sanity).

Cheers: President Elect Obama names Clinton as his Secretary of State and more members to his cabinet. Bush actually wants to help the auto companies.

In memory: Bo Diddley, Isaac Hayes, Paul Newman, Jerry Finn, Mitch Mitchell, Alton Kelley, Odetta, Levi Stubbs, Neil Aspinall, Ken Nelson, Mickey Walker, Norman Whitfield, Buddy Miles, Miriam Makeba, Larry Levine, Jeff Healey, Alton Ellis, Eddy Arnold, Jerry Wexler, LeRoi Moore, George Carlin, Richard Wright, my dog Rebel, and Danny Federici.

My prediction and hope for the newly President Elect: Obama should focus on creating new Solar and Wind-power energy. NOT "CLEAN" COAL or NUCLEAR! If all focus is given on new, clean energy sources, then millions of jobs are created. Follow this equation:

Solar Powered paneling + Wind Power = the creation of millions of jobs.

This will boost the global economy, not just the US. Therefore, we will have a new export of goods. It can happen.

By Lori who had a pretty awesome year and hopes 2009 is even better. Let's all hope our world leaders cause us to have more toasts with Champagne than chugs of Drambuie.

Concer Junkie: Wonders Why?

**Spoiler alert for anyone who hasn't seen Religilous yet.**

French philosopher Rene Descartes once said, "I think therefore I am." What we learn from this quote and other philosophers is that we can't exist without the mind. We need the mind for feeling, learning, thinking and more importantly doubting. Now I separate thinking and doubting because some people can think, but they cannot doubt. For example, take the subject of religion. Its filed under the "Don't ask, don't tell" section, along with Sex and Politics. We've come to enjoy the jokes of Sex and Politics, sometimes combined(Larry Craig, Ted Haggard, Bill Clinton, etc.) But people still cannot embrace the occasional quip or question about religion. Why? Why is it so difficult to question belief? The recent film Religilous, which features comedian Bill Maher, takes the agnostic approach to the major faiths and asks the questions most true believers fail to ever ask.

The film takes you on a Questioning-of-Faith Journey to various states in the U.S., Netherlands, Israel, Puerto Rico, Italy and London. The first interview Maher conducts is in Raleigh, NC at a Trucker's Christian Chapel. Maher asks only one question and one trucker decides to walk out. The rest stay and answer as honestly and wholeheartedly as they could. Some other interviews were with the Jesus at Prophet Land, which is a religious amusement park in Orlando, FLA. Preacher Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda of Puerto Rico, who claims to be the second coming of Jesus, does not realize the silliness he is spewing from his lips (watch and you will hear). Another was also with an Anti-Zionist Jew. But my favorite was with a Senior Priest at the Vatican in Rome. Maher was able to get this priest on camera to say honestly that religion is "silly."

I'm not an atheist. I never ever claimed to be. I was born and raised Jewish, but as I read more and more, I embrace doubt. America was founded on the basis of religious freedom, and people have the right to believe in whatever they want, even in aliens and magic underwear (to an extent, when it comes to murder, rape or incest a line should be drawn). Why is it that with all the charity, peace and good will religion preaches, why is there war carried out based on these beliefs?

Somethings I felt the movie failed to mention is the Scientology boom on Hollywood Blvd. For a long time, no one really knew of this religion and science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard (Battlefield Earth is pretty bad). Some other facts it might have also wanted to mention are the amounts of rape/incest incidents among Mormon families, or the kidnapping of young girls once they turn 11. However, I know there were some time constraints and Maher did not cover every single religion. If he did the movie would have been two and half or three hours instead of two.

With the facts and topics discussed, Maher did an overall excellent job. Religilous is directed by Larry Charles (Borat). Whether you are a believer or not, go see this movie. It will open your eyes and mind. Do not be afraid to question the unknown, since that is all that it is.


By Lori who was watching the finale of TRL and will blog about that tomorrow.

Concert Junkie: Rambles about Zeppelin Rumors

Anticipation is growing, rumors are flying, and I'm screaming in agony. I first heard the announcement of the legendary Led Zeppelin holding auditions for Robert Plant replacements earlier this week. I shrugged and said 'Meh.' However, I just read on the LA Times music blog of who the mighty Zeppelin might settle on for a replacement, I can't stay quiet any longer.


Myles Kennedy should not be the new Plant for Zep. First off, his voice does not compare to Plant. Scott Weiland, in his hay-day with STP, would have been a more sufficient choice than no-name Kennedy. I do not want Zeppelin to turn into the non-Robert Halford years of Judas Priest. If you are not sure about what I mean, try to watch the movie Rock Star. I know it is painful to get through the awful plot holes and extensions in Jennifer Anniston's hair, but that's why I said try. However, I wholeheartedly understand if you pass. The movie is about how Halford left Judas Priest, and how they hired Tim "Ripper" Owens, a no-name, who sang in a Judas Priest tribute band. He shared the stage with Priest for a brief stint, until the band realized they could set their egos aside and hire back the great one.

Another strike against Kennedy is he's from Creed. Now, for those who know me well know that I find Creed to be repulsive and talentless. They shared the same Christian rock fad as P.O.D(remember them?), which then spawned South Park's awesome episode of when Cartman started a Christian Rock Band. Kennedy will not generate people to go flocking to the arenas or outdoor theaters. Currently, according to the LA Times blog survey, over 60 percent of the readers surveyed, don't care for a tour if its not Plant, while four percent find this decision "awesome."

When Zep announced their charity show last year, millions of people from all over the world, registered in the lottery within the first hour alone. I don't think die hard Nickleback or Creed fans combined can generate anything close.

Please Jimmy, John, and Jason, stop your auditions and bring Plant to the table. You guys can most definitely negotiate something. Don't turn into the non-Halferd years! Plant put the Krauss album on hold. You know we'll want to hear it in another year or so, but while you still can hit the notes, go on tour with Zeppelin. It can seriously save the world economy. Think about it. Remember the old mantra guys: One rock show can save the world.

