Kyle Riabko needs to come back to NYC and play some gigs. I just went on a spree, buying his new album and the Trevor Jackson album and gah, his original stuff is just so good. The TJ stuff is hilarious too, tuba! Plus, The Parkdale Sessions has a straight version of "Left Behind" that is just gorgeous and an R&B version of "The Guilty Ones", and Kyle Riabko and Boots Factor Are... has this awesome cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere" that reminds me a bit of "Say You Love Me" from The Dance. Love it. Can more people I already love cover Fleetwood Mac for me?
I'm really on a kick of bands I saw open for other people and ended up loving. I still can't stop listening to Everybody Else. It felt like legit love from the start, but considering it's been over a month since I last saw them live, I think it's really legit now. I go through phases with some new bands I like where I'm like "OMG LOVE" for a bit until I wear the song out and it no longer feels as awesome as it did, but pretty much every song I loved of theirs is still on high rotation. I still listen to Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers quite a bit too. I never got quite that actively into them, but those fave songs of theirs that I loved in May still get a lot of play and now I'm back into listening to the other stuff quite a bit too and loving it. Then there's Kyle, who kind of slides into that group even though he wasn't in the Sixers anymore by the time I saw them because he was already rehearsing for Spring Awakening which I then saw him in which prompted me to buy his solo album and see him at Joe's Pub and then Stephen and Boots were there! And did songs with him, including a cover of "Up on Cripple Creek"! A little convoluted but awesome! And hell, I'm even stuck on a few Dave Barnes songs lately!
In addition to that, I'm also listening to a lot of classic rock lately. Doobie Brothers, Boston, Allman Brothers, The Band, those types. "The Shape I'm In" and "Ophelia" and "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove" and "Soulshine" and "Foreplay/Long Time" and stuff that is so much more than just music. The stuff that reminds me that I was born into the wrong era.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
iTunes check-in!
I'm going to have to reset my play counts in about a week, so it's time for another one of these!
Let's do Top 25! With comments! Oh yeah.
25. "The Longest Hour of My Life", Everybody Else, Everybody Else
My current fave EBE song. Love Carrick's voice on this one and really just like the vibe of it. It's not as light as it sounds musically, but it's very enjoyable. I ironically listened to it the first time while waiting an hour to vote on Election Day, so I now have fond memories of how that turned out whenever I hear this song!
24. "Rip It Up", Hanson, Underneath Acoustic/"Go" single
Crowd participation plus an awesome Isaac vocal. Pretty random, but awesome! It makes me want to be at a concert though!
23. "Where Did I Go Wrong?", Martin Sexton, Live Wide Open
Really love this song. And this dude. His style is quite quirky, which I find quite appealing. This song is especially wonderful, with the falsetto coming in and just very relaxing and pleasant.
22. "Gift of Screws", Lindsey Buckingham, Gift of Screws
I cannot listen to this song and not crack up. The beat, the delivery, the maniacal laughing that occurs throughout. The yelping? The various activities that could be done whilst listening thanks to the in-song instructions? Amazing. "To the left, to the right, up an down, in and out!"
21. "Bullets", Bob Schneider, Lonelyland
Either music venues or other bands love this dude, because this song is always on the house mix before a concert. I loved it every time I heard it and I finally sought it out. Such a cool tune. Jazzy, with a horn section, kind of scatty, with a few bouts of rapid fire lyrics.
20. "Don't Stop Me Now", Queen, Jazz
It is appropriate that the album this song is on is called Jazz, because I always envision the most elaborate and exciting jazz dance routine in my mind when I listen to this song. I would use it to audition for So You Think You Can Dance. It starts all slow and then boom, you're going and going and soon you're flying and you're not going to stop! Exhiliration!
19. "Kiss and Run", Fleetwood Mac, Tusk (Remastered Edition)
I've always found that when you love a band for a long time, the new stuff gets more play than the old stuff you've always had (there may be an entry on this later). So this song, an outtake from the Tusk recording sessions, gets lots of love. Random chatting, an awesome Stevie/Christine/Lindsey harmony, just basic instrumental and a really catchy tune. I wish there was more of it, but I love it!
18. "Filthy/Gorgeous", The Scissor Sisters, Scissor Sisters
If I ever do karaoke in a public place, this is the song I'm doing. I absolutely love it. Nothing is better than shaking your ass and singing insulting remarks in falsetto. "You're disgusting! Oooh, and you're nasty!"
