Cage The Elephant & Bad Cop @ Cosmopolitan Pool

It had already been a long day by the time I got to the Cosmopolitan Pool.  What with Reggae & Phil arriving at 7am, the boys first birthday party at a park in Summerlin, and a house full of people, I could've easily just called it a night.  Thankfully I didn't!

It had been unusually cold all day, with rain while we were outside with the boys.  But with my trusty cardigan and beanie, Reggae, Phil & I met Erik & Shelly and braved the elements.

We were there early to see Bad Cop, a Tennessee band who were pretty good.  While it seemed as though no one in Las Vegas knew who they were, they played some great rock and got the crowd warmed up for the main event.

From the get go Cage were on fire!  They were out of the gates with 2024 and lead singer Matthew Shultz was dancing around stage like these songs were all his favorite of all time.  He has a crazy energy and does not stop for the whole show.  Even with the wind and the cold, the sound was great and there was not one lowlight to be spoken of (except maybe the small amount of attendees at the show).  In One Ear was wild, as was Back Against The Wall, and to hear everyone sing Ain't No Rest For The Wicked at full belt was awesome.  I had been listening to the Live At Chicago's Vic CD and was hoping they'd do the Psycho Killer cover, but was just as stoked to hear Pavement's False Skorpions finish a blazing show.

The night finished with me dropping Phil & Reggae off at the airport as they continue their journey home via Hawaii (I wish that was me).  I think they liked the show, I know Erik & Shelly did, and I as sure loved it.  Hope they come back through town soon

 

The Crap Facts:

This is my 327th concert.

This is my 3rd concert at Cosmopolitan Pool.

This is my 123rd concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 123rd concert in Nevada.

This is my 135th concert in the USA.
Bad Cop are the 392nd band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Cage The Elephant concert.

Mastodon & Opeth @ House Of Blues

Because I'm old now it is very rare that I don't call a venue to find out what time a band starts and I arrive a couple of minutes before they take the stage.  This was going to be the case with Mastodon, until I read an article about Opeth.  Described as a European black metal band, who unbeknowst to me, have been around for years, I decided to get in a little early and check these guys out.  They have a big following as the House of Blues is already near full.  I don't know any songs but instead of metal, it was more of like an atmospheric rock, which after time was agitating the crowd.  This is apparently Opeth's new direction and not so popular with their old-school fans.  It is not until the last 2 songs that they, and the crowd, cut loose with some great riffs and some music befitting of a Mastodon opener.  Glad I made the effort to get there to see them, but probably wouldn't see them again - unless it was guaranteed they'd play old stuff - I'm not much into the atmospherics.

Opeth Setlist

Soon after, Mastodon arrived to thunderous applause, though the crowd seemed to have thinned out slightly after Opeth (fine by this old guy).  Now that I'm a dad, I notice a lot of dad-like things, and early on in the set it was great to see the lead singer spot his young son watching from above.  Father & son got a great buzz out of the exchange and it seemed to spur Troy Sanders on.  This is the Heritage Hunter Tour, so Mastodon played a lot from their latest album.  Highlights for me were Crack The Skye, Curl Of The Burl & Blood & Thunder.  This is my 4th time seeing Mastodon, but 1st time at one of their shows (had seen them at festivals and opening for Alice In Chains before).  Great show, but a little short for my liking.  With 5 albums worth of material, I thought we may have gotten more, though the 10pm House Of Blues curfew for all ages shows probably had something to do with it.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 326th concert.

This is my 41st concert at House Of Blues.

This is my 122nd concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 122nd concert in Nevada.

This is my 134th concert in the USA.
Opeth are the 391st band I've seen.
This is my 4th Mastodon concert.

Madness @ House Of Blues

Another older band to check out! These are usually hit (Leonard Cohen) or miss (Bad Brains) but a risk that need to be taken.

Needless to say a right decision was made.

