So I bought tickets to the No Doubt/Paramore concert on July 10th (they were only $10!), and now I'm having a bit of buyer's remorse. You see, No Doubt ruined The Rolling Stones show I went to about seven years ago. They were playing that "Hey Baby" shit, and I absolutely wanted to walk out after I threw up in my mouth a little bit. However, I have always wanted to see Paramore, as Hayley Williams is a very talented singer, and she is even better doing acoustic songs. Also a friend of mine int he department asked me to go, and I'd like to get to know her a little better. She and I talk from time to time and she seems very nice and intelligent. I could use more friends like that in my life.

But when I think of Gwen Stefani and her way of ruining one of the greatest rock shows I had ever seen, I just...I mean...it was...oh fucksocks, I can't even imagine how I'm going to make it through that part of the show.

Well, either way, I hope Paramore is amazing.

AC/DC just took the stage!

Rock is on tonight!!!!

 

Last night I attended a cure show at George Mason University with some friends.  This was the opening show for The Cure's tour and we were not let down in any way, shape, or form.  I'll admit straightaway that I enjoyed the show more than the rest of them, but I'm glad they were all in attendance.  When I bought tickets (4 days after they became available to the public), and I was a bit shocked to see that "best available" meant: Row Z.  Yes folks, we were in the LAST row, up against the wall.  The stairs leading up to our seats were fraught with drunk girlfriends almost falling to their deaths.  Whatever; they deserved it.    

So now to the nitty gritty:

The opening act was some band from England (Yes Dawn, there WAS an opening act), and they were called 65daysofstatic (and no that is not a grammatical error on my part).  This band consists of four guys who play "instrumental" music, consisting of sonic vomit that sent most of the crowd into a frenzy (Ever seen a frenzied crowd of Goths, 16 year olds, and the parent who drew the short straw?  I highly recommend it.).  I didn't mind the band overall, but they were as mismatched as No Doubt opening for The Rolling Stones (Sadly, I was in attendance there as well.).  Regardless, the grating guitar work from the band I renamed 35minutesofsuck, was enough to almost deafen me before Mr. Smith and Co. took the stage.  Thankfully, the opening act played 30 minutes and then cleared the way for the main event. 

After almost an hour long wait, The lights dimmed, and The Cure took the stage.  The moment Robert Smith walked onto the stage, the crowd went insane.  Personally, I felt a deep and pure appreciation for both my life and that one moment of my existence.  My stomach felt as if I had just crested the tip of a roller coaster.  The feeing was intoxicating and beautiful.  For a full fifteen minutes, I just stared in awe; forgetting to clap...and almost neglecting my own breathing.  Robert Smith looked like a god, even from the nosebleed seats.

I must admit, I've always preferred the faster, more upbeat music of The Cure, as opposed to...oh I don't know...songs from Disintegration.  That being said, I did not recognize the first four songs of the night, Robert Smith did not tell us what he was playing often during the show.  In fact, Mr. Smith does not talk to the crowd much...although he does stare off into the distance and meekly say "thank you" quite often. 

The mix of music for the first hour was mostly slow, mellow songs, interspersed with a few of the faster songs that everyone knew.  "Just Like Heaven," "Pictures of You," and "Lovesong" were all played within the first hour.  Tom, Shannon, and Simon were all pleased with the songs they knew...even though Simon leaned over and said, "Hey this is a 311 song," during "Lovesong."  I quickly corrected him, in case anyone was wondering.

A little after 11:00, or right after "Friday I'm in Love," Tom and Shannon had to leave.  They were both exhausted from their respective workdays.  Sadly, they left before the first of three (!) encores.  The first encore contained two songs with which I was not familiar (sorry, Dawn), and then they played "A Forest."  I was terrified that this signaled the end of the show; but lucky for me, the band returned for a second encore.  The second encore began with "The Love Cats", followed by "Let's go to Bed," and a new song entitled "Freakshow."  To finish off the second encore, "Why Can't I Be You" and "Head on the Door," were both played with fervor.

For the third and final encore, the crowd was treated to "Boys Don't Cry," "Jumping Someone Else's Train," "Grinding Halt," "10:15 on a Saturday Night," and "Killing an Arab."  I must admit that I was out of my seat, dancing (as much as I ever dance) to the last 2 hours of the show.  I could not restrain myself; and I don't care.  Also, I did cry a little during "Pictures of You," and my eyes might have watered a bit during "Lovesong," but I'll provide no further details on such matters.

I must admit that the new album (from the 4-5 songs I've heard), sounds like a mix of poppy rock that yearns for a place on their Staring at the Sea album.  Fantastic upbeat rhythms, deep lyrics, and more than a hint of sexual yearning make these songs instant classics. 

To sum up:  I saw The Cure, but I experienced their music in a way I never thought possible.