Review: Foo Fighters at Milton Keynes 06/09/15

So, I went to the Foo Fighters gig on the weekend. It was their second show in a row at the same venue.
I am only a very casual fan at best (a fan of going to gigs more, really) so was not very familiar with any of their material, outside of their obvious big hits.
The day started off well enough...with a beer in the sun. We then made our way to the venue.

A quick opinion of the venue...this is only the second time I've been to the MK Bowl. The first time was last year for a Pearl Jam gig (which was phenomenal, by the way). I found, at the PJ gig, that it was a brilliant venue. Great food, plenty of space and a nice grass embankment to give you a good view of what was going on. I was expecting the same this year. Only I forgot that the Foo's are most likely more popular than PJ and therefore there were a few more people at this gig than at the PJ gig. A few too many for my liking. Still though, its a great venue.

The support...was not too my liking either. Some 'group' called Royal Blood (which consisted of a guitarist and drummer and thats all) came on made noise which I can only describe as being the same as a lawnmower or weed eater. So yeah, they were shit.

The other support though...IGGY POP! (amen) (good for you if you get that reference) was great. He did Lust for Life, Passenger and some other song that I didn't know I knew. Didn't know anything else but he was fun to watch.

After the support, we were left to wait and watch the sun go down while waiting for the Foo's. As soon as the sun went down, the temperature dropped...along with my enthusiasm for being outdoors with loads of people, expensive drinks and loud music. But I preserved. The stage had a massive Foo Fighters canvas covering the stage. The Foo's opened up with All My Life while still behind the curtain thingy. I do like this little gimmick...it helps build the anticipation and when they finally drop it it is quite a thrill. Beyonce did this at her gig I saw last year as well.

I digress, they opened with All My Life, then moved into Times Like These...then into Learn To Fly. That's about 3 of the 6 (?) songs of theirs I knew. At this rate I could leave before the halfway mark, get home get warm and have a cup of tea!

But then they started playing the stuff I don't know and, quite frankly, all sounded the same (I'll admit, that can be said for nearly every one). Anyway, the only song I really wanted to hear was My Hero....which, of course, they sang...when I decided to go get a cup of tea...so that was well timed on my part.

They played Best Of You at the very end, which I liked. It is a good song. Reading this, it sounds all very ho-hum its shit. That's not at all how it was though...it just wasn't as great as I was expecting but thats not just down to my lack of knowledge when it comes to their music catalogue but also the external factors of the sub zero temperature, expensive drinks (and maybe the fact that I wasn't drinking) all add to it. Also,  saw AC/DC at wembley and, I'm sorry, but NO rock concert can compare to that. THAT was brilliant...but that's another blog to post in a years time.

Batman: Arkham Origins - A (delayed) Review

I got ‘Batman: Arkham Origins’ for Christmas. I had asked for it on the safe knowledge that, given the past two games being fantastic and great (respectively) that this new one was bound to entertain, if not amaze. I was right. And I am sad that I am. Batman in video games was pretty non-existent until the release of ‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’ came out of, seemingly nowhere, and amazed the players and critics. It’s got a fantastic story, graphics, gameplay, fighting engine, voice acting and literally everything about it, were top notch.

Fast-forward to the next release ‘Batman: Arkham City’ and, again the same. Loved by gamers and adored by the critics. I, however, did not care for it much. I’m not sure why but I think it may have something to do with them moving Batman from a nice, tightly scripted prison setting into (yawn) ANOTHER OPEN WORLD SAND BOX TYPE THING! I’ve worn out on these sand box games now. The only time I get excited to play one is when there’s a new Grand Theft Auto coming out, and that’s because they KNOW how to do open world sand box gameplay properly. Moving on…

They then released ‘Batman: Arkham Origins’, a prequel to the first game. Now, playing as Batman was always a thrill. Batclawing your way on top of buildings, taking down numerous thugs with the still fantastic combat system and using all the gadgets at your disposable.  You always FELT like Batman regardless if you were a rubbish player or not.

So what are my issues with the game? It’s hard to pin point exactly, however, maybe one word can give you some idea….boredom. I don’t know if it’s the story, the fact that they’ve not greatly updated anything from the past two games or the fact that their open world they have created is so damn boring. What kind of city is Gotham where the only people to be on the streets are thugs? There is literally no other kind of characters you come into contact with. It’s either a group of thugs chilling on a rooftop or a group of thugs beating up a police officer. And that’s it. Isn’t one of the point of Batman for you to rescue the helpless citizens of Gotham? That would at least give you a reason to beat up the endless parade of thugs they throw your way. But the way they’ve done it, you’re just some guy on a jolly beating people up (kind of how imagine the whole of the North of England).

The superficiality (?) of playing as Batman very nearly hides its flaws; however, maybe it’s not just with repeated playing but periods of long gaming sessions that its flaw really stand out. Maybe I’m just being too harsh. Maybe, I personally, just don’t care for the story which for me, is where the majority of my enjoyment stems from. If the story is rubbish, I’m bound to think the game itself is rubbish, technically amazing as the game may be. Many a game I’ve sat through to just play out the story even though it’s mechanics has been anything less than average. The gameplay of the game is, for me at least, not enough to keep me wanting to play it more, let alone to see the story through.

Now, I must stress (rather a bit late) that I am only about 10%-12% through the game. But I cannot see these flaws being approved on when I’m 40% through (I assume, as with all sandbox games that 100% is only achieved when everything has been collected, not just the story being completed.) Let’s hope they improve the game for the next iteration.

WWE2K14 - A 'review'

The thing with the latest WWE iterations is that, they seem to have hit a technological wall that they just can’t get over until technology itself breaks the wall down. The bugs and issues that arise in the game are the same bugs and issues that everyone used to complain about years ago but now, as they appear here to stay seemingly forever, just casually mention it in passing.

Maybe I am just stuck in the foggy haze of nostalgia? Afterall, WWE2K14 has the phenomenal  30 Years of Wrestlemania mode (the previous year’s iteration had the ‘Attitude Era’ mode that let you play through the big moments of that era.) that lets you play one or two matches from every Wrestlemania from the first to the 29^th, making you complete historical objectives to achieve the golden trophy for each match. These modes are a very welcomed addition to the series and certainly boost the appeal of it. The only reason I’ve bought the last two versions is just to play these two modes. I do hope they continue along these lines and introduce more modes like this and improve the modes they have.

Personally, I find the various bugs and issues very easy to overlook (in any game) if the game as a whole provides an enjoyable and fun gaming environment. My issues with the game is not concerned with the seemingly technologically stunted gameplay but rather the simple fact that after 14 years of the games coming out on a pretty sturdy annual-release basis, not one of the games released has ever matched the majestic beauty of WWE Smackdown 2: Know Your Role. This, for me, is the best wrestling game we have ever had (I do also very fondly remember ‘Here Comes the Pain’ and Smackdown vs Raw 2006.)

It then dawned on me, the reason I feel Smackdown 2, a game released 14 years ago on the PS1, is due to the mechanics of the game (which was a lot faster paced and had a more arcade feel to it) and, one very important game mode that (I think) has been missing on all subsequent releases; PPV Mode. Many hours I spent in a stifling hot room on during summer school holidays, making my own PPV’s, imagining the stories behind each match I made and the way they would play out. Now, I must stress that technically speaking, WWE2K14 is vastly superior in every single way (obviously, how could it NOT be!?) especially with the added ‘Story Mode’ which allows you to create your own story (cut scene’s, text etc.) and then play them out. It’s probably just me but I find this mode to be too complicated and drawn out to use and have fun with.

