Concert Review: Billy Joel Live at Fenway Park June 26, 2014 by Mike Webb

Noam Galai/Getty Images

Billy Joel with special guest Gavin DeGraw

Fenway Park

Boston, MA

June 26,2014

Many years ago, my dearly departed grandmother, who never saw a penny she couldn't pinch, asked me why I would spend money on a concert ticket when I could stay at home and listen to the recordings for free. I was never able to answer her, partially because she wasn't the sort of grandmother who invited responses, and partially because it really is a logical trap, especially when it comes to William Martin Joel, whose albums I have listened to for almost as long as he has been recording them. I have no shortage of Billy Joel albums, bootlegs, alternate takes, and live versions to listen to. Why was I sitting on an uncomfortable seat in an overpriced, crowded venue to hear music I've heard dozens of times before? (Not to mention to hear it poorly, since open air baseball venues, especially 102 year old Fenway, are not designed for audio and have angles and walls that serve to soak up and distort concert sound.) 

After a muddy sounding, but enthusiastic set from someone named Gavin DeGraw, (I have never seen Billy with an opening act, but given that the man is approaching 70, it is fair to ask someone to share the load.) Joel began loudly, but with equally poor fidelity, with 1986's rocker "A Matter of Trust" and a selection of common songs from his recent sets, including "Summer, Highland Falls", "Pressure", and "Zanzibar". The reception from the crowd seemed somewhat uncertain, cell phones popping out and conversations continuing, until he played a snippet of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline," a song which has become a Red Sox fan favorite, and a rewritten "New York State of Mind" with Boston place names inserted, a version written to raise funds for Boston's One Fund, featuring 13 year old Emma Stanganelli on vocals, which proved predictably popular.  

The middle section of the show picked up, with slower songs like "The Ballad of Billy The Kid", "Downeaster Alexa", and "She's Always A Woman" alternating with harder stuff like "Movin' Out," "Allentown", and "My Life". Joel dipped into the back catalog again for "Don't Ask Me Why" and "Sometimes A Fantasy", but brought the crowd right back with "River Of Dreams", filling in the middle section, a pause where he has been inserting covers of classic rock songs, with the Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer In The City". Perhaps to avoid civil strife, Joel closed with majestic versions of "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," featuring especially fine soloing from saxophonist Mark Rivera, and the iconic "Piano Man". 

A fine show in a historic venue, but the house lights did not come back on, and Joel was back for encores, another new experience for me at Joel's shows. He opened with a hard, taut "Uptown Girl, singing intently to the front row, then tearing through his first number one hit, "It's Still Rock And Roll To Me," as well as an uproarious "Big Shot". The crowd, incredibly loud during "Piano Man", seemed to get louder with each successive guitar riff. "You May Be Right" followed with country star Zac Brown singing along, and then a pounding, sweaty "Only The Good Die Young", finishing with the band gathered together on stage, playing hard and grinning, and the crowd singing every breathless, hoarse word.

Walking into the cool Boston night, I finally realized why I love concerts, why I drove hundreds of miles and spent money on food and gas and hotels to see my favorite artist yet again. In 2014, we never have to listen to music we don't like, hear an opinion we don't agree with, or read anything that questions our assumptions or biases. We are islands in the stream, interacting, but only on our own terms, and only with those we wish to let into our circle. Concerts break down that wall. For a few stolen moments, I sang along with 30000 close friends, having an experience that a million Instagrams could never capture. Decades too late, I finally have the answer to my grandmother's question: I go to concerts because, in an isolating age, Joel's music, and fellow lovers of it, make me feel less alone. 

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Concert Review: Vampire Weekend Live from Outer Harbor, Buffalo, NY by PF Wilson

Photo by: Hannah Wilson

Vampire Weekend
June 9, 2014, Outer Harbor, Buffalo, NY

When a band you want to see won’t come to you, you must go them. So we shuffled off to Buffalo to see Vampire Weekend, and along the way took in some of the sites of the region. New York State’s second largest city has certainly lived the hard knock life over the past few decades and you can sense a general malaise throughout the community. It’s an odd feeling too, because there was plenty to see, do, and eat. The Elmwood Village neighborhood, for example, offered a great mix of shops and eateries.

