THE CULT: Choice of Weapon Tour 2012

The Casino Ballroom

Hampton Beach, NH

June 9, 2012

As the lights went down in the Casino Ballroom the cover from The Cult's latest CD, Choice of Weapon was projected onto the film screens on either side of the stage. In the darkness, sounds of tribal beats and chanting surrounded you. When the drumming stopped The Cult took the stage and we were off...running like a pack of wolves through the night stopping just long enough to do a chorus howl.

With opening acts, The Icarus Line and Against Me! raising the crowds’ energy into a splendid fervour, it was The Cult’s frenetic pace and intense, fiery spirit that sent the wild audience over the rock-n-roll edge.

Kicking the night off with an old fan favourite, Lil’ Devil, The Cult segued right into one of their newest, fist-pumping songs, Honey from a Knife. Switching gears they then played the beautiful, and artfully timeless, Rain. It was full steam ahead when they torpedoed into another amazing song from the new CD, Choice of Weapon, entitled Lucifer.

“I'm a wolf child, girl Howlin' for you. Wild flower You're the star of my dreams Most beautiful thing Wild flower.”  ~ Lyrics from Wild Flower

The set-list for the evening was a great mixture of new songs sprinkled in with the old and, with the next few songs, brought die-hard fans back through time as The Cult rifled through their musical repertoire, making their choice of weapon – music - and pushing play.

From the ever popular Fire Woman to the howling Wildflower and energizing Spiritwalker, Astbury and crew were ablaze. The ballroom was an inferno of intense energy as unchained forces between band and audience permeated the air.

Like Aladdin riding on a magical carpet, Ian was front and center dancing and holding court upon his multi-colored Indian rug; and instead of holding a lamp, he held a tambourine, which he shook so hard the cymbals flew off like silver birds fluttering overhead. Chris Wyse was amped up - very exuberant and smiling like the Cheshire cat with a story to tell. Mike Dimkitch was having a good ol time and interacted with Chris constantly. John Tempesta was a mad-man on the drums getting the crowd going and in the groove. Billy Duffy was on fire, sizzling on the guitar - relaxed yet tight. This band line-up works well together and it shows in the candor they have on-stage.

"It rained flowers when the music began Love all around when the music is loud. Every day, nirvana. Always this way, yeah, yeah, yeah" ~ Lyrics from Nirvana

The Cult came and conquered. The band had nothing to prove and all the more to gain from the love of their fans that came out on a warm summer evening to hear their music.  Within the lyrics there is innocence, beauty, purpose; a message within a message within a story. Behind and within the music there is intensity, glory, power, edge; sounds from a place around, beside and within the core. Music is the choice. It's omnipresent and universal, it has soul, fire, mystique, passion, power...it is, The Cult.

The Cult continues their tribal dance through North America until August 19, 2012. If you get a chance to go see them…I will say one word: GO!!!

~ A Fan Story ~



Nobody left disappointed or empty-handed. John Tempesta threw out drum sticks and Ian Astbury tossed tambourines to the wild audience; making one attendee, an 18 yr-old named Tahlia Jacques, exquisitely happy. Ian saw her give up her tambourine to the woman behind her. With hand gestures Ian said he would give her another one when the next song was over. Ian kept his promise and rewarded her by walking to where she stood, leaning out and over the stage then handed Miss Jacques a tambourine.



After the show she met Billy Duffy and John Tempesta who signed the tambourine for her.  It made the night memorable and special to her, as this was her first ever rock concert and it was to see The Cult. Miss Jacques cut her teeth listening to The Cult music, as her mom is a big fan.  Now she is part of the next generation of Cult fans dancing to the tribal beat and loving it.

The Cult - Band Members 2012

Ian Astbury - vocals and percussion
Billy Duffy - lead guitar
Mike Dimkich - rhythm guitar

Chris Wyse - bass guitar

John Tempesta - drums

Set List from Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton, NH 2012

Lil’ Devil

Honey from a Knife

Rain

Lucifer

Nirvana

Embers

Fire Woman

The Wolf

Wildflower

Phoenix

For the Animals

Spirit Walker

She Sells Sanctuary

        ~ ~  Encore  ~ ~

Rise (added - not on original set-list)

Love Removal Machine

Photographs taken by the author:  S. A. Hussey  to see more visit:  Author's Facebook Page

Visit the band website at:  http://www.the-cult.com/

For more on this band and others please visit:  http://www.bluebirdreviews.com/

CD REVIEW: Choice of Weapon ~ The Cult

It's Raw!