The beauty of PPV Mode on Smackdown 2 was that you could just throw some matches together and play them out (essentially a list of 7-12 exhibition matches all played out in a single play through), however, the pièce de résistance was that every match and every PPV you made garnered ratings. I was obsessed with getting the highest ratings. I remember, vividly, a Hell in a Cell match between ‘Stone Cold’ and ‘TheRock’ garnered an unbeaten 14.2% rating. Phenomenal stuff! The PPV, however, failed ratings wise as the rest of the matches failed to deliver. Now, this was back in the days before the internet was widely available (for me, at least) so I had no idea if the ratings were just a random number or if there was some sort of checklist system in place to ensure a good rating. I still don’t, nor do I care. The important thing was that I had endless fun with it for, literally, a good few years.

And herein lies MY issue with WWE2K14 (and the majority of all the subsequent releases thereafter), they just don’t have the lasting appeal that Smackdown 2 had. Maybe it’s the fact that it is a yearly annual release now, like FIFA, Call of Duty, Battlefields and Assassins Creed (to a degree) that has seen it, not necessarily floundering, but maybe more like a goldfish; just going around in circles and completely unaware of life beyond the fishbowl. They need to put it out in the open seas (or whatever it is that goldfish live in in the wild) and set it loose. Discover new ways of doing things and inject some much need freshness into the (like the company it’s representing) stale and weary product. With the next release (pretty much guaranteed for Christmas 2014) it will be 2K’s first fully produced WWE title (WWE2K14  was a joint release with THQ as 2K took over the series due to THQ going bankrupt), so maybe they’ll have something different for us…we can only hope.

'Mania 25 vs 'Mania 26

The problem with attending large events is you inevitably wind up thinking the entire thing was better than it really was. The memories you have of it is not just shaped by the event itself, but also everything that lead up to it. How are we then supposed to form a valid critique of said event if we are biased towards it to begin with

My case in point: The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25 compared to
The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 26.

Both matches are widely (they really are, I googled and could not find one reviewer who said the matches were simply 'O,K or Great'.) regarded as two of the best pro-wrestling matches in history (I'm discounting Japanese wrestling and Independent wrestling as I don't follow them). The 'Taker and Shawn are also widely considered two of the very best wrestlers out there, especially Shawn. He has, in my opinion, become the greatest wrestler in history. He simply cannot have a bad match!

The match was simply phenomenal. It was literally edge of your seat watching. I've put the full match below for your viewing pleasure (hopefully) and, handily, it includes the pre-match hype detailing the storyline.

Now, honestly, what did you think of it? Would you regard it as the best match ever let alone the greatest match in WrestleMania history? I would, but does my opinion count if I told you that I was actually there and witnessed it live? Surely me being there skews any 'credibility' my opinion has, right?  The reason I'm harping on about this is that it seems more people are in favour of 'HBK' and 'Takers clash at 'Mania 26...something I just don't quite fully get. Again, find the full match below.

So, I would seriously like to know: Which camp do you fall into? 'Mania 25 or 'Mania 26?

Smoke and Ashes by Tracy Chapman

I'd heard rumors and I'd heard talk
About the trail you'd left of broken hearts
About the sea of tears too wide to cross
But a little bad press has never scared me off
So I burned a path to figure out
How to get me some of what you got 

I've got a red hot heart
If the talk is true yours is the same
And we should be together
And let our passions fan love's flame 

When I looked for you I almost passed you by
You were so cool and calm
I thought my friends had lied
But I thought so much reserve must make you wild inside
It was there and then that I knew 
I had to get some of what you got 

I've got a red hot heart
If the talk is true yours is the same
And we should be together
And let our passions fan love's flame 

I thought I'd won your heart when I held you hand in mine
I thought it was true love the way we complemented each other
But my right is your wrong
And when you're right then I'm left with nothing
Your light and your heat have all been spent
Leaving only smoke and ashes
Only smoke and ashes baby 

I've got a red hot heart
And your heart's as blue as the blood in your veins
I say there's fire down below
You say it's only smoke and ashes baby 

I'm crying all the time
Salty stinging tears
And mourning for the past carbon-dated years
But knowing now for certain that you were always right
Because if a breeze could blow you out of my life
It's only smoke and ashes baby
Only smoke and ashes baby 

I've got a red hot heart
And your heart's as blue as the blood in your veins
I say there's fire down below
You say it's only smoke and ashes baby 

I was blinded by devotion
My unwavering love for you
So blinded that I thought all your lies were true
But now I know for certain since you've gone away
It was just a smoldering fire I mistook for a blaze
Only smoke and ashes baby 

I've got a red hot heart
And your heart's as blue as the blood in your veins
I say there's fire down below
You say it's only smoke and ashes baby
Only smoke and ashes baby, baby 

#goalsbefore30

I'm 30 in 249 days (apparently.)

So, in case you don't understand hash tagging (I don't), I'll explain the point of this particular blog.

I am setting myself 3 goals to achieve before I reach 30. I feel motivated to do this as 30 is quite a big turning point in your life (I assume...)

1- Get into shape. This does not neccasrrily mean get ripped and get a 12 pack (though that is the plan for the 30th). I just want to be healthier and feel better about myself.

2- Get a tattoo. I've been toying around with this for a while but can't decide what to get done. I also just don't want to get one for the sake of it. I want it to mean something. Also, I want to be in physical shape to get one. No one likes tattoos on fat arms. And that is where I plan on getting it. So, I need to make sure I achieve goal 1 in order to get goal 2.

3- Put my university degree to use. By the time I reach 30, I want to have written either a complete script, pilot for a TV show or a short story. Nothing may ever come from it (something could) but I just need to do something else with my life other than working jobs that I don't care for.

These are my goals. I will achieve them.

#goalsbefore30

Paris,USA - A Springsteen Review

As we did for Metlife in September '12, we took the (much shorter) journey to Paris for the weekend. It was my mom's Christmas present from last year. She came with me to my first Springsteen show back in '06. It was part of the Seeger Sessions tour so, you know, not a proper Springsteen show(but a mighty mighty fine one indeed!). I've always promised to take her to a 'proper' Springsteen gig. Unfortunately, all the times I've gone I've been standing or its been to festival. And mama don't do standing! So, this was a promise fulfilled. However, not only were we going to take in a Springsteen show, we were going to sight see Paris (also her first time!) but that's for a later blog...this ones for The Boss.

At the beginning of June, I wrote a very below average (is there any other kind) blog about June being the month of my 'return to rock and roll'. Started with Bon Jovi in Cardiff, moved to Wembley for Springsteen and then to Paris, for..er, Springsteen. Having seen a Springsteen concert only two weeks prior, it was still fresh in my mind the mind blowing awesomeness of the Wembley gig and getting 'Darkness In Full'. I went a bit camera happy at this one, for reasons undetermined. I took a lot of photos. Yip, nice blurry zoomed in ones. And also some nice panorama ones (I quite like that feature on the iPhone.) Anyway, on with the show.