Photo by: Hannah Wilson

Of course we probably wouldn’t have gone there had Vampire Weekend not decided to do a concert in an area of Buffalo known as the Outer Harbor. Think of it as a post-apocalyptic Sawyer Point, a barren stretch of land nestled between the Buffalo Ship Channel and Lake Erie. While the venue was sparse on amenities, conditions could not have been more favorable with a beautiful sunset over the lake to the west, a nice view of downtown to the east, and Vampire Weekend center-stage.

A completely unscientific and anecdotal assessment of the crowd indicated that many folks, like us, came from out of town to see the show. This despite the sponsorship of the local commercial alternative radio station Alternative Buffalo 107.7, a more adventurous version of our Project 100.7/106.3.

Photo by: Hannah Wilson

As the smell of Cheerios and Lucky Charms wafted over the Outer Harbor from the nearby General Mills plant, Cults opened the show with an 11 song set. Well-received by the crowd, they didn’t do anything to get the crowd too worked up for the headliner. The two singles from their self-titled debut album, “Abducted” and “Go Outside,” got the best response. Songs from their current album, Static, seemed to do better with those more familiar with the band, and there were quite a few of those folks.

Photo by: Hannah Wilson

Vampire Weekend wasted no time with their set, blasting off with one of 2013’s best tracks “Diane Young.” Opening with a massive tune like that can throw an audience, but Vampire Weekend were able to make it work. While the band is probably used to playing before bigger crowds, they were no still enthusiastic and appreciative. Lead singer Ezra Koenig noted it was their first trip to Buffalo since 2007.

Photo by: Hannah Wilson

Favorite album tracks such as “Step,” “California English,” and “Everlasting Arms,” were treated with equal levels of excitement by the crows as the “hits” including “A-Punk,” “Unbelievers,” and “Holiday.” I don’t know about you, but the latter will always be a Christmas song to me, thanks to the band’s decision to license the track to Honda Motors back in 2010.

Photo by: Hannah Wilson

After winding down with “Obvious Bicycle,” the band returned for a two song encore featuring “Hannah Hunt” and “Walcott,” which Koenig described as their “good-bye” song. Always leave them wanting more is the old show business adage, and Vampire Weekend adhered to that, leaving the rollicking “Worship You” off the set list. That minor blemish aside, it was a nearly flawless concert on the shores of Lake Erie.- PF Wilson

  

Photo by: Hannah Wilson

Photo by: Hannah Wilson

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Concert Review: My Big Night Out 2014 @EdSheeran @DDLovato @ColbieCaillat @AndyGrammer #MYBigNightOut

MyFM took over the Hollywood Bowl again for another night of great music and stellar performances. This year, they brought Andy Grammer, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, and Ed Sheeran to the stage and each one of them delivered wonderful sets and fan earning performances.

I hadn't known that I knew Andy Grammer but it turns out I did recognize a couple of his songs. By the time he finished his set I was looking through iTunes to get his album (his new one, Magazines or Novels, arrives August 5). He has a great voice and some fun songs that was a great way to kick off the night.

Up next was Colbie Caillat, who I wish was able to perform a bit longer. She has a dreamy voice that I really enjoy and her time seemed to end before she really was able to get going. That's not to say it wasn't good, because it was, I just wanted more time with her. She closed out her set with her hit Bubbly and highlighted her new single Try. More time would have given us more of her familiar songs.

That's the only complaint I have, and it's one you get with these kinds of shows. The more artists, the less time each has to perform. Thankfully, the crew devised a great rotating stage to keep things moving quickly and getting each artist ready to go in as little time as possible. This turned what might have been a 30-40 minute intermission into 10-15 minutes. Pretty smart.

After Colbie wrapped up, a new group that I hadn't yet heard of came out to perform their current single. Nico and Vinz took the stage and with one song hooked me. They were great. High energy, infectious, really talented guys. I was almost sad that they only did one song.

