Stadium Love: On Metric and The Happiness That Follows

Well, it's been a while since I've done anything related to live concerts, mostly due to me either being underwhelmed be the shows(Noel Gallagher) or just not liking them(Pearl Jam). So, for your reading pleasure, I'm going to recount the events of the last two days for me and my cousin and our wild shenanigans in Toronto going to see not one but TWO Metric concerts!!
1. The First Day
Okay, so I'd heard on a radio station that Metric were gonna do a free show down at Sugar Beach in Toronto, so I sent the link to my cousin, who just so we're clear is a super hardcore Metric fan, even more-so then I. We said we'd try and meet up down there sometime before it started, which was 8pm. Well I got there at around 6:30, and it was packed! I must still have the mindset that nobody knows who Metric is so that I'll be the first one there and get the best spot. Well, I may not have gotten the best spot, but when they were calling out to who one prizes, I won a copy of their new album Synthetica(on vinyl!!) when it wasn't even out in stores yet. So at around 8pm, having gotten lost, my cousins(her and her sister) both showed up(they found me on top of a water fountain trying to get a better view). Metric came on, and while I'd like to say it was a amazing show, I don't really remember too too much about what they actually played because we spent most of the time milling around trying to find a better spot. All I remember was after we found a good spot, they played "Monster Hospital" and then left after what must've been only 40 minutes. I was a bit disappointed by this, but hey, if it's free you can't really complain. Also it had been raining most of the day, and only after they left did it finally stop. Thank's for that Metric.
2. The Second Day
After a quick sleep, I was back the next day in Toronto. For this show, I had won tickets on Metric's Facebook page in a first come first serve kind of thing. This concert wasn't really planned in advance, only a weeks notice to arrange everything(not that that was too much, mind you) and I was even amazed I won them at all. So we got to this venue, the Opera House at about 5:45pm and there were about 20 people lined up already. We waited for about 2 hours in line before we were let in, and then the craziest thing happened: they were giving away free drinks at the door. I'm not joking. FREE DRINKS!! And from what I could see, only like the first 50 people got them, so lucky us. We had a spot next to a set of stairs that meant not only could we lean on a railing, we could see just over the heads of everyone, perfect spots. While we were waiting, we caught a glimpse of a few elderly ladies(instead of the usual old women) sitting in these reserved seats, and my cousin wondered "Is that their parents over there?" I though it might be, but wasn't too sure(they were about 4 feet or 1.3 meters away from us).
The concert started at about 9:15 and they played through the first 3 or 4 songs from the new album in a row before Emily Haines talked to the audience, and then they went into (I think, as I'm too lazy to look up the actual set list) "Hustle Rose", which I really got into, more then I've gotten into any song at any concert I've ever been to. This went into Empty, which once again I was jumping and dancing to this as well, like so many others around us. They then went into 2 or 3 more songs from the new album, in between playing "Dead Disco", which I'm ashamed to say I didn't recognize when I first heard it. After this, the concert kept getting better and better playing, in this order "Gold Girls Guns, Stadium Love(then coming out for the encore)Help I'm Alive, Monster Hospital" and finally finishing with a emotional acoustic rendition of their "maximum fucking hit" "Gimme Sympathy". By this point I was covered in sweat, having head banged to all these songs(well, except the last one), jumped around like crazy and really got into it, and before you ask, no I wasn't drunk or anything. It was probably the best time I'd ever had at a concert and the way they ended it, leaving the audience wanting more, is exactly how bands should be, always leaving you wanting more.
Well, believe it or not this wasn't the end of the night. We found out that indeed the people near us were Emily Haines's parents. So we were waiting for our ride, still inside the venue when all these people start having a party. It was a VIP thing I think, so we were kinda gatecrashing, but not really. So we go back to where the stage is, and all of a sudden we can see members of the band talking to family members and friends. We saw who must've been Emily's sister and mother(her sister looks just like her) hugging Emily and we were like 3 feet(or 1 meter) away! We were so excited, but we didn't want to disturb them cause we weren't invited after all and they were meeting with family and friends. But then, we saw Metric's bass player Joshua Winstead walking over in our general direction and my cousin grabbed his arm and just said thank you to him and we probably spent 5 minutes talking to us, thanking us for coming out, shaking our hands many times, talking about how important fans are and he didn't seem like he was in any rush to leave, it was actually my cousin that let him get back to whatever he was up to. After that, we ran outside, jumping with with, skipping down the street so happy that we met somebody from Metric. It was so unreal and it was very nice of him to talk to us. Big bands lose this connection with their fans, so it's quite a change to see someone from the band not only shaking your hand, but having a 5 minute conversation with you.
3. The Morning After.
At the time of this writing, it's 9:17am, almost 12 hours since they came onstage. This concert is one of the happiest moments of my life not only by the band themselves, but for who I went to the concert with; the cousin I went with was the very same cousin who I mentioned in my Beaver Reflections article, the one who put me back onto the right path with my depression. It's been almost 2 years since that day and I've always been thinking in the back of my mind of someway to repay her for her kindness, something that it in itself is impossible to do, but the way I feel right now is a feeling that I never want to go away. I was in the train station afterwards, all alone listening to "Stadium Love", knowing that I would always think of this night when I hear it and that I never want this night to end. This is my happy moment, the brightest moment inside me right now. Coming home at 2am, you couldn't wipe the smile I still had on my face. I've never been so happy that I've cried tears of joy, as I did in the station last night. Nothing will ever replace last night and that's alright by me. The combination of two things that I care/love so much is just beyond words. I still feel it right now as I'm writing this. Moments like this are once in a lifetime and are the moments you will be able to look back on and smile at 5, 10, 15 years from now. I've had the time of my life and the moments just keep replaying and replaying over and over.
And for those of you who still doubt how happy I was, just picture me dancing and jumping in front of a mirror in a train station, headphones blasting as I "sing" Stadium Love to myself. Yes, I did.
So I want to thank my cousin once again for coming with me last night. You were so much fun to be with, you made great moments even greater, and you've once again made me feel so so happy. Hopefully we can do something like this again, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'm still smiling writing this(also, I still haven't eaten)
You and I have stadium love!

