Perfectopop's Best Albums of 2009:
#20 Lines, Vines, and Trying Times by Jonas Brothers
It's good for artists to explore new territory. Especially when they're splattered all over Disney Channel's prime-time line-up and are constantly being written off as cheap Hanson knock-offs. But as the Jonas Brothers proved this summer, exploration can be a bit risky. They stumble and fall as often as they discover glorious new sounds. And some of the places they go aren't all that pretty. Lines, Vines, and Trying Times is an album that suffers from too much experimentation and too little cohesiveness. It's full of great songs, but they're from such diverse genres that the whole is less than a sum of its parts. The JoBros' journey has several spectacular stops, but overall, it's a rather bumpy ride.
The album begins beautifully with the rockable, danceable "World War III," which is, in my opinion, the best song the JoBros have ever recorded. The discovery and addition of a horn section was certainly a great step in their sonic journey.
The album continues with "Paranoid," a brilliant and downright respectable rock song, catchy but much more subtle than the usual fare from Disney-endorsed bubble-punkers. Then "Fly With Me" veers back into cutesy wish-upon-a-star territory, but its great melody and lovely orchestration keep it sweet, not saccharine.
Based on the album's first three songs, it sounds like the Jonases have learned to walk the fine line between the sugary pop their younger fans crave and the mature rock that will earn them a little respect. "Poison Ivy," though not stellar, doesn't detract from this image.
But then, the album takes a turn for the worse, hopping around from one genre to the next. "Hey Baby," "Before the Storm," "What Did I Do to Your Heart," and "Much Better" are all fine songs on their own, but placed back-to-back, they rudely jolt listeners from one genre to another and make Lines, Vines, and Trying Times sounds less like an album than a poorly-conceived mix CD. They're great songs: "Hey Baby" is bluesy and pretty mature; "Before the Storm" will tug at the heartstrings of all but the most cynical and vehement Miley Cyrus haters; "What Did I Do to Your Heart" probably wouldn't make me want to claw my eardrums out if I didn't hate fiddles so much; and "Much Better" is hands-down the most fun song on the album. Everything about it is deliciously campy, from its not-so-subtle jab at Taylor Swift to its retro sound that sounds like it belongs at one rockin' party... in a nursing home.
With "Black Keys," the JoBros get the album back on the pop-punk-with-the-occasional-heartfelt-ballad track they traversed so well on their last two albums. Not many 16 year-olds can write and perform a ballad as well as Nick Jonas, and this sentimental-not-sappy song doesn't disappoint. I find it even more moving than Nick's last ballad, the unforgettable "A Little Bit Longer," which is kind of saying something, especially if you've seen Nick play "A Little Bit Longer" live.
But then the JoBros take a wrong turn and end up in a nasty spot: the misguided hip-rock tune "Don't Charge Me for the Crime." I know the boys wanted to work with Common, but couldn't they have come up with something more... sensible? The song is about helping a friend rob a bank and the moral dilemma they face: help out your friend, or uphold the law? Um, guys, there's not much of a moral dilemma there... Helping a friend rob a bank isn't really helping your friend. Besides, the Jonas Brothers seem like the last people in the world who would ponder the morality of bank robbery. They wear purity rings, for gosh sake. The song is sloppy, strange, and unbelievable.
"Turn Right" is another tender ballad and one of the best-placed songs on the album: "Black Keys" was a beautiful ballad; "Turn Right" is bland and juvenile in comparison. But with the gawd-awful "Don't Charge Me for the Crime" sandwiched between the two, listeners forget that "Black Keys" was ten times better than "Turn Right" and get on their knees and thank the JoBros for only doing one song with Common.
"Don't Speak" is a well-orchestrated rocker and a song that shows that the Jonases have some real promise as grown-up rock stars. If you cut out all the songs between "Poison Ivy" and "Don't Speak," you'd have a wonderful little rock EP. With the entire album intact, it at least provides a clear road map for future Jonas journeys: walk the line between mature rock songs and Nick's ballads, don't get ensnared by any appealing genre-jumping experiments, and try to make the album flow a bit better next time.
Showing posts with label jonas brothers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jonas brothers. Show all posts
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
'Tis the Season...
Ah, 'tis the season for generosity, sappy stories, and happy holiday tunes. In the holiday spirit, I'd like to point you toward some of the most generous music websites out there, and spread some heartwarming stories. (See yesterday's post about my Christmas playlist for more of the holiday tunes.)
First off, I'd love to give you all the gift of great holiday music, but Amazon's already playing Santa for me. In case you haven't heard, their 25 Days of Free promotion is giving out a free Christmas song every day. Today's release: Relient K's beautiful "I Celebrate the Day," one of their most moving songs about struggling to be close to Jesus.
If you're looking for something a little lighter, don't worry - you can still download the other 21 songs released earlier this month. I, of course, had to snatch of a copy of Lady Gaga's deliciously and disturbingly provocative "Christmas Tree" feat. her buddy Space Cowboy. As with all of her songs, her infamous advice to not listen, "just dance" certainly applies with this track.
The only problem with the Amazon giveaway is it works best when you download the songs with their free Amazon MP3 Downloader, and by "it works best," I mean it barely works at all. But rather than crappy software, I prefer to think of it as a daily exercise in meditation and self-restraint. By Christmas, you'll be ready to tackle those pesky plastic packages that can only be cut with knives, no sweat.
If Amazon's 22 free holiday songs aren't enough, you can download 25 free songs at Green Label Sound. No reindeer or baby Jesuses in this collection, but nothing says holiday excess like four versions of "Big Bills" by Flosstradamus. Still, I can't complain about free songs from Matt & Kim and Chromeo. (And okay, Flosstradamus is officially my new fave dance-pop duo.) Maybe I'll make a New Year's resolution to actually listen to all these remixes I just downloaded...
Oh, and for the truly tireless, if you can download those and still stand to download another free remix, LIGHTS is giving out a free download of the Spike Club Mix of her (minor) hit "Ice" to all members of her website. I highly recommend joining, not just because joining is free and lets you comment on all her pictures of her adorable self holding ginormous ninja swords, but also because she and Owl City appear to be Siamese twins when it comes to touring: she's opening for him on both his winter and spring North America tours and squeezing in a Europe tour with him in between. I feel reassured knowing that in case his email list, MySpace blog, and official Street Team don't alert me of one of his concert presales in time, her mailing list will :]
And speaking of their spring tour, you've heard Adam's sneaky presale announcement, right? April 22, Constitution Hall will def be where the party's at. Me and eight of my coolest friends already snatched up our tickets; I suggest you follow suit. I know I haven't gotten around to posting my review of his fall tour yet, but like everything he does, it was fairly magical.
Oh, and speaking of Owl City, Adam sparked a minor panic over his marital status when he tweeted "DING DONG! WEDDING BELLS!" on Friday. He's rumored to be dating Ann Monson (whose tweets he occasionally retweets), but sources relatively close to Adam reassured us crazy fangirls and boys that Adam's not tying the know anytime soon. Coincidentally, Skillet's guitarist Ben Kascia confirmed that Adam was just celebrating a friend's wedding when he tweeted that a friend of his, whose sister is dating Adam, got married on Saturday... It's a small world. A strange, small world.
One pop star did go off the market this weekend, of course: Kevin Jonas married his girlfriend Danielle DeLeasa on Saturday. Details on the "fairy-tale"-like ceremony here. [Be sure to notice the part about the faux-icicles at the New York ceremony. If they'd waited a day, they probably could have gotten a few icicles from Mother Nature, free of charge.] According to People magazine, when Kevin popped the question, Danielle responded "Yes, yes, yes like 500 times super fast in a row." Awww.
Looks like Kevin and Danielle won't be getting much of a honeymoon, though - the JoBros are slated to perform at the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade this Friday. Pity; they're some of the only pop stars I can think of who probably wait until the honeymoon.
Wait - this just in - Inspirational Story Alert!
If you love a good overcoming-adversity-to-sing-tear-jerking-ballads story, well, you probably already watched Charice Pempengco perform on Oprah. But in case you didn't, meet one of the most adorable Asian exports since Hello Kitty. During interviews, this Filipina singer looks like a harmless little ball of cuteness, but put her onstage and the girl can sing. Her unbelievably strong vocals have drawn rave reviews from everyone from David Foster to Josh Groban, who says she has one of the most beautiful voices he's heard in a long time. And to top it off, she's got a great inspirational story about being raised in the Philippines by a single mother. Her mother left with Charice and her brother after their father domestically abused them. After receiving only informal vocal lessons from her mother, she performed well on the American Idol-like singing competition Little Big Star. Her career didn't really take off, however, until videos of her singing reached YouTube. Since then, she's appeared on every talk show ever, as well as in the film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. I think her rendition of Alicia Keys' "No One," accompanied by the Chipettes, is sure to become a classic.
Here's a video of Charice performing her new single "Note to God" (sans rodents) on Oprah. And be sure to stay tuned for her adorable interview afterwards, in which she talks about her career, as well as her crushes on Justin Timberlake and Josh Groban. (Spoiler alert: Then Oprah gives everyone Xboxes.)
Also, check her out on David Archuleta's Christmas album singing a duet of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with him. Treacly Christmas song, American Idol's favorite teddy bear, and a girl whose voice is the only thing better than her back story? Sounds like a downright Christmas miracle.
And finally, before you head over to the fireplace or sip some hot chocolate, here's a video to put you in that warm-n-fuzzy mood. For a song questioning the substance of love in the light of his parents' divorce and his off-again on-again relationship with his girlfriend, NeverShoutNever's new video "What Is Love?" still manages to be incredibly heartwarming.
What Is Love?
nevershoutnever. (new song & video) | MySpace Music Videos
Happy Holidays!