It Rocks!  It Rolls!

It’s a cataclysmic blast!

“My wild Indian heart was pounding, I was running so fast…”

Lyrics: “Honey from a Knife"

Choice of Weapon is the Cult’s ninth studio album. Released by Cooking Vinyl and produced by Chris Gross and Bob Rock, Choice of Weapon is a multi-faceted, musical journey that rocks on all levels.

Singer, Ian Astbury digs deep into his lyrical repartee, while Billy Duffy cranks the guitar repertoires. Backed by drummer John Tempesta and bassist Chris Wyse, Choice of Weapon is a musical joust.

The Cult’s straight-shooter opener, “Honey from a Knife” pulsates in a rhythmical beat that propels you forward and into the next beautiful song, “Elemental Light”. Fueled by Duffy’s eclectic guitar skill, every song vibrates with Ian’s haunting, shamanic voice - taking you on a magical ride - from the spell of “Lucifer” to the amazing “Wilderness Now” to the visional “The Night in the City Forever”.

Choice of Weapon is a perfect arrangement of musical craftiness that barrages the senses each and every time you listen. It’s an extraordinary showcase of the Cult’s long running span as a group that both diehard and casual Cult listeners will enjoy.  Your Choice of Weapon  ~  Push play and repeat.

Track Listing:

1.) Honey from a Knife

2.) Elemental Light

3.) The Wolf

4.) Life ~ Death

5.) For the Animals

6.) Amnesia

7.) Wilderness Now

8.) Lucifer

9.) A Pale Horse

10.) The Night in the City Forever

For further information about the Cult and other bands please visit BlueBirdReviews at:  Blue Bird Reviews

Band website:  http://the-cult.com/

The Cult: Review of 'Beyond Good and Evil,' as we wait for the 'Choice of Weapon' release and tour, 2012.

The Cult: Review of 'Beyond Good and Evil,' as we wait for the 'Choice of Weapon' release and tour, 2012.

The Cult

"You are the stars that mystify me and you are the wolf that frightens the thief and you are the voice that they disbelieve. We are not chained to the wheel.  And you are the spark that sets us all free…” ~~lyrics from Rise by The Cult

I saw the Cult several years ago at Hampton Beach Casino in New Hampshire during their tour promoting the CD, Beyond Good and Evil. The music on that CD was a wild, magical ride staying true to the Cult’s energetically spirited music. From the driving beat of American Gothic, to the hypnotic Rise, and the bad ass, hard hitting, spellbinding Ashes and Ghosts. The Cult’s music has always left an indelible impression.

It’s been a while since that performance but I still look back on that magical night with enthusiasm, much fondness and a smile. The Cult performed an acoustic version of a song rarely ever played in concert and it was (still is) one of my favorites - Star. To say I was ecstatic is an understatement. I was over the full moon that shone brightly in the evening sky and laid its spotlight against the dark ocean water that night.

The Cult played all the crowd favorites: Wild Hearted Son, Fire Woman, Evie, Sweet Soul Sister, The Witch…they performed to a wild, animated group of passionate Cult fans; the group gave it all and the crowd gave it right back. The energy soared and at times, was fervently primal. The band rocked it hard and we, the fans, rolled like wolves running through the night.

I was lucky enough to meet Billy Duffy, Chris Wyse and Matt Sorum after the show that night, unfortunately, Ian wasn’t feeling well so I did not get to meet him. All three were the perfect gentlemen. I expected to be greeted by full on rock star personas and was met with smiling, friendly faces willing to chat with fans about music, life and what they thought of Hampton Beach . They answered all questions jovially and signed autographs without question. It was definitely a night I will always remember.

