Blogtown, PDX

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Music Wu Tang on New Years Eve: I’ll Keep My Options Open

Posted by Chas Bowie on Wed, Nov 21 at 11:13 AM

Like a lot of people, I’m sure, my heart jumped pretty hard when I saw that the legendary Wu Tang Clan was going to be at the Roseland this New Years Eve. The Wu hasn’t done a full blown tour in years, and seeing as how they’re one of the most seminal hiphop groups ever (not even debatable), a New Years Eve concert should be one of the hottest shows of the year. But then reality came flooding back in.

1. The Wu Tang Clan’s best years are long behind them. Everyone’s stoked for the new 8 Diagrams album, even though their last, Iron Flag, was an indefensible mess. I love Ghostface more than the average reader, but I think even his game was better during the Iron Flag era than now (even if his persona and hype machine wasn’t). Supreme Clientele > Fishscale. And if Ghostface’s skills are even a tad less than what they used to be, it doesn’t bode well for Inspectah Deck and U-God.

2. Wu Tang has a well-deserved reputation as one of the worst live shows in hiphop, which is a truly astounding title. The very embodiment of too many mic’ed rappers onstage at once, the members step all over each other’s line, cuffing their microphones, and barking lines while the DJ kills the momentum with nonstop rewinds.

3. This is the biggie—The Wu Tang Clan can barely get their shit together for a middle-of-the-week gig in NYC and show up as an entire unit. Anyone who thinks that all their favorite members will show up in Oregon on New Year’s Eve has obviously never paid for a Wu concert, only to be told 45 minutes into it that Method Man (or whoever) “couldn’t make it tonight.” Even if his name remains on the marquee outside.

I hope I am wrong about every single point I make here. I’ll even concede that the first, about their artistic quality, isn’t worth skipping a show for. They’re legends. But several people have asked me if I was stoked for the show, and having been burnt one too many times, I have to annoyingly kill the enthusiasm by relating my own experiences.

In case you haven’t already heard it, here’s their first singleoff the new album, which feature George Harrison’s son on guitar, John Frusciante, Erikah Badu, and a bunch of other people I don’t give a shit about. I may be Wu Tang Clan “for life,” but I’ve also got to be pragmatic about the whole thing.

Wu Tang Clan, Cool Nutz, Sandpeople, Lilla D’Mone play the Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th, Dec 31, 9 pm, $40

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Comments

Thanks for point #1 there, Chas. I couldn't believe that Fishscale was largely regarded as one of the best hip hop albums of last year. Seriously, it's not even top ten best Wu-related albums, let alone anywhere near a record of the year. I think I'm going to have to pass on this show...It's just not going to be good, period. They're best set up now for doing one of those Don't Look Back shows. I'd pay top dollar for hearing 36 Chambers in its entirety, or Cuban Linx, or Liquid Swords. But a full spectrum Wu show?? Not worth it.

Posted by Rob. | November 21, 2007 11:32 AM

Grabbed my attention when I saw the ad. However, only a good idea in theory. It never works out like it should. $100 says it will be 15 dudes on stage all trying to rap/throw the proverbial "yeah" at the same time.

Posted by Wu Tang Wu Tang | November 21, 2007 2:39 PM

Maybe Roots will show up in Wu Tang's place, just like they did in 1997 when they were supposed to open for Rage Against the Machine. Good show.

Method Man did show up for his solo show at the Roseland this year and it was actually decent.

Posted by Casey | November 21, 2007 2:54 PM

Wu-Tang is an unbelievable force! All yall left coasters with your negitive comments, yea the show will be loud, the show will be packed and hell yea its gonna be expensive.... but who gives a crap about all that? If you were a true fan you wouldnt be concerned about those things, you would be coming to see the GD WU! Now take off your black rimmed glasses, hang your sisters pants back in her closet and go see some REAL eastcoast hiphop bitches!!!!! WU-TANG 4EVER!!! WU-YEARS BLOWOUT! BE THERE!

Posted by frost | November 23, 2007 12:47 PM

Word. What he said. I'm going to the show with this Frost guy.

Posted by Dan | November 23, 2007 11:54 PM

Are you guys forgetting that Wu-Tang Clan ain't nothin' ta fuck with?

Posted by Wu Tang vs. Pootie Tang vs. regular Tang | November 24, 2007 3:43 PM

How do ghostface's "skills" have anything whatsoever to do with those of inspectah deck or u-god? Would I rather just see Ghostface and Rakim? yeah. But its supposed to be a party. Who cares if method man or [insert your favorite mc here] doesn't show. isn't that just one less guy on the stage?

Posted by Jim | November 25, 2007 11:01 PM

As for the "worst show" title. They ripped it up in Seattle at Bumbershoot. One of the better shows I've seen, and in a huge stadium to boot. A smaller venue will be unstoppable.

Posted by Beachhead | November 27, 2007 3:19 PM

Are you kidding? Ghost, Deck and Rae have improved every single track they've been on since the beginning.
Everyone complains about Fishscale_. Well, IT SUCKED. Have you heard _More Fish_? It's Ghost's best album in years. I personally think that since ODB's passing, Deck, Rae, Masta Killa and Ghost have all improved (add in Meth after hearing the new album, not "available" as of 12/01/07), with the others seriously showing their ages (that's actually an MK line, how relevant).
Anyway, I'm not actually trying to argue. I began writing this comment to back you up. I have seen Wu four times in the Midwest. Guess how many times at least 7 of them were on stage?

You don't need to guess. The worst part is that all of these times Dirt was alive. Not to mention the fact that every time they play, Cap is on stage, no fail. So, every time you see them, it is a guarantee you will get Cap (no fail, I guess Theodore doesn't pay the bills), RZA and GZA. (So you get two or three, maybe four). Anyone else is a crap shoot.

I'll hold my breath that all my faves will be there.

Shit, I'll hold my breath that the show even happens.

Posted by tedopon | December 1, 2007 7:18 PM

I have been waiting to see the Wu since 36 Chambers. Had tickets when they were coming with Rage, etc, etc. I wouldn't miss this shit for the world.

Posted by Markm | December 3, 2007 8:06 AM

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