First, last night. Patti Smith. I got chills several times. Who else could do that to Nirvana, changing Smells Like Teen Spirit, adding elegiac lyrics lamenting Cobain's too early passing? Throbbing with more energy than most people I know and damn sure more than anyone 61 years old. Playing clarinet, guitar, singing amazing poetry. Beautiful. G-L-O-R-I-A!

Then The Black Crowes. I'm mad at you, universe. Why have you not told me to see this band sooner? There was a pretty intense conversation on the way to the United Palace, which, by the way, is freakin' beautiful. (www.theunitedpalace.com). World problems, and such. When people agree that the current situation in Iraq has made the U.S. a target for terrorist attacks for at least 50 years, it can be hard to wear a smile. The Crowes walked out on stage and started singing about the need for peace, the need to get along. Hippy stuff, but, damn. Which path would you rather take? Needless war, or needful love? It was a great start to a fun, uplifting set. Patti Smith came out and joined for one song. The encore was Can't You Hear Me Knockin'? by the Stones. Oh, at one point Chris R said, "You know what Halloween in New York means? The drug dealers get their bonuses early!" I don't know what that means, but I'm just a blogger doin' my duty, folks. A great show.

What about the a cappella guy in the subway singing No Woman No Cry? Or the barbershop trio on the floor above him? Music makes me happy.

Now, this afternoon. U.S. time, anyway. Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty are said to be performing together tonight at the MTV awards in Europe. Could it be amazing? Yes. Will it be? Let's hope so.