If you tuned in at 8 P.M. EST to watch some basketball-at the time TNT's website claimed tipoff would occur-you were out of luck. If you were interested in checking out the pre-game performance from Pharrell Williams, you were also somewhat out of luck, which is not to say the brief performance wasn't star studded.
Williams emerged after an introduction from Clippers guard Chris Paul and LeBron James (who introduced the performer as "Skateboard P Pharrell"). The headliner briefly performed one of his own singles, before he was interrupted by Nelly performing his seminal hit "Hot in Herre." Just when we started feeling old, Diddy and Busta Rhymes joined the party.
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Williams kind of got some spotlight, performing his bit of Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," and then joined Neptunes/N.E.R.D. cohort Chad Hugo to perform the latter act's "Rock Star." Williams, a gracious host, next brought on Snoop Dogg to perform the pair's "Beautiful."
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Williams reemerged to bring his contribution to "Lucky" by Daft Punk, and, finally, "Happy," his current hit that's currently no. 2 on the top downloads chart. His famed Grammys hat style made another appearance, although this time in red.
NATIONAL ANTHEMS
Serena Ryder tackled Canada's national anthem, "O Canada," well enough, accentuating the more dramatic moments with her signature rawness. In defense of everyone to ever perform the U.S. national anthem, the Canadian anthem is much more conservative/written by someone who understood music, so it's tough to screw up. Interesting notes: Ryder wore upside-down pentagram earrings during her performance, a symbol that's been adopted by Satanists as their "official" symbol. Drake was present courtside, and was singing along proudly, but he left his backwards hat on.
Gary Clark Jr. performed for the United States, mostly for the best. We'll give both the NBA and Clark credit for presenting a strictly-instrumental version of the "The Star-Spangled Banner." We didn't expect anything to live up to Jimi Hendrix's classic Woodstock performance of our national anthem, but Clark's signature bluesy style would make perfect sense for the song. Clark opted for a more country-Western approach, dressing the performance with a steel slide. The guitarist's frequent tremolo effect, creating a wobble on the fretboard, sometimes lasted uncomfortably long.
HALFTIME
Trombone Shorty is not nearly as popular as Williams, but he landed the headlining gig in his hometown of New Orleans. He and his band, New Orleans Avenue, came out swinging with "Bet You Like It," a track highlighting both the trombonist's vocal and brass skills.
The hardcore followers of New Orleans jazz (and music history in general) were undoubtedly appalled that the younger Shorty trumped legendary pianist Dr. John. The NBA's thought process was well founded however: Dr. John, albeit an incredible personality, doesn't quite grab the young audience of the NBA. Also, the lyrics of his classic "Iko Iko" probably baffled anyone not familiar with his background. Clark returned, this time including vocals with his guitar playing (during his track "Bright Lights"), with Shorty joining him with a solo of his own. Janelle Monae, arguably the biggest name on this lineup (again, in terms of mainstream recognizability) seemed to be bringing the performance to an apex with her "Electric Lady" (sans Solange, unfortunately), but no, like the pre-game ceremony, there was no such thing as too many performers. Earth, Wind & Fire came aboard for the obvious closer "Shining Star," which admittedly better incorporated the rest of the acts. Shorty and his band, New Orleans Avenue, provided the necessary brass, and Monae duetted successfully with Earth-Wind's vocalist Philip Bailey. Overall, the halftime show was great, but that doesn't mean the NBA should have put it there. The NBA All-Star Game traditionally sees a huge drop-off in viewers as the scores reach absurd heights. Placing an attention-grabber like Williams at halftime would have been the better ploy to retain viewers. Nonetheless, Music Times has to give the thumbs-up to Shorty and cohorts for their performance over their more famous pre-game competition. <INSERT MORE BASKETBALL>