First off, I'd love to give you all the gift of great holiday music, but Amazon's already playing Santa for me. In case you haven't heard, their 25 Days of Free promotion is giving out a free Christmas song every day. Today's release: Relient K's beautiful "I Celebrate the Day," one of their most moving songs about struggling to be close to Jesus.
If you're looking for something a little lighter, don't worry - you can still download the other 21 songs released earlier this month. I, of course, had to snatch of a copy of Lady Gaga's deliciously and disturbingly provocative "Christmas Tree" feat. her buddy Space Cowboy. As with all of her songs, her infamous advice to not listen, "just dance" certainly applies with this track.
The only problem with the Amazon giveaway is it works best when you download the songs with their free Amazon MP3 Downloader, and by "it works best," I mean it barely works at all. But rather than crappy software, I prefer to think of it as a daily exercise in meditation and self-restraint. By Christmas, you'll be ready to tackle those pesky plastic packages that can only be cut with knives, no sweat.
If Amazon's 22 free holiday songs aren't enough, you can download 25 free songs at Green Label Sound. No reindeer or baby Jesuses in this collection, but nothing says holiday excess like four versions of "Big Bills" by Flosstradamus. Still, I can't complain about free songs from Matt & Kim and Chromeo. (And okay, Flosstradamus is officially my new fave dance-pop duo.) Maybe I'll make a New Year's resolution to actually listen to all these remixes I just downloaded...
Oh, and for the truly tireless, if you can download those and still stand to download another free remix, LIGHTS is giving out a free download of the Spike Club Mix of her (minor) hit "Ice" to all members of her website. I highly recommend joining, not just because joining is free and lets you comment on all her pictures of her adorable self holding ginormous ninja swords, but also because she and Owl City appear to be Siamese twins when it comes to touring: she's opening for him on both his winter and spring North America tours and squeezing in a Europe tour with him in between. I feel reassured knowing that in case his email list, MySpace blog, and official Street Team don't alert me of one of his concert presales in time, her mailing list will :]
And speaking of their spring tour, you've heard Adam's sneaky presale announcement, right? April 22, Constitution Hall will def be where the party's at. Me and eight of my coolest friends already snatched up our tickets; I suggest you follow suit. I know I haven't gotten around to posting my review of his fall tour yet, but like everything he does, it was fairly magical.
Oh, and speaking of Owl City, Adam sparked a minor panic over his marital status when he tweeted "DING DONG! WEDDING BELLS!" on Friday. He's rumored to be dating Ann Monson (whose tweets he occasionally retweets), but sources relatively close to Adam reassured us crazy fangirls and boys that Adam's not tying the know anytime soon. Coincidentally, Skillet's guitarist Ben Kascia confirmed that Adam was just celebrating a friend's wedding when he tweeted that a friend of his, whose sister is dating Adam, got married on Saturday... It's a small world. A strange, small world.
One pop star did go off the market this weekend, of course: Kevin Jonas married his girlfriend Danielle DeLeasa on Saturday. Details on the "fairy-tale"-like ceremony here. [Be sure to notice the part about the faux-icicles at the New York ceremony. If they'd waited a day, they probably could have gotten a few icicles from Mother Nature, free of charge.] According to People magazine, when Kevin popped the question, Danielle responded "Yes, yes, yes like 500 times super fast in a row." Awww.
Looks like Kevin and Danielle won't be getting much of a honeymoon, though - the JoBros are slated to perform at the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade this Friday. Pity; they're some of the only pop stars I can think of who probably wait until the honeymoon.
Wait - this just in - Inspirational Story Alert!
If you love a good overcoming-adversity-to-sing-tear-jerking-ballads story, well, you probably already watched Charice Pempengco perform on Oprah. But in case you didn't, meet one of the most adorable Asian exports since Hello Kitty. During interviews, this Filipina singer looks like a harmless little ball of cuteness, but put her onstage and the girl can sing. Her unbelievably strong vocals have drawn rave reviews from everyone from David Foster to Josh Groban, who says she has one of the most beautiful voices he's heard in a long time. And to top it off, she's got a great inspirational story about being raised in the Philippines by a single mother. Her mother left with Charice and her brother after their father domestically abused them. After receiving only informal vocal lessons from her mother, she performed well on the American Idol-like singing competition Little Big Star. Her career didn't really take off, however, until videos of her singing reached YouTube. Since then, she's appeared on every talk show ever, as well as in the film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. I think her rendition of Alicia Keys' "No One," accompanied by the Chipettes, is sure to become a classic.
Here's a video of Charice performing her new single "Note to God" (sans rodents) on Oprah. And be sure to stay tuned for her adorable interview afterwards, in which she talks about her career, as well as her crushes on Justin Timberlake and Josh Groban. (Spoiler alert: Then Oprah gives everyone Xboxes.)
Also, check her out on David Archuleta's Christmas album singing a duet of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with him. Treacly Christmas song, American Idol's favorite teddy bear, and a girl whose voice is the only thing better than her back story? Sounds like a downright Christmas miracle.
And finally, before you head over to the fireplace or sip some hot chocolate, here's a video to put you in that warm-n-fuzzy mood. For a song questioning the substance of love in the light of his parents' divorce and his off-again on-again relationship with his girlfriend, NeverShoutNever's new video "What Is Love?" still manages to be incredibly heartwarming.
What Is Love?
nevershoutnever. (new song & video) | MySpace Music Videos
Happy Holidays!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Perfect[opop] Christmas Playlist!
There may only be four days til Christmas, but whether you need a soundtrack to keep you full of Christmas cheer during your last-minute shopping or you need a little boost of Christmas spirit to make up for those Christmas parties you had to miss because of the blizzard of '09, we've got you covered with some of the most fun holiday pop and rock songs. From classics by the Beach Boys to dance songs released just this year, this list may seem a bit eclectic, but I can assure you it's nice.
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra: It's just not Christmas without an overly dramatic, full-orchestra-meets-heavy-metal rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" colliding with "Carol of the Bells" like two monster trucks... No, seriously, it's not.
Santa Claus is Thumbing to Town - Relient K: A very imaginative Night-Before-Christmas tale of everything going wrong in the North Pole, culminating with Santa trying to hitchhike around the world in one night, told over thrashing guitars riffing on "Jingle Bells."
Ugly Christmas Tree - Oh, Hush!: Whoever the members of Oh, Hush! are, they must the masters of Christmas spirit. It takes a true believer to pen a bouncy little tune about your ugly Christmas tree without losing any of your “Christmas glee.”
Girl of My Dreams - Jonas Brothers: Forget sticking your tongue on frozen poles; I triple-dog dare you to listen to this song without jumping or dancing around... Can't do it? Aw, it's one of the most fun songs the JoBros have ever recorded; I'll let you dance around a little. It's Christmas.
Angels We Have Heard on High - Relient K: Hands-down best pop-punk performance of a traditional Christmas song ever. Why can't we rock out like this during the Christmas eve service?
My Girlfriend (Forgot Me This Christmas) - The Click Five: Okay, Eric, maybe I can see why the other guys kicked you out of the band (unverified rumor alert): you seem a bit obsessed with your possessions. Despite the two entire verses devoted to things the singer bought or received, the song is fun and supremely danceable. Also, way to have a better attitude than the guys on "Last Christmas" - you still have New Year's!
Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys: What can I say? The sunny, harmonious music of the Beach Boys both preceded and perfected the art of swoon-inducing pop songs The Click Five and JoBros always seek to emulate. Gotta respect the classics.
Disco Christmas - Oh, Hush!: The title says it all. Also, I will definitely top my tree with a disco ball instead of a star next year.
Last Christmas - Wham!: I've loved this song ever since I first heard Hilary Duff sing it on her Christmas album Santa Claus Lane. (Yeah, I bought it... Okay, okay, quit laughing!) Last year, I looked under every igloo and toy shop in the North Pole, searching for the greatest cover of this song. I checked out everything from Ashley Tisdale and Cascada to Jimmy Eat World and Busted, but I couldn't find a cover that could top the original.
Step Into Christmas - Elton John: I must admit, I think this one of the most festive Christmas songs of all time... Aw, go ahead and laugh. I'll keep dancing around the house, playing this on repeat.
Greatest Time of Year - Aly & AJ: A true Christmas miracle: two uber-Christian Disney pop princesses who don't believe in evolution release the most politically-correct, non-denominational holiday song Hollywood Records has ever produced. We only get a hint of which holiday they are celebrating when they casually mention decorating the tree and hanging mistletoe. Oh, and that whole "joy to the world" thing is kind of a Christian slogan, isn't it?
Why Doesn't Santa Like Me? - Skye Sweetnam: This song simultaneously shows the impish little tween pop-punker at her most rocking and her most adorable. It's told from the perspective of a little girl fearing that Santa won't give her any presents, even though she's been such a good girl this year (hey, her brother has recovered from the time he took the remote control). Skye, Santa may not like you, but we adore you.
Wild Christmas - Huckapoo: Sure, the over-produced vocals are even more sparkly and plastic than fake snow, but this song is pure pop music joy. (And for all you former Dreamstreet fangirls out there, I would like to note that Chris Trousdale's cover is slightly less saccharine but still highly recommended.)
The Christmas Song - Owl City: Adam young brings his usual misty-eyed magic to this original holiday song. Guaranteed to make your heart as warm as a night spent by the fire. And this song's inclusion on my list shouldn't surprise anyone: you know I believe Adam Young can do wrong. His label, Universal Republic, might not agree. They pulled a scheduled November release of this song when they realized its one line about Jesus being the only way might upset fans of other religions. Still, check out this song on YouTube and enjoy his sweet (and totally secular) story of meeting a girl and not having to spend Christmas alone.