By Lori, who would sell her first unborn child for Zeppelin to come to North America.

Concert Junkie: Feels the Need to be Political

Now that the conventions are over and the confetti has been swept up, some people might still be confused about who they are going to vote for President of the United States. Besides fulfilling my role as Concert Junkie, I have also been following the election coverage as a "Political Junkie (something Hunter S. Thompson once called himself and where I get the Junkie spelling to my title)." I know I am probably going to get comments from people in regards to this piece; however, I welcome all comments with nothing more than an open mind. The sources I go by are both mainstream, independent and opinion on both sides. Here's a little issues guide for both candidates and their VP's.

Economy


Barack Obama/Joe Biden: Give a tax-cut to the Middle Class, not since Bill Clinton has there been such a cut. Affordable health care for everyone.

John McCain/Sarah Palin: Keep the George W. Bush tax cut permanent, which means the five percent of this country will not have to pay taxes. The Middle Class will continue to carry the burden. I also want to remind you that no president in U.S. history has ever done a tax-cut during war.

Oil

Obama/Biden: Spoke at the convention about tapping into our natural gas reserve. Every other country than America uses natural gas as a way of fueling their cars. Don't believe me watch this:


McCain/Palin: Spoke at their convention about drilling into our wild-life refuge and reserve. It is a very temporary fix to a long term problem. Proceed even more with caution. Palin's Governor inauguration was funded by BP (you can look that up in any major newspaper on both sides of the fence). Plus, McCain too has ties to big oil (they drink our milkshake).

Environment/Energy

Obama/Biden: Since the start of the Obama campaign in the primaries, the main focus has been on renewable energy sources. At the convention, Obama mentioned he will create wind power plants within the next 10 years. This campaign accepts and understands the fact that Global Warming is something to be concerned about.

McCain/Palin: I scratched my head while watching their convention because McCain has voted against all renewable energy bills since he has been Senator. But during his speech he mentioned to do something about nuclear and other renewable energy devices. This campaign feels Global Warming is man-made and it is nothing to be concerned about. (Drill baby Drill!! I'm hungry for oil!!)


Foreign Policy/War

Obama/Biden: Recently, Iyad Allawi, Prime Minister of Iraq, and the Bush White House, embraced Obama's idea of troop withdrawal within a considerable time frame. Obama/Biden want to focus more on Afghanistan and Pakistan, since that is where the terrorists have been/are harboring. Obama has travelled, not just recently, but throughout his life to various countries. Biden has worked across party lines on various foreign policy issues. Though he did vote for the initial war in Iraq, he has since been against it very vocally. He gave a strong argument against it in 2007, when the Republicans were still going with Bush with no plan and no resolution. By the way, you might realize in the video, Biden talks about his colleague from Arizona. Guess who he was talking about? He's been a leading voice in many ways. One of his sons is also serving in Iraq (deployment Oct. '08).

McCain/Palin: They do not want to withdrawal US troops until we "Win." Palin's son is expected to deploy for Iraq later this week. Her and her church think this is a war that was sent in from God to do his will. Since she has not yet done any interview with any reporter, what exactly is God's will? McCain mentioned earlier in his campaign of war for 100 years in the Middle East. Some of the Right wingers think that just because Alaska is next to Russia (2.5 miles) that that is enough to consider her to be an expert on foreign policy. Plus, at a Town Hall forum in NM, McCain did not refute against reinstalling the draft. If this is true, start saying good-bye to your children and their children.

Abortion

Obama/Biden: This was not something really mentioned specifically at the convention because both candidates respect the choice. This past Sunday, Bidden was on Meet the Press and he spoke to Tom Brokaw about this particular issue.

McCain/Palin: In 2000, when McCain was running for President against Bush, he said he supports Roe vs. Wade. Now in 2008, he has spoken out against it http://mediamatters.org/items/200611220001 . Palin is strongly anti-abortion, even for rape and incest victims.


Women's Rights

Obama/Biden: Both spoke at their convention about making women's wage equal to men's.

McCain/Palin: Nothing was said, other than putting one of the most conservative woman on the ticket in hopes to get Hillary supporters.

Education

Obama/Biden: They speak about strengthening our education system by starting at the Early Childhood age group by instilling "Universal Preschool." Plus, he will reform No Child Left Behind by actually giving it the money that was taken away from it. They plan to focus on recruiting and rewarding new great teachers. Plus, they also spoke about making college more affordable.

McCain/Palin: McCain spoke about making school's more competitive with federal funding. No mention of college or Early Childhood Education.

Overall, the America people should realize this election is about the past versus the future. If you are not registered to vote, you have until October 4 to do so. Remember, if you are still stuck, think about your choice in this respect: Happy with the way things have been going the past eight years? Vote for McCain/Palin. Interested in seeing a campaign carry-out their promises? Vote for Obama/Biden.

By Lori, who feels this election, much like any election, is too important for my generation to sit on the side-lines and not care. Wake up, its our future!!

Concert Junkie Reviews BRUCE!

Fairy tale magic was in the air on July 27. A long time ago, while Debbie Gibson taught me how to have "love only in my dreams" and Bon Jovi gave me lessons on how to "live on a prayer," Bruce Springsteen unleashed the fact I do not always have to be proud of my country through "Born in the U.S.A." Granted I was only six when I first listened to this protest song, but the lyrics still hold true and shape some of my writings. So when my brother asked me if I wanted to see the Boss at Giant Stadium, I felt my childhood reflect back to the day I first listened to the Born in the U.S.A. album on my cassette player. How could I say no.

