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<REVIEW>Together As One : Armin Only (pg. 4)
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| progressivejoo |
| anyone happen to know the tracklist for the NYE armin only event?:happy2: |
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| SFtrance |
| Good luck man lol |
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| in2muzikk |
| quote: | Originally posted by in2muzikk
omg...best set from Armin I've ever heard, and I've heard him a lot! :). I have never seen SO many people at the Sports Arena either, even for Tiësto in Concert! Armin Only NYE must have sold out?
Wow, I've never had my camera stolen, but I did drop one once ustairs at this very venue. Sad, but a great excuse to upgrade to the newest model. Still, I can't believe someone would steal another person's camera rightvin front of them! Has LA clubbing come to this?
Well, that's my parking lot update...hopeless traffic, just going to sit it out! |
Follow-up to my parking lot update from last night (which was put into the other thread since this one didn't exist yet):
This event went so far beyond my expectations! One of my co-workers was saying that NYE events always cost so much and are a big let-down, but this party was ON!
While I agree there were some sound issues during the night, taking everything into account - the flow of the music, stunning visuals and great quality of Armin's set, it was overall nothing short of amazing. The live performances really added to the show, as they were only one song each, and seemed to blend in easily with Armin's mix.
I was speechless when Justine Suissa descended into the set to "Burned with Desire!"
...and I really felt like 2009 is being embraced as a new beginning for America, Armin even held the American flag out proudly and there was a felt sense that our country is much more warmly accepted now after 8 years of Bush politics!
Loved the live performance of Armin van Buuren & DJ Shah feat. Chris Jones "Going Wrong," which I'll publish on video, though the bass destroyed most of the sound recorded...
Any count on how many people showed up? I'm guessing that this was the biggest EDM event ever at the Sports Arena, since even the outside hallways were totally jammed up!
Braved the freezing cold to see Deadmau5 briefly and the music was great there too, but the crowd was impossible. The pushing and jamming that I experienced in the main room made me feel like that was a relaxed experience compared to the crowd in this tent! Back to the main floor and I finished out the night with Armin.
Lastly, I'm always amused when I hear people say that "Trance is Dead" or they have "moved beyond" or "outgrown" it. If it has died, then it has also been reborn at least a thousand times.
I'm not one to classify music into neat little categories, but I guess we have to call it something. Personally, I don't think that quality Trance music (which I consider Trance, Progressive, and Techno), more broadly known as "Techno" in Germany when I was there, has ever been more powerful, uplifting and inspiring. It's the quality of the music that matters, and I heard some excellent quality music last night. Judging from a totally packed dance floor at 4 a.m., I think most everyone agreed!
Thank you Armin, for taking us into A State of Trance! :)
More pics (over 100) from this epic night
HERE |
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| Trancelover24 |
| quote: | Originally posted by progressivejoo
anyone happen to know the tracklist for the NYE armin only event?:happy2: |
I know the tracklist is 88% similar to his ARMIN ONLY in Amsterdam in April 2008... Had FUN but everything was VERY SIMILAR to THAT.. |
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| david.sound |
| anyone catch MANDY playing simon and garfunkel sound of silence? wow. hahaha. good . |
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| Dookie |
| Best. Show. Ever. 10 of my friends' first time rolling ever. and we were rolling deep, there were like 50 of us. |
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| SFtrance |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dookie
Best. Show. Ever. 10 of my friends' first time rolling ever. and we were rolling deep, there were like 50 of us. |
Please say you aren't Lucy's friend. We were looking for a group of 30 people but due to poor reception could not find any of them. Trekked all over the stands but nothing |
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| Banora |
I just made it home...god what trip. However, all that time in the air (and the crazy turbulence) kept me awake so I could dwell on the finer points of the show I missed when I wrote my mini 'review' in the other thread. Sorry if my English doesn't make much sense...I'm very very tired.
Having taken a nap to beat my jet-lag I woke up around 730 and was at the arena around 830. At first I was worried about not having enough clothes on (because my dress was strapless and a little low) though when I got to the event I was a bit shocked at some of the outfits and suddenly felt very out of place with mine. I remember at the hotel thinking I was going to skip the eye-glitter because I didn't want to look too wild. Yeah...that was kinda laughable looking back. Though I was comforted to see other girls in high heels, so I didn't feel too over-dressed, just a little (okay, a lot).
The main GA line was overwhelming, even as I walked past it I was thinking how some people probably weren't even going to get in due to all the line cutters and how massive the crowd was. I made went to the VIP entrance over by Groovetickets booth and was in fairly fast (thanks to a couple of guys telling me to climb the barrier. I guess I shouldn't have done it, but oh well). Right when I walked in Imagine started, and I couldn't have planned it better! I was amazed at just how many people were already inside compared to those still trying to get in.
