minimalism

Went to Randall's Island, NY last night for the Rock the Bells tour. Here is my review...

Got there at 3ish and the first act I caught was Talib Kweli. I'm sorry to say that I don't know his stuff, but there were definitely a lot of people into him and that kept the vibe strong even though we were all getting rained upon.

Next up was Mos Def. Again I don't know his material, but he was quite good. Used a lot of the old school traditional beats and melodies for his tracks. Always entertaining to hear them.

Rakim came on after that and it was still raining through the first half of his set and being soaked and standing around in the mud it seemed like the day was going to be long and miserable. Near the end of his set it cleared up a bit. He did a couple of his old hits that I love and some new stuff including an off the cuff freestyle that was all incredible. Apparently he's got a Paid in Full the Sequel lp in the works and I imagine it'll be one to get.

Cypress Hill was the first to play after the rain completely stopped and they killed the audience with every song. They took the stage with so much energy and their purcussionist added a lot to the live show including an amazing 5 minute, very psychedelic drum solo in the middle of the set.
Highlight songs:
We Ain't Goin' Out Like That
How I Could Just Kill A Man
Dr. Greenthumbs
Insane in The Brain
Rock Superstar
I Want To Get High
Hand On The Pump

The legendary Public Enemy was up next and out of 10 songs or so that they did Flavor Flav kept it together for about 5 of them. He's a walking nightmare. Am I saying they weren't good or I was disappointed, no. I was jumping up and down like a little girl for every song they did.
Highlight songs:
Bring The Noise
911 Is A Joke
He Got Game
Don't Believe The Hype
Fight The Power
Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos
Shut 'Em Down
Rebel Without A Pause
Can't Truss it

Wu Tang, Wu Tang, Wu Tang was up next. As close as we were the entire show I could not see them play. EVERY hand in the crowd was raised their entire set. If Randall's Island had a roof it would have been blown sky high while they played. They honestly didn't need to sing at all because it was almost impossible to hear them over everyone else singing along to every word anyway.
Highlight songs:
C.R.E.A.M.
Triumph
Protect Ya Neck
M.E.T.H.O.D. Man
Ain't Nuthin' To Fuck With
Shimmy Shimmy Ya

Rage took the stage by force. I can't even begin to imagine why they split up in the first place. This is a band whose time is still yet to come. They still have a lot to say. They love playing together and it shows. Most of the acts got 45 minutes to play while Rage had an hour and half and they played almost everything I hoped they would play given the time allowed. They simply have too many good songs. I would see them again in a heartbeat. One of the most clever moments of the night was the reinterpreted lyric, "Some of those that want forces, are the same that hold office." Classic.
Highlight songs:
Testify
Guerilla Radio
Sleep Now In The Fire
Killing In The Name Of
Bulls On Parade
Bombtrack
People Of The Sun

I started going to shows at 15 years old in 1986 and I've seen hundreds of bands play live. Never was there a better, more complete line up or more energy than for this show. I am still feeling electric today.

Erykah Badu didn't play, and it should be noted that she was missed.

Not from the show, but worth watching.