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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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: Patty Griffin at The Wiltern

Last week Patty Griffin took the stage at The Wiltern and I was lucky enough to be in attendance.  She is touring in support of her beautiful album, American Kid, and her set featured several songs from this album (all of my favorites too).  She actually did a rather nice career spanning set of songs.  I think she had songs frome very one of her albums, including her recent gospel album, Downtown Church.  One of those songs, Coming Home To Me, was one of the highlights of the evening.

Another highlight was a super bluesy version of Flaming Red that just about blew the doors off the place.  She started it off slow and sultry and finished it hard.  What a great version of the song.

The show was flawless if you ask me, save for some sound issues at the start that were fixed rather quickly.  Patty Griffin is in top form and her latest batch of songs sound really amazing live.  To hear her talk about her father and then sing these songs about him is touching and it brings even more emotion to the songs.

She captures her audience just as well with her band as she does standing at the mic alone performing acoustically.  Her voice just carries you away.  It's an experience for sure.

She did just over 90 minutes worth of music and I could have sat there for hours more just listening to her sing whatever the hell she wanted to.  Still, even with what might seem like a short concert I felt satisfied.  It really it felt like she did a lot of songs and gave attention to every album.  Sure there are songs you miss but then there songs you might not have expected to hear.

I certainly did not expect Robert Plant to come on stage and sing with her on Highway Song.

Overall it was a wonderful show and I considered it a pleasure and an honor to be able to see Patty Griffin perform these songs live.  She is, in my opinion, one of the best singer songwriters in the business today and her impeccable performances and infectious charm make each show a joy to behold.

If you get a chance to see her, please do so.  You won't be disappointed.

Now if we can just get a Patty Griffin/Ellis Paul tour on the road...

That would be so amazing.

Patty Griffin 

American Kid Tour

10/10 Wiggly Fingers!

For more information visit her official site and ticketmaster for show information!

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Concert Review: Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual Tour

Cyndi Lauper is hitting the road in celebration of the 30th anniversary of her phenomenal debut album "She's So Unusual" and we were there for the show's recent stop here in LA at the wonderful Greek Theater.

I had never seen her live before so I was really excited for the show.

Here's what you need to know up front:  She does She's So Unusual, the entire album, and that's it, at least for this show.  She did follow up with Shine and a beautiful a Capella verse/chorus of True Colors as an encore but that's the gist of this show.

That's not necessarily a bad thing except I was expecting a 2 hour show and didn't quite get that.  She did essentially 11 and a half songs and told a few stories about the album.  Hardly a jam packed hit filled show, but, I can forgive that.  The tour is to celebrate the album and she does that marvelously.  Her voice is as good as it ever was and I left completely sure that when she tours again, I'll be there front and center.

At nearly 60 (4 days near as of this writing), Cyndi Lauper looks incredible and she sounds even better.  As she performed it felt like hardly a day had gone by since that album's release 30 years ago.  She interacted with the audience (maybe a little too much) and played these songs like it was the first time.  Every track came to life flawlessly and further proved the timelessness of She's So Unusual.

Highlights for me?  All Through The Night, Time After Time, She Bop, and Money Changes Everything.  Honestly though, every song was great.  Those just happen to be some of my favorites of hers.   She does them all just like on the album so if you aren't a fan of any of the alternate versions of her songs fear not, they're all in tact.

While I really wished she would have scattered a few more of her songs throughout the show, Lauper really did deliver a passionate and celebratory performance of these classic songs.

A truly unique and fun experience only marred by the number of songs performed.  Great songs though they are.

This is definitely a show for the fans who love this record and don't mind getting short-changed on some of her other hits.  Still, Cyndi Lauper is an artist who stands the test of time as do her songs.  She is in top form and sounds amazing.  This might be your only shot to see some of the deep cuts on this album performed live so it's a show that is worth checking out even if you don't get to hear Goonies Are Good Enough (we played it in the car on the way out.).

Set list:  See the album she does it all, in order.

Cyndi Lauper

She's So Unusual Tour

9 out of 10 Captain Lous!  

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Concert Review: Of Mice and Men and A Day To Remember: Right Back At It Again Tour 2013

Last night, I saw post-hardcore bands Of Mice & Men and A Day To Remember at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Both bands were awesome and energetic, which was reciprocated by the sold out crowd.

Of Mice & Men played many of their fan favorites including "Ohioisonfire" and "Second & Sebring." They really got the crowd pumped up and definitely put on an amazing show.