Of course I admit, I did go through my non-Boss liking phase. He wasn't always in the
forefront of my mind as my favorite Jersey boy. The Jov was more of my cup of tea for a while, until he metamorphed himself into a new image. BRUCE never did that and never had to. While ABBA, the Bee Gees and other grotesque disco polluted the airwaves, Springsteen, Tom Petty and Bob Seger were rescuing rock with their songs that told stories of love and struggle. Springsteen's songs particularly struck the chord of understanding with the Blue collar workers, the salts of the Earth. His honest words and common values have kept him in a league higher than any other performer.

We tailgated before going into the Stadium. The parking lot was filled with local and out of town Jerseyians, young and old. People even from overseas were in our lot area. A generational family was next to us. Grandparents, parents, children and grand-children. It was a beautiful site. Everyone bonding over the same purpose. I can hear various live versions of "Jersey Girl," as I sizzled the meat on the grill. I don't remember feeling like a giddy girl for seeing a band such as this since maybe my one and only Phish concert (2/24/03).

After eating our grizzled grub, we ventured past the porto-potties to make our way into the Stadium. BRUCE excitement was everywhere not to mention lots of drunk people. I felt like I was at a huge family reunion. Everyone is waiting for the big important relative to tell us something important. While waiting for that moment, the Yankee game was on. We heard constant cheers of LET'S GO YANKEES, which were then followed by LET'S GO BOSTON, which of course were followed by BOSTON SUCKS. But before the lights went down, the NY fans retaliated even more with LET'S GO GIANTS (although the season doesn't start until Sept. 4).

After an hour delay, we all assumed was due to the rain not the Yankee game, BRUCE and the E-Street Band went right into "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out," "Radio Nowhere," "Lonesome Day," "No Surrender," "Adam Raised a Cain" and "Spirit in the Night." I was enthralled by his energy and ability to go into song after song after song after song.

During "Lonesome Day," BRUCE collected poster-board sized requests from the people in the front rows. While singing "Spirit in the Night," BRUCE allowed a lucky little lady to kiss him on his cheek. Every time the camera went on Steven Van Zandt, I screamed, "Silvio!"

They shredded into "Summertime Blues." The Boss introduced his wife Patti Scialfa, before they harmonized "Brilliant Disguise" together and "Atlantic City" soon followed. Now it was time for BRUCE to finally get to the requests. A ten-year old girl by the name of Rosie requested "Growin' Up." The Boss commented to Rosie how he wrote that song, "A quarter of a century before you were born. When your daddy was a wink in your mommy's eye."

Other requests of the night were "Janey don't You Lose Your Heart," "I'll Work for Your Love," "Working on the Highway" and "Bobby Jean"(one of the encores). Before going into "The Rising," BRUCE dedicated the song to Obama. Besides doing his hits, he did recent songs from his new album Magic.

His encores lead him well beyond the 11 o'clock mark. During "Born to Run," the lights went on, but the band continued into "Dancing in the Dark." The Stadium and I were all dancing like Courtney Cox. The lights went back down before "American Land." I guess the Stadium techies realized, the Boss is in charge for the night, and he will tell them when the night is over.

After a three and a half hour set with no intermission, BRUCE and the E Street Band ended the night on a fairy tale note, since it started with one, by doing "Rosalita." Thus, also ending my fairy tale, of now living happily ever after seeing one of the greatest shows ever at Giant Stadium before the wrecking ball commences.

Other songs in the set were: "Youngstown," "Murder Incorporated," "The Promised Land," "Livin' in the Future," "Mary's Place," "Tunnel of Love," "Last to Die," "Long Walk Home," "Badlands." Encores: "Girls in their Summer Clothes," "Jungleland," "Born to Run," "Bobby Jean," "Dancing in the Dark," "American Land," "Rosalita."

By Lori who urges everyone, whether a fan or not, to see BRUCE and see why his shows are such a phenomenon. It is an experience like no other and this is coming from someone who has seen more shows than you can imagine from various genres and cultures. Concert Junkie forever.

Concert Junkie gets Dark Knight Dorky

**Warning there are some plot spoilers, so if you haven't already seen the movie then you might not want to read this!**

Hello. My name is Lori. I am a woman in my (gasp) late twenties and I grew up reading comic books long before they were all sold to the big screen. Phew. O.K. I got that off my chest. "And there was much rejoicing, yay."

When I first heard and saw the previews for the Dark Knight, I felt something genuine was bound to come from it. Besides the cast being phenomenal, I left the theater wondering, for the first time, can we see a super hero movie be nominated for more than special/visual effects Oscar? Anything is possible.

As some of you might not know(mainly the other avid lady readers), the Dark Knight is based on the comic book mini series: The Dark Knight Returns, which was written and drawn by the awesome Frank Miller (Sin City, Watchmen, 300). Most people think of Batman, the superhero character from the old TV series with Adam West or from the Tim Burton movies starring Michael Keaton(the others were crap!) In the more nowadays sense, the character of Batman is more of a grim caped crusader. Though Burton did touch upon that; however, I think Batman Begins and Dark Knight are proving to be fresh reiterations of the once famed DC Comic figure from the 30s.

First off, the talented Christian Bale makes a strikingly, sexy Batman versus West or Keaton. Bale's ability from being the lavish businessman Bruce Wayne and the mysterious Batman show the duality of this complex character. All Superman did was put glasses on and he was Clark Kent. Batman in movie, comic book and cartoon mini- series form had Wayne negotiating with evil doers and in the next scene fighting them as Batman. Bale makes the clear distinction between the two, particularly in his voice.

The late great Heath Ledger lends a brilliant performance of the Joker. This was the role many comic fan-boys/girls were wondering if he would actually pull it off. I think he did more than that. His performance was a step above Jack Nicholson's. Don't get me wrong, Nicholson's performance was pretty classic. However, Nicholson appealed more to the Joker's quarky, silly side, Ledger appealed more to the psychotic, sinister vilan. Ledger, in any movie he was in, even in 10-Things I Hate About You, always lent charm and charisma. Too bad his career was shortened, but I think this movie, along with his role in Brokeback Mountain, will make him legendary.

