The first band for the evening came on to the stage promptly at 6:40. They are known as The Swellers, a local (Flint, Michigan) pop-punk band that shares a record label with Paramore. Sounding very melodic-punk with a punch of metal thrown in, the band played very well adding punches of their influences from chunky 90′s alt-rock with melodic choruses. Singer/Guitarist Nick Diener understood how to add some edge to the music, but I still felt that they fell just slightly short of what they could be as a whole. The songs (mostly off their newest Fueled By Ramen release) were solid, well played, and hooky but without the catch. While most of the crowd was entertained, nothing was over-the-top special. Rating: B -
Second up was the always furious stylings of The Casualties. The band’s political sound of anger, fury and fist-pumping speaks volumes to the masses of disenchanted teenage punks in the world and have started to become a new staple on many a 16 yr. old’s rotation list. Not being known for their songwriting, The Casualties are better suited for stories regarding their live shows rather than their records – think more along the lines of a European Football match than US rock club – full of chanting and “oohs.” Much of this Casualties show was filled with previous catalog material of blistering favorites like the work song “World Belongs To Us,” Clockwork” and an electrifying cover of The Ramones‘ “Blitzkrieg Bop.” And as the energy rose, the bodies hit hard during three ‘walls of death’ and numerous circle pits which the venue seemed not quite ready for, but tried to deal with the best they could. Overall, after playing over 40 min and a set list in the double-digits, The Casualties called it a day but not before a sing-along (“War is Bitches”) and one fan-fueled fist fight over the lead vocalist’s scarf. Great energy and solid audience participation. Rating: A
After playing a highly sought after show in Detroit the previous night, Less Than Jake took to the cold streets of Chicago to pack in a crowd at the legendary Metro only mere hours before the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. With over 15 years under their belts, the band still share the same passion and dedication to their music as they are their fan base – they are renown for giving every bit of it back ten-fold.
As stage openers go, LTJ aren’t a band to try and impress anyone unless your idea of being wowed is watching a band with such history enter amongst the theme song to ‘Night Rider,’ thus announcing that on this night Nostalgia would rule the day. However once the band take their positions, raise their instruments and blares out the first note to “Automatic” all thoughts are focused on the boys with the brass.
While blazing through the first four songs in a long list of regulars and favorites, JR Wasilewski and Buddy Schaub went the extra mile to wildly weave in and out of the their fellow bandmates to ramp up the crowd’s energy. Hand-clapping helped to syncopate the ever-driving “Does the Lion City Still Roar”, while numbers like “National Anthem” and “Suburban Myth” helped to propel the audience to rush the stage in a dancing frenzy.
When not singing, you could often catch Chris Demakes and Roger Mangenelli performing their rich audience banter with such digs on boy-band phenoms The Jonas Brothers and pretty-boy “Hometown Hero” Pete Wentz; only to remind the audience that the current show was going to be “the most honest rock show you will ever see” – one can only look at the track record of this tenured band to see that the boys in LTJ have stuck to their guns and surpassed the test of time while never having any “Greatest Hits.”
With JR’s and Buddy’s horns lighting up “Liquor Store” and breaking down the walls on “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads,” “Never Going Back to New Jersey,” on “Ask the Magic 8 Ball,” Roger took to the mic for some much-needed lowering of temperature in his band mates and after a few Chicago shout-outs to such notables as The Lawrence Arms‘ front man Neil Hennessy: a smooth rendition of “The Science of Selling Yourself Short” was quickly dispensed.
Other songs like “Conviction Notice,” “Al’s War” and “History of a Boring Town” all found the band in top form and proved that no matter their long road status, the boys in this band are showing no sign of slowing down. And to show that they still have love for the retired-filled southern city from where they hailed almost two decades ago, LTJ showed service to their fans by showing they are in fact “Gainsville Rock City.”
To round out the evening “The Ghost of Me and You,” “Nervous In the Alley” and “Look What Happened” were blasted out to leave the evening on a high note.
