The Reptile Zoo

New Things I Like on.. Tuesdays.

2009-02-24T21:26:00.001-08:00

So Tuesdays are pretty cool days.. Itunes realeases new music and Blockbuster puts up its new movies. I like tuesdays, but they can be pretty overwhelming so I can't talk about everything. I mean do you really need me to tell you about the new Flo Rida single? I fricken hope not. Things What I'm going to touch on in this addition of NTILOT (haha nice) is new music I'm listening to RIGHT now and my first impression...

So lets begin...

K'Naan - Troubadour

I've only listened to the three most popular songs and from word go LOOVE IT! If you have never heard of K'Naan he's a cool character. He's originally from Somalia and on his first album 'The Dusty Foot Philosipher' he talks a lot about the struggles hes had to deal with but also beautiful subjects regarding his life. I like listening to this guy because for one, i feel like he talks about things that really matter and through music can communicate with everyone on what life is outside of our bubbles. What challenges other cultures and countries face on a day to day basis, like dodging death for example.
His new record is nice because while keeping true to the DFP there is also just some good upbeat songs featuring other hip hop artists that really get you going.

Dumas - Rouge

So.. i just bought this album after sampling about 3 songs. This is like.. the french radiohead or maybe even the pernice brothers. I REALLY like this. So it comes highly recommended... but first off you have to be able to stand french music which in most cases I can't, and I even speak french. I know francophone music is moving in a different direction than when I attended french catholic highschool (ahh!!) but I don't know.. its harder to sing with I guess.

This album is beautiful and quiet. Its just nice..

Those are my two favorites for the week (so far... subject to change). But here is a quick continued list of cool things, with no explanations...

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero (single)

Gentleman Reg - Jet Black (album)

Tiga - Mind Dimension (EP)

And... things i couldn't get into...

The Virgins - Teen Lovers (EP)

Marianas Trench (its like a simple plan, fall out boy hybrid... yuck)

Justice - The Party (EP.. and its not spelt like that but I don't have the patience to look)

Its not You, Its Me

2009-02-18T22:43:00.000-08:00

I've always liked Lily Allen. I really like her because she doesn't like Amy Winehouse and shes English. I do really think English people are hilarious! Have you ever watched british television? Well you should.
Anyways, this new cd of hers rocks. It has a consistent feel to it throughout and while it feels a little more mellow each song has a really fun beat and cadence to it. It feels kind of 'circusy' but not in a corny lame clowny way. Thats just how im describing the overall feel to the baselines and such upbeat and fluid.
As usual, Lily is a great songwriter touching on everything from materialism, to hanging out with chinese food and that orgasm that is just out of reach!
She's one of my favorite artists because of the execution of her lyrics. Everything is hilariously well written and even when the lyrics are comical, the tone of the songs make you believe what shes saying and feel for her. Lily Allen also has an amazing soft voice that just makes this the perfect album for cruising in the car or even after the bar.
I highly recommend checking this one out for all ages (not too young!). Its a good sort of a transition album from pop to contemporary. Anyone can love this.

Coraline

2009-02-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

I love childrens movies. I especially love the route they are taking these past years in being so much more adult 'friendly'. So naturally, being a big kid at heart myself I don't usually pass on the oppourtunity to see 3D movies ESPECIALLY when they are Neil Gaimen stories, in claymation and did i mention 3D?
Coraline is the latest movie I was so lucky to see in theaters and I have to say it was pretty darn good but i also have to warn you... NOT A KIDS MOVIE! Oh man, if was anywhere between the ages of 5 - 12 I would have cried for months. Unless you are the bearer of a really nasty devil spawn than I wouldn't take your well behaved son or daughter to this movie, and heres why.

Coraline actually has a great message and I think its appropriate for this current 'recession'. Although the tagline on some posters reads 'Be Careful What you Wish for' i think its better suited to be explained as be thankful for what you have in life, and who you have in life. People get so wraped up in material posessions that its easy to overlook the people who have made those things possible ei: your parents!!
The heroin of the story is a young girl just like everyone who is mildly reglected by their parents and craves more and in a bone chilling adventure in the 'other world' she realizes that what she has is so much better than having buttons sewn into her eyes! (see.. not a good thing to show your children)

This movie was very entertaining... although it did lack in the 3D department. Maybe its just me, but i like it when things really reach out to you.. but it was still really great. Definately check it out.. I guess, if you liked anything by Tim Burton in the past years you will definately love this movie.. and If your not a huge fan I think this one will really open you up to the darker side of animation!