The performances were pretty seamless, Armin did a very good job making sure there was a cohesion to his work all night and was still able to deliver despite the blown speaker. I can't believe I missed Justine's entrance; I think she came down when I was out searching for DeadMau5 (who I couldn't find). I liked how when "Going Wrong" everyone sang louder than Chris near the end and people went nuts for Eller, who has just as much energy as his brother. He was really tearing it up! I want to know their secret...especially Armin. He never faltered or seemed to lag at all in his energy.
The visuals were absolutely crazy! I was nervous when you guys were talking about how strict the US is on laser laws and how the visuals would suffer, but I don't think they suffered in the least bit. My favorite visual of the night, however, was at the point where Armin turned off all the lights and when you looked around you saw nothing but a near perfect sphere of flowing, colored lights. It looked like the entire universe was in the arena with different colored twinkling stars and galaxies (where the cuddle puddles were). I felt so small but at the same time so peaceful. As corny as it sounds, we really were all together as one.
The crowd was beyond insane. I've never in my life ever seen something so massive in one setting; the only thing I came close to was seeing Tiesto in Chicago (and that was about 7000 people) two years ago, or Sensation, which wasn't as crazy packed like this. I was able to wiggle my way through the crowd to the very front and stand center in front of Armin, and believe me, I am covered in bruises to prove it; I have a pretty nasty bruise across my torso from where I was smashed up against the iron barrier when people freaked out during "Going Wrong".
After taking a few pictures and getting smashed, pushed, sweated on and knocked around I decided I had enough of the dance floor. While trying to move though, I found I couldn't get out, which really upset me. I began to panic and felt like I couldn't breathe, that there was no way to get out and I really flipped when some girl who was on this guy's shoulders topped off of him and sort of landed on me quite a few other people, so I ducked down and squatted on the floor. Ironically enough, it was much calmer and cooler down there (you could actually breathe), but people around me started to worry and kept trying to pull me back up. I had to forcefully shove through people, break through the cuddle puddles, knock people out of the way to actually move anywhere. Once I get out of the thick I just took a moment to breath in fresh air then decided I wasn't going back to that at all. Though, while sitting in the bleachers, I was so mesmerized by the fluidity of the dance floor; like an endless sea of humans.
VIP, to me, was utter garbage, but I had no real plans to use it other than getting in quickly. There was no where to sit (the other reason I bought the ticket) and if you tried to sit on the unused steps security would come over and yell at you. You couldn't take water outside (seriously, what was up with that?) and the area behind the stage was alright, but I didn't want to stare at Armin's butt all night so I found better seating up at the top. I wanted to stick around a meet Armin, but I decided at such a massive event he would be bum rushed by fans and I didn't have the will or desire to fight them all when I could catch him at a smaller venue. Not to mention I was a nasty, sweaty mess with my hair sticking up everywhere...not the way I want to look when I meet Armin!
Oh! Which that reminds me: Some jerk tried to reach up my skirt in VIP! I was walking around, trying to find a place to sit, so I stopped to look around when I feel this hand starting to slide between my legs from behind. I turned around and there was some older guy standing behind me. I glared at him then quickly walked away and thought I lost him, when sure enough, once I slowed down my pace he was there again trying to reach up my dress. So I shoved him really hard, he called me something with a 'c' or a 'k' and walked away looking pissed off. What the hell?
I really enjoyed sitting up in the bleachers with people tripping their brains out. It was pretty hilarious watching them, and the free massages/light shows were nice (despite me being completely sober) and they were just in general fun to talk to. One guy wanted to talk philosophy with me, about god and the universe and our energy. He had some interesting comments despite tripping as hard as he was. Of all the spots I was in at the Arena, sitting up top with the candy kids was the best.
I walked around Figueroa completely lost thanks to the fog and the rude cops. They wouldn't even try to help me, rather yelling at me to 'get back with the group!' when I stepped off the sidewalk to ask for directions. But L.A. cops aren't famous for being friendly, so...
My only complaints were: VIP, Rude cops, and that jerk who snatched my camera out of my hands. I worked so hard to get to the front of the crowd, and get Armin's attention so he'd point right at me when I took the picture. I did it for me, not for you, jack-ass thief. Who the hell comes to an event to snatch people's cameras!? I wasn't the only one, it seems; Other forum reviews are reporting their cameras were snatched as well at the event.
But like I said in the other thread: all around me people stopped dancing and got on the floor to help me look (just in the small chance the person who snatched it dropped it). I was very impressed how many people stopped to help a total stranger. Also, so many people were asking if I was okay, because I did almost cry and must have looked pretty upset. There were so many helpful, caring people there than I realized one jerk shouldn't ruin the event for me. The camera can be replaced, the pictures/videos I can find online, but I can't replace being at TAO (not to mention, I already found a better camera I like online!).
