Wow, it's been quite a long time since I've written anything. It's actually kind of sad that I haven't had the urge to express any thoughts or share any exciting concerts. The last show I went to was last year to see The Damned. I hate that feeling of not having a show on the horizon. I should be use to it by now because I live in the midwest and many bands completely bypass Indianapolis, but it's my high in life. So I will be 41 tomorrow and I'm at a weird place in my life. The older me is fine being alone. The older me is less concerned about other people's opinions about me. It's a great place to finally be as much of my life has been gripping my self esteem and self worth by the balls. Within the last year I have regained my freedom, I have lost two dogs, and have gained another job. I finally have grown accustomed to just being me regardless if someone gives me a strange look if I'm talking to myself in the grocery aisle or making a James Bond reference. It sucks that most of us have to wait so long to finally feel comfortable in their own skin and to be fine with not having someone special in their life. In my younger years I felt so low and lonely if I wasn't dating someone. I wish my older self could have told my younger self that I needed to just chill. Just sit back and enjoy life and travel. I guess that's what your 40's are for. It's the time for self reflection and wishing you could possibly go back. It's hard to accept the fact that you can't go back, but it's easier to haves wishes for the future. It's fine if it happens, but it's also fine if I don't find love again. As I always say when people ask if I have a boyfriend, "No, I have a dog and cat."
I do have to share my first concert this year and the one that has been on my concert bucket list for ages. David Byrne! He played in Indianapolis, which I can't thank him enough for! The show was like a Broadway show, but I wouldn't expect anything less from him. The set was just amazing from the very construction of it before he played to the end. He played some Talking Heads songs of course and his own solo work. I was in awe of the choreography and his talented band. Everything was so precise, like a clockwork mouse. You just sat and wondered just how long it took to prepare for these dynamic shows. If you have the chance to ever see him, you must! You will leave in good spirits and with renewed hope for the world.
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The Damned have been on my concert bucket list since high school and that's a long ass time. I first heard of them from a punk rock mixtape and the song was "Smash It Up." It was everything a teenager embodied. Actually, their music is just that. Pure fucking energy, angst, fun and just real musicianship. I think that is the reason why I love them the most. You just hear their catalog and it is simple. You cannot put them in a category. They have no rules and they do what they want. They are not a simple punk band, nor a gimmick. When I heard that they were coming to Indianapolis I just had to go. Who knows what the future holds and this may be the last time I get a chance to see them. I don't even know if they ever played Indianapolis in their career, but I'm glad they decided to this tour. They're celebrating the 40th anniversary of their classic album Damned Damned Damned, which ironically came out the same year I was born. So we were both celebrating 40 years of greatness! ha ha We took to the road and of course my curse with concerts came back; it's raining. No, not raining, there's a fucking tornado watch and thunderstorms. Of course I am on my way to see The Damned, so I guess the weather is appropriate. I was hoping to get into town earlier because I had heard about Captain Sensible roaming about town before gigs, but my schedule was not in cooperation. I also was unable to score VIP tickets because the ticket site didn't even give you details about the tickets. I only found out about them after purchase on Facebook. I was still hoping that I'd possibly run into them after the show though. I was really holding onto to that. We beat the storm and finally arrive at the venue. We caught the opening bands and I was trying to patiently wait for The Damned to appear on stage. It' such a hard wait because you want to be courteous to the opening bands, but you just want to see your band take the stage. Finally they appear on stage with roars and whistles from the crowd. I was just inches away from Captain Sensible and the excitement was running through my body. The teenager was back to takeover just for the night. This was it, this is what I have been waiting for since I was 15. This moment right here. I put this moment up there with meeting Johnny Marr & Peter Hook. True class. True legends. They took to the stage and still brought the angst and the energy. Although the stage presence was still there, Captain was nursing a sore back, but it didn't affect his guitar playing whatsoever. In my opinion, he is one of the most underrated guitarist. He's up there with all the greats. These weren't guys hanging about the stage like curtains. They gave you a show and they gave you their comedic banter between songs, which was fantastic. I love that because you can tell they love what they do and they're still having fun playing together. Captain having trouble with his guitar asked the crowd if he was out of tune and if there were any guitar players in the crowd. He played a few chords and asked again if he was out of tune. This is what I love. They don't care, they have been there and done that. There is no ego. They lay it all out there. I love when musicians can be real and are down to Earth and can have fun. They don't take themselves too serious. At one point Captain looking in my direction said "Hello!" and Dave did the same thing. Now I know the fan girl in me is thinking "Is he saying this to me? Did they