17. "Love From Here, Love From There", Lindsey Buckingham, Law & Order
It makes me laugh how high this song is. I admit that this is my least favorite Lindsey solo album, I barely even listened to it until recently and I found this song hilarious the first time I heard it. Now I can't stop listening to it. It's like this cheesy country song that could totally be line danced to, yet it's also Lindsey? The combination is oddly irrestible.
16. "Oh! Darling", Across the Universe
I. Love. This. Version. Of. This. Song. It's one of my alltime favorite Beatles songs, but Dana Fuchs just makes it all the more amazing, and dude on it (don't remember his name, eek!) also sounds absolutely amazing. Can't get enough of this!
15. "Grown Man", New Kids on the Block, The Block
This song could not be much more ridiculous and that is why I love it. "Gonna give you some grown man! Gonna give you some grown man!" When I saw NKOTB live, they actually had the Pussycat Doll who's vocals are featured on the song on a video screen. It's so bad it's good. Really good.
14. "Great Divide", Hanson, The Walk
I heard this song for the first time a little less than a year ago and my life hasn't been the same since. I remember hearing it that first time and being completely transported. This is the song that made me realize that Hanson was not just a part of my past, that it was time to pay attention again. It's also the song that sums up so much of their charity work, which I have to come to care quite a bit about. A really powerful, kickass song.
13. "Sweet Sophia", Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Glassjaw Boxer
I absolutely love the piano line on this song. It actually hurts to turn this song off because I love the piano line that much. Love Stephen's voice on this one, and the lyric "Stole my soul with a laugh and a look, and your heart shaped lips and my breath that you took."
12. "Rock and Roll Band", Boston, Boston
Everything I love about classic rock, rolled into three minutes of pure, fun, amazingness. The drum line in this song kills me, and Brad Delp's vocals are beyond sublime. I admit that I laugh every time they say "dancin' in the streets of Hyannis!", but I can't listen to this song and not end up with a huge grin on my face due to the absolute awesomeness.
11. "Fire on the Mountain", Hanson, The Walk
It's hard for me to remember a time when I didn't know that post-11-year-old Zac Hanson actually sang lead, but such a time did exist. Then I heard this song and haven't stopped listening to it since. It's probably the song I've listened to the most over the past year. I love the theme of it, the vibe of it, the vocals, and most of all, the lyrics. "Can we pick the pieces up? We're mending Babylon, trying to right the wrong. Can we pick the pieces up? Live, learn, life, love, die, dust, gone."
10. "I Wanna Take You Higher", Sly and the Family Stone
Honestly, I downloaded this song when I found out Hanson was covering it this leg and ended up adoring it. One of the songs that make me wish I could be a part of the coke-induced craziness of the 70's. Wailing away. Rocking out. And playing drums.
9. "Bold as Love", John Mayer, Continuum
This is one of those songs I ignored for far too long and one day accidentally kept on and realized I was in love with it. Mayer sells the song, vocally and with the guitar work. Just love it. Whenever I'm at work and this song comes on, it's time to mentally check out for a few. "My yellow in this case is not so mellow!"
8. "Traci Brown (A Song for You)", Hanson
Seriously? This song exists because of a contest where the winner got a song written about them. "Traci Brown, she's got what you need/A blue-eyed West Virginian who knows what she believes." Maybe it's because they're the type of band that does that kind of thing. Maybe it's because I love the melody. Maybe it's because of all the songs Zac Hanson sings, he sounds the absolute best on this one. Needless to say, this song gets a lot of play, random as it is.
7. "Something Going Round", Hanson, The Walk
This was one of my favorite "new" Hanson songs when I rediscovered them early last year. It's safe to say I'm addicted to it. It doesn't help that this is the song they opened every show with this past leg of the tour so hearing it makes me think of the fun of seeing them live. The opening drum beats, the built in "singalong" section in the middle, just a great feel-good song.
6. "Rock 'n' Roll Razorblade", Hanson, The Best of Hanson Live and Electric
It took awhile for this song to grow on me, but I adore it now. It has a very 90s rock feel to it, vaguely Smashing Pumpkins. Amazing piano solo and just a chill rock vibe to it. The harmony at the end of this is also ridiculous. Zac is singing so high I'm pretty sure the sound is coming out his nose.