On May 22nd The Cult will release their new CD, Weapon of Choice and kick-off a long-awaited tour starting May 25th in San Diego, CA and ending June 22nd in Tempe, AZ. Along the way they will perform at Hampton Beach Casino in Hampton Beach, NH as well as the House of Blues in Boston, MA. I for one cannot wait for the release of the CD and the tour. The Cult’s going to rock and I'll be there shamanically dancing with my war paint on and my weapon of choice - music.

http://thecult.us/main/

CD Review: DON'T EXPLAIN

DON’T EXPLAIN
Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa

Record Label: J & R Adventures (Joe Bonamassa and Roy Weisman)

Release Date: September 26th UK and Europe, September 27th US

THE BAND
Beth Hart (vocals)
Joe Bonamassa (guitar, vocals on "Well, Well")
Blondie Chaplin (guitar)
Carmine Rosas (bass)
Arlan Scheirbaum (keyboards)
Anton Fig (drums, percussion)


REVIEW:
There’s an old tale that musicians tell about how if you walk on down to the windswept crossroads at the junction of Highways 61 and 49 in Clarksdale, Mississippi right around the stroke of midnight, the devil himself may come and perfectly tune your guitar or give you that sensational voice you want – albeit for a price. I always wondered what would happen if two musicians showed up at those crossroads at the same time - what happens then. Well methinks they call the tune, ramble on and we get a CD filled with amazing cover songs recreated by the immense talents of Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa, titled Don’t Explain.

Joe Bonamassa plays his instrument in an almost unearthly style. His fingers dance over the strings creating sounds of depth as he wrings you dry with spirited emotional finesse. When Beth Hart joins in and sings, the sounds fuse, complement, harmonize and become one. Beth can moan and wail expressing the deepest sorrows of a condemned sinner but just as easily grind with grit about love finding her. These two performers artfully blend their styles and sound giving us old songs, breathed with a new airy light and a touch of the old time sultry, slinky blues.

If Joe and Beth went to those cross roads I don’t think it was to make a pact with the devil but to sing and play, and see what the Mississippi winds blew their way. Also, I think after listening to Don’t Explain, that it was to show that old devil a new thing or two about the blues.


SET LIST
Sinner's Prayer
Chocolate Jesus
Your Heart Is As Black As Night
For My Friend
Don't Explain
I'd Rather Go Blind
Something's Got A Hold On Me
I'll Take Care Of You
Well, Well
Ain't No Way

SONG-BY-SONG REVIEW:

Sinner’s Prayer: This song is crazy-wild and digs deep. The beat thumps hard and the slink-slank of the guitar meshes with Beth’s vocals creating that gritty groove this song requires. “…have mercy.”

Chocolate Jesus: This took a few plays in the player before I started grooving with it. It’s a bluesy gospel with an upswing tempo that I found after a few plays, you start humming and singing right along with it.

Your Heart is as Black as Night: Out of all the tracks on this CD this is my least favorite. Musically it’s great. It has a slow, slinky feel to it and Joe kicks it out of the park on his guitar solo. Beth’s voice on this is well done but it doesn’t have the same panache as the other songs.

For My Friend: I do like the lyrics and Beth’s voice is edgy/spastic on this song. Musically it’s well done, unfortunately the song as a whole really doesn’t do a lot for me.

Don’t Explain: Beth’s voice is sultry and very Billie Holiday-like. Her tone and inflections, the swoop and sway gives one the feeling of “old school” soul. Beth gives her all on this one and it is just beautiful. Joe’s guitar weeps and winds its way in and out throughout the song that is amazing and skillfully done. Perfection!

I’d Rather Go Blind: Another beautifully re-crafted song. Beth’s voice cracks, weeps and moans as she tells her story; then Joe retells the story with his guitar playing during the solo which leads back to Beth to finish it.

Something’s Got a Hold On Me: One of my favorites. I love how the deep soul digging opener segues into almost a gospel sound that appears to have been caught by the blues devil himself then shaken so hard that you feel compelled to shimmy and shake. Yes, IT IS THAT GOOD!

I’ll Take Care of You: Joe’s skills on the guitar really shine on this song. You feel the edge and pain of this song in every note that he sends flying through his fingertips – spellbinding playing.

Well, Well: I gotta say this one should be getting radio play on the stations. It has a phenomenal beat and a hook that just won’t quit. Everyone that I’ve played it for is tapping their foot and humming the song. SIDE NOTE: The opener of this reminded me a bit of Robert Plant’s Takamba – not sure why.

