Tag Archives: Led Zeppelin

Concert Queen Strikes Again…and Again…and Again…

For me, summertime means concert time! One of my favorite things to do is see live music and I recently had two weeks of one great show after the other.  It started with U2 and ended with Dr. Dog.  Here are a few highlights and my most loved moments from each show.

My whirlwind of concerts started with U2.  It was a nice treat to see them at the Wells Fargo Center after seeing them outdoors last year for the Joshua Tree tour.  Their outdoor shows are epic but I prefer the intimateness of their indoor shows.  The production, as always, was incredible.  The band was tight and Bono’s voice was beautiful. They played a lot of new material from Songs of Experience which I happen to love, especially the danceable “The Blackout” and the rockin’ “American Soul,” but they threw in a few gems like “I Will Follow” and “Gloria” for the old-timers too.  Overall, it was an incredible show especially for long-time fans like me who continue to follow them and keep up with their latest releases.

Two days later, I made the trek up to Toronto to see one of my all-time favorites – Robert Plant. He didn’t stop in Philly this tour so I planned a road trip to see him at the outdoor waterfront Budweiser Stage. Sheryl Crow opened the show with lots of energy and many of her hits then Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters hit the ground running, opening with “The Lemon Song.”  It was a Zep fan-heavy crowd, so this song was a huge hit with everyone. They went on to play a really nice mix of new songs from Carry Fire, some Zeppelin songs and even “In the Mood” from The Principle of Moments, which pleasantly surprised me.  He rarely plays 80’s material so it was a real treat to hear that one.

A few days later I was back in Philly and at the Mann Music Center to see Roger Daltrey perform Tommy with the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra.  Tommy has always been one of my favorite Who albums so I was happy to see Roger perform these great songs once again.  I felt that the rock opera really came alive with the addition of the orchestra.  The overall sound was so rich and the violinist who played at the end of the “Baba O’Riley” finale was amazing! Roger was pretty amazing too!

Capping off this stretch of concerts was hometown rockers, Dr. Dog.  This is one band that gives an incredible live performance!  I never tire of seeing them live. Touring in support of their new album, Critical Equation, the guys performed a nice mix of old and new songs and kicked off the set with a crowd favorite, “Shadow People.” Festival Pier was a nice venue choice for the group too as their music has a cool party vibe.

Next up, I’ll be seeing Foo Fighters then I’m sure I’ll hit a few more shows over the summer – Xponential Festival, possibly Jethro Tull at the Mann in September, maybe a 104.5 Summer Block Party.  There are so many good concerts.  I hope that my pocketbook can handle it!

Top 5 Requested Record Store Day Releases

We’re just one month away from our biggest party of the year – Record Store Day! It’s  an international day to celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store and this year, the official ambassador, Run the Jewels, is helping  us celebrate!

I’ve asked what everyone is looking to get on April 21st and the answers range from The Beau Brummels to Soundgarden.  But out of all the phone calls, emails and Facebook messages we’re receiving, these are our top 5 requested Record Store Day releases:

AC/DC – Back in Black – When this album was released in 1980, many of us listened to it on cassette.   Now you can hear it the same way – perfect for your boom box or car tape deck.

Steve Earle & the Dukes – Live From the Continental Club – If you’ve ever seen these guys live, then you know this will be a stupendous album to add to your collection!  The double LP is limited to 2000 copies and features “Guitar Town”, “Copperhead Road” and more.

Grateful Dead – Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA 2/27/69 – Originally released as part of the limited- edition CD boxed, Fillmore West 1969: The Complete Recordings, the Grateful Dead’s Fillmore West, San Francisco 2/27/69 show will be issued on vinyl for the first time exclusively for Record Store Day 2018.  The limited -edition 4-LP is on 180 gram vinyl, has an 8th side etching and a worldwide run of 9000. If you don’t already have the box set, this is one to get.

Led Zeppelin – “Friends”/”Rock And Roll” – Zep is one of my all-time favorite bands and apparently yours too!  I’ve been getting many requests for the band’s first Record Store Day title featuring two previously unreleased tracks, both produced by Jimmy Page.  This unique single includes a Sunset Sound Mix of Led Zeppelin IV’s “Rock And Roll” and “Friends” from Zeppelin III recorded at Olympic Studios, London. This limited edition yellow 7” single features a large hole and shaped adaptor and is housed in a printed paperboard sleeve.

Pink Floyd – Piper at the Gates of Dawn (mono) – The original mono version was named one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time so of course a lot of our customers want this one!  This psychedelic debut was their only album completed with original vocalist/guitarist Syd Barrett and features the early classic “Interstellar Overdrive”.

In addition to these Record Store Day Exclusive releases, we hope to have hundreds of other titles, some of the Limited Run Regional Releases and RSD “First” Releases.

Check out our Facebook page to get the latest news on our April 21st Record Store Day event.

It’s a fun day so we hope to see you!