I Hate Christmas Parties - Relient K: What this song is missing in Christmas cheer and jingle bells, it more than makes up for with its honest and simple tale of teen heartbreak during the holidays. With less spunk than the similarly-themed "Mood Rings," this is one of Relient K's most clear-eyed and poignant songs about being hurt by girls they don't understand.
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra: It's just not Christmas without an overly dramatic, full-orchestra-meets-heavy-metal rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" colliding with "Carol of the Bells" like two monster trucks... No, seriously, it's not.
Santa Claus is Thumbing to Town - Relient K: A very imaginative Night-Before-Christmas tale of everything going wrong in the North Pole, culminating with Santa trying to hitchhike around the world in one night, told over thrashing guitars riffing on "Jingle Bells."
Ugly Christmas Tree - Oh, Hush!: Whoever the members of Oh, Hush! are, they must the masters of Christmas spirit. It takes a true believer to pen a bouncy little tune about your ugly Christmas tree without losing any of your “Christmas glee.”
Girl of My Dreams - Jonas Brothers: Forget sticking your tongue on frozen poles; I triple-dog dare you to listen to this song without jumping or dancing around... Can't do it? Aw, it's one of the most fun songs the JoBros have ever recorded; I'll let you dance around a little. It's Christmas.
Angels We Have Heard on High - Relient K: Hands-down best pop-punk performance of a traditional Christmas song ever. Why can't we rock out like this during the Christmas eve service?
My Girlfriend (Forgot Me This Christmas) - The Click Five: Okay, Eric, maybe I can see why the other guys kicked you out of the band (unverified rumor alert): you seem a bit obsessed with your possessions. Despite the two entire verses devoted to things the singer bought or received, the song is fun and supremely danceable. Also, way to have a better attitude than the guys on "Last Christmas" - you still have New Year's!
Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys: What can I say? The sunny, harmonious music of the Beach Boys both preceded and perfected the art of swoon-inducing pop songs The Click Five and JoBros always seek to emulate. Gotta respect the classics.
Disco Christmas - Oh, Hush!: The title says it all. Also, I will definitely top my tree with a disco ball instead of a star next year.
Last Christmas - Wham!: I've loved this song ever since I first heard Hilary Duff sing it on her Christmas album Santa Claus Lane. (Yeah, I bought it... Okay, okay, quit laughing!) Last year, I looked under every igloo and toy shop in the North Pole, searching for the greatest cover of this song. I checked out everything from Ashley Tisdale and Cascada to Jimmy Eat World and Busted, but I couldn't find a cover that could top the original.
Step Into Christmas - Elton John: I must admit, I think this one of the most festive Christmas songs of all time... Aw, go ahead and laugh. I'll keep dancing around the house, playing this on repeat.
Greatest Time of Year - Aly & AJ: A true Christmas miracle: two uber-Christian Disney pop princesses who don't believe in evolution release the most politically-correct, non-denominational holiday song Hollywood Records has ever produced. We only get a hint of which holiday they are celebrating when they casually mention decorating the tree and hanging mistletoe. Oh, and that whole "joy to the world" thing is kind of a Christian slogan, isn't it?
Why Doesn't Santa Like Me? - Skye Sweetnam: This song simultaneously shows the impish little tween pop-punker at her most rocking and her most adorable. It's told from the perspective of a little girl fearing that Santa won't give her any presents, even though she's been such a good girl this year (hey, her brother has recovered from the time he took the remote control). Skye, Santa may not like you, but we adore you.
Wild Christmas - Huckapoo: Sure, the over-produced vocals are even more sparkly and plastic than fake snow, but this song is pure pop music joy. (And for all you former Dreamstreet fangirls out there, I would like to note that Chris Trousdale's cover is slightly less saccharine but still highly recommended.)
The Christmas Song - Owl City: Adam young brings his usual misty-eyed magic to this original holiday song. Guaranteed to make your heart as warm as a night spent by the fire. And this song's inclusion on my list shouldn't surprise anyone: you know I believe Adam Young can do wrong. His label, Universal Republic, might not agree. They pulled a scheduled November release of this song when they realized its one line about Jesus being the only way might upset fans of other religions. Still, check out this song on YouTube and enjoy his sweet (and totally secular) story of meeting a girl and not having to spend Christmas alone.
I Hate Christmas Parties - Relient K: What this song is missing in Christmas cheer and jingle bells, it more than makes up for with its honest and simple tale of teen heartbreak during the holidays. With less spunk than the similarly-themed "Mood Rings," this is one of Relient K's most clear-eyed and poignant songs about being hurt by girls they don't understand.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Warped Tour Diary Part 1: The Canned Food Conundrum, Sing It Loud, and the Next Jonas Brothers?!!?
Warped Tour. Alternative Press can (and will) spend hours talking about how it's the only summer tour that matters (What, AP's not into the JoBros World Tour? Or Demi Lovato and David Archuleta??), so you can pick up a copy of their magazine if you want a long-winded explanation of why Warped Tour is awesome. For my introduction, all I can say is, it is. It's big and long and hot and sweaty and weird and scary and hilarious and it would probably smell like gym socks if not for the overwhelming stench of tobacco. But we love it anyways.
2009's tour was an extremely momentous occasion: it marked the first time in history that my parents actually let me go. So this Tuesday, my friend and I got up at the crack of 7:00 (soooo earrrlyyyyy...) to make sure we got to the Merriweather Post Pavilion before the crowds did (I hear they start arriving around 9:00).
Tiffany, my friend laughed at your blog about being in the middle of the woods since Columbia Mall is literally across the street from Merriweather Post, but I totally feel you. I was sure I would get attacked by a bear while trying to find the main entrance in that forest. First, I got to the North Gate, which appears to be the chill entrance. Everyone was just sitting in circles on the ground. I'd like to chill there next year. But I was meeting up with a friend of a friend who had been standing in line at the main entrance since 7:30 (now that's dedication), so I had to rush past Barely Blind and their $5 EPs (all the way from Texas - wow!) and hug the fence of the pavilion, leaving a trail of Chewy bar crumbs so I wouldn't get lost.
(Okay, so maybe hugging the fence was enough to keep me from getting lost. Plus there was no way I was dropping any of my well-hid snacks on the ground. But didn't that make a cute story?)
We got in line easily enough, applied some sunscreen, and settled in for the long wait. The guys from The Promise Hero came by hocking their $5 EP, but they didn't seem too impressed when I started squealing about how I'm friends with them on MySpace and think they're really cool. Honestly, they seemed a bit more interested in my friend's friend's tank top and short shorts. Guys.
A few other people came by touting $5 EPs, and one guy even had an EP he was willing to sell for $2-5, whatever we were comfortable paying. That was cool. But he still focused his attention on the girls in tank tops and lost a sale because of it. We also got accosted by the friendly folks from Peta2, which has now decided to give away DVDs and stickers at every musical event in the world. I signed a petition against animal testing by cosmetics companies, despite my burning hatred for organizations that spend their money giving out free DVDs and stickers when they could use the money to, oh, I don't know, help animals, or something like that. But whatever.
My friends and I all brought canned foods because we wanted free cut-the-line passes. And we like helping those less fortunate. We kept looking for places to drop it off (because I really don't want to carry my condensed milk and canned peaches around all day, thank you), but the Peta2 girls were clueless about it, and the Merriweather employees actually refused to talk about it. Weird. But around 10:00, all us line-jumping do-gooders got to stand under a tree, then move to a secret entrance next to some trailers, across the street from the dumpsters. Apparently this was the VIP entrance, too.
At first, we were all smushed together into one big line. I was standing near a guy wearing an Owl City t-shirt and was about to profess my love for Owl City to him and ask him if he was a member of the street team too and ask him to be my best friend, but just then, they divided our big mass of people trying to pass itself off as a line into two big masses of people trying to pass themselves off as the VIP line and the other line. Owl City Fan was a VIP, and I was a mere canned food-carrying commoner. Sigh. I never got to talk to him. I did manage to holler "I like you NeverShoutNever shirt" at a rather bewildered boy in a NeverShoutNever shirt, though.
They said they'd let our line in 10-15 minutes early, but by the time we got in, the pavilion was already flooded by folks from the main entrance. So maybe we would've gotten in earlier if we hadn't helped the needy. Oh well. Time to spend $2 on a sheet of paper with the schedule and move on!
The First Band: Sing It Loud
After our first lap around the pavilion, I bought a $6 smoothie (Sorry hon, I ain't paying $2 extra to carry around a sticky souvenir cup all day. Though the 3-foot tall $9 cups did look pretty darn cool...) and settled in to watch Sing It Loud's set.
Pat Brown has prettier hair than any other non-transvestite on Warped Tour. (But he's got nothing on Jeffree Star.)
My overpriced strawberry smoothie and I rocked out to a couple songs, including "Bite Your Lip." I truly admire Sing It Loud for noticing that a girl is biting her lower lip. Any other Warped Tour band would probably have called the song "Flash Your Tits" or "Shake Your Ass." Props to Sing It Loud for looking above chest-level.
My New Favorite Band: Rosy Likes Red
During Sing It Loud's last song, my friend and I made our way over the Kevin Says stage to get a good spot for the Baltimore band Rosy Likes Red. We got there pretty early, so there were plenty of spaces available to stand near the stage... including front row, center. Right in front of two giant speakers, of course, but you can't pass up a Great Spot like that. Sacrifice your hearing for the love of music.
While the band was setting up, two girls approached us and asked if we were there to see Vamps or if we'd be leaving after this band played (yeah, you know you want our Great Spot). We told them we were just here for Rosy Likes Red, then we'd probably go to another stage, so they could have our Great Spot. I checked out the schedule, seeing that Rosy Likes Red was scheduled to begin at 11:50, and Vamps was playing... at 3:55.
