rage rhythmsby jeff chandler
Straight No Chaser
Madonna
Britney
Fall Out Boy
Madonna and The Gift of Music for the Holidays
Christmas came a bit early for this man on November 4. Not only was Barack Obama elected President of the
United States but also that evening I was in the thirteenth row at Petco Park for Madonna’s Sticky and Sweet
Tour. I remember quite vividly back in 1983 being over at a friend’s house and he said, “You have to check this
woman out. She’s very cool.” He showed me the very first Madonna album and then flipped it on the turntable.
Since then, as I am sure for many and many of us, I have followed her entire career. Let’s just say this about
her concert on November 4 with 49,000 people attending… “I want what she’s having.” Madonna was like a
superhero that night. She sang, played guitar and danced her ass off and even jumped rope during the two-
hour spectacular. In fine voice and very much live, the Queen of Pop pulsated with an exuberant energy that
was quite simply out-of-this-world amazing. So, after 25 years, I can now say, “Yes. I saw Madonna in concert!
She is absolutely fabulous!” The afterglow lasted for at least three days.
The Circus is coming to town on December 2 as Britney Spears brings forth her cotton-candy groove with
All-American Rejects her latest release. Wow, what a difference a year can bring as she is back in fine form and more than ready
for chart-topping action. No Britney bashing here as you can tell. Let’s head from the circus to the disco, as
Panic at the Disco will release Live in Chicago also on December 2. This is a deluxe 2-CD/DVD set that was
recorded during their recent world tour and is 17 tracks plus a DVD of their full-length concert along with a
tour documentary and more. Open the door to Panic at the Disco as a hot stocking stuffer this year. Another in-
ventive release that is available now is Holiday Spirits presented by Straight No Chaser. This far-from-ordinary
“a cappella group” of ten men has created a very entertaining set of holiday songs for those who like to step
away from the standard Christmas fare. Maroon 5 is bringing on the mixtape of 18 tracks on December 9 with
Call & Response: The Remix Album. With Swizz Beatz, Pharrell Williams and more twisting it up, this should be a
welcome addition to any CD library at home or the nightclub floor.
The All-American Rejects wants your attention with their third CD called When The World Comes Down set
for a December 16 release. This is a highly anticipated CD and as founding member Tyson Ritter so eloquently
put it about the three-year wait for it, “We don’t like to shit out a record. We craft our songs, not rush them.”
You best rock on to that comment from Ritter and to the new music from All-American Rejects. Known for
their solid combination of punk and pop music are Fall Out Boy. Their new one is called Folie a Deux and also
hits on December 16. If you’re feeling a little holiday pressure, just put this one in your player and crank their
Panic at the Disco
new single “I Don’t Care.” Kristine W. has finally released a Christmas CD and this one is perfect for setting the
spirit of the season. She has combined elements of jazz, gospel and dance in a perfect balance because of her
remarkable voice. The CD is called Hey Mr. Christmas and is available now. There you have it… don’t blink. This
month will fly by faster than Santa’s sleigh. Enjoy every moment. Until next time, remember. Don’t burn it. Buy
it. Happy Holidays!
24 RAGE monthly | DECEMBER 2008
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