Monday nite, on a whim, I somehow ended up at one of the hottest concerts of the year.
So the anticipation began to build as we headed up the hill to the Gibson (formerly Universal) at Universal City Walk. A big thanks first off to Jessie for the tickets and then to Allison for tagging along (and for a ride as usual).
First to hit the stage was a super-awesome Swedish band by the name of The Sounds. They had an electro-pop-fusion energy to them reminiscent of Blondie in their feathered-haired prime. Lead singer Maja Ivarsson made me question my sexuality every time she threw up one of those killer legs! She was fierce nonetheless. Tyra Banks' fierce is for kids when Ivarsson lays a squat thrust on you. I definitely recommend picking up their new material Crossing the Rubicon", just released June 2nd. Don't be shy. Check them out.
Okay. I'm a big girl so I can easily and openly admit when I may have jumped the gun on something. That gun was Paramore. How fucking FANTASTIC they were that night! Now like I said, I have always been a fan of great female voice. And Hayley Williams has one of those great voices. MY GOD! Does she have one of those voices. And quite a stage performance they put on, complete with acrobatics and unison headbanging. As I grow older, I am learning to put such a predisposed prejudice aside to become more open to damn good music no matter how it comes. Just like a high school queen, sometimes you turn your nose up before you even know what's up. I am now on the broad spectrum and I will surely be picking up their latest album and also their upcoming release brand new eyes due out September 29th. (By the way Allison. The guy you were crushing on is John Farro, lead guitar.)
And now...
Oh yeah you know its coming...
No Doubt. The first outside influence to make me feel okay about possessing a uterus (because that influence certainly doesn't come from boys). Gwen Stefani and the boys were out for blood as they played a hit-heavy set, taking the stage a little after 9pm. (Whoa! And a guest spot from Shirley Manson from Garbage! Chick-singer bands were obviously the theme). By the way, Gwen's abs were on a terror streak. She put even the most supple and young tarty-tart to shame that evening. And, they can still ska dance and shake an ass like no ones business.
Its hard to grasp that the band is in their late 30's early 40's considering the top form they were in. So mega-props (did I really just type "mega-props"?) to No Doubt as they wind it down and bring their sold-out tour to an end at home (Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Irvine, Aug. 4th, tickets still available).
"Rock Steady. LA Is So Rock Steady."
