The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival also known as Jazz Fest began releasing the 2014 lineup today. While the names are still being released here are the current best and worst of Jazz Fest 2014.
Best:
Arcade Fire
After releasing its album “Reflektor” late last yea,r Arcade Fire will come to New Orleans as the headlining act for the final day of Jazz Fest. This band is known for its excellent live performances and indie rock sound. Even if it deso not sound like a band to see, it is. Arcade Fire may perform under the name The Reflektors to coincide with its new album but the name will not matter. The will music speak for itself.
Bruce Springsteen
Mr. Springsteen is a legend and everyone knows it. What is even better about Springsteen coming to Jazz Fest is his reunion with the E Street Band. Bruce Springsteen is someone that should be on everyone’s “see before I die,” bucket list. Anyone who has heard “Born to Run” knows exactly why.
Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera has been quite busy in the last two years. She has been a judge on The Voice, released her album “Lotus” and featured on a number of songs. There is no argument that Aguilera can sing. Although Christina Aguilera may not be everyone’s favorite singer she is definitely someone to see live when given the opportunity.
Worst:
Public Enemy
Public Enemy is a cornerstone in hip-hop. The group has been inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and nominated for five Grammy awards in its career. The problem is that Public Enemy is old. When reading the lineup for Jazz Fest Public Enemy does not really stand out. The new generation of music lovers will probably “Fight the Power” to see Flavor Flav and the gang.
Santana
What has Santana done recently? The band’s last album “Shape Shifter” failed to draw a buzz. Although the band is famous for Carlos Santana’s guitar playing, that probably will not be enough to draw a crowd of people.
Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke is the epitome of creepy, old man debauchery. While Thicke’s album “Blurred Lines” did quite well on the charts, he simply is not good at trying to be young. If skin-tight clothing on a sweaty 36-year-old is what someone calls entertainment then have fun with the horde of screaming teenage girls.