The Hives @ The House of Blues, Anaheim. 2-17-13.

My fourth time seeing The Hives in ten months. AND WHAT?! No really, I love this band and don't think I'll ever get sick of these guys. Besides, they're like the least prolific band around (taking between three to five years to release new albums) so forgive me for binging on their music while I still have the chance. Anyways, on to the concert.

The Hives played a special show in Anaheim on an off date on their US tour with Pink. Yes, you read that correctly. My favorite Swedish punks are the opening act for the mega pop starlet. The pairing sort of makes sense, in a bizzaro world kind of way. The Hives get to play to larger audiences (entertaining and confusing scores of people in arenas across the country) and Pink gets to...I don't know, gain some cred? Either way, this solo concert of theirs at the happiest place on Earth was sold out packed to the brim. High octane band + small venue = AWESOMENESS.

This wasn't the first time I've seen The Hives tearing it up at Disneyland. They played two shows at the HoB Anaheim back in 2005, back to back in the same night. I went to the first one. It was bonkers. Pelle hit himself in the face with the microphone and started bleeding mid song and proclaimed that we better enjoy our concert, because at that rate they may not survive to play the second. I was converted to an instant for life right then and there.

I see me...way in back. photo from: irockphotos.net

Howlin' Pelle Almqvist referenced those now legendary concerts during this show and I knew he was intent on making this night just as memorable. The band took the stage and immediately went into Lex Hives album opener "Come On!" Within minutes, some poor goober at the bar tried to crowd surf his way to the front, and fell (more like thrown thrown actually) some six feet to the ground. Needless to say the dude was knocked unconscious and had to be carried out of the venue by security. The band had no idea what was happening and kept playing to the packed house. Either way, that was one hell of a way to start a show!

I really can't say enough about how ridiculous The Hives are in concert. Easily, one of the best live bands I've ever seen. You cannot help but have fun watching them play, unless you're a robot or a douche. They could have enjoyed their day off from the big arena tour they're currently on, but instead they played a blistering 90 minute set in a sweaty little venue. Why? Because they're awesome and they legitimately love rocking the fuck out onstage. Still supporting Lex Hives, they played a good chunk of songs from their latest album but I couldn't believe they dug deep into the archive and played "Two Timing Touch and Broken Bones" from Tyrannosaurus Hives. I was stoked. Very stoked.


(This is from the band's show in San Diego that same weekend. It's just a KILLER version of "Patrolling Days" I had to share)

The band's energy was infectious. The crowd inside the House of Blues were little more than putty in their hands. One of the highlights of the night was when Pelle ordered everyone to sit down during "Tick Tick Boom" and proceeded to crowd surf over the seated audience like a "...punk rock David Copperfield" he said. If this turns out to be my last Hives concert before they disappear into the Swedish wilderness for who knows how many more years, they definitely went out with a bang.

Exhausted @ Disneyland

My girlfriend's birthday was this weekend. Spent 11 hours at Disneyland yesterday (mostly California Adventure but whatever) and can no longer feel my legs. Had fun though. We went out with friends the night before and the time change successfully kicked my ass as well.

where nothing can possi-blye go wrong

I hadn't been to Disneyland in over a year so I was stoked to finally get on the new Star Tours 3D ride. It was sweet. We went on that and Soarin' Over California twice. Also did Tower of Terror, California Screamin', Toy Story Midway, Big Thunder Mountain, and saw the World of Color show. Did I mention I'm TIRED? We have annual passes again now so my aching feet will probably be back in Anaheim before I know what hit me.


The force is strong with this ride...

Winnie the Pooh Movie

Some of you long time readers might recall that I'm totally gay for that silly old bear from the Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie the Pooh. He's been my best friend since I was in diapers and will always bring a smile to my miserable, grimaced face. This isn't exactly a movie review because I realized there was no way for me to be objective about Pooh's new movie. I would see it and love it no matter what. Yes, its a kids movie. The plot is, well there isn't really a plot but who cares. It's only an hour long and if it doesn't bring a smile to your face there is something clinically wrong with you. My homie Craig Ferguson voices Owl and the lovely Zooey Deschanel provides a few songs for the soundtrack.


When it comes to Winnie the Pooh, everybody wins...especially me.

On Loop

Feeling a bit under the weather. Not full blown sick (yet) but definitely fighting something. This seems to happen every time I purchase a new Disney dvd. On the nights Little Mermaid and Aladdin were released I ended up curled in ball sweating with a fever in my girlfriend's lap. Went and got Toy Story 3 on election day and here I am still feeling like garbage two days later. Moral of the story...don't support Disney least you want your body to shut down!

I've been listening to these two songs A LOT in my semi-conscious state. The last half of Torche's new EP Songs For Singles....good stuff.