reunited death metal legends sell out NYC!

CARCASS (United Kingdom)-Suffocation (USA)-
Necrophagist (Germany)-1349 (Norway)-
Aborted (Belgium)-Rotten Sound (Finland)
September 6th, 2008 Nokia Theatre, NYC
SOLD OUT!

SOLID PERFORMANCE BY CARCASS!!!! So technical, so good, so heavy! They played very little old stuff, but we were just so happy to have them back that no one complained too much.

The openers were strong as well, I particularly enjoyed 1349!

As the clock struck midnite Carcass was wailing! What better way is there for a Metal Chick to celebrate her birthday!?!

See you at the next show!

xoxo
~Cat

KEEP ON ROTTING, KEEP ON HOPING, KEEP ON DREAMING,
WHILST IN THE REAL WORLD YOU…ROT!!!!!
-Carcass
“Keep On Rotting In the Free World”

three 90s megagroups rock nyc again

Everclear, Soul Asylum, and Cracker
August 20, 2008 Webster Hall NYC

When I got an email that these bands were all playing the same bill, I just HAD to go see them. I mean, three staple bands of 90s alternative rock all in one night! Of course it’s been a while since the 90s, but hey, good music defies time and space right?

First up was Cracker, whose fan base seemed to be comprised of bankers, accountants, and other professionals. They’ve all gotten good jobs since the 90s and were dressed more for an office party then a rock show. Hell, even the lead singer was looking like a PolySci professor. BUT that aside, they were tight and polished. And even if you didn’t know a single song they played (no “Eurotrash Girl ” was to be heard) they ended with the track that has the staying power to still be heard on KRock today, “Low.” To be blunt, it kicked ass live.

Note: Sadly, they did not play my fave “Get Off This” which to this day is still one my favorite videos (I can’t believe someone youtubed the premiere on 120 mins, I remember watching it!)

Next up was Soul Asylum…

First off, Dave Pirner, was in rare form this night, and even did a stand-up routine (oh yes, old-fashioned jokes one after another.) For some reason I thought I would be bored for their set, but I was way off. They were actually great! They clearly knew that most of us had a copy of Grave Dancer’s Union back in ‘92, so they played “Without A Trace,” “Black Gold,” “Somebody to Shove,” and hell even “Runaway Train,” which surpisingly didn’t sound tired! They also did “Misery” which was nice to hear again.

Note: Sadly, they didn’t play my fave “Can’t Even Tell” off of the Clerks soundtrack, as featured in the official film of NJ, Clerks (such a classic video!)

And then came the headliner, Everclear…

The last time I saw Everclear was in 1996 at the Roseland. I have fond memories of the show, but it had been 12 years for chrissakes! Could they possibly still be into it, and could they possibly drag me back into it. Yes… and yes!!! My favorite Everclear song is “You Make Me Feel Like A Whore,” and they opened with it, so they pretty much “had me at hello.”

They also did “Heroin Girl,” “Strawberry,” and “Santa Monica,” off of the CD we all had in 1995, Sparkle and Fade. Other songs included “Everything to Everyone,” “Father of Mine,” “Wonderful,” and “AM Radio.”

They even did a Rolling Stones cover (pictured below gathered around the mic)

It absolutely warmed my heart to watch Everclear out there giving 100% after all these years. And let me tell ya, for all those that mocked me for going… the place was packed!!! You just couldn’t feel bad after watching their performance (hell, I missed my bus cause I just couldn’t bring myself to leave early.)

As another birthday sneaks up on me, it was fantastic to see that rockers from our own generation can still defy aging. The bands had so much energy, gratitude for their fans, and were visibly thrilled to still be out there playing! Thanks to all of them for taking the time out to remind us of the good old days, and give us something to take with us tomorrow as well.

xoxo
~Cat

“…Yeah I dream of the day
When I learn how to make you pay
Someday I’ll teach you to beg
Someday, someday…”
-Everclear
“You Make Me Feel Like A Whore“

FYI: Jersey folks, Friday September 5th Everclear & Cracker are playing the Union Country Music Fest in Cranford, NJ for FREE!

rancid kicks off 5 sold out nights in nyc

RANCID
with special guests SICK OF IT ALL
August 13, 2008 @ Irving Plaza, NYC

Undeniably a perfect night!!! I mean with a pairing like this how could you go wrong?! New York Hardcore legends SICK OF IT ALL opened with a high energy set that brought me back to my days at WSOU (in my past incarnation as “Opie”) when SOIA was a staple band that we just couldn’t play enough of (and genuinely nice guys as well.)

