Journey Live in NH

Well, somehow time has escaped me again, and I am ashamed that it has been a month since I went to see Journey, Loverboy, and Pat Benatar in Manchester, NH.  I took several short videos with my Blackberry but had trouble uploading them directly from my computer -- so I added them to my YouTube channel.  I know they aren't the clearest or the best quality, but I think they certainly capture the excitement and general essence of the concert.  I can't tell you how blown away I was when Journey took the stage.  They basically exploded onto the stage with "Anyway You Want It."  I honestly felt like I was going to pop out of my seat - which I did!  I stood for their whole set, just mesmerized in a Journey trance.  The new lead singer is so full of energy, and the veteran band members are nothing short of amazing.  I hope you enjoy the videos!

Anyway You Want It - Revisited

I wrote about the Journey song "Anyway You Want It" very early on when I first started this blog, because I absolutely love Journey - and this is my favorite of their songs. They have so many good tunes, most with more complex instrumentals and heavier (or more narrative) lyrics. But, alas, this is my favorite. It just has such kick with the tempo, the awesome guitar solo, the blend of the vocals from the band on the chorus, and of course, Steve Perry's lead vocals. Oh - I forgot about the cowbell. "More cowbell!" The cowbell is pretty cool. Definitely a must in 80s songs.

Of course, everyone knows what this song is about, which I really don't think is a big deal. I think the lyrics are perfect, and when you look at them, there are only two verses. The rest is all chorus. Kind of makes it like a chant or an anthem. The verses are also catchy, clear, and certainly easier to remember. I love when they sing "about the lovin' things." The "lovin' things" is just so awesome. Simple, cool, perfect - and still creative. Yeah! What a great expression. Steve Perry's voice is so powerful, and he has such a distinctive tone quality/color. I think the best vocalists really are those who have a unique sound. His is amazing. No matter what he sings, you know it's Steve Perry. And, even if he is singing an extended line of "ohhhh ohhhhh oh oh-oh oh-ohhhh" it really kicks. It would be my dream to see him perform live one day. Wow. The video for this song is very simple as well. Gotta love the jukebox and vinyl in the beginning. I had this album on vinyl! The rest of the video is simply Journey in the studio kickin' up some amps with this little tune. The band looks great, too. Steve Perry's hair is as almost as amazing as his voice. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this song and video. I could listen to it a million times. Never gets old. Enjoy!