Updated Q&A

2009-02-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

Ah! The existence of my blog? Who would have remembered. Obviously not me.. and being I'm my only fan its not a big deal. First on my agenda is updating my Music Q&A. It was mildly painful to read.. althought my musical tastes haven't changed that much, there are new discoveries and of course i don't 'love' any musicians anymore like a giddy school girl.
1. Of all the bands/artists in your cd/record collection, which one do you own the most of?
Incubus (Thats the same... I haven't bought many cds since the inception of the Itunes store...)

2. What was the last song you listened to?
Joy Division - Transmission (If you haven't seen Control.. you should.)

3. What's in your record/CD player right now?
Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks. (I'm sure its been in there for at least a year...)

4. What song pretty much sums you up?
The entire soundtrack from Highschool Musical 1,2 AND 3! (HELL YES...... uhh..)

5. What's your favorite local band?
Any band my friend Carlos sings in.

6. What was the last concert you attended?
Nine Inch Nails

7. What was the greatest show you've ever been to?
Show wise.. Nine Inch Nails. Otherwise.. Neil Young!

8. What's the worst band you've seen?
Nickelback (ok.. i was like.. 16)

9. What band do you like musically but dislike the members of?
hmm..

10. What is the most musically involved you have ever been?
I worked at a record store for two years.

11. What shows are you looking forward to?
Fleetwood Mac.

12. What is your favorite band shirt?
I have this doors one that is literally stiched up entirely on both sides.

13. What music posters do you have up in your room?
Nothing these days. Damn renting.. All I have is a nice painting of Jim.

14. What musician would you like to be in love with for a day?
Jim Morrison or Elvis.

15. Pat Benatar or Cyndi Lauper?
Pat.

16. Sabbath or solo Ozzy?
OOO... uhh.. Sabbath.

17. Commodores or solo Lionel Ritchie?
Commodores

18. Punk rock, hip hop or heavy metal?
Punk Rock forever.

19. Doesn't Primus suck?
I wouldn't go as far as to say 'suck'... Mostly because i have a lot of respect for Les.

20. Did you know that filling out this survey makes you a music geek?
It's a label i wear proudly.

21. What was the greatest decade for music?
The goddamn seventies.

22. How many music-related videos/dvds do you own?
umm.. a lot. Lots of music movies and live concert dvds..

23. Do you like Journey?
I will not deny that i love a good Journey song from time to time.

24. Don't try to pretend you don't!!
I'm not.. im proud of arena rock.

25. What is your favorite movie soundtrack?
Spinal Tap

26. What was your last musical phase?
Girly radio music.

27. What's the crappiest CD/record/etc. you own?
Guerolito. I hate that damn cd.

28. Do you prefer vinyl or CDs?
CDs for the most part, but i do collect Vinyl. Makes me feel nostalgic.

29. What is your all time favorite CD?
The Doors - Strange Days

30. All totalled, how much do you spend on music a month?
I'd rather not say.. but im sure i could have done something with my life by now...

Pikul

2008-02-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Ok.. so before i say anything, this rant is not only about the greatest EP i've ever listened to.. it's also about one the greatest bands i've ever heard! If you have never heard of the Silversun Pickups.. you are missing out. In a world where music is so produced and manufactured its such a good feeling to hear things like 'Carnavas', the first album by the SSP. I usually reserve the title of 'greatest bands' for groups that actually created a genre or paved the way for music to come (ie: elvis, the beatles, pink floyd.. you get it..) but I have to say.. It's been a long time since i listened to an entire album and loved everything about it (save the deftones....)