SOIA delivered (as always) and even the most passive listener couldn’t help but enjoy some of their most known tunes, such as “Stepdown,” “Scratch the Surface,” and “Us vs. Them.” Kudos to those guys for staying true after so many years.

And then came RANCID…

Last time I saw these guys was Lollapalooza 1996 on Randall’s Island, with Soundgarden (who broke up shortly after,) the Ramones (who started dying off shortly after,) and Metallica (who had just cut their hair and un-LOADed their new “easy listening” sound on us.)

Fast forward 12 years and here we go: RANCID burst onto the stage and dove right in with “Radio” off of their addictive 1994 release “Let’s Go.”

They would do other tracks from that album, such as “Nihilism,” “Gunshot,” and “Black & Blue.” And I was reminded of the great advantage of seeing a punk band… you get TONS of songs, since most are under 2 mins long!

They would go on to play a bunch of tracks off of their most successful album, 1995’s punk/ska fushion style “…And Out Come the Wolves.”

“Roots Radicals,” “Lock, Step & Gone,” “Listed M.I.A.,” an extremely nostalgic version of “Olympia, WA.,” “Journey to the End of the East Bay,” “The Wars End” and “Maxwell Murder” were all included.

Oh and there were so many other great tracks that they rapid fire shot out for us!! They finally closed with their hit “Ruby Soho” and their encore track was of course, “Time Bomb.”

Anyone going to the remaining 4 SOLD OUT shows is in for a great time. I had to buy tixx for this particular show because it was the only one with Sick of it All as the opener, and I just couldn’t resist!! I can’t remember the last time I had this much pure fun at a show. It reminded me of the small club days, even though the place was packed.

There is something quite pure and genuine about these bands that shines through. Some of these bands today that slap on eyeliner and whine into a mic could really learn a thing or two about authenticity from these greats.

Thanks for coming back for us RANCID!!! WE MISSED YOU!!

xoxo
~Cat

“…First thing you learn
you gotta make it in this world alone…”
-RANCID
“TimeBomb”

screwed by “the boss”

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Giants Stadium- July 28, 2008

Went to see “The Boss” last night in one of his final shows before they tear down Giants Stadium (don’t worry the new stadium is under construction right next to it.) The weather was perfect, and despite the $20 charge to park, we remained in good spirits!

The show was off to a great start!! He kicked things off with “Out in the Street,” then “Radio Nowhere,” “No Surrender,” “Two Hearts,” “The Promised Land,” and a fantastic sing-a-long for “Hungry Heart.” What could possibly go wrong?!?

Well, with the exception of “Sherry Darling,” the next 14 songs were covers and snoozers. We did all we could to entertain ourselves. Hell, we even had ice cream, but it just droned on… and on… and on… I mean solos, vamps, reprises. Over an hour of killing time.

Just as we’d lost all hope, they did a slow version of “Badlands” to get us back. Then they walked off and we pinned all of our hopes on the Encore.

The good news is that we got “Thunder Road,” “Born to Run,” and “Glory Days.” The bad news is that we got an oldies medley (NOT of his songs), an Irish Jig that went on forever, AND just to add insult to injury, the last song of the night was…

Twist and Shout!?!?

Yeah, another COVER that went on and on and on.

They played for 3 hours. Unfortunately it FELT like 3 hours. They filled the time with so much stuff that we weren’t there for, and SO many covers, that we would have taken a good setlist that was half as long!

Looking around at the bored crowd, and walking back to our cars with the unmoved, defeated audience members was heartbreaking. I’ve seen some FANTASTIC Spingsteen shows. However, this one pretty much sucked.

Boss, we’ll always love you… but you really screwed us over tonite.

Your Jersey Girl,
Cat

“…Baby this town rips the bones from your back
It’s a death trap, it’s a suicide rap
We gotta get out while we’re young
`cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run…”

(they almost made this the anthem of New Jersey, until someone in power actually read the lyrics and realized it wasn’t all that flattering!)

