Normally I like to give you some great shows to go see over the weekend after a long week. However, looking at the lineup of shows in the tri-state area I had to switch the format up and give some music suggestions for the weekend and two quality shows at the end of week. With that being said, this week is like a trip down music memory lane. The best part about listening to old bands new work is that even if the new songs aren’t quite up to par you can always break out the classics.
Songs for the Weekend
Blur – “Fool’s Day”
Starting up in 1989, the British alt-rock band Blur actually predates my existence, which is pretty impressive since they are still releasing new music. Their newest single, “Fool’s Day” sounds like it’s from the 1980s, but that’s not really a big thing. With soft lyrics that carry a very recognizable British lilt the Blur offer up great chill music. If it’s sunny this weekend, which it’s supposed to be, go out on your deck with your favorite alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage and flip on “Fool’s Day” while taking in the sun.
Usher featuring Will.i.am. – “OMG”
For 20 years now Usher, the proclaimed “King of R&B” has been the face of the genre and has withstood the test of time. Not many artists can say that they never lost relevance; Usher is one of those artists though. Lyrically “OMG” is not Usher’s strongest song, as Will.i.am.’s use of autotune can get kind of irritating. Like any great Usher song, the video is what shines as once again Mr. Raymond puts on a dancing clinic and proves he has not lost a step.
Albums for the Week
Cypress Hill – “Rise Up”
Not only does Cypress Hill have a new single out, but they also have their first album out in the past six years. “Rise Up” the first single off of the like titled album is a break from the usual themes of B-Real and Sen Dog, which normally includes one or two low-rider references and 6-7 marijuana ones. No, the rap duo takes a more political stance about the current economic climate, among other things. No need to worry Cypress Hill traditionalists, there plenty of classic tracks like, “K.U.S.H.” and “Pass the Dutch”. Overall the album is more of the same from the almost legendary rap group and should appease fans both new and old.
Miranda Cosgrove – “Sparks Fly”
I know what a lot of you are saying right now; how old is Miranda Cosgrove, I haven’t even heard of her. I’ve broken the theme here a bit, Miranda Cosgrove is not some old 1940s lounge singer, she is the star of the Disney Channel’s iCarly. This album is on my list for one reason; we all have little cousins, nieces, or daughters and why not take the time to enjoy their youth and remember your own. The album is nothing all that new, a lot of poppy beats and catchy choruses that the tween market will undoubtedly love.
Shows for the End of the Week
Thursday May 20th:
Despite being a work/school night this show is worth being a sleepy rolling out of bed on Friday morning. Pearl Jam, the much embattled band out of Seattle, Washington will be at Madison Square Garden in the greatest city in the world, New York, New York at 7 p.m. Despite disputes with Tickmaster and other problems the band will be live, and hopefully ready to go next Thursday. With tickets still on sale less than a week away now is the time to jump on the phone and grab them. A Pearl Jam concert is one of the shows that you can reflect back on and say that you saw one of the greatest bands of the 1990s.
Friday May 21st:
While Flyleaf may not necessarily be in the same league as Pearl Jam they still hold a very strong cult following, myself being a member. While Flyleaf does have some noticeable Christian influences they are far from a Christian rock band. The Lacey Mosley headed Flyleaf can be more closely defined as an alternative rock band similar to that of Evanescence. At 7 p.m. the band will come on at the House of Blues in Atlantic City. The best part of Flyleaf is their ability to offer a little bit of something for everyone, having a female lead singer brings a certain amount of girl power feel to their performances. By the same token having an attractive female lead singer brings a certain amount of sex appeal to their performances. For whatever reason you attend the show, enjoy it and the rest of your week.