What I first noticed, was the lack 'broooooooooooooocing' from the crowd. Maybe the crowd was more casual than hardcore...who knows. Who cares...The Boss was taking the stage! And take the stage he did. He launched into "Badlands', immediately eliminating any chance of another 'Darkness' run through. I love 'Badlands'. It's such a fantastic song and makes a great opener. Better than 'Land of Hope and Dreams'. He next went into 'Out in the Street', one I've heard a few number of times live but never tire of it. It's a good song to warm the crowd up and get them singing! More importantly, during 'Out in the Streets' Bruce walks up to the crowds and starts taking signs...request time! I love the request section. It has a chance to throw a curve ball (Wembley getting 'Lost in the Flood), or in this case, introduce a new song (to me at least), 'Lucille'. Never heard it before but quite liked it. And then...Wrecking Ball followed by Death To My Hometown?Only one request? That could mean only one thing. Except, he threw in one more request. It wasn't that special, 'Cadillac Ranch'. It's only memorable because I had a momentary stupid moment and thought, that's on BITUSA...that means we'll get 'Born to Run' in full...and then I remembered that it was from 'The River' (Oh Goodness, what am I like!?)

The next part of the concert was 'Born In The USA' (the album) from start to finish. There were a few highlights from it for me. I heard 'I'm On Fire', 'I'm Goin' Down' and (a surprisingly touching) 'My Hometown' live for the first time but, more importantly, I heard the best version of 'Born In The USA'. Max's drums pounded a freakin' hole in my chest! It was fantastic. Though I'd heard the majority of the songs live at various concerts, I'm a bit of completist and was quite happy to get BITUSA in full, as I could now mark off two different album concerts...just Born to Run left (good luck with that one!) I won't go on about the rest of the songs as they did follow the same formula he's been using for these latest European shows. Although still mightily enjoyable, it would be nice if he could mix up the end part of the main set and the encore.

I got quite emotional during 'Wrecking Ball' (as I have figured out, I always do) when it comes to the 'hard times come and hard times go' part. It get's me every single time. So, for me between this and Wembley, this was the poorer of the two but, lets be honest,  a 'poor' Springsteen show will be be better than almost anything else! However, set list aside, what made it more enjoyable than Wembley was the company and setting. We were having a great time in Paris sight seeing, doing loads of things, the fantastic weather, and more importantly, finally being able to take my mom to a 'proper' Springsteen show. She loved every minute of it (and thankfully we had good seats, section S7 will live in my heart forever.) As my mom simply put it, The Boss is great!

And that's it for my concerts for the year. There's no one else of interest touring and I've got nothing planned (barring any spontaneous gig going). My month of rock and roll has come and gone. Like Bruce sings...Hard times come and hard times go. No gigs are, indeed, hard times.

The Last Of Us

Strangely, when it comes to video games,  I tend to never watch trailers or read previews or see gameplay footage for them, in the run up to their release. I wait until the final review is out and, regardless of the score, if its something that looks like I could have fun playing, I'll get it. I steered clear of all media coverage regarding Naughty Dog's latest offering, The Last Of Us (LOUS). I couldn't even say if I knew it was a Naughty Dog game at the time. But, I just...steered clear of it all. I can't even say it was intentional or not. Maybe it was just ingrained in me that I was going to get this game regardless of hype and review?

Naughty Dog are the creators of the Crash Bandicoot series, the Jak and Daxter series and, most importantly, the Uncharted franchise. The Unchartered series is one of the most well regarded, critically acclaimed, universally loved and all round freakin' best games you will ever play. FACT. For these reasons, Naughty Dog have become, in my mind at least, the Pixar of the video gaming world. They can do no wrong (unlike Pixar...Ratatouille? Cars? Up (not for the first 10 minutes, mind you.)

Moving on, I pre-ordered my copy and, as luck would have it, got it in the post the day before it was 'officially released'. I whipped it into my Playstation so fast it'd have given you whiplash! I won't go into details in case you're one of the sad people out there who have yet to play it or, worse....don't have a Playstation. Suffice it to say, it's the most gut wrenching start to ANY game I've ever played and it just keeps going. They marketed the game as a character driven story, not an end of the world/society action adventure game. It's being compared to The Road (the below average film based on the well written but depressing as hell book by Cormac McCarthy. I've read and seen each one and didn't appreciate them.)

One friend of mine also finished it but has started to play it again straight away. I couldn't do that for two reasons. 1) I lent the copy to my brother 2) I very rarely play games a second time. The only game I can think of that I've played multiple times (I think 5 times) is Metal Gear Solid on the PS1. In my mind, I played Last Of Us, loved every minute of it the first time. A second go around would, obviously, still be immensely fun to play but....I don't know. It just wouldn't feel the same in some way.

Not a long 'review' then and probably a lot of pointless drivel.  But whatever, GO PLAY IT!

Wembley's Darkness - Springsteen Review

Born to Run or Born In The USA? These were the two most rumoured and obvious choices for Bruce to play a full album run through for his first gig in the new Wembley Stadium. Almost everyone was convinced (and rightfully so) that it would be BITUSA. Oh how we we were wrong! What we did, in fact get, was Darkness On The Edge Of Town from start to finish. I'll use this time to spare a thought for the casuals who wanted BITUSA. That's enough of that though. I'll get on with my view of the show.

The day started a bit wobbly. I went online to buy our National Express bus tickets that would take us direct from Oxford to Wembley Stadium and back again. Only to encounter a 'booking failed' message every freakin' time! Turns out they stop selling tickets a day before or something so they can get their 'passenger list' in order. Whatever. Then, my boy found out that we could take a quick 20 minute drive to Bicester and get the train direct from there to Wembley Stadium! It worked beautifully and, more importantly, the last train from Wembley was 23:55pm! We wouldn't have to leave Bruce early to get the train even! Must remember this for next time we got to to Wembles! Anyway, on with the show...

Before we got to our seats we met up with some friends of mine (the lovely bastard John Styles, follow his blog here http://johnstyles.blogspot.co.uk, and his better half). It's always nice meeting up with good friends you've not seen in a while. It's even better when you happen to meet up at a Springsteen gig and drink beer together! Strangely, when we were discussing the possibilities of what would be played, he hoped for Bobby Jean! I thought it would be more than possible considering we were bound to get a full BITUSA play through...

Bruce and the band took the stage at about 1920 and got off to a fantastic start with a Land of Hope and Dreams (bit of  a surprise for me) but I thought it worked really well as an opener. He then went into Jackson Cage from the River Album. I know the River album but not as well as I know other albums. I was not that familiar with the song but knew it was a bit of a rarity. He then took a request for Save My Love off The Promise, an album full of outtakes and unfinished songs from when we was recording Darkness. Again, I knew the song but didn't care for it...until I heard it live (this happens a lot!) Then, the OMG moment of the whole show for me....Lost In The Flood. This one had been a favourite of mine since watching the Live In New York DVD. It is a phenomenally powerful song.

After a few more regulars (not including my first live Hungry Heart and sing a long), The Boss gave us a choice:  He could keep taking requests OR they could do Darkness from beginning to end. In my opionion, both were met with the same roar of approval. For me though, it had to be Darkness. Aside from the old warhorses he plays every concert (Badlands and The Promised Land) I hadn't heard any other song from it (with the exception of Racing In The Street - he played that at Hyde Park in '09). So, yeah, I was pretty amped to hear the entire album and also to experience a full album show. Each song was brilliant, obviously. However, the stand outs for me were Adam Raised a Cain, Something In The Night (Max's drums at the end just sent shivers down my spine.) and of course, the titular track. I finally heard it live!!!

Once the intense playthrough had, erm, been played, the hits started to roll...sort of. Shackled and Drawn from the new album (it's a great track) Waitin' On A Sunny Day which I hate but you can't help but sing a long and smile when he gets a kid to sing it with him. To the end the main set The Boss broke out Light Of Day. I only know the version on the Live In New York DVD and freakin' love it. This version was slightly different and not as fast paced and frenetic as the DVD version but it was still fantastic hearing it live.