Old Song Review: Don't Look Back In Anger

Yesterday(or however many day's it's been since I posted it) I did a review of Wonderwall, calling it a good song that maybe gets too much praise for what its worth(figures that even quoting myself, I'm too lazy to look up my actual work). So today, I'm going to review for you another Oasis song, for your pleasure, the song that mentioned kept Wonderwall off Number One in England, Don't Look Back in Anger.
This song on the album comes right after the previously reviewed song, so for many of you, this may just be the "song after Wonderwall" on that album, What's the Story Morning Glory. For me however, this song is one of two songs on the album that I'd call as being the best.
The song is once again Beatles influenced, as the opening chords are (supposedly) lifted from John Lennon's Imagine. Is this true? Yes and no. While they may very well have been the same chords from Imagine, doesn't it seem likely that in the world of music, someone was bound to use them again at one point? I think many songs if you look hard enough have the same chords(which you can all do, cause again, I'm too lazy to list off examples this time); this song is the only one that gets attention because it was a hit song off a hit album, just like Imagine. Other then the opening chords though, there really isn't anything similar to the two songs.
The song itself is beautifully written, with an organ that comes in at the chorus to give it that feel-good feeling that we get when we hear certain songs. Noel Gallagher sings this and he never sounded better. This song was his masterpiece, the one song that he knew he could always point to when people may have doubted him as a writer/singer cause both here are spot on. I've heard rumors that the line in the chorus "So Sally can wait..." was inspired by his brother, but if this is actually true or not I'm not too sure. Noel has said that it was true and his brother was next to him, but the manner they discuss it makes me unsure. In any case it doesn't take anything away from the song and if anything, it's nice to see that Liam might have been coming to his own as a writer by giving the odd idea to his brother on his songs.
This song is the one that you have to hear it live to really understand how great Oasis were as a band as well as how devoted their fans were. Most times, the crowd would sing in unison to the chorus and when I say crowd I really mean audience, cause literally, the whole place sings along with it. I should know.
I was at one of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds shows late last year in November at Massey Hall in Toronto. He ended with this song and it was one of the coolest things I'd seen at a concert. The entire audience stood up(all 2000 of us, myself included) and basically sang the entire song with him. I remember looking around as this was going on and I don't remember seeing a single person sitting at the end. It was something not to be believed. He had done a few Oasis songs that night, including Wonderwall, but nothing got a response like Don't Look Back In Anger did. That's magic.
Overall, I'd for sure put this at the top of my favorite Oasis songs off all time(maybe Live Forever or Some Might Say being other top contenders). Everyone's always looking at the crown on the Queen's head, but only a few look at the jewels on her hands. This song is the jewel on Oasis's hand, perfect and sometimes overlooked.
Rating: 5/5

Old Song Review: Wonderwall

For last month, I was going to put up a tribute to the band who wrote today's song, Oasis. As you might've guessed, that never happened, and probably won't, like many things on this blog I lost interest in the moment I started them. Still, I owe you something, so for today I'll review a song that is the most looked up song on Google for guitar players to learn, Wonderwall.
This was Oasis's biggest hit over here in North America, it being their only top 10 hit, but over in England, this only got as high as Number 2. This was hardly a problem for them, as they had had a Number One over there, with Some Might Say(the last song with original drummer Tony McCarroll), and would go onto have a few more number ones, with such gems as D'Ya Know What I Mean, from their follow up album Be Here Now.
Now like many of the great songs, this one was inspired by a girlfriend of either lead singer Liam Gallagher or main songwriter Noel Gallagher(yes the two are related). The song was rumored to have wanted to be sung by Noel, but later relented to Liam in exchange for singing their next single, Don't Look Back in Anger(which got to Number One in England).
The title itself comes from the first Beatles solo album, called Wonderwall Music by George Harrison released back in 1966(having this album doesn't make you hipster, it makes you an obsessive fan who has access to a credit card and a basement to store this shit). As far as a song goes, there's really nothing to dislike about it; the production is very good, the singing is nice, the lyrics are very lovey-dovey and impossible not to flatter a girl into a blowjob if you dedicate it to her(not all girls mind you, I apologize[nevermind, I take that back]). The only thing that this song isn't is the best Oasis song.
Oasis were not a one hit wonder and it's a bit of a shame that they seem to be remembered only for this song. The band themselves even said it wasn't one of their best, which is a different approach from the usual way of just plain saying that they don't like the song and not ever playing it again(Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit, Neil Young's Heart of Gold, Radiohead's Creep and every good Bob Dylan song are examples of this trend).
They played live all the time, but what surprises me is that it's not the climax of the show, not the song that every fan sings along to. There are far better Oasis songs that they made that came out before and after this. If you look hard enough, you'll find your favorite Oasis song. Odds are it's not Wonderwall.
Overall, Wonderwall hit with a shock of lightning and looks like it will live forever.
Rating: 4/5

