Where is the point where a band appreciates the sound compared to what their lyrics say.?
When is it pure?
   I, sitting here at the Linkin Park Concert watching the opening bands. The first band had never performed Live before, and doesn't have a Album released yet. The second Band, knew what they were doing, but seemed as if there was more of an obligation to perform. "Forcing the expression", if you will.
    I started thinking to my self, "What gives?". Is is the road, the constant performing, the repetition of songs being played. Whatever it is; This can take all the enjoyment out of something you love. You stop and realize that you have settled for minor success instead of grabbing life by the horns. This can happen to everyone, it all depends on what you do with what you have. People change, just as the dreams do.   
  
After observing the motivation-less faces on the stage I wondered "Who are they doing this for?". obviously they are just not feeling it tonight, and not for their own enjoyment. If you really don't enjoy something than why go ALL OUT?

--My head turned to the fans, and I thought--

    Why do people attend concerts? Is it to see their favorite bands LIVE? Express themselves? To not be judged? It is obviously not to hear the opening bands distorted murmuring. Some of the worst distortion of vocalization ever. I had no idea what the band was saying. BUT, I could feel the emotion coming through the sound. It wasn't "noise", it wasn't painful to the ears. It was sensual, even though they were yelling. It was yelling, with Passion.
     Is this the meaning behind seeing bands live, and going to concerts. To gain the impression and feel the expression from the band, instead of what the producers release on disc. To get the full impact of a band, and see what they are about-through The EXPERIENCE.
    Unbiased, UN-altered, opinion welcome, concerts are where the life flow of music is...performing the arts. The lasting impression. the presence on-stage. Whether you understand what the person is singing or not you hear their sound. 

All-in-All;
 This concert wasn't just amazing because of the main bands, but it goes to show that you do what you love, and achieve your goals. Sometimes the experience changes, or can have it's moments. Up or down, either way enjoy the ride, and make the most of it. Who knows you might gain more than you thought...


(Listen to the podcast for more details about the concert)

The excitement and anticipation can be overwhelming. From the moment you hear your favorite game in the world will be sequelized. You rush to the store to lay your money down, on that Collector’s Edition that comes with an art book, and poster of images you could easily find online. Days drag on, and months roll with you filling every spare Internet browsing moment trying to learn more about the game. Characters, modes, game play, art, ending (spoilers), etc... The release date is around the corner, and you have the full day requested off to play it (or call out sick if u don't happen to get it off).

Now the final countdown is upon you. Waiting the next 24 hours you will be home playing the game you have been waiting nearly a year for. You have posted waiting about in line on your Facebook/Twitter. Heeling out with your friends about what online reviews said about the game, and what your hopes and wishes are in the game. The store opens and you snag your copy for being the first in line. Heading home feeling more complete, as you slide in the disk into your system. You contemplate ((maybe I should sleep first)) after the world fastest millisecond decision you grab the controller. You turn the system on and start up the game.

Already in awe just from your sheer adrenaline and love of the previous game, the main title comes on screen. 2-3 hours you are enjoying this game to your hearts content, realizing nothing has changed. The artwork looks a little weird. The character is not how I remember him. The controls aren't working. The Gameplay is not how you remember it. WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO MY BABY!!! No added features. You contemplate for a sec.((well, maybe it has onli-.... FAIL)). A sense of shock, and let down come over you. You try and fight it from your passion for the previous game.

You talk to your friends, co-workers, and family ((family, hah... Yea right! They don't understand video games)) about their opinion. That doesn't help. You question the inevitable... Maybe I just haven't gotten far enough into it? Maybe it gets better at the end? Maybe I missed a special download that makes the game better?!?... Tragic... After waiting so long, with so much energy put into this game, thanks to the developers and forums you find yourself fall of the bandwagon of your favorite game ever, and its waste of time sequel...

This should never be so!!! R.I.P. games that are ruined by their sequels. May a better version come soon...?