A Day To Remember took the stage around 9:30 and played an amazing setlist. Opening with "Violence (Enough is Enough)," the first single of their upcoming album, Common Courtesy. Later in the set they played another new song "Right Back at it Again." Other songs included, "You Should've Killed me when You Had the Chance," "Fast Forward to 2012," "The Plot to Bomb the Panhandle," "A Shot in the Dark," "My Life for Hire," "I'm Made of Wax, Larry, What are You Made Of?," "Another Song About the Weekend," "All I Want," "Better Off This Way," and "All Signs Point to Lauderdale."

During their encore, they played acoustic versions of "It's Complicated" and "If it Means a Lot to You." They finished with "Downfall of Us All," which really got the crowd jumping around, moshing, and singing.

Both bands put on an amazing show and were really able to get the crowd involved with t-shirt cannons, beach balls, confetti, streamers, and amazing lights! The show was great and be sure to check out the last leg of the tour if you get the chance.

Look for A Day To Remember's fifth album, Common Courtesy, coming out later this year and Of Mice & Men's new album in the next year.

Of Mice & Men and A Day To Remember's Right Back At It Again Tour is a 10 out of 10 Mosh Pits!

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Concert Review - Use Your Sole Tour!

Hanson is on the road again. This time, with two great and one good band along for the ride.

The intimate Club Nokia was the setting for Saturday night's five hour concert experience (including the intermissions) featuring Sherwood, Steel Train, Hellogoodbye and of course, Hanson.

The crowd was ready for a great show and they certainly got what they were asking for.

Click the Rawr! for the full review.

Sherwood opened the show with a short set which was packed with good songs. I'm only passingly familliar with the band, having given them a listen when I heard they were going to be on this tour. They really caught my ear at the show. Really fun music and solid musicianship.

Up next was Steel Train, who I enjoyed but didn't love. Their set was incredibly loud to the point of people covering their ears. They put on a decent show but when they started wailing on that last song it was a bit much to handle. Still the songs were pretty good and the band really delivered. They just overdid it a bit in the end.

Co-headliners Hellogoodbye took the stage next and they were fantastic. Nerds everywhere should count this band among their heroes. Extremely fun show with a great bunch of guys. They really kicked this show up a notch. This is the first time I've seen Hellogoodbye in concert and I was not disappointed. They were incredible.

Last but certainly not least, Hanson took the stage and delivered a nearly two hour set that featured old favorites and some excellent new material. Honestly, if the rest of their new disc (expected next year) is as good as the new stuff we heard at the show then I expect it to exceed the brilliance that was The Walk.

One highlight of the night was the acoustic set. When they perform this way it just really proves how great they are. They just seem to get better and better and that growth was on full display.

I will say that the best moment of the entire evening was the lone solo performance of the night. Zac was given the stage and sat ad a piano and delivered a beautiful performance of the hauntingly gorgeous new song Use Me Up. It was a stunning performance that had my jaw on the floor. This song is something special.

I'm guessing they were running short on time because after Zac's solo, they changed plans and scrapped Taylor and Isaac's solo slots and blasted through another bunch of songs. It was a very high energy show that the crowd, me included, just loved.

One of the coolest things about this tour is the camaraderie between the bands. Each band had people from the other bands come out and sing with them. It was a big family and that translated in the performances and the way they interacted with each other. It made for some cool treats during each band's set.

The Use Your Sole tour is a definite great time and if you were lucky enough to get the chance to check it out you know what I mean. You got to hear some excellent bands perform some fantastic music.

The last date of the tour is November 11 in Anaheim so if you can go, I would check it out. In the meantime, pick up their albums. Hanson has a great new EP, Stand Up Stand Up, out as well that you should pick up.

Hopefully, these guys will get together and tour again soon.

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Concert Review: Jay Brannan - I Suck At Life Tour!

Last night made for an incredible night of music as Jay Brannan continued his "I Suck At Life" Tour and took the stage following two fantastic opening acts: Civalias and Terra Naomi.

The crowd was ready for a great show, and a surprising mix of people. They were pumped and primed and ready to sing along, which they did plenty of.

These three acts together were a perfect blend. Civalias kicked off the show, followed by the stunning Terra Naomi, and finally the main event: Jay Brannan.

Click the Rawr! for the full review!




Civilias kicked off the show with some great songs from his EP. If I had to classify him I'd say an American Damien Rice with a bit of Coldplay thrown in for good measure. I had never heard of him before and when I noticed he had a cello player in his band I was instantly interested. I'm hoping we get to review his album and are able to feature him more here because he is going to explode soon.

Civalias only played for a short while but they played through their entire EP and I enjoyed every song. He did a couple numbers alone and with his full band.

