Monster Ball Tour 2011

Curtis Peoples at Club 939

An event that took place on November 16, 2010.

Sponsored by Suffolk University’s Performing Arts Office and co-sponsored by SFR.

Photos by Jennifer Wong

Suffolk’s Fall Concert: Ludacris at the House of Blues, 10/26/10

We’re looking for more Ludacris photos! So, if you took photos at this concert and would like to share, please email them to SuffolkFreeRadio@gmail.com and we will post them here.

Photos by Coleman Concannon

Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, and the Murderdolls

On October 16, I was in Worcester, MA, for a concert.  The concert that I was attending was called the Halloween Hootenanny: Gruesome Twosome Tour.  The tour featured the bands Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, and the Murderdolls as the opening act.  While I was in Worcester, there was also a horror convention going on at the same venue called Shock N’ Rock, which I attended before concerts doors opened.  One perk of the VIP ticket package for the concert, was a 3 day admittance pass to the convention.  The convention had merchandise of horror movies and TV shows, Metal and theatrical horror show memorabilia, clothing, magazines, comics, and macabre themed toys of dolls and bears.  There were also guest appearances of film directors and bands for autograph signings.

After attending the convention, it was time to wait in line for the concert.  People had already lined up around 3pm; some dressed up in their horror gear of zombie face paint and blood, or rocky horror themed costumes.  It was very cold for autumn, even if dressed warmly, everyone including myself was shivering.  The doors of the venue opened at 6pm, but there were some delays by security.  The security insisted that lines separated into male and female lines, so people in the line ran to their gender door, to meet the request.  Afterwards the security examined tickets, refusing to admit anyone with a FYE sponsored ticket, and redirected them to the ticket office behind.  The security patted down each person, and confiscated chains or metal accessories deemed dangerous for the show.  The crowd was then directed through metal gates, where staff took the tickets and refused to let customers keep the stub as a souvenir, they just threw them into large clear garbage bags.  Once past the metal gates, the crowd was instructed to receive an arm bracelet and waited to be let into an opening where security once again checked them, before let into hallway of the stadium.

Concert goers were open to either sit in the stadium or walk through the bleachers to the general admission near the stage.  The opening act for the show was the Murderdolls, who were dressed in their scary theatrical makeup and costumes.  The lead singer pushing the crowd to chant to the song, and swinging his umbrella prop with the word F*CK duck taped.   Alice Cooper’s Band was on next and a back drop of a skull with a top hat was let down.  He was energetic and in constant motion; he hung himself on a gallows, did a guillotine act of his head being cut off, pretended to strangle a nurse for a song, and pretended to be poisoned with an oversized syringe.  Balloons, filled with confetti, were thrown out toward him, which he popped with his cane.  Animatronics Ogres or Cyclops lunged onto the stage behind him.  Halfway during the shop, he threw plastic necklaces and Alice Cooper money into the crowd.  The crowd eagerly fought over them, while the guitarists threw their guitar picks into the fray.  The last and longest performance was that of Rob Zombie, who stayed past 11pm, even after security warned him it was already an 1 hour past curfew.  During his show large LED display boards played black & white horror classics scenes, The Peanuts Halloween Special, and military scenes.  Fire shot out high from carefully controlled urns and more monsters animatronics came out.  Rob Zombie played heavy metal music to a retro video collection of 1950s horror movie clips, while running onto the sides of the stage or to high platforms.  Confetti was shot out from tubes along the stage.  His band threw out large rubber playground balls into the crowd–them to punch up into the air.   The guitarists threw out guitar picks to the crowd at front of the general admission.  Rob also threw black witch hats to the audience to catch.   At the finale of his show, the band came out with Halloween pails of candy and threw it out for people to have.

My suggestion to fans is to get there early for front row spot and catch a lot of souvenirs, because that is where I was at the show. Meet and Greet autograph packages are not for your typical fan, it is expensive for your average family event. A plus is, general admission ticket price were reasonable and included admission to the horror festival.  This is by far the best selection.  Another plus side was that the audience was civilized, and little crowd surfing took place.  A third plus side is that the train station is a ten minutes walk from the venue. I would suggest having a back up plan if you miss your train ride, while waiting for autographs after the show.  I received a ride back to Boston with a new concert buddy around my age, which was heading in the same direction.  Good things can happen if you share interests, and I am very grateful for her kindness and others that I met at the show.  On the minus side, souvenirs were pricey, security at venue doors take a long time, and lastly there are not many stores or restaurants in the neighborhood if you decide to get a bite to eat.