I don't know where these guys are from and althought i could find out i don't even care... they have a such a diverse sound. The genre is hard to pinpoint but I guess i would shoot for Indie Rock or something or the sorts. They use guitars and sometimes they scream.. but for the most part is a steady but mellow rock out. Sing along in your car or veg with your Ipod.. this shit is good. The lead singer has a voice unlike anything i've heard.. It's natural but it has a little bit of pitch or rasp or something that just sets him apart from everyone else. This album is so perfectly executed.. every song has amazing instrumentals and all the lyrics are perfect. My personal favorites are Lazy Eye (which was their music video single) and Checkered Floor.. and that was even a hard decision.

Next up is Pikul.. its an EP... just listen to it.

And Finally is... The Remixes. I love remixes. I'm glad everyone is remixing. I don't care if its trendy at least that will keep the remixes alive! Anyways.. these remixes are definately worth checking out. My only complaint about the SSP remix album is that Lazy Eye is remixed about five times while only two other Carnavas songs are remixed and thats it. So.. not much variety but still very good.

Wether you jump all in and listen to all three albums.. or just listen to Carnavas I can't seriously invision anything being disapointed.. unless your really into classical or rap... but you should just listen to them anyways!!

Passwords

2008-02-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

So... I'm not sure what happened but one day I wanted to write about a cd and I completely forgot my password to my blog. It must be karma or some kind of universal-karmic-intervention-thing that I should be so lucky to remember it today. In the past year, since my last post.. I've listened to good music, read good books and discovered the website of my life and have had no way to share it. (I doubt many people read this, but even if one person does I'm happy).

I'm living somewhere very cool these days, secluded in the mountains somewhere in BC. It's been good times. Challenging, but good. I'm going through things I would never have expected to go through and I think im becoming a more mature person because of it... The point im making is... IF anyone ever does read this.. a changing person is always open to new and ideal things.. so send me music or thoughts or anything.

Where i'm living, I'm REALLY secluded from a lot of things including record stores and magazines so I always enjoy suggestions.. my internet is also really slow so listening to music is complicated.. but I try.

Saturday Night Wrist

2007-02-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

note: this review is a work in progress.. I have listened to this album once and I'm in complete awe. There hasn't been a cd in a while that I have fallen in love with on first listen. I'm basically a deer in headlights ranting.....

It's strange to think that hear the Deftones I can easily pick them out because there is something so unique and diverse about their sound. When it comes to explaining it, on the other hand, I really can't pick out what it is. Vocally, I'm sure you could associate Chino Morino to a few other male singers that sound similar. I think it may be the way he executes his lyrics and the lustful way he slowly releases each word.
I'm on song five of the new album Saturday Night Wrist and I think since White Pony there has not been a Deftones album consistently this good. I haven't had the urge to either warn people or inform them on something I've found disappointed or just fucking amazing, but by song three I had to write something.
Out of the majority of their albums I find this one much more melodic and it even features I song sans-lyrics. Having a consistently mellow and steady flow until about mid way through where Chino really uses his vocal abilities to wail in Rats!rats!rats! eliminating that stoner feel to the album. Despite the raspy chorus the song is still fluid enough to keep the pace of the album as is slowly moves into more industrial tracks.
Again, I can't actually put into words why this album is unique and diverse and why it's so incredible. It just is. To me, that says a lot. When something can just be good and doesn't require a heap of explaining or words taken from a thesaurus to wow you. To previous Deftones fan, this is not a let down in no way. To new fans, this is an ideal album to introduce you to the genre and to the band.

songs to love: Beware, Rivere, Xerces, and Pink Cellphone (this song is pretty xrated.. and if your easily disgusted by simple vocals.. I'd skip the butt sex part. ahaha..)

Castles

2007-02-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

As I enjoy posing, I will continue to pretend that I know what I'm talking about when it comes to music. I probably wouldn't take my opinion to heart because I'm not, in essence, 'qualified' to critique anything. Yet, I was born with ears, a mouth and a brain and therefore I am able to hear, process and speak my mind and that I do.
I know a lot of people around the globe think Coldplay is fantastic and so, as I make my first attempt to really review an album, I chose something everyone could appreciate.
Somehow I was able to stumble across a leaked copy (which I never usually download) of Castles. I am uneducated in Coldplay history so I was unsure as to when this album was released or was to be released but the tag said 2006 so I trusted the stranger.