The encore started with a very jolly 'Pay Me My Money Down', the same as he did at Metlife night 3 last year. It's a great little romp of a song. Oddly, Bobby Jean (a sign request) was played (just for Styles, I like to think). Dancing in the Dark, 10th Avenue and Twist and Shout rounded out the encore. The band all made their way to the front to take their bows and soak up the praise from the crowd, all of them saying good bye. Bruce showed each of them down the stairs to the back, a night rocked...a night not finished. Bruce came back, harmonica and acoustic guitar in tow. Thanking the fans for supporting the band he sent us home with the most beautiful, emotional, haunting Thunder Road I've ever experienced. The entire stadium was quiet. No one daren't speak. It is quite something when 73,000 people are dead quiet and actually LISTENING to a song as opposed to talking over it. It was the icing on an already brilliant tasty cake.

This review is, obviously, my own opinion and based on my own personal experience. And yeah, I'm biased as hell towards Bruce and the band. I don't think it's feasible for them to even have a bad gig. And so, my June, my self titled 'Month Of Rock, is winding down. The last stop is the 29th of June at the Stade de France in Paris. Expect another totally unbiased review of that one as well.

Bon Jovi in Cardiff - Review

Wednesday the 12th of June 2013 was shaping up to be a good day. Work wasn't grating on me like usual, I was happy to the point of annoynance to my colleagues AND I had a very tasty lasagne for lunch. However, that was all just an added bonus to the already planned events for the evening. Wednesday was my last day of work prior to my four days holiday and to start off this fantastic four days off we'd be road trippin' (we were fully loaded with snacks and supplies as well) to Cardiff to see Bon Jovi on their latest tour dubbed 'Because We Can Tour'.

Strangely, they were playing the Cardiff City Stadium...NOT the Millennium Stadium as I, luckily, found out a few days before. I found this to be strange considering that the Millennium Stadium is larger,  and in my opinion, a much more popular and better organised venue. It took us about 2 hours to make the drive from the good ol' Shire. When we got there we drove past the stadium looking, naively, for parking at the next door ASDA. Alas, finding parking was proving to be futile. We caved and decided to plump for the park and ride (that we had already visited but decided that WE would be lucky enough to find parking right by the stadium). Side note: At the park and ride they were filming Holby City/Casualty/Don't really know because I don't watch that crap.

We made our way to the stadium on the bus. Once we got to the ASDA drop off point, certain members of our group decided they needed to pee. I made the most of this unnecessary stop and decided to pre-empt a full bladder and had a piss as well. With the delays of finding parking and pissing about (literally) we finally got into the stadium just as Bon Jovi were half way through ' Shot Through The Heart'.

Upon first entering the stadium and the pitch (we were standing) I was struck by how small the venue was. I hadn't been this surprised by a stadium's size since U2 at the Don Valley Stadium on the 360 tour. It's a strange stadium/arena type size. I may be making this seem like a bad thing but it really isn't. It helps make it the gig more intimate than the larger stadiums. Once we found our spot on the pitch, I then paid brief attention to the stage. What a stage! Even know I'm not sure if I liked it or found it to be cheesier than Bon's songs. See the below photo (taken by me!) for reference:

As you can see it, its the front of an old American muscle car (not the back like first thought).

Once we got settled in, I could finally start paying attention to the actual concert. This was the 4th time I was seeing Bon Jovi live. The first one was in Hyde Park in '02 and is memorable because it was my first ever rock concert (and possibly the largest), the second was for the "Lost Highway' tour in '08 at Twickenham and was, until Bruce in NY, the best concert I had ever been to. The third was at the 02 when they did a few dates to fill in for Jacko. That was OK. Back to Cardiff though. I'm not sure if it was because of the general rush we were in, the arriving late, the smaller venue, the welsh or, hell, it was a weekday, but there Cardiff effort really seemed to miss the mark. There was too much unknown crap for my liking (lets be honest, if you're going to see Bon live, you're going to hear the classics not his new piss-poor efforts).

It was an odd experience. Much like looking a Jon's brilliant white horse chompers he's got on them. Seriously, they were insane!

They didn't play for very long either. Only 2 hours at the most. They finished off, naturally, with Livin' On A Prayer. I thought they were going to come out and do another encore but they did not. No Bed Of Roses. No Always. No more cheesy 80's rock :( To be fair, Jon didn't seem like he could be THAT bothered. After all, it was only Wales....who can be bothered!?

PS: Only joking, I love the welsh. Especially their cakes.

The Month Of Rock ( and roll, I guess)

So, after the pop-tastic surprise ending of May with the Chime for Change concert, June sees my return to the world of big stadium rock and roll! Glory freakin' hallelujah!

So, we first stop of in Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium (NOT the Millennium Stadium as I found out yesterday) for Bon Jovi. No, Bon may get a 'bad rap' sometimes (and with the majority of their new material its not hard to see why) but lets get one thing straight: They put on an incredible concert. They literally get EVERYONE rocking out (thankfully their members stay in). I last saw them live when they did about 20 dates at the 02 (to take some of the dates booked by Jacko). However, it was not as good as when I saw them in Twickenham in '08. Hands down one of the best gigs I've ever been too.
I'm extremely excited about this one. It should be good (despite it being on a weekday...what's that about!?)

Then, just three days later on the 15th of June, The Boss is taking class at Wembley Stadium. This (I think) is the first time he's playing Wembley since 1988 (he's obviously played the Arena, but who cares about that?) There are strong rumours going around now (based on his other European shows he's been doing lately) that he'll perform Born In The USA in full. I won't be particularly thrilled if he does as I've heard the majority of the album live already. But, I've not experienced a full album play through live before, so that'll be an experience. Plus, it's the freakin' Boss! I'm just thankful I get to see him live again.

Once The Boss has finished doing his thing in Wembley, we fast forward to June 28th in Paris. Drew and I are taking my mom and her bestie to Paris for their Christmas present (for last year) and while there, who happens to be playing in the 29th?Why The Boss again! It isn't really a coincidence. I've been promising my mom that I'll take her to see Bruce again (she came with me to my first Springsteen gig at Wembley Arena when he was doing the sessions tour). I would have taken her with me to all the other's but she can't do the standing for hours on end and I always end up standing. So, we've got seats for this one (fairly good ones I think.) It was Drew's idea to take her to Paris. They are both extremely excited (my mom and her bestie). Drew and I have been to Paris before so I'm just really looking forward to Bruce in Paris!

An that rounds up the month of June for me. I can't see me going to any other concerts this year (mainly because I won't be able to afford food for the rest of the year let alone more gigs!)...saying that, Belle and Sebastian are playing at Bestival on The Isle Of Wight in September, Drew might REALLY like to go to that one...shit.

Chime For Change concert- REVIEW

It was a sort of spur of the moment thing.
In an extremely rare opportunity, I had an actual weekend off. A Saturday and a Sunday (gasp!)

Drew decided earlier in the week to buy tickets to some concert at Twickenham Stadium called 'Chime for Change'. I didn't bother to research it much so all I knew was it was for women's rights and Beyonce was headlining it. I was quite excited by this as I quite like Beyonce and her songs. I saw her half time show for the Super Bowl in February and watched her set at Glasto back in 2011 (on TV), and was quite impressed with the show she put on.

But Beyonce was at the very end of the show and there were some other singers to go before her and other noise makers to make sure we didn't enjoy everything that was on offer. First up Jessie J.

