c1975's Blog

I caught some of my favorite band Lifehouse's "Broken" video today on tv. It was good to see Jason, Bryce, and Rick on tv again. As for the new video, well, I have to say it is not my favorite. I saw enough of it to tell that it has a rather serious, sad tone; containing some sort of somber procession. Like I said before, I am not into the weepy ballads. I am also not a fan of videos that are rather depressing. I have met the guys and they are affable and funny. I think that should be reflected more in their videos. I think I'd like to see their playful sides come out more. I think I enjoyed the more upbeat videos like "Hanging by a moment", "Spin", "First Time". I know sometimes artists want to send a message with their music but in the case of the song and video "Broken" by Lifehouse, I think they "protest too much". I do love Lifehouse but think they need to perhaps "lighten up" as they know how. I do hope they do so on their next single, album, and video. 

Reading the latest news on my favorite band, Lifehouse, I learned that they have released "Broken" as their next single off their album "Who we are". I must say that as much as I enjoy the cd "Who we are" on the whole, I am not a fan of the song "Broken". I find it rather depressing and rather slow. It is unfortunate that they did not choose to release "The Joke" as a single. That song is more upbeat--has a sort of funky rhythm and Jason's voice really shines in it. He shows his versitility on that one. I enjoyed the first single "First time" very much as well, and "Disarray", "Who we are", and "Bridges". The rest are rather slow, sleepy, weepy ballads that don't do much for me, much as I appreciate Lifehouse in general. "Broken", as well as the single "Storm", in hearing the lyrics, also seem to me that those songs would be more at home on a worship album, a church hymnal, or on a religious radio station. I don't think they are going to work on a mainstream radio station. I myself am a Christian and have nothing against hearing Christian worship music, but not 24/7. And I also don't think worship music needs to be depressing.
Lifehouse's "Who we are" is a good album but I still think their best one continues to be "No name face", their debut.
Today is the birthday of Lifehouse frontman Jason Wade! A happy birthday to him! He, Rick, and Bryce continue to be my favorite band! I look forward to their return to my city (it's been nearly a year since I attended a quality concert; a Lifehouse concert--I am going through withdrawal!)very soon! I also look forward to a new album from them.

On Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008, I attended the free Annual Cleveland Orchestra concert in "Public Square" in downtown Cleveland. This concert is always held around the 4th of July to celebrate the holiday. Always a wonderful concert by the best Orchestra in the world. They were lead in this year's show not by the regular music director but by a guest conductor. The program started with the National Anthem and featured a soprano and several lovely compositions. It lasted about an hour. A good portion (some 20-25 minutes) of the concert was cut out as was the lazer show that is usually put on during the "1812 Overture" played toward the end, as is custom. That's one of my favorite parts and I kind of missed it. The finale was "Stars and Stripes Forever" by Sousa; then there were fireworks. And then it started to rain so the fireworks were cut short as everyone sprinted to their cars. All in all an enjoyable evening. It could have been even better if I had been able to sit closer or at least sit where I could have seen the orchestra better. At least I could kind of see the jumbo screen next to them. And then there were people near me who were just chattering away instead of enjoying the music. I think they ought to show more respect for the orchestra and for the people who came to hear them. I don't mind the show being outdoors (though it gets crowded there in public square). But I am wondering why this concert cannot be held at Cleveland Browns Stadium. There's plenty of seats there to accomodate everyone and it can fit even more than Public Square. And the city spent lots of taxpayers' hard-earned money on Cleveland Browns Stadium so the city and its taxpaying citizens should get more use out of the Stadium when the Browns are not playing. This concert is such a popular annual event that I think it might be enhanced by being held at the Browns' beautiful stadium and more people could attend and get to hear a great orchestra

