June 2010

Perhaps the best way to understand the power of the June 2010 concept is through a song like the delicate walkings on "The Scientist", or the addictive sustain peddle on "Real World", or the very touching and cleansing "Warning Sign". Because it is through these kinds of songs that the performers are able to see what was their lives---and what was their concert lives---years after it was initially experienced. And on such an ethereal stage such as this month, to hear and see these songs being performed on their last spins of concert airplay, is a very, almost reincarnated, experience. "Tracy Jacks" provides such an experience as well, as we remember those fond sunny days in Fall 2006 that thankfully erased the rainy, cool climates of spring and summer of that year. "Hold Me Now" is a cry waiting to happen the entire play through, and a song that has been renaissanced from the depths of 2005. Andy also didn't forget to throw in some growing-up classics. "Touch Of Grey" is a song that was barely understood in the living rooms of the twins' childhood upbringing, but at the tender age of 26, it comes full circle. "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" tells a particularly picturesque tale of burning desire, and romantic expenditure. "Little By Little", another in-betweener of 2006, that has been brought back at just about the right time, and its hazy, honest appeal is both touching and realistic at the same time. And his closer, the aforementioned "Scientist" is a song that allows itself to be taken in many different lights, and directions, but is clearly of the tale of a journey, any journey, and the fact that not any one journey is easier than another.

Gary has had three concerts consisting of almost all progressive/art rock. He has found music that has come to him, and music that is delicate enough, yet accessible enough, to fit into the June 2010 idea. Starting with a classic of note, David Bowie's "It's No Game", was his October 2009 opening night starter, a very strange song, that borders on glam rock. "Little Hands" by Freudiana revives the 1968 days of The Beatles, and ends up being a catchy art-pop flyer. "I Can't Dance", with it's comical beat and many different percussions, was a nice break from the serious tone of most of his songs. Right at the end of this concert, two songs made immediate impact. Alan Parsons' "Old and Wise" has powerful verse lines, with  "Tell Me" is a breathtaking, shivering affair by Camel that has one of those precious, infinite melodies. The low clarinet and flute are gorgeous and sorrowful, particularly on the bridge. Gary has found a very special song here, a song that he ranks in his Top 10---ever. Gary hasn't just found timeless music---he has clearly established himself as a prog/art-rock guru of sorts, here in June.