The Beaver: Part 2 Reflection

Depression is something that many of us have had or are going through and many of us never talk about what happened to us, what may have caused it or how we got better. Today, in light of The Beaver, I'll be doing just this.
For about a year and a half, back in 2009, I was in my first serious relationship.I had not had anyone like her in my life at this point, being single for most of the time, having some, shall we say, nasty habits that I will not indulge into at this time that didn't make me feel like a great person. I was over the moon for this girl, doing everything that I could to make myself be a better person for this girl, doing the things she wanted to do, wearing the clothes that she wanted me to wear, eat places she wanted to, etc etc. I would do everything for her, and yet I would still screw up, and be in a constant fear of being up against the wall, unable to enjoy life going around me because of the cause and effect that was happening in my personal life.
Eventually, this strain and total bending over backwards for her took it's toll, causing us to have very frequent fight, all of this leading up towards a breakup in July of 2010.
We stopped talking for a bit, but we got back together in October, once gain I was over the moon for her. Let the reader not get the impression that I did not love her, as I did. No one can go through all the pain that I went through and not have any love for this women. This culminated in March with a second breakup, but we still continued to hang out until August, going through a almost weekly routine of fights and making up to each other, not a healthy way for anyone to live. We went back out again a third time in December of 2011, but if you can see the trend, the following few months had us fighting, making up and me literally getting sick over the whole thing and a final breakup at the end of March of this year. I haven't spoken to her since.
The depression aspect of this women in my life was that I gave her control about how I should live my life in a certain way, under a certain style and every other way was foolish and stupid...and I believed it. People are unique and like in The Beaver, should never put all their eggs in one basket when dealing with depression. It might be a temporary solution, but it won't cure you.
Now, at this point you may be wondering how I'm doing and if i'm over my depression from this women. The answer to this question is yes, but it didn't happen recently, it actually happened almost 2 years ago, right after the first breakup. Nothing was as tough as the first one, getting over the heartbreak that followed.
One day, me and my sister went to see my cousin, who was celebrating her 20th birthday. I hadn't seen her in almost a year and a half, and I always liked her, being the closest family member to my age(along with her sister who is only 11 months older then me). She was someone that I always looked to. Anyway, the way she greeted me, and the conversation that we had about music and what she had been doing in her life and vice versa somehow had a profoundly positive effect on me at that moment. It was the first positive experience I'd really had since the end of the relationship. The way her face lit up and the way that she hugged me when I gave her my little birthday present to her(it was 15$ to Chapters/Indigo Books), is a feeling that I haven't felt since that day, it was just a purely positive moment, one of happiness and love that I can still feel right now as I write this.
Now, I'm not saying that everything got better once this happened, but it was the first step towards a recovery that had many missteps and false leads, but one that looking back today, has gotten me up and away from the person not only from 2 years ago, but from the person that I was almost 4 years ago. Still, each day is another day, and there are many dark days that I've had, and will have later no doubt. Some things with me are different these days, such as I'm not as mean on my blog as I used to be, simply because I'm tired of thriving off negativity. It's not a good way to live life, and as you may be able to tell, it filters in some of my posts both good and bad(though still there are many things that I will always hate...I'm looking at you Radiohead). There are many memories that I look back to, but not that bad times, the good ones that you remember, cause in the end that is what you remember, the good stuff. No one wants to linger on the bad in their life, or it can lead you down the very path that I and many many people have gone down.
So for all depressed people out there reading this(and you have to be low to want to read this blog, jkin), if you think that this is the end, if there isn't a way out, if you can't do anything to make yourself feel good, seek help from someone who loves you, or go talk to a professional. I did eventually and it worked wonders to me. Go to a happy place that you went as a child, find a happy memory because they are all there, be it locked away or out in the open. Nothing is more important to me and should be to you, then feeling good about what you're doing. If it involves taking a couple weeks off your job, despite how unrealistic it may sound, you should really do it. It could mean all the world to you and save your life. I never tried to commit suicide(not saying I may not have thought about it, which I did at one point), but think how many depressed people think they have nothing to live for. If you think there is the slightest ray of light in your life, go towards it.
I'm sorry if this is a bit preachy, but take it from someone, you don't want to stay in the dark place forever. You can't live life like that, and nor should anyone else. That's about all I can say. I'm better now, but like I said, each day is a battle, somedays are sunny, others are cloudy(as weird as this may sound, my days can be effected by is it's sunny or cloudy/rainy nowadays, whether it will be a good day or not), but each day is a new day, one more down the road.
And to the cousin who helped me out all those years ago, I will forever be grateful for everything that you ever said and did for me. You made me happy, you made me want to live again, you helped me down the road to get to become the person that I am today. I cannot express more love and thanks for you because of this.
Thank you Sarah.

The Beaver Part One: Review

This is going to be a 2 part review due to the content of the film is something that hits a chord inside me. This will be the usual funny(if you call it that) review(if you call it that too) while the second part will be a little more, well personal/serious.
To be honest, I only wanted to see this movie because Jennifer Lawrence was in it, because ever since Hunger Games, I've become somewhat of a fanboy for her. When I saw the trailer for this, I, like many people laughed at the idea of this film and especially given that it had Mel Gibson in the starring role as a depressed husband who finds his ray of light in a beaver puppet. This is the movies weakest point, ironically. I think playing up this aspect of the film ruined it's chances of being taken seriously by anyone, when there is so much more to the film besides it. The main theme of the film is depression, how we deal with it and what it costs us in return. Almost everyone suffers here, be it Gibson, his wife(played by Jodie Starling, uhh I mean Foster), son (played by Anton Yelchin, who I am jealous of simply because he has gotten to make out with both Kat Dennings and Jennifer Lawrence, though not in the same film) and Jennifer Lawrence's character, who lost her spark when her brother died some time ago. The ways of dealing with the depression in this are different for each character, be it throwing people out, banging your head against the wall, sleeping the day away or simply ignoring the underlining factor. It may be a bit weak in some mines that everything is just cured at the end, and that how he ends up getting rid of his problems way bit a bit extreme, but for the most part, the movie handles itself quite well.
Overall, The Beaver may be just another movie for you. It may be a joke to even consider watching something like this. Well, believe me, I thought the same and I was wrong. Maybe you will be too. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Rating: 4.5/5

Movie Review: Red State

Of all the directors in America, none have ever been as personal as Kevin Smith. He does things the way he wants it done for the people that want to see it. And now in this day and age, he's decided to walk away from directing altogether. And while those of use who love him may not want him to depart from this medium, Red State shows us why he should stay.
This movie is probably more well known for all the buzz it picked up before it's release. It was independently distributed by Kevin Smith himself, promoted by many Q & A sessions that he has become famous for doing. The movie itself, all things considered, is one of his best. Myself included, Kevin Smith has been hit and miss with me, with Clerks, Chasing Amy, Clerks 2 and Zack and Miri being my favorites while Mallrats, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back being just okay for me(I didn't see Jersey Girl/Cop Out) and it goes without saying I was worried this would be a miss.
But it isn't, and I think this has to do for a few reasons:

1. The actors are all good in this film, from John Goodman to that guy who played Kurt Russels son in Sky High.
2. This isn't like any other film that Kevin Smith has ever done before i.e its not a straight up comedy.
3. The fact that anything reminiscent of Fred Phelps could be as good as this is a testament to how insane this world really is.
4. It's the first film where he's worked with a Oscar winning actress(not Oscar winning writer, before you get on my case).
5. Kevin Smith appears on film for the first time in 5 years(abit just a vocal cameo)
6. The run time is short enough that even if you can't stand this film, it won't waste too much of your time, much like Haywire.

Kevin Smith claims this to be the greatest film that he's ever created and I can see where he's coming from with this: it's unlike anything he ever has done before. It's more action packed and shot differently from all his other films, a point that I applaud him for. Not enough directors try new things nowadays, often staying the course until they are either acknowledged for their achievements or stop making movies altogether. The movie may not be for everyone however, as the same humour that has been present in all of Kevin Smith's work is also here as well. 

Overall, Red State may be the last great film that this man ever makes(well, second last at least according to him). It's by far one of his best, one that fans and abnormal people alike should enjoy. If you aren't a stick in the mud. Fuck Pete Campbell. 