As shows go, this one is to be remembered. A highly-intense connection to the audience, trips down memory lane with storytelling, and one headbanging contest later, Less Than Jake threw one kick-ass party for all in attendance. The band noted that their last date to play The Metro was in 1998 and much has changed in music since, but one thing has definitely stayed the same – Less Than Jake’s commitment to their fans and music. Hopefully with a little luck the boys in this band will still be making us smile for another 15. Rating: A+
There is no name more recognized the world over than Michael Jackson. Just over two months before his 51st birthday, the King of Pop was rushed to the hospital for cardiac arrest and pronounced dead yesterday, June 25, 2009. His career began four decades ago with The Jackson 5 and blossomed into a rich and successful solo careers spanning decades. Five of his solo studio albums are among the world’s best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982) with over 100 million copies sold, Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
It should come as no surprise that many are calling Michael Jackson the Elvis Presley of our generation. Personal trials and tribulations aside, Michael Jackson was a great entertainer and earned the title King of Pop. He will undoubtedly live on in our hearts and minds. Read what some have to say about the late, great Michael Jackson:
“We will always love you, Michael, always.” – Jermaine Jackson
“Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend.” — Steven Spielberg
“He was deep.” – reader Gladys
“R.I.P. to Michael Jackson my music god. R.I.P. MJ: he lives forever in my heart. I will never forget the day he came to see me in the studio and I played him music.” – Wyclef
“It’s taken me a moment to grasp this … I understand life and death are part of the same magnificent cycle. But I literally stopped and broke down When I received ‘that’ text . Mike’s music lives in my DNA. It’s bigger than tabloids. That music shaped me. The frequency is real. My heart and artistry are truly influenced and forever impacted. Thank you Micheal for your hard work , dedication, philanthropy, and the sacrifice of your young spirit. Your vision and imagination live through us.” – Erykah Badu
“This has blindsided me. I feel strange. And sad. Reminders of how short life is. I’m going to profess my love to someone. you should too.” – Ingrid Michaelson
“I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.” — Madonna
“I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I’m devastated he’s gone!” — Britney Spears
“I would rather watch “Thriller” over and over than any other music video ever made.” – Shawn Fogel, Golden Bloom
“Heal the world make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race.” – Ashlee Simpson Wentz
“Stop the gossip, stop the speculation. Take a moment for Micheal and remember his gift to us all. He was truly great. May he Rest in Peace.” – Joel Madden, Good Charlotte
“Not many people have long successful careers in the music industry, yet alone over a 30 year career. Michael Jackson did and earned his title ‘King of Pop”. I’ll never forget the first time I saw “Thriller”. His voice, songs, dance moves and ground breaking music videos will live on forever leaving a legacy where we answer ‘yes’ to ‘do you remember the time?’” – Stacy Clark
“America lost a little bit of its history today. So sad when a true genius dies! R.I.P. to the gloved one.” – Mona Shiekh, Popwreckoning
“Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our shock and sadness over his death and our hearts go out the Jackson family, Michael’s children and to his fans worldwide.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
“No one better than brotha Mike.” – Q-Tip
“Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!” – Sean P. Diddy Combs
“I know we make light of me never getting sleep and overworking. But I’ll say that he didn’t go in vein. I will do my best to slow down as to not overwork myself to the point in which I can’t even enjoy life anymore. I’m devastated over this but we all have memories. I just hope that he will get due justice in all the press memorials and whatnot. I know he was mired in controversy the last decade of his life but i think its time we let him rest in peace and learn to separate the ART and the ARTIST. –that is the MJ I will forever remember.” – ?uestlove
“Off the wall was my second record I ever bought.” – Margaret Cho
“His music is just as relevant now as it was the day they pressed record, I’m sure it will remain so for generations to come. R.I.P. Mr. Jackson” – Samantha Ronson
“There was no one like him.” – Greg Laswell
“We should never stop talking about Michael Jackson. I hope Michael will get the respect he deserved.” – Rev. Al Sharpton
“Raising a glass for Michael! Wow – I was obsessed with Thriller when it came out.” – Ariel Hyatt, CyberPR
“Michael Jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings.” -
Miley Cyrus
“Being asked to give a quote about all of this. so in shock I can’t find any words…” – Kid Sister
“Michael Jackson died? Seriously, as Wolf Blitzer said it, my stomach got knots.” – James Shotwell, Under the Gun blog
“I keep getting chills. This is crazy. Too much.” – Estelle
