Band: Noah And The Whale and Nikki Lane
Date: November 22, 2011
Location: House Of Blues Anaheim, CA
Preconceived Thoughts of the Band: I got introduced to Noah and the Whale from a mix CD I got a year ago. I enjoyed their music. The singer sounds like a mix of Mumford and Son and Frightened Rabbit. Their music is acoustic based driven by finger picking guitar and soothing violin playing. My favorite tracks would have to be the fast paced song Rocks And Daggers to the powerful anthem song First Day Of Spring
Band: Girl Talk Opener: Max Tundra
Date: March 18, 2011
Location: The Fox Theater
Preconceived Thoughts of the Band: I got introduced to Girl Talk when I was swamping music with a friend of mine. It was then that I also got introduced with the genre Mash-up. Pretty self-explanatory, but it's pretty much when the DJ mixes two songs together and the elements from each to make a completely new song. It's far from sampling and it's not considered a new song. His music is always upbeat and at time nostalgic because of the music he mixes. I thought his concert would be a dance party just like Passion Pit.
Band: Dead Kennedys Opener: Ol' Dirty Bastards
Date: February 5, 2011
Location: The Catalyst
Preconcieved Thoughts of the Band: These are the original hardcore/punk band of the 80s. They are LEGENDARY! They influence other punk rock bands well into the 90s. I did some research on them in one my classes. They are known for their political lyrics and fast driven songs. Now I wanted to see them in action. The only down side was the new singer. Jello left the band, and was replaced by "Skip". People actually turned down this concert because of the singer, and I completely understand, but I just couldn't help it. I wanted to see them no matter what.
Band:
Paramore Openers: New Found Glory, Tegan and Sara
Date: September 23, 2010
Location: HP Pavilion, San Jose, CA
Preconvcied Thoughts of the Band: Paramore was too "hard" for me to get into. The guitars were too "loud" and "distorted". Well, what I'm trying to say is that they didn't have that punk rock sound that was I was used to and listening to. The hardcore scene was becoming prominent when I was in middle school and I didn't want to go all "emo". Also I wasn't all into their image as well. Skinny jeans, tight shirts, and raging red hair. Nope. Not for me.
I was excited to find out that New Found Glory was opening for Paramore. I've been a fan of theirs since middle school. They were also as pop punk as blink 182, but they were had more of an edgy hardcore sound. My history teacher got me into that band. Understatement, My Friends Over You, and Sonny were instant sellers for me.
I heard about Tegan and Sara my freshman year in college, but I didn't listen to them religiously. I knew that "Sainthood" was released months before the tour, so I listened to it beforehand and I enjoyed it. A true Tegan and Sara fan told me that their new album didn't do justice for their old stuff, but I was willing to listen what they had to offer.
Relic was suppose to go, but she couldn't make it. So she gave me a discount...SWEET!!
Band: Vampire Weekend Opener: Pocahaunted
Date: Novemeber 9, 2010
Location: The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA
Preconceived Thoughts of The Band: When I first heard about Vampire Weekend's, A-Punk, I thought they were insanely catchy, but honestly, that single didn't do justice. They are insanely unorthodox in their music. They combined African drums beats, indie rock, and western classical music. It completely blew my mind. They were also on repeat all throughout my freshman year. When my friend surprised me with a ticket to the show. I went ballistic. M79 and Mansard Roof are amazing.
Pocahaunted on the other hand....well I never heard them. I'm never in the know of the openers.
Band: Passion Pit Openers: Mayer Hawthorne and the County and The Middle East
Date: April 14, 2010
Location: UC Davis Campus
Sorry once again for not going to any current concerts. I am broke. as always
Preconceived Thoughts of the Band: Passion Pit was all over my playlist the end of my freshman year of college. Their EP Chunk of Change was constantly on repeat especially the song Cuddle Fuddle. After Manners came out, the exploded with Sleepy Head and The Reeling as their singles. Their music is just so catchy. Heavy synths and drums with high vocals; Almost sounds like a dance version of Sigur Ros. Weeks before their concert, I was hearing some live stuff on youtube, and oh man. I couldn't get a feel for the singer's voice. It sounded to forced and annoying. I was freaking out, but I didn't want to base off my idea of them off a youtube clip.
I got introduced to The Middle East by a friend of mine. Blood is so beautifully crafted with almost every acoustic instrument available. That song is structured perfectly, quiet and then climatic.
I never heard of Mayer and I wished I never did....
I know it's not the biggest issue for a music lover to come across with. It's all about the artist and their music; but is it REALLY always the case?! Is it the people, the venue, the "event" feel? the visual?
Well I'll break it down into two catagories...Mainstream and Indie.