Rating: 4/5

Cover of a Rolled Up Stone: Top 10 Cover Songs

Unlike some deodorants, many cover songs that are actually recorded and released are unnecessary and mostly lead to to listen to the greater original version. Sometimes however, you hear a cover that just hits the marks all wrong and sends your mind back 3 years and makes you lose all respect for that artist although. For your viewing pleasure however, that list is not the one you will be reading about today*.

No today, I remember the covers that I loved the most, the ones that hit that mark in all the right places. This is once again my personal list, so many songs that you may see here will either

a) not be on anyone else's list and

b) make you lose what little respect you may have left for me may evaporate in the ensuing minutes(but once again I digress).

So why not just skip to the end of this list like I know you will, here I go down the slope with my top 10 favorite covers (as of 2012).

10.How Soon Is Now by The Smiths as covered by T.A.T.U

While some may say it is sacrilegious to cover the Smiths(especially anyone who still calls themselves a emo in 2012), I find this cover by t.A.T.u to be quite good in my opinion. It still has the guitar riff at the beginning, they don't change the lyrics and while they may not be the best singers, they do a decent job with the vocals. In fact, this may be one of the more interesting foreign pop groups ever. Yes, they were marketed as lesbians when they really weren't and this overshadows the rather good music that people never seem to listen to. For the pop hipster, I'd recommend a listen of them again. In any case, while some think to be a joke(including Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr), this has gotten a pretty decent following and people seem to like it more now, of all people the original singer Morrissary(to the astute hipster who reads this blog, if you can tell me which episode this appears in in Gossip Girl, well good job to you in advance).

9. Just Like Honey by The Jesus and Mary Chain as covered by the Submarines

A bonus track on the end of their last album, I didn't even know this was a cover until I heard the original at the end of Lost in Translation. That being said, I still haven't listened to the original(which makes me a lazy reviewer) and I think this song is perfect for the Submarines. The guitars, and the way that their voices both come in one after the other harmonizing with each other at the end, it's just a great cover to me. If you still haven't listened to the Submarines, the two singers are a couple so this song goes well with their dynamic and other songs. Like I said, I thought this was one of their own songs and stood out as my favorite song on the album. It being a cover doesn't diminish this distinction and my affection for one of my favorite bands of all time, The Submarines. Who knows, maybe now that I put it on the list I'll actually go and listen to the original(he says doubtfully, mind you).

8. Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin as covered by Karen O/Trent Reznor

I was aware of these two artists before I heard this song, but it wasn't until I heard this in the trailer for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" that I began to take a interest in their music. But even then this song didn't have a huge impact on me, it just sounded kind of cool to me...that is until I saw how it was used in the movie itself. The opening credits for the movie use this song perfectly, using the music as a canvas to paint one of the most awesome title sequences EVER!!! Let's face it, after you heard this, you knew that you were going to see a dark but awesome movie. It's even greater when you consider that the original is so well known by one of the greatest bands ever(it's also their shortest song) and Trent Reznor and Karen O were able to improve on it, both with the crazy effects in the background and with Karen O's amazing vocal performance hitting all the high notes that Robert Plant made so many people strive to reach. You may thing this is a desecration of the song and it's just a marketing ploy to get people into the theatre, but then you probably didn't get the movie.

7. All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan as covered by Jimi Hendrix

This song is almost a standard on cover lists simply for how smooth it is. Jimi Hendrix did many covers in his somewhat short time on this planet, including many Dylan song but this is the one he mastered, the one where everything clicked. Nothing was too excessive, he sounded great singing, Mitch Mitchell pounds away in the background, Noel Redding is slappin' the bass(points for the reference) and of course Jimi's guitar work on the four part solo is nothing short of legendary. It akins back to his days as a blues guitarist, while adding a bit of jazz into the mix and transformed it into a new form of rock n roll simply titled rock. Many, many, many people have tried hard to imitate what he was able to do with seemed to be considerable ease for a genius. It's almost standard for everyone to play this song live once and when they do it they do it this way, including the creator himself, Bob Dylan(when, of course he actually decides to play this live). Many would have this at the top of their lists, but this is my favorite, so here it lies.

6. Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells as covered by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

I had this a bit higher before, but I moved it down the list for one reason: the usage of it in the Runaways movie. Yes, we've heard my rant about it before, but the idea that this song and everything else was because Joan Jett was heartbroken by Cherie Currie is one of the dumbest, stupidest ideas anyone could put in a biopic. Now onto the song itself. Joan Jett has never been one to shy away from covering songs for albums. Her first Number One song was a cover song itself, originally written by the Arrows. Another reason I put this on my list and not I Love Rock N Roll is that that song is so overplayed and overdone that I've lost a care for it(not that it isn't a bad song mind you). This song is beautiful, a ballad as sung by a supposed bad ass, the queen to rock n roll makes her sound almost venerable and sad, which is not the image that she tries to portray herself as. The music video is a bit chezzy(though she looks very pretty in it), but you'll never find a better mix for a love song/rock song as you may find in this cover.

5. Jesus Don't Want Me For a Sunbeam/The Man Who Sold the World/Where Did You Sleep Last Night? by The Vaselines, David Bowie and Leadbelly as covered by Nirvana(that's a mouthful)

I know that there are 3 more covers off this album that could've been included as well, but they were performed with the original artist so I don't consider them to be true covers. That being said, these 3 covers that Nirvana do when they did Unplugged are nothing short of legendary for Nirvana. The cover of The Vaselines song, a group whom Kurt Cobain really liked, has a accordion in it. An accordion!! When was the last time you ever heard a good song with an accordion in it. Of course the lyrics of the song with lines like "Don't expect me to die for thee" are all the more chilling considering what happened to Cobain 5 months later.

It's reported by David Bowie that many of his fans thought him cool when he did a cover of Nirvana in concert. Understandably, Bowie doesn't like his music to be regarded this way. What may be the only non-unplugged song that Nirvana did this night, it still is really cool to me has more depth then the original song. Krist Novoselic also dos a great job on the bass here, which is very noticeable here, something unusual for Nirvana songs that were mostly guitar or vocal driven(yes, there are songs where the bass is prominent that Nirvana did, I'm not saying there weren't, just that they were few and far between).