"You're seeing Vamps at 4:00?" I asked the girls, confused.
"Yeah," she said, and explained that they're a Japanese band who doesn't come to the US very often. She's gone to New York to see them before, so I guess standing outside in front of some speakers for 4 hours was no big... That's dedication. The Vamps fans were really cool. I tried to bond with them over our love of Asian Music No Other Non-Asians Listen To, but my mangled pronunciation of Aof Pongsak meant nothing to them. They also kind of liked Girls Generation, though, so that was cool. I'm definitely going to check out Vamps sometime, see if they're really worth the hot, sweaty wait.
But our conversation was cut short when Rosy Likes Red worked out their technical difficulties (for the moment...) and began their set.
I'd never heard of Rosy Likes Red before Warped Tour, so I can't tell you exactly which songs they played, but I can tell you they sounded good. On their MySpace, they describe themselves as new wave/emo/post punk with a retro sound. I don't know much about new wave post punk (for one thing, I thought that was an oxymoron...), but I would classify them as pop-punk. Their music reminded me of Blink-182's lighter stuff. I picked up a copy of their EP after the show (and got them all to sign it - yay!). I can definitely recommend the songs "Girl, You Take My Breath Away" and "Give Up." "Down" sounds a bit shakier on the EP, not quite as melodious, but still pretty rockin'.
But the thing that really struck me about Rosy Likes Red was their image and stage presence. Lead singer Connor looked very striking in a black tee, red skinny jeans, and mismatched red and black Chucks. Was it just coincidence that he was wearing fire engine pants, which were the trademark of Joe Jonas before they became the trademark of every lite emo hipster? Or that bassist Byron had a fauxhawk, which was the trademark of Joe Jonas before the band got involved with Disney and Disney reportedly cut off the Joehawk because it was too immature? Rosy Likes Red's stage presence reminded me of the Jonas Brothers before every elementary schooler in the world had a Camp Rock pillowcase, back when they were just a little pop-punk band from Jersey that was heavier on the pop. Disney probably won't be banging down Rosy Likes Red's door because RLR is certainly heavier on the punk half of the genre than the JoBros ever were, but RLR's on-stage antics were certainly reminiscent of the free Jonas Brothers concert I saw in Six Flags two years ago, before they released their first album on a Disney-owned record label. Connor jumped and danced around, just as Kevin Jonas always did. He also walked right up to the edge of the stage, on top of the speakers, looking too cool in his wayfarer shades. He didn't quite have the Joe Jonas Rockstar Strut down, but he was getting there.
Cute moment: Rosy Likes Red's motto is "Get naked and dance!" Near the beginning of the set, Connor said that. A girl behind me started lifting up her tank top.
"Oh my God!" Connor screamed. "She's actually doing it!"
Sure, I don't honestly believe she was going to take it all off, and I don't if Connor really believed that either, but it was the cutest thing ever. Any other band would've cheered and egged her on, but Rosy Likes Red seemed genuinely shocked, bless their skinny-jeans-loving little hearts.
But seriously folks, Rosy Likes Red were awesome. And Jonas haters, please don't write them off because I just spent the last 250 words saying their set was like a "Year 3000"-era Jonas Brothers nostalgia tour. They aren't little JoBros wannabes or anything like that. They're a super cool local band everyone should check out.
Also, their drummer looked amazing. I don't know much about drumming, but I do know that the way he went from the snare and toms to the cymbals looked really cool. Their songs didn't have very funky beats, but he played them in a pretty funky-looking way. I never saw him do the traditional one-hand-on-snare-other-on-tom setup most drummers use. I think... Uggh, I know nothing about drumming, but I think their drummer was really cool. Drummers, please comment and either explain what I'm trying to say or just tell me I'm crazy.
Rosy Likes Red had a bunch of technical difficulties during their set, but they handled them with charm and charisma. Connor spilled his drink on the wires connecting his mic and guitar, but he turned the whole thing into a joke about how he's such a crazy, destructive rock star. Lots of things kept going wrong with their equipment, but RLR never missed a beat. Very good for a little local band on the Kevin Says stage.
Did I mention how close to the stage we were? We were so close to the stage. I think I could have touched Connor if I had reached my hand out. But no one else was trying to touch him, and RLR isn't super famous (yet), so I was afraid I would come off as weird and creepy instead of cute and fangirly. So I kept my hands to myself.
I still want to be able to reach out and touch someone on some stage at some point in my life, though.
Also, at the end of their set, some guy in short shorts and nothing else came running out on stage. It reminded me of how Hellogoodbye concerts usually end with guys dressed up in colorful Mexican garb or beer bottle costumes dancing around the stage. It was random, but it was a cool touch.
After the set, my friend and I went over to RLR's tent to hang out with them and get autographs and the like. We both bought their EP and got everyone to sign it. At first, the guys started signing the front of the plastic case instead of the disc itself. Then they realized it was better to sign the actual disc. Cuties. Guess they aren't too used to giving autographs.
Other cool fact: my friend went bowling with their bassist, Byron, and he recognized her! Yeah, I'm friends with friends of famous people. Be jealous.
I also got my picture taken with all the members of RLR except Connor, who was busy talking to some friends and kind of oblivious to the fact that me and my friend were standig right next to him for, oh, I don't know, five minutes. Hmmm. It was worth it to get his autograph, though. Plus it gave me some time to check out Alana Grace, who played on the Kevin Says stage after RLR. She sounded all right. One of the few female-fronted rock bands at Warped Tour this year (or was she a solo artist with a back-up band?). The few minutes I heard of her set weren't very remarkable, though I liked her black tee with gold writing on it. Couldn't read it, but it looked cool.
And thus ends Part 1 of my diary of my day at Warped Tour. Stay tuned for the dish on Lights, the scariest mosh pit I've ever seen (not Lights'), and a very pissy British band that is not afraid to kick you in the vagina.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
This Week's Concert Forecast: Hot with a Chance of Dancing and Jumping for Joy
Although summer in DC is almost always blazing, a few weeks are certainly hotter than others in the music scene. This week has a pretty major heatwave in store for Marylanders.
First up, start your weekend early by catching electropop genius Owl City at Sonar tomorrow night. His albums can magically pick you up and take you on a whirlwind tour of the skies from California ("West Coast Friends") to Vienna ("Dear Vienna"). He may be known for his good production and MySpace success, but his live performances are said to be just as flawless as the performances he records in his basement. His sold-out show in Vienna, VA this May got stellar reviews on his official street team site. I've heard that show was a non-stop dance party, and I'm sure tomorrow's show will be no different.
Owl City's summer tour is winding down in preparation for the release of his sophomore album, Ocean Eyes, this July. Sorry for the short notice, but tomorrow is the last chance to catch him until his fall tour stops at Rock n Roll Hotel on September 12th.
The big festivals don't come to Maryland until July and August, but it's never too early to start preparing for Virgin Mobile Festival. Normally, this preparation would include months of saving up for the event (but wasn't it worth $80?), but this year, the cheap music gods have smiled upon Maryland. The Virgin Mobile FREEFESTival will be bringing Blink-182, Weezer, Taking Back Sunday, Mates of State, and too many other amazing acts to list to Merriweather Post Pavilion. And no, by "free," they are not referring to freedom and liberty and all that jazz. Tickets really are free. Really. Check The Washington Post if you need proof.
Calling the tickets "hot" would be like calling dry ice "lukewarm," so you'd better plan on snagging some the second they go on sale - er, on give away? how do you describe this? - this Saturday at 10:00. Get to that website like your life depends on it, or better yet, like you're getting Jonas Brothers tickets for kid sister who will pout all year if she misses their summer tour.
Then on Tuesday, the party's coming to Recher Theater in Towson. Cash Cash, Every Avenue, Valencia, The Morning Light, and Sparks the Rescue will all be performing. Five bands for $12: now that deal's almost as good as Virgin's. Listening to Cash Cash is always a party, in your bedroom or elsewhere. I don't really listen to any of the other bands, but I've heard great things about Every Avenue and Valencia, and I definitely think they're worth a look.
Those are my must-sees for the week (and since I'll be out of the country for the rest of the week, I fully expect you readers to check them out then comment on their fabulousness). I predict that the next big heatwave coming to the area begins around July 13th, when the Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, and Honor Society's fans mob the Verizon Center, those not blessed enough to get tickets party with Honor Society at a church in the middle of the night, and those too cool to care about those guys see Hey Monday, This Providence, The Friday Night Boys, Stereo Skyline, and The Bigger Lights at Jammin Java. (Funny story: Hey Monday's show has sold out, but the Jonas Brothers still have a few single seats available. But Hey Monday aren't the one's touting a "sold-out tour"...). Then of course, Warped Tour comes to Merriweather Post the next day.
First up, start your weekend early by catching electropop genius Owl City at Sonar tomorrow night. His albums can magically pick you up and take you on a whirlwind tour of the skies from California ("West Coast Friends") to Vienna ("Dear Vienna"). He may be known for his good production and MySpace success, but his live performances are said to be just as flawless as the performances he records in his basement. His sold-out show in Vienna, VA this May got stellar reviews on his official street team site. I've heard that show was a non-stop dance party, and I'm sure tomorrow's show will be no different.
Owl City's summer tour is winding down in preparation for the release of his sophomore album, Ocean Eyes, this July. Sorry for the short notice, but tomorrow is the last chance to catch him until his fall tour stops at Rock n Roll Hotel on September 12th.
The big festivals don't come to Maryland until July and August, but it's never too early to start preparing for Virgin Mobile Festival. Normally, this preparation would include months of saving up for the event (but wasn't it worth $80?), but this year, the cheap music gods have smiled upon Maryland. The Virgin Mobile FREEFESTival will be bringing Blink-182, Weezer, Taking Back Sunday, Mates of State, and too many other amazing acts to list to Merriweather Post Pavilion. And no, by "free," they are not referring to freedom and liberty and all that jazz. Tickets really are free. Really. Check The Washington Post if you need proof.