By Jennifer Wong

Semi Precious Weapons

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend a concert of the ‘Semi Precious Weapons’ at the Royale Club, on Tremont Street in Boston. It was my first time attending this show for this band, so I will try and give an honest review.  The band was in Boston on a stop of their ‘Dirty Showbiz’ Tour.  For those who do not know, they were the opening band for Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour, which was held in Boston at the TD Garden last July.  The band consists of the front man Justin Tranter, Stevy Pyne on guitar, Cole Whittle on bass, and Dan Crean on drums.

 

The Royale Club is a small venue, located in the theatre district of Boston.  For concert goers it is good opportunity to get down and close to the band.  In addition, concert goers experienced opening acts of the bands: The Dirty Pearls, Lady Stardust, and Breedlove.  Some of the audience dressed in glam rock-like attire to DIY t-shirts and carrying cut out Justin Tranter masks.  Others were dressed in more casual attire, which may have been a good idea, if you did not want to ruin nice clothes with the alcohol spills of the audience, or champagne being sprayed by Justin Tranter of ‘Semi Precious Weapons’ during the song ‘Sticky with Champagne’.

No dull moments would be permitted; the audience had been captivated by the many fast beats of Justin’s beautiful melody and catchy lines. The audience enthusiastically romped up and down in the mosh pit, and shouted out words when beckoned to.  Halfway through the act, the audience watched as Justin changed outfits while lying on the stage.  This may hinder your attention towards Stevy the guitarist, Cole on Bass, and Dan on Drums, if you try to pay attention to them.

The concert will most likely be different from what you may experience.  Expect a less violent crowd; that will not shove you roughly against your ribs and the stage, or get into fist fights, but do expect an occasional spill of people drinking.

Pluses

• A great multi-generational experience
• LGBT friendly
• Economically priced ($20-$25)

Minuses

• Venue is not handicap accessible
• No food options, only beverages
• Neighborhood is questionable/sketchy late at night

By Jennifer Wong

Through the Fire and Foul Language

“Twilight Dementia” Review by Stephen Thomas

Oh, DragonForce. I’ve always been a fan you. You’re one of the few bands that have really long songs that I actually like. When I was told that we had your newest release in our studio, I couldn’t wait to give it a listen. I soon found out that it was a live album from your recent “Ultra Beatdown World Tour.” Slightly less excited, I popped in disc one.

I was greeted by chanting fans, followed by the signature sound of Herman Li’s guitar playing the opening riff from “Heroes of Our Time.” As soon as lead singer ZP Theart started singing, I was disappointed. Theart sounded as if he was struggling to sing and around two minutes, he randomly shouted “F–k yeah!” Well, now I knew I couldn’t play this song over the airwaves, so I moved on to track two, “Operation Ground and Pound.”

Once again, the guitar was perfect, but Theart swore immediately, this time calling the audience “motherf–kers.” Another unplayable song. I moved on to track three: “Reasons to Live.” I was starting to see a pattern emerging. Since it seemed like disc one was a lost cause, I moved on to disc two.

The first song of disc two, “My Spirit Will Go On,” didn’t start with a swear, but Theart’s groan-singing made it almost sound like a DragonForce cover band. Skipping down to one of my favorite tracks, “Strike of the Ninja,” I was pleased to hear the familiar synthesizer from the studio version, but everything after that was downhill. It gave off the feel of watching a man pull a sword on another man, and the other man just shoots him.

The last track of the album is easily their most well known song. Even if you know nothing about DragonForce, you know about “Through the Fire and Flames.” It’s their most recognizable song. Someone should’ve told them that before they decided to completely change the sound of it for this live performance. It’s honestly hard to listen to.