But in the end, it all comes down to the final song. It's interesting that when you watch the DVD, before he sings this, he allows the audience to call out requests, while playfully acknowledging some and all around ignoring others. This was the point my dad came in one day and said he though Kurt was a decent guy and he couldn't believe that he was the screaming man that he heard in my room all the time. Well, when he sat down to watch the last song, he was in for a surprise. It's a bit of a odd choice to do as a finale, but when he puts his trademark vocals in, it becomes almost a epitaph for what Nirvana was and what it had become. It may be the last great song that was ever recorded by them and it was completely different from where they were when they began only 7 years ago. The vocal performance he gives still gives me chills to hear, even more so to watch. Very few music moments are this good. After this song, he was asked to do a encore, but even the man himself knew he couldn't top that performance. And other then maybe one more concert, he never would again(please MTV, release Live & Loud on DVD!!!!).

4. Into The Groove by Madonna as covered by Sonic Youth(retitled Into the Groove[y])

Of all the covers on this list, this is most likely the one you've both never heard of, and by far the strangest. I mean, if you know the Madonna version, it's this sweet 80's pop/dance song that is typical Madonna, good pop music. Sonic Youth manage to turn this into a slow, almost undesirable song(which is of course the reason why I put it on this list to begin with). With this new change, hipsters who are too embarrassed to dance to Madonna(even though she was admired by Sonic Youth and vise versa) can finally have their 80's dance track. The bass, unlike some Youth songs, is more upfront along with the weird guitar sounds in the background and Thurston Moores deadpan vocal, intermixed with Madonna's. It's a very strange track to listen to, but by Sonic Youth standards it could almost be called commercial. They did many other covers ranging from folk to classic punk songs, but this is far and away a unique song. Think of all those shitty Youtube videos of people trying to do guitar covers of current pop songs. Yeah, I know they suck and that also makes this song special: the first pop cover done rock style that sounds good. Well done Sonic Youth, may you one day sort yourselves out and reunite(Thurston and Kim 4Ever!!!)

3. Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen as covered by Jeff Buckley

How I can't stand all the covers I've heard of this song, on YouTube, American Idol, at funerals, weddings, Shrek, acting auditions, Twitter tweets, inspirational quotes everywhere!! I'm sure most people have forgotten the original version which wasn't all that popular until many years later. Was it because of this version? I think in part, though if you ask 10 people who Jeff Buckley is, all you get are dirty/confused stares from passers -by, wondering why you are walking around in winter asking people who Jeff Buckley is(not saying I've ever done this of course. No really I haven't....Seriously). This is a very emotional cover done by an emotional singer who died far too soon, never achieving the success that he deserved in life. This is the best song that he ever did and while I'm sure still many people would not like to be remembered for a cover song, this one is a proud and sad exception. The guitar work is stunning and the way it mixes in with his voice is great.The guitar break in the middle could've been cut if he wanted to so for those who love this part of the song, like myself, be glad that it was left in. The way he holds the last note at the end for what seems like forever is unreal. It's a song that makes you reflect on all that you've done wrong, a song to play when you feel down. It builds up to a powerful climax that when you listen to another song afterwards, it just seems pointless after listening to greatness created by greatness.

2. Twist and Shout by the Isley Brothers as covered by The Beatles

This may be the first great rock cover ever released by any band. The Beatles were well known for being lovers of rock n roll back when they were just starting out, covering everything from Gene Vincent to Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. If you listen to any of the cover albums that they have done over the years, you can find some, shall we say, interesting versions of them. But while they may be great, none of them are anything more then a tribute to the original. This cover may be the only one they ever did that superceeded the original, so much so that most people don't even know that this is a cover. It's infamous that it was recorded in one take at the end of a long recording session, and that John Lennon blew his vocal chords at the end of the take(you can sorta hear him cough at the end, apparently coughing up blood afterward), but what is incredible is that how well the song as aged over time. It charted again in 1982 with the release of Ferris Buellers Day Off, making it their longest charting single ever in the United States. But that's not all, when The Beatles finally got onto iTunes, this song charted yet again in the United Kingdom 48 years after it was released!! While that is a startling achievement for a band that has everything, it's easy to see why this song is as popular as it have been. If you haven't heard this, then what the fuck have you been doing with your life? What are you doing reading this blog for that matter? Get the fuck outta here and go listen. Please.

1. Real Love by John Lennon as covered by Regina Spektor

Now like most people, I'm not in the giving nature quite often, especially for charity albums that help some great cause that seems to be the flavor of the month with a lot of people. They get some well know artists to cover a bunch of really good songs, they sound like shit but you feel good on the inside because you gave to charity and that makes you a good person. Well, you'd be surprised that my number one pick not only comes from one such album, but initially I didn't care too much for it. It took me quite a few listens of the song before I really started to love it. It should be mentioned that this is not the fault of the artist herself. Regina Spektor, for those who don't know, is this really awesome singer/songwriter from New York, she's released a bunch of albums over the last decade, all with very strange lyrics but with a pop melody. She's probably one of the greatest songwriters of the last few years, and it all culminated with the release of her latest album and my personal favorite Far(an album I recommend as a starting point if you want to listen to her). But anyway, the main reason that I had such a hard time with this song is that it goes without saying that 'Real Love' is probably my favorite song of all time. I should know, I've loved it since I heard it 5 years ago at the end of the documentary The Beatles Anthology. Yes, technically that's the Beatles version, but there exist version with only John Lennon on it, so I call it a John Lennon song, that the Beatles didn't cover, but reworked into their own(just to give you an idea how much I've listened to this song, with the 3 versions on my iTunes, I've heard this song a total of 1547 times!). But why this is my top song. Because, while many artists try to turn this song into their own, be it adding new music or lyrics, Regina doesn't stray down this path. It's just a piano, the lyrics and her, exactly the way John Lennon originally recorded it. Her voice is pitch perfect, the piano is beautifully done and it she puts more effort into it then she ever had to for a charity single. It's buried right at the very end of the John Lennon tribute album Instant Karma! and really makes the album for me(The Black Eyed Peas do a cover of Give Peace a Chance on this, just to give you a idea of how terrible this album really is). In any case, one of my favorite artist, doing my favorite song by one of my favorite artists, it seems almost a no brainer for it to be Number One.

And before I go, some notable cover songs that didn't quite make the top 10 that deserve mention:

Wearing and Tearing by Led Zeppelin as covered by Zebonka

He claims that it turned out really bad. Also claims he's not a drummer/bass player/singer. Bollocks to that, this is just as awesome as the original. many have tried with more people and failed, and this guy does all himself. Bravo Scotty!

