The Zombie Dinosaur Spring US Tour Concert Review (Featuring MC Lars and Mega Ran)

   Normally, I refrain from this type of criticism, merely because I don't go to many concerts, and while the last few concerts that I attended were joyous, this was the first in recent memory that incited the need for one, out of reverence for the artists involved.                                                                              I apologize for the fact that I cannot recollect the nomen of the opener's opener, and that I missed the majority of the set, but what I could say will be an epithet of his first full song that I heard "Gosh Darn! Gosh Darn Gosh Darn!" because of the fact that I never felt okay with diverging from the commandments, but let's leave it at that, because we are here to read about rap; as well as Hip-Hop, or to be more specific Chip-Hop, and Lit-Hop, respectively.                                                                                                                                           The next artist offered a steady set of songs that I could vibe with, yet I am Conscious of the fact that rap is not equitable with hip-hop, and that there is some "fine print" that differentiates between the two, barring some rappers from entry into that classification; of which he would fall into the former. Whether you proclaim that I contradict myself with this next statement matters not, for I never believed in labels, and that is how I feel. I was a fan of the laid back beats that balanced the high energy of the hype man and the eponymous. I only caught the name of "Voices," and I appreciated the shout out to the 716, the whole set practically. The only song I was not a fan of was an unreleased by the name of "Hard Body," because it bordered on the proclamation of debasement. I'm just not a fan of songs that alienate and objectify women. However, creative liberty, and the first amendment warrants the ability to communicate how you feel, and there are plenty of artists that write songs that do just that. I really don't want to end on a negative note because they did have a nice set.                                                                                                                                                                     As I write this I can only imagine what Random would think if he read this, and what his response would be in regards to this essay, if he deemed it worthy, considering he was a teacher. What would the critique of my critique ( in terms of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice, etc.) be like and would he appreciate this allusion? I still question what purpose critics have in the grand scheme of things, besides voicing their opinions, despite the fact that I do believe they may incite the will of the artist, regardless of media, to hone their craft. I always aimed to be constructive in my reviews, yet still felt that it wasn't really necessary.                                                                                  I will admit that I had only heard several songs and freestyles before I decided that I needed to see him live, if he ever came to Buffalo. He would reference his former career, and after relaying that one of the few ways his students would listen was through raps, he quipped "twelve year olds and drunk adults are kind of the same" to a chortle and agreement; of course, it was not "word-for word." Introducing himself in a positive manner and his own backstory, "Same as it Ever Was," off his most recent full-length, RNDM, I was equipped for an enthralling set.                                                                                                                                                        Random, compartmentalized his set in different categories, so I contemplate whether that is how I shall approach this critique. A brief monologue, yet it should be known that the set was copious in praiseworthy expressions of the soul that I will limit spoilers to a minimum and report what resonated with me most.                                                                                                                          His set was a smorgasbord of music inspired by his interests: video games (of course), wrestling, literature, roleplaying games forged in the nineties by a company by the name square soft; yet was peppered with songs that gave insight into the man we know as Random, MegaRan (which is also his twitter handle, as he referenced the fact that it reads like Meg Ryan, but is not the same) or the esoteric identification and real name, which eludes me.                                                                            "Your Favorite Song" is not exactly a misnomer, yet is relative to one's preference, and I did enjoy it; especially the commentary that served as a prefix to the performance, while the participation was the apostrophe (as the audience was possessed by the intrigue the song afforded, or maybe it was the beat).  Another favorite was Ran's foray into auto tune entrenched pop-rap with a song inspired by Michael Jackson, T-Pain, and Mega Man; that was bookended by his impression of Future. I cannot forget to mention the cut from his Language Arts Trilogy or his tracks inspired by Final Fantasy  and his ode to the Macho Man, who also voiced the intergalactic wrestler in the "Justice Friends" from Dexter's Laboratory.                                                                                                                                What also resonated with me was his humility and how he was surprised to find out his standing on the billboard charts, and the company it kept, but I digress. He mentioned how his career was at a simmer until he rescinded the will to please others and make music for himself, on his own terms, with music that spoke to his heart that would, in turn, resonate with others. That is how I approach music and anything that I create, so that is why I can appreciate that sentiment. "I am who I am, and I be what I be!" The ruler is back, indeed!                                                                                                  Echoes of his past career resounded with a request of the audience to sit on the floor for "story time," and while I do not recall the title, it was another good one.                                                                                                                                                                       As for the headliner, I had heard more of his material prior to the show; such as Lars Attacks and 21 Concepts (But a Hit Ain't One). Yet was still prone to surprises. Hearing that it was nearly five years since he played a show in Buffalo, only made the performance of the first song off of The Zombie Dinosaur LP more appropriate. The ode to the album's cover star was still jarring with the effects, yet was still good none the less.                                                                                                                                                                To hear Lars go hard on the tetrameter and then eponymous offering of his last LP, was good, but could feel my BPM rise after hearing the "Tell Tale <3," his collaboration with Mega Ran. Astounding that Lars was able to compress 635 (U.S. First edition) pages of Melville's classic into three minutes of "Ahab," which was another standout.                                                                                                                                                                      Lars is adept as a performer, but the synergy and creative energy that flourishes with Mega Ran  rivals the chemistry of Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan; I know, it is not a science fiction or literature reference, but it is relevant. We delved more into their library, as we heard the aforementioned standout, as well as "Me and My Mouse." I think I might read Flowers for Algernon, for there are so many options and not enough time, but it certainly enticed me with their coolaboration in rhyme.  During "Hot Topic is Not Punk Rock" they were cognizant of the brewing mosh pit evident in the rupture of the close knit atmosphere, so offered all of those willing to run around the venue; leaving the few bystanders to react as deer in headlights.                                                                    Who can forget the staple of their show, that fully embraced participation as they constructed instinctive floetry in syncopation. It was a night to remember and a memory that will endure. My only regret is not taking a picture with Ran or Lars, but I felt like I was holding everyone up. I will recall that night instead of seeking solace from a cup. Ok, that's enough.                                                                                                                                                     It was a shame that "The Force Pull" didn't come to mind when Ran was seeking requests, for I would have liked to hear it live, maybe it was due to the force of the Jedi. I only question why, because it was a much better association with the franchise than Jar Jar ever was.                                                                                                                                                                     I see two types of performers: those that seek to replay their songs live with occasional acknowledgement and good tidings, and those who embrace interaction to achieve a synergy of mutual appreciation and affirmation, to which Random and Lars were the latter. They both are "down-to-earth" guys, that really enjoy what they do, which enhances their performance. I had high expectations and they really delivered. While I may not "Download This Song," I can guarantee that both artists will find a new subscriber in me, on any of their accounts, or at the least may be shipping some LPs because I am now  a member of the fandom. Best of luck to both of these artists, as well as the opening acts and every endeavor they pursue, whether in their career or life in general.