I'll keep this very simple and blunt because I hardly have much to say about how boring this album is and how repetitive it seems. When I think of Coldplay what usually comes to my head is catchy piano rock riffs and originally catchy tracks (such as Yellow). In Castles there is hardly that. It starts off with a more mellow, piano rock-esque Coldplay but eventually dies down and fades into four live tracks. A couple of the tracks, especially No more keeping my feet on the ground, sound exactly like previously released Coldplay songs. Castles also features two songs from their first EP, Brothers and Sisters.
Fortunately, it's not all that bad. The songs are actually good and a clear display that Coldplay will indeed maintain their popularity. Obviously Coldplay has talent, and can write lyrics and play their instruments but where is the entertainment? Art can only take you so far boys. There is nothing unique or mind-blowing about their new CD. There are no songs that stand out to you or get stuck in your head. There are no songs that make you want to turn up the volume and sing along, or just even turn up the volume. It is a slow paced and mellow album that is perfect background music when you don't really want to listen, but need something playing.
When it comes out and is listened to or if you have also leaked it why not give me some feedback. Agree? Disagree? Let me hear it.

Snoop - a - Loop

2007-02-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

Open: Kurrupt and Ice Cube
Headliner: Snoop Dogg
Where: Prospera Place, Kelowna
When: January 14, 2007

Normally, I probably wouldn't really think about spending money or time on Snoop Dogg but when free box seats come available I reconsidered. My boss decided to surprise the staff with a private box (which we shared with Okanagan Springs) to see the man himself Snoop with Ice Cube has the opening act. I'm mildly excited because I mean, even though I am not a Snoop Dogg fan… it's still Snoop. Enough said.
The staff meets at Andy's house and because everyone had gotten extremely wasted the night before, a riotous evening of alcohol wasn't looking promising. There were a few people though, who drank excessively but well, I'll leave that at that.
Once inside the building, we hustled around to find our box and missed bits of some random rap guy who opened for the openers opener. We took our seats, checked things out, and watched a thousand people all get baked and then Kurrupt came on.
I'm not going to lie, I didn't have high expectations for this show which was good because personally, as much fun as I had the sound was pretty terrible. You couldn't understand a single thing the guys were yelling and even when no music was jamming in the background they were still impossible to understand. That aside, Kurrupt put on a decent show and was wearing probably the largest shirt I have ever seen in my life. We had some good laughs at this and danced a little.

Intermission.

The sound gets no better when Ice Cube rolls out but what is better is that its Ice Cube. I don't know any of his music, but one song I do know is Straight Outta Compton. Which is officially one of the songs that I count in my top songs heard live. Another song I knew was the overplayed put your ass into it (or whatever its called). His act was a little bit better, but not by much. One thing that was amazing, and I won't lie it was probably one of the funniest things I have ever seen, was the only stage prop Ice decided to use. Before busting out a Westside Connections beat, a large inflatable hand representing the Westside rises from the far side of the stage. The actually size of this balloon, I'm not sure but it was definitely ridiculous and I loved it.

Another intermission.

To get everyone revved up on Snoop Dogg the stage crew begins raising this huge banner with a badass picture of the man, surrounded by script that says 'Tales from the Crip' and 'Rhythm Gangster'. Again, sound problems. I can't understand a word he says but at least I knew more Snoop songs that anyone else so it was easy to get into. I was stoked on the Fuck the Police and of course the singles like Drop it like it's hot, What's my name, Beautiful and that Dr. Dre song. The Snoop show was pretty damn funny. First he was wearing the weirdest outfit but I can't even put into words the size of the joint he was smoking. I was under the impression that it would be illegal for all these rap guys to tell everyone to get high and at one point even throw little blunts into the crowd but I guess no one cares because its Snoop.
A little tribute to Tupac happened, which was really stellar. Snoop got the whole audience involved on so many levels that he had everyone hot boxing Prospera by the time the show was over. And for his last song pretty much had the crowd singing him off stage.
So sound sucked, but the show was pretty fun. It was easy to get into and we danced a little. Random people dancing on the stage, inflatable hands, sooooooooo much weed and trampy K-town girls. I don't think I'd ever pay to go again, but I was definitely an experience and I'm glad I'm able to tell people I saw the man.