“Today is a very, very sad day for music. Whether you are familiar with his work or not, the impact Michael Jackson had on pop culture made him one of the most iconic artists of all time. As a fellow artist, you can see what his music did—it transcended generations; It created a movement. It’s something people only dream of doing. He was a musical genius, and by far, one of the greatest performers of all time. There will never be anyone like him—ever. Thank you for inspiring us the way you did. R.I.P.” – Tamar Kaprelian
“Thank you Michael Jackson for being my FIRST of many! My mother took me to my FIRST concert, I was only two years old. I fell in love. My fifth birthday party was M.J. themed, I insisted. My mother found a lookalike to come sing happy birthday and I KNEW he wasn’t MY Michael.” – Solange Knowles
“A strange story comes to an end. i do hope that history will remember jackson the artist/genius/pioneer.” – David Ford
“Rip MJ! Dream as if u’ll live 4ever, Live as if u’ll die 2day. U only live once, but if u do it right dats all u need! U did it Big MJ!!” – Reverend Run
“Both parents on the phone asking me if I remember MJ inviting me to take a pix w/ him when I was a kid. I do. It was creepy. I refused.” – Annie Heckenberger
“Noooooooo! Michael Jackson was my childhood! I loved him. So so so so sad. So nearly saw him live. Just a couple of weeks. Crying.” – Imogen Heap
“Oh god…Michael Jackson just died. one of my childhood heros. moment of silence, sorrow and reflection on a massive talent & tragic life. let’s share a shrine/moment of silence @ 7:45 pm outside @thetroubadour tonight. if you’re coming, bring candles and flowers for the king.” – Amanda Palmer, Dresden Dolls
“We just cued up “Wanna Be Starting Something” in the office. What a great song. R.I.P.” – Diablo Cody
“R.I.P. Michael Jackson. Greatest performer ever.” – Talib Kweli
“Sad, sad day for the music world & for family/fans of Michael Jackson. he was my 1st favorite artist & 1 of the very best ever. RIP Michael.” – Earfarm blog
“Thriller” was the first tape I ever bought in a record store after I saw him go supernova on the Motown 25th anniversary special.” – Cary Brothers
“R.I.P. Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. what a tremendous loss in one day…. thoughts and prayers with their families and loved ones…” – Mandy Moore
“R.I.P. MICHAEL JACKSON: We’re in a state of utter shock. You’ll be sorely missed.” – The Music Slut blog
“I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.” — Quincy Jones
“We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.” — Justin Timberlake
“In shock.” – Matt, The Music Slut blog
“Sad. Michael Jackson. Dead. Bum out.” – Eisley
“When we worked together on ‘Bad,’ I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.” — Martin Scorcese
“Listening to ‘Human Nature’ by Michael Jackson and I am crying.” – Trent Vanegas, Pink is the New Blog
“Feels hypocritical not caring about Ed McMahon or Farah Fawcett, and then being upset about Michael Jackson’s death. I didn’t know any of them.” – Paco Fish
The Gay Blades
“Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ.” — John Mayer
“‘Let the madness in the music get to you, life ain’t so bad at all, if you live it off the wall’ – Thanks for the music, the moonwalk and my childhood.” – Ali Hussain, Popwreckoning
“Michael was a great and wonderful artist and performer. We were privileged and honored to record him and his brothers here at Philadelphia International Records.” – Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff
“I remember my brother and cousin in 1987 bringing the boom box out into the living room at my grandma’s house and performing a dance to “Billy Jean” they had made up. They had to be about 7 years old and doing the classic spin move and grabbing their crotches! My mom, aunt, ME and granny WENT CRAZY! Michael Jackson made the crotch grabbing move not raunchy BUT hot!” – Kaytea McIntosh, XO Publicity
“Sony Music Entertainment expresses deep sadness and sorrow at the unexpected passing of Michael Jackson and extends wishes of sympathy and condolences to all of Michael’s family, friends and fans around the world.” – Sony
We at Popwreckoning would like to extend our deepest condolences to Michael Jackson’s survivors. His musical legacy shall live on. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us.
Tonic, a site that makes it easy for people to do good things everyday, is launching a Celebrity iPod Auction Series to benefit Music Rising, an organization that replaces lost or destroyed instruments in the hurricane-affected Gulf Coast region.
Every week now through August, Tonic will launch between 1 and 5 autographed iPods loaded with a celebrity’s personal playlist and signature on the back of the iPod. Tonic has over 70 A-List celebrities participating from ex-Presidents to rock stars to models. The best part: ONE HUNDRED percent of the revenue will go directly to rescue the musical culture of the Central Gulf.
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Every week now through August, Tonic will launch between 1 and 5 autographed iPods loaded with a celebrity’s personal playlist and signature on the back of the iPod. Tonic has over 70 A-List celebrities participating from ex-Presidents to rock stars to models. The best part: ONE HUNDRED percent of the revenue will go directly to rescue the musical culture of the Central Gulf.