If you’re a fan of DragonForce, stay away from this album. If you’re not a fan of DragonForce, definitely stay away from this album. Listen to Sonic Firestorm or Inhuman Rampage instead. You’ll thank me later.

Florence & The Machine’s Lungs

I was introduced to Florence & The Machine the same way you may have been: through the radio. Her premiere single “Dog Days Are Over” has been riding on a stream of radio waves all summer. At first I didn’t give much thought to the song since the only time I listen to the radio is at work where I’m usually not concentrating on it. Then I went to see a friend of mine play a small show in Lowell where she covered “My Boy Builds Coffins.” After her show, while driving me home, she enthusiastically described the talent of Florence & The Machine and played me the original version of the song for comparison. Still, I didn’t give
Florence much more thought.
Recently I was browsing CDs in a store with a friend and knowing that she had recently listened to Florence & The Machine I asked her opinion. The word she used to describe the album Lungs was “intense.” I like intense. Actually, I’m a sucker for intense music, so I decided to buy the album. Now, most of the music I listen to I don’t just like. That’s not enough for me. I LOVE the things I listen to most, and I could NOT STOP listening to Lungs. Honestly, I have not had to charge my iPod so much all summer. “Intense” is definitely the right word to describe the sound of Florence & The Machine.
The album has exquisite attention to detail and fabulous diversity. Florence’s voice soars. I am no doubt envious of those vocal cords. I think any singer would be. If you have heard “Dog Days Are Over” don’t take that for the overall sound of the album. “Drumming Song” has an archaic feel with its dynamic and primary use of percussion. “Between Two Lungs” may be one of the
more tame songs on Lungs. Florence’s voice creates a contagiously emotional feeling. The same can be said for “Blinding” which was one of the most successful songs on the album at sucking me in completely. The instrumental accompaniment is intricate and will leave you with something new to hear for at least the first few times you listen. My top stand out tracks on Lungs includes
“Howl”, “Kiss With a Fist” and “Cosmic Love.”
I can’t say I’ve been this excited for a new artist in a while. Florence & The Machine provides a refreshing sound that I think will stand the test of time, unlike many popular artists that record labels churn out. Florence is truly talented and passionate about what she is doing and can bring an artistic touch back to popular music.

By Julie Richardson
The Jubealicious Show Wednesday 3 – 4

How To Get Over Your Ex: Top 10 Songs.

Around this time last year, my over two years relationship with my ex-boyfriend crumbled to pieces. I am sure other people can relate to this sort of situation, which is why I have created a list of songs you should listen to during your recovery period. These are songs that helped me personally get through my “loss” (excluding Lady Gaga – I disliked her at the time), and I hope they can help others out as well!!

10. “The Nicest Thing” – Kate Nash

This is the song to listen to RIGHT after a break up. It WILL make you cry, which is why you should only listen to it once. Do not put it on repeat because then you won’t be able to stop crying. Let it all out now!  [Then listen to Kate Nash’s song “Pumpkin Soup” immediately afterwards, it will prepare you for the single life].

9. “I’m a Broken Heart” – The Bird and the Bee

Yet another sad song, but it’s a good song to listen to when everyone else is sick of hearing how heartbroken you are. You’ll just have to try harder to “make the best at happiness” on your own. Scary, but true.  [Later on, listen to their song “My Love,” and you’ll be ready to find love again].

8. “Speechless” – Lady Gaga

These lyrics can speak for themselves: “I’ll never talk again / oh boy you’ve left me speechless / and I’ll never love again / oh boy you’ve left me speechless…” Even Lady Gaga’s heart breaks, so it’s okay to feel this way, just not for a long time. You’ll talk again, and you’ll love again, so don’t be stupid. 

7. “I Want You Back”- The Kooks

Listen to this song when you think you want them back. [Keynote: think].

6. “Mr. Therapy Man” – Justin Nozuka

Some lyrics are somewhat sappy (“My baby up and left me now /oh Mr. Therapy Man I need to ask you how / can I live on?”), but then the song picks up and you can almost feel his anger. The girl “stole his soul,” after all! Also ladies, watch this music video. He’s gorgeous. Probably more handsome than that bum who dumped you.[Warning: DON’T watch the video if you have a phobia of clowns].