Brandon

2007-02-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

Open: Albert Hammond Jr.
Headliner: Incubus!
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theater, Vancouver
When: January 5, 2007

It's been two months and five days since I started my countdown to what I knew would be the most amazing night of my life. It had been two months of stress, tears, pure agony and excitement but it all led up to a huge moment in my life. The Incubus concert. I was stressed because my parents didn't want me to drive and we going to try to force me to fly, which in turn made me cry because I couldn't afford to fly so the thought of missing the concert made me miserable. On top of that, the person I was supposed to go with couldn't and it wasn't until eight days before the show that I was able to get a partner. So, with two concert tickets and two greyhound tickets that my parents paid for (stellar!) we were on our way to stay in a dirty old hostel and rock our faces off while keeping a killer drunk buzz all day long.
Chanel and I role out of bed at the ass crack of dawn and prep ourselves for an 8am bus ride. We are running a little behind so our plan to have breakfast almost fell through but luckily another bus left at nine, so we enjoyed about five cups of coffee and an incredible breakfast. We get on the bus, and nothing really exciting happened except for the fact that we drank Pepsi and Ginger ale bottles full of bourbon and got pretty licked. Only, we passed out half way there and were totally sober when we woke up. We slept most of the ride but once Chanel's Ipod died I was forced to share and that led to a mini two-person rock show in our seats. Finally, we cool it on the music and talk a little.
Off the bus we go, and into the terminal. Starving I get my sixth cup of coffee from the day mow on some sushi. We head out and catch a cab. Our driver was probably one of the raddest people we met all trip. Just some old dude chatting to us about living life to fast and how everyone should slow down a little. I felt, it was totally relevant to our trip because Chanel and I were on a whim just living for the moment and doing something I have been dying to do for almost ten years. He yapped about the Himalayas a bit and meditation and then dropped us off leaving us more than amped for the evening.
We check in and for some reason I still feel drunk even though I'm not, but maybe I was. To remember our password, we related it to an old Emerica add we had seen before and shouted 'Stay Gold' all night hoping that even in a drunken stooper we wouldn't get locked out. Up to the room, which, delightfully happened to be across the way from the boy's washroom, which, delightfully, smelled like rotting ass when we got there. I have to unlock the door, while Chanel hides around the corner until I give her the go to hold her breath and run for it. Once safely inside, we investigate. Cum stain on the blanket, some random unidentifiable stains on the mattress and best of all, a bum digging for empties right beneath our window.
We dress, we drink what we referred to as Death Bombs (which were basically small pop bottles three quarters full of bourbon) and shot gunned some Pilsner and then made our way to Cambie Street for the show.
It was pouring rain so hard that my sweater was soaked through completely but I was to drunk and excited to care so we trucked along and got followed by a scary dude at one point. Once at the venue, we stealth maneuvered my digital camera into the building and probably only got away with it because the security guard was over searching us once they found a tampon in Chanel's pocket. Awesome.
We're in. I get some sick merch and we start boozing it again. Six dollars a beer didn't stop us. We are mad text messaging people and chatting with the second coolest person we met all trip, the bartender. We talk about Incubus, which gave me a chance to sound like a loser. Chanel and I moved over to the stairs where we talked to some people about Incubus tattoos and a start throwing out random high fives. We drank, had a deep existential conversation and then watched the opening act. Quick no substance review: Alberta Hammond Jr. (guitar player from the Strokes)I didn't really listen much, but he was pretty damn good. Just some good upbeat tunes and some pretty randomly hilarious lyrics (regarding picking up pigeon shit with your hands...) and just overall enjoyable. Good lights too.

Anyways…

More drinking and finally the moment I had waited for. Flashback: Ten years ago my step bro gave me an Incubus EP and since then, I've been hooked. Since I was friggen ten years old, I have been in love with this band. I'm twenty now, so when Incubus walked out on stage and started playing A Kiss to send of us I balled my eyes out. Like… actual sobbing.