Calling the tickets "hot" would be like calling dry ice "lukewarm," so you'd better plan on snagging some the second they go on sale - er, on give away? how do you describe this? - this Saturday at 10:00. Get to that website like your life depends on it, or better yet, like you're getting Jonas Brothers tickets for kid sister who will pout all year if she misses their summer tour.
Then on Tuesday, the party's coming to Recher Theater in Towson. Cash Cash, Every Avenue, Valencia, The Morning Light, and Sparks the Rescue will all be performing. Five bands for $12: now that deal's almost as good as Virgin's. Listening to Cash Cash is always a party, in your bedroom or elsewhere. I don't really listen to any of the other bands, but I've heard great things about Every Avenue and Valencia, and I definitely think they're worth a look.
Those are my must-sees for the week (and since I'll be out of the country for the rest of the week, I fully expect you readers to check them out then comment on their fabulousness). I predict that the next big heatwave coming to the area begins around July 13th, when the Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, and Honor Society's fans mob the Verizon Center, those not blessed enough to get tickets party with Honor Society at a church in the middle of the night, and those too cool to care about those guys see Hey Monday, This Providence, The Friday Night Boys, Stereo Skyline, and The Bigger Lights at Jammin Java. (Funny story: Hey Monday's show has sold out, but the Jonas Brothers still have a few single seats available. But Hey Monday aren't the one's touting a "sold-out tour"...). Then of course, Warped Tour comes to Merriweather Post the next day.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Now Everyone Wants to Be On a Boat
Because meeting Mickey Mouse just isn't good enough for kids these days, Disney is stepping it up this summer. For all of you who have dreamed of going on sun-drenched Caribbean cruises with the tweenaged rich and famous, your dream has just come true.
In a brilliant attempt to lure families to their cruise lines, Disney now offers cruises with the stars of Camp Rock, Sonny With a Chance, JONAS, and several of their other official shows and movies. And by "stars," they mean minor supporting characters. Still, a cruise with That Breakdancing Kid from Camp Rock is a cruise with That Breakdancing Kid from Camp Rock. I personally dream of going on the cruise with Camp Rock's Alyson Stoner and Meaghan Martin on August 2nd. Staterooms the size of walk-in closets starting at $3400! Sleeps four!
Passengers on these cruises will get to take pictures with the stars, get stuff autographed by the stars, ask the stars questions during special panel discussions, and party it up for one "a high-energy evening with shows and a special musical performance" by a "Radio Disney star!"
This deal just cements the fact that cruise boats are the hot place to be this summer, whatever age you are. You know, grandparents and cruises go together like kids with funny haircuts and Warped Tour. Now Disney's appealing to the crowd who wants to be like Zack & Cody, not the ones who want the opportunity to sing "I'm On a Boat" while actually, you know, on a boat. Because that is so much cooler than shouting it at, say, the MTV Movie Awards.
Wait, maybe these kids do want to shout "I'm On a Boat," too...
NOTE: Parents with small children are advised to steer clear of the July 19th cruise featuring Jason Earles of Hannah Montana because people who meet Earles in person may realize that he is actually 32 years old, and this realization could scar your youngsters for life.
Yeah, and you thought Kevin Jonas being 21 was creepy.
In a brilliant attempt to lure families to their cruise lines, Disney now offers cruises with the stars of Camp Rock, Sonny With a Chance, JONAS, and several of their other official shows and movies. And by "stars," they mean minor supporting characters. Still, a cruise with That Breakdancing Kid from Camp Rock is a cruise with That Breakdancing Kid from Camp Rock. I personally dream of going on the cruise with Camp Rock's Alyson Stoner and Meaghan Martin on August 2nd. Staterooms the size of walk-in closets starting at $3400! Sleeps four!
Passengers on these cruises will get to take pictures with the stars, get stuff autographed by the stars, ask the stars questions during special panel discussions, and party it up for one "a high-energy evening with shows and a special musical performance" by a "Radio Disney star!"
This deal just cements the fact that cruise boats are the hot place to be this summer, whatever age you are. You know, grandparents and cruises go together like kids with funny haircuts and Warped Tour. Now Disney's appealing to the crowd who wants to be like Zack & Cody, not the ones who want the opportunity to sing "I'm On a Boat" while actually, you know, on a boat. Because that is so much cooler than shouting it at, say, the MTV Movie Awards.
Wait, maybe these kids do want to shout "I'm On a Boat," too...
NOTE: Parents with small children are advised to steer clear of the July 19th cruise featuring Jason Earles of Hannah Montana because people who meet Earles in person may realize that he is actually 32 years old, and this realization could scar your youngsters for life.
Yeah, and you thought Kevin Jonas being 21 was creepy.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
2009's Perfect{opop} Summer Playlist
Ah, the sounds of summer. Birds chirping, cicadas buzzing, air conditioners whirring... oh yeah, and all the sounds blaring from your radio and ipod. With concerts on weeknights (no such thing as a school night - w00t!), concerts at theme parks (gotta love Six Flags' freebies), concerts that take all day to drive to and all night to drive home (how far is Bristol? who cares?!), and lots of time to browse MySpace Music, summer's the perfect time to check out some new tunes.
Only time will tell which of this summer's songs will be the most memorable, but here are my predictions of 12 songs from the soundtrack of this summer:
The Top 40 Dominatrix:
Yeah, it's that song that you'll hear again and again on the radio, at the mall, in your friend's car, until you hate it. Then love it. Then hate it even more. This summer's airwaves are expected to be a battleground between defending champ Lady Gaga, the resurgent Kelly Clarkson, and the new staple Katy Perry, but my choice for Top 40's song of the summer is
"I Do Not Hook Up" by Kelly Clarkson (video)
The Song to Dance to All Night Long:
I know, I know, bloggers flock to Black Kids' alt dance tunes like mosquitoes are drawn to bug zappers... Wait, no, Black Kids are way more effective than bug zappers. Even if this boldly named multiracial indie band has been the blogosphere's sweethearts since long before summer 2009, their so-retro-it's-cutting-edge synth jams are the perfect fit for parties this summer. Fun, funky, hip, and undeniably danceable. Make sure no DJ is without
"I've Underestimated My Charm Again" by Black Kids
(Bonus! Check out this crazy video of the song set to scenes from Mystery Science Theater's classic Manos: The Hands of Fate. Though it lags at times, overall, this fan-made's as much fun as anything the band could cook up.)
The Song with "Summer" in the Title:
It may seem a bit tacky, but you know you're a sucker for cheesy songs that scream "IT'S SUMMER!!!!" at the tops of their lungs. There must be at least one on every playlist. And while the radio stations are aching to ride discosticks, try a lesser-known song by today's queen of Top 40:
"Summerboy" by Lady Gaga
The Other Song With "Summer" in the Title:
Yeah, two songs dropping the s-bomb (summer, that is) verges on totally tacky, but this summer's playlist could not be complete without something by The Academy Is... Their last album's late August release date prevented us from dancing to it at the beach for most of last summer. You may have heard it at Warped Tour last year, but this year, make up for lost time by rocking out to the album's toe-tapping jam,
"Summer Hair = Forever Young" by The Academy Is...
Your New Summer Loves:
A lot of great albums have come out in the past year, but you can't spend all summer listening to the same songs you've been hearing all school year. The perfect addition to your pop collection? Take It to the Floor by Cash Cash. While you were busy studying, the most adorable Jersey boys since the JoBros were touring with the likes of Kevin Rudolph and Cobra Starship. Their lead single "Party in Your Bedroom" is just now hitting the airwaves in most places, along with its much buzzed-about video. The boys' sunny dance-pop songs will get you more sugar-high than a visit to the ice cream man, so taste the candy-coated track
"Sugar Rush" by Cash Cash
The Song You'll Have Stuck in Your Head for Days - and Love Every Minute of It:
In the winter, people worry about catching the flu. In the summer, they worry about the plethora of catchy songs churned out by Disney Channel and it affiliates. You either love 'em or you love to hate 'em. This year, you can still hear plenty of catchy new tunes on JONAS and the upcoming Hannah Montana 3 CD, but I think this summer is already saturated with JoBros tunes. So if you're looking for a pop song that'll have you bouncing off the walls, turn off the TV for a sec and get your sugar rush from an unaffiliated singer like Owl City. The lead single from his upcoming album Ocean Eyes is just as catchy and whimsical as the songs on any kids' show.
"Hot Air Balloon" by Owl City
The Song to Have a Picnic to:
I know everyone loves a sweet love song, but put the Jason Mraz album down and step away from the boombox. I for one have heard "I'm Yours" enough times in the past few months to last ten summers. Summer's a great time to branch out and listen to some new sweeties, like my personal fave NeverShoutNever. If the songs he's leaked so far are any indication, his upcoming release The Summer EP should be the quintessential soundtrack to the season. This track will make your heart melt more quickly than a popsicle dropped on the hot pavement:
"Hummingbird" by NeverShoutNever!