I don't have any feelings towards her other than with her shaved head she looks either like a less pretty Natalie Portman from V for Vendetta or Annie Lennox. I know the one song she does (Price TAg, but beyond that I haven't a foggiest...and don't care to find out more either.)

In between each act we were shown various videos of various women being oppressed throughout the world. It was all very Live Aid (which makes sense as it was produced by one of the founders of Live Aid). Normally when I watch these things on the TV I roll my eyes at these pleas to help the less fortunate. You get huge money stars begging Joe public for money. I can't help but always think 'Why don't you just give them the money? You have plenty of it.' However, I was quite touched by most of the videos and speeches by the, surprisingly large amount, of stars that were there...except Madonna. What.A.Cunt. Cannot stand her. Everyone else was A.OK in my book.

The stand outs for me were: J.Lo. Never been much of J.Lo listener but she put on one hell of a show that got everyone jumping. Saying that, I only made it for her final 2 songs: Come Together feat Mary J Blige (who got a massive pop. I was kind of hoping she'd get a chance to do Family Affair but to no avail.) and Get On The Floor. I had spent the first 10 minutes of her set waiting in an impossibly long queue to get some drinks for the 4 of us. When it was nearly my turn some CUNT FACES saw there friend who was in front of me and just jumped right in front of me. I could feel myself getting hot in the face, heart pumping, knuckles clenched and teeth grinding. Those fuckers. There is literally no need for them in the world.

The absolute star of the whole thing for us was Florence and The Machine. I had obviously heard of them and had heard snippets of their stuff in various commercials etc. Never having listened to a full song I thought I knew what to expect. She did a acoustic type set that was just transcendent (?). Beautifully played violins and harps started and slowly built while Florence floated around the stage barefoot looking ethereal in a very flowy teal dress. Combined with her long flowing orange locks she looked positively awe inspiring.

The harps and violins built to their climax only to silence...waiting for Florence to utter the first sentence: Sometimes I Feel Like Throwing My Hands Up In The Air...
And with that the audience popped in a way I've not experienced since Paul McCartney joined Bruce onstage at Hard Rock Calling last year. She sang it effortlessly. Her vocals flawless. She literally brought me to tears (again, not done that at a concert since Bruce in New Jersey last year). I've not listened to any of their stuff since hearing them live at Chime for Change and kind of don't want to. Just in case it isn't as good as it was then. What if it disappoints...

Ellie Goulding was the last act before Beyonce came on. I've heard her name mentioned but thats pretty much it. Even now I couldn't tell you a song of hers. I do remember that I found her voice to be quite intriguing though.

So then Beyonce came on. And although did not disappoint, I wasn't exactly blown away. She did all her required hits. A particularly touching rendition of At Last (what a song!) accompanied by violins started her off. She did 'If I Were A Boy' (my favourite one) mixed with a funky Bittersweet Symphony (I think) remix. It was very good. My one problem with Beyonce though, is that she seems more pre-occupied with dancing her dance routines (and she does very very well) than actually singing the songs.

All in all, it was definitely one of the better concerts I've been to and should they do it next year, I'd quite like to go again.

Next up: A preview of June 2013...the month of my return to ROCK!!!!

We Take Care Of Our Own

Ok, so the title of this blog is a Springsteen song. The reason for that title is because that's what I was listening to when I started to write this (hey, it easily could have been 'Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town!)

It's been a while since my last blog that no one reads, so thought I'd write something inconsequential (I've noticed I always say 'type' when writing something on a computer. Could it be that because I associate 'writing' with something much deeper and meaningful and using a computer to put those thoughts down somehow dehumanises the very feelings we're trying to convey? Should 'writing' only be done with pen and paper?)

I fear this will be another blog that literally contains nothing but ramblings. This is something I don't really care about either. I suppose the purpose of this blog is to give ME the chance to 'write' what I'm thinking and not to care what anyone else thinks about it or me. Yeah, take that Milligan! (Milligan? Who's that guy?)

Shit, I just took a look at my '25 Most Played' playlist on iTunes (which, of course, has to be put in most listened to order...obviously) I'm shocked (but not really) at some of the contents of this list. What has happened to me? I was a pure rock/indie guy and now...now...now... I don't want to talk about it anymore!

Things are going pretttty prettttty prettttty pretttttty good in my life at the moment. Even my job that I don't care for has somehow gotten a little more enjoyable. Don't know why....maybe because I see a light at the end of the tunnel?

I have a dentist appointment on Monday morning. I go every 6 months now (at one stage I hadn't been in over 10 years....after my first visit the dentist said 'all's good' and I should come back in 6 months. Seriously, 10 years without regular check ups and now I go every 6 months AND have to pay £18 for the privilege! It's like I'm paying this guy to finger my mouth and tell me it was good.

The best part of 'Video Games' by Lana Del Ray? That bass thump thing in the background (I'm not  a musician so don't know what it's called. Can anyone tell me?). It really makes the song in my opinion.

Anyway, I'm outta here. Keep well everybody!

Alanis Morrissette in concert- A Review

So, I went to go see Alanis Morrissette at the 02 Arena with Drew (the boyfriend) and friend (called Alana...and is also from Canada.) This was my second time seeing Alanis live in concert so I knew what kind of experience to expect. You see, Alanis is not your average live performer...most definitely not.

'Jagged Little Pill' is Alanis' greatest hit's album. It's as easy as that. All her releases since, while are adequate and are very listenable, none of them come close to the monster that 'JLP' is. The proof? Her setlist for the concert on the 28th of November was 20 songs long. 9 of those were from 'JLP'. 6 were from the new album 'Havoc and Bright Lights' and the remaining 5 from other albums and the like.

Now, most artists have that one record, their most popular, the one with the most recognisable tunes on that they rely on for live performances, but to be playing 9 songs from your debut album more than 17 years after its first release? It surely is proof of the album's lasting appeal.

I've been a fan of Alanis's since hearing 'JLP' for the first time back when it was released in 1995. I remember feeling like such a rebel at 11 years old listening to 'You Oughta Know' on my headphones at school. I've not been a dedicated fan, more a casual fan but one who counts 'JLP' as one of his favourite albums of all time.

Alanis was due to come on at 21:00 but didn't make it on until 21:35. I personally think 30 minutes is fine to wait as it helps build up the anticipation. However, on this occasion, people seemed a little annoyed. Not Guns 'n Roses at Reading Festival a few years back annoyed, but more a stern look from a teacher who's not best pleased with your tardiness. Also, what may have helped is that we drove in so we didn't have to worry about making trains or buses or other such malarkey.

She opened with a song I didn't know called 'Woman Down'. First songs are always generally awful as the technicians are still sorting out any sound issues and other such things. This one was no different. It didn't take too long though to get to our first taste of 'JLP'. 'All I Really Want' started with its beautiful harmonica and guitar intro. Beautiful stuff. This was followed by 'You Learn'.

Now, I can get emotional at concerts with certain songs that have special meaning to me. If you've read my previous blogs on seeing Bruce in New Jersey you'll know. However, I was not expecting to get emotional during this one. My favourite song off 'JLP' is 'Mary Jane' and always gets me going. I'm not sure what came over me but I shed a tear (or two) during 'You Learn'. I couldn't tell you why. Maybe as I've grown older the lyrics finally make sense to me or some other similar bullshit, who knows. Anyway, below is the video of 'You Learn' :

After another song I didn't know came 'Mary Jane'. I'm not going to say anything about it. Instead I'll just put the video here for you to watch. 