After dinner at Hussong’s in Mandalay Place, I walked into a relatively packed House of Blues with Erik & Dave and got our regular spot, down the front on the left hand side. We only had to wait a few minutes before we were graced with the presence of the 10 piece English legends. And from the get go it was all good. The crowd, a lot of which were English – and a lot older than I (it’s nice not to be the old guy at the show for a change) – reacted with wild abandon when the band started with One Step Beyond. Madness then proceeded to give Las Vegas a lesson in great ska shows over the next hour plus. Songs were somewhat familiar to me but the energy of band and the crowd made this a night to remember. It wasn’t until the last four songs that I got to hear all I wanted. House Of Fun, Baggy Trousers, It Must Be Love & Our House finished off the set, and the crowd was going nuts. After a brief break, we got a 3 song encore which left me wanting more. Unfortunately we did get Chas Smith coming back out to thank the crowd, wearing nothing but a towel – which was taken from him by the saxophone player. Leaving him to walk off stage nude as the crowd roared approval again.

I love going to concerts, and there is nothing better than a good one. But tonight I’ve never been so glad to see a show. The thought of reading about how good this show was would’ve been devastating. I wonder what the chances of ever seeing Madness again are.

The Crap Facts

This is my 325th concert.

This is my 40th concert at House Of Blues.

This is my 121st concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 121st concert in Nevada.

This is my 133rd concert in the USA.
Madness are the 390th band I've seen.

Kooks @ House of Blues

On the strength of 1 album (their first – 2006’s Inside In/Inside Out) I went to see the pop rock of the Kooks at the trusty of House of Blues. Also got Dave to come along.

Not sure if there was an opener as we wandered in as The Kooks hit the stage, as is my planning with the twins and work these days, I only get to a show in time to see who I want. There is a decent sized crowd, probably mostly English, but it’s a great venue with this size a crowd.

From the start the band and crowd had some fun but it wasn’t until after the 5th or 6th song, when the lead singer did an acoustic solo, that the show got out of 3rd gear. I had a blast, all the songs were good, but obviously I enjoyed the one’s I new best. Ooh La, If Only, She Moves In Her Own Way were the highlights. But they played only for an hour - what?! All the way from England and you can only put in an hour. That's a bit rawkus. I’m not sure Spooner was quite sold - but nonetheless a good night.

PS. Dear House of Blues Las Vegas, $17 for a Bud Light and a bottle of Dasani water!! Really? Really????

The Crap Facts:

This is my 324th concert.

This is my 39th concert at House Of Blues.

This is my 120th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 120th concert in Nevada.

This is my 132nd concert in the USA.
The Kooks are the 389th band I've seen.

Las Vegas, NV

Today A is having her meeting. It’s our last day, so the boys and I are going to spend the day exploring. Around midday we head down to the Harbor to have a wander. I do the fatherly thing and show them the ocean, seals, seagulls, sand etc, but they are not interested – actually they are a pain in the butt with all their fussing. After an hour I can’t take it any more so we get back in the car to see if they will calm down. They do – by falling asleep. I decide to drive around, just for the peace and quiet. I try and stay along the coast as long as possible, just to enjoying being near the water. We ended up back at the hotel in time for them to eat, and after lunch the fussing continued, so we stayed inside. I tried to get them to nap later in the afternoon, as I wanted one as well before the long haul home.

When A came back I went out and got her a sandwich for dinner. We fed the boys, packed the car, and at 7.30pm we were on the road back to Vegas. The drive home was uneventful (thanks mostly to nobody being in the HOV lane for a majority of the drive), though we stopped just outside of Baker, where Amy took over driving as I was starting to nod off a little.

A good weekend – as usual not long enough. But a great town. We will hopefully be back someday, though I say that with many other places on list to visit.

Santa Barbara, CA

This is our whole day to ourselves and we decide to drive up to Solvang. We’d heard about this town, but neither A nor I had been there. Solvang is a small town an hour northwest of Santa Barbara that was settled by Danes in 1911. The northern European influence is evident in this small touristy town. We got there just as things were opening, and I think Mondays are their hangover day from the weekend, as there were very few people around. It was nice to wander around the small shops (and not see any large chains that you see in every other US city), and just spend time somewhere different with the family.