The Song to Chill by the Pool with:
The founders of Bishop Allen may be Harvard grads, but their music is a fun escape from academic tedium. A little string-filled eccentric, a little coffee-sipping hipster, and a lot of fun, you gotta check out
"Dimmer" by Bishop Allen
The Song to Blast in the Car:
What, no new release by Rooney this year? Since their next album is still in the works, I guess we can't rely on blasting any of their retro powerpop tunes from our stereos this summer... They're my fun car trip staples, but since I've listened to "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" more times than any sane person should, I think it's time to take a break. Digging back into the pile of CD's under the dashboard, I suggest you try some of Relient K's older tunes. All the retro fun of Rooney with more eccentric lyrics. (Remember "Marilyn Manson ate my girlfriend"? It's kind of unforgettable...) I don't need a magazine to tell me I'm still in love with
"17 Magazine" by Relient K
The Slightly Guilty Pleasure:
It's summer. Blast that song you can't believe you love from your stereo and live a little... You saw Glee, right? No? Then you'd best hop over to its website and check out the pilot. It's like if they remade High School Musical with good writing, interesting adult characters, and better music, including a fantastic rendition of the Journey classic
"Don't Stop Believing" by the cast of Glee
The Crazy Rocker:
You know you downloaded it illegally. Or you're going to in about 5 seconds. I'll make it even easier by linking to a video with the download link. With a title like this, you gotta expect great things from
"Pete Wentz is the Only Reason We're Famous" by Cobra Starship
The Sneak Attack:
You know how earlier, I advised everyone to pass up the Jonas Brothers' pop fluff this summer? That would be because the JoBros have so many better songs to offer. With horns and some pretty rockin' guitars, I think these Disney boys are actually able to pull off a song titled "World War III." Really. I love 'em, but I never thought they'd have it in 'em. Based on the 30-second preview alone, I think this song could fight its way to the top of any respectable playlist:
"World War III" by the Jonas Brothers
Well, that should at least give you a good headstart on your summer playlist. I guess we'll just have to wait and see which songs zoom up to the top of your Most Played list and which fail to launch...
and enjoy the summer :)
Only time will tell which of this summer's songs will be the most memorable, but here are my predictions of 12 songs from the soundtrack of this summer:
The Top 40 Dominatrix:
Yeah, it's that song that you'll hear again and again on the radio, at the mall, in your friend's car, until you hate it. Then love it. Then hate it even more. This summer's airwaves are expected to be a battleground between defending champ Lady Gaga, the resurgent Kelly Clarkson, and the new staple Katy Perry, but my choice for Top 40's song of the summer is
"I Do Not Hook Up" by Kelly Clarkson (video)
The Song to Dance to All Night Long:
I know, I know, bloggers flock to Black Kids' alt dance tunes like mosquitoes are drawn to bug zappers... Wait, no, Black Kids are way more effective than bug zappers. Even if this boldly named multiracial indie band has been the blogosphere's sweethearts since long before summer 2009, their so-retro-it's-cutting-edge synth jams are the perfect fit for parties this summer. Fun, funky, hip, and undeniably danceable. Make sure no DJ is without
"I've Underestimated My Charm Again" by Black Kids
(Bonus! Check out this crazy video of the song set to scenes from Mystery Science Theater's classic Manos: The Hands of Fate. Though it lags at times, overall, this fan-made's as much fun as anything the band could cook up.)
The Song with "Summer" in the Title:
It may seem a bit tacky, but you know you're a sucker for cheesy songs that scream "IT'S SUMMER!!!!" at the tops of their lungs. There must be at least one on every playlist. And while the radio stations are aching to ride discosticks, try a lesser-known song by today's queen of Top 40:
"Summerboy" by Lady Gaga
The Other Song With "Summer" in the Title:
Yeah, two songs dropping the s-bomb (summer, that is) verges on totally tacky, but this summer's playlist could not be complete without something by The Academy Is... Their last album's late August release date prevented us from dancing to it at the beach for most of last summer. You may have heard it at Warped Tour last year, but this year, make up for lost time by rocking out to the album's toe-tapping jam,
"Summer Hair = Forever Young" by The Academy Is...
Your New Summer Loves:
A lot of great albums have come out in the past year, but you can't spend all summer listening to the same songs you've been hearing all school year. The perfect addition to your pop collection? Take It to the Floor by Cash Cash. While you were busy studying, the most adorable Jersey boys since the JoBros were touring with the likes of Kevin Rudolph and Cobra Starship. Their lead single "Party in Your Bedroom" is just now hitting the airwaves in most places, along with its much buzzed-about video. The boys' sunny dance-pop songs will get you more sugar-high than a visit to the ice cream man, so taste the candy-coated track
"Sugar Rush" by Cash Cash
The Song You'll Have Stuck in Your Head for Days - and Love Every Minute of It:
In the winter, people worry about catching the flu. In the summer, they worry about the plethora of catchy songs churned out by Disney Channel and it affiliates. You either love 'em or you love to hate 'em. This year, you can still hear plenty of catchy new tunes on JONAS and the upcoming Hannah Montana 3 CD, but I think this summer is already saturated with JoBros tunes. So if you're looking for a pop song that'll have you bouncing off the walls, turn off the TV for a sec and get your sugar rush from an unaffiliated singer like Owl City. The lead single from his upcoming album Ocean Eyes is just as catchy and whimsical as the songs on any kids' show.
"Hot Air Balloon" by Owl City
The Song to Have a Picnic to:
I know everyone loves a sweet love song, but put the Jason Mraz album down and step away from the boombox. I for one have heard "I'm Yours" enough times in the past few months to last ten summers. Summer's a great time to branch out and listen to some new sweeties, like my personal fave NeverShoutNever. If the songs he's leaked so far are any indication, his upcoming release The Summer EP should be the quintessential soundtrack to the season. This track will make your heart melt more quickly than a popsicle dropped on the hot pavement:
"Hummingbird" by NeverShoutNever!
The Song to Chill by the Pool with:
The founders of Bishop Allen may be Harvard grads, but their music is a fun escape from academic tedium. A little string-filled eccentric, a little coffee-sipping hipster, and a lot of fun, you gotta check out
"Dimmer" by Bishop Allen
The Song to Blast in the Car:
What, no new release by Rooney this year? Since their next album is still in the works, I guess we can't rely on blasting any of their retro powerpop tunes from our stereos this summer... They're my fun car trip staples, but since I've listened to "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" more times than any sane person should, I think it's time to take a break. Digging back into the pile of CD's under the dashboard, I suggest you try some of Relient K's older tunes. All the retro fun of Rooney with more eccentric lyrics. (Remember "Marilyn Manson ate my girlfriend"? It's kind of unforgettable...) I don't need a magazine to tell me I'm still in love with
"17 Magazine" by Relient K
The Slightly Guilty Pleasure:
It's summer. Blast that song you can't believe you love from your stereo and live a little... You saw Glee, right? No? Then you'd best hop over to its website and check out the pilot. It's like if they remade High School Musical with good writing, interesting adult characters, and better music, including a fantastic rendition of the Journey classic
"Don't Stop Believing" by the cast of Glee
The Crazy Rocker:
You know you downloaded it illegally. Or you're going to in about 5 seconds. I'll make it even easier by linking to a video with the download link. With a title like this, you gotta expect great things from
"Pete Wentz is the Only Reason We're Famous" by Cobra Starship
The Sneak Attack:
You know how earlier, I advised everyone to pass up the Jonas Brothers' pop fluff this summer? That would be because the JoBros have so many better songs to offer. With horns and some pretty rockin' guitars, I think these Disney boys are actually able to pull off a song titled "World War III." Really. I love 'em, but I never thought they'd have it in 'em. Based on the 30-second preview alone, I think this song could fight its way to the top of any respectable playlist:
"World War III" by the Jonas Brothers
Well, that should at least give you a good headstart on your summer playlist. I guess we'll just have to wait and see which songs zoom up to the top of your Most Played list and which fail to launch...
and enjoy the summer :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A Sunny Break from a Humdrum Day
Yet Another Reason to Adore NeverShoutNever:
Just when you need a break from the humdrum routine of studying for APs, finals, or whatever madness your blind teachers throw at you (can't they see how gorgeous and sunny it is these days? really...)(well, not today specifically, but in general...), NSN releases a marvelous little ray of sunshine in mp3 format. Flit on over to his PureVolume to download his new song "Hummingbird" for free today through Monday.
Also, watch out for NSN's soon-to-be-announced national tour and new EP (aptly titled The Summer EP) coming out June 23rd. If this track is representative of the EP, I predict the songs on it will vying with "Summerboy" by Lady Gaga to be my favorite super-summery-sounding song this year.
...All this talk about humming makes me crave some Hey Nick, Hummus a Tune in all its "creamy, garlicky goodness." If you haven't seen all the delectable dishes named after the JoBros in DisneyChannel.com's JONAS VIP Party Pack, you should check them out. I think they're funnier than the show...
Just when you need a break from the humdrum routine of studying for APs, finals, or whatever madness your blind teachers throw at you (can't they see how gorgeous and sunny it is these days? really...)(well, not today specifically, but in general...), NSN releases a marvelous little ray of sunshine in mp3 format. Flit on over to his PureVolume to download his new song "Hummingbird" for free today through Monday.
Also, watch out for NSN's soon-to-be-announced national tour and new EP (aptly titled The Summer EP) coming out June 23rd. If this track is representative of the EP, I predict the songs on it will vying with "Summerboy" by Lady Gaga to be my favorite super-summery-sounding song this year.
...All this talk about humming makes me crave some Hey Nick, Hummus a Tune in all its "creamy, garlicky goodness." If you haven't seen all the delectable dishes named after the JoBros in DisneyChannel.com's JONAS VIP Party Pack, you should check them out. I think they're funnier than the show...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April Showers & a Fount of New Info
While homework and studying have been eating my life for the past couple weeks, a few random things have happened. Here's a post to get you all up to speed...
A few weeks ago, I fell totally completely hopelessly madly in love with Owl City's album Maybe I'm Dreaming. I actually listened to it in its entirety every day for about two weeks. Seriously. If listening to "On the Wing" and "The Saltwater Room" doesn't add a little beauty to your world, no electronic music will.