X-Files II: I want to believe

In a year FULL of great reunions (Stone Temple Pilots, At the Gates, Rancid, Carcass, etc…) the reunion of Mulder and Scully is yet ANOTHER great one to throw onto the pile!

As someone who devoted so many Sunday nights to the X-Files TV series, getting to see one more episode was definitely a thrill! It was like visiting with old friends, as well as meeting some new and super creepy ones. And just like with the series, I found myself sweating, flinching, and holding my breath as each dark corner unfolded. They gave fans plenty of old references from the TV series, and even a blast-from-the-past guest appearance that will warm any true fan’s heart. I don’t advise fans to go with non-fans though, as they might kinda ruin your buzz!

Also, this movie is NOT for those with weak stomachs, kids, or anyone impressionable in any way. It’s real nightmare stuff, and because it doesn’t involve aliens, the “reality” that there might actually be people this demented around is very tough to take.

DON’T LEAVE BEFORE THE CREDITS ROLL!! They tucked something in right after the credits that you definitely want to see.

All in all, I left the theater feeling very satisfied. Can’t wait for X-Files III… I’ll definitely keep following them into the darkness!

~Cat

Father Joe: So you believe in these kind of things?
Fox Mulder: Let’s just say I want to believe.

at the gates kick off comeback tour in nyc

AT THE GATES
w/Darkest Hour, Municipal Waste and Toxic Holocaust
July 10, 2008 at Irving Plaza, NYC

AT THE GATES is back after 12 years!! Yes, the last time we got to see them was back in 1996 as they supported headliners Napalm Death. (I saw two dates on that tour-The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ and at 7 Willow St in Portchester, NY)

The Swedish Death Metal greats chose to kick off their SUICIDAL FINAL TOUR 2008 right here in NYC. What an honor! We showed our appreciation by making sure both nights were totally Sold Out!

It was hotter than the blazes of hell at Irving, but they nonetheless lived up to all of our expectations and played a fantastically heavy show. Every song sounded amazing, and I haven’t seen a pit this intense in a helluva while!!

Thanks to all the fans who came out to support them. This is TRULY one of Metal’s GREAT bands.

See ya at the next show!
xoxo
Cat

“…Only the dead are smiling…”
-At The Gates
“Cold”

iron maiden’s live show rocks nj

Scream for me New Jersey!!!

Iron Maiden @ the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ– June 14, 2008

I’m still wringing my clothes out from the continuous pouring rain tonight! Blinding lightning and soaking rain provided the backdrop for a truly perfect set by one of the true pioneers of Heavy Me-Tal, Iron Maiden.

What an unforgettable night!!!

The show kicked off to an explosive start (yes, flames and all) with “Aces High,” which was followed by the classic sing-a-long track, “2 Mins to Midnite.” Bruce put on his uniform and waved the British flag for a high-energy rendition of “The Trooper,” then warmed our hearts with the most memorable track off of Somewhere in Time, “Wasted Years.”

Other highlights included the heavy metal anthem (666) “The Number of the Beast,” “Can I Play with Madness,” a flawless version of the title track off of the ‘84 masterpiece “Powerslave,” “Run to the Hills,” and a beautifully chilling version of one of my personal faves, “Fear of the Dark.”

The biggest surprise of the night came when Bruce put on his black robe and performed “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” a real treat for any true Maiden fan. They added copious amounts of smoke and fireworks to make it even more memorable!

Ed Hunter did make an appearance as well, along with nostalgic backdrops and pyrotechnics shot off in all the right places.

Congrats to all the other troopers (pun intended) who endured the inclement weather tonight to support one of the greatest bands of all time. THIS is truly what Heavy Me-Tal is all about!!!

xoxo
Cat

“…Face up, make your stand,
And realize you’re living in the golden years…”
-Iron Maiden
“Wasted Years”

KRock’s Return of the Rock with STP

WHAT A NIGHT!!!!!!!

PNC Bank Arts center was filled to capacity tonight for KRock’s SOLD OUT Return of the Rock with Stone Temple Pilots. Despite the tornado watch and thunderstorms, it actually turned out to be a nice night!

The opening bands were Ashes Divide and Filter. Both sounded good, but of course we were all waiting to see the main attraction… and wait we did…

and wait…

and after waiting over an hour, Stone Temple Pilots finally took the stage around 10:30PM.