see my tweets or comments on Facebook about seeing them and wanting to meet them?" I'm sure they were saying it to someone else, but I'll keep it in my fantasy land mind that they said it to me. Of course, the Captain has my Mom's maiden name so maybe somewhere along the family line we're related, eh? That would be pretty funny really. They played all their popular songs and really I don't think anyone could be too mad about them not playing certain songs. I guess I'm pulling from the Morrissey fan base that always has something to say about his set list with moans and groans. I would have liked to have heard their version of "White Rabbit" or "Life Goes On", but like I said I can't complain. After their set they came back shortly after an did an encore. They played a few songs and thanked everyone for coming and I thought it was all done, but moments later they come back to the stage! We are going on almost two hours of being on stage giving everything they have. I know we were in amazement. I've seen some twenty year old musicians leave the stage after an hour. The honorable Captain just celebrated his 63rd birthday the other day! When you think about bands that have been around for decades many think they should just hang it up. Yes, they aren't bashing up drum sets and aren't flying about stage, but they put on one hell of a show and you won't be disappointed. They finally had their fill for the night and said goodnight to Indianapolis. Captain presented his guitar to the front of the crowd to touch and fawn over. It was close to midnight and it was time to unfortunately call it a night. I wanted to stick around to see if I could possibly meet Dave and the Captain, but it was not in my cards. Thank you to The Damned for coming to Indianapolis and fulfilling all of my expectations and more. So here it is April of 2016 and we have lost quite a few music legends. Most were a bit of a shock and made you think that maybe our idols aren't immortal. You then start to think of your own mortality and how one day someone maybe saying the same thing about you. How they couldn't believe that you're gone or that you passed so young. You start to remember recording songs on the radio and waiting for that stupid DJ to stop talking over your favorite song. How seeing Madonna's "Vogue" cassette tape cover gave you all sorts of feelings and seeing Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" on Mtv for the first time. Those goosebump moments and the bewildered amazement of discovering something new and exciting. Something for your very own. Something to cling onto. Something that was magical. Sadly, I don't think those times exist much anymore with social media and streaming. I'll never the days hanging out at the record store to pick up the latest album or staying up late on a Sunday night watching 120 Minutes. Sometimes I feel sorry for this generation and the upcoming generations because everything is instant gratification. You don't rely on Zines or Spin magazine to read interviews and reviews about your favorite artist. You don't get mixtapes from friends or have a car full of cd folders. Of course there are pros to the musical world we live in today; but sometimes I reminisce about the days of no phones, no internet, and real musicians. No American Idol, no YouTube stars, no reality shows. You start realizing you're getting older as technology changes. It changes so fast that your new iPhone will become old news within months. Your once favorite hangout joint welcomes the newer generation and it's suddenly not the crappy bar anymore. They have leather couches, fancy lighting, and curtains have covered up band posters. You are getting older and your idols are going to die. They are indeed human. Like everyone else they will die someday too. I didn't cry when Bowie or Prince died, but just had this heavy feeling in my chest and stomach. Like someone had just let the air out of my balloon. Even though they have died, it still hasn't processed yet. I still just think Bowie is off in the studio making new music or taking a break. And maybe he is? I mean, let's just say wherever we go when we die the music will definitely be good! Prince on the other hand is going to be different for me to just keep out of mind, because I kept up with him on Twitter. I even bought his last album HitnRun Phase 2 for my boyfriend from the Electric Fetus record store in Minneapolis. You have to wonder who we'll have left once our legends have all passed and are merely a once a year tribute on our Facebook newsfeed? Who is the artist of today that will be remembered as such? Truthfully, I can't name any. Remember your favorite artist now. Play their music, buy their music, and go see them live. Do it while you can and while they can. All you will be left with is the music, the memories, the concerts, and videos. All comforting, but nothing like the real thing. Some funkiness came to my hometown last night and what a show it was! I'm feeling very lucky to have seen such legendary talent last night that was only ten minutes away. We didn't have to drive four hours to Chicago, six hours to Columbus, or even to Indianapolis. It was right here and we were right up front. We had miss seeing Freekbass two times prior, so this was a much anticipated show for us. Before leaving to go see them my boyfriend asked If I was ready for this and that I was about to get Freekbass in my face. That it was an experience. I jokingly laughed and said, "Yeah it should be fun." I really had no idea what I was going to be hearing that night or after going to one show I'd be hooked. I've heard of Parliament, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and Prince before; but never got into it heavily. I always liked the groove of it all, but there wasn't a vast array of p-funk in my collection. My boyfriend on the other hand loves it and has a nice record collection of funk. He's