The Beat: Let Me In: A few new ideas for a new regime

Date: Nov 20th 2008 6:59p.m.

Contributed by:
danielshap

If Barack Obama had lost the 2008 American Presidential election, I would've placed the blame solely on Kanye West. Rather than staying in the U.S. on election eve to help his boy B.O. collect last minute swing votes, Kanye was in Shanghai, delivering a lukewarm performance, certainly not garnering any extra absentee support. While the show, outside of the Westless rendition of Journey's “Don't Stop Believing,” was lackluster, China West's decision to bring the world's biggest rapper to Shanghai certainly demonstrates a serious effort to attract a solid mix of foreigners and locals, thereby prompting me to assemble a top five wish list of international artists that I'd like to see in China. All criteria is based on what bands / performers would attract both the Chinese and foreigners and be feasible to promote at a reasonable expense.

No. 5 The Hives (Sweden, rock/garage): Not only is this quintet well-known and loved by Chinese rock kids, Europeans and North Americans, but the Swedish council has had great success bringing a string of acts to China by subsidizing the cost.

No. 4 Slayer (U.S., thrash-metal): Like them or not, Slayer are the last-remaining purists from the early 80s thrash movement; their classic “Reign in Blood” is available in almost any DVD / CD shop. They're known for not being greedy and could totally pack the 1,200-seat Yun Feng Theater.

No. 3 The Cure (UK, post-punk): Possibly the single biggest influence on contemporary Chinese rock, The Cure are adored by the local youth as well as many expats. The band's 30-year career warrants slightly higher ticket prices, but could also be met given the fact that many fans are well into their 30s and thus have some disposable income to blow ...