The Script in NYC: Yes, #1.

December 6th, 2009 Dublin sensation The Script took the stage at Terminal 5 in New York City and I had to give myself time before writing a concert review for this show. Could I have seen the top concert of my career thus far? No, this couldn't be true I said to myself days after. The smile from my face reliving moments from the show just would not go away. Maybe it was? I've got to sit on this. And so I sat. Tonight is December 28th, 22 days after the show and here I am attesting that yes, that was the BEST show I've seen thus far in my life.

What makes a good show a good show is a combination of the band's general stage presence + the crowd's reaction to said performance. What makes a good show great has more in the equation and something that just cannot be truly pinned down. It is that feeling where the crowd and the performer become larger than themselves, a moment in time of total unity and cooperation. Of appreciation and excitement and involvement and belief that this moment in time is so special it can only be categorized in one way - unforgettable.

The Script remain at the moment a little obscure on the American Music Scene despite appearances on VH1 as "you outta know" artists' on the rise. But then again, how often does VH1 pick people you "really outta know?" They did predict The Fray who reminded contemporary radio that you can still have a hit song that doesn't involve hip-hop and not be called Rob Thomas. They also predicted "Colbie Calle" who I believe has 3 Grammy nods this year. So they are pretty good a picking 'em.

John, aren't you Mr. Alt-Rock Elitist? Well yes, yes I am. I look for new music anywhere I can get, and after hearing "Before the Worst" by the Script I needed another fix.



Awesome right? I thought you'd agree. The show opened with that song, the audience in its entirety singing along to every word. Lead singer Danny O'Donoghue had a look on his face after that of pure amazement and excitement that shouted "Aren't we suppose to be an obscure band still? Why the hell did we sell out New York City?" Because Danny, you're self-titled album rings and connects to so many people. It's the album to help you through a breakup, it's the album to sum-up that moment in life where you aren't sure where you're suppose to go next, it's the album to pick you up and keep you moving. The album is inspired from the tragedies the band faced while recording. Danny was close to death with a collapsed lung while finishing up the vocals on ironically "The End Where I Begin." Guitarist and other big songwriter Mark Sheehan shuffled from the studio in his backyard to the hospital where his mother battled cancer until she died. And Glenn Power, the drummer, was a wandering session player his entire life until Mark and Danny asked him on board where he had just about given up being a professional musician. Their collaboration created The Script and the songs that made this crowd in New York City feel alive.

Every song was echoed back to the band. Every song. And with the sing back of voices that had a true connection to the music. Summed up by Danny asking the crowd to sing "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" only to watch to the band's amazement as the entire song was shouted back before one note by them was played. They played it again, with an obvious new lease on life.

The Script were brought back out for their encore via an "OLE!" chant. I totally started it, which the band mentioned their after they never were called back to OLE but prefer to only be done that way from here on out. I contribute yet again to the world of music. It was their last night in America before going on a break before heading into the studio for their next album. New York sent them home with the knowledge that they have made it in America as serious musicians and have changed lives with their tunes. They sent us, the crowd, home knowing we just saw the most electric show of our lives.

Other Songs to Check Out by the Script: We Cry, Breakeven, The End Where I Begin

Gotta Hear This: Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension

Missing The Strokes? Well if you were, I'm sure you found the dozens of bands that copied their style since their "intermission from music" probably related to their big alcoholism problem. You'll hafta keep "Is This It" on loop till they recover from that, or run out of money from partying to give rock life a try again on the road.

But what if you missed singer Julian Casablancas' voice that sounded like a boy band took up smoking for 10 years, I know I did. Enter his solo record "11th Dimension" out now and the title track from said album. It sounds nothing like the Strokes but sure as hell is fun. Welcome back to the stage Mr. Casablancas

Gotta Hear This: The Riot Before - Words Written Over Coffee

After I found This Charming Young Man via last.fm (user name: MightyStag) I found The Riot Before. They are my favorite form of rock: Folk Punk and this song is one of my top picks from the band.

Words Written Over Coffee brings you into a contemplative mood as you revisit your own life as lead singer Brett Adams revisits his own wondering if its all worth it and where to go now. Maybe life isn't where it's suppose to be despite the promise you foresaw in it. It's raw, it's loud, it's honest, it's what it's all about

http://www.last.fm/music/The+Riot+Before/_/Words+Written+Over+Coffee

Gotta Hear This: WWPJ - Quiet Little Voices

We Were Promised Jetpacks. Now that's a band name! A band defiant to the times saying with such a name "Hey future, weren't you suppose to be better than this?" Bold. Now for the catchy first single from this Glasgow band entitled "Quiet Little Voices." It's been in my head for days since the first time I heard it and just won't leave. I hope the same effect happens to you. "Quiet Little Voices" tracks the inner monologue of a man slowly loosing his mind over that somebody special. "I'm young again, I'll fall for you, I'll die for you." Their debut album "These Four Walls" is out now.