She is a strange performer live. I get the feeling that if she could be a singer and never have to tour she would. She seems so awkward on stage. The way she walks back and forth, to and fro, from one side of the stage to the other only to stopping for the odd song that she would sing with a mic stand. It could get a little distracting at times but you soon forgot about it when the chords of a familiar 'JLP' song started up. Her head banging during the frantic climax to 'Uninvited' is quite something else as well. She looks like she's having a seizure of some sort. But, somehow, it fits her. She doesn't engage with the audience at all. Literally only saying 'thank you' multiple times throughout the concert. There's no small talk, no shenanigans with the band members. Nothing. But, again, it somehow fits her personality. 

I may come across as being very critical of Alanis as a performer but I will happily go see her again. She's a legend, simply put. Alanis comes across as an awkward, shy, phenomenally talented teenager at the age of 38. She may be happily married and all that but to me, she'll always be the angry 21 year old girl who could quite possibly pull a Glen Close and boil your bunny.

Late Night 'Malcolm' Marathon

I've been watching re-runs of 'Malcolm in the Middle' for going on four hours now. I remember watching it for the first time back in 2000 (twelve years ago!). Times were much simpler then. All I had to worry about was how I could get off not going to school for the day.

I grew up in South Africa. Ten years spent in Jo'burg (Johannesburg to the less informed) and eight years in Durban (Kwazulu-Natal to the pedantic). Obviously, Durban trumps Jo'burg in pretty much every category, so naturally, looking back, I couldn't have asked for a better place to spend my childhood.

I have this terrible problem of starting a blog and then not posting it. The above was written at least two weeks ago. I really need to finish what I start. Just commit to a 'writing sprint' and write non stop for an hour and see what happens....maybe next time.

Springsteen at MetLife- Night 3

This blog is a little delayed considering the concert I want it to be about took place on the 22nd of September 2012. But hey, better late than never,right?

If you read my previous blog 'NYC in 3 Days' (and let's be honest, you probably didn't) you'll be aware (or not, in this case) that the trip to NYC was a birthday present. Actually, going to see Bruce was the birthday present. Going to New York was just an added bonus.

This concert was the holy grail for myself (and perhaps a fair few other Springsteen fans.) It was his final concert in a three night residency at the new MetLife Stadium, it was in his home state of New Jersey, and, coincidentally, it was his birthday the next day (the 23rd). That didn't happen to be a factor until other unexpected factors took place later that evening.

We made our way to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Times Square, which proved to much harder than first thought. The Port Authority happens to be the biggest bus terminal I have ever seen (I'm not sure if it doubles as a train station as well) but it was massive. It took us about 15-30 minutes to try and find the Coach USA ticket window just to be able to buy our tickets to the stadium (which were an absolute steal, $10 return!? Get In!)

Leaving a nice sunny NYC, we headed across the river to a wet, rainy and ever so slightly miserable looking New Jersey. If ever you need a contrast for how amazing New York is, just head across the river. New York felt a million miles away, New Jersey felt like it could be Any Other Place, USA.
Still, it was exciting. We were now in the state that gave us Frank Sinatra, Jason Alexander, Bon Jovi (I know, I know) and, most importantly, Bruce Springsteen.

As MetLife came into view I got a little shiver down my spine. I have weird thing for big buildings, structures etc. I'm always in awe at how a project like that comes together. I just have trouble setting up a decent (or in this case, sub par) blog. Imagine what those guys must go through to get a stadium built!?

Moving on, we got dropped off and started to make our way through the parking lot. This is where I saw my first ever 'tail gate parties'.  This is also where I decided that next time I will actually have to attend a tail gate party. What could be better than sitting in a parking lot, drinking, eating and having in depth discussions about the artist you're about to see? Yes, I'm the kinda guy that would sit in a parking lot and drink it seems.

We entered the stadium and straightaway headed to the merchandise booth (as is customary for me at any gig I go to) and purchased two even specific T-shirts. Pricey but you gotta, ya know? We then made our way to one of the many many many food stalls. Loaded up with our burgers, BBQ steak rolls and beers, we made our way down to our seats. Seats that were pretty pretty pretty good.

The seating bowl and upper levels had pretty much filled up. Perplexingly, the GA's had not been allowed in yet. What were they waiting for? Better Days (get it?) Regardless of that, there we waited for Bruce Springsteen, the saviour of rock 'n roll, to grace us with his presence and bring forth the power of the mighty E-Street band. We waited with baited breath.

'EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT' Huh? We were being asked to evacuate the seating bowl due to severe weather and lightning in the area. This was a first. We were then moved into the foyers of the stadium to wait for the weather to pass. We waited for two hours. Two hours of doing absolutely nothing. Not even drinking ($8 a beer is excessive, even when in a holiday mindset). We found a nice little hideaway under some stairs where a few others were also waiting. I spent the time playing 'Shoot Bubble' on my phone. It was as exciting as it sounds. After waiting for what seemed like ever the weather never came. We just got a bit of heavy rain but that was it. Better they evacuate us than not and have people struck by lighting. Understandable.

They then let everyone back in to find their seats and get comfortable. At about 22:28 Bruce took the stage. With Springsteen gigs routinely going over the three hour mark, we were pretty much guaranteed  a past midnight show. Thank God for no curfews at MetLife ;)
'I think I just invited 55,000 people to my birthday party' and with that they band launched into a very well received 'Out In The Streets'. The set list would prove to be quite varied throughout the evening. Playing eleven songs that I've not heard live before, including a song I thought I'd never EVER get to hear live...it also happens to be one of my favourites. But we'll get to that one later...

A varied first 1/4 offered up a few songs that I wasn't overly familiar with or didn't care much for. Songs such as Cynthia (didn't know it, I know it now though), Who'll Stop The Rain, Cover Me and Downbound Train (familiar with them all but never cared much for them.) This, though, is the beauty of seeing someone live singing songs you've not heard of or cared for. It somehow, almost magically, makes the songs resonate with you and gives you an appreciation you never had for them.So is the case for these songs, especially Downbound Train.

We then started to hit the Wrecking Ball songs. Wrecking Ball is a fantastic album. It's just so anthemic and inspiring. My song of choice of the album is Wrecking Ball. Which was actually written for the tearing down of the old Giants Stadium to make way for the new MetLife Stadium. Put Wrecking Ball on full blast and I ask you, are you not inspired' 'Hard times come and hard times go, hard times come and hard times go, just to come again.'  I won't lie, I welled up and got shivers during this part. It's inexplicable considering I know the song and heard live at Hyde Park just two months earlier.

So far so sort of unexpected. We then hit my first surprise of the evening. 'Pay Me My Money Down' was played regularly on the Seeger Sessions tour. It had been played only three times in 2012 and then six years prior during the actual Seeger Sessions tour. So, to have this song played was quite a strange choice I thought. It did make sense though, due to the expansion of the band and that the sound of the Wrecking Ball album was, indeed, more Seeger Sessions than 'Magic' or 'Darkness'. It did provide a good sing a long for the crowd as well.

As we heard the final chords of 'Janey, Don't You Lose Heart' the clock hit midnight. And so began a mass birthday song to Bruce, The Almighty. I mean, how often do you get to sing Happy Birthday to Bruce on his actual birthday? As he alluded to earlier, the last time he sang on his birthday was 'in the days before manually operated hair dryers.' A rare treat for us fans indeed. He then launched into 'In The Midnight Hour'. Another song he'd not played live for many years, this time, however, that gap was 32 years. It was a rocking song and, obviously, a very fitting song.

