August 26, 2012

• Synched…

  There are a lot of things I should blog about (high drama at home because I hate decisions, what I’m going to do for the rest of my life, whether I am actually a human, etc.). Instead, I’m going to blog about the concert I attended last night because it was AWESOME! So, rather than actually putting my blog in tune with my life, I’m going to focus on the distraction…probably to the detriment of my personal development. Meh. C’est la vie.

  Last night I saw Enrique and JLo in concert. There’s another group, Wisin & Yandel, who were supposed to be part of the tour. I was as excited to see them in concert as I was to see Enrique. However, because I was in Europe for two months, I didn’t catch the news that they had dropped out. So, I was bummed about that…especially when Enrique and JLo sang their collaboration songs without them. : ( Fue demasiado triste.

  But, here’s what did happen:

  Enrique: Texas! Are you ready!

  Crowd & Me: YEAH!!! Whoo!

  Enrique: Where my Spanish-speakers at?

  Crowd & Me: YEAH!!! Whoo!

  Enrique: Where are the Latinos?

  Crowd: Whooo!

  Trey: …dammit…

  So, Enrique, I was little upset about that. Just because I’m not Latino doesn’t mean I can’t speak Spanish. That’s borderline racist. But, the show was still incredible. Enrique does a really good job of walking the line between carefree (almost dangerous) irresponsibility and genuine consideration for others in a way that only Mediterranean play boys (or play men–talking to you Berlusconi!) can. The set list was somewhat expected. But, no doubt, Enrique is a great performer. He did a really good job of incorporating audience participation, especially during “Hero,” during which he pulled a girl up from the audience and basically made out with her on stage. It was kind of sweet when you think about it. It will probably be the highlight of that girl’s life…even if she has children. It was just one instance where I really got the sense that Enrique cared deeply about the fans having a good time. In this point, I think Enrique did a far superior job than JLo.

  For me, the highlights of the Enrique performance were: “I Like How it Feels” and “Baby, I Like It.” Although, of his recent work, “No Me Digas Que No” is probs my favorite (his W&Y collabo.), which was also nice but unremarkable. As I’ve said before, everything’s well that ends with confetti canons…and this did. : ) All in all, I felt like I had gotten my money’s worth after Enrique had finished performing.

  After an intermission of sorts during which time the stage transformed, JLo sang. They style was very different. It was much more a spectacular than a “concert” per se. In contrast to an often-wandering and aimless Enrique, JLo’s performance was very choreographed. Her show told more of a story a la Las Vegas. She integrated a lot of pyrotechnics and video to supplement her life performance. It was a more-cohesive production than what Enrique did. I think she lip-synched the majority of her songs, but I didn’t mine. JLo’s more famous for her booty than her voice anyway…and there was sufficient booty action. : )

  Booty aside, the highlights for me were the nice moment of tribute that she paid to Selena (who is still a very big deal for me. Even fifteen years after her death, no singer has as successfully captured the “Tejano” or “Chicano” spirit like she Selena.), “Let’s Get Loud,” “Dance Again,” and “Move Your Body.” Plus, the fireworks were awesome! In several places, the sharp “pops” of the pyrotechnics were timed perfectly with the beat of the music.

  Perhaps the thing that bothered me the most was that JLo’s new boy toy was all up in that show. I guess I should be happy for any two people who are in a happy relationship. But, JLo, come on…you gave up on Marc Anthony for that guy? Craziness. (Side note: Marc Anthony is on a tour with some other singers that will be playing at the same venue next week, so his picture was all over. AWKWARD!)

  In summary, I think JLo wins for production value but that Enrique wins for an in-concert performance. Her show was more thoughtful, his was more engaging. Importantly, I left the American Airlines Center liking both of these incredible artists more than when I entered. Overall, my Saturday night was a success.

  However, I must point out: in concert, Shakira consistently nails both of these artists’ best production features. While I enjoyed this concert last night, it didn’t leave me with the lighter-than-air feeling I have when I see Shakira.

  • 4:20 pm
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