Unfortunately, they were quickly forgotten because when Demi Lovato took the stage she completely owned it and captivated everyone for the next hour and change. Her performance was fantastic and exceeded any expectations I had. Forget the Disney girl she used to be because Demi Lovato has blossomed into a full fledged artist with some serious chops. She ran through several of her biggest hits and paused to discuss her troubles with addiction and rehab before performing a chill inducing version of Warrior. She's got some rock chops too and I can only hope that she gets the credit she deserves. Her music is strong, her performance was spot on flawless. Demi Lovato is a true talent and she was a joy to watch on stage. Her set was heartfelt, energetic, and memorable.

Finally, Ed Sheeran took the stage. I was interested in the whole line up but, honestly, I was here for Ed and he did not disappoint. I'm confident in saying that I think he is one of this generation's best artists in nearly every way. A modern day James Taylor who can take command of a crowd instantaneously and mesmerize them for an hour with just a guitar, his voice, and a loop machine. He doesn't need a band or back up singers and to be honest we don't want them. All we need is Ed and he makes magic on that stage. Every song is gorgeous, he can turn a classic Nina Simone song like Be My Kind into his own, and never once lose the attention of his audience. I can't name another (current/mainstream) artist that can do that.

His set was a nice mix of old and new. His banter with the audience was charming and his humbleness is evident. His first act after coming on stage is to snap a picture of the audience, after making sure we didn't mind. Of course no one did. After that, he blessed us with a magical hour or so. I've already made plans to get to see him again when he returns in august.

Overall, My Big Night Out was a rousing success. A packed line-up all of whom did wonderful topped off with a stellar unforgettable solo set from Ed Sheeran.

I'm excited to see what MyFM brings next summer.

MyFM's My Big Night Out featuring 

Andy Grammer, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, and Ed Sheeran

10/10 Nights Out

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Music Review: Say Anything - "Hebrews"

Say Anything "Hebrews" out now!

Six albums in, and one thing is certain, Max Bemis chooses his words carefully. The title of Say Anything’s 6^th studio album, “Hebrews,” might seem like an artist getting in touch with his Jewish cultural and spiritual roots, but that would be too simplistic for the irony-laden tongue of the band’s front man. But what is he trying to say with “Hebrews,” a term that in America, can be considered derogatory toward modern-Jews, who don’t necessarily accept it as the common ethnonym? 

Couple that title with the album’s cover art of Bemis cartoonishly drawn as a Hasidic Jew surrounded by assault rifles and bazookas, it seems like he is declaring war against Judaism from within, or at least, within himself. This wouldn’t be the first time, either, that he has struggled with his religion, or religion, in general, among other things.  Yet, this definitely marks the first time that Bemis has approached these heavy themes and topics with such maturity.

Echoing the self-loathing and cynicism of their debut album “…Is a Real Boy,” Bemis reaches into the same arsenal of acerbic alienation to continue his onslaught against society, religion, and the many institutions that he considers broken. Yet, with every witty lyric admonishing the aforementioned establishments, he doesn’t shy away from turning the microscope back on himself and how that’s the biggest hurdle to overcome.

It wouldn’t be a Say Anything album otherwise.  But what separates “Hebrews” from previous efforts is the authenticity of the lyrics that haven’t been heard since their proper second album, “In Defense of the Genre.”

Songs like “John McClane,” “Judas Decapitation,” and “My Greatest Fear is Splendid,” all continue to explore Bemis’s growing apathy and building fear of complacency and insignificance, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his self-deprecating dossier.

Bemis imbues lines like “The truth is one day you will be greater than I, the truth is one day I will be eclipsed” or “I invite you to dethrone me, you’ve had enough of me,” with a sarcastic sincerity that sounds like he’s resigning to something greater than himself or just not caring what anyone thinks of him or his band anymore. 

Fueled with kinetic gang vocals, reminiscent of “Alive with the Glory of Love” and the welcomed angelic voice of Bemis’ wife Sherri Dupree among a slew of other guest vocals (Saves the Day’s Chris Conley, Los Campesinos’ Gareth and Kim, Get-Up Kids’ Matt Pryor, Blink 182’s Tom Delonge, etc), “Hebrews” is a call back to the Say Anything of yore but with the promise of something new…something new like zero guitars (at least for this album).

Known for their scathing guitars, you would think that this missing element would be a deal breaker, but it hardly makes you flinch.

