Now in Chicago

Billy and the New Pumpkins, no Longer Smashing

I left the Smashing Pumpkins concert feeling confused and abused. Sorry folks, the Smashing Pumpkins have not been revived. They are simply Billy and the New Pumpkins; not to be confused with the band we fell in love with in the 90s.

Pumpkins Show at the Chicago Theater
I have been pumped for a couple of weeks to watch Billy thrash on his guitar, and thrash he did, but it was not what I has hoping for, not even close.

Nestled high up in balcony 4 of the Chicago theater, my curious stare was mounted on Billy as he went off in a haze of clouded riffs and indiscernible lyrics. Billy and the New Pumpkins concert in Chicago last night was a bad trip that got worse as the show went on. Utter amazement drenched my spirit as I watched someone who used to be a kick-ass guitarist turn into a whinny punk that was not performing for the crowd, but for something entirely different (I have yet to figure it out).

It was the final moments of the concert that encapsulated where Billy and his new band stand with their new focus. Billy actually scolded the audience. His tirade, stemming from static sales and poor reviews, stretched for far too long. He spit his angst at fans for their disinterest in him, his new band, and his new sound (Which he based on demographic reports, seriously, he mentioned demographic report. Chicago does not love you because we don't by records? We have not even heard from the Pumpkins in years.).

Fans wanted the old Pumkpins; straight-shooting heavy shit that made our heads bob. Billy and the New Pumpkins no longer Smash. Instead, they provide floating riffs, poor lyrics, and ego-driven diatribe. And, finally ended the night, not with a heavy-hitting jam session, but with Kazoos. That's right folks, Kazoos.

Billy lost me at "hello". My beloved Pumpkins no longer Smashing like they used and I am moving on.I will not be going to another Billy and the New Pumpkins concert. Without the Smashing, there is no Pumpkins.

A final note to Billy: By simply adding a female Bassist and an Asian Guitarist, you do not re-create Darcy and James; failed attempt. And, Billy, check the thread on the Tribune site...GO NOW

On second thought, good this just be GENIUS MARKETING? Wanna see some "real music" I found? Check out Adam Stern's new video, War...this is some hot stuff coming out of Cali!

Lollapalooza

Once again Chicago offers great entertainment and cultural at this year’s Lollapalooza in Grant Park.

I ventured out to Grant Park on Saturday afternoon to soak in the sweet sounds of Gnarls Barkley, the Flaming Lips, Thievery Corporation, and Manu Chao. The long trek to our destination left us (like may other patrons) thirsty for the festivities, and like the other Lollapalooza events I have been too they provided plenty of musical fluids to tickle my palette.

Making our way through the throngs of hippies, hip hopsters, new agers, and dozens of other sub cultures, we found our way to the ATT stage to catch Gnarls Barkely. This funk-a-delic group composed by popular producer CeeLo keep the crowd waiting for hits monster hit, “Crazy.” And, once the melody concluded, scores of supposed fans bolted to their next concert of choice.

All in all it was a great event, but good luck catching a cab after the show…as ten’s of thousands of people scurry for ride. I would suggest taking your time and walk north on Michigan to people watch, shop, eat, or drink.

Bands to check out:

• Thievery Corporation: very cool world music band.
• Manu Chao: this band from Barcelona brings together reggae with heavy guitar riffs, and they love to throw in a police siren in about every single song.