I've been planning to do a longer post about Owl City and several other similar bands, but there are these silly little things called AP tests I should be studying for over the next few weeks, so look for some updates after his show at Jammin' Java on Saturday, May 9th... I won't be going to the show, but I will spend the whole night obsessing over how someone so amazing is less than 20 miles away from me. But you should go to this show and experience the magic for yourself.
But if you're looking for a good concert, you really have no excuse not to see one soon. Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship, Hey Monday, Metro Station, AND 50 Cent will all be coming to the Merriwether Post Pavilion this Saturday, April 25th. It actually looks like it will be the biggest assembly of talented pop-rock-punk-rap-techno artists to hit Merriwether Post this year, eclipsing Warped Tour, whose headliners are just kind of lame. General Admission tickets are still available, and because this tour has a funky ticket policy, it means you could be buying $36 lawn seats. But really, even 50 Cent will be there. This assembly of talent is certainly worth enduring a nosebleed.
Truly hardcore patyhoppers could try to attend Towson U's big TigerFest-ish thing before the FOB concert. The All-American Rejects, along with Ace Enders, Shiny Toy Guns, and that other band they're touring with will all be playing, probably throughout the afternoon. And I've heard there will be a mechanical bull.
The All-American Rejects themselves probably won't play until the evening, long after the FOB concert extravaganza has begun, so AAR fans might be better off skipping the beer garden (oh, and the rest of Towson U's party) and heading over to AAR's in-store appearance at Wet Seal in Towson Town Center. Give the store a ring at (410) 825-3736 for more info.
And if you want to spend every minute of your weekend listening to live music, be sure to stop by the Change for China benefit concert at Montgomery Blair High School on Friday night. They're boasting four professional bands, which has nothing on Fall Out Boy of course, but is quite impressive for a student-run benefit concert. And they're giving out an electric guitar as a door prize. They can't promise you a mechanical bull, but it's totally the next-best thing. More info on their Facebook page.
Oh, and don't forget that Cash Cash will coming to Sonar on Friday, May 8th, along with Kevin Rudolf, who is actually more of a big deal. But Cash Cash is ditching the northeastern leg of Warped Tour this summer, so you'll want to see them while you can. I still maintain that they're going to hit it fairly big one of these days...
[*EDIT* Uhmmm jaykayy... The Kevin Rudolf tour has been canceled. So Cash Cash will now be in Baltimore supporting Sing It Loud at Fletcher's on April 29th. A Wednesday... Guess I'll see them someday...
But if you're interested in the Sing It Loud tour, Virginia band The Friday Night Boys will also be opening. At least one of their members went to Sandy Spring Friends School, which is a pretty cool place, fyi. So I'd really like to see them in concert sometime. Darn you, school nights...]
And in case you haven't noticed, Sonar is hosting concerts by tons of awesome artists in the near future. Everyone from The Ting Tings to Lady Sovereign to Kate Voegele will be stopping by, so you should stop by their website to check it out.
That covers just about everything on my concert radar. As for other events, you probably don't need me to keep you up-to-date on all the latest Jonas Brothers news, what with their zillions of fans dedicated enough to create crazy fansites, but in case you forgot, their news series JONAS premieres Saturday, May 2nd, and their new album Lines, Vines, and Trying Times drops June 15th. Check out their hilarious attempts at sexy facial expressions on the album cover! Well, Kevin and Joe are trying to be sexy anyways. I think Nick just has the sun in his eyes.
Also, if you thought those JB updates were silly or trivial, you'll be glad to know Joe wore the same outfit to the airport and the 17 Again premiere. Isn't the Internet a fabulous educational resource? There is just so much useful information out there...
Anyways, with prom season fast approaching, girls might feel the desire to deny that they are still single or convince everyone that the random guy who asked them really is cool! And what's more impressive than dating an Internet music sensation? Act fast if you want to be able to tell the world that you are dating a member of Oh, Hush! Pink tank tops proclaiming that MY BOYFRIEND IS IN OH, HUSH! don't go on sale every day, you know. But they do go on sale tomorrow at 8:00 EST. And if you think everyone who sees your shirt will be able to call you on the fact that your boyfriend is not in Oh, Hush!, you clearly aren't in on the secret behind Oh, Hush!'s unique success. (Okay, maybe their awesome dance-rock tunes are their secret to success, which isn't really the best-kept secret...) Either way, stop by their MySpace or Facebook pages to check out their music and shirts. The sale ends on Monday, so you might want to hurry!
And finally, Meg & Dia's new album came out today! I would love to review it for you, but homework calls, so you'll have to listen to it and decide for yourself.
So that's about everything that's happened in the past month. Oh, and I've been told that Hottub's album sounds better than their live performances. I don't know how any music could top their angelic voices, but if you say so...
A few weeks ago, I fell totally completely hopelessly madly in love with Owl City's album Maybe I'm Dreaming. I actually listened to it in its entirety every day for about two weeks. Seriously. If listening to "On the Wing" and "The Saltwater Room" doesn't add a little beauty to your world, no electronic music will.
I've been planning to do a longer post about Owl City and several other similar bands, but there are these silly little things called AP tests I should be studying for over the next few weeks, so look for some updates after his show at Jammin' Java on Saturday, May 9th... I won't be going to the show, but I will spend the whole night obsessing over how someone so amazing is less than 20 miles away from me. But you should go to this show and experience the magic for yourself.
But if you're looking for a good concert, you really have no excuse not to see one soon. Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship, Hey Monday, Metro Station, AND 50 Cent will all be coming to the Merriwether Post Pavilion this Saturday, April 25th. It actually looks like it will be the biggest assembly of talented pop-rock-punk-rap-techno artists to hit Merriwether Post this year, eclipsing Warped Tour, whose headliners are just kind of lame. General Admission tickets are still available, and because this tour has a funky ticket policy, it means you could be buying $36 lawn seats. But really, even 50 Cent will be there. This assembly of talent is certainly worth enduring a nosebleed.
Truly hardcore patyhoppers could try to attend Towson U's big TigerFest-ish thing before the FOB concert. The All-American Rejects, along with Ace Enders, Shiny Toy Guns, and that other band they're touring with will all be playing, probably throughout the afternoon. And I've heard there will be a mechanical bull.
The All-American Rejects themselves probably won't play until the evening, long after the FOB concert extravaganza has begun, so AAR fans might be better off skipping the beer garden (oh, and the rest of Towson U's party) and heading over to AAR's in-store appearance at Wet Seal in Towson Town Center. Give the store a ring at (410) 825-3736 for more info.
And if you want to spend every minute of your weekend listening to live music, be sure to stop by the Change for China benefit concert at Montgomery Blair High School on Friday night. They're boasting four professional bands, which has nothing on Fall Out Boy of course, but is quite impressive for a student-run benefit concert. And they're giving out an electric guitar as a door prize. They can't promise you a mechanical bull, but it's totally the next-best thing. More info on their Facebook page.
Oh, and don't forget that Cash Cash will coming to Sonar on Friday, May 8th, along with Kevin Rudolf, who is actually more of a big deal. But Cash Cash is ditching the northeastern leg of Warped Tour this summer, so you'll want to see them while you can. I still maintain that they're going to hit it fairly big one of these days...
[*EDIT* Uhmmm jaykayy... The Kevin Rudolf tour has been canceled. So Cash Cash will now be in Baltimore supporting Sing It Loud at Fletcher's on April 29th. A Wednesday... Guess I'll see them someday...
But if you're interested in the Sing It Loud tour, Virginia band The Friday Night Boys will also be opening. At least one of their members went to Sandy Spring Friends School, which is a pretty cool place, fyi. So I'd really like to see them in concert sometime. Darn you, school nights...]
And in case you haven't noticed, Sonar is hosting concerts by tons of awesome artists in the near future. Everyone from The Ting Tings to Lady Sovereign to Kate Voegele will be stopping by, so you should stop by their website to check it out.
That covers just about everything on my concert radar. As for other events, you probably don't need me to keep you up-to-date on all the latest Jonas Brothers news, what with their zillions of fans dedicated enough to create crazy fansites, but in case you forgot, their news series JONAS premieres Saturday, May 2nd, and their new album Lines, Vines, and Trying Times drops June 15th. Check out their hilarious attempts at sexy facial expressions on the album cover! Well, Kevin and Joe are trying to be sexy anyways. I think Nick just has the sun in his eyes.
Also, if you thought those JB updates were silly or trivial, you'll be glad to know Joe wore the same outfit to the airport and the 17 Again premiere. Isn't the Internet a fabulous educational resource? There is just so much useful information out there...
Anyways, with prom season fast approaching, girls might feel the desire to deny that they are still single or convince everyone that the random guy who asked them really is cool! And what's more impressive than dating an Internet music sensation? Act fast if you want to be able to tell the world that you are dating a member of Oh, Hush! Pink tank tops proclaiming that MY BOYFRIEND IS IN OH, HUSH! don't go on sale every day, you know. But they do go on sale tomorrow at 8:00 EST. And if you think everyone who sees your shirt will be able to call you on the fact that your boyfriend is not in Oh, Hush!, you clearly aren't in on the secret behind Oh, Hush!'s unique success. (Okay, maybe their awesome dance-rock tunes are their secret to success, which isn't really the best-kept secret...) Either way, stop by their MySpace or Facebook pages to check out their music and shirts. The sale ends on Monday, so you might want to hurry!
And finally, Meg & Dia's new album came out today! I would love to review it for you, but homework calls, so you'll have to listen to it and decide for yourself.
So that's about everything that's happened in the past month. Oh, and I've been told that Hottub's album sounds better than their live performances. I don't know how any music could top their angelic voices, but if you say so...
Thursday, March 12, 2009
All Around the World
I bet this is one of the those things where if you care, you already know, but if you can bear to read further: the Jonas Brothers announced the dates for their upcoming World tour yesterday.