So, on that note. Pictures/videos from the event? I promise to give credit! And does anyone know if the video images will be put up online? I'm in one of the shots for about two seconds (which unfortunately turned out to be the only shot of me at the event).
| quote: | | I thought that could use some improvement was the go-go girls/dancers throughout the night. |
They were so terrible and lazy! I just wanted to take one of those old-fashioned hooked canes and yank them off the stage so we could let the real performers do their job (or let Eller tear up the stage some more). All they did was just bob up and down in the same spot (sometimes they moved...maybe a step to the left or raised an arm).
| quote: | | I thought it was hilarious some shirtless dude somehow managed to get on stage during one of Armin's songs, and had to be grabbed offstage by security. |
I saw all of that! I was in the area you were at but much further up. Poor Armin, once security dragged that guy away, he turned around and gave a "what the hell just happened?" look then went back to playing.
| quote: | | A King Taco would have been better! |
I'm a fry girl; as long as the fries are great, I could careless how good/bad my burger is.
| quote: | | .and I really felt like 2009 is being embraced as a new beginning for America, Armin even held the American flag out proudly and there was a felt sense that our country is much more warmly accepted now after 8 years of Bush politics! |
Living out of the US, I can confirm this statement completely. I thought it was an amazing touch for Armin to hold up the US flag like that, after the New Year as though to say this is the new America in a new year with a new start. I even got a little patriotic for the US when he held up the flag. ;)
| quote: | | This may not be the place for this.... But I got to say, You're HOT!! |
Wow...thanks! You're sure it was me? I didn't think anyone from here recognized me, and by the time I made it to VIP I had just lost my camera, was sore from being pushed around, was sweaty and wanted water. Maybe you saw a twin?
Okay guys. Seriously, I don't care what time it is, its bed time for me. |
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| djnick |
| ahhh wavey davey and hadi went to this and i didnt go! blah remind to come kick it with you guys next time! |
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| SFtrance |
Next time Banora you'll be reeled into a pregame session and can come with a group! We had a dance circle in the middle of the floor with a decent amount of room. I'm glad to hear that you had a good time though it sounded like you were completely solo.
I've always felt the rave community in the US is exceptionally welcoming/eclectic. Yes, most of us are pretty messed up on drugs at massives but I hardly think its ground for being a bad person or uncompassionate. On the downside you have the dregs of society like you mentioned that don't even come for the music or scene. I've always wondered what type of parents raised them. My sweetheart got grabbed a couple times so I wasn't allowed to venture anywhere far.
In general I was quite shocked with the "worldiness" of TAO this year - many Europeans - lots of UKers, some French and Germans.
I'll throw up some pictures and videos. Unfortunately my 10+ minute videos have some unbearable parts - dancing + filming = fail. Check out in2muzikk's for the time being.
Great night and unfortunate that reality must set back in shortly. I'll argue for best party of the year.
Come back soon ya hear! (Maybe Electric Daisy Carnival?) |
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| david.sound |
| quote: | Originally posted by djnick
ahhh wavey davey and hadi went to this and i didnt go! blah remind to come kick it with you guys next time! |
fuk off nick. you're a piece of crap. hadi went?! booo. |
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| Airshow |
Personally I though the 2 outside stages were sick.... did anyone get stuck outside & up-top when they shut the lower level off at like 11:30???
SNS stage
- MANDY - sick (sound of silence -= haha!! that was sweet
- Junior Sanchez - I though he was good he kept the energy flowing and was playing some pretty deep sick house beats... nice
- The Retro Kids - played too much 'radio music,' from the 80 like Rob Bass, etc. It seemed like their tunes got a lil sicker (better), towards the end
- Deadmau3 - Good times with the crowd on this one. Everyone there was seriously rockin the-f out (this would probably be the time their doses kicked in too (~1 am). Didn't him and Armin play Nirvana?? I though that was rather lame (based on the crowds reaction though I'm in the minority on this)
Bassrush stage
I usually prefer the house stage to DNB, but I must admit, I spent quite some time here at TAO.... Ed Rush & Optical, Pendulum, and MC Dino & Questionmark serioulsy rocked that tent.... mosh pit and all!!! Big OD here at like 2 am.... ambulance and all at the tent.. the guy was convulsing so hard, he was flailing around like a gorilla and .. not just convulsing a little like you see in the movies... but big time...
AVB
- I like when Armin brough the flag out at the end... I was sitting behind him and you could tell it took the crowd a little while to figure out what was going on.... When the flag came out everyones face was like WTF is going on,,, then they figured out the whole Obama save the world thing.
Overall, I would like that evening to repeat itself every night and will quote the Candy Kids when I say "Why can't this go on forever!!!"
Massives are fun!!! |
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