Just recently received and took a look (and listen) at the new live album "Awake live" by Josh Groban. This is very much a live version of his cd "Awake" and it is one of his concerts that was taped lasted year during his "Awake" tour in Salt Lake City. It is pretty much like the concert I saw here in Cleveland in February of 2007 (except that here in Cleveland he did not perform "Canto alla vita"; which is one of my favorites). I genuinely enjoyed that show last year and I liked watching this "Awake live" dvd. It brought back great memories of that night at the "Q" arena as I watched and listened to Josh perform my favorite songs on this live album, songs like "Mai", "Alla luce del sole", and "Machine". Josh has such a magnificent baritone voice and he seems to genuinely enjoy performing for his fans. He really seems to put his heart and soul into every show. And he is so damn hot, too:)
But as I said about his "Awake" cd, I found most of the songs on "Awake live" rather sad. I prefer the more upbeat songs on his albums "Closer" and "Live at the Greek". And I am not a big fan of duets. I think Josh does an incredible job singing on his own and needs no help to do that.
So my grades on "Awake live" are: A+ for Josh's performance, voice, presence, etc:)
B+ for the songs.
It is good solid live album and has me looking forward to Josh going back on tour here in the USA and returning to Cleveland:)I hope it is soon:)

On Wednesday night (early Thursday 5/1 ) 4/30, I watched one of my favorite singers Josh Groban on "Late Night with David Letterman". Let me say again, first of all, he IS one of my favorite singers. I have seen him in concert twice. I have been a fan of his since his album "Closer" (still my favorite Josh album). I do appreciate the fact that he puts his heart into his concerts and gives 110% in his performances. I appreciate that he has genuine talent: not only singing, but singing in various languages, and playing the drums and piano. I have never met him but he seems to be a nice, down-to-earth, genuine, (as well as good looking )young man. But I was kind of let down by his performance on "David Letterman". He did not, in my opinion, sing as strong as I've seen him do. Also, the choir with him was rather unnecessary and choice of song "Weeping" was a little bit sad. He himself did not seem very happy. I have to ask: "what's up, Josh?" because I have to rate his "Letterman" appearance a "C+"; it is not the performance I'd hoped to see from him. I've seen better performances from him and where he was more upbeat. I know anyone can have an off-night once in a while and I hope in future appearances he will be performing as well as I'm accustomed to seeing him. I also like it better when Josh is singing solo--without other voices. I think his voice does not need any help.

On a chilly, wet, Thursday afternoon 4/10/2008,in Cleveland, I met singer/songwriter Jason Mraz courtesy of a contest by a local radio station. The meet-and-greet was at a recording studio in Downtown cleveland. First, Jason, accompanied by drummer Toca Rivera, played five songs for us contest winners (there were a good many of us; more than for the Lifehouse meet-and-greet and men and women were present; the audience at the Lifehouse meet and greet was all female). He featured three songs from his upcoming new album "we sing, we dance, we steal thing" ( i kind of dig that title), including the new single "I'm yours" and he played two songs from his debut album "Waiting for my rocket to come": "The Remedy" and " You and I both". I think after hearing the three songs from the new cd, I think I will buy it. I enjoyed his upbeat and rather funky performance. He is a talented musician and he's funny and has a good voice and he is a also a nice guy. He is also kind of good looking. After performing the five songs, he took pictures with us fans and signed autographs and talked a bit to each of us. I enjoyed hearing him and meeting him, as did my friend who was with me. I saw him perform in concert in 2004 and that was an enjoyable show at the Palace theater here in Cleveland. Thank you, Jason, and please come back soon to Cleveland

Last Thursday(2/21/08), I watched "American Idol" alumnus Chris Daughtry and his band Daughtry perform on PBS "Soundstage. They played songs from their debut album in the 55 minute show, which is also called "Daughtry", including the familiar "It's not over", "Home", and the lastest single "Feels like tonight". This was the first concert I have actually seen by them on tv or in person and I did enjoy the upbeat performance, although Chris did sometimes have a tendancy to try too hard, like when he used a megaphone during the concert. I found that a bit unnecessary. He has a decent voice, but the lyrics of the songs (the songs are good) tend to get repetitious. Still, Chris and co. are off to a promising start. They showed plenty of potential. I give their performance a "B+" and wish Daughtry good luck and continued success