All Apoligies by Nirvana as covered by Cobaingel

Proof that YouTube when used right can produce covers that warrant listening to. Congrats to this channel for doing more on YouTube then I ever was able to.

Rock the Casbah by the Clash as covered by Rachid Taha

This is just cool to here this song completely done differently, while still rocking. In Turkish(I think)

Strawberry Fields Forever/Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles as covered by The Runaways

While I could've put Beatles covers up all day, this one reinstates Cherie Currie as more then just pretty face in the band(in fact Flaming Schoolgirls album is very good for Cherie Currie fans). Lita Ford must've been sick these days

Angel Baby by Rosie & the Originals as covered by John Lennon

I din't put this only because I didn't want the list to be cluttered with John Lennon songs. It's too bad, cause this doesn't even sound like something that he'd cover. Never included on the Rock N Roll album until 2004. What a shame.

In a Little While by U2 as covered by William Shatner

Most of you probably did a double take with this one, but with the music and the guest vocals, this may very well be the best song that he's ever covered(it helps that it's one of my favorite U2 songs as well).

Well, so ends probably the longest article I've done for this blog in many years. Hope you liked it, hopefully many more will be on the way, as some might say(hint, hint).

Album Review: Animals

(Wow I've reviews alot of Pink Floyd shit. My my.)

Pink Floyd's Animals is a album of turning points. It's either a album that turns the way you like, or don't simple as that. This starts what I call the 'Roger Waters Trilogy', with both The Wall and The Final Cut fitting in as well. If you preferred the loose, 60's vibe of Floyd, then these albums may be a mixed bag for you(fear not, there was a 'David Reclaims Duo' released afterwards in the late 80's). In any case, this was a new beginning for Floyd, and for many of the members, a happy album to make.

The album itself is another concept album for Floyd, using this time the metaphor of animals to people(not a new idea, mind you). The lyrics are more thoughtful then they were on the predecessor, despite both being the same length. On this album, neither Waters nor Gilmour have full vocal responsibility, with both sharing the duties this album. One song, 'Dogs', just seems to repeat it self twice to get more...whatever it could get. The intro to 'Sheep' may be one of the poppiest, prettiest that Pink Floyd ever created. Though, on the last song, what was with the weird MCP vocal?

The album itself it a bit awkward, due to at the time of the release it was in the middle of the Punk revolution and bands like Pink Floyd were being called dinosaurs and old. In contrast to these remarks, Roger Waters lyrics are closer to the punk ethos then the capitalist way that many though Floyd was. So Animals may be the closest punk record recorded by Pink Floyd, tough I don't think this was the intention of the band, so no points for the band.

There are a surprising amount of Beatles references on the album. The power plant on the album cover appeared in the Beatles movie Help!('A Well Known Power Plant'). As well, the usage of barking dogs and sheep was also used by the Beatles on 'Good Morning Good Morning'. Also...actually that's it I guess. So maybe there aren't as many as I thought. Oh well, I'm sure any comparison Pink Floyd gets to the Beatles warms their hearts(like they really need it of course).

Overall, this album is somewhat of a sister to the previous album and a distant cousin to the follow up. It's hardly a bad Floyd album, and if you like Roger Waters, then you probably will enjoy this. However, it may be a mixed bag to others. Though the key Pink Floyd elements are on this album, it is far different from their previous work.

Rating: 3.5/5

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

I made up for not seeing this sooner by seeing it twice in one day, pretty much. And I have to say, this is a pretty damn good movie considering all the marketing that they did for this. I've never seen such a push for items since the Harry Potter movies. But anyone onto the movie itself. From what I saw, since I've read the books, this movie is a pretty close adaptation to the book. There are a few plot points missing, but nothing added for substance, to which I applaud Hollywood for. What I cannot applaud is the pacing however. This movie is only 2 hours, but it feels longer, more like 3. I mean, the first hour, we all saw in the trailer, so we didn't really need to drag it out so long. However, once the games begin, it picks up and keeps you interested for the rest of the film. The actors are all good. Jennifer Lawrence thankfully didn't go to the Kristen Stewart Academy of Acting, and pulls off many scenes with realism conviction, many times without a word of speech. Josh Hutchinson has improved his acting since Bridge to Teribethia, and while his character may not be the most interesting, he does a good job with it. Woody Harrelson is funny, probably more then the character needed, but I'll pass judgement on him. He probably did this for the fee of a Twinkie. There are scenes that are shocking, sad and frightening, and all work well, though the climax of the movie did feel a bit rushed to me. Also, I didn't like the design of the finale, they reminded me too much of the creatures at the end of Ghostbusters. Still, the final scene with Donald Sutherland is by far the best in the film, with facial actions and expression that speak louder then any words could. It leaves you wanting more.

Overall, this movie is far and away a great film(cause it was filmed carefully this way). It will most likely replace the Harry Potter series, and do it quite well. I look forward to seeing sequels to this series in the not-to distant future.

Rating: 4.5/5

Album Review/Album Revision: The Great Rock N Roll Swindle/Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols

This may be the shittiest album to ever be released under such a awesome band. I mean, this really is the greatest swindle in rock n roll. Not only does this barely resemble the Sex Pistols(itself a crime) but this is just a terrible album. I mean, the fucking manager has not one but TWO songs with lead vocals, in addition to Ronnie Biggs(perhaps the only vocalist that sounds worse then the former) and each member of the Sex Pistols sings at least one song. But even that isn't the worst.

What may be the worst song EVER, a French singer covers Anarchy in the U.K. with a backing orchestra.

In French.

....

....

....

....(obviously, a French singer would sing in French, DUH!!)

....

Words cannot describe how terrible this album is. I mean, from weird arrangements of Sex Pistols songs, unfinished takes being used as actual songs, lack of good vocals from anyone, lack of original songs, horrible original songs(when used), horrible covers, abundance of covers, this makes for one of the longest and most horrible albums ever.

Well, maybe I should mention some good songs. Don't worry this won't take long. Of the original new songs on this, the only one of any merit is 'Silly Thing', which was sung by drummer Paul Cook. Well done good sir. Now as for covers, Johnny Rotten does at least one final song on this album, and it's in the form of 'Stepping Stone'. Johnny Rotten may be the smartest of any of us, as he refused to have anything to do with this album. Now as for Sid Vicious, while I may think him a joke and a loser, as well as a overused image of punk itself, he somehow coughed up(or perhaps shot up) two decent vocal takes in 'My Way'(for many the album's highlight) and 'C'mon Everybody'. Not bad.

