LIVE MUSIC BLOG.com » Discuss

Open Thread: Phish Fall Tour Opens Tonight

Justin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:43:25 +0000

Phish’s Fall Tour opens tonight in Detroit where the band will hit to stage and shout “Hello, Ohio” to start the show. EPIC.

Seriously, how amazing has this summer been? This entire year has been a dream come true for Phish fans far and wide, East Coast and West Coast, and it just keeps rolling on. In the spirit of the tour opener, I thought I’d ask everyone to reflect a bit on their absolute, mind-tingling, hair-on-your-neck-standing-up moment of the year for you as a fan. Where were you when you had that moment where you lost yourself in all of this? I’ve had so many of those moments in the ten shows I saw this year, but hands down the epic moment for me was seeing the band tear through “Split Open and Melt” at the second night of Red Rocks while it was pouring hard rain on the entire audience. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by 6,000 like-minded folks while you’re all getting soaked and watching your favorite band together. Good times.

Drop some comments to get psyched for tonight…we’ll have setlist updates tonight and plenty of commentary to go around…

Related posts:

Discuss: Where’s My Michael Jackson Tributes?

Justin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:34:14 +0000

I got an email from the Metermaids the other day with this track attached:

Metermaids – Two Rows of Teeth vs. Thriller [mp3]

It got me thinking that I haven’t been hearing too many bands work some level of Michael Jackson tribute into their sets these days. I guess that’s not crazy surprising to anyone, but I half-expected almost every show I saw after that event would feature some level of Thriller tease, a Beat It jam, or something similar. Am I just not seeing the right bands or is this too cliche to expect from any self-respecting touring musician?

I’m going to look into this one a bit. I know there are plenty of MJ tributes before his untimely passing but I’m curious as to whether or not people feel they can do it justice now that he’s gone. And if you want to catch the Metermaids tackling the MJ tributes, they’re playing at The Studio at Webster Hall in NYC tonight.

Related posts:

Open Thread: Wayne Coyne’s On-Stage Banter Sucks. Discuss.

Justin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:06:03 +0000

The Flaming Lips, Pitchfork 2009 | © youaintnopicasso.com

Matt just put up his photos from The Flamings Lips at this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival.

They’re must-see as always (the photos, that is), but the band is no longer retaining that status for me. It comes with a caveat now. It is “they are must-see if you’ve never seen them before and only if you haven’t seen them before.”

But even though the setlist was a bit different than normal, the overall show was pretty much the same. It had the same strengths and unfortunately the same weaknesses. On the plus side, the pluses still completely bury the minuses. The show is still an unparalleled display of wonder, highlighted by confetti, lights and giant balloons. However, Wayne still has a tendency to talk for almost as long as he sings. I’d say that they averaged about two minutes of talking between each song.

I can’t seem to get past this myself. I hate on-stage banter for the most part. But he goes on to say that he feels like it’s a nice little quirk of the band or something. What do you guys think?

Related posts:

Matt from You Ain’t No Picasso on Phish @ Bonnaroo

Justin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:53:13 +0000

I thought I’d post a link to something I just read and commented on and (naturally) feel quite passionate about, but I do this to explain a point and not bring any further unnecessary scrutiny on someone that wasn’t really, well, prepared for the experience of Phish headlining Bonnaroo.

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying all the Bonnaroo photos and live downloads posted over at You Ain’t No Picasso, especially the Janelle Monae shots and writeup and the Beastie Boys fluff-fest. Every post I read I just kept thinking, “man I feel like I’m right there with ya…” But his post on the Phish set at Bonnaroo left me a bit perturbed, if only for the reason that I feel like way too many people have expectations of music that is just ridiculously over-the-top.

If I try to write anything more than a paragraph on Phish, I’m going to open myself up to more scrutiny than I’d like. I’ll be brief. Yes, this band has been a punchline to me for the better part of a decade now. No, I’ve never listened to them any more than that episode where Homer gets addicted to “medical” marijuana on the Simpsons (”The vote was yesterday? Aww man!”). But I wasn’t bored/repulsed/angered by the three Phish songs I heard at Bonnaroo. As I told Amrit the next day, to me it just sounded like really noodley classic rock. I wasn’t really into it, but it wasn’t bad by any stretch. But did we stay around to see any of their show on Sunday? No, we did not. We hit the road early, my friend, and we didn’t regret it at all.

One of the lamest things about trying to cover a festival for a music blog is the notion that as media you get to shoot bands from the press pit right in the front of the stage, but for the first three songs only. This is a standard industry practice. But it’s hardly a way to enjoy the festival and/or music you’re witnessing. You’re surrounded by a bunch of photographers basically running around trying to get every possible angle of every shot their lenses will allow in just those three songs, meanwhile avoiding the stage security and your fellow photogs. But it’s hardly a judge of what a band is capable of or what you’re missing out on by not sitting through and letting your musical ears chill out a bit.