5. “Telephone” – Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce

This goes out to all the exes who keep calling and annoying you, even after they confessed their hatred to you, or even after they say they never want to see you again. You know what I mean. Turn off your phone and enjoy yourself.

4. “Leave” – Once Soundtrack

By the end of this song, you’ll have the urge to scream along with Glen Hansard: “LEAVE!!! LET GO OF MY HAND, YOU SAID WHAT YOU HAVE TO, NOW LEAVE!!!” I’m sure if you scream this at your ex with the same passion as Glen Hansard, they may just back off and leave you alone.  [Other good “break up songs” on this album: “Say it to Me Now” and “If You Want Me.” Check them out, or just watch the film, “Once”].

3. “For Reasons Unknown” – The Killers

I have never heard of this song until I stumbled upon it on YouTube whilst getting over my ex-boyfriend. He had started dating another girl immediately after me, and this song REALLY helped me realize that I was happier without him, and that I could do better. Plus, it’s a funny feeling when you can look at someone and wonder, “How did I ever like/love that person for SO long?!” If you haven’t realized this about your ex yet, listen to “For Reasons Unknown,” and then you’ll understand what I mean.        

2. “Peachy” – Missy Higgins

I recommend watching the music video to this song as well. Missy Higgins sings this unique break up song with a smile on her face. It is not your fault, and your ex is probably lying when they say, “life is peachy” without you. I like this song because it’s upbeat, yet the lyrics are filled with hate. Perfect combination! 

1. “Fuck It (I Don’t Want You Back)” – Eamon

Remember this? This brings back memories of my best friend from high school blaring this song in her car whenever she had boy troubles. It may sound sweet at first, but the chorus is a slap in the face. This song is especially good for those relationships that ended due to a cheating boyfriend/girlfriend. Honestly, this is not the greatest song ever written, but it will make you smile, and it is, according to me, THE ultimate break up song. Listen, laugh, and move on!!

There are hundreds of other songs you can listen to, and trust me; there are better people out there. To quote Liz Phair: “Isn’t this best part of breaking up / finding someone else you can’t get enough of?”      

By Teresa McMahon

Show on SFR: “Acrosonic Tonic,” Wednesdays 3-4 

Mainly Lanes Album Review

            The Northampton Massachusetts Mainly Lanes has just released their debut album Oomami, and this is one you do not want to miss if you enjoy the ideal music for breezy summer days. The band’s main focus is on their classically trained cellist, David Lane, and folk singer and songwriter, Tonbira Zaman.

            The album is just a fun fresh journey that puts a smile on your face. You may be skeptical with the first song “Nails,” where Zaman sings about chipping her nails, but the song is light and pretty and is just silly and fun which gives them a sort of They Might Be Giants feel to them.

            “Dead Body” is a great catchy song with awesome guitar parts from Zaman’s husband, Alexander Lane. Zaman sings happily about leaving someone for dead and the lighthearted feeling of the song just shows how powerful she is, and the fact that her voice is killer doesn’t hurt.

            The song “Global Warming” contains Zaman complaining about not being able to snowboard with someone because of global warming. The sarcastic yet slightly serious tone of the song makes it a little fun, especially when she laughs in the middle of a note. Zaman even shows off her vocal range in this song by showing just how clean and crisp her voice is.

            One song that most of us can relate to sooner or later is “Move On,” which talks about how much it sucks to graduate from college and head into the real world. Zaman even is bold enough to say exactly what we all wish to say to certain people. Unfortunately this song does contain curses and cannot be played on the radio due to FCC regulations, but it is a great song to check out on your own!

            This new band has such a great folksy feel that isn’t too over the top. The originality of the songs make the band fresh and new, and can easily put you in a good whimsical type of mood. I highly recommend checking out this new band and adding them to your “Happy Playlist.” 