a guitar player and has a band that incorporates some funk into their music, so he has introduced me to some music that I might have missed out on. Of course, I've introduced him to Johnny Marr and Deerhunter so we both discover new music together; which is awesome to experience with someone else. I won't go on and on about each song they performed because I can't. This was the first time hearing them and they blew me away needless to say. They did, however, do a few covers like David Bowie's "Fame", "Fire" by the Ohio Players, and "Flashlight" by Parliament. When first seeing them take the stage I commented to my boyfriend that Freekbass looked like Captain Sensible from The Damned, which he just shook his head and had no idea who I was talking about. Oh, one day I'll get him around to knowing The Damned. Ha ha..They went through their first set and as we were hanging out with my boyfriend's cousin who was doing sound that night the keyboardist/synth player Razor Sharp Johnson came up to us and greeted us and he talked to us about him having family in northern Indiana. I was just amazed that someone who has worked with legendary artists and is so talented in his own right talked to us. I ran into Freekbass in passing and told him how he may not know who Captain Sensible is, but he looked like him. I don't think he knew who he was, but said he has heard that before and thanked us for coming out. He was cool too and now I wish I would've gotten a photo with them all, but maybe next time. I love artists who may be legendary, but are humble. Sadly a few songs after their first break we had to call it a night and go pick up our baby. Hopefully next time we'll be able to catch a whole set. I am definitely a fan now and can't wait to discover more of the Freekbass catalog! IMAGESIt's been awhile since I wrote anything, 2014 to be exact. Life is funny sometimes with all of it's ups and downs and crazy detours. Two jobs put away, a baby in tow, and my life has went in reverse to eleven years ago when I had my first son. Even though life has taken a detour, I still love music and going to shows. My last show was in July 2015 seeing Morrisey in Bloomington, IL. I was six months pregnant and for the first time I wasn't worried about getting an autograph or fuming with adrenaline. Maybe it was the hormones, maybe it was the fact that I felt like a beached whale; but it was a good show regardless. It's now April of 2016 and I've already put one show under my belt, which is saying something when you have a baby and an eleven year old! Last night I went to see Kurt Vile & the Violators in Bloomington, IN. I must admit I'm not a long time fan of Mr. Vile or have every album he's ever made. I don't even remember how I came across him, but after discovering him I couldn't stop listening. The best thing was that my baby loves his music too and it calms him down. Of course, my son already had great taste in music in utero. He loved listening to the Talking Heads and got to hear Morrissey perform live from the womb. Kurt's music sounds effortless even though you know there's monumental effort behind each effect and chord played. He reminds me of that long haired stoner dude who would shuffle into class right before the bell rang. He just seems like a guy that everyone knows and I have to say he is. We went to Bloomington early just to thumb through records and enjoy some tasty Soma coffee. After our coffee stop, record shopping, and a bit to eat we headed up to the Bluebird where Kurt's performing. His tour bus was already parked and I started to get a little glee with anticipation of the night to come. We had about two hours to kill before doors opened so we found a sweet parking spot by the bar and just listened to crappy radio in my jeep. No seriously, the midwest has to have the shittest radio stations. Absolutely dreadful. We were bored from channel surfing so we headed over to the Bluebird to see if a line had formed or to just walk around in hopes of time passing us by faster. I usually have a record sleeve and a sharpie in my arsenal, but I was just going to wait till after the show because I've never ran into any band beforehand. This was a mistake and I'm kicking myself. The line was short, but I just wanted to stay put there. Walking aimlessly around Bloomington didn't appeal to me anymore. I was ready for the night before it was ready to reveal itself to me. While waiting in line a few guys descended from the tour bus and as they were coming closer I realized one of these shadowy figures was Kurt Vile. I believe I said, "Holy balls it's him!" He kept coming closer and I stared like an idiot. Like I was in the desert and saw a mirage. I didn't utter a word or grab my phone..nothing. I did absolutely nothing and I'm still pissed at myself. While passing me by he's whistling and just going about the town. No one in line said a thing to him. No autographs. No photos. Nothing. I don't think anyone batted an eyelash. After he passed us, we just looked at each other in amazement and realized we missed our opportunity. Of course trying to play it off cool, I said I didn't want to bother him cos he's probably going to get some food. Wow I'm so nice and cool. Yeah right..I'm a dumbass. You would think after completing one act of dumbassery I would be prepared for the next time if it presented itself, right? No, strike two for Angela. After getting a shirt from the march table and a beer he passed us once again going backstage. Fuck! Yet again I did nothing. This man that I wanted to get an autograph from and possibly a photo just walked by yet again. I didn't even say something cool like, "Have a good show man." I thought to myself okay just wait till after the show you'll see him. You will get your record signed and probably a crappy photo of you sweaty and him looking awesome. I guess I'm just use to seeing these legendary untouchable performers. I mean, you'd never see Mick Jagger or Morrissey walking down the street for a bite before a gig. I understand why because they'd be mobbed, but it was refreshing to see and a shock all the same. He was surprised that no one said anything to Kurt while walking by because he has witnessed the massive obsessive culture of fandom that is Morrissey last year for the first time. I had to clarify that a Morrissey fan is a different breed and you will never understand that kind of following if you yourself are not a huge fan. That's another level and I just don't think there's that fan base banging on Mr. Vile's door. I'm perfectly happy with that. After the opening acts his crew started rolling out all of their gear. His pedalboard is something else and if you're into that kind of thing go YouTube his rig rundown. By the time Kurt hits the stage it's been a long day for us. We drove over an hour to Bloomington, spent about three hours shopping and eating, an hour in line outside, an hour sitting in the bar, and two hours of the opening acts. Let's just saw we were beyond ready for it all to go down. Let's face it, I'm not young and I have a baby. 10 at night to me is the wind down time before I pass out from exhaustion. You realize how old you are when you go to a show or a bar. Your generation is the old people. It's a cycle and some of us are fairing well while others didn't make it out alive. As Kurt and the band stepped on stage the crowd whistled and roared with excitement. He started things off with one of my favorites of his, "Dust Bunnies" from his current album. He followed it up with "Outlaw" and "Pretty Pimpin" also from his current album. The band was tight and he flowed effortlessly through each song with his humorous facial expressions. We were amazed by his guitar, bass, saxophone player Jesse Trbovich. Is there an instrument this guy can't fucking play? Transitioning from new to a few older songs of his, he played "Jesus Fever" and "On Tour". The crowd was full of drunken sweaty happiness and loving his set. The house was full that night, which was awesome to see. You always kind of wonder if there will be a crowd on a Sunday night. He kept things going with one more track from his new album with "Wheelhouse". He slowly starts into his song "Goldtone", which has this 70's heavy riff that leaves you hanging and takes a left to a slower trippy vibe. It sounds rougher live than on his record. Sounds like some Deep Purple shit live. He played a little on his Martin guitar before deciding he didn't like what he heard. He played it off as a little intro to another song with a different Martin guitar from his collection. The bar smelled and felt like a sweaty rave. My leather jacket finally made it off my body after sweating through the Fender shirt I was wearing. I still would like to know if Kurt uses anything in his hair to make it not into a giant ball of frizz ball while playing places like this. I'm sure his lovely wife may have introduced him to some sort of wonderful concoction. Kurt remarked how hot everyone was referring to the sweaty mess we had all become. A female fan yelled, "Not as hot as you!" Which Kurt shyly awkwardly replied, "I mean physically." Oh female fans I know he has locks that make you envious and he's that cool talented badass guitar player, but he's been married for over a decade and has kids. If you've read any of his interviews you realize he's not the typical rockstar. He's not whoring it up, boozing it up, or shooting it up. Or at least that's the vibe he's putting out, but I think he's the real deal. I admire him even more for being that guy. He's like Johnny Marr in that respect. Johnny's been married to the same woman for years and has kids, but he's not living that rockstar life either. He's humble and just out doing what he loves. Kurt, thanks for being one of the good guys in rock and I hope all the touring gets easier one day. Kurt played "Wakin' On A Pretty Daze" and "KV Crimes" to much acclaim and finished off with "Freak Train" and "Wild Imagination". They all took a much needed breather while the crowd chanted for more. They shuffled back on stage after a few minutes to play an encore. "Peeping Tomboy", "Hunchback", and "All In A Daze Work". He thanked the crowd and disappeared into the back. What a show and how lucky we were to be right up front to witness it all. The usual plan after a show is to go directly to where the tour bus is and stand helplessly waiting for the band to pass by in hopes of a signed record or a photo op. Unfortunately we had a long drive home and a baby waiting on us. We had no time for being on some rockstar's nuts. I call it being a fangirl, but whatever floats your rowboat. I was hoping to hear "Life Like This" and "A Girl Named Alex", but maybe they change up the set list, which is good if you see them for more than one night on tour. Maybe I'll see him again in Indianapolis in July, it would be a nice birthday present for myself. The next time I will say something if I see him pass me by! imagesJust a year ago I was in Indianapolis to see Johnny Marr for the first time and having one of the best nights of my life. A year later he's back at it again and once again I was front row to witness another great show. We arrived an hour before doors opened and there was already a decent line of fans outside the venue. At that moment we hatched a plan of attack to make sure we'd get a spot up front. I would rush to the front and my boyfriend would get some Marr merch. Thankfully our plan works and I'm off to the left of the stage by the wonderful Doviak. I think the most impatient someone can be is when you're waiting to get into a venue, then waiting for the opening act to start, and then regardless if the opening act is great; you're waiting for the headliner to get on stage. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve counting down the clock to open presents. I do have to say, I am glad that Johnny has a talented and great opening act. Meredith Sheldon toured with him last year and this time around it seemed as if she was a little more comfortable and at ease with the stage. She has a beautiful voice and knows her way around a guitar as she pointed out to an audience member while she was tuning the top string. He said "Drop D" and she rightfully let him know "No, It's drop B man." It's always fun when performers interact with the audience. You feel a connection with them and feel as if it's just you and them. As Sheldon finished her set, the anticipation for Johnny to take the stage grew. A glimmer of a roadie on stage or feet coming down the stairs from the back kept everyone on their toes for what was to come next. As the lights lowered and the backdrop illuminated Johnny finally took to the stage with his band. He kicked things off with his intense drum driven song Playland. The crowd bursts into a loud roar for Johnny as he started his set. That is one thing I can say when people ask how was his show, he seriously brings it every time. I still don't know where he get's his energy from. I know he runs and being a Vegan he probably eats quite well, so maybe that is the magical answer. After the electrifying Playland he went into the classic Smiths song "Panic". I think that song could be the most relevant song for what is going on in the music charts today. If you know the lyrics to the song, than you know what I mean. I always love hearing Smiths songs because I never was lucky enough to see them when they were together. The music you've listened to since a teen comes to life and it's such an intense warm feeling inside. After playing "The Right Thing Right" from his album The Messenger he went into what is probably the most upbeat and catchy song from Playland called "Easy Money". It's one of those songs that if you hear it once it will be in your head for the rest of the day. When it was first released I would listen to it in the car on the way to work just to put me in a good energetic mood. One of the best songs of the night in my opinion was The Smiths "Headmaster's Ritual". I always loved the bass and guitar lines in that song and it's one of my favorites along with "Barbarism Begins At Home". I'm hoping next tour he plays that and maybe the instrumental "Money Changes Everything". He played a few songs from his new album and The Messenger and then went into another Smiths classic "Bigmouth Strikes Again". This is always a crowd favorite and has such an fierce opening that makes me giddy. He then leads into "Boys Get Straight", which reminds me of some classic eighties punk music. The intro is so raw and the beat carries the song like a fast moving train to the chorus. For some reason it reminds me of old Johnny Cash a bit. "Candidate" was next, which has been on repeat many times in my car. The song is just so melodic and smooth and was great to hear live. There was a lot of feeling to the song when he played it live. One of the magical moments of the night is when he performs "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" and "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out". For some of the newer generation movies that used Smiths songs on the soundtrack was their introduction The Smiths. And for those who have been long time fans it's always a treat to sing a long as if you're at the local pub. Before going into one of the most well known Smiths song "How Soon Is Now?" he played the Electronic song "Getting Away With It". As I looked around at the audience while dancing I noticed not too many people knew the song or probably that Marr has dabbled with many bands and projects in his career. I hope hearing all of these great songs that it sparks the younger audience to dive more into his catalog. He finished his set with probably the most popular Smiths song "How Soon Is Now?" I'm sure some wondered if this was it and if there was going to be an encore, but as always Johnny never disappoints and returns to the stage once again. Marr pushes into "Still Ill" another gem from The Smiths and into "Dynamo", which will be released next month. "Dynamo" reminds me of a classic eighties song with the catchy guitar riff and dreamy chorus. At some point Marr reminds us all that we're missing out on a great night in reality tv because we are here watching him. He then also reminds us how we gave the world (I gag as I type this) the Kardashians and the UK gave us The Clash. Okay fair enough, but I believe we gave the world Jimi Hendrix, the blues, and Jim Morrison. See, we do have something to offer!Just remember the UK recently gave us One Direction! Closing out the encore Johnny plays The Cricket's "I Fought The Law", which I first heard from the legendary punk band The Clash. Marr ends the night with "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" and we all sing a long and wish the night wasn't ending. After the encore we shuffled outside into a college football fan frenzy. The streets were flooded with drunken college football fans and we were trying to navigate through it all to Johnny's bus. Unfortunately his bus wasn't behind the venue, but parked on what appeared to be frat house row. We waited around for a bit to get my Playland vinyl signed and photos taken with the band. Doviak strolls down the street and I nervously asked if he would sign my record. He graciously signed it as I fumbled over myself to get it out of the sleeve. I was hoping to get a photo with him, but he seemed like he wanted to get on the bus and relax. Jack follows after Doviak and we chatted about the show and how great it was. He signed my record and I was lucky enough to get a photo with him. I asked if Johnny was going to come out and he was uncertain. So we waited probably another thirty minutes and Johnny's tour manager assured us a few times that he was not going to sign anything