Wer'e All Alright: Cheap Trick rocks The Wellmont theater

 Yesterday I had the pleasure of seeing Cheap Trick once more at The Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ. I first saw them at the same venue back in March of 2019. This time around I bought along my girlfriend and best friend including my dad. Next to The Rolling Stones (who've I also seen live) I can honestly say that Cheap Trick is truly a testament of rock n roll and are at their best when they play live. Cheap Trick was formed in 1973. The original lineup consisted of Robin Zander (vocals and guitar) Rick Neilsen (Guitar), Tom Peterson (bass) and Bun E. Carlos (drums) . The group hails from Rockford, Illinois and their contribution to rock and roll can't be underestimated. In the late 70's, disco was ruling the airwaves . Thank god we had Cheap Trick to prove that rock was very much alive. They had a Beatlmania following on Japan which resulted in the live album masterpiece Cheap Trick at Budokan . It wasn't until that live record that America finally started taking the band seriously. Being able to combine both elements of punk , pop, glam rock, and new wave along with catchy lyrics and powerful guitar hooks there is a reason why decades later the band still reigns supreme. 

Just being able to see live music was such a blessing after what we've all been through. Cheap Trick were on top of their game last night. They may be up their in age but they play with such passion and are so professional at what they do you would believe they were in their late 20's. The only changeup for the band tonight was that Robin Taylor Zander (Robin Zander's son) filled in for bassist Tom Peterson who is currently recovering from open heart surgery. Daxx Neilson (Rick Neilsen's son) was on drums and has been since 2010. The band performed songs from their latest album Another World while also providing deep cuts for true fans like "Stiff Competition" and "Top Of The World".  Their classic "Big Eyes" was also included which was a staple on their Budokan record. Of course , Cheap Trick wanted to please everyone that night. They rounded out the night with classics like "The Flame", "I want you to Want Me", 'Dream Police" and the epic "Surrender". After seeing this band twice , I can honestly say that their in my list as one of the many if not greatest live American rock acts. If you haven't seen them yet, do yourself a favor and get tickets next time their in the Garden State. It's worth it.

Stop making sense: My top 5 Talking Heads songs

 There hasn't been a band quite like Talking Heads. They were a critical part of the new-wave rock movement that emerged in the late 70's and throughout the 1980's and crossed many musical boundaries including rock, pop, art punk, post- punk and much more. Talking Heads were formed in 1975 in New York City and were active until 1991.The band was composed of legendary lead singer /guitarist David Byrne, Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass) and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). David Byrne , Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth all met while attending the Rhode Island School of Design in 1973 . Frantz and Byrne formed the band the Artistics while Weymouth provided transportation. In March 1977 Harrison was added to the lineup . That same year , they released Talking Heads 77 to critical acclaim and from there the rest is history. I've always liked Talking Heads but hearing the same songs played on FM radio constantly made me stay away form the band . Now I have new appreciation for the band. Here are my top 10 favorites from the legendary band.

5. 'Uh-Oh Love Comes to Town" Talking Heads 77 (1977)

This opening track off of the bands self titled debut is a playful, soulful and care free tune that showcases right off the bat that the band can tackle many genres. From Bryne's original vocal delivery, to Frantz in pocket drumming its an impressive first song from beginning to end . However, the highlight of this hidden gem is Weymouth's simplistic yet powerful bass line throughout the song . This song foreshadows her contributions to the band which will be a part of the secret weapon that was to become Talking Heads.

4. 'Pulled Up" Talking Heads 77 (1977)

The closing track off the bands debut album is one of their greatest hidden gems and my personal favorite off the album. This is David Byrne at his most vicious ,awkward and most personal vocal delivery. Harrison's guitar playing and Frantz drumming showcase the bands punk characteristics as it is straight forward and easily melodic . One of their best deep cuts. 

3. 'And She Was" Little Creatures (1985)

By 1985, Talking Heads were at the top of their game. With the release of 1983's Speaking In Tongues and the blockbuster concert film Stop Making Sense, they were on a role. Hidden Creatures is often overlooked because of tensions in the band and most fans saying it was too commercial. However , And She Was is arguably the best track off the album. According to David Byrne, the song was about a girl he knew that took LSD with him in a field next to the Yoo-Hoo factory in Baltimore. With a memorable guitar riff from Harrison,  killer baseline from Weymouth and Frantz best drumming on record this song proved that despite hangups in the band, they were still able to create fantastic music 

2. "Heaven" Fear Of Music (1979)

Fear Of Music is the second of the trio of albums Talking Heads would make with producer Brian Eno. Song wise this album is Talking Heads at their most ambitious and creative in my opinion. Every track is completely different from the next. Heaven is the most enduring track off the album and showcases the fantastic guitar work between Byrne and Harrison. The use of heaven in this song is vastly different from most as Byrne writes from the view of a man who sits in his favorite bar and hears his favorite song on rotation and the bar is empty where "nothing ever happens". 

1. "Life During Wartime" Fear Of Music (1979)

The lead single off the 1979 masterpiece album is Talking Heads at their best. Everything about this song is flawless. Weymouth is the soul of the song with her iconic bass line accompanied by a memorable guitar hook from both Byrne and Harrison. The song is lyrically similar to punk with the idea of questioning authority and going against the mainstream but in a different tone.  David Byrne sings from the point of view of an insurgent who is a bit paranoid and has a problem giving up the creature comforts you lose when you enter into guerilla warfare, not the least of which is music.The lyrics also have nods to the cultural elements of the late 70's including disco, changing hairstyles and even a nod to the famous CBGB venue where they got their start where they opened for The Ramones. Truly one of their best .