The line up (and no in this order because I don't even remember and I'm probably missing songs) consisted of…
A Kiss to Send of us, Stellar, Sick Sad Little World, Talk show on Mute, Drive, Megalomaniac, Earth to Bella pt. 1, Earth to Bella pt. 2, Dig, Anna Molly, Out from Under, Quicksand, New Skin, Blood on the Ground, Wish you were here and Echo.

Basically, every song fucking ruled. We were not only in the greatest venue I've ever been in before but I was totally surrounded by madness. The small room, that seated only two hundred people made feeding off the energy so easy. EVERYONE in the room was on their feet and singing along to every word. This is probably why my tears were so intense. I screamed along to a kiss to send of us and I could hardly see straight when they started playing Stellar. The moment that familiar sound came on Chanel looked at me and knew what this meant. My vision was so blurry from crying so much during stellar and singing along that when it was done I couldn't breath. (Stellar is my favorite song of all time, just so you know.) But enough about me crying and more about the show. The line up was awesome. I love Light Grenades but hearing older Incubus songs instead of just the new ones made it even better. The light show was fantastic and the acoustics were sooo damn good. The tiny venue made it so nothing echoed in a bad way, nothing bumped in a bad way… the bass sounded so god damn good and Brandon Boyd wasn't over powered by any instrument. I don't even know what to say other than wow. I have been to many concerts and none of them have been this good. None of them have of course had any emotional attachment to them either but that's beside the point. The point is, if you are a non fan (just like Chanel was) you will be after seeing them.

*End Transmission.

Ok, so after the concert Chanel and I walked to this place called the Cellar, which was sleazy. I got my boobs grabbed twice, and we just got grinded up against by so many random guys that Chanel and I pretended we were married. Which was funny. We had to pay ten dollars cover each, fifteen dollars for two jager bombs, eleven dollars for two Kokanee and eight dollars for two waters. This place was so effin expensive and not entirely worth it but the music was good and the dancing was fun.
After the cellar we hiked back up three flights of stairs and into our room. Chanel proceeded to break the bed, which meant we had to sleep back to back because of the massive dip in the middle of the bed. We drank a little more, smoked a little bit and talked about insanely random things while looking out the window of our room. Finally we were beat. My technology and I curled up into bed and passed out only to wake up shortly after by text messages and alarm clocks.
Back to the bus station again we go, after waiting forty five minutes for a cab and having the grossest breakfast rotting in our stomachs. Chanel looses her ticket, has to by a new one and WE BARELY make it onto our bus. Which, missing it could have been good a thing because our driver had clearly been smoking rocks before hand and we had to watch the Lady Killers but the bus was bumping so much that the movie was flashing on and off the screen. But, missing it would have been bad because on the bus we met a random that was also at the show and wanted to swap pictures!
So now its over, and I sort of want to cry about it.

Sixx and Steven

2006-12-11T22:57:00.001-08:00

Open: Motley Crue

Headliner: Aerosmith

Where: Rexall Center, Edmonton

When: December 9, 2006

After having revisited the 70’s only two nights before hand, I was still in the mood to hear some classics rip through massive speakers. I was still amped on the cheering crowds and riotous fans. On tonight’s program we have a little bit of Motley Crue with a heavy serving of Aerosmith.

Allie, my latest in criminal companions, and myself had already had a wild day of roller coasters and tourism when we scrambled to find a way to make it downtown to the venue. Finally, my grandma (a saint) drove us through and down sketchy Edmonton roads until we saw the venue on the horizon. Allie and I escaped at the intersection and ran excitedly to the doors. Full body pat downs in order, I luckily am only subjected to a few light touches on my sides and pockets while Allie was almost the victim of a strip search. Thankfully, I was the one smuggling in the cameras.
A familiar rumble reaches my ears and feet and I look to the nearest curtain and see the lights had dimmed. All of a sudden Shout at the devil can vaguely be heard coming from the arena. Fortunately, we weren’t really there for Motley Crue so hearing their music at elevator music volume was satisfying enough. Allie and I stand in the merchandise line for about twenty-five minutes and get cozy with a few guys who we pushed up against at the front of line. I purchase a tour t-shirt and we b-line for our seats.