Which brings us to the thoughts on the tour in general — everyone just needs to check their expectations at the door. I thought the first leg of the Phish Summer Tour was absolutely incredible from where I sat, especially considering the sheer notion that this band has not done a tour of this size in a very long time. As much as there is rehearsing in a practice space to nail all the parts in “David Bowie,” the experience of doing this in front of a festival crowd is something that you need to respect and consider. And expect mistakes, because that’s what real musicians do if they’re focused on making music and not so focused on being this perfect specimen.

At any rate, I love and respect everything Matt does on that blog and he’s a better music blogger than me for more reasons I can list. That’s why I was bummed he didn’t fluff my favorite band in the world. That’s all. Call me an idealist, but I really thought some of the indie kids would feel the crossover pull of one of the most innovative and interesting bands this world has ever seen. I mean, come on…who really would not like seeing this jam live? You’ve got to be a friggin’ zombie if this doesn’t get your ears perked up, your head bobbing, and your feet moving.

Phish live at Bonnaroo 6-12-2009 – 2001 (Also Sprach Zarathustra) [YouTube]

Related posts:

Discuss: And Baby Makes Three – Festivals and Kids

Paul Kanterman — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:01:49 +0000

Tickets? Check. Beer? Check. Goodies? Check.

Wipes and Diapers? Check.

HB, ready for a weekend on the Mountain

The festival season is fast approaching. However, this year is going to be a very different experience for me and my crew. This year, I’m bringing along a six-month old, my son Harry. Crazy, you say? I don’t think so. Does it change the whole festival-going experience as we’ve known it so far. For sure.

Since 2001, my wife and I have hit at least a festival a year: the Vibes, the late and great Berkfest, Langerado, and for the past four years, Mountain Jam. We’ve got the whole thing down to a science. We know what to bring and we know how to get it all in one cart to schlep up the mountain. This year is a whole new deal, though.

My niece, Sammi, and her freshly painted face, at Langerado ‘07

It was one thing to spend a weekend on the Mountain just two adults. However, this year there are things we’ll need to bring to the Mountain because we’ve got our son with us. There’s the tent, to give him a place to crash during the day, hearing protectors, toys, changes of clothing, and the aforementioned diapers and wipes, and there are many things I am sure I haven’t even thought of yet. None of this stuff was with us last year.

I’ve been surprised at the number of times people have wanted to know why I would expose my son to “that environment.” Inevitably these are people that have never been to a festival. Sure there’s a certain amount of sketchy people, but I live in New York City. I see at least three sketchy people on the way to the office each day.

My nephew, Matthew, at Langerado ‘07

It’s not like this is the first time I’ve gone to a festival with kids, although they were much older than my son. In ‘07, my niece and nephew (then six and eight) came along for the afternoons at Mountain Jam. They had an awesome time, were fascinated by the freaky people, and were treated quite nicely by them in return. They did wonder why the place smelled “funny,” but didn’t think anything of it. They’re kids. They do look like they’re having a pretty good time, don’t they?

Sure, there’s the risk that HB could be having a bad day, if that’s the case we’ll have to adjust our plan. That’s what you do when you’re a parent. But, for all of the challenges that bringing a baby to the festival will add, they pale in comparison to the joy I’m going to have sharing the experience with HB. When I think of dancing with my son on the side of a mountain, with 10,000 other fans getting down to Michael Franti with us, I’m overcome with emotion.

Should be a great weekend on the Mountain. Have you traveled with kids to a festival? Have any tips to pass along? Please share them in the comments!

Related posts:

Open Thread: Phish Rumors or Braphecy Backlash?

Justin — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:53:30 +0000

I realized it super late last night after I had walked home from The Independent, but I completely spaced on getting a Phish Friday post finished off before I had to leave work. I wanted to make sure I had time to write a little bit about their Roxy ‘93 release and it turns out that I didn’t. At least I had an excuse — I caught an absolutely killer Fleet Foxes show with some seriously transcendent moments. Then I got home and read this email…

Dude, I have checked this blog way too many times today for my always anticipated Phish Friday. Where is it? Don’t leave us hangin bro. No, I understand you must have had some real life to live but damn man, I need my fix. Good thing I can get it at phishthoughts.com
I just discovered that site and it is great. If you haven’t already indulged, you’ll be glad you did. See you at the Gorge 2009!

Thanks for the comments, loyal reader. I appreciate your jones for our Phish Friday and I’m sorry that we haven’t delivered on them 100% of the time. I can sense from the tone that it’s clear that there is an overwhelming feeling that Phish is going to be back next year. I can’t say I disagree, which is really wild to think around right now. There are some pretty serious rumors getting thrown around about tour dates and I’m all for linking to them to help continue to perpetuate them, but I thought I’d try to feel for the sentiment out there from the other readers of the site (like this guy quoted above).