5. "Makeup", Everybody Else, Everybody Else
Catchy as hell. I remember getting up when I was seeing them live to hit the bar and the merch stand during this song and just dancing away from seat and all the way back. Again, the song itself isn't as light as it sounds but it's really a fun tune. Plus, any song with the lyric "you've got a long walk home, but you've got headphones", is going to get some points.
4. "Summertime", New Kids on the Block, The Block
Oh man, this song! Makes me smile every time it's on and then I start dancing and then I envision the video and laugh. The song has everything that made NKOTB so amazingly ridiculous in 1988. They didn't even update themselves, it's just 1988 again in 2008. And I love it. And please, Donnie with his speaking over the singing? Doesn't get much better than that.
3. "Every Word I Say", Hanson, The Best of Hanson Live and Electric
This is one of those songs that I heard about before I actually had it. Hanson fans adore this song and before I heard it, I didn't get what could possibly cause it to get the reaction that it does. I get it now. It's one of those songs that just stops me from what I'm doing whenever it comes on and I'm lost in it. Taylor's voice is a little more rugged and by the end of the song, Isaac is wailing away. It's a bit different for them too, which adds to why I love it. Powerful and moving and freaking awesome.
2. "Manhattan", Kings of Leon, Only by the Night
This song currently owns me. It was one of the ones on the album I skipped the first few listens and now can't turn off any time it comes on. Like my #1, this song just has an amazing vibe to it and the vocals are so raw and moving. The lyric "we're going to show this town how to kiss these stars" nearly makes me weep every time I hear it. Which is a lot.
1. "Notion", Kings of Leon, Only by the Night
This may be the perfect rock song. I'm not even lying. The first time I heard this song, I was IN it. It just has that feel to it that I love in a song, especially as a fan of the classic rock sound of the late 70's. Amazing lead vocals, a rocking guitar bit, piano. Not does the song soar, it singlehandedly gave me hope that people of my own generation can write and record songs like this.
I will need to do another one of these soon to see how things change!
Let's do Top 25! With comments! Oh yeah.
25. "The Longest Hour of My Life", Everybody Else, Everybody Else
My current fave EBE song. Love Carrick's voice on this one and really just like the vibe of it. It's not as light as it sounds musically, but it's very enjoyable. I ironically listened to it the first time while waiting an hour to vote on Election Day, so I now have fond memories of how that turned out whenever I hear this song!
24. "Rip It Up", Hanson, Underneath Acoustic/"Go" single
Crowd participation plus an awesome Isaac vocal. Pretty random, but awesome! It makes me want to be at a concert though!
23. "Where Did I Go Wrong?", Martin Sexton, Live Wide Open
Really love this song. And this dude. His style is quite quirky, which I find quite appealing. This song is especially wonderful, with the falsetto coming in and just very relaxing and pleasant.
22. "Gift of Screws", Lindsey Buckingham, Gift of Screws
I cannot listen to this song and not crack up. The beat, the delivery, the maniacal laughing that occurs throughout. The yelping? The various activities that could be done whilst listening thanks to the in-song instructions? Amazing. "To the left, to the right, up an down, in and out!"
21. "Bullets", Bob Schneider, Lonelyland
Either music venues or other bands love this dude, because this song is always on the house mix before a concert. I loved it every time I heard it and I finally sought it out. Such a cool tune. Jazzy, with a horn section, kind of scatty, with a few bouts of rapid fire lyrics.
20. "Don't Stop Me Now", Queen, Jazz
It is appropriate that the album this song is on is called Jazz, because I always envision the most elaborate and exciting jazz dance routine in my mind when I listen to this song. I would use it to audition for So You Think You Can Dance. It starts all slow and then boom, you're going and going and soon you're flying and you're not going to stop! Exhiliration!
19. "Kiss and Run", Fleetwood Mac, Tusk (Remastered Edition)
I've always found that when you love a band for a long time, the new stuff gets more play than the old stuff you've always had (there may be an entry on this later). So this song, an outtake from the Tusk recording sessions, gets lots of love. Random chatting, an awesome Stevie/Christine/Lindsey harmony, just basic instrumental and a really catchy tune. I wish there was more of it, but I love it!