I was sure Disney would save the coveted opening act slot for their next attempt to clone Miley Cyrus, but I guess they're willing to hire artists whose success won't directly profit Mickey Mouse - or else Jordin Sparks is thinking of switching labels. Oh wait, maybe she is. Her official site still mentions her old label at the bottom of the page, and all information I can find on her split with Zomba links back to the same Reality TV Magazine article. I can't even find the blog entry cited in the article, so maybe it's a false alarm...
Whether or not Hollywood Records plans to snatch up this Idol winner, they are giving her the opening slot of the Jonas Brothers' world tour. Even if no record deal is in the works, Disney has really taken a liking to Jordin. So far she's performed at Disneyland... more times than I want to count. And why wouldn't like a good purity ring-wearer like Jordin? If Russel Brand comes to any of the shows, Jordin can beat him up for the JoBros.
But since Jordin Sparks can't just come on stage without an opening act having warmed up/ticked off the crowd, pop-rock band Honor Society will be opening as well. Since hearing this, I have not been able to stop bashing my head against the keyboard because I was stupid enough to watch a few of their live performances on YouTube, read that they were basically BFFs with the JoBros, briefly admire their tie-filled wardrobe, then decide they weren't good enough to hit it big anytime soon. Their album was produced by the freakin Jonas Brothers. Of course they're major contenders for the title of Next Big Thing.
I mean, it's not like they're bad; they just... sound like the Jonas Brothers' wimpy little stepbrothers. They're heavier on the pop than the rock and accurately describe themselves as sounding like a rock project by Justin Timberlake. Entertainment Weekly knows more about them than I do; check out EW PopWatch's insightful review here.
But, um, also, they're old. Not like Rolling Stones old, but still graduated high school before Kevin Jonas, and people complain that at age 21, he's too old to be a tween pop star... Plus, like, their name is Honor Society, which exudes almost as much lameness as Son of Dork... But then again, I am madly in love with Son of Dork's album Welcome to Loserville because of everything but its name... For one brief second, I thought Andrew Lee of Honor Society was either Son of Dork's David Williams or James Bourne, but no. Hey, Bourne used to produce for the Jonas Brothers; it's not toootally crazy to think he could open for them.
Hey, speaking of that tour, want some dates? The JoBros will hit the Verizon Center in DC on Monday July 13th. That's after they tour South America and part of Europe (who tours South America? props for actually including more than half the continents on your world tour, guys!) but before they get to the rest of Europe, Asia, and Australia. A complete set of dates can be found here. No ticket info yet.
I was sure Disney would save the coveted opening act slot for their next attempt to clone Miley Cyrus, but I guess they're willing to hire artists whose success won't directly profit Mickey Mouse - or else Jordin Sparks is thinking of switching labels. Oh wait, maybe she is. Her official site still mentions her old label at the bottom of the page, and all information I can find on her split with Zomba links back to the same Reality TV Magazine article. I can't even find the blog entry cited in the article, so maybe it's a false alarm...
Whether or not Hollywood Records plans to snatch up this Idol winner, they are giving her the opening slot of the Jonas Brothers' world tour. Even if no record deal is in the works, Disney has really taken a liking to Jordin. So far she's performed at Disneyland... more times than I want to count. And why wouldn't like a good purity ring-wearer like Jordin? If Russel Brand comes to any of the shows, Jordin can beat him up for the JoBros.
But since Jordin Sparks can't just come on stage without an opening act having warmed up/ticked off the crowd, pop-rock band Honor Society will be opening as well. Since hearing this, I have not been able to stop bashing my head against the keyboard because I was stupid enough to watch a few of their live performances on YouTube, read that they were basically BFFs with the JoBros, briefly admire their tie-filled wardrobe, then decide they weren't good enough to hit it big anytime soon. Their album was produced by the freakin Jonas Brothers. Of course they're major contenders for the title of Next Big Thing.
I mean, it's not like they're bad; they just... sound like the Jonas Brothers' wimpy little stepbrothers. They're heavier on the pop than the rock and accurately describe themselves as sounding like a rock project by Justin Timberlake. Entertainment Weekly knows more about them than I do; check out EW PopWatch's insightful review here.
But, um, also, they're old. Not like Rolling Stones old, but still graduated high school before Kevin Jonas, and people complain that at age 21, he's too old to be a tween pop star... Plus, like, their name is Honor Society, which exudes almost as much lameness as Son of Dork... But then again, I am madly in love with Son of Dork's album Welcome to Loserville because of everything but its name... For one brief second, I thought Andrew Lee of Honor Society was either Son of Dork's David Williams or James Bourne, but no. Hey, Bourne used to produce for the Jonas Brothers; it's not toootally crazy to think he could open for them.
Hey, speaking of that tour, want some dates? The JoBros will hit the Verizon Center in DC on Monday July 13th. That's after they tour South America and part of Europe (who tours South America? props for actually including more than half the continents on your world tour, guys!) but before they get to the rest of Europe, Asia, and Australia. A complete set of dates can be found here. No ticket info yet.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
This Summer's Hottest Ticket? No Doubt About It...
Hey hey hey, I saw the Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience this weekend, and it was quite the experience (and this time, I am not just calling it "an experience" because I don't want to say it sucked. It rocked. Go see it. Right now. Even if you saw a show on the Burning Up tour. Even if you think Joe is a jerk for breaking up with Taylor on the phone - you'll love his duet with her.)
But anyways, I would love to write more about that terrific piece of concert-movie magic, but my brain is kind of stuck in crazed fangirl mode (it's a miracle I've managed to write this many coherent sentences) after I found out that the No Doubt reunion tour I've heard rumors of
is happening
this summer
Paramore's opening
(so are The Sounds)
It's coming to Nissan Pavilion
June 14th
Details at No Doubt's site and LiveNation
Tickets go on sale this Saturday (March 7th)
So I am suuuuuuper psyched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And lucky me, I only have 2 final exams this year, and the concert is the night before the last day of exams, and lucky, lucky me, that just so happens to be the day of one of my exams. Yes, approximately 7 hours after Gwen & the gang quit rocking the DC area, I will be taking my Spanish exam.
Plus, um, tickets will sell out in like, 10 seconds. And they'll probably cost a million bucks anyways. So log on right at 9:00 AM this Saturday if you want to stand a chance. Or join the tour club, but then your tickets will cost a million and fifteen bucks.
Oh, and, um belated warning about reading the reviews on LiveNation's page: they are very favorable reviews. They will make you feel even crappier if you cannot see the show because it is right before your Spanish exam...
.....................................................................................................................
Okay, I've collected myself enough to dig up some dirt on the rationale begind this Tour Club thing, and apparently it's a way to prevent scalpers from getting the bet seats, accordign to the LA Times. No Doubt's manager told them the system is scalper-proof, but Ticket Liquidator has already proven him wrong. $54 lawn seats, anyone?
I'd love to give you a general idea of what tickets will cost (mostly because I'd like to have a general idea myself), but Ticket Liquidator appears to have no system for pricing its tickets. Don't ask me why an $82 lawn seast beats a $54 lawn seat or why a front row seat is only $311 while seats in the farther away section 103 go for $896...
StubHub has lawn seats rangin from $58 to $101, but their prices for section 103 make $896 look like a steal. For First Tier 103, they're asking for - brace yourself - $1,175.
But at least you're getting more than jsut tickets to a possibly once-in-a-lifetime event. with the purchase of tickets, you also get access to free downloads of No Doubt's entire collection. Um, yeah, like, all their songs. Like, 10 years of music. Makes those $54 lawn seats look like quite a deal...
But anyways, I would love to write more about that terrific piece of concert-movie magic, but my brain is kind of stuck in crazed fangirl mode (it's a miracle I've managed to write this many coherent sentences) after I found out that the No Doubt reunion tour I've heard rumors of
is happening
this summer
Paramore's opening
(so are The Sounds)
It's coming to Nissan Pavilion
June 14th
Details at No Doubt's site and LiveNation
Tickets go on sale this Saturday (March 7th)
So I am suuuuuuper psyched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And lucky me, I only have 2 final exams this year, and the concert is the night before the last day of exams, and lucky, lucky me, that just so happens to be the day of one of my exams. Yes, approximately 7 hours after Gwen & the gang quit rocking the DC area, I will be taking my Spanish exam.
Plus, um, tickets will sell out in like, 10 seconds. And they'll probably cost a million bucks anyways. So log on right at 9:00 AM this Saturday if you want to stand a chance. Or join the tour club, but then your tickets will cost a million and fifteen bucks.
Oh, and, um belated warning about reading the reviews on LiveNation's page: they are very favorable reviews. They will make you feel even crappier if you cannot see the show because it is right before your Spanish exam...
.....................................................................................................................
Okay, I've collected myself enough to dig up some dirt on the rationale begind this Tour Club thing, and apparently it's a way to prevent scalpers from getting the bet seats, accordign to the LA Times. No Doubt's manager told them the system is scalper-proof, but Ticket Liquidator has already proven him wrong. $54 lawn seats, anyone?
I'd love to give you a general idea of what tickets will cost (mostly because I'd like to have a general idea myself), but Ticket Liquidator appears to have no system for pricing its tickets. Don't ask me why an $82 lawn seast beats a $54 lawn seat or why a front row seat is only $311 while seats in the farther away section 103 go for $896...
StubHub has lawn seats rangin from $58 to $101, but their prices for section 103 make $896 look like a steal. For First Tier 103, they're asking for - brace yourself - $1,175.
But at least you're getting more than jsut tickets to a possibly once-in-a-lifetime event. with the purchase of tickets, you also get access to free downloads of No Doubt's entire collection. Um, yeah, like, all their songs. Like, 10 years of music. Makes those $54 lawn seats look like quite a deal...
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