Are you guys into all the Phish reunion tour rumors or do you guys think it’s stupid to even try and guess? Are we getting ahead of ourselves? Will they suck when they come back? Is it wrong that I think they’re going to rule?

Related posts:

Coventry Revisited? Radiohead Forced to Turn Fans Away in VA

Justin — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:30:00 +0000

I’m just catching wind of this now, but it appears that the Radiohead concert in Virginia didn’t go so well due to some serious storming the night of the show. The storms forced road closures, which forced many fans away from the concert, which forced many of these fans to take to the internet to complain about how upset they are. Billboard picked it up and is reporting that Live Nation is offering little help on the matter, instead referring fans directly to the Nissan Pavillion customer service inbox.

This is one of those serious bummers (for lack of a better word) associated with a concert marked “rain or shine,” especially at a mega venue like this. With so many people and so many unpredictable parking lots with conditions that don’t lend themselves well to keeping 30,000 fans safe, it’s understandable when a venue has to make tough decisions like turning the “late” fans away if they don’t get in within a reasonable amount of time before the show.

I bring this up, because it reminds me of the Coventry situation that surrounded Phish’s final concert and music festival. I remember listening to the radio update from the Phantasy Phish message board, and hearing Mike Gordon asking to have fans simply turn around because of muddy, unsafe conditions was just heartbreaking. But it was more heartbreaking to realize that some fans would have made tons of preparations and some fans did indeed listen to the advice that their beloved Cactus had given them.

But to be turned away by a faceless parking lot attendant is probably what is really driving these Radiohead fans nuts.

As live music fans, it’s easy for us to understand that “rain or shine” is exactly that, but I do believe we would have a hard understanding “rain or shine, except when it rains 4 inches the day of the show.” There are plenty of angles on this story worth arguing about, though, and I’m really curious on hearing from people that have been burned by something like this in the past. Has anyone ever been turned away like this? If so, how did you react? Were any reparations made by the promoter or venue?

Think about it, maybe while you’re downloading the show at Radiohead Not For Profit, then drop some comments letting us know what you think.

Related posts:

Grammys ‘08 Open Thread

Justin — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:06:05 +0000

Kanye West “Stronger” (with Daft Punk) [YouTube]

Amy Winehouse – Know Good / Rehab [YouTube]

The 2008 Grammys wrapped-up last night with a couple standout performances, including Kanye West’s Daft Punk mashup, the Foo Fighters token orchestral rock performance, and Amy Winehouse’s hyped-up end of show performance of “Know Good” -> “Rehab.” Most of the rest was 100% ho-hum to me. What did you guys think of the “fakeness?”

Related posts:

Wilco Road Tests Stuff

Justin — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:11:42 +0000

Reuters has a lengthy column up on Wilco and their new album, Sky Blue Sky. Here’s a little snippet I enjoyed…

The bulk of ‘Sky Blue Sky’ was tested on the road, where Wilco has thrived since the start of the decade. The group, which permits fans to tape its shows and frequently streams concerts for free on its Web site, has grossed nearly $8 million from 117 shows reported to Billboard Boxscore since 2000. A 2005 live album, “Kicking Television,” has sold 114,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

“The thing that separates Wilco from a lot of bands is that they can play in a lot of markets and do good business,” manager Tony Margherita says. “They can go to Little Rock, Ark., Indianapolis, you name it. They have played in a lot of places that other people don’t go to, and many of them repeatedly. That’s something we’ve really concentrated on in the last few years.”

Wilco frontman Tweedy gets intimate with new album [Reuters]

It’s not that the markets just naturally support the band either; it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of revisiting to build up that fan base. The band is simply reaping the benefits whenever they return. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Related posts:

Do Great Live Bands Need an Album to Tour?

whitperson — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 22:00:52 +0000

So I was catching up on some of the more mainstream industry publications and came across this Billboard article about Pearl Jam’s big Spring and Summer tour plans. The premise is that the band, despite not having a new album in the works, is slated for a bunch of big shows this Spring and Summer, including a recently confirmed headlining slot at Lollapalooza.

While we here at LMB appreciate any mainstream attention to “touring bands,” this ‘no album’ angle really jumped out at me. Why is it such a big deal that Pearl Jam — a long-time ‘road warrior’ live band — is touring without releasing an album? Why has this “norm” completely perpetuated the mainstream music industry? Can’t Pearl Jam just tour because they’re a great live band?

I admit that this is a bit of a small gripe, and it is also an angle even I will often include here at LMB. I’m sure that the Billboard editors (or headline writers) were just looking for another angle with which to cover a Pearl Jam tour. But, in a day where it seems like it is finally becoming more mainstream knowledge that artists can often be more successful by touring, do we really need this constant implication that a band has to release an album and then go on tour in support of that album?

What do you think?

Related posts: