The last night of the first leg of the Lights in the Sky Over North America tour. You know that Trent and the guys brought it. Set list first:
Nine Inch Nails
Inglewood Forum
9/6/08
999,999
1,000,000
Discipline
Letting You
March of the Pigs
Head Down
The Frail
Closer
Gave Up
The Warning
Vessel
Ghosts 5
Ghosts 17
Ghosts 19
Ghosts Piggy
The Greater Good
Pinion
Wish
Terrible Lie
Survivalism
The Big Comedown
Ghosts 31
Only
The Hand That Feeds
Head Like A Hole
Encore:
Echoplex
Reptile
God Given
Hurt
In This Twilight
(trent early in the show, before he lost the soon-to-be-sweaty-red shirt - photo courtesy of NIN.com)
I kinda ruined this show for myself by catching the Dallas show, but at the same time, it was kinda cool to know what was coming. As you might have guessed from the first photo I was much closer and on the other side of the stage this time so I did get a different perspective. Plus I was with a bunch of hardcore NIN fans so we had a great time bonding together before the show and during the best moments. An early wow moment was when Robin Finck threw his guitar off stage during “Letting You” - apparently he was having sound issues with it? He walked off stage and got another guitar and completely killed the rest of the show. I didn’t realize how much I like his physical style of playing until tonight (he’s so much better than Aaron North from the last live configuration.)
Again, I think the show starts off a little subdued and “Discipline” didn’t really get the crowd going like it did in Dallas. But “March of the Pigs” changed the vibe for sure. I am still not really used to getting “The Frail” without “The Wretched” but “Closer” was inspired so all is forgiven. And I love that “Gave Up” is after “Closer”. Everyone is still pumped up from “Closer” and “Gave Up” just kept the energy level high. I loved seeing everyone around me react to the visualizations - I warned them beforehand as far as what to expect, but when you see it, you’re just blown away. I think my favorite moment is during “The Greater Good” when Trent comes out from behind the LED curtain and everyone realizes that what they are seeing is live shots of Trent singing.
(terrible lie...photo courtesy of NIN.com)
“Terrible Lie” was another high point. We were all pumped up after “Wish” so everyone was feeding off that vibe. I loved the red lights for this song. This was one of those songs that everyone sings the lyrics too. Don’t take it away from me/I need someone to hold on to/Hey God, there’s nothing left for me to hide/I lost my ignorance, security and pride/I’m all alone in a world you must despise/Hey God, I believed the promises, the promises and lies. But my favorite part of this song live is the improvised you fucking promised me parts at the end. It sends chills down my spine every time.
I made sure to really pay attention to the screens during “Survivalism” this time and everyone around me agreed that it was two guys fucking in the bathroom scene. (That would be the third screen on the upper row. I saw a few photos of “Survivalism” from their SLC show and there was no bathroom scene. Wonder if he was worried about not getting away with that in Mormon town.) When they segued into “The Hand That Feeds” after “Only”, I was pretty stoked since we didn’t get THTF in Dallas. Well, no wonder. There was a projection of Dubya behind the band and then somewhere along the way, it morphed into McCain. Nice. Then of course everyone was on their feet for “Head Like A Hole”.
The encore had a anice surprise to it as well. After “Echoplex”, he introduced the band and told us that they do the work and he’s only up there because he looks “damn good”. Rawr. Then he said something along lines of whether they should do “something bright and uplifting or dark and depressing”. And that’s when we got the first notes of “Reptile”. This song is especially strong live - during the With Teeth tour, I remember everyone being blown away by it when it was in the middle of sets. Getting it in the encore was awesome...I’m still hearing oh my beautiful liar in my head.
(hurt...photo courtesy of NIN.com)
After “Reptile” was “Hurt”. An arena full of lighted cell phones and some old school lighters singing along to such a raw and emotional song. Always a highlight. And ending the show with “In This Twilight” - the visual behind the band is a skyline of some industrial city. During the course of the song, you see explosions and the sky changing from daylight to twilight. Then one by one, starting with Robin, the band members are spotlighted and walk off by stage, leaving Trent alone at the keyboard to finish off the song and then wave goodbye to everyone for the night.
A really good show. I noticed that one of the buddies that we made during the show was crying as we filed out of the arena. Not a knock on her at all - I’ve been known to cry at shows and I think if this had been my first show on this tour, I might have been joining her - the incredible energy that the crowd gave off just added to the intensity and her crying was the personification of that feeling.
One more thing - we cabbed it from our hotel to the show. We were super lucky and were able to flag down a cab right away. So a couple of people hopped into the cab with us because they were going the same way. Turns out they were from Hawaii and flew out to L.A. just for the show. I love that. It makes me feel like I’m not the only one crazy enough to fly across the country to see bands. I’ve got one more NIN show for the year - at Voodoo in NOLA. The light show will most likely be limited there but I hope they still get to play a long set.
Okay, that is all. I’m gonna get some coffee since I am too amped up (still) to sleep any more.
I’m too busy with NIN afterglow to write this post. (Yes, a review of that is coming.) In the meantime...this week in newness…
In Stores 9/9:
Emiliana Torrini Me And Armini
Innerpartysystem self-titled
People In Planes Beyond The Horizon
Impacting on radio:
(alt rock)
Emiliana Torrini - Me And Armini
Kaiser Chiefs -Never Miss A Beat
Kooks - Do You Wanna
My Morning Jacket - I’m Amazed
Oppenheimer - Look Up
Scars On Broadway - World Long Gone
Seether - Breakdown
Shinedown - Second Chance
(triple a)
Alejandro Escovedo - Sister Lost Soul
Black Crowes - Oh Josephine
Coldplay -Lost!
Dan Dyer - Love Chain
Emiliana Torrini - Me And Armini
Jakob Dylan - Will It Grow
Old 97’s - My Two Feet
Artist: Amie Miriello
Album: I Came Around
Recommended if you like: folk/pop/alt-country
From the press kit:
“Amie is one of the most talented artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Her voice is distinct;it moves you. It says listen to me, you’re going to want to hear what I have to say. And you do listen...and then you want to hear more.” - Teresa LaBarbera Whites (A&R veteran)
Standout Tracks: “Cold Front","Beauty of Goodbye”
Worth a second listen?:
This definitely has triple a success written all over it. It’s not just pop fluff. It reminds me of Colbie Caillat or even Kate Nash - both female artists that have captured an audience.
More info: myspace
Listen: “I Came Around” (stream)/cover of Smashing Pumpkins’ “Disarm” (right click and save as to dl)
I haven’t done one of these posts in a loooong time. But I actually had some time on my hands plus there is commentary to be had.
So here’s the alt rock Top 10 in radio play for the previous week:
1. Staind – Believe
Last week: 3
Weeks on chart: 10
Total spins: 1442
move: -69
2. Foo Fighters – Let It Die
Last week: 2
Weeks on chart: 22
Total spins: 1374
move: -173
3. Coldplay – Viva La Vida
Last week: 1
Weeks on chart: 13
Total spins: 1337
move: -273
4. Carolina Liar – I’m Not Over
Last week: 6
Weeks on chart: 18
Total spins: 1193
move: -102
5. Weezer – Pork and Beans
Last week: 4
Weeks on chart: 20
Total spins: 1124
move: -210
6. Disturbed – Inside the fire
Last week: 5
Weeks on chart: 23
Total spins: 1088
move: -208
7. Saving Abel – Addicted
Last week: 7
Weeks on chart: 24
Total spins: 1023
move: -58
8. Weezer – Troublemaker
Last week: 10
Weeks on chart: 8
Total spins: 1017
move: +78
9. Offspring – You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid
Last week: 9
Weeks on chart: 6
Total spins: 1008
move: +66
10. Metallica – The Day That Never Comes
Last week: 25
Weeks on chart: 2
Total spins: 1002
move: +344
I’ve heard 4 of the songs on this list. Sigh. Now let’s see who in my normal playlist roundup is playing what….
KBZT (San Diego):
Metallica – The Day That Never Comes (11 plays this week, up from 8 last week)
Coldplay – Viva La Vida (10 plays this week, up from 8 last week)
Weezer – Pork and Beans (6 plays this week, down from 8 last week)
Foo Fighters – Let It Die (6 plays this week, down from 18 last week)
I’m still not over Metallica on the alt rock stations. But these numbers don’t surprise me.
XTRA (San Diego):
Coldplay – Viva La Vida (43 plays this week, up from 37 last week)
Metallica – The Day That Never Comes (34 plays this week, up from 24 last week)
Weezer – Pork and Beans (29 plays this week, up from 18 last week)
Disturbed – Inside the fire (20 plays this week, up from 17 last week)
Weezer – Troublemaker (20 plays this week, up from 19 last week)
Wow, all those Coldplay spins. That song must be on like every other hour. And a disturbing trend – two Weezer songs in the top 25 of their playlist? Over it, already.
KROQ (L.A.):
Offspring – You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid (26 plays this week, down from 41 last week)
Metallica – The Day That Never Comes (23 plays this week, down from 26 last week)
Disturbed – Inside the fire (23 plays this week, same as last week)
Coldplay – Viva La Vida (19 plays this week, down from 39 last week)
Weezer – Pork and Beans (18 plays this week, down from 19 last week)
Foo Fighters – Let It Die (17 plays this week, down from 25 last week)
Weezer – Troublemaker (11 plays this week, down from 16 last week)
Also no surprises here – they’ve got the most of the songs in the top 10 on their top 25.
KNRK (PDX):
Weezer – Troublemaker (20 plays this week, up from 19 last week)
Coldplay – Viva La Vida (43 plays this week, up from 37 last week)
Carolina Liar – I’m Not Over (5 plays this week, same as last week)
Weezer – Pork and Beans (5 plays this week, same as last week)
If you look at the rest of KNRK’s playlist, it is usually the most diverse of the bunch and they tend to play less of the same songs. Hooray for them.