Last night (1/31/08)I watched Lifehouse, my favorite band, on PBS "Soundstage". It was good to see them on tv; it's been a while (actually a month; I saw them on the Fox New Year's Eve Special). It was an excellent show (Jason, Bryce,and Rick never give anything less :) )and they played at least twelve songs, mostly from the new album. They played "The Joke","Whatver it takes", "Disarray" "Storm", "First Time" "Broken" from album #4 "Who we are", "Better Luck Next Time" and "You and me" from the album "Lifehouse" (2005), "Spin" from the sophomore album "Stanley Climbfall" (2002), and "Somewhere in between",and "Hanging by a moment" from their debut cd "No name face" (2000). Awesome show. I give it an A++Iamvery grateful to Lifehouse and to PBS for bringing us fans this program. I am glad that the guys are going on tour soon and I hope they will be back in my city of Cleveland soon. I enjoyed meeting them last year and attending not one but two Lifehouse concerts in 2007.

 watched the Vh1 Top 40 Videos of 2007 last night (12/11/07) and have to say I was kind of disappointed. Well, I was happy that Lifehouse, my fave band, made the top 40 but I think they deserved better than number 29! "First time" is a great song and the video is also excellent--unique and creative.I think it definitely rated higher. I don't understand how VH1 puts the list together. I think Lifehouse was cheated. And I know "Whatever it takes" came out late in 2007 but I think it also belonged in the top 40. It's also a wonderful song and video. I also thought Canadian singer Michael Buble's song "Everything" was a nice, upbeat song and had a fun video and it should have been included in the top 40.
I watched Josh Groban on "Regis and Kelly" on Monday 12/10/07. It is always good to see him on television. it's been a while since I've seen him on tv; for one reason or another I tend to miss him on tv. Oh, I tape most all his tv appearances but put off watching them for whatever but I digress. He was in fine form in this tv showing. He sang "It came upon the midnight clear" and played the piano as well as ever. He was also amusing in talking with Regis and Kelly. The only problem I have with his performance is that I wish it had been just him singing and playing the piano with no other instruments and no choir. I'm sorry, call me a purist, but I think Josh has been blessed with a magnificent voice and it should always be allowed to shine. It needs no help.
I like the song "It came upon the midnight clear" but I prefer " O holy night" (which Josh does beautifully and it is my favorite all time Christmas song), "What child is this" (one of my fave tracks on Josh's "Noel"). Another favorite Christmas song is "Mary, did you know?" which I think Josh would do a brilliant job on and I wish he'd put it on "Noel". I also like "Thankful" from "Noel" and "Believe". These are becoming among my Christmas favorites

As I listen to the Christmas music on the radio this season, I have been thinking that it is not fair that my favorite band Lifehouse does not have a Christmas cd out. So many other groups have them: Destiny's Child, 'nsync, backstreet boys, Barenaked Ladies, Bon Jovi also has a Christmas song out there,Matchbox 20 and many other groups. I think if they have Christmas albums, Lifehouse should, too.
I also find it a bit disconcerting hearing my favorite Christmas songs not being done justice on the radio for the most part (with the exception of Josh Groban who masterfully sings my favorite Christmas song "O Holy Night" and his "Believe" from the movie "Polar Express" has become a favorite of mine, too) and then there is the damn "Hippotamus" song! I'm sorry, but am I the only one who finds that a little annoying? I also find it an example of the commericialization of Christmas because I feel that that song was written solely for profit. For money. Oh, don't get me started on how I feel about the commericialization of Christmas.
I think for the sake of their fans and for the sake of Christmas fans, Lifehouse should do a Holiday album. I think they would do a wonderful Christmas cd, with the utmost respecet for the Holiday and singer Jason Wade would brilliantly sing such Christmas classics like "O Holy Night" and "The First Noel"--he has such a strong and incredible voice. And he is a gifted songwriter so he could write some original ones, too.
It is something I think they should do in the future.

Just got done listening to Josh Groban's new Christmas cd "Noel". My grade of the album is a "B-" to "C+". Josh has an amazing voice which should have been allowed to shine more. It didn't in this album. It gets a bit lost in with the orchestras and the other voices (i have always thought Josh should do an acapella album). Listening to it, I thought why couldn't it be him singing with just one instrument, if need be, like a guitar, for example? My favorite tracks were "Thankful" and "What child is this?" on which more of his voice can be heard. These tracks seem to me to be more "uncluttered" than the others. A valiant effort by Josh. Perhaps maybe too much of an effort.