By Ashley Maceli

Show on SFR: “The Love Cats,” Fridays 6-7

Muse with Special Guest Silversun Pickups at the TD Garden March 6, 2010

The Brits finally invaded Boston again!  Matthew Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme, and Dominic Howard, collectively known as Muse, made their highly anticipated return to Boston on Saturday, March 6th.  This show at the TD Garden was amongst the first group of dates for North America announced for the third leg of their global yearlong The Resistance Tour, promoting their fifth studio album release, The Resistance.  The Garden was packed with fans wanting to get a chance to see the trio from England live.  Expectations coming in were high and the show did not disappoint.  Silversun Pickups were brought along as their opening act. 

 

 

Silversun Pickups' equipment onstage before the show

 

The concert started off with Silversun Pickups playing an eight song, 50 minutes set.  Silversun Pickups only had a small section of the stage to perform on due to three gigantic towers in the middle of the stage that were tarped off for Muse’s performance.  Half of their set featured their singles off of Carnavas and Swoon.  The other half of their set featured songs that you probably would have only recognized if you had listened to their latest album, Swoon, in its entirety.  Seeing as most people were there to see Muse, they seemed to lose the audience a bit in the first half of their set when they were playing mostly songs that hadn’t had the benefit of mainstream exposure.  With that said, Silversun Pickups got the crowd back into it and finished strong with “Substitution,” “Panic Switch,” and “Lazy Eye.”  It might have been better if they opened with a more familiar song to draw in the casual fans right away but with the 7:30 start time to the show, I can understand why they saved their best for last to make sure everyone got to hear them and were psyched up for Muse performing later that night.  Despite being cramped up in a small corner of the stage to do their set and acknowledging to the crowd that they knew the fans were here to see Muse, Silversun Pickups rocked hard and put on a solid show for the 19,000 in attendance.  

 

Silversun Pickups performing "Lazy Eye"

 

 

After the longest 40 minute intermission of my life, the Garden finally went black again and the three towers in the middle of the stage were illuminated.   An intro featuring “We are the Universe” started playing with a sequence of men going up flights of stairs wrapping around each of the towers.  Suddenly one man at the top of each tower falls off the top and all the other men on the stairs start falling down like dominos.  The crowd cheered. 

 

"We are the Universe" intro sequence

 

Then the curtains on the towers dropped with them revealing Matthew, Dominic, and Chris each standing on their own elevated platform in their respective tower and they began playing their first single from The Resistance, “Uprising.”  There was not a butt in a seat.  Everyone was on their feet singing along to the chorus, that’s lyrics served as a rally cry of sorts, that was displayed in the video on the towers.  

 

Muse performing "Uprising" to start their set

 

“Uprising” was the perfect song to open with.  The familiarity of it being a recent hit on the radio combined with the lyrics being shown for everyone to sing along with unified the crowd while bringing everyone into the performance with them from the start.  At this point, I knew I was about to experience something special.

 

Muse performing "Undisclosed Desires"

 

 

While playing the best songs from their five albums, Muse tantalized the audience with amazing light patterns and sequences that matched and complimented the vibe of each song while videos played on their ever changing three tower set that raised and lowered allowing Matthew and Chris to leave their platforms to rock out on the stage itself too.  Even the transitions between songs were special featuring playful riffs, intros to some of their other songs, and their take on some classic riffs like Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child.”

 

 

Muse performing "Time is Running Out"

 

Muse went out with a bang with the encore.  They began the closing with “Exogenesis: Symphony Part I (Overture)” followed by one of my favorites, “Stockholm Syndrome.”  Upon its completion, Chris then took out a harmonica to play the “Man with a Harmonica” intro and they transitioned that into “Knights of Cydonia” with the vivid hues of streaming smoke coming up from the stage throughout its performance.  It was a spectacular way to end the show.

 

 

 

 

The "Knights of Cydonia" Grand Finale

 

All in all, the concert was incredible.   Muse has the amazing ability to turn their music into an unforgettable experience.  Their set was two hours of excitement for the senses with you leaving the Garden on an adrenaline high.  Despite it being an expensive ticket, it was totally worth shelling out the money necessary to attend an arena show to finally get the chance to see Muse live.  I highly recommend seeing them next time they come through the area.  Even if money is tight, empty your pockets to experience Muse live; it’s worth every penny.  Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

 

by Adam Kalishman

Show on SFR: Wednesdays 8-9 pm