Dark Knight focuses upon one of my favorite heroes/villans, Harvey Dent/Two Face played by Aaron Eckhart, the actor with the cutest smile. In the movie, he's dating Batman's girl Rachel Dawes, a character not in the comic book, performed by the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal. The Joker wants Batman and will stop at nothing, even rob the mob of men and money, to get his man. That's as much of the plot that I want to reveal. I'm sure half the world has seen it by now, but I'd rather talk about the theme.

I liked how the movie, much like the comic book, touch upon the theme of what makes a hero. Batman does somethings to show how he is an independent vigilante at times. For instance, he breaks into the Gotham City's cell phone users to track down the Joker before their final fight. I left the theater thinking about what makes a person a hero? I started to reflect about the people who I look up to, my late mom Beverly Michael and late cousin David Musikant, John Lennon, Martin Luther King, Jr., Allan Ginsberg and Hunter S. Thompson. All of them were free spirited, some even vigilante-like(mainly Thompson, "Bat country!") I dub these people my heroes because of the deeds that they did when they were alive. So I think Batman, even though at the end marks himself a not-so-much hero, but in fact he is by choosing to be the Dark Knight.

By Lori, who read comic books while helping my mom at some of the flea markets she used to run and/or sell at. My mom owned/ran her own business. On of them being collecting/selling antiques. She sold antiques, one of the many items she sold were comic books. I've read X-Men, Captain America, Flash, Iron Man, Punisher, Fantastic Four, Batman, Superman and Archie. Comic books lend for some great imagination building. I shush all of the people who are probably laughing at my dorkiness right now. :)

Concert Junkie: Finally Reviews Plant/Krauss at the Greek in LA

I realize it has been a while since I've posted on here, and I do have a reason. I've been traveling. One of the cities I recently ventured to was Los Angeles. This was my third time on the west coast and second time in the City of Angels. Why was this time different than last time? Well, my brother has never been to CA, so my friend and I decided why not show him some good, fun sites, such as Griffith Observatory, the Pacific Coast Highway(PCH), Santa Monica mountains along the PCH, Hollywood, Mt. WILSON, Manhattan Beach, and Back to the Future and E.T. sites. Of course, other than playing tour guide, I fulfilled my role as the ultimate Concert Junkie by going to the Robert Plant and Alison Krauss concert at the picturesque Greek Theater.

I am sad to report that cameras were strictly prohibited the night of the show. I didn't see a single flash go off, but then again, I'm sure more people were recording video clips than snapping photos. Plus, cell phone cameras suck. They can't capture certain moments too well. So I hope my descriptions lend as an aid to your imagination.

The Greek Theater is nestled in the wood land of Griffith Park, which is in the same area as Griffith Observatory. The theater itself has won awards and it has won the #1 Small Outdoor Venue in the country from Pollster Magazine five times in the past six years. When you sit in your seat at the Greek, you are not only facing the stage, but your eyes are also focused on some of the most beautiful mountains in the city.

Sharon Little was the opening act. Four months before the show, she was working as a waitress in Philadelphia. Now she is the opening act for one of the most legendary collaborations. Little's voice is heavenly mix of Norah Jones meets Aretha Franklin, the song "Follow that Sound" is proof. Before she dove into her song "Try," I thought it was going to be a Joplin cover. However, her whole set was 100% originals that Little and her fellow band mate Scot Sax wrote together. Little won the hearts and minds of every audience member that night with some standing ovations. Give a listen to her album Perfect Time for a Breakdown, here's a little sample:

The sun set behind the mountains before Krauss and Plant came out. The two have been wowing crowds from coast to coast, festival to festival with their sheer musical energy together. I cannot think of another great collaboration as this where Blue Grass meets Rock. The most stardom in the main spotlight Blue Grass has seen is with the O' Brother Where Art Thou Soundtrack, which was produced by T. Bone Burnett who was also one of the key ingredients to this stellar mix. Besides the duo doing tunes from their award winning album Raising Sand, I knew they were going to be doing some of their own works, so I could not wait to wait to hear them tackle the Led Zeppelin tunes in their repertoire.

The set opened with Track one, "Rich Woman," which then led into "Leave my Woman alone," and the Zeppelin tune "Black Dog." With Krauss as his angelic anchor and Burnett as his six string strummer, Plant does not go into the Zeppelin style of the song, but more along the lines of if "Black Dog" was written for a blues or jazz band. Other Zeppelin highlights was "Black Country Woman" with Jimmy Page solos put to banjo and fiddle. Plus, the anticipated "Battle of Evermore." Why was "Battle of Evermore" more anticipated? Its because Zeppelin never did it in concert. It was one of those songs in their sets that was never at the forefront of their minds. To actually have a Zeppelin member perform it with an amazing soulful woman was beyond a dream to hear.


Some other highlights of their set was when Krauss sang center stage acapella to "Down to the River and Pray" with the gentlemen backing her up. Burnett also stepped forward and did some of his own songs. If you are wondering who Burnett is, he has been around as long as Bob Dylan and just as fantastic if not more.


The evening started to wind down with "Please Read the Letter" and "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)." But they greeted the crowd with three encores, "You Don't Knock," "One-Woman Man," and "Your Long Journey." To mine and my company's disappointment, there was no mini Zeppelin reunion. D'oh! Maybe there will be one on their next tour, since Plant and Krauss are going to work on a second album, due to the worldwide success of this one. I eagerly wait next endeavor with Plant and Krauss.

By Lori: who saw Plant one other time before I went to Korea in '05. His show was so moving I cried. Though this show beyond moving, it was riveting. I urge everyone to buy or download Raising Sand and Perfect Time for a Breakdown.