It's always great to go to a show for an artist you love and discover someone brand new to listen to. Such is the case with Civalias. It was pretty much instant fandom for me.

Check out his myspace for more information. I really think he will be huge.


Next up was Terra Naomi. What can be said about her? She's amazing. She played a couple songs on keyboards but the majority of the performance was just her and her guitar. This really showed off just how great her voice is. It was a gorgeous and fun show. The highlight of which was her stirring performance of "Say It's Possible." This song is her song but Jay Brannan has included it on his recent covers album. Between the two of them it's almost like two different songs. Last night though, Terra hit it out of the park and sent chills down my spine. Such a brilliant and emotional song. I'm also hoping to be able to feature Terra's upcoming albums here. She has an acoustic CD and a studio LP coming out soon so keep an eye here for more info on those. If you get a chance to see her perform jump on it. She performs at the Hotel Cafe here in Los Angeles (in fact she has a show on August 1) so head out and see her.

Check out her official site for more info!


At last, Jay Brannan. The crowd was ready for him and by the time he took the stage it seemed to have tripled in size.

The last time I saw Jay in concert was at the El Rey a year ago and the crowd at the bar was just yammering away during the show. It was extremely annoying. Here at The Roxy, that wasn't an issue. I heard some chatter a couple times but it wasn't at all taking away from the show.

I have to say that I don't think there is another artist that is as connected with their fans as Jay Brannan is and that is clearly evident during his show. His shows are comfortable and conversational and every song is a work of art. If you look around at the faces in the crowd, they are absolutely enthralled with him and rightly so. His voice and his music are simply captivating.

It's no secret that I am a fan of Jay Brannan. I named his album goddamned the best of the year (2008) and to be honest had it come out this year so far it'd be the best again. His latest album, In Living Cover, is an exquisite collection of cover songs and last night songs from both albums were on display. He is a consummate performer who sits on that stage with just his guitar and his voice and his words and for that hour and a half (give or take) everyone in the room belonged to him.

He was clearly glad to be there, mentioning how excited he was to be performing on the same stage as one of his favorites, Lisa Loeb. It was truly a great experience to see. Each song sounded incredible. I don't think there is anyone who sounds better right now. There is a reason I keep returning to his albums. I love these songs and seeing them live is a whole new experience. I'm not one to see bands over and over again, except in certain cases. For Jay, I'll go everytime he comes to town.


The crowd sang along with nearly every song. One that they did not sing along with was the title track from goddamned. During this song, which is a scathing track about religion, the crowd was completely silent and I don't think anyone even moved (outside of the occasional snap of cameras). It was a riveting performance of a haunting song and just further proved how into Jay his fans are.

Throughout the show, he cracked jokes, told a story about a TSA agent's desire for happy songs, credited Terra Naomi for inspiring him to start making his YouTube videos (which continues today), which in turn pretty much launched his music career, and played some amazing amazing songs.

He even performed a song requested by someone in the audience, "Straight Outta Compton."

I don't have a track list for you but he did my two favorite songs off In Living Cover: "Beautifully" and "Good Mother," along with fan favorites like "Can't Have It All" and "Soda Shop" plus many more.

From the time Jay Brannan steps onto the stage, you're his. I can attribute this to two possible things. The first is that he is nothing if not real. He doesn't try to be perfect, in fact, he embraces his flaws. He never tries to be anything other that who and what he is and does not apologize for his feelings. It's a refreshing honesty that is woefully missing from the mainstream and is a major part of his music.

The next is the songs themselves. You realize these may be his songs he is singing, but these stories, these experiences, can belong to anyone. He could be singing your story. Your life. I think this is one reason why his fans, myself included, are so loyal to him. He is their voice.

And what a voice it is.

Jay's I Suck At Life Tour continues on to the following stops:

July 24 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill (new: ALL AGES!)
July 25 Portland, OR Doug Fir (EARLY show / 21+)
July 26 Seattle, WA Crocodile (EARLY show / 21+)
July 29 New York, NY Le Poisson Rouge (18+)
July 30 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club (18+)
Sept 4 Amsterdam, NL Sugar Factory
Sept 7 Köln, DE Stadtgarten
Sept 8 Frankfurt am Main, DE Nachtleben
Sept 9 München, DE 59:1
Sept 11 Berlin, DE Frannz Club
Sept 12 Hamburg, DE Knust
Sept 14 Milano, IT La Casa 139
Sept 15 Roma, IT Circolo degli Artisti
Sept 19 Madrid, ES Orange Café
Sept 20 Barcelona, ES Luz de Gas


By the way. we just opened our Flickr page and we've added a few of the shots from the show with more to come.

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