18. "Filthy/Gorgeous", The Scissor Sisters, Scissor Sisters
If I ever do karaoke in a public place, this is the song I'm doing. I absolutely love it. Nothing is better than shaking your ass and singing insulting remarks in falsetto. "You're disgusting! Oooh, and you're nasty!"
17. "Love From Here, Love From There", Lindsey Buckingham, Law & Order
It makes me laugh how high this song is. I admit that this is my least favorite Lindsey solo album, I barely even listened to it until recently and I found this song hilarious the first time I heard it. Now I can't stop listening to it. It's like this cheesy country song that could totally be line danced to, yet it's also Lindsey? The combination is oddly irrestible.
16. "Oh! Darling", Across the Universe
I. Love. This. Version. Of. This. Song. It's one of my alltime favorite Beatles songs, but Dana Fuchs just makes it all the more amazing, and dude on it (don't remember his name, eek!) also sounds absolutely amazing. Can't get enough of this!
15. "Grown Man", New Kids on the Block, The Block
This song could not be much more ridiculous and that is why I love it. "Gonna give you some grown man! Gonna give you some grown man!" When I saw NKOTB live, they actually had the Pussycat Doll who's vocals are featured on the song on a video screen. It's so bad it's good. Really good.
14. "Great Divide", Hanson, The Walk
I heard this song for the first time a little less than a year ago and my life hasn't been the same since. I remember hearing it that first time and being completely transported. This is the song that made me realize that Hanson was not just a part of my past, that it was time to pay attention again. It's also the song that sums up so much of their charity work, which I have to come to care quite a bit about. A really powerful, kickass song.
13. "Sweet Sophia", Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Glassjaw Boxer
I absolutely love the piano line on this song. It actually hurts to turn this song off because I love the piano line that much. Love Stephen's voice on this one, and the lyric "Stole my soul with a laugh and a look, and your heart shaped lips and my breath that you took."
12. "Rock and Roll Band", Boston, Boston
Everything I love about classic rock, rolled into three minutes of pure, fun, amazingness. The drum line in this song kills me, and Brad Delp's vocals are beyond sublime. I admit that I laugh every time they say "dancin' in the streets of Hyannis!", but I can't listen to this song and not end up with a huge grin on my face due to the absolute awesomeness.
11. "Fire on the Mountain", Hanson, The Walk
It's hard for me to remember a time when I didn't know that post-11-year-old Zac Hanson actually sang lead, but such a time did exist. Then I heard this song and haven't stopped listening to it since. It's probably the song I've listened to the most over the past year. I love the theme of it, the vibe of it, the vocals, and most of all, the lyrics. "Can we pick the pieces up? We're mending Babylon, trying to right the wrong. Can we pick the pieces up? Live, learn, life, love, die, dust, gone."
10. "I Wanna Take You Higher", Sly and the Family Stone
Honestly, I downloaded this song when I found out Hanson was covering it this leg and ended up adoring it. One of the songs that make me wish I could be a part of the coke-induced craziness of the 70's. Wailing away. Rocking out. And playing drums.
9. "Bold as Love", John Mayer, Continuum
This is one of those songs I ignored for far too long and one day accidentally kept on and realized I was in love with it. Mayer sells the song, vocally and with the guitar work. Just love it. Whenever I'm at work and this song comes on, it's time to mentally check out for a few. "My yellow in this case is not so mellow!"
8. "Traci Brown (A Song for You)", Hanson
Seriously? This song exists because of a contest where the winner got a song written about them. "Traci Brown, she's got what you need/A blue-eyed West Virginian who knows what she believes." Maybe it's because they're the type of band that does that kind of thing. Maybe it's because I love the melody. Maybe it's because of all the songs Zac Hanson sings, he sounds the absolute best on this one. Needless to say, this song gets a lot of play, random as it is.
7. "Something Going Round", Hanson, The Walk
This was one of my favorite "new" Hanson songs when I rediscovered them early last year. It's safe to say I'm addicted to it. It doesn't help that this is the song they opened every show with this past leg of the tour so hearing it makes me think of the fun of seeing them live. The opening drum beats, the built in "singalong" section in the middle, just a great feel-good song.6. "Rock 'n' Roll Razorblade", Hanson, The Best of Hanson Live and Electric
It took awhile for this song to grow on me, but I adore it now. It has a very 90s rock feel to it, vaguely Smashing Pumpkins. Amazing piano solo and just a chill rock vibe to it. The harmony at the end of this is also ridiculous. Zac is singing so high I'm pretty sure the sound is coming out his nose.