KRBZ (KC,K/MO):
Coldplay – Viva La Vida (46 plays this week, up from 41 last week)
Weezer – Pork and Beans (41 plays this week, same as last week)
Weezer – Troublemaker (21 plays this week, up from 17 last week)
Carolina Liar – I’m Not Over (22 plays this week, up from 21 last week)
Another station putting Coldplay on way too much. But the rest of their playlist has some gems – the new Airborne Toxic Event (that KBZT is also playing) and the Republic Tigers – a local to KC band that is making some waves.
XM (Ethel - Satellite):
Carolina Liar – I’m Not Over (28 plays this week, down from 30 last week)
Coldplay – Viva La Vida (28 plays this week, up from 26 last week)
Foo Fighters – Let It Die (27 plays this week, same as last week)
Offspring – You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid (24 plays this week, down from 22 last week)
I’m a *huge* fan of XM’s Ethel – their playlist is also fantastic.
I guess this post proves that radio isn’t changing much as far as their playlists are concerned. Not news to anyone who follows the radio, right? Sigh.
Okay, I am missing a bunch of good stuff this weekend because I’ll be in L.A. for NIN at the Forum, but if you guys are around, consider seeing Blasphemous Guitars at the Belly Up or Fing at the Ken Club on Saturday.
Here’s what’s on my radar for the next couple of months - some gaps in my schedule because I’ll be gone. But if you have any other “must see” shows you know of, hit me back in comments:
Tues. 9/9: LoveLikeFire at the Beauty Bar (saw them at SXSW and they were awesome)
Thur. 9/11: Mirah at the Casbah
Fri. 9/12: Demasiado at the Casbah
Fri/Sat 9/19-20: Street Scene
Wed 9/24: Raconteurs at SDSU Open Air (my trip to Vegas was cancelled so I am gonna try to swing this)
Thur 9/25: My Morning Jacket at SDSU Open Air
Sat/Sun: 9/27-28: Adams Ave. Street Fair
Thur 10/2: Stars at HOB Anaheim
Fri 10/3: Datarock at Casbah (saw them open up for Ladytron at Belly Up and they *killed* it)
Wed 10/8: Margot and Nuclear So & So’s at Casbah
Fri 10/10: Santogold/Mates of State/Low vs. Diamond at HOB SD
Sat 10/11: Kings of Leon at The Joint (Hard Rock in Vegas)
Sun 10/12: Kings of Leon at HOB SD
Fr-Sun 10/24-26: Voodoo Festival in NOLA
Fri 10/30: Rise Against/Alkaline Trio at Cox Arena
Just got the pre-sale info for the Santogold show at HOB on Friday 10/10. Mates of State and Low vs. Diamond are opening. Three solid bands. On sale now if you are a HOB member, regular on sale on Friday 9/5.
P.S. They are in Vegas the next night at HOB. Good weekend to be in Vegas for shows - I’ll be there at the Hard Rock checking out Kings of Leon.
Lyn is always rawking to the song in her head, which she would be happy to sing to you. Just ask.
Music posted is for sampling purposes and is only available for a limited time. If you like what you hear, support the artist and buy the album or go to a show.
Put it against any station you mentioned (including Ethel) and I think you’ll find it more dynamic, daring and focused on quality indie (which, in my book, is truly what a modern day Alt. band is).
You’ll also find most of the staples, although the rotations aren’t nearly as tight.
And, you won’t hear Metallica, AC/DC, Staind, or Disturbed on the Slacker Alternative station because there is nothing “Alternative” about any of those bands, in my book.
The best part, you can ban any song or artist you hate. Does it get any better?
I am big time dorking out to Charlotte Sometimes lately.
Max Beemis & co. are some of the most supreme douchebags around. You’re lucky not to have had to interact with them on their last trip through SD. In spite of that, I dig their tunes.
The Bronx KILL. I’m not sure how it’ll translate on Warp Tour, but I’ve seen them a few times at the Casbah and the smaller room at SOMA. SO killer.
Interesting how they discussed that the Internet was the future but didn’t really have anyone on the panel that works at a music based web site. Maybe they should give sites like Slacker a listen.
I love how those people are clearly out searching on Google for themselves, probably hoping to find a more positive commentary on their writing than he found here. That cracks me up! Hahahahahaha! I think that’s something my sis-in-law would do, and it’s an activity that makes me feel sorry for them a little bit…
Apparently, you aren’t allowed to have an opinion of music, writing or anything else on your own blog unless it’s a positive one.
That bloviation is some of the most banal crap I’ve read in recent memory.
Unless you’re writing fiction, which that press kit one sheet may very well be, it’s kind of a golden rule that writers avoid the temptation to try and sound intelligent by using big words and semi-descriptive but completely useless language for the sole purpose of flexing their writing muscle.
In the end, it reads more like a sixth graders attempt at creative writing.
Hahaha--I probably know that dude. Sorry--it *is* written terribly. Everyone tries so hard to be funny or ironic in their press descriptions, but so few are truly able to execute.
