- Mat Brewster, an American ex-pat in China, “cannot stand” R&B and doesn’t know any of Beyoncé’s songs but decided to go see her perform anyways. “For reasons I’m not entirely sure of, I was excited about seeing her in Shanghai,” he writes. “Perhaps this was because so few musical acts that I know pass by this part of the world. Or maybe I liked the idea of seeing gaggles Chinese kids dancing to an American pop idol.” Whatever the reason, the end result was a “rollicking good time.” (Blogcritics Magazine)

- Of Grizzly Bear’s performance during the Wordless Music Series at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, Ear Farm reports: “Well, to say this is the best show I’ve been to in a long, long, long time would be an understatement — and that ain’t no hyperbole.” (Ear Farm)

- Hanson still know how to make girls scream. (Chippertue’s World)

- S.A. Sebastian went to see Type-O Negative in New York last week, but enjoyed openers Lordi much more. Not only did Lordi deliver “high-energy, good time hard rock music,” but they boasted guest appearances by two members of Twisted Sister. (A View From the Bottom)