We headed back to Santa Barbara after a couple of hours. We stopped at Solvang Mission, but did not take the tour. We drove up via the coast road, which was picturesque. Just to be different we went back via the inland road. This was just as scenic, but of the surrounding countryside, rolling hills and Lake Cachuma, but not the Pacific Ocean. We stopped at Whole Foods back in Santa Barbara to pick up some lunch for all of us.

After feeding the boys their 2pm feed, we went out and wandered around the town – checking out State Street in Santa Barbara . Such a beautiful town – and again just being outside in the perfect weather made for a relaxing afternoon.

Santa Barbara, CA

Once we got the boys started for the day we headed down to Oxnard Beach for an afternoon of sun and sand. The weather was just perfect for us to put up an umbrella by the channel and watch the boats drift in and out. The boys, as always, loved being outside, though they wouldn’t venture off the blanket and on to the sand. We picked up some take away from Manda’s Galley and enjoyed the sights and sounds that I miss from living so far from the coast.

In the afternoon we made the 45 minute drive up to Santa Barbara , where we are staying at the Inn of Spanish Garden. The drive was non eventful, actually we went beyond as the boys were asleep and we were happy with the quiet.

After working in a 4000 room hotel, staying in a 23 room hotel was bliss and this one was beautiful. We are 3 blocks away from State Street (Santa Barbara's main drag) and about a mile from the beach. By the time we got settled in and fed the boys, we decided we’d head towards the beach to find dinner for us. We walked out on to the pier and picked up some fish and chips from Char West and sat on the pier. While it was a little cool, it was great to be outside (again) enjoying the ocean air.

Oxnard, CA

Up and out pretty early for our quick trip to Carolyn's. We reached Oxnard in no time and after a drive past the beach, we arrived early at Carolyn’s. It was a beautiful day and we took full advantage of being able to sit outside on the lawn. The boys loved it! While a little hesitant at the feel of the grass they were content to play on their blankets and enjoy the outdoors.

After their lunch we all drove into Ventura and we wandered around the small town and headed towards the beach. Again the boys were in their element. Feet up in the stroller, girls fussing over them and the warm sun on their faces. For me it was just great to see the ocean. All the smells and the people enjoying themselves – the ocean just seems to relax me. After wandering we settled on Corrales for lunch. This little, local hole in the wall Mexican place was fantastic. The best burrito I have ever had. And not just because we were both starving.

We drove back to Carolyn’s on the local roads. It is amazing that this area is mostly farmland, just a couple hours north of LA.

That night Tina, Grace & Sophia came around to see the boys and split a pizza. The boys had fun until they hit a wall, then it was all over for the night.

Thousand Oaks, CA

After the debacle of flying to Phoenix last August it was decided we’d drive to Santa Barbara with the boys. But we’d do it after they had their last feed and were headed to bed. Success! We left the house just after 7.30pm and the boys slept most of the way (with a few minor wake ups). Just before midnight we started looking for a place to stop – though if we could’ve got a hold of Carolyn we would have driven all the way through to Oxnard.  At Thousand Oaks we pulled off the 101 and bunked the night at the Quality Inn. Nothing special, but a pillow after a long drive.

Tool & Intronaut @ Mandalay Bay Events Center

Again another favorite band – Tool – and a long time between shows – nearly 15 years. What is wrong with me?

Having only seen 1 show at Mandalay Bay Events Center before (Van Morrison) I was a bit skeptical because of the venue. (I don’t like arenas). But we were on the floor so how bad could it be…. Well seats on the floor bad. But it’s Tool so that will make up for everything.

We were in early, not realizing there was an opening band. Intronaut were good, but not my cup of tea. Good for them though – hardcore Tool fans seemed to like them and it was not a bad half hours / 6 songs work.