I also realized reviewing this that it very much is a soundtrack, and many of the track listings somehow flow well into each other. Whether this was a accident of not, it deserve mention in a sheer stroke of brilliance.

But for the most part, this album is just a waste of time, unless you are really hardcore into the band. But for those looking for more, this is hardly a acceptable second album. It's barely a album, just a bunch of songs thrown together used to cash in on the Sex Pistols name. None of them deserved such a shitty album.

Overall, this album is neither good nor great. If the four songs had been released as a EP, maybe it would be better looked upon. But until the day where the world ends, this is one of the worst albums ever. Listen if you dare.

....

Wait, Wait I'm not done yet.

After hearing this album, I went back to re-listen to their first album, and it really made realize how good a album it really was, considering all that could've gone on that album instead of the 12 perfect, original, rocking punk tracks. This album is really one of the greatest, and 3 years ago I gave this album a mere 4.5/5. Well, screw my cheap-sake rating, it deserves all the honors money can buy, and all the praise it deserves. So congrats to the Sex Pistols, the band who never cared what any of us said to begin with

Ratings

The Great Rock N Roll Swindle: 0.5/5

Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols: 5/5

Song Review: Give Me All Your Luvin'

This was suppose to be an album review of her entire album. Alas, I'm too poor to afford it at this time, so this is the alternative. This song was debuted at Madonnas Super bowl performance, which coincided with the release of the single. I had planned to this review weeks ago anyway so here it is at long last. And what did I think of it?

Well, it's not that bad of a song actually. It's poppy enough with a catchy hook. It's pretty much the typical pop song. I liked it. Then I listened to Madonna's greatest hits album Celebration(breaking tradition, as I try and avoid these types of albums). What strikes me most about this song is, well how normal it really is. If this had been from anyone else, I'd be forgiving, but this is MADONNA!

The women who made 80's pop 80's pop. The women who created Ray of Light. The women who has inspired more pop stars since the Beatles. The women who took a Abba hook and turned it into her biggest hook 25 years into her career! One would certainly expect better. And it's not like she's incapable of making good music still. The single off Celebration(oddly titled) 'Celebration' is actually far better then this, which again surprised me. This song doesn't.

As for the guests, it seems a bit strange Madonna picking guests when she hasn't really needed them in the past. And in most cases, they make the music worse(especially 4 Minutes, which for all I know convinced Justin Timberlake to change careers). But as far as they go, while I don't like Nicki Minaj, her verse doesn't do anything to persuade me otherwise. M.I.A. on the other hand, provides a more then acceptable verse, putting her own special touch on the song. M.I.A. may be one of the few unique pop stars out there that is actually unique. My congrats to her.

Overall, this song doesn't exactly have me rushing out to by the album, but given my track record with her, I'mstill willing to give the album a shot when the time(funds) comes. A slightly above average song.

Rating: 3.5/5

(Also, is it just me, or does it look like Madonnas trying hard to shit on the single cover? Maybe that's just me.)

Album Review: Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?

I admire any band who puts artistic credibility over record sales. Many bands have rarely balanced the two(pardon some exceptions), but if one band deserved to have both it's Metric. A band so caring for their fans and the quality of their music that they recorded their debut, decided it wasn't what they liked and re-recorded it again to be released. That second attempt, released as their debut in 2003. And let it be known that this is one of the best debut's by any indie pop Canadian band...that isn't Arcade Fire.

The first four tracks on the album, 'IOU', 'Hustle Rose', 'Succecxy', 'Combat Baby' are the backbone of the album, setting the groundwork of what the album is good at being, good at writing and making indie pop songs. The last 6 songs on the album, while not as exciting as the former four('Dead Disco' being the exception) and provide the band with leverage that would propel them to make even greater pop music. I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't already heard some of these songs, as they(Metric) have put their music in many movies and TV shows. Unlike many TV spin-offs or movie sequels, Metrics debut, like many great bands, is the blueprint for what they were able to create and master in the following years. This year their fifth album is to be released and you can bet it will be an excellent album following in the footsteps of their others.

Overall, like many great bands debut, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? is a beautiful work of art by one of the most artful bands to come out of the 2000's...that isn't Arcade Fire.

Rating: 3.5/5

Movie Review: Sideways

I had heard lots of good things about this movie for many years now. I heard it was one of the funniest, one of the best comedies that has ever come out(seems to be one a year, wouldn't you say??). Well, with all that hype, I still tried to watch it with a open mind and hoped for the best. And having watched it, I have 4 questions for this movie:

1. I really want to go on a wine tasting adventure.
2. What kind of car was Miles driving?
3. How does Virgina Madsen look hot for being 43 in this?
4. What was it about 2004 and having all these midlife crisis movies?

In any case, this isn't a laugh out loud type of movie, like The Hangover but more like Lost in Translation, with subtle humor and some really upfront nudity. There really isn't much to be said about this movie, it's a movie that you can only talk about if you've seen it, much like Mad Men, Gossip Girl or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This is a very intelligent movie, and very talkative when it comes to wine. By the end of it, you could probably sound like a expert just by quoting dialog from this movie(if it hadn't won the Oscar for Screenplay).

Overall, Sideways is as good as everyone says it is, just watch it and take from it for your own reasons. You'll find something in it you like.

Rating: 4.5/5

Movie Review: Buried

I. Hate. Ryan. Reynolds!!

This man is the bane of my existence. A too good looking actor who has had everything given to him, good looks, good movie roles, stardom, and hot girls to boot. This is a man who can look at Scarlett Johansson and say "Meh, divorce." So it's hard for me to feel sorry for him when he finally crashes, with last years bomb Green Lantern, a movie that I didn't even want to see from the trailer, never mind the bad reviews. So fuck Ryan Reynolds, the acting equivalent to Justin Bieber.

So Buried, a movie that came out the same time as 127 Hours and both have similar themes, with being trapped and all. The difference is the setting. This movie doesn't go anywhere but the inside of a box, and the only actor we get to deal with the entire time is(sigh) Ryan Reynolds. To see this man hurt, scarred, tortured, bloodied up and dying, it feels so good to watch. I found myself rooting for the bad terrorist man in this more then once. Also, the things he finds in this coffin are amazing: Blackberry, flashlight, water, lightsticks, lighter, like come on, why not give him a pillow and some pills while you're at it? Oh wait, they do give him anxiety pills halfway through. Some of the plot is a bit muddled and unclear, but luckily I don't have to sit through more then 98 minutes of Ryan Reynolds....well, he ruined this movie, so I'll do you know favor in telling you that he dies at the end, the one thing I wasn't expecting in this, an ending that kind of left me shocked...kind of. After remembering who died, I breathed easier.