With a musical arrangement that consist of live strings, keys, and percussion, it’s hard to fathom that this album has not one single guitar present, but the orchestration more then compensates and rocks as hard, if not harder, than any of their previous efforts. While such ambitious musical arrangements make it harder to duplicate live on stage, it will be glorious to watch and hear when Bemis and Co. manage to herd an orchestra onto their tour.  With so many unique guest vocals, it will be a shame that so many artists won’t be able to reprise their role on tour, save for his wife, Sherri Dupree-Bemis, but it will definitely leave room for on-the-road surprises.

Overall, Max Bemis seems to relish in the creative freedom of solely holding the reigns of Say Anything and the music is better for it.  Say Anything is back to form with “Hebrews.”  Listen to the album loud on quality speakers or with headphones, whether on CD or vinyl to do the mixing any justice and to bring out that angst-filled former self.

Score: 9 out of 10 Angst-Filled Rebel Yells

Marco A. Elorreaga also writes for SoundStageDirect, his first choice for all vinyl records and vinyl accessories.

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New @NeonTrees Album #PopPsychology Out Now!

Just hanging brain; NBD.

I'm a pretty big fan of Neon Trees, ever since they came out with hits like "Animal" and "1983" (Habits), then they went on tour with Owl City and Maroon 5 while the song "Everybody Talks" (Picture Show) was on everybody's radio.  It was a good time had by all.  Let's see if those good times can keep going with NT's newest outing, Pop Psychology!  Check below the jump for thoughts and tour dates!!

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Music Review: Anthony Starble - We Need To Be Loved EP

I stumbled across Anthony Starble after I saw him performing in Spring Awakening a couple years ago.  I discovered his first EP, Living in Layers, and was instantly hooked. If this were the age of cassettes, I would have definitely worn it out many times over.

At last, Starble has released a follow up EP, We Need To Be Loved, and damn if I didn't fall in love with this one just as much as his first.  Four songs packed with some wonderful lyrics, a stunning voice, and a great musicianship make up this woefully short, but supremely good, album

Click the RAWR for the full review!

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Save The Date: Glory/Struck's New Production The Album Project - Volume One Kicks Off March 30!

This has all the makings of an amazing night of music featuring some super talented folks like Anthony Starble, Lindsay Pearce, Topher Rhys and MORE performing the music of Ed Sheeran.

I've been super supportive and a fan of the works of Glory/Struck since I saw their wonderful version of Spring Awakening a couple years ago and the equally wonderful Bare last year and I am super stoked to be able to tell you guys to GO SEE THIS SHOW.

March 30 in North Hollywood at Sterling's Upstairs (Just above The Federal).  What better way to spend the evening than with these amazing folks and the music of Ed Sheeran?!  I don't think there is any.

Click HERE for more information.

Hope to see you there!

When:  Sunday, March 30 Doors: 5:30pm Show 7pm
Where:  Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal 5303 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601
Why: Because it is going to be amazing.

Get Tickets Here:  http://www.inticketing.com/events/403715

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#ThePrettyReckless and @TaylorMomsen are "GOING TO HELL" on MARCH 18, 2014

Who wouldn't buy this album?! #Giggity

Reviewed by Alan Trehern (@AlanTrehern!)

I've finally been introduced to the Pretty Reckless and the soft, ghostly voice of Taylor Momsen.  And I must say, "I AM TOTALLY READY FOR THIS!"  The band's second album, Going to Hell, is hitting shelves and iTunes on 18 March 2014 through Razor & Tie records, and let's just be up front about this: the album is a total blast!  If only Danté had this in his Walkman when he entered the Seventh Circle!  He'd of been in a totally better mood!!  Click past the jump for the full review!

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Journey Album Art: Science Fiction?

"The Voice" looks over the universe he hath founded...

Welcome to another installment of useless articles that cover such minutia that it attracts the fewest readers possible; or you know, Trehern's stuff in a nutshell.  In the last year or so, I've been on a long quest to grab all the old Journey albums; I love deep tracks, and since I know all the radio hits, I figured I'd also learn the lesser known Journey ballads. 

