Why do all these social networking sites always have to have such wimpy names, like "Yelp!"? WTF? "Yelp" is the sound a dog makes when you step on it's tail. I don't know about you, but I'm a dude; I don't "yelp." I YAWLP!" (as in, he let loose a barbaric yawlp!). So that's what I'm calling my review page here. It's like yelp, but bigger, better, and with more balls. CD's, concerts, events, venues, whatever you want to review, just e-mail it to me at jaeger@thebone.net and I'll post it up here. I'll also post my own reviews from time to time. Yawlp!
Concert Review
Santana @ The Concord Pavillion, October 12th, 2008
Reviewed by: Marco The Caveman of Albany
"Santana came out blazing from the start of his Sunday performance at the Sleep Train Pavillion in Concord, with seamless and flawless backup from his band. Drummer Dennis Chambers was center stage in the middle of two powerhouse drummers and took his time in an epic solo. The horn section was electric with energy and showed the music's power and drive.
This was the final performance of a great tour that started last February and all on stage pushed their limits to bring it on. Santana gave everything he had to his fans through the gifted tone of his instrument and his solos.
The lighting and sound crew blended a stunning multimedia combination to add to the already smoking show. For this bonehead caveman and his cavewoman, it was a perfect night with warm breezes scented with purples and blues, with the 24-ounce Corona to wash it all down. DAMN!
-Marco The Caveman"
Concert Review
Journey/Heart/Cheap Trick @ The Concord Pavillion, September 24th, 2008
Reviewed by: Ryan from Alameda
Ok, so I was fortunate enought to attend the Cheap Trick/Heart/ Journey show at the Sleep Train Pavillion last week. Got there late and misses Cheap Trick. Heart rocked the house- the whole hour (aprx) that they played. Everyone was on their feet the whole time, and was singing along with most of the songs. They played all the classics that you just seem to know most of the words to, despite never owning one of their albums. They chatted to the croud, looked comfortable and rocked like it was 1985. The band was super-solid and never let up. Nancy's guitar work was flawless and Ann's vocals were hauntingly beautiful. Heart became one of the very very few "supporting acts" at a concert Ive been too, to do an encore- to a full standing ovation.
Journey was a little bit different. I didnt look to see who of the originals was still in the band, or who would be singing. Schon was a givin but who knew who else would be there. The band was good as a whole, but not as tight or as energetic as I would have expected. Their drummer was the most animated and seemed the most into it. Niel Schon didnt move too often from his side of the stage though his playing was impecable as well. The other guitarist/ piano/ vocals/ harmonica was an awesome musician though he kinda looked like Bill Engval with an 80's hair cut. I bet he looked great in 80's spandex. The music was good, the songs were mostly the sing-a-long balads with some new stuff sprinkled in. The crowd was into it for sure. The biggest issue for me was the singer. A short dude, with greasy straight black hair bouncing awkwardly around the stage. If you closed your eyes he sounded almost like Steve Perry. Open your eyes and it was like watching a Journey coverband at the state fair. He nailed all the songs, but didnt word the crowd too much. They did one encore. Overall it was a good show and cant get too down on Journey, I was still singing along the whole time. And they have been at it for 30+ years. The show definatly rocked and it was a good night had by all!
~Ryan Silva