VMAs showcase prevalence of studio magic

Watching this year's MTV Video Music Awards, I couldn't help but notice the large discrepancy between studio artists and true musicians, whose live performances measure up to their album releases. Has the music industry become so concerned with churning out cookie-cutter pop with cute faces and guaranteed platinum record status that they have sacrificed vocal ability in the process? \nThe cringe-worthy live performance by Hoobastank of their double-platinum selling single "The Reason" made me hate a song already so overplayed I didn't think I could dislike its sound anymore. I was wrong. Lead singer Doug Robb handed the mic over to the crowd to hit his high notes and squealed like a puberty-stricken 13-year-old when he actually did attempt to sing. \nAshlee Simpson's scary performance in the pre-show, along with the syllabic acrobatics of her normally vocally-outstanding sister Jessica Simpson during the actual awards show, were so affected I wondered whether living one's life as a reality show makes you lose touch, not only with reality, but with your talent. \nSome performances, however, were standout. The Roaring '20s-themed pairing of Nelly and Christina Aguilera was captivating, their chemistry and energy intoxicating. By far, the highlight of the evening was the collaboration between Alicia Keys, the legendary Stevie Wonder and the always-styled and musically-talented Lenny Kravitz. All these artists, genuine musicians in their respective genres, were the musical gut of the VMAs, contributing fresh material to a music industry that has been increasingly flooded with posers.\nAn avid concertgoer, lover of music and struggling musician myself, I've been to my fair share of concerts of all genres and of all degrees of media hype and success. I've seen Dashboard Confessional, O.A.R., Usher, and sadly to say, O-Town. I was pulled to a Britney Spears show (a flamboyant, talent-lacking sexual charade) in high school by a friend who was clinging desperately to her teeny-bopper fantasies, took in the lawn atmosphere at Weezer (a stoner's fantasy) and was hypnotized by both the unceasing energy of Maroon 5 and the trampoline-like height of lead singer Adam Levine's stage jumping. Thus, I have racked my memory and scanned through my scrapbook of concert stubs to compile the following list of the best performers, in my experience, who measure up to their hype and either meet their albums head-on or surpass the success and sound of their studio efforts. \n1. Dave Matthews Band: An obvious choice, yes. Dave Matthews is a rarity of a band, whose albums cannot come close to capturing the amazing experience that is a Dave concert. Even people who are not fans of their sound cannot refute the amazing musicianship and talent every member of the band possesses.\n2. Tori Amos: There's more passion packed into a Tori Amos concert than in between the sheets of Colin Farrell's bed. The woman sways and slinks around the stage as if possessed, plays two pianos simultaneously and practically makes love to the piano. Her presence as a performer is dynamic, unforgettably sensual and empowering. \n3. Matchbox Twenty: Often pinned as too Top 40 or radio-friendly, the live experience of a Matchbox Twenty concert is outstanding, due to the band's down-to-earth normalcy. Frontman Rob Thomas' art of storytelling and good old-fashioned songwriting, along with the band's ability to portray its genuine love of music and true appreciation for their fans, is refreshing in an industry where image and sexual appeal often rank above song quality and sincerity.\n4. John Mayer and his phenomenal guitar style, Jason Mraz and his remarkable purity of voice and Ben Folds, the funnyman on the keys. You can't go wrong with any of these sensitive men, prolific both in their songwriting and on their instruments.\n5. Eminem: The master at stirring up storms of controversy and creating a mysterious allure of both musical and personal drama, to truly experience an Eminem concert is to let Jekyll remain locked inside and Hyde run free. The communal anger alive and heavy in the air is strangely liberating. There is something invigorating about moving along with a crowd to lyrics of uninhibited aggression, middle fingers unleashed on the world. \nOr then again, you could always sway along to "The Reason." Just make sure your ears are plugged.