linusvanpelt

I went and saw Alanis Morissette tonight (last night, I guess). She's still "got it". Lots of energy, strong voice, her backing band was tight. Good stuff. She mixed in newer songs with "Jagged Little Pill" tracks (admittedly, what I was most looking forward to hearing). It was the House Of Blues in Atlantic City, so it was a small enough venue that we were pretty damn close to the stage. Last time I saw her was around 1998 at a much much (much) larger place, the Meadowlands. It is odd when someone who used to sell out stadiums/arenas now plays smaller places (like when I saw The Bangles last year, or Squeeze this year). During "Ironic" a couple of twenty-something girls got into a tiff which escalated into a scuffle (almost) when one girl deliberately stood in front of a crown of sorority-seeming girls. It got kind of odd and unpleasant. While it didn't get into an actual altercation, the tension remained for much of the concert. It's like, you're at a concert to have a good time. Behave and be respectful of those around you. If you're tall (I am not) try to not stand right in front of someone much shorter than you (this seems a no-brainer but I am amazed how many times people just walk over and stand directly in front of others--this would never even occur to me).

There should basic rules of behavior for concerts. We're all there to have a good time. Chill out. Don't over-drink. Don't feel you need to scream loudly just because you're at a concert. Try to allow some personal space between you and others around you (if too crowded, move back some). Don't smoke (tobacco or anything else) since you're in a closed environment.

In any case, good show! Kiss/Motley Crue and BRUCE next month, followed by Fiona Apple, Lemonheads (with Juliana Hatfield) & Psychedlic Furs in October. Morrissey in December. The Who next February. More concerts to be added, I have no doubt.