Live music

Beer Baron wrote: I can't think of too many places in the U.S. that are affordable and can just be wandered around the same way as Berlin, catching live music or dancing just wherever.

No, most U.S. cities cover a much greater area (lower density) and have more diverse "zones" of homognenous types of structures. In other words over HERE you have houses and over THERE you have commercial and even further over there you have the night life areas.

But I can wander just about anywhere outside of the totally residental areas and pick up on free live music and dancing where I am so it can be done, you just have to find a city with the right attitude and climate.

My fantastic wife has scored us floor tickets to Bruce Springsteen tonight in Toronto. It's been 30 years since I've seen him live. Fantastic

Saw Eve6, 7Mary3, Filter, Buckcherry & Collective Soul today. $20 at the Famously Hot Music Festival (not famous and actually moderate temps in Cola for mid August). Eve6 was pretty bad live, Filter was probably the best of the bunch and I only knew 2 of their songs, but they put on a rocking show. There weren't many people so I won't be surprised if there isn't a second year of the Famously Hot Music Festival.

Ranger50 wrote: I've been conditioned with the CD/cassette studio mixes, so live music sucks unless the band can sound like their studio cut.

Yes and no. I love a good live show in person, but I can't stand a live album. This double sucks when you can't find a studio version of your favorite song. Case in point, John Denver, Annie's Other Song, AFAIK ONLY on An Evening With John Denver.

I think I just get tired of the improv that goes on during a show.

Live music update:

We saw Blondie and Devo this weekend--they're doing a co-headlining tour. Blondie sounded really good, and it was a very solid set. They could have ended after "Call Me" and I would have been happy.

But Devo, wow. I'd have to give them a solid 10. Plus, check this out: After the show, they had CDs from that very gig on sale. I'm listening to it right now. Nicely done, spuds.

Coming up later this fall: Rush, Primus, Death Angel and GWAR. It's going to be a loud one.

Aww man, Devo, rad . Also, didn't know Blondie was still playing shows. That's pretty cool, too.

I went to something a bit different last weekend, a free, locally organised thing called 'Yardstock', where a bunch of local bands played in a few private backyards around town. Two or 3 bands at each yard would play a set, then everyone walks to the next house. One of the last locations featured an awesome, seemingly never-ending ramshackle garden with a half-pipe at the bottom. Fun evening, with a great atmosphere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7tJWzx8bDQ

David S. Wallens wrote: Coming up later this fall: Rush, Primus, Death Angel and GWAR. It's going to be a loud one.

I've got Rush (company box seats ) & Gwar next month as well. Coheed and Cambria tomorrow night, seen 63 bands this year so far. Got to love cheap metal shows!

Seen Rush a few times. Always a fantastic show.

I saw my friends playing in their new band, the Wayward Souls. Great sound, some new songs and some old familiar ones, and a really appropriate band name.

REALLY hoping my partner in crime's last Chemo session goes well so we can go see GWAR next month!!!

Saw Jello Biafra (and the Guantanamo School of Medicine) last Tuesday night. Little, intimate gig in an old hotel. Good mix of young folk and old-school punks in the crowd. Tell ya what, that guy is a machine. After the show, was watching old Dead Kennedys footage on VHS; evidently, the man has lost nothing in 20 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSq31f58sGc