Hitting the half way mark, he followed 'In The Midnight Hour' with one of my favourites. Another song that hadn't been played since 2009. 'Into The Fire', which Bruce dedicated to Rich Nappi, a FDNY Lt. that died in April while putting out a fire at a warehouse in Brooklyn. The song already packs an emotional gut punch. Dedicating it to a deceased fireman who saved lives, made that punch even more powerful.

The songs that followed were all expected. That is, until, what  followed 'Waitin' On A Sunny Day'.
The dream for me, at a Springsteen gig at least, has been to not only see him in New Jersey but also to hear 'Meeting Across The River' live. This, Bruce decreed, was the night.

The first piano chords to that beautiful, sublime intro, followed by the gentle trumpet. I've not got this emotional during a song since my first live 'Jungleland'. It was just amazing. I was stunned into silence. Wanting desperately to sing a long but every time I tried, my voice just cracked. I decided it best to shut up and just take it in. It has long been one of my favourite songs...ever. And here I was, hearing it live. What, on this earth, could possibly make it better? As it turned out, the following song...

'Jungleland' has only been played a handful of times this tour. Mainly, due to Clarence's death last year. 'Jungleland',  was his song. 'Jungleland' is all about the sax solo. I've heard it live a few times. My first time hearing it was at Cardiff '08. And that has remained my greatest concert going experience ever. The goosebumps I got. It felt like they were little daggers all over me. But now, as precious as that moment was. I was now hearing 'Meeting' into 'Jungleland'. It just does not get better than that. Now, please take 15 minutes out of your day and watch this. (Meeting Across the river is about half way through)

After the epic one-two of 'Meeting' and 'Jungleland', we needed a come down. We needed a 'Rocky Ground' to give us a break. We got 'Rocky Ground' but not before we got 'Thunder Road'. 'Thunder Road' is usually widely regarded as Bruce's masterpiece. it is usually alway in 'TOP 100' type lists. The only song of Bruce's that could realistically beat it in such lists is 'Born To Run'. Anyway, 'Thunder Road' offers the crowd the chance to take part in the ultimate sing a long. It is a fantastic and , at the risk of sounding like I'm a member of a cult and trying to get you to drink the Kool-aid, life-affirming song.

We then hit the encore which was filled with the only predictable part of a Springsteen gig. We get the usual; Born To Run (to breath new life into this song it either needs to move further up the set list, maybe make it an opener or start doing a different version of it). It is a great song but, personally, I think it's getting a little tired. This was followed by Glory Days, then Seven Nights To Rock, Dancing In The Dark, 10th Avenue and Twist and Shout (now with added fireworks!)

In between 10th Avenue and Twist and Shout, Bruce brought out his sister, mother and mother in law. The band then brought a big guitar cake which Bruce dished up and gave to people in the pit and on the stage. It was definitely a fun and unique way to end a rock concert.

Truth be told, If I look at the set list on paper, it wouldn't rank up there with my favourite Springsteen shows. It was not a bad show by any means, just an unexpected one. What clips it for me is many of the outside factors involved; getting evacuated due to weather, the late start of the concert, Bruce's Birthday, seeing him live in New Jersey and, most importantly, hearing 'Meeting Across The River' followed by 'Jungleland'. And let me tell you, there's no greater joy than to hear a rare, favourite song of yours live, for the first time...

NYC in 3 Days

I just got back late morning on Tuesday (25th September) after a whirlwind three day holiday in New York City. I've been to New York once before about five years ago with my sister and a group of her friends and mine. I did all the touristy things then. Statue of Liberty, Empire State, Rockafeller Centre, Central Park. You name it and I most likely did that week.

This time was different for many reasons. One; I was going with my special someone and he had never been to New York (as a tourist), two; the trip to New York was my birthday present, three; I was going as the, if possible, 'experienced New Yorker' and fourthly, and most importantly, we had tickets to the final night of Bruce Springsteen's 3rd and final night of this three night residency at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. But more about that experience later.

New York is a beast. A fast moving, non-stop, 24 hour assault on the eyes, ears, feet...and wallet. Landing at JFK at about 14:00 and, thanks to traffic. As Elaine Benes said 'No ones ever beaten the Van Wyck...' I understand what she's talking about. The traffic is nightmare. Nothing compared to other countries such as New Dehli but still, I wouldn't want to be driving around in New yOrk at any time...any place. We got to our hotel in Times Square about 17:00. A little later than planned.

We didn't have much time to take in the hotel as as soon as we had checked in and gone to our room, we were on our way out again. Times Square is quite amazing. A constant buzz, constant smells of street vendors, constant sights of the Naked Cowboy....and Indian. Times Square sums America up in one word. Excess. The billboards that light up the Square, the absurdity of a store devoted to M & M's (!?) But despite that, you can't help but be awed by it all.

We decided to take in a last minute show on Broadway. Our choice of show was based on what we most likely would never get to see on the West End. A show specific to Broadway. A show that originated on broadway and would die on Broadway. That show turned out to be Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark.

Spider-Man the musical is regarded as one of, if not the biggest, flops in Broadway history. It's cost a reported $65 million + and has been ripped apart because  of its songs (written by U2) that aren't catchy, Broadway tunes, it's storyline and the accidents that have happened due to the high-flying aspect of the show. Despite this, it does...somehow....work. It really shouldn't...and in parts really doesn't, but it most definitely is not the car crash I was expecting it to be.

After Spiderman, we decided we needed food and headed on to the Olive Garden. The food was quite delicious and there was plenty of it. Seriously, they just throw such huge amounts at you it's no wonder there's this obesity problem!

That was Friday done with. Saturday we accidentally overslept and only left the hotel at about midday. We made haste (?) to our first 'sight to see', the Empire State Building. It's a massive building that you can go the top of to see a nice view of New York. And it's the building King Kong climbed up.
Faced with having to walk everywhere and walking taking up much time, we decided to buy one of those 'hop on/hop off' buss passes. Best. Decision. Ever. We hopped on the bus at the Empire State, and rode the bus until we got to Ground Zero.

Last time I was at Ground Zero it was literally a massive mess of a construction site. now, you have to pre book a free ticket to go walk around the tribute fountain. It has turned into a very strange experience. we didn't book a ticket so just pretty much wandered around until we made our way back to the bus stop. We then 'hopped on' again and stayed on the bus until it dropped us off at our stop at Times Square. We were debating getting off at Battery Park to have a wander and see the Statue Of Liberty from afar. My nerves put a stop this, however, as it was getting on a bit and we had a concert to get to in New Jersey. Although, we did get off at Rockafella Center to have look around. We stumbled across the LEGO store. I accidentally bought a R2D2 for the boyfriend and myself a mini Rockefella Replica. I'm a sucker for buildings and skyscrapers.

Saturday night was booked up with a concert. The main reason for our trip. My REAL birthday present. A Bruce Springsteen concert. In his home state of New Jersey. Don't think it gets better than that. But Saturday night was so special that it deserves it's own blog entry...that'll be coming later.

We got back to our hotel Sunday morning about 03:00/04:00 in the morning after the concert. We somehow, magically, were able to wake up at about 09:00 and make the most of our one full day of sight seeing. We started Sunday off as most New Yorkers do (I assume), getting out morning fix of Starbucks. I was slightly disappointed with my Pumpkin Spiced Latte and found my pumpkin and cream cheese muffin to be particularly sweet. Sickly sweet.And the boyfriend just plain hated his Chai tea Latte. Regardless, we got to our bus stop and boarded our bus. This time, we were headed straight to Battery Park to make use of our voucher for a ferry ride to Liberty Island or a cruise around the Hudson. We opted for the cruise, seeing as how you can't get inside Lady Liberty (giggedy!)

