You can tell the crowd is anxious during set-up; they tire of waiting and start chanting “STRYPER! STRYPER! STRYPER!” The set lights up in a yellowish-orange glow, and Stryper finally gets on stage. Someone screams ”I love you!” and Stryper lays into “Soldiers Under Command”; immediately fists are in air and you know it’s going to be a good show. It’s legendary Stryper’s 25th Anniversary Tour, and it’s the last show of the US leg, which is here in Portland at the Aladdin Theater.
There’s no spandex and not as much glam these days, but all you need is your ears to tell you that Stryper is in full swing and then some with their screaming guitars and Michael Sweet’s incredible voice. The end of the first song is nearing and Sweet saddles up to the drum kit with his back to the crowd, his legs are in a wide stance, his back is arched, holding on to his axe. His long and luscious hair cloaks his back like a hug from God as the song comes to an end. It’s beautiful . . . .
Watching Stryper play is a guitar lover’s fantasy. The talent and musicianship—demonstrated over and over by their melodic harmonies, dual guitar solos, and killer riffs—is phenomenal. The question in the air that night (for me anyway) was: “Can Sweet still hit those sustained high-pitched notes?” Without a doubt, the answer is yes. The man can sing. Sweet’s vocals were nothing less than astounding; every note was pitch perfect, hitting even the highest notes like only Mariah Carey can. Oz Fox ripped it up with several axe changes throughout the night. The drummer, Robert Sweet, looked like Animal from the Muppets with his arms and hair flailing about, and bassist Tim Gaines held down the fort, playing it cool and solid for the entire show.
Stryper’s set was full of songs spanning their career, ranging from their debut Yellow and Black Attack through their most recently released album, Murder by Pride. They blew through classics like “Honestly,” “Loud and Clear” (one of my favorites), and “Free.” They also played a portion of Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law,” paying tribute to their influences.
One thing that strikes me about this band is their infinite love for and dedication to their fans. This band has so much heart and appreciation for their fans you can feel it. They speak to the crowd with so much gratitude and sincerity you feel like their message is just for you.
Stryper closed their set with “Abyss (To Hell with the Devil),” which pounded my ears like thunder, and a face-melting version of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” (weird and kind of rad). They played so loud and hard I left the venue that night partially deaf, and my ears were ringing for days. I feel lucky I was able to catch one the dates on their tour; it was truly a memorable night. Once a guilty pleasure, seeing this band live has made me into an official fan.
DOWNLOAD: Stryper - Abyss (To Hell With the Devil) - Live in Tokyo (MP3) or Follow us for more Stryper MP3s (Twitter)
This comment stream is so meta. Great review Kelly.
by chris on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 07.50 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
no prob. The whole album is excellent, combining some of the harder sonics of Los Angeles with the meat of his debut and obviously difficult to summarize in only 50 words… 
I’d say it’s on par with the debut, but better than Los Angeles.
by kelly on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 06.23 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
By the way, I really liked the mp3 posted. Thanks.
by Joshua H on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 06.17 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
WHO WROTE THIS...PUKE ! “WHO WROTE THIS...PUKE ! “Picture yourself coasting your bike past space funk palm trees, homeless harpists, vintage video arcades, electronic drum circles, and 60s psychedelic singers who’re waiting for the bus. Cosmogramma is kinda like that if someone suddenly tripped you just as you’re starting to enjoy the ride. But in a good way.””
by Joshua H on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 06.17 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
you’ll notice the author’s name under title.
by kelly on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 06.11 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
WHO WROTE THIS...PUKE ! “Picture yourself coasting your bike past space funk palm trees, homeless harpists, vintage video arcades, electronic drum circles, and 60s psychedelic singers who’re waiting for the bus. Cosmogramma is kinda like that if someone suddenly tripped you just as you’re starting to enjoy the ride. But in a good way.”
by HKD on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 06.10 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
i saw them open for the Cave Singers, not very original, the crowd was not into it either, frankly i think they suck
by rigamarole on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 11.30 am from the entry: The Dutchess & The Duke Tour Dates, Y'all