Concert Junkie: Sex and the City Review

Friday night, I fulfilled my womanly obligation by seeing the Sex and the City movie. I was never gaga for the show because I was too involved with the Soprano's. However, I do give SATC a lot of credit for revolutionizing the way women are portrayed in television; we've come a long way since the classic 50's sitcoms. When the show was on air, I probably watched a total of 5 episodes, two of them being the finale. This show made it trendy to go to sex shops, mainstream the use of vibrators, have as much sex as Ben Franklin did when he was in France, drink Cosmos or anything in Martini glasses, and make shy women more confident about having sex chats with their girlfriends. I had a feeling the atmosphere in and around the movie theater was going to be interesting.

The Chili's at the Palisades Center was running a $5.99 Cosmopolitan special, though I had to pass. I find Cosmos to taste like ass and if you don't believe me then you've never had a real one; you've only settled for the fake TGIFriday's version. Instead, my friend and I indulged in trendy Margaritas because Tequila is fantastic. After our drinks, it was time to join the herd towards the theater.

Every SATC movie was sold out. An employee had to come into the theater and inform us that people could not save seats because they had to accommodate for 300 people.

I don't know about you, but dressing for the movies is something I don't put a lot of thought into. Give me a cute shirt and jeans and I'm good to go. Why was this night different than all other nights? Since fashion and style was such a key element to SATC, some ladies felt the need to deck out in Euro-trash threads that you would see on the dance floors at the high-scale City clubs. I kid you not. Sorry ladies, but SATC movie is not the one that you would find Mr. Big at. Your best bet is to go to Indiana Jones to pick up some fellas with those garments. But don't count on fan-boys to give you the time of day, unless you want to join their Lan party.

In the midsts of this ultimate girl's night out, surprisingly, there were a handful guys in the theater. Most of them had dates and looked bored out of their minds before the movie started. They were most likely texting their fellow buds with, "Shoot me now" or getting texted "You know how I know you're gay..." There was also a group of guys sitting together in the front row. Not only did they stick out like Waldo, but they clearly looked out of place. My guesses are they either A) lost a bet or B) the three of them wanted to get in touch with their feminine side so they could try to understand women better. They thought what better way to do that then to go see SATC together. However, I'm going to guess A.

The previews were for every romantic comedy that is set to release this summer. No joke. People were singing along to the Mama Mia preview. Ugh. If there is anything I don't like its ABBA. Why is there a musical and musical movie for a band that destroyed rock 'n roll during their hayday? There is also going to be a Notebook-esque movie coming out. I'm warning you now, get the Kleenex ready!

Without further ado, the two hour and fifteen minute movie began. I was thrown off by the choice of intro-music. They didn't use the theme song. Though it does make a slight appearance during the movie. I don't want to give any of the plot away because there are surprises and twists. I will lend you this piece of advice, overall, I found SATC to be better than the actual show. I highly recommend it to anyone who, like me, was not a huge fan of the show. It really does continue from where it leaves off. It gives a Dummies/Idiot-guide description in the beginning for those who have never, ever seen or heard of the show. If you want a fun girls night out, this is the ultimate movie for just that. 4/5 Cosmos :).

By Lori: who actually wore pink for this occasion.

In Other News...

Australian singer/song-writer Julianne "Jewels" Hennessy just posted a music page on Myspace. Currently living in Melbourne, Hennessy is recording a debut EP and it will be released sometime in the later months of '08. Her sound is a blend of Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks, and Fiona Apple.

Be sure to friend her on myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/juliannemusicpage

Here are some samples of her vocal ability:

In Time recorded at a recital in '06




Cover of Rhiannon with Matthew La Corcia at the Fire Station Cafe (Aussie bar)



By Lori: who had a memorable dining out experience with Julianne and mutual friends at Veggie Heaven in Teaneck when she studied at Willy P as an exchange student last year. Fun times.

Concert Junkie Reports and Rants

If any of you Los Angeles dwellers are wondering why there's a banner on top of the Capital Record's building that says: "Welcome Home Brian Wilson." Well scratch that head no more. According to a press release on Wilson's website, the former Beach Boy is back with his original label and set to release a new album, "That Lucky Old Sun."

"That Luck Old Sun" will be available on CD, CD/DVD, vinyl, and digitally on Sept. 2. The album is set to be "a love letter to Southern California." The other influence to the piece is the 1949 song "That Luck Old Sun" itself. Wilson sang it in shows last year.

I know some of the people who read this are probably thinking, 'Why the f*** is this person reporting on someone my grandparents dig?' Well Emo lovers, without the glorious harmonies of the Beach Boys, most groups of today will probably have a different sound. You might have heard of this really untalented band called the Beatles(being sarcastic, calm down)? Guess where they got most of their ideas from? No, Pink Floyd wasn't until later. No. Not the Stones. Honestly, if its not on Guitar Hero or Rock Band, you wouldn't know it. If the Beach Boys didn't release the legendary Pet Sounds there would be no Sgt. Pepper's, and if the Beatles didn't release Revolver there would be no Pet Sounds.

Why should you care about this? These are two of the greatest albums of all time. When you listen to them, more than once of course, your eyes will broaden and your mind will expand. No drugs involved, just fantastic music. That's why you should take music appreciation classes, so you can appreciate music, or talk to your ex-hippie neighbor.

By Lori: who realizes after Joelle's, Jess's, and her recent posts, there is no hope for the youth of America to have any great new music in the spotlight because publications and radio stations do a horrible job. Except on 107.1 the Peak and 90.7 WFUV. Plus, I understand Jess's pain about seeing the Tequila chick on the cover of Blender because Rolling Stone featured the cast of the Hills last month. What do they have to do with anything?

