bjaiken

I'm toying with the idea of seeing them again this Wednesday. It's right down the street from my house. I already spent a lot of money in San Diego, though. We will see.

I think that was the highlight of the show for me - they seemed like they really belonged on the big stage. I think this review does a great job of conveying that (he was at the same show as me). They were really engaging, and the crowd was on their feet the entire night.

I just read this review, and I find it incredibly accurate. It's actually written by someone I know. Here it is: http://soundcheck.ocregister.com/2010/07/10/kings-of-leon-in-peak-form-as-they-kick-off-u-s-tour-head-toward-bowl-debut-and-irvine-return/30081/

^ For me, personally, I don't pay much attention to the critics either. However, a combination of commercial and critical success is always a good gauge of whether or not a band's status will be elevated. The commercial side seems to be an indicator of the overall appeal of the music (i.e. does the general public find it "like-able" enough to buy the cd, attend a concert). The critical side seems to measure whether the music is pushing new boundaries. If both are in order, you really have something. I think KOL have a chance to be successful in both areas. Touring with bands like U2, Pearl Jam, and Bob Dylan certainly did not hurt. They have experienced both sides of success. For me, I hope U2 remains one of their number one influences because they should have been able to show KOL that it is alright to want to be a big, successful band.

By the way, this seems to be the current set list that they are going with: Crawl Taper Jean Girl My Party Be Somebody Immortals Molly's Chambers Fans Milk Closer Mary Four Kicks The Bucket Radioactive Charmer Sex on Fire Notion On Call Southbound Trani Encore: Knocked Up Manhattan Use Somebody Slow Night, So Long

Alcohol consumption also makes you dehydrated, and those boys are known for tipping them back :D The new songs sound great; they are very accessible. I had not heard them before the show because I try to stay away from them until they are released on an album (like ivet). Usually new songs don't translate well the first time you hear them live. It usually takes several listens before I come to like a song. However, this stuff is very melodic and catchy (just listen to the chorus of Immortals), which is why I think the new album will be popular amongst the masses and hated by the fans of their old stuff. Unfortunately, I think the swing vote will belong to the music critics. If the majority of the critics like it, then it will elevate their status greatly. Commercial AND critical success seems to be the key, even though I often can't stand music critics.

The top song (I think you said it's called Immortals) was very, very good.

I took some with my phone, but nothing came out good.

Those horns drive me crazy :dizzy2: I hope I don't have to hear them once World Cup ends

^ No one makes money on album sales anyways, at least in modern times. And anyone who wants to consume music for free is met with very few barriers as it currently stands.

The video looks goofy, but Charlize Theron looks hot. I'd call it a push.

Yeah, this is pretty accurate. I don't think they can replace John. The new project may be good, but the dynamic will not be the same. The trio of John, Flea, and Chad could blow most bands out of the water.

I'm back...the show tonight was really good. I didn't watch the opening acts because I did not care about them. KOL came on rather late; I think it was 9:30. The set list was consistent with what was being played leading up to this show: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/kings-of-leon/2010/hyde-park-london-england-23d40497.html That might not be the exact set list, but it's pretty damn close (they didn't play the Pixies cover). The new songs sounded really good live. I haven't been following them, but I know YouTube videos are going up and coming down. For those of you who don't like that KOL have morphed into arena rockers, you probably won't like the new stuff. It was all very accessible and an enjoyable listen the first time through. I personally don't mind it because I think they fill that roll very well. The thing I was most impressed about was Caleb's voice. He was spot on tonight. His voice is so unique, yet it sounds exactly like it does on the album. The thing I was most bummed about was the fact that Cold Desert was not on the set list. I had just finished talking about how much I love that song, too. Oh well. I've seen hundreds of shows over the years, and I think KOL are destined for bigger things. They rocked that venue effortlessly, and really act like they belong as one of rock's top acts. I expect their next album to take them to even greater heights. Again, I know that's a bummer for some, but I am ok with it. By the way, some of my favorite songs tonight were Fans, The Bucket, Notion and Knocked Up. Milk was pretty good, too.

I'm here now. Kol in 45 minutes.

I know, but it's Ringo. I could swallow arrogance from John or Paul.

I feel bad for Cleveland fans. Sucks when a hometown hero leaves. Miami will be good, though.

I just think he's arrogant. I don't hold a grudge; I'm just not a fan.

This video looks...............odd :confused:

I can't believe a Beatle is 70. I'm not a big fan of Ringo, but Happy Birthday, nonetheless!

Two things I've never understood: Tattoos and bumper stickers. I'm not against either; they are just not for me.

Rockin' In The Free World - Neil Young

^ I couldn't tell, but i'd go with Drunk Dave, too. Usually it's just a matter of the degree. He's a happy, friendly drunk, which is the best type :)

The cool thing about that meeting is I spotted them while everyone else was waiting in line to go into the talk show. Once they saw what I was doing, a hoard of people started rushing over (you can see all the people). The guy Brandon is with said, "let's go...here comes a bunch of people." Brandon replied, "nah, nah...this is great." He is such a nice guy. That was the release day for Day & Age.

Yay...I got PIT tickets for Friday in San Diego. It's a great venue, and it should be fun. I'll report back.

Why is Thom painting? Get back to work on your album, slacker :whip: Kid A is probably my favorite album cover.