5. "Makeup", Everybody Else, Everybody Else
Catchy as hell. I remember getting up when I was seeing them live to hit the bar and the merch stand during this song and just dancing away from seat and all the way back. Again, the song itself isn't as light as it sounds but it's really a fun tune. Plus, any song with the lyric "you've got a long walk home, but you've got headphones", is going to get some points.
4. "Summertime", New Kids on the Block, The Block
Oh man, this song! Makes me smile every time it's on and then I start dancing and then I envision the video and laugh. The song has everything that made NKOTB so amazingly ridiculous in 1988. They didn't even update themselves, it's just 1988 again in 2008. And I love it. And please, Donnie with his speaking over the singing? Doesn't get much better than that.
3. "Every Word I Say", Hanson, The Best of Hanson Live and Electric
This is one of those songs that I heard about before I actually had it. Hanson fans adore this song and before I heard it, I didn't get what could possibly cause it to get the reaction that it does. I get it now. It's one of those songs that just stops me from what I'm doing whenever it comes on and I'm lost in it. Taylor's voice is a little more rugged and by the end of the song, Isaac is wailing away. It's a bit different for them too, which adds to why I love it. Powerful and moving and freaking awesome.
2. "Manhattan", Kings of Leon, Only by the Night
This song currently owns me. It was one of the ones on the album I skipped the first few listens and now can't turn off any time it comes on. Like my #1, this song just has an amazing vibe to it and the vocals are so raw and moving. The lyric "we're going to show this town how to kiss these stars" nearly makes me weep every time I hear it. Which is a lot.
1. "Notion", Kings of Leon, Only by the Night
This may be the perfect rock song. I'm not even lying. The first time I heard this song, I was IN it. It just has that feel to it that I love in a song, especially as a fan of the classic rock sound of the late 70's. Amazing lead vocals, a rocking guitar bit, piano. Not does the song soar, it singlehandedly gave me hope that people of my own generation can write and record songs like this.
I will need to do another one of these soon to see how things change!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
tell me, tell me lies
So David Cook's CD release thingy was tonight. He sang a whole bunch of songs from the album. "Bar-ba-sol" rocked despite having the most ridiculous title ever and I love it. It is my favorite song on the album. There were maybe 300 people there and that was kind of awesome in itself, especially since Lori and I didn't really have to put all that much effort to getting wristbands this morning. After the set, they came back out for an encore and David said "So, we're going to do a cover. It's an 80's song by a band called Fleetwood Mac." I proceeded to flip a fucking shit. Like, I think I actually screamed "OH. MY. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!" as loud as possible. I'm curious if it will be audible in other people's YouTube videos. Until then, here is MINE (post-scream, thank you) of this awesome amazingness.
Dude puts on a good show. He still has that ease about him that I first came to love and he really does have a great voice. It is crazy to think that at this time last year, he was just a bartender playing in a band.
The event was a CD signing also and it took a long time to get that all going because of the setup of the place and David being a sweet boy and chatting a little with each person. Lori mentioned something about how awesome the show was and he told us it was "the 50th? I think?" press/event he'd done TODAY. I'm sure he was exaggerating slightly, but probably not much. I made sure to tell him that Fleetwood Mac is my favorite band and that I thought the cover was awesome, to which he grinned excitedly and put his hand over his heart like "yay, you love Fleetwood Mac, I feel ya!" and I really felt like he was happy I said that and that made me happy! He is a good boy.
I admit, I've been like "Eh, DC" lately, for a number of reasons, most of all my decline of interest. But I am super glad we went today! He is worth it and a lot of fun live. I am excited to see him again someday!
Dude puts on a good show. He still has that ease about him that I first came to love and he really does have a great voice. It is crazy to think that at this time last year, he was just a bartender playing in a band.
The event was a CD signing also and it took a long time to get that all going because of the setup of the place and David being a sweet boy and chatting a little with each person. Lori mentioned something about how awesome the show was and he told us it was "the 50th? I think?" press/event he'd done TODAY. I'm sure he was exaggerating slightly, but probably not much. I made sure to tell him that Fleetwood Mac is my favorite band and that I thought the cover was awesome, to which he grinned excitedly and put his hand over his heart like "yay, you love Fleetwood Mac, I feel ya!" and I really felt like he was happy I said that and that made me happy! He is a good boy.