Down the stairs and into the basement, again we finally find out seats and watch the rest of the opener. Girls, Girls, Girls and Kickstart my heart were definitely the highlights. The performance by a cirque du soleil-esque acrobat made the show a little more entertaining but I was disappointed to see how the band relied on the extras to make them more entertaining (the light shows, the pyrotechnics and the women). Two scantily clad, pin-up looking women paraded around the stage for Girls, Girls, Girls and how lucky was I to watch Vince Neil make out with same girl, twice. Once the girls left the stage, I was bored again. No dancing or acrobatics, just a chubby Vince Neil walking back and forth across the stage in a stagger. Highlights of their performance were scarce, but Tommy Lee’s antics never failed to impress me. Jumping from behind his drum set, he calls the audience a ‘bunch of fuckers’ and tries to find the ‘crazy bitch’ in the audience who wants a shot of Jagermeister. Lee takes a swig himself and then passes the bottle to a wild fan and insists he passes it around the floor. I laugh at this and the guys break into Dr.Feelgood and a Nikki Sixx solo, which I more than enjoyed.
It ends, intermission time. Allie and I fight off the mob just to make it to the concession to get some Diet Coke. We make it back to our seats to find our company (the two guys to my right) has disappeared. To drunk to find their seats again I assumed. Instead we are joined by two headband-wearing teens that ask me ‘are these seats taken?’ I tell them yes, but they should stay until the other two come back. They never did.

A big curtain falls and a quick digital light and picture show erupts onto the screen. Historic Aerosmith pictures and music blare as the fans all stand up and cheer in anticipation. The curtain rises so quickly and before you can see anything on stage, Steven Tyler emerges from a cloud of smoke. Toys in the Attic was the first song, and I’m more than ready to party! For being a fifty-some rocker with a long career behind him, I was impressed with the energy the man brought to the stage. Now, I have never been to an Aerosmith concert before but I knew that it was typical Tyler fashion to carry the mic stand that was decorated in scarves. Everywhere Steven went the mic stand went with him and acted more as a baton than anything else.
Steven doesn’t pause between the first two songs, but does quickly introduce (my favorite band mate) Joe Perry. Joe rips on his guitar and sings along with Steven while running up and down the catwalk. Throughout the night Steven had humped the stage, thrown his jacket to a lucky fan and pushed his crotch into the camera’s view. Wearing the most hideous and uncoordinated outfits Aerosmith put on a show that was nothing short of memorable. With only a small backdrop behind them and no special appearances to help them along, the energy of the five men never stopped. The solos were interesting (unlike others) and every time they spoke I just felt anxious for more music. Sweet Emotion, Seasons of Wither (which featured fake snow and very dramatic lighting), Love in an Elevator and Dream on were among the hits they performed. While avoiding the more recent hits Aerosmith was still able to appease newer fans with an incredible show. The unfortunate absence of Tom Hamilton didn’t seem to faze the group and the replacement was more than talented.
When the show ended the lights dimmed and crowd roared for more. I was beginning to feel particularly sad that the concert was over since I had enjoyed myself so much. To top things off, Aerosmith gave the crowd another quick video featuring a Lucifer-esque man who couldn’t find a radio station that wasn’t blaring some Aerosmith. Once the video was over, a quick thank you to the city came up and it went dark. Everyone in the arena paused for just a moment, hoping and receiving. With a blast, so unexpected, Steven and the guys run out for one final go. Walk this way was easily the most exciting performance of the night because you had been left wanting more. The Encore gave you one last display of why Aerosmith has had the career they have and will have. Despite a tour cancellation early this year and the unlucky injuries and illnesses that have plague the band, you’d never be able to tell the hardship they had faced this year.
This concert has left me feeling sick with joy. I get so excited whenever a thought comes to my mind and chills run down my spine whenever I watch the videos. I’d go back in a heartbeat and I could listen to them perform forever.

