Unless indicated, I took all the pics posted on this blog. Feel free to repost – just remember to give credit. Cheers!

Coldplay at the Hollywood Palladium

On January 21, Coldplay played the second of back-to-back shows at the Hollywood Palladium. Being the first day of the semester, I wasn’t sure I wanted to venture all the way up after a long day of teaching. I’m glad I did. This wasn’t like the other times I’d seen Coldplay Here are some of my observations:

• I’d seen Coldplay twice before (2006 and 2016), but I’d never thought I’d have the chance to catch them in a relatively smaller venue. The Palladium has a maximum capacity of 3800.
• This show was the last in a series of special appearances they’ve made in the LA area. Since they’re not officially touring, this was the last show. At the end, Chris Martin told the audience that we’d see them in a few month, or years, or whenever they figured things out. Going on a break, maybe?
• Most of the concert’s setlist focused on their new album, “Everyday Life.” While not my favorite of their overall work, they had some fantastic performances of the new work. The best performance? Their collaboration of “Arabesque,” bringing out Femi Kuti and his band of horns. What a mind-blowing performance.
• They also managed to give us some of their older cuts, including a surprisingly big-sounding “Viva la Vida,” a scaled back piano version of the Chainsmokers collaboration, “Something Just Like This,” and a reworking of “Fix You.” (I still prefer the original, and performed in a giant venue. But, this had charm.)
• The encore included a version of “The Scientist,” complete with Chris Martin mixing up a few lines in the second verse of the song. Still nice to hear it, especially since they had a live string section throughout the entire show.
• This was not my favorite setlist from Coldplay, but the relative intimacy of seeing them in a smaller venue made up for it. Not sure when we’ll see them again in the LA area (or the US for that matter). I doubt they’re done, but over 20 years is a long time to be in the music game. Check out the pics!

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Over the next couple months, I’m going to highlight different artists from the two festivals I’m attending in the spring, Coachella and Bottlerock. I’ll highlight one I’ve seen, and one I haven’t. This week, it’s Bottlerock.

Bottlerock Artists

Have seen!

Foals

Foals is one of those bands that should be more popular than they are. Hailing from the U.K., I first caught their live set at Outside Lands in 2016. They’re a great rock band, and I have tickets to see them at the Hollywood Bowl before Bottlerock. Don’t miss!

What to listen to: I personally loved their live version of “Spanish Sahara.” One of their bigger hits was “My Number.”

 

Haven’t seen!

Stevie Nicks

The Fleetwood Mac legend is going solo for a few festival performances this year. Between her solo hits and the Mac’s legendary cuts, this should be a stellar performance, especially having not appeared on the festival circuit in quite some time.

What to listen to: Having grown up loving Fleetwood Mac, I’d recommend her songs from that time, namely the live version of “Silver Springs” (from 1997’s ‘The Dance“). Check out her and Lindsey eyeing each other at the end. Also, I’ve always loved her solo hit “Stand Back” (that’s Prince killing it on the keys).

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Music Currently Spinning…

Lost in Yesterday (Music video) – Tame Impala // The new music video from the recent release. Counting down to the full album release in two weeks.

Hit The Back – King Princess and Channel Tres // Two of my favorite live acts last year, on this new cut.

Darkness – Eminem // Em’s surprise album release also included this music video. Warning: there is a reenactment of gun violence in the video.

Physical – Dua Lipa // Dua Lipa continues to build anticipation for new album, with this latest single (not to be confused with Olivia Newton John’s 80’s anthem).

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Other Music Notes…

• The fourth season of Hip-Hop Evolution was released, and it did not disappoint. What I love most is how it tells stories of Hip Hop pioneers that never quite got the acclaim, while also telling the stories of some long-time favorites. This time around, catch the story of hip-hop in New Orleans, along with other Southern cities Houston, Memphis, and Atlanta. The third episode focuses on superstar producers (think the Neptunes), and the fourth and final episode focuses on the evolution of the mixtape (think 50 Cent). My only complaint about the series? I want more! At four episodes per season, this show always leaves me wanting. But that’s probably a good thing.
• Three more festival lineups were released this last week, with Boston Calling, Osheaga, and Firefly. A couple things were noting:
  • Foo Fighters are headlining two of the three, as are Rage Against The Machine. This makes me think one of them is headlining Outside Lands.
  • Lizzo is headlining Osheaga, which gives her two top spots this year.
  • Aside from Rage, Firefly is pop heavy on top. Also, David Lee Roth is playing that fest. Can’t remember if I’ve seen him on a festival bill in the last decade.
  • Kendrick Lamar is also headlining Osheaga, which means he could be headlining other fests. Maybe Outside Lands? Also, he is supposed to have a new album coming out this year.
• A number of big tours are happening this year, including:
• • • David Gilmour
    • My Chemical Romance (all 3 dates sold out in LA, with a 4th show on 10/16. As I write this, they’re probably already sold out).
    • The Strokes, with Alvvays and King Princess
    • Dave Matthews Band
    • Pearl Jam

Here’s an ongoing playlist of what I’m listening to throughout the year.