Vibes blog

Ice Cube
Dub Car Show, Charlotte Convention Center
June 20, 2009

The Deal: One of the West Coast gangsta rap originators hits the Queen City with fancy cars and broads, while everyone wonders to themselves how he’s still a headliner.

The Good: Starting with newer music probably wasn’t the best way to grab the audience but Cube, along with WC, managed to eventually be engaging, breaking up songs with back stories. After two newer joints, he got into the classics and the crowd finally came to life. After “Check Yo Self”, “Bow Down” and other hits, Cube stopped the music and asks the crowd, “can I take it back to 1989” which sent true fans into a frenzy in the front. The best part of the show was the classic Father’s Day moment I took from the show, when a dad up front put his kindergarten-aged son up on his shoulders to see and the little man threw up West Side with both hands while rocking to “You Can Do (Put Yo Ass Into It).” Ahh, fatherhood.

The Bad: I wasn’t the only one wondering why the hell “Straight Outta Compton”, “I Ain’t The One” or at least the verse from Lil Jon’s “Roll Call” weren’t in the show? Besides that, Ice Cube struggled to win over a crowd born post-New Jack City that only knows him from Friday movies and Are We There Yet? It was a little awkward to see how hype the people who grew up with N.W.A. and Amerikkka’s Most Wanted Ice Cube was compared to kids who weren’t familiar. Constantly saying “he” started this gangster music thing was annoying and only partially true (you were a part of a crew).

The Verdict: Other than getting my shoes scuffed by a pressed 30-something woman trying to push her stroller up to the front, the show was surprisingly good, surprisingly exciting. Wouldn’t pay a lot to see him solo but when you throw in some cars, games and women… not a bad deal.

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Two significant shows heading to town and what does our beloved music editor decide to do? He skips out on us to go and cover Bonnaroo. But rest assured, we managed to get things covered.

First up — Jane’s Addiction and Nine Inch Nails (aka NIN|JA 2009 Tour) at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Its significance — the influential-yet-short-lived Jane’s Addiction have regrouped (original line-up, in fact) and are hinting at the possibilities of a new record while Trent Reznor (aka Nine Inch Nails) says farewell to music fans indefinitely.

Opening the show was Street Sweeper Social Club, the latest project from guitarist Tom Morello (ex-Rage Against the Machine). In a radio interview prior to the concert, Morello declared this latest offering to be the closest thing to Rage he’s been involved with since that band split. ‘Nuff said for this Rage fan. And after watching an explosive 30-minute set that was indeed heavy on the Rage funk-metal vibe, I think I would agree. Many thanks goes to singer Boots Riley too for softly stepping on his soapbox – meaning he says just enough to get the point across but is quick to get back to the music. (more…)

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TV on the Radio w/ Dirty Projectors
Amos’ Southend
June 11, 2009

The Deal: TV on the Radio played Amos’ Southend with openers Dirty Projectors.

The Good: Any sincere music lover will admit to one truth – never say never. In order for musical tastes to evolve, as they always do, one must be willing to maintain an open mind, to give sounds that once aggravated the ear drums a chance to insert themselves in the psyche. Anyone who’s ever hated the first listen of a particular album only to love it a few weeks later knows what I’m talking about. The same holds true for bands in general. Such is the case with my relationship with TV on the Radio. In 2006, I saw them live after hearing bits and pieces from their earlier albums. The live show, as is often the case, was the deciding factor for this listener. They bored me immensely; I merely waited for my beloved cape-wearing Goths, Bauhaus and their kin, the headlining Nine Inch Nails to take the stage. (more…)

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Sunday started out with a quick interview with the bluegrass/Americana trio The Lovell Sisters. Though they’re young, the band has been together for five years and built a solid foundation at Merlefest. They performed at This Tent to open the day there.

A.A. Bonday had a folk set in The Other Tent while Cage the Elephant tore up That Tent in what amounted in the first of a number of metal shows there. (The Dillinger Escape Plan, High On Fire, Shadows Fall and Coheed and Cambria played later.) (more…)

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I gave a quick rundown of Saturday, but here are a few more details - and then I’ll get into Sunday in Part 2.

Buffett looked like a late addition, but at a press conference shortly after his performance, he said that he knew for about six months that he was likely to perform at Bonnaroo. It may have been billed as a Ilo and the Coral Reefer Allstars show, but it was basically a Buffett show - in the daytime. (more…)

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OK, so, here’s the situation… The Internet service here is complete crap. I’m working on another night of four hours of sleep and my frustration level is quickly growing.

I’ll give a brief rundown of Saturday, but will update with a full report on Monday of the weekend’s events, with photos.

I hope you understand, but if I don’t - my computer will be thrown through a window or off the top of the nearest high-rise.

The day got started with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Allstars, who kicked off their set with “Why Don’t We Get Drunk and Screw.” (more…)

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What started out as an overcast day gave way to the sun in a beautiful rain-free Friday at Bonnaroo.

My day began with Tift Merritt – who is shorter than I imagined, but just as sweet as could be. Gomez rocked the Which Stage to kick of the weekend of large stage peformances. (more…)

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It’s bound to be a long day today, the first day of Bonnaroo 2009.

I should be at my campsite around 1, which means I’ll be putting up my tent in the mid-day heat. Scattered thunderstorms in the forecast, which isn’t going to be too much fun.

Today’s schedule includes Alberta Cross, Janelle Monae, White Rabbits, Delta Spirit, Portugal the Man, The Knux, The Low Anthem, Chairlift, Zac Brown Band and Midnite. I also have a brief interview scheduled with Erin McCarley after her set this evening.

Check back on Friday for a review of today and a preview of a jam-packed Friday schedule that includes the first show of Phish, Public Enemy, Grace Potter, St. Vincent, TV on the Radio, Girl Talk, Beastie Boys and a whole lot more!

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The Decemberists
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
June 4, 2009

The Deal: The Decemberists played Raleigh Memorial Auditorium with openers Blind Pilot.

The Good: Despite being a rather obsessed and decidedly uncool fan of The Decemberists, this was my first time seeing them live. As the soundtrack to my graduate school experience, my expectations for this show, above all others, were high. With their self-described nerd folk rock, I can think of no better band to resonate with someone who has spent years analyzing literary tropes and writing fiction. As I entered the theater, I noticed there were some similarities amongst the attendees; we all looked like we belonged to English departments. But don’t let the pale skin, dark glasses and manners fool you; we can rock, too. (more…)

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The acts that followed Black Tiger got better and better. Super VC was a large group; rhythm and lead guitars, bass guitar, drums and a singer who played keys. I was surprised to find that the group’s music had a mellow intensity that was welcome after Black Tiger’s set. Indeed, after hearing a few songs, I was reminded of Coldplay and, by the end of their set, I was sure the leader of Super VC must be a fan of Chris Martin. Super VC was more intense than Coldlpay though, as the guitars would build and the lead guitarist would tear up his guitar. It was great to see a Chinese group take a western sound and make it its own.

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