By: Zach Brendza | Features Editor
Just say no
There always seems to be some “rock star” doing something stupid every week. Let’s welcome A$AP Rocky and Tyler Oleson to the program, shall we. Rocky was charged with assault after he allegedly assaulted a female fan during his set at the Made In America festival in Philadelphia. Stupid. While Oleson, drummer for Modern Life is War, did something a little different, flipping off a police officer in the carnext to him in his hometown of Marshalltown, IA, then attempting to run the officer off the road. This led to a car chase where Oleson was finally apprehended. Even more stupid.
While these incidents are unrelated, I thought they both needed some light shed on them considering how idiotic they are. I haven’t heard a motive for either situation as of yet, but neither are acceptable or excusable. Although a motive won’t lessen the impact of Rocky or Oleson’s action, it would certainly help clear up why these things transpired. If it turns out to be “rock stars just being rock stars,” much more credibility would and should be lost on both behalves. If that’s the case, Mr. Rocky and Mr. Oleson, you’re dunzo in my book. Just plain stupid.
Kanye vs. Jay-Z
Don’t call it a comeback. They’ve been here for years (literally). Friday brought two big tour announcements. First, Kanye West with support from Kendrick Lamar (Kanye’s first solo tour in five years), running Oct. 19 through Dec. 7, and second Jay-Z, touring Nov. 30 through Jan. 31. (For the record, Kanye has no Pittsburgh date, but Jay-Z does.)
What’s interesting to me, other than the tours themselves, is the timing of announcements, with Kanye’s coming first on Friday. I know there has been some beef between the two in the past, and with this whole tour announcement snafu, it seems like it’s still alive and well.
Truth be told, the Kanye-Kendrick tour is the better of two. That being said, I still think Jay-Z is and will be the better rapper when things are finsished.
Game of Rós
Well, I can’t say I saw this one coming. Nor can anyone else, I assume. Anyways, Sigur Rós, the band of bands (at this point, there’s no real description that does them justice) will appear on season 4 of Game of Thrones. They are currently shooting an appearance, which will be set in Croatia, for the show. According to the Entertainment Weekly story on their appearance, they’re “sworn to secrecy on the nature of the appearance. But they are musicians, so … let the speculation begin.” With that, I’m going to take a wild guess and say they will perform on an episode of the show AND play a part in an episode or two. That would make me watch. Thrones has featured Coldplay and Snow Patrol for guest appearances. If Sigur Rós does go on the show, they would trump any previous musical guest appearance, in my mind. Oh Jónsi.
Out This Week
2 Chainz – B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time
Balance and Composure – The Things We Think We’re Missing
Minus the Bear – Acoustics II
Moving Mountains – Self titled
The 1975 – Self-titled
On the Horizon
9/17 Blue October w/ The Last Place You Look and Tori Vasquez @ Mr. Small’s
9/19 Saves The Day w/ Into It. Over It. and Hostage Calm @ Altar Bar
9/19 Sigur Ros w/ Julianna Barwick @ Stage AE
9/21 The xx @ Stage AE
9/26 Danny Brown / Action Bronson w/ Trask Talk @ Altar Bar
Just Announced
10/10 Earl Sweatshirt w/ Domo Genesis and Vince Staples @ Mr. Small’s