Concert Junkie: Unraveling the Josh Dion Band

The Beginning

Add fun rock music with a tight knit of friends, multiply it by loyal fans and the result is the Josh Dion Band. The quintet met at William Paterson University where some members were studying in the jazz program. However, it wasn't until after their Willy P days did the band decide to form.

"Josh and I became an in-demand rhythm section at William Paterson University in my senior year," says bassist Brian Killeen. "I joined the band Ulu and they needed a drummer, so I called Josh. We were on the road with them for a year."

After Ulu went their separate ways, drummer and singer Josh Dion was thinking of starting his own band.

"While we were on tour, I was writing lyrics," reflects Dion. "Who can I call? So I started to think about my friends and the musicians I knew. I knew Sarah and we knew each other quite well. I knew she was a great singer. I knew Pat and Brian. Dan is my favorite guitarist, so I asked him. The rest is history."

The band released two albums, "Give Love" and "Live!" and traveled around the East Coast in their van called the Idler. They have also played in festivals in Spain. Each member of the Josh Dion Band: Dion (singer/drums), Pat Firth (keyboards/vocals), Dan Hindman (guitar/vocals), Killeen (bass/vocals) and Sarah Versprille (vocals/percussion) adds their own unique quality to the band's overall sound and atmosphere.

"I started playing guitar in secret," says Hindman, who is from DE. "I never took any other instrument [trombone, baritone, drums and trumpet] seriously."

Firth started playing piano at age five because his mom is the Director of the Adirondack Community College Music Program and his dad is a Low Brass Specialist and teacher.

"They both were huge influences on me," reflects New York State native Firth. "My musical interests up until the end of high school were mainly in classical. However, Lee Shaw was the first teacher I had who steered me in the direction of jazz."

Similarly, Dion, who is from CT, was also influenced by his family to get involved in music.

"My father plays drums and he introduced them to me before I could remember," says Dion.

According to Killeen, who is from Long Island, he started playing bass after his brother's friend played "Enter Sandman" on his instrument of choice. "There was no turning back."

"I have always loved music," says Rochester native Versprille. "I somehow convinced my parents to let me go to school for jazz. An amazing feat!"

New Album: Anthems for the Long Distance

After establishing themselves in the scene for the past three years with packed crowds, the Josh Dion Band released Anthems for the Long Distance on May 2 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City, and on I-tunes and CD Baby May 13 with no major label involved.

"We decided to record an honest, rootsie album that we have 100% control," says Hindman.

According to Dion and Hindman, instead of waiting for "The Big Deal" and next radio single, the band agreed to do all the knitty-gritty steps involved with recording and mixing Anthems for the Long Distance themselves.

"We put this project off for a year and half mainly because we were dealing with the music business. Major labels were interested, but we decided not to deal with that," says Dion. "Instead of waiting for that big deal, we realize this [writing and recording our own music] is our passion."

The entire album was recorded in five days with natural takes and no edits in a Brooklyn studio. It was mixed in three days, front to back for a grand total of three weeks. Josh Dion Band fans can experience a pseudo-live, raw sound on the overall album with a special horns section, too.

The first handful of tracks, "Makin' my Livin," "Line 'em Up" and "Walkin' on Stilts," can make any rough commute more bearable with beats you can drum on your dashboard and melodies you can sing-a-long to. The other jazzy rock beats, "Feel," "Heartache" and "Hold Fast" blends in well with the overall "organic" sound of the album. "Take the Time" is a great group closer before the very last song, "As We." It has an old blues/show-tune sound. The song is a great representation of Dion and Versprille's vast vocal ability.

"Our music has a level of honesty," says Hindman. "Doing things that matter, feeds into the Josh Dion Band."

Dion reflects about his song-writing ability.

"Writing is all I ever do. When I write lyrics, its almost like a spiritual awakening. Whatever story I can conjure up or whatever profound phrase I hear, it gives me a drive and vision that will sustain [in the song]. I mainly stick to writing songs and poetry, the little spurts of thought to make you think," said Dion.

The song that has a personal impact on me (your lovable Concert Junkie) is “Pilot,” mainly for the lyrics. “I’ll be your pilot now/ I’ll be your guiding light/ Lift in your sunshine/ We will rise above…” The lyrics are purely motivating. The reason why the song effected me in a personal way is because it makes me reflect about fun times spent with my late mom, who was a huge inspiration to me. That's the beauty and power of music. :)


The Future


Recently, the Josh Dion Band returned from Spain where they performed in various festivals around the country. During the summer, JDB will be performing in Pennsylvania, Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts. T-shirts, posters, and other merchandise is now available. You can check out more information at:http://www.joshdionband.com or http://www.myspace.com/joshdionband


By Lori: who posted the JDB pics courtesy of Michael Schoeck because her camera was MIA for the CD Release party. Thanks Bud.

Sponsor Concert Junkie

Hey all,

try to sponsor me in the 3rd Annual New York City's Writer Marathon. Go to this link: http://www. firstgiving. com/lorimichael and try to give whatever you could, I'm not asking for much. Even $1 goes a long way. =)

All of the proceeds and money goes towards creative programs for the NYC homeless, seniors, and disadvantaged children. These are the creative minds who don't have the same opportunities that you and I do. Their voices tell a story, too, so help them out.

Thanks for the love and support. I know I can count on you.

=D

Concert Junkie: Say Hello to Pete and J

Mix Simon and Garfunkel harmonies with Wilco, add uniqueness; the result is Brooklyn duo Pete and J. Peter “Pete” Harper, from outside of Chicago, and Jason “J” Blynn from the south side of Philadelphia, have been spreading their voices across the U.S. and the U.K. Their songs send underlining, honest messages whether they’re about love, suburban life or politics.

“People who really like our music, end up getting the real viewpoint,” says Pete via cell phone. “We don’t stand on a pedestal and preach our views. Instead, we leave that with more of the context in the songs.”