Last night, a friend of mine and I took part in a "council"at one of our local Cleveland radio stations (WQAL). It was a discussion group to talk about what we like and don't like about the station. There were about 10 of us in the group. The program director introduced himself and had us introduced ourselves. Then we enjoyed a chicken dinner--which tasted good. Fried chicken is one of my favorite foods. Then we got down to talking about the stations. There was a guy recording our comments while the pd (program director) went around the table to ask each of us what we thought of the station--why we listen to it, what we like about it, and what we would change. Most everyone had positive comments about the music and about the deejays. When it got my turn, the pd asked me "why is this station your station?" I told him it was because they play a variety and play new music. Now, I can't honestly say that that station is "my" station. I have it on when they have a song I like by my favorite band Lifehouse or by Chris Daughtry, who I think is pretty cool. I sort of like the new Pat Monahan song "Her eyes" although he maybe is a bit repetitive in that song, in my opinion. But I am generally channel-surfing.
This I did not tell the pd. I did say that Lifehouse is one of my favorite groups on the station and Daughtry, too. I told him also they should play more of another group I like called the Wallflowers. But that's not all I wanted to say. I wanted to suggest some artists or songs they should play less of on the station or get rid of entirely. Wanted to also suggests the deejays should talk less and let the music "breathe" more and there should be fewer commericals. Wanted to say I find some of the deejays a bit annoying ,especially the woman in the afternoon because she goes on a bit much and there's not enough music and her voice is not the most pleasant to listen to. There is another radio station in town (WDOK))that has a woman deejay on from 10-3 called Nancy and she has a nice voice and so does the guy who comes after her on that station from 3-7 named Dan he has a good voice too. I think if the radio stations are going to have deejays talk at you for 3-4 hours, they should have nice voices to listen to. Another great thing about Nancy and Dan is that they don't yammer on and on about things that the listeners frankly don't care about. No. Nancy and Dan tell us things we need to know about news, weather, and what goes on around town and about the music they play and they really let the music "breathe". That's what I do not get from WQALon whose council I was on last night. So my council experience was less than satisfying but I did get a tasty dinner and get out of the house for a little while.

Lifehouse concert 10/07/07
Lifehouse in concert on 10/07/07 at House of Blues Cleveland rocked. Another brilliant performance by the talented California band. One of their best concerts yet and one of the best I've seen this year and this was my second time in 2007 seeing them in concert. This is the fourth show overall by them that I have seen. It is always worth it. That night they performed from the new album "who we are" songs such as " Make me over", "Whatever it takes", "First time", "Disarray", "The Joke", "Broken", also faves from previous albums "Hanging by a moment", "Simon", "Quasimodo", "Better luck next time", "Spin". I enjoyed also their cover of "Beast of Burden" by the Rolling Stones and bassist Bryce sang a song from the 80s whose title I can't remember now but is quite a popular song. Frontman man Jason Wade was in great voice and the entire band sounded awesome. Great show. I also liked Jason's between song banter where he praised Cleveland, the Cavaliers, and LeBron James.  I could stayed all night because they are my favorite band like I said. I had a very enjoyable night and hope to do it again soon.

On August 28, 2007, I got to meet the talented California band Lifehouse. They have been my favorite band since 2001. I won two radio contestsat two different radio stations here in Cleveland to meet them. A friend came along with me to meet them. We had a lot of fun. The guys were very nice and down-to-earth. They played songs, took pictures, answered questions, and signed autographs for me, my friend, and other contest winners. It was an awesome experience and it was the first time I have ever won anything like this and the first time meeting one of my favorite bands/artists. I only wish I had thought of questions to ask Jason (guitarist, lead vocalist), Bryce(bassist), and Rick (drummer) that the others hadn't asked and I wish I had asked those questions. I was maybe a little nervous and I am a bit shy. But I genuinely enjoyed hanging out with them and meeting them. It was my first "encounter"with them, like I said. It was great of them to come perform for and meet and greet  the fans even though their concert with the Goo Goo Dolls here was cancelled.  I really appreciate that, as I'm sure the other winners of these contests did as well. And thanks to the guys as well for their music and spirit.