We got back to Times Square early evening and saw there was some sort of flea market thing going on. Turns out this is a flea market for rare (or mass produced, not sure which) items form various Broadway musicals. Not  being a massive musical fan, I didn't care too much about it. The other half sure did though. After the flea market madness, we decided to eat at Guy's American (that blonde dude who does the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives show? His restaurant). It was Ok. Nothing spectacular.

We thought about maybe taking in another show but then decided...not sure how or why, to go to Ripley's Believe It Or Not instead. What a waste of time. So incredibly boring. Although I felt weirdly bad for them. How can an attraction like that remain relevant in this day and age? There are all sorts of weird oddities out there that we can view on youtube or something less age restricted out there, that is far more entertaining than paying $90 dollars for the both of us to wander around and look at pictures of the oddities. I suppose that's the power of the tourist. We'll do anything and pay anything while on holiday. We spend like kings with an unlimited fortune. If only that were true.

Monday was the day we were flying back. We had to check out the hotel by 11:00. We were being picked up at 13:30, our flight leaving at 18:20. Not much time left to make the most of NYC but we tried. Leaving the hotel at 10:30 (our luggage there as well) we decided to just spend the morning in Times Square. Got our coffee from a van (and it tasted much better than the Starbucks the day before) and just wandered around. We decided to have lunch before leaving. We went to Ruby Tuesdays which was quite nice. I had BBQ Ribs and Jumbo shrimp...just gone 12. Was it too early for  a meal like that with ample cocktails? Who cares! When you're on holiday your normal rules and routine do not apply.

And with that, we ended our whirlwind three days in NYC. I'm sure that all the above made for a boring a read and it seemed like we just 'wandered about' in a nice calm state. This is not the case. It was hectic.

Musings From A Bored Guy

I'm currently sat on the couch watching 'Lucky Number Slevin' with a very shirtless Josh Hartnett and was suddenly reminded how much I love this film (not just the first 15 minutes ;). Some might say its a convoluted story that takes a long time to get nowhere and is, well, convoluted just for the sake of trying to make it different. To stand out from the usual revenge fair. I agree. But who cares!? It's a fun movie.

There's a song Joni Mitchell sang called 'Both Sides'. It's sublime and just awe inspiring. Spare 6 minutes of your life, will ya?

As you can tell there is post is not about anything in particular. I'm just bored and lamenting the waste of the three days off work I just had. I did nothing. Literally nothing. Finished work on Friday, stayed in. Woke up Saturday morning, stayed in...all day. Woke up Sunday, went to my parents for lunch then came home. And stayed in. Woke up Monday morning, stayed in. Now, I didn't stare at the wall or anything. I played some PS3, did a little time wasting on the internet, I mean, I did stuff, just nothing productive. Which, as is typical for me, I regret when its too late to do anything about it. I could have taken Larry (my puppy in my profile pic. He's actually just over a year now) for a walk and do some training with him. I could have charged my camera and tried to 'develop' (see what I did there?) a skill I'd love to have. I could have done something creative. Instead, I've spent three days doing things other, more creative people have accomplished. Good going me.

I could go on a 'life is too short' rant or 'youth is wasted on the young' (I think 26 is still considered young these days...but not by much...). I'm starting to get an overwhelming sense of life not being lived to the full. Of a live just passing me by. Don't get me wrong, I love my love and everyone in it but it just feels like something is missing. I'm not quite sure what. 

Anyway, I better go. Slevin is about to exact his revenge!

A Pop Concert By A Devoted Rocker

So, I registered with 'Blogger' back in November 2010 it seems and I have never posted an actual blog. I always start one then delete it or save it for later only to never actually finish it or publish it. So, in an effort to start doing something with 2012, I plan on publishing a blog at least once a month. And to get me started is the below blog which I typed way back in 2011 and never published. I present it here. Untouched. Spelling and grammar mistakes included. Much to my embarrassment. Enjoy!

I always swore that I would never go to a pop concert. My belief being that the music is an afterthought and is instantly forgotten the moment it stops receiving air play. And yes, I do still believe this to be the case. My music taste ranges from Sinatra to Metallica, Lady GaGa to The Offspring. However, my absolute favourite artist is Bruce Springsteen. His songs are extraordinary and speak to me in a way no other does. So, being a rocker at heart who is addicted to the music of the likes of  Springsteen, Pearl Jam and U2, what would possess me to go see Ms Kylie Minogue live? A few things actually. 1- The curiousness of exactly how a pop concert with lavish stage productions would differ to the usual gigs I attend. 2- that I, maybe find a few Kylie songs to be good,and 3- the fact that the boyfriend, who loves Kylie as much as I do Springsteen, demanded to go and I bought the tickets for his Christmas present.

As I was going to the concert (or show?) with a super fan, we obviously couldn't sit with the regular folk. This required me to splash out a few pretty pennies for the VIP 'Splash Zone' section. This meant we were right at the front of the stage so we could see the 'Minogue' up close and personal (and the dancers.)
So, we make our way to the special VIP designated area and feel like royalty. Bypassing all the queues of regular ticket buying folk and making our way down a special lane reserved for people of importance, the evening started pretty swell.

Before the show started we were 'treated' to an opening act so diabolical it made a Whitney Houston comeback seem like a good idea. I'm not going to dwell on them but I will just say that The Ultra Girls are just really really really terrible. Just awful.

Luckily we were saved by the Pop Princess her Kylie who put on quite a spectacular show. Really, it was top notch. The songs, the disposable pop music' I alluded to earlier, seemed to take on a whole new life and almost become...song's that meant something! As is usual after I see an act live, I tend to get into their music more and become fans. As a result I've been listening non-stop for the past week to the Aphrodite album and have come to the conclusion that I quite like it.

The show itself is quite a amazing. It becomes obvious how much work must have gone into getting the whole thing off the ground and running. It seems a pop concert requires a lot more work than a regular old rock 'n roll show. The choreography is amazing, the dancers are amazing, the staging is phenomenal and, perhaps most importantly, Kylie is amazing. You get the sense that she really does love her fans. Even the scary ones with massive blonde afro wigs. Yes, surprise surprise, Kylie attracts a large gay audience. In fact, that tends to be the majority of her audience.

I've never understood this 'gay icon' business. Maybe I'm just a different breed of gay guy. I can only chalk it up to the over the top production (she starts the show by rising up from the stage in a golden shell, then rides a golden Pegasus and finally, rides a chariot pulled by leather bound, hard bodied dancers), and the 'fabulous' costume changes from Kylie.

The music is secondary at this type of concert. You go for Kylie, the show and the music. In that order. You don't go to a Kylie concert wondering what the set list will be and whether she'll play this or that. If you want to know what songs will be played then have a look at a setlist from a few months back. It'll rarely change. However, with a show as spellbindingly brilliant as 'Aphrodite', you don't care.

I went to see U2 twice on their last tour and thought that was the most choreographed show I'd ever go to. However, compared to Kylie, they look like a pub band with a limited budget from the tip jar.
As a result of my experience of Kylie live, my eyes have been opened. The blinkers have come off. Yes, the music is secondary, yes the songs don't really mean much (to me, that is) but it sure is damn good fun.