Pete and J met at Amherst College in MA, and they both took turns being in charge of the world-renowned a capella group Zumbye, which tackled the Beatles Bob Marley, Ozzy and some Michael Jackson songs.

“We both wrote about 75 percent of the arrangements and even choreography for the group,” says J.
However, Pete thought “it was the geekiest thing in the whole world,” but eventually he became the leader of it.

“We learned so much,” says Pete. “People knew us and some 500-600 people would come see the group [Zumbye] perform. It was close to rock stardom.”

In-between their studies and a capella performances, the two picked up guitars and started crafting originals together. They were regulars at the Marsh Coffeehouse during their Amherst days. After J graduated, he lived and worked in Sao Paolo, Brazil as an English teacher. Pete visited his fellow band-mate where they talked about taking their music to the next level.
“Listening to Brazilian music and living in Brazil helped me gain a worldly perspective,” reflects J. “Portuguese is such a beautiful, lyrical language.”

Their very first recording, “A Few of Our Favorites,” was greeted with a light response. However, in 2005, Pete and J released “Without a Band” and the next year released “Dressed for Conversation," both had more acclaim. Currently and constantly on tour, the duo is generating a big response with sold out crowds at the Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco and the Double Door in Chicago. The next stops for the guys are in MA, MD and D.C in May. They hope to head to the U.K. for a fourth go-around in the fall. Plus, they are trying to be apart of the USO tours on-top of writing more material. Keep your eyes set on this pulsating pair.

By Lori, who really enjoyed talking to both Pete and J. The picture was taken at the Bowery Ballroom back in March. Pete is on the left, J on the right.

Good News on the Walmart Front!

Wow! So I was surprised to read and see on the news yesterday/today that Wal-mart is no longer going to sue Debbie Shank, a former employee who suffers from severe brain damage. Read her amazing story here:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/law/04/02/walmart.decision/index.html?section=cnn_latest

Its nice to know that even a major conglomerate such as Wal-Mart is showing some kind of heart after of course numerous boycotts and angry consumers first hearing about Shank's story. But that makes me even more happy to know that people really do care about somethings. However, I still won't shop there. =)

By Lori

Oh The Humanity!!!

I just read that both Krispy Kremes and Guitar Centers all over the U.S. are going out of business.
http://money.aol.com/creditdebt/article/usa-today/_a/credit-crunch-puts-some-companies-on/20080324160309990001>

Everyone must go buy all the Boston Creme doughnuts and Fender Strats that they can, RIGHT NOW!!!! Just try not to get any goo on your strings.

I guess America really does run on Dunkin'? Who needs a guitar when there's Guitar Hero, granted I love that game, but it doesn't produce a real raw sound like an actual electric guitar.

In other news, too, Wal-Mart sued a brain damaged woman for $470,000 yesterday. Plus, her 18 year old son died in Iraq. And people always wonder why I don't shop there.

By Lori, who despite all of the bad news she heard today, she still had some kick ass Pad Thai at Bangkook Garden. yum.

Concert Junkie: A Night at the Bowery

Not much can be said on what started out to be a quaint, chilly Friday night in New York City. The masses were slowly starting to enter into the spacious hall, otherwise known as the Bowery Ballroom. Jeff Taylor started off the night with some off-beat originals. He used the crowd as a supplemental beat for his bluesy "It Swell." The overall crowd reaction was puzzling. Half of them loved him, while the other half didn't get it. Regardless, Taylor adds a unique entity to any mix of minstrels.



While even more people were entering the Bowery, the Brooklyn duo, Pete and J assembled on the stage. Their blends of sound reflects a classic Paul Simon with a subtle hint of Wilco on their songs particularly "Number One" and "Luck Struck Kitty." Pete and J also got the crowd into a clapping beat during their song, "This is It."


By the time the Josh Dion Band took to the stage, the Bowery reached sold-out capacity. The band tore into, "Pilot." What made this night different than from all other JDB nights was a new horn section.

The bluesy rockers had a radiant swarm of energetic fans gushing for every lyric, note and chord in their repertoire. JDB continued to rock into the crowd pleasing "Feel," "Take the Time," "Makin' my Livin'" and "Hold Fast." Members of the audience started hooking up during the sexy tune, "Let's Do It Again" where singer Sarah Versprille shredded into a Joplin type-performance.



Lead singer and drummer Josh Dion and co. left the crowd begging for more after solos from Dion and guitarist Dan Hindman during "Birdwaker." Either a Moby look-a-like or Moby himself was standing in the crowd during the stellar solos (I swear to god). After their set had to come to an end and the lights of the Bowery Ballroom turned on, every single audience member knew they just witnessed history.



Check out: www.joshdionband.com, www.peteandj.com, and dumpsterhunter.com to fall in love with some great fresh new sounding rockers!!

By Lori, who had seen JDB more times than any other band since last spring. Go see Jeff Taylor, Pete and J, and JDB when they come to your rockin' area.

Concert Junkie: A Look at Politics and Music

Politics, sex, and religion are three subjects banned in bars. None of these are anyone’s favorite topics to discuss, particularly politics. Its one of those emotional subjects that when it’s brought up, even by asking a simple question, an argument usually ensues. It’s best to keep your views hidden like a dirty, dark secret. You try to avoid saying anything, until someone says a ridiculous comment about being afraid to vote for Barack Obama because his name sounds scary. But Rodham rhymes with Saddam and McCain rhymes with lame and Hussein.

