The term "Goonery" gets tossed around on this website a whole lot and if you're unaware of what the term actually means, 2020 encapsulates it perfect. Things just so absurd that they make no sense at all, and that's the vibe I've gotten throughout the entirety of this years' election cycle. I'm not getting into it, because in all honesty I don't give a flying fuck who you vote for and you shouldn't care who anyone else votes for. There's no finding common ground anymore, you either agree with someone and are the best of pals with them or vehemently disagree with someone and you automatically are unable to look at them in the eyes and have a conversation like an adult. Now, I don't think that this is the majority of people, but the vocal minority and the echo chamber that Social Media's become has only amplified what's wrong with the world.
Let's be real with ourselves, not much is going to change regardless of who wins the election tomorrow. It's two old bags who are controlled by somebody else pulling their strings, and if you disagree with me, you're just as big a part of the problem as our politicians are. And as dumb and naive as this may seem, treat everyone how you'd like to be treated or love your neighbor as yourself, whichever you prefer, and things will start looking a bit different in your day-to-day life.
With that being said, this next week is going to bee an absolute dumpster fire and I'm dropping some of my favorite live music performances of all-time if you want to break up the madness of tomorrow (and the rest of the week, who am I kidding) with some good vibes and a reminder that life before 2020 was much better and that live music might return at some point (?) in the way we all know and love. Positive Vibes Only these next few days everyone, PVO if that's even possible.
Goo Goo Dolls- "Iris" Live in Buffalo, NY
The type of performance that people watch and want to get into music. One of the best songs of all-time (sue me), in the pouring rain almost a decade after the song was originally released being sung by thousands of people. Straight out of a movie and I watch this at least twice a month.
Van Halen- Dreams Live in Toronto
Not Van Halen's (or Van Hagar if you're one of those assholes) best or most popular song by any stretch of the imagination, but man oh man does this song get the juices flowing to all the right places. Sammy Hagar doesn't get anywhere near the recognition he deserves and of course Eddie just makes sweet, sweet love to the guitar making this one an absolute joy to watch. The song itself just reminds me of the final scene in the original Power Rangers movie, maybe it's the nostalgia that gets me with this one, but 5150 is such a damn good album.
Tyler Childers- Charleston Girl at Whispering Beard 2016
Tyler will get the respect he deserves one day, but we're still not there and I'll keep pushing it down the throats of all 10 of you who end up reading these. Just so incredibly effortless while he performs and it sounds the exact same as it does in studio. Probably Childers' most underrated song for my money, but the steel guitar in this rendition is what puts this one over the top for me.
John Mayer- Neon Live in LA
It's John Mayer and an accoustic guitar, what else do I even have to say? Coolest dude on the fucking planet and it isn't even close. The moment he picks the opening riff of Neon and blows the roof off the place, half the room was dripping wet while the other half was entering the mental octagon wondering where they went wrong in life not learning to play the guitar. Guy has it so easy, and if you can find a way to casually bring up being a John Mayer fan because of how awesome he is with a guitar in his hands, drop it. Women love it
Lil Dicky- The Hot Seat Freestyle at Hot 107.9 Philly
I love Lil Dicky, and I don't care who knows it. I feel like that's become more acceptable the past few years, especially with the success of his sitcom, Dave. Regardless, Dicky's had a few different freestyles that have gone incredibly viral and I think this one may be my favorite. There are two different freestyles and the second one which starts at about the 3:10 mark of the video gets me ready to run through a wall every time I listen to it. Maybe save this one for right before you're heading out to get some early Christmas shopping when the election results are official. More of this from LD, and less Earth, someone in the video's comments said they want a freestyle album from him and wouldn't that be something to behold. Doubt that happens but I'm praying he releases his album by the end of the year like he's been promising.
The Notorious B.I.G.- Juicy/ Big Poppa Live at MTV Spring Break 1995
My taste in music is as confused as an 18 year old girl going away to college at times. I always catch people off guard when I tell them I listen to Red Dirt Country/Bluegrass most of the time but also love 90s Hip-Hop, and more specifically, Biggie. Lyricism is what get's me going which is why You'll find me listening to 90s Hip-Hop before anything that comes out nowadays 10 times out of 10. Real stories, real lyrics, and you know those mother fuckers lived what they were rapping about. I'd give a lot up to have grown up in the 90s and was able to experience this as it was happening, but I guess I'll settle for Youtube videos. It is what it is, Biggie's the greatest rapper of all time and if you disagree with me, I'll hang up and listen.
Jim Cornelison- National Anthem at Soldier Field on 9/11/11
Get out and vote, that way you have the right to bitch about the results if they don't go your way. Have a great rest of your week everybody.
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