Sebastian and Axl

2006-12-08T03:34:00.000-08:00

Open: Skidrow
Headliner: Guns N'Roses
Where: Rexall Center, Edmonton
When: December 7, 2006

I knew going to a Guns N' Roses concert was not going to be the rock shit fest of my life, but I had anticipated some great music and hysterical washout rockstar dancing! Myself and my partner in crime Tom headed down to the concert two hours late only to find out we had missed the opening act; Sebastian Bach. (We weren't entirely surprised... seeing as how we were super late.) Devastated, we hustled into the arena to row 4, seats 9 and 10 and watched Sebastian wrap up his act. I was thoroughly impressed with Sebastian but mostly because he was wearing leather pants. His beer gut fully exposed, his greasy long blonde hair flying everywhere as he strained to complete head bang after head bang, Sebastian Bach reaffirmed why I had a big crush on his in school.
As he disappeared from the stage and we headed into intermission, I tried to find stealth ways to sneak my camera into the joint, but failed miserably with each attempt. So we wait, patiently for Axl Rose to make his appearance. The arena goes black and we can hear the rumble of guitars through the amps and Axl bursts onto the stage. Without a word of welcome or acknowledgement for the city itself Axl wails the words to Welcome to the Jungle and dances in typical Axl fashion; a side to side shimmy, spinning the mic stand, and foot pounding. I loved every minute of it.
The adrenaline begins pumping, I’m screaming and my arms are flying in every possible direction as Axl moves right into the next song only to be interupted by rampaging idiots in the moshpit. He tells them to step back and make room for the small people getting murdered in the front. Axl Rose called someone a 'fucking idiot' and heckled the crowd a little.
Song after song passes until FINALLY the man himself takes a break to talk to the crowd. In not so typical rockstar fashion he talks about the weather. Edmonton is cold he says, but luckily the crowd is warm and welcoming... so lets rock our faces off! Unfortunately instead of hearing more ear drum bursting screaming in Axl rose style, we are subjected to a fifteen minute guitar solo by random musician number 1. At first, your feeling revved and amped but eventually you kind of felt like plugging your ears. I sat down for the first time since I set foot in the arena and I’m getting bored. More time passes and the front man reemerges onto the stage hollering some old school GNR and then slows things down with Knockin on Heavens Door. I’m starting to feel excited about the concert again but I can’t ignore the terrible sound quality and the barely audible lyrics. Four ragging guitarists overpowered Axl Rose 76% of the time, except when he would scream.
I’ve had the chance to sing along to some of my favorite junior/high school songs like Sweet Child of Mine and other classics but to my dismay I had to listen to three more ten to fifteen minute solos. Two more guitar and one piano.(Fortunately one of the guitarists was very sexy... so i stopped listening and really focused!) If I had to have payed money to watch Axl Roses’ random extra band mates that he commissioned for this tour perform extended and irritating solos I wouldn’t have been to impressed. Fortunately, my tickets were free so I sat in my chair bored and made fun of old men with mullets.
The solos wrap up, and im distressed. I’m bored of mullets, solos and Axl Rose keeps disappearing but he was able to interest me once more by playing my favorite GNR song Rocket Queen. To top it all off, Sebastian Bach made a second appearance mostly to show Axl what being an old, washed up rockstar means and killed it! Once the two old timers finished up, they welcomed Bubbles to the stage. Yes, Bubbles, the coke bottle eyed member of the Trailer Park Boys sang and original tune of his own Liquor and Whores. He successfully made two women remove their bras and Axl gave them to him as a token of his appreciation. Bubbles probably received more cheering and praise than Axl himself, but I still was irritated by his performance.
More songs pass and FINALLY the finale. Not that I was hoping it would end or anything...
Paradise City was the last song of the evening. It ended with a massive pyrotechnics show and some random video clips of Martin Luther King in Andy Warhol color on the big screens. Random. Axl briefly thanked our city and Sebastian bach ran back out for one final bow.
So now, as I comb the rats nest I was able to create from my hair I think about how much fun I had tonight. The concert itself, if I was critiquing it as a whole, sucked. Yet, Axl and Sebastian were able to remind me why I love rock music, why concerts are fun and why I loved them both in my younger die hard rock days!
Overall, I am impressed except with Axl Roses' braided hair. No pictures unfortunately but I did get some GNR confetti that I stole during the final singing of Paradise City. It was definitely well worth waiting until midnight to watch the show and it was worth the two hour set. No kicks in the face, or meeting of the band members but maybe next time!