In and Out: "You Should Be Honored By My Lateness" or Kanye Becomes A More Arrogant, Less Socially-Inclined Verision of Bono

In rock music, whether or not you like his persona or politics or even his music, people have been waiting for a second-coming of Bono. A true rock-personality. Absurd. Over-sized. Talented. And a flair for the dramatic and transcendent moment. In a vaguely similar way, basketball fans wait for the second-coming of Michael Jordan. A talent and a personality that stink of super-star - someone to be larger than life and totally comfortable walking around at tree-level.

Well, unfortunately, rock-rhetoric has gotten larger (see: Kaiser Chiefs 2003-2007, Bloc Party 2006, music blogs 2002-present) but rock personalities and frontmen have gotten smaller. Tell me there was one moment in all the indie rock shows you've seen where you honestly believed the leadsinger could carry the same shtick to an arena. Yeah, Interpol seem electric at Webster Hall (some people disagree) but how are they going to roll at MSG tonight? A show they couldn't sell out despite sharing the bill with a brilliant recovering addict (Cat Power) and a band that very well might blow them off the stage (Liars). The point is, these are small bands. Their singers command the Mercury Lounge with ease but where are they at Madison Square? Fuck, where are they at Giants' Stadium? This was never a problem with Bono. He had enough attitude and persona to rock a small club or kill a stadium. In 1991, Bono could probably have played Outer Space and still filled it up with passion and something vaguely electric. And even now, Bono can still get up to get down. But the man is pushing retirement-age. So, we wait. Who is the next rock-musician who shows up to burn down every venue he or she plays, no matter how big or small it may be?

It won't be a rock musician at all. It just might be Kanye West. Check out this video from (of all places) Jimmy Kimmel's late show. Kanye has more posture and command of the stage and the crowd than any rock-star we've seen in a while. And check out the production flourishes. (Kanye: I want strings. Oh yeah, and fuckin' horns. Get me a fuckin' orchestra to go with this french-techno sample. And do it now.)

So rock music, tighten your pants because you're getting absolutely dogged by a music-geek from Chicago who wears pink polo shirts and Louie V accessories. Sound like a challenge? It is. Step up or step out.