Ain’t No Way: Ok, I’ll admit it, this song made me cry. Joe’s opening guitar playing leading into Beth’s soulful voice is tender and sweet. The lyrics are heart-wrenching and Beth weaves and wraps her voice around them making you bleed with her. If the voice wasn’t enough Joe’s guitar notes silhouette’s, harmonizes and shoulder’s Beth’s voice, like a best friend listening and helping her carry the pain. Beth and Joe pour the emotion out in this song, so beautiful. Kudos! SIDE NOTE: The opening notes have shades of In the Light by Led Zeppelin in it

For another review on this CD go to: Blue Bird Reviews

For more music reviews visit my website: Rock-it-Write

HOT CHELLE RAE

Casino Ballroom
Hampton Beach
Hampton, NH
August 31, 2011

Hot Chelle Rae opened for Big Time Rush at their sold out show in Hampton Beach, NH! Having only ever heard one song of theirs, and not knowing anything else of this band, I must say I was pleasantly surprised to see and hear this group perform.

I expected a clone of Big Time Rush but was so very wrong. This was not a dancing boy band -- Hot Chelle Rae ROCKED! RK Follese, the lead singer, has a dynamite voice to go with his effervescent personality. The drummer, Jamie Follese, kept a rocking beat and his constant smile lit up the room. The lead guitarist, Nash Overstreet, and bass player, Ian Keaggy, were equally brilliant and amazing.

Hot Chelle Rae started with a song called, Beautiful Freaks, then, I Like it Like That. They also performed a cover of Katy Perry’s, Teenage Dream, which was fantastic and ended with their Top 40 hit, Tonight Tonight.

Unfortunately, I did not get a copy of the set-list but Hot Chelle Rae performed approximately seven songs. Those few songs in between the above mentioned ones, I’d like to say were an eclectic mix of pop-punk-rock. Some had a Ramones-like feel to them, while others had more of a pulsating, pumping pop-rock grind to them

.

At one point RK strapped on an acoustic guitar and began to softly strum a beautiful melody then he stopped, looked to the audience and said, “C’mon people raise your cell phones up – let’s light this place up.” (Oh how times have changed. In my days it was a Bic lighter we held up.) With the audiences phones held high, the rest of the band joined RK as the song sped up then took on a new rockin life of its own, making us dance and smile.

I must say if you didn’t come to Hampton Beach a fan of Hot Chelle Rae then you definitely left as one.

At the end of the night Hot Chelle Rae stayed in the ballroom, taking pictures and signing autographs for fans.  I can’t say enough what an amazing group they were. They have staying power and I look forward to seeing and hearing a lot more from them in the near future.

If you get a chance to see them perform, GO… I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.


For more music reviews visit my website: Rock-it-Write

Band Website: Hot Chelle Rae

BIG TIME RUSH

Casino Ballroom
Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH

August 31, 2011


Screaming fans and their parents, some waiting several hours, were lined up all around and down the street four blocks, at the Casino Ballroom at Hampton Beach, NH to get a much coveted ‘standing-room-only’ spot inside the “sold out” show for the highly popular boy-band from Nickelodeon, Big Time Rush.

The ballroom was packed with all age groups: small children, teenagers and parents alike. Everywhere you looked you saw Big Time Rush t-shirts, posters, and wrist bands. The homemade t-shirts and posters were artsy and very creative and you felt the love and spirit of the fans for the band. (It brought back memories of my own tween days and doing exactly the same thing for my favorite bands.)

After the back-up bands and some very long waits in between, Big Time Rush finally hit the stage and the crowd went crazy wild. The piercing screams from these girls was so high it should’ve shattered the glass windows. The boys were quite energetic and synchronized in their dancing moves and connected well to their audience; waving, smiling, reaching out and touching hands with their fans. James and Logan even did their famous back flips.

In between performing their upbeat songs we learned Big Time Rush had a new CD coming out soon, were filming a movie, and Season 3 of their Nickelodeon show was being shot as well. All of this elicited excited squeals of delight from the fans.

The boys pulled out the stools for a sit down of an acoustic version of, Stuck, which showed Kendall’s prowess on the guitar. Next up was a cover of the Beatle’s song, I Want to Hold Your Hand. Then the group chose a young girl from the audience to serenade their popular song, Worldwide, to her – making this young girl’s night one she would never forget.

After a few more songs Kendall, James, Logan, and Carlos ended the night with confetti and the song, The City is Ours. (Which, for tonight it was.) After leaving the stage and with screams from their audience they returned to do one more number, Halfway There.

Big Time Rush arrived and conquered. It was a BIG TIME Awesome show!



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