But let's place the great music aside for a moment, and just focus on those album covers.  Holy damn!  What the hell do all these mean??  They're like hieroglyphics telling the Genesis story of some far off planet!  Is the discography of the Journey/Perry albums hiding some mysterious science fiction story?  Probably not, but let's attempt to perceive the unperceivable anyway...     

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Music Video: Anthony Starble - Oh Father

It isn't often that a song comes along and so perfectly touches on the experiences of nearly an entire group of people.

"Oh Father" is one of those songs and its video is just as powerful as the song itself. Seriously brought on the emotions when I heard it and it happens every time I hear it, which by now is clocking in the dozens.  The music and lyrics of this song are so beautiful that when I first heard it I was struck silent.  I was mid typing and my fingers just froze.  It's that powerful of a song and I think that a lot of people will be touched by it, gay or straight.  I'd dare say it's an important song and one that a lot of people need to hear and share.

Do yourselves a favor and pick up the single on iTunes now.

Anthony Starble's new EP: We Need To Be Loved will be available very soon.

Until then, you can grab his first EP, which I listen to on a weekly basis, on iTunes right now.

Seriously, go buy them both.

Oh Father
Living In Layers

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Album Review: "Split" by Michael Wayne

One of the things I love about being a blogger is that you get to read about a bunch of different people.  And sometimes, if you're lucky, you get to write about them too!  You see a lot of stuff on the Internet; and sometimes, glory is born out of nothing.  Music labels have big money and big radio, but here in the blogosphere we're all kinda on equal ground.  And here at PCB, I try to help out rising artists in any way I can!  So here's my look at Split, a new music release from Michael Wayne!

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Trehern Reads: KISS: Psycho Circus #5

Don't even try to understand this cover, homes.

Yeah, you read right!  Trehern is back after a pretty long October hiatus; rebooting podcasts isn't as easy as it used to be, fella!  Anyway, over the course of October, I've managed to READ even more sh*tty comics and slipped in some actual print literature to boot!  And to start off Novemeber I thought it proper to introduce you to the lowest rated comic in TREHERN READS' history: KISS: Psycho Circus #5...

Pat (as Paul Stanley): THIS SOUNDS SENSATIONAL!!

SPOILER ALERT: It's not.

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Concert Review: Placebo Kills at NYC’s Terminal 5

Concert Review: Placebo Kills at NYC’s Terminal 5

Kyle Dowling

I’m not going to lie to you…on the night of October 15, 2013, I had absolutely no interest in seeing Placebo play at Terminal 5. I ventured over to the way west side of Manhattan to see them for one reason—it was my girlfriend’s birthday and the band happens to be her favorite. Time and time again, she’s tried to push their music onto me to no avail. It appears I’ve prided myself on remaining stubborn in my opinions; however, seeing as they have not played in New York City in six years (possibly the States), I knew I was going. My boyfriend-ly duties trumped those aforementioned feelings; I succumbed to her wishes…

Yes, I’m reviewing this concert.

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Concert Review: Pink - The Truth About Love Tour

This past Saturday, P!nk brought The Truth About Love tour to Staples Center here in Los Angeles. I was not prepared. I truly was not. I'm not sure what I expected to be honest. I would consider myself a fan but after this show, I'd say I am a FAN.

Click the RAWR and find out just how she blew my mind.

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Music: Here's A New Song From Sarah MCLachlan! On The Uke!

Loving it!

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Music Review: Patty Griffin - Silver Bell

The only thing better than one brilliant Patty Griffin album this year (her stunning American Kid) is two brilliant Patty Griffin albums.   Today marks the released of the long-awaited (over a decade), much desired Silver Bell album.  

Originally slated to be the follow up to her wonderful Flaming Red album, Silver Bell instead got shelved during the record label shake ups of the early 00s.   It's been a holy grail of Patty Griffin fans for the last 13 years.

Now, finally, it's being released and we can finally complete our Patty Griffin discography.  Not only that, but it was worth the wait.

Click the RAWR for more gushing praise.

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Tour News: CHER!

There is only one Cher and you can see her on tour this coming summer.  The tour kicks off March 22 in Phoenix and she's hitting all the major markets to support the release of her new album Closer To The Truth which hits stores tomorrow.

Fore more info visit Cher.com!

The "Dressed To Kill" tour dates are below!