I admit, I've been like "Eh, DC" lately, for a number of reasons, most of all my decline of interest. But I am super glad we went today! He is worth it and a lot of fun live. I am excited to see him again someday!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
NKOTB
Last week, my friend and I decided we wanted to go see New Kids on the Block. They were heading back to Mohegan Sun this weekend, so I got some tickets and we went! And it was pretty awesome!
We were about five rows from the back but it's the kind of concert where just being in there makes it super fun.
Highlights!
- "Stay the Same"! Oh man, I love this song and it was so awesome in such a huge crowd of swaying people. I know it is wrong to have my favorite moment of the concert be a solo song, but I can't help it!
- "My Favorite Girl" cuz Jordan sounded awesome. Falsetto!
- The B on Donnie's hat getting bigger and more full of bling with each costume change.
- How absolutely fantastic Jordan sounded during "I'll Be Loving You Forever". Perfection! And they were all dressed in white!
- They came to this rotating stage thing at the back of the floor for a few songs, which was pretty much right beneath our seats! They did "Tonight" from there! Joey was wearing his happy face jacket!
- Some "Dirty Dancing":
- Donnie solo "Cover Girl"! Oh man, Donnie is a trip, isn't he. Thanks for showing us your underpants.
- Joey literally falling to his knees during "Please Don't Go Girl".
- That moment where Jordan stands on that part of the stage by himself, his white shirt blowing behind him, his shirtlessness being zoomed in by the camera and thus taking over the entire room.
- Breaking the crowd into two to do the winkie chant in "Games" and the other half yell "Game games games games!" That song is ridiculous!
- Jonathan! Jonathan! Jonathan!
- Pose off, complete with Danny bowing down to us and Joey smelling his pit.
- Every single person in the room waving their arms in the air like they just don't care during "Hangin' Tough". Plus Celtics jerseys!
- Pyro!
I'm so glad we went! It was such a fun time and I was very impressed with their showmanship and just how energetic and awesome they were. Good times!
We were about five rows from the back but it's the kind of concert where just being in there makes it super fun.
Highlights!
- "Stay the Same"! Oh man, I love this song and it was so awesome in such a huge crowd of swaying people. I know it is wrong to have my favorite moment of the concert be a solo song, but I can't help it!
- "My Favorite Girl" cuz Jordan sounded awesome. Falsetto!
- The B on Donnie's hat getting bigger and more full of bling with each costume change.
- How absolutely fantastic Jordan sounded during "I'll Be Loving You Forever". Perfection! And they were all dressed in white!
- They came to this rotating stage thing at the back of the floor for a few songs, which was pretty much right beneath our seats! They did "Tonight" from there! Joey was wearing his happy face jacket!
- Some "Dirty Dancing":
- Donnie solo "Cover Girl"! Oh man, Donnie is a trip, isn't he. Thanks for showing us your underpants.
- Joey literally falling to his knees during "Please Don't Go Girl".
- That moment where Jordan stands on that part of the stage by himself, his white shirt blowing behind him, his shirtlessness being zoomed in by the camera and thus taking over the entire room.
- Breaking the crowd into two to do the winkie chant in "Games" and the other half yell "Game games games games!" That song is ridiculous!
- Jonathan! Jonathan! Jonathan!
- Pose off, complete with Danny bowing down to us and Joey smelling his pit.
- Every single person in the room waving their arms in the air like they just don't care during "Hangin' Tough". Plus Celtics jerseys!
- Pyro!
I'm so glad we went! It was such a fun time and I was very impressed with their showmanship and just how energetic and awesome they were. Good times!
Monday, November 3, 2008
and then there's everybody else
I think one of the best things that can happen when you go to a concert of a band you're really excited to see is to have an opening act that doesn't suck.