tonight. I was a bit disappointed as I wanted to have him and Iwan his bass player sign my Playland vinyl. My boyfriend who is also a guitar player wanted to ask him some tech questions, but I understood. Many people go on to Twitter or Facebook and complain how he may not come out to meet fans, but meeting him is the icing on the cake so to speak. If it happens that's great, but don't expect it to happen. I think part of the reason why he didn't want to meet fans was because of the craziness on the streets. It really wasn't safe for him to be on the streets with groups of drunken fans passing by. He could easily be overcome by the crowds of people who don't even know who he is. I'm hoping the next time I get to see him that I'll be able to chat with him after the show like I did last year. That moment still gives me that warm fuzzy feeling. SETLIST PLAYLAND PANIC THE RIGHT THING RIGHT EASY MONEY 25 HOURS NEW TOWN VELOCITY THE HEADMASTER'S RITUAL BACK IN THE BOX SPEAK OUT REACH OUT GENERATE! GENERATE! BIGMOUTH STRIKES AGAIN BOYS GET STRAIGHT CANDIDATE PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE LET ME GET WHAT I WANT GETTING AWAY WITH IT HOW SOON IS NOW? ENCORE STILL ILL DYNAMO I FOUGHT THE LAW THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT IMAGESAs soon as the tickets went on sale for the Peter Hook & The Light show in Chicago I snatched up a pair for myself within minutes. This was it; this was my whole teenage years coming full circle. I started listening to Joy Division in high school as I felt a certain connection to the music. Going through the usual teen years filled with depression and suicidal thoughts. Music like Joy Division and The Smiths helped me through those times as it did for many fans. The words spoke to me and made me feel a connection that was personal. I felt like I knew Ian. Of course there's no way to say I knew how he felt because that was his story, but the words pulled at my heart. To this day it's hard to watch the movie "Control." The ending always makes me cry because there's always that thought of what a tragic loss to the world. Such a talented man that was gone too soon. So as I filed into the Metro in Chicago I was a little further back then I had wanted, but still had a good view of Hooky and David Potts playing guitar. As the crowd yelled and screamed "Hooky" the chords to "Ceremony" started and the crowd's roar increased. Hooky walked on to the stage and my heart sank. There he was on stage; a legend right in front of me. It was surreal. I thought to myself this is the closest to Joy Division I will ever get. I think this was the closest for many who attended. As Joy Division had never toured America. Yes some may have seen New Order, but this was it for many of us. The second song into the Joy Divison set was "Transmission." This was one of my favorite songs from them and as we all started to dance you could just look around and see smiling faces of content. After a few more songs they went into "Isolation." This is probably my favorite song by Joy Division. That song was my inner thoughts as a teen and even some moments in my adult life. I wanted to cry when I heard him playing, but I was too happy to even cry. I was happy to just be there; happy to hear these songs in the flesh. Without hesitation they go right into "She's Lost Control" and then "Shadowplay." As we all jumped around and danced like we were 13 year old children, I noticed many in the front were motionless. I often wonder why be up front if you're just going to stand there like a pole in frozen ground? To me the front is where the action is. You're feeling the impact of the wrath behind you and you're in the cross hairs of the energy in front of you on stage. If I was just going to stand motionless I would hang out in the back of the audience. I just never understood that. I could never just stand there with that much energy and sound right in front of me. As "Shadowplay" ended the lights lowered and it was intermission time from the Joy Division set to the New Order set. I loved the Joy Division set, but wished it could have been a bit longer. I can't complain though, cos I was just lucky to hear it all in the first place. I do have to say that David Pott's guitar playing was phenominal. I was in awe when he went through the Joy Division set like butter. They seemed to have a great time together on stage and shared laughs and smiles with each other. I was hoping for a track from their Monaco days, but no such luck. It was also nice to see Hooky's son joining him on stage playing bass with him. That has to be a proud moment for Hooky and an experience his son will never forget. You can tell he definitely get's his musical chops from his Father. Also in attendence that night was writer Irvine Welsh. We didn't see him, but via their conversation on Twitter Welsh had a great time as well that night. The lights struck the stage and the New Order set was about to begin. They started it off with "Let's Go" and as with the Joy Division set the crowd were on their feet. I had wondered was this how it felt to be in the clubs back in their heyday? I still believe I was born in the wrong decade. I couldn't even imagine the feeling of hearing them back then. Not like today where everything sounds like manufactured crap coming from the Willy Wonka like plant that is called the music industry. Who cares if it doesn't have feeling, depth, or hell even a tangible instrument on an album; if it contains a catchy hook and nudity it's a hit. This generation doesn't even know what an album is really. They buy songs and truthfully a lot of these artists don't form their album as a landscape. They know their audience will be purchasing or streaming singles. I imagine back in the day Hooky and the boys never thought they'd have cult legendary status decades later or that they would influenece so many other great artists. That being said, it's best to think like that really. It keeps a level head on your shoulders and you're not going to be a pompous twit that thinks the world owes you a living. The one song that I was most excited to hear was the instrumental song "Elegia." I have a soft spot for this song because it was the soundtrack to an after high school breakup. As I was coping through the heartbreak I played that damn song over and over. It was so powerful and as each chord hit, it was like a knife in my gut. The moments of that relationship played in my head like an 80's teen movie and that song was definitely pivotal. I just wanted to cry when I heard Hooky play it, but again I was just so happy to be there the tears couldn't make an apperance that night.They played a few more songs and then again went into a break. The next set was from their album Brotherhood. This album was my introduction to New Order. I had remembered seeing the videos for "True Faith" and "Bizarre Love Triangle" on Mtv and fell in love. After the Brotherhood set another short break and at some point there was a marriage proposal from a fan to his girlfriend on stage. This seems to be the new thing going on nowadays instead of proposals on the big screen at a baseball game. They appeared back on stage and started the last set with "State Of The Nation." I was excited to hear "True Faith" and "Temptation." It was so fun dancing to them and feeding off the crowd's energy. After "Temptation" was over they had a special surprise for the crowd. Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins joined them on stage to sing the classic hit from Joy Division "Love Will Tear Us Apart." The crowd was in awe of the moment and many probably couldn't believe he was on stage in front of them. There was a sea of cell phones and cameras being held up in the crowd to capture the moment. I must be honest, it was nice to see him up on stage, but I don't think he did the song justice. Maybe it's because the song has such feeling and emotion, but you really have to put your heart into it. It's not a lame karoke song to sing. I think if he would have joined Hooky on the vocals and helped Potts with some guitar work it would have been better, but I guess you can't ask for too much when someone isn't actually on the bill to perform. The lights went down and the crowd was thanked for coming to the show as the crew disassembled the drums and mics from the stage. There would be no encore, but there didn't need to be. It was a hell of a show and I think everyone walked away satisfied with the night's offering. As we assembled on the cold streets of Chicago we waited a few minutes in the alley of the club hoping to meet Hooky. We waited and as I froze like a popicsle we decide to go across the street and get a Chicago hot dog and glare out the window until he popped out of the club. After eating a horrible cheeese covered hot dog he still had not walked out of the club. We stood outside and I told my friend "We'll just wait a few minutes. I'll kick myself if we leave and he comes out." We waited a few minutes and there he was walking out the door with a big smile. Everyone was excited and asked for autographs and pictures. I patiently waited and finally got my picture with him and hugged him tightly while thanking him for the picture. I wanted to thank him for saving my life, but I could tell he was in a hurry to leave. I was so happy that I actually got to meet him and hug him that I skipped down the frozen Chicago streets like a little girl. My night was complete and another musical hero to check off my bucket list. I hope he tours again because I can't wait to see him again! SET LIST CEREMONY TRANSMISSION DISORDER NOVELTY DIGITAL ISOLATION SHE'S LOST CONTROL SHADOWPLAY ------------------------------- LET'S GO LONESOME TONIGHT THIEVES LIKE US LOVE VIGILANTIES THE PERFECT KISS THIS TIME OF NIGHT SUNRISE ELEGIA SOONER THEN YOU THINK SUBCULTURE FACE UP --------------------------------- PARADISE WEIRDO AS IT IS WHEN IT WAS BROKEN PROMISE WAY OF LIFE BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE ALL DAY LONG ANGEL DUST EVERY LITTLE COUNTS _____________________________ STATE OF THE NATION CONFUSION TRUE FAITH TEMPATION LOVE WILL TEAR US APART IMAGESVIDEOSo after listening to Prince's new album, I was a little taken back by the elements added to some of his songs. Yes he still has the funk guitar sound that we all know and love, but some added elements to his songs weren't so pleasing to the ear. The sounds you hear from Daft Punk or EDM in general were disappointing. I understand you have to keep up with the times, but using these novelty sounds or reaching for elements that are in trend right now in music seem disheartening. What happened to keeping with the sound that made you who you are? Isn't that what your fans truly want? Do many artists nowadays feel they need to reach that younger audience to stay relevant? Over the years I've seen many legendary acts dabble in duos with the latest popular artist. Like Madonna working with Miley Cyrus ( I gasp even typing her name), Tony Bennett working with Lady GaGa, and Jay-Z mixing things up with Led Zeppelin. So does staying to your true sound mean dwindling record sales or does it mean standing by your brand for sheer principal? Or is this just how musicians evolve? Always trying new things; new sounds? I have nothing against trying a new direction or evolving your sound, but I think adding EDM elements or adding the latest chart topping artist is a reach for relevance in a certain light. I crave the old Prince sound that just blew you away with his funky guitar playing and simple song elements. I know I can only dream to have the 80's back, but can we get back to the 'Keep It Simple Stupid' motto? Nothing wrong with experimenting, but when I cringe cos you used an air horn sound effect that DJ's use or that you hear in European football than you have lost focus. You are Prince, you don't have to add these unneeded novelties to be relevant. They add no substance to the song. In my opinion, a few artists who have been on the music scene for awhile that have stayed true to their sound are Radiohead, Morrissey, and Depeche Mode. What do you think? When someone dies you may stop and reflect about your own life and mortality. Especially when the death wasn't from a life long illness and was a life taken in tragedy. I've been to many funerals and have had to put together my own Father's memorial video at his funeral. I also synced songs from his favorite singer Dean Martin onto the memorial video. I recently put together a playlist on Spotify that had all the songs I want to be played at my funeral. I have went to funerals before where the family did not do as their loved ones wished when putting together their funeral. You really didn't see or hear anything that truly reflected the person who passed. I know it's a tough time for the family and you really don't want to deal with what kind of flowers for the funeral or what memory card looks the best. You just want that person back and for it all to be a horrible nightmare. So on my Spotify playlist I chose songs that I love and that would probably fit the mood. I know even if I wanted people to just celebrate my life, it wouldn't happen. I did end the playlist with a more up beat song, so that will satisfy what I want. Does this all sound egotistical or just reassuring that my funeral will truly reflect "me"? I'm hoping the latter as I truly don't think any hymnals played would be "me." So, I'll share my funeral playlist and maybe you'll think of yours as well? To me, it's just as important as a will. I know that sounds crazy, but music is my life and is something to be shared and celebrated just as someone's life is. 1. Perfect Day-Lou Reed (Transformer) 2. Life Goes On-The Damned (Strawberries) 3. Love Will Tear Us Apart-Joy Division (Single) 4. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out-The Smiths (The Queen Is Dead) 5. This Must Be The Place(Naive Melody)-Talking Heads (The Best Of) 6. One Day-The Verve (Urban Hymns) 7. Heaven Wait-White Lies (Big TV) 8. In My Life-The Beatles (Rubber Soul) 9. You Only Live Twice-Nancy Sinatra (James Bond:You Only Live Twice) 10. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times-Beach Boys (Made In California) 11. Angie-Rolling Stones (Goats Head Soup) 12. A Dream Of You And Me-Future Islands (Singles) 13. Three Little Birds-Bob Marley & The Wailers (Legend) So I have been single since earlier this year and finding someone who shares your same interests at my age is hard. I'm not much on the bar scene and my life revolves around work and my son, so it makes it hard to meet anyone. I have tried online dating sites on and off the last few years, with only one long term relationship coming from that experience. It's quite tricky to find a guy who is genuinely looking for someone special in their life. Most are there for someone special for the night, not life. Truthfully when I scan a guy's profile I go straight to their music preference section. I think music says a lot about a person and I also want to share similar music tastes. If I see that they only listen to country music or only list artists in the top of the charts I will pass. Country music is something I have never been able to get into and doesn't interests me at all. Okay..no my ears would bleed if I had to listen to it. Since I filter possible connections via their musical tastes, does that prevent me from finding true love or is this filed under the deal breakers category? When I was younger I wouldn't even bother with anyone who didn't like the same music as I did. To me that's about as personal as your religious or political beliefs. I remember one time my Step-Dad trying to set me up with a guy and I looked at his MySpace profile and he listed crappy rap music. Don't get me wrong, I do like some rap music. Mostly when rap was real and had more substance. Coming from a small town it was hard to find someone who had similar music tastes. You just don't see some cute guy walking down the street with a Bauhaus or Joy Division shirt. There for awhile I didn't really put musical preference as a top priority when dating someone. It was nice if they shared some of my music tastes, but it wasn't a requirement. I had just gotten to a point where I was tired of trying to find that someone with similar tastes, so I just put that on the back burner. After being in a long relationship I realized that yes, music preference is something important to me. I think there's nothing better than sharing the music you love with someone. I also think that concerts can be as intimate as sex. Sharing that energy and love of the music is something that instantly connects you and drowns you with a warm feeling within. I can still remember going to see Nine Inch Nails with David Bowie when I was was a teen with my then boyfriend. I had made up a story about sleeping a a friend's house and we drove to Cleveland to see them. I cringe at the thought of my son doing that one day, but it was an experience and something I'll always remember. I did join an online music site that is about meeting people with similar music tastes and somewhat a dating site. I think this is a great idea, but yet again the only guys I found that had similar tastes were in England! It works best if you perhaps live in a bigger city I think. So the hopes are for one day to find someone who I can share music I love with and they can share their loved music. Those I think are the best relationships because you truly share all of your feelings, fears, and moments through music when the words are hard to convey. |
AuthorAngela Marie. I like writing. I like music. I have thoughts falling from my head. Archives
July 2018
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