2U

The only musical thing I saw in Disney World was a U2 tribute band called 2U that played only 2 familiar songs and more catalog ones. The catalog ones went over most of the audiences head, who were just looking to hear "One" or "Beautiful Day". Very strange song selection. Good tribute band, but kind of arrogant in choosing what to play.

Live Aid

So, how did this pass most people by. 25 years ago, on July 13 to be exact, Live Aid took place. Was it a great concert? No. Had some great moments, but it was the event that was the star. After it Bob Geldof went on to become an insufferable Sir, but for one night the world carried him on its shoulder.

M.I.A.

Here's the thing: the much-hyped M.I.A. album is just okay. But what sounded fresh on her first and parts of second, now are sounding strained. As Rob Sheffield kind of alluded to, she likes things loud, sort of like the producers of those Public Enemy records in the 80's/90's, the Bomb Squad.

But after 3 albums everything she has to say has been said better on her other 2 albums. The critic's who worship her will still do so, but the rest of us will just move on. And hope she moves forward.

Playlist for 7/22

Paul Thorn - Pimps and Preachers

Drake - Thank Me Later

Herbie Hancock - Imagine Project

Ariel Pink - Fright Night

Incredible String Band - Hangman's Beautiful Daughter

Kelly Brothers - Songs From The Good Book

Vacation All I Ever Wanted

I am off to Florida until the end of next week. But like I always do when I go someplace, I will be looking for anything music related to comment on.

Concerts

The Jonas Brothers cancel concerts and this is news? They were mediocre from the start and never got better. Their audience has moved on. But the point of all these concerts not selling out is twofold: high ticket prices and saturation. But I go with #1 as the main culprit. The Tom Petty ticket my wife bought me for a Birthday present was $95. The you add extra surcharges and it came close to $110. Trust me, if she hadn't bought it, I wouldn't have gone. And besides the seats weren't that great. Almost nosebleed. For that price, I can go to a smaller venue and get a better seat.

MJ and Prince

Critic Nelson George recently said that without Thriller there would be no Prince. I get what he's saying. There wouldn't be the multi-million selling Prince had Warner not okayed Purple Rain. Prince would have existed. Before Thriller he had 1999. And he croosed over. But Thriller turned everything up a notch. From then on, Record companies thought in turns of blockbusters. And that's how they marketed Prince. It's widely known that Prince didn't care much for the 80's MJ, but he owes him a shout out.

Playlist for 7/14

Scissor Sisters - Night Work
Alejandro Escovedo - Street Songs of Love
Sue Foley/Peter Karp - He Said She Said
Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Sessions
Roots - How I Got Over
Cure - Disintegration
Charlotte Gainsbourg - Greenwich Meantime

Music Critics

What role did music critic's play in your musical life? For me, pretty huge. Rolling Stone and Creem magazines from the 70's shaped my musical world. As did the big name music critic's who wrote books like Dave Marsh, Greil Marcus, Robert Christgau and others.

Robert Christgau says he's ending his monthly Consumer Guide and that Guide definitely got me to listen to many diverse genres.

Mind you, I don't always agree with a lot of these people and magazines. I champion my own favorites. But the heyday of the Great American Music Critic is slowly winding down. And that's why Christgau's announcement was met with so much nostalgia.

Live Hip Hop

That's the problem with Hip Hop. Watching the BET Awards, I've come to the realization that Hip Hop's biggest problem has always been it's stage shows. Most acts are all the same. I can listen to them on the radio and watch their videos. But live? No sell.

Christgau

Robert Christgau says this may be it. After 41 years his monthly (sometimes bi-monthly) Consumer Guide is finished. He doesn't say it's 100%, and he might be more pissed off at MSN for not wanting to continue his column, but it does sound like he's worn out. I've disagreed more than agreed with a lot of his choices, but it was always a worthwhile read. The legendary critics just don't review much anymore. Dave Marsh, Greil Marcus and now Christgau. Lost voices of a time when music critic's did matter.

Playlist for 7/6

Louis Armstrong -Satch Plays Fats

Louis Armstrong - Plays WC Handy

Mel Street - Don't Let Me Cross Over

Brad Paisley - Playlist

Dierks Bentley - Up On The Ridge

Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

Now 34

Tom Petty - Mojo

Dylan

Bob Dylan coming to my hometown for a $59 ticket. Haven't decided if I'm going to go. We don't get many big namers around these parts. Will sell out though. We are hungry for some major concert action. Is Dylan worth the trouble in concert nowadays?

El DeBarge

Do you remember DeBarge? Especially El DeBarge. He wasted his prime years with drugs and personal problems. But in the 80's and very early 90's he was as good a Soul voice as anyone. Now he's cleaned up and trying to make a comeback. He was the only good thing at the BET Awards last week. The voice sounded good, if not as powerful as before. But if he keeps his head straight he could make a splash on the Urban Contemporary chart. I'm rooting for him.