Throughout U.S. history, politics and music have played a dual role together. Political songs respond to current policies, wars, events or actions that the government is either ignoring or tackling. Some political tunes that might come to mind: “Yankee Doodle" (Various Artists), “For What It’s Worth” (Buffalo Springfield), “Times are a Changin’” (Bob Dylan), “Not Ready to Make Nice” (Dixie Chicks), “Imagine” (John Lennon), “People Have the Power” (Patty Smith), “Sunday Bloody Sunday” (U2), “War Pigs” (Black Sabbath), “Fortunate Son” (John Fogerty), “Mosh” (Eminem), “Give Peace a Chance” (Lennon), “New Year’s Day” (U2), “Who’ll Stop the Rain” (Fogerty), “Blowin’ in the Wind” (Dylan), “Capital G” (NIN) “We’re All to Blame” (Sum 41) and pretty much every song written by Rage Against the Machine.
“Right now, my favorite political song has to be ‘Hands Held High,’ by Linkin Park,” says RoJoe musician Robert Smith. “The song, to me, is a call to action and solidarity. It speaks to any human being who is sick of the brainwashing that the political establishment has unleashed on us.”

After Sept. 11, 2001 and the invasion into Iraq, all types of music took a more political stance either with their albums or songs. In 2004, Green Day released the politically charged concept album American Idiot. The band wrote the album in response to the onset of the war in Iraq the previous year. Black 47’s anti-war album Iraq includes a song about prominent war protester Cindy Sheehan. NIN’s front man, Trent Reznor, released his response to the current administration, Year Zero without the usual five year waiting period in-between NIN albums. Neil Young released his concept album, Living with War.



NJ band B.I.T.E. bassist and lead singer, Adam Witkowski talks about B.I.T.E’s political song “Monkeys.”
“Lyrically, our song [Monkeys] is targeted towards the government in the sense that no matter what new policy gets passed or new politician comes to power, nothing changes and the same problems reoccur. Promise after promise just to live in the same dream.”

Some bands fall victim to speaking out against political policies and suffer dire consequences. In 2003, nine days before the U.S. invasion into Iraq, the Dixie Chicks lead singer, Natalie Maines, spoke out against Iraq at a concert in London.
“Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas,” stated Maines.

By the time the band came back to the states to finish their tour, they were greeted with boos and boycotts. Country stations refused to play any Dixie Chick song and Toby Keith posted a portrait of Maines with Saddam Hussein at his concerts. The Dixie Chicks received death threats and were told to, “Shut up and sing,” for speaking out against the war.



Almost similar, Bruce Springsteen’s new album, “Magic,” was not initially played on any mainstream NY radio station, prior to release, because of anti-war and anti-radio sentiments. Springsteen fans had to turn to Fordham University’s independent station, FM 90.7 for any preview. After the release, some stations were finally allowed to play the hit single, “Radio Nowhere.”

Currently with the U.S. election underway, artists are lending their support to any of the candidates. Melissa Ethridge slightly alludes to Hillary Clinton in her song, “What Happens Tomorrow.” At Live Earth’s tri-state area performance at Giants Stadium, Ethridge gave a very politically charged set asking the crowd, "America what happened to us?"





After the New Hampshire primary, Will.i.am, from the Black Eyed Peas, took Obama’s New Hampshire speech and turned it into a song called “Yes, We Can.” According to Will.i.am’s post on his site:http://will-i-am.blackeyedpeas.com/, he found inspiration in Obama’s words and felt compelled to call fellow friends and musicians: Scarlet Johansen, John Legend, Chris Dougherty, and others to collaborate on the song. In recent weeks, Will.i.am. released another pro-Obama song, with actors and comedians explaining why they are voting for the Illinois Senator, entitled “We are the Ones.”

“From an Australian perspective, I think it is quite interesting to have either [Clinton or Obama] elected,” says Australian singer and songwriter Julieanne Hennessy, who is in the process of working on her first album. “Regardless of the winner, it will have a huge impact beyond America.”

Though presidents and policies change, art will continue to interpret life. Musicians will continue to use their music to express their inner political voice.





By Lori, who's favorite political songs are "Ohio" (Young), "Know Your Rights" (The Clash) and "Born in the U.S.A." (Springsteen). I also want to mention to the McCain supporters that no musician has openly come forward and endorsed him yet, so that is why he was not mentioned in this article.

Concert Junkie: Hail to the Volta

By Lori: who first fell in love with the Mars Volta back in '03 at the All Tomorrow's Parties (ATP) Festival in Long Beach, CA where they performed on the same bill as Iggy and the Stooges.

Anticipation. That was the overall feeling I had as I was trekking to my third Mars Volta show this one at Terminal 5 in New York City. This is the only band I have ever traveled the country to see from California to Rhode Island. The crowd wrapped around 56th street before the doors were worthy to open. Shuffling into the converted warehouse and dubbing a spot on the balcony as our, “Standing Zone,” we were ready for the octet.

No opening band was required as the Mars Volta shredded into “Roulette Dares” from the first LP, De-Loused in the Comatorium. With Omar Rodriguez-Lopez on guitar and Cedric Bixlar-Zavala on vocals, not since the legendary Page and Plant has there been such a stellar duo. Rodriguez-Lopez’s authentic guitar sounds mix well with Bixlar-Zavala's falsetto.



The rest of the two and half hour set consisted of mostly new songs from their upcoming fourth album The Bedlam in Goliath, which is due out on Jan. 29. Bixlar-Zavala dedicated “Drunkship of Lanterns" to the fans. With eight musicians on stage, it was exhilarating to see Bixlar-Zavala take Roger Doltrey’s antics to the next level by jumping on and off amps/speakers, climbing walls, and walking into the sold-out crowd.

Current drummer Thomas Pridgen unleashed a worldly solo. Synthesizers, Latin beats, and saxophones were other ingredients added to these already vivacious tunes. The Mars Volta sell-out shows, but yet don’t expect mainstream radio to fulfill your request unless it’s for “The Widow”-from Frances the Mute, and do not expect to hear that song in concert.



In a time where Emo lines the airwaves and everyone wants to be an American Idol, the Mars Volta stand above the mainstream and can rip their souls apart. My advice, listen to some Mars Volta and Progressive rock, you will feel so much better in the morning.