As a former music critic, I've been to so many concerts that it's rare for me to get pumped up about a show these days. But I am excited that tonight I will finally get to see one of my favorite bands, Porcupine Tree, in concert.
No, I'm not joking. The British group is performing at the House of Blues in Cleveland, the closest they'll be to Toledo on the current tour. I missed them when they were in Detroit about a year and a half ago. I couldn't find anyone who wanted to go with me and it was a bitter cold and snowy night, so I stayed home and regretted it ever since.
Sure, the group has a quirky name and is not well known around here, but that's no way to judge the quality of its music. The group is simply phenomenal, led by Steven Wilson, who does all of the songwriting and most of the arrangements, and plays guitars, bass, and even hammered dulcimer in the studio. On tour, he travels with a live band that I am anticipating will be all sensational musicians.
When I mention how much I love Porcupine Tree, the first reaction I usually get from people is a quizzical look. Then, when I am asked to describe the band's music, I give people a quizzical look in return.
It's not easy to define or describe -- it's ornate, heavily orchestrated, thematic, atmospheric rock. Kind of like Pink Floyd, the Moody Blues, Rush, and Metallica rolled into one. If there is one band they sound like more than others, it's probably Pink Floyd, although with the grandiose attitude.
It's sad, really, that such a tremendously talented rock band that plays vibrant and fresh and challenging music is virtually unknown. And yet the Pink Floyd Laser Light Spectacular will draw thousands of people to the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater every year, paying big bucks to listen to awesome but now-dusty recordings made 30 years ago.
And I don't even want to get started what music gets on the radio. The only radio worth listening to these days is satellite.
I will report back to you soon on my night out with Porcupine Tree. I might even buy a T-shirt.
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Speaking of satellite radio, I interviewed Eric Burdon this week -- sort of. I sent him questions by email and he sent back his replies, all in caps. I think they were legit, but it's hard to tell under those conditions. Anyway, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and founding member of the Animals said he listens to World Music these days on satellite radio. He's playing at the Valentine Theatre on Saturday but I'm working that night, or I'd go.
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I've been playing my guitars a lot lately and enjoying it immensely. I got together with a few people on Monday and we're planning to try it again next Monday. Don't know where it will lead, if anywhere. The thing is, it's fun to play guitar at home by myself but the real treat is when you interact with other musicians. I'm hoping to find my niche, and I'm not talking about public performance but just a group of people to jam with.
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If you want to know whether the guys in Sanctus Real are for real, check out my story in tomorrow's Blade about their gig this Saturday night.
18-year-old Whitmer High School senior Katie Woodward decided to put on a Christian rock concert at her public school in order to try to minister to her fellow students (the show's on the weekend, so although it's at a public school it is not a school function and therefore no church-state conflict).
At the last minute, a band canceled on her. But Sanctus was here for the weekend, just back from a concert tour and getting ready to go into the studio for a recording session. They agreed to play an acoustic concert and help Katie out.
I've known the band since they started more than 10 years ago and I assure you they are all good guys with big hearts and they love the Lord. Their decision to help out a young girl they don't even know is just another example of their authenticity...
Toledo, Ohio May 18, 2007