 

Tool came onstage just after 9pm and the sold out crowd was on fire from the start. Hooker With A Penis was a great start to the night. Sound in the venue was really good and though Maynard was off on some of the notes and words, the band sounded great. Stinkfist had a ton of power and another great show. And 46 & 2 is another personal favorite that sounded awesome. But the highlight for me came during Lateralus, when Buzz & Dale of the Melvins came on stage. Buzz tore up a wild solo before Dale & Danny went apeshit during a drum duet. Dale providing a blaze of arms, and out-banging Danny with only half the drum kit. Finishing with Ænema was great as well (you think I like that album?).

My gripes were :

a) only 11 songs – yeah 100 minutes were great but how about another classic instead of an extended intro to Schism

b) seats on the floor – what’s that about Mandalay Bay ?

c) Tool, Do you remember albums called Undertow & Opiate?

d) If you are going to bring the greatest band, The Melvins, to play one song, why not get them to open for you. I’m a cranky old man sometimes.

Regardless this was a great show – as have the other 3 Tool shows I’ve seen. Musically they are a great band and the visuals added to the music are like they are made for each other – perfect. I hope they come back around soon (and in a smaller venue – how great would that be?). Until then I hope I don’t wait another 15 years.

 

The Crap Facts

This is my 323rd concert.

This is my 2nd concert at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

This is my 119th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 119th concert in Nevada.

This is my 131st concert in the USA.
Intronaut are the 388th band I've seen.
This is my 4th Tool concert.

Misfits @ House Of Blues

This was a 2nd chance for the Misfits. I’d seen them open for Motorhead a couple of years back, but wanted to see if they were better on their own terms.

Wandered into the House of Blues just after 8pm and the show had already started. It seems that they have a new album, The Devil’s Rain, and they are determined to play as much of it as possible. This does not go over great with the smallish crowd, but none the less the trio plough on with short, fast melodic tunes. For me, it wasn’t until the 2nd half of the show where things picked up. This is when they played into the large back catalogue and all the classics came out. 20 Eyes, Mommy Can I Go Out & Kill Tonight, Where Eagles Dare etc had the crowd in a frenzy. Unlike last time no Black Flag Covers – you kind of hope with Dez & Robbo in the line up.

When it was all over, Graves came down and met the crowd for autographs and photos, but I took off, as work beckons early tomorrow. My one doubt was that I’m not sure how rock and roll the night was, considering I was home by 9.45pm (and I live ½ hour away).

I had a good night, but if I see the Misfits again, I think it would have to be in a more intimate setting. The Las Vegas House of Blues stage keeps the band too far removed when the crowds aren’t so big.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 322nd concert.

This is my 38th concert at House of Blues.

This is my 118th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 118th concert in Nevada.

This is my 130th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Misfits concert.

TV On The Radio & Arctic Monkeys @ Cosmopolitan Pool

Two great bands co-headlining, 1 awesome venue – as if I was going to miss this one. The Cosmopolitan Pool is a new favorite venue – outside, not too big, good sound and good bands. Though $10 for a beer – c’mon!

I caught the last 2 songs of the Smith Wesserns and wasn’t enthralled by what I heard.

I was surprised that the Arctic Monkeys opened (I think of them as a bigger band) but who cares. I think all the English in the crowd – and there was a ton of them – felt the same. But then again, the English probably aren’t used to seeing the Monkeys in such a small venue. The earlier the Arctic Monkeys album, the better, and unlike other shows of theirs I’d seen, they played a good mix from each of their 4 release. Obviously the new album, Suck It & See, was well represented (from the beginning with Library) but it was the stuff from the first album that sent people into a frenzy. I loved The View From The Afternoon, followed straight away by I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor. And it seemed like the band were really enjoying themselves – which is different from the last 2 times I’d seen them. The set finished with When The Sun Goes Down, and from the first strains of “Who’s that girl there???” It was the perfect ending to the set. 18 songs from an opener. Very happy with that!

Not sure why, but it seemed to take forever to get TV On The Radio onto the stage. And by this point I think all the English had left as there wasn’t near as many people around. But all the better for the rest of us. A totally different sound from the Arctic Monkeys, TVOTR are great in their own unique way. Not as many songs but a little longer that than AM, TVOTR the highlight came with the frenetic Wolf Like Me, closing the regular set. Only a 2 song encore as I think the late start robbed us of a couple of extra songs (but we’ll survive).

Great double bill, but that seems to be happening a lot in Vegas lately. Bring it on.

 

The Crap Facts

This is my 321st concert.

This is my 2nd concert at Cosmopolitan Pool.

This is my 117th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 117th concert in Nevada.

This is my 129th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Arctic Monkeys concert.
This is my 2nd TV On The Radio concert.

Rancid @ House Of Blues

It’s hard to beat a good Rancid show and tonight was no exception.

The House of Blues was PACKED – it was 2003, when the Foo Fighters played since I’d seen it this full.

I walked in as they started and then proceeded to be blown away by 37 songs over the next 2-and-a-bit hours. I think both the band and the crowd fed off each others energy and a good night was had by all. Roots Radical, Time Bomb, Olympia WA and Fall Back Down were highlights for me. I also liked the 3 song acoustic break in the middle of the set (last time they did this at the House of Blues was when they were forced to after blowing the power back in October 2006). It gave both the band and the crowd a breather.

A 3 song encore was finished with the awesome Ruby Soho – my favorite Rancid song. I felt like I didn’t want the show to end, which is always a good sign. And for the first time in a long time I bought a tshirt to take as a memento.

When are they coming back?

The Crap Facts:

This is my 320th concert.

This is my 37th concert at House Of Blues.

This is my 116th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 116th concert in Nevada.

This is my 128th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Rancid concert.
Rancid are the 300th time I've seen an American band.

Las Vegas, NV

Can we survive the flight home? We're not going to risk it. Instead of flying back, we opt to extend the rental and drive back to Las Vegas. Not ideal in this heat – but I can’t see them suffer on the plane again.

We take off mid afternoon, as the boys are ready for a nap, and they are asleep as we hit the freeway. Before we get out of Phoenix we stop for our highlight of the 3 days – A's beloved Chick Fil-A. We drive through and power on, trying to get as far as we can while the boys are asleep. We stop on the side of the road about 3 hours into the trip for a feed, and have to refuel in Kingman. It was from here home, that the boys were restless and made the trip a little more difficult.

After picking up my car from the airport and dropping off the rental we were finally home just after 6pm. Everyone’s happy that this trip is over and we all sleep like the dead.

What this trip has taught us is that we will wait until the boys have a better understanding of their surroundings before we get on a plane again, and who knows when it will be before we get them back to see my family in Australia?

Scottsdale, AZ

With the nightmare hopefully behind us, the boys and I are set for a day in Phoenix .

I wanted to go to the Phoenix Art Museum, as they have a Gordon Parks exhibit and an exhibit about the new bridge over the Hoover Dam. The concierge is excited that someone is asking about the museum, as she is a docent there – unfortunately it is closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Plan denied.

It is so hot outside, so we head to the Fashion Mall in Scottsdale, just so we have a place to wander around in the air conditioning. We spent just a little time there before heading back to the hotel. We could walk around the grounds a bit, but the boys needed sleep.

After A finished with work I had an early dinner at the hotels Ocean Trail restaurant. Some great oysters and clams.

I am on babysitting duty again tonight as A heads out for a work dinner. Should be easy, I’ve done this enough times before – oh wait, not on this trip. Come bedtime, I had the boys wrapped, read them their story and they were drifting off to sleep. Maybe they were having flashbacks to the plane ride yesterday, but something set them off, and the screaming began again. I tried – I did – I promise, but nothing I did would calm them down. I could pick up one to comfort them and the other would ramp it up, and vice versa. I held on as long as I could, but eventually I had to call up to the restaurant to have Amy come and help me. As it turns out – mom was all they needed. With their mother’s touch and a quick bath, they were calmed and ready for bed.