I really don't like opening bands. Usually, if I'm going to concert, I'm really excited to see the band I'm going to see. In some cases, the opening act simply doesn't interest me, such as when I saw Modest Mouse open for R.E.M. this summer (it seemed some Modest Mouse fans felt similarly about R.E.M., give how many left after MM's set). Sometimes the opening act is boring or not talented or just doesn't put on a good show. Sometimes they simply aren't enough to get keep your attention on the music as you count how many songs have been played and estimate how much longer they will be on stage. I feel that a perfect opening act should be a band/performer that is good, that compliments the band they are opening for and that puts on an entertaining, engaging and energetic show without overshadowing the act they are opening for. I find this blend hard to find.
So imagine my surprise when, for the second time this year, I saw a band open for Hanson that fit this description. The first, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, were on the spring leg of The Walk tour and may be my favorite opening act ever. I've come to love them in their own right and continue to brag about them when opening act discussions come up. They were fun, they were energetic, their music was catchy, they did a few kickass covers and they walked that fine line of not being too much like the headliner and not so different that their inclusion made no sense. They were essentially awesome.
Then, this leg, came Everybody Else. Now, due to my lack of moderation in concert-going where certain bands are concerned, I saw Everybody Else three times in a very short span of time. Each time, I was definitely more excited to be seeing the headliner, and yet every time I saw Everybody Else, I liked them more. To the point where when I went to my last show of my "mini-tour" and was considering adding one more on, my enjoyment of Everybody Else and excitement to see them one more time was a factor in my decision to just do it. Their songs are catchy and fun, they have a great vibe and now that I'm done seeing them live, I still can't stop listening to their music.
So here's to good opening acts. Let's hope my luck continues to be so good. Or my favorite bands continue to pick such quality entertainment.
I really don't like opening bands. Usually, if I'm going to concert, I'm really excited to see the band I'm going to see. In some cases, the opening act simply doesn't interest me, such as when I saw Modest Mouse open for R.E.M. this summer (it seemed some Modest Mouse fans felt similarly about R.E.M., give how many left after MM's set). Sometimes the opening act is boring or not talented or just doesn't put on a good show. Sometimes they simply aren't enough to get keep your attention on the music as you count how many songs have been played and estimate how much longer they will be on stage. I feel that a perfect opening act should be a band/performer that is good, that compliments the band they are opening for and that puts on an entertaining, engaging and energetic show without overshadowing the act they are opening for. I find this blend hard to find.
So imagine my surprise when, for the second time this year, I saw a band open for Hanson that fit this description. The first, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, were on the spring leg of The Walk tour and may be my favorite opening act ever. I've come to love them in their own right and continue to brag about them when opening act discussions come up. They were fun, they were energetic, their music was catchy, they did a few kickass covers and they walked that fine line of not being too much like the headliner and not so different that their inclusion made no sense. They were essentially awesome.
Then, this leg, came Everybody Else. Now, due to my lack of moderation in concert-going where certain bands are concerned, I saw Everybody Else three times in a very short span of time. Each time, I was definitely more excited to be seeing the headliner, and yet every time I saw Everybody Else, I liked them more. To the point where when I went to my last show of my "mini-tour" and was considering adding one more on, my enjoyment of Everybody Else and excitement to see them one more time was a factor in my decision to just do it. Their songs are catchy and fun, they have a great vibe and now that I'm done seeing them live, I still can't stop listening to their music.
So here's to good opening acts. Let's hope my luck continues to be so good. Or my favorite bands continue to pick such quality entertainment.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hanson week!
When the Hanson fall tour was announced, I had planned to go to two shows when the tour dates first came out, remembering how I felt after the show in May and knowing that it may be awhile before they're on tour again. About three weeks ago, I added in a third, right between the two I had planned. It felt a little excessive, but I knew it would be fun and moderation isn't really a necessity when it comes to their shows. Add in their tendency to change up setlists pretty much every show, the opportunity to do the walk in one of my favorite places and the fact that I was going to lose my leftover time off at work and off I went.
It's a little odd how the experiences of the shows kind of grew as the week went on. The NYC show was great, but is kind of a blur to me already. Plus, it started really late and there's a curfew in NYC (what!) so they had to play a shortened set. Still, this set had a few of my favorite moments of my mini-tour, including acapella "Change in My Life".
1. Something Going Round
2. Higher
3. Been There Before
4. Where's The Love
5. Penny And Me
6. Follow Your Lead
7. Great Divide
Acoustic
8. Strong Enough to Break
9. Go
10. Lay You Down
11. This Time Around
Back to Electric
12. Hole In My Life
13. Blue Sky
14. Minute