I had a few drinks beforehand and don’t remember the exact order, but here’s most of tonight’s setlist:

-Big Empty
-Wicked Garden
-Big Bang Baby (one of my faves!!)
-Lady Picture Show
-Lounge Fly (oh the Purple memories!)
-Crackerman
-Sour Girl
-Creep
-PLUSH!! (the “Stairway to Heaven” of the 90’s)
-Interstate Love Song
-Down (GREAT tune off of No. 4… does anyone own that album but me?)
-Sex Type Thing (this one didn’t go so well but we forgive them)
-Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart

and the encore:

-Dead and Bloated!! (it began with an audience sing-a-long on the intro then kicked into high gear)

Listen, I am one of the biggest STP fans you’ll ever meet, and being able to see them tonight was such a nostalgic trip! Thanks to all of the KRock listeners who came out to support them, it wouldn’t have been the same without you!

xoxo
Cat

“…I run through the world thinkin’ bout tomorrow…”
-Stone Temple Pilots
“Dead and Bloated”

Indiana Jones Screening

What a great time we had watching the latest Indiana Jones movie with our KRock winners!

Not only was the movie great, but we also got a special introduction by Harrison Ford and cast:

Can’t wait for the next big KRock event… Return of the Rock with Stone Temple Pilots!! See ya there!

xoxo
Cat

Rolling Stones/Scorcese- “Shine A Light”

I checked out the Rolling Stones concert documentary directed by Martin Scorcese called “Shine A Light,” filmed in 2006 at the Beacon Theatre, NYC.

OK, first things first, if you have never seen the Stones play live, go see this movie!! (April 4th release) You are going to have the best seats EVER to a Stones show for MUCH less than I ever paid to see them on tour!

In some ways this is just like any concert video/dvd you’ve already seen. It’s a full show with some old interview footage thrown in. However the sound and picture here are SO clean that at times you almost forget that you aren’t actually AT the show. It’s really amazing how much you’re IN the show. You get to see their reactions, facial expressions, and the way they interact with each other throughout the gig. It’s incredible for any musician or fan to get to see this perspective! The best part is that you get to see the pure joy on these guys’ faces. Mick running full speed down the stage towards the audience. Keith & Ronnie lovingly wailing on their guitars. They are SO in the moment and totally get how lucky they are. You also get to see many, many wrinkles, which serve to remind you throughout the show that it’s almost impossible for them to be THIS tight at their age!!

As soon as the concert begins, your heart leaps as the band comes out with “Jumping Jack Flash.” They then hit “Shattered.” Beautiful! Keith Richards shifts to his acoustic guitar for an absolutely poetic version of “As Tears Go By.” Something about that nostalgic song, and a wrinkled Mick and Keith delivering it after all these years makes your eyes just well up.

The only negatives I will state about the film is that the setlist may leave you feeling pretty disappointed. Keeping that in mind, they do hit some staple tunes that will bring you back if you drift off. “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Start Me Up,” and a killer encore of “Brown Sugar” and “Satisfaction.” It was SO hard to resist the urge to stand up and cheer after each one!

For one “country” song they brought out Jack White. If you’re a White Stripes fan you’ll probably enjoy this. If you’re a Stones fan you’ll be annoyed that they wasted a song with it. Same thing when they trot out Christina Aguilerra. However, they brought out Buddy Guy to do a blues song and I figured I’d hate it. Turns out it was one of the best ones of the night!

There are definitely some cool Scorcese moments, like the matrix-esque shot of Keith Richards spitting out his cigarette and the amazing aerial of Manhattan at the end. WhoA.

All in all, this movie is TOTALLY worth seeing for anyone that loves Rock. THIS is truly what it’s all about.

One of the final old clips that they show is of a young Mick Jagger being interviewed just before they hit the stage. The interviewer asks;

“Can you picture yourself at age 60 doing what you’re doing now?”

Mick wistfully answers, “Yeah… easily.”

A damn good lesson for all of us.

“…I said, ‘Hey! You! Get off of my cloud!
Don’t hang around ’cause two’s a crowd
on my cloud baby…”
-The Rolling Stones
“Get Off Of My Cloud”