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

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.

(survivalism - photo courtesy of dissonance)

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. 

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)

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.

Playlist and Chart source: Radio and Records

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

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.

I took my regular flight home on AA and spent some time with the Paste Beat (when I wasn’t napping and watching Kung Fu Panda.) Here is the playlist with some comments.

The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight
You guys are missing out if you’re not hip to these guys already.
Van Morrison - Lover Come Back
Interesting pick for an indie rock audience.
Johnny Flynn - The Box
This reminded me of Dave Matthews Band in the “Crash” era.
Elvis Costello - No Hiding Place
Hayes Carll - It’s a Shame
Donovon Frankenreiter - Life Love & Laughter
American Princes - Watch As They Go
Javelins - Out On The Sand
I didn’t take notes on the previous 5 songs. Most likely they didn’t stand out enough for me to care.
Charlotte Sometimes - AEIOU
I love it. It’s chick power pop punk a la Paramore.
Brian Tarquin - Jack Hammer
Another odd programming choice. An instrumental guitar piece that was very prog rock.
Taylor Barton - Rio Grande
This was a breathy vocals romantic like singer-songwriter chick.
KJ Denhert - Lucky 7
Tom Principato - In the Middle of the Night
Buddy Guy - Skin Deep
Song and Wager - Let Me Let You Go
Constantines - Hard Feelings
Another gap in my notes. The Constantines song was also on last month’s playlist.
Judith Owen - Creatures of Habit
Another pop-tinged singer-songwriter chick.
Joshua James - New Love Song
Wasn’t expecting a chick on vocals for this one. (ed. note - Rosey pointed out that this is a dude. Very possible that I mixed this up with the one before.)
Tim Fite - Big Mistake
Another holdover from last month’s playlist. Still alt-country.
Wild Sweet Orange - Ten Dead Dogs
I was happy to see this on the list. I really love this band.
Windsor For the Derby - Maladies
This was one of those easy breezy indie pop songs.
Haley Bonar - Big Star
Another alt-country-ish song but with chick vocals. I’d say think Gillian Welch on this one.
Eef Barzelay - Lose Big
The radio host noted that this was produced by someone in Ben Folds camp. Not that it made a difference. If the note was to make you think this sounded like Ben Folds, the comparison is off.
Earlimart - Song For
This was a welcome upbeat song after a few bummers.
Brooke Waggoner - Young Friend
More of a jazzy feel to this - especially with the piano work.
Goldfrapp - Satin Chic
This was better the second time around - I thought it was boring last month but this time, it was fine. Better sequencing I think.
The Black Keys - Strange Times
This was weird after the Goldfrapp, but no worries, it was Black Keys.
Nena Dinova - Clouds
A Saddle Creek band that I should pay more attention to.
Mates of State - My Only Offer
Yay. I love this song. I also heard it on the piped in music when I was at Old Navy in Dallas. I don’t know if that should scare me, but whatevs, I think it is cool that they are getting some exposure.
The Raconteurs - You Don’t Understand Me
I liked this better last month when it was after Black Keys.
Tilly and the Wall - Alligator Skin
I’ve been listening to this record a ton. It’s awesome.
Izza Kizza - Red Wine
Another song from last month - still good hip hop on the second spin.
Calvin Harris - Acceptable in the 80s
Totally retro 80’s vibe.
The Verve - This Is Music
The new Verve is the old Verve. Good or bad? You decide.

I’m not flying American this month - my TX trip is to Houston on Continental. Same type of plane though so if they have some sort of indie/alt rock radio station, I’ll review then.

I’d also like to get back to writing a radio playlist post or two but who knows how that will go. I’ve got a pile of promos to catch up on and I’ll be in L.A. this weekend to catch NIN at the Forum. So we shall see.

In Stores 9/2:
Chemical Brothers Brotherhood
New Kids on the Block Greatest Hits

Impacting on radio:
Friendly Fires - Jump In The Pool
Mayday Parade - Jamie All Over
Shiny Toy Guns - Ricochet
Sound And Fury - 18
(triple a)
Death Cab For Cutie - Cath…
Ida - My Fair, My Dark
Nikka Costa - Stuck To You

Artist: The Verve
Album: Forth
Recommended if you like: mid 90’s brit rock
From their press kit:
“The Verve are here to provide you with an immaculately calibrated rock experience that will change your life forever...” Spin
Standout Tracks: “Sit and Wonder”, “Valium Skies”
Worth a second listen?:
Billboard thinks so:
“ ‘Forth’ is further highlighted by the dreamy ‘Judas,’ arguably one of the most beautiful songs the band has yet penned, and the anthemic ballad “Valium Skies,” a sure-fire future concert staple which is reminiscent of the hit ‘Lucky Man’ from 1997’s ‘Urban Hymns.’ ‘I See Houses’ muses on Ashcroft’s everyday surroundings while pivoting between the eerie vibes of 1995’s ‘A Northern Soul’ and the elegant emoting of ‘Urban Hymns.’”
I listened to this via an album stream which kinda blows - I like to skip around and also bring into the car for further pondering. But I did enjoy it on the various spins. Good music for background listening when doing other stuff and I would imagine would be good to see live.
More info: official/myspace
Listen: (see the widget in this post/Love is Noise(ms vid)