Overall, you may like this movie far more then me. You may like Ryan Reynolds as well. In any case, that's your opinion. My opinion is that I only wish this movie were true and happened to him.

Rating: 2/5

Album Review: Combat Rock

I have wanted to do a Clash album for a long while now. It's hard when there are only 5 and a half Clash albums to review. The Clash were well known for giving you music worth your money, relevant in their last two releases London Calling and Sandanista!. Indeed, this was to be a double album as well before they decided to just do a single album release. And what a single album it is.

This is very much their Abbey Road for them, as this was the last album they all did as a foursome before they split: a solid album going back to basics and giving the fans what they wanted and saying farewell on a high note. Except it didn't start out that way. Between Mick Jones(the most unsung guitar hero ever) fighting and acting like a rock star and Topper Headon( the most unsung drummer ever) battling a raging heroin addiction, the worlds most important(and best) band was coming apart(probably good for the sake of U2). This was both their last albums before they were fired, but not before they both created two of the greatest Clash and rock songs ever, 'Rock the Casbah'(Topper) and 'Should I Stay or Should I Go'(Mick). The rest of the songs are great pop rock songs, with lyrics of the punk rock that made them famous. You may recognize more songs off this album them you realize.

But the crowning achievement of the album, and of the Clash is the 6th song: 'Straight to Hell'. This song, so unlike the band, is the song that the band members were most proud of. Take a listen to it, and tell me if you've heard it before. It proved to be the bands last classic song.

Overall, as a final album it proves that the band may have been greater then the Beatles. The Clash were able to get fans a following, respect, a reputation, great records, fame and a legacy unmatched by any band of the last 25 years. All in 5 years. Not even the Beatles could do it that quickly. And given what happened to the Beatles, maybe it's good it wasn't so quick. The Clash, I salute you.

Rating: 4.5/5

Movie Review: Chloe

This is a movie that I'd heard lots about long before I ever saw it. From what I heard, it was this huge porn flick where Amanda Seyfried goes nude for the whole movie in it. As enticing as that may sound, I still waited a further 2 years before getting around to it. Boy was I shocked.

Not only is Amanda Seyfried nude for quite a bit in this, she also forgets to act in this as well. I don't know where in my mind I ever thought her as a good actress, but it's quickly gone down the tubes. She's literally as dumb in this as she was in Mean Girls, and for all I know now, she might not have been acting there either. However, Liam Neeson and Jullianne Moore are both good in this, considering the tragedy that happened during shooting. Liam Nessons wife was killed halfway through shooting, and he finished all his scenes in this in 2 days before leaving. Even a actor who didn't give a crap about this still is far more interesting then friggin' Amanda Sigh-Freed. The movie itself isn't that intereting until the last half, after the lesbian makeout scene(well, what else can you call it?), where the plot actually gives some twists and works it way out into being a halfway decent movie. The ending is good, and leaves you with more then you sat through. If you can manage the first half, then you may find something in this film. I mean, besides the nudity, lesbianism and cheating the plot isn't too bad. The weak link is Chloe herself. If they'd gotten a great female actress, say Evan Rachel Wood or Jennifer Lawrence, maybe this would've been a great movie. Alas, not so.

Overall, this is a good movie that exists to be remade into a greater movie one of these days, if the right people do it. It is what it is.

Rating: 3/5

Yet Another Setback/Album Review: Roger Waters' The Wall: Live in Berlin

Well, so much for the all-clear. Just after getting over strep throat, I came down on Tuesday with influenza. I was struck with a high fever of 40 degrees and was stuck in the house with no appetite and no desire to do anything but sleep and rush to the bathroom for the rest of the week. It sucked. But finally, on Saturday, it seemed to have broken and I feeling much better now, though during that time I didn't listen to a single album. Believe me when I say that I had no strength to get up and grab a CD to put on. So that's why there was nothing all week, but I'm impossibly backed up now(with work, not well...ya know...shit), so I may not do some of the reviews that I'd hoped to do. But for now, here's a review that I was working on Monday night, planning to put up the Wednesday of last week. Sorry about that. Anyway here you go.

The Wall may be one of the greatest albums ever made. Live concerts of this album are near legendary. What many don't realize is that they sound(lease on CD) very poor. They really don't capture the excellence that the album perfectly did. But alas, you can't keep a good idea down, so in 1990, fresh off underrated solo albums, he flew to Berlin, where another longstanding legendary wall also had stood for many years, to perform his magnum opus, with a little help from his friends.

Now here I go, bashing guest stars again. Well, not really as some here are actually quite good, such as Van Morrison and Bryan Adams. That being said, the Scorpions do a awful opening number of 'In the Flesh?' that it kind of ruins the album from the get go. Cyndi Lauper's singing on 'Another Brick in the Wall Part 2' is, well not her best and a bit screechy for my taste.Also, what are the Band doing here? Shouldn't they be hanging in New York? Touring with Bob Dylan? Or staying broken up like bands should? Roger Water himself sings about half the songs, and sounds almost the same as he did on the album. Despite not having the best voice in Pink Floyd, he has become my favorite member, making smart concept albums with great musicians and bands. He's probably one of the most underrated and criticized composers of the 20th century. It's too bad.

The last song on the album, 'The Tied is Turning', is a rather thrilling and climatic ending to the concert, and seems to be a song that is for the moment, and not a song for the times, like the original ending to the album. It's not a bad song, just not something that I'd want to here at the end of The Wall, that's all. It's like The Beatles ending a album with 'We Are The World'. Neither good nor bad.

Overall, if a Pink Floyd tribute group tried to cover The Wall, this is what it would probably sound like. I hope that when I see Roger Waters live this summer, it sounds far better then this.

Rating: 3.5/5

Update on Top 5 Best/Worst Songs/Movies

This is cancelled. Fuck it.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was the best Movie.

Red Riding Hood was god awful and the worst.

The Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga/Someone Like You by Adele are a tie for my Favorite Song(s) of the year.

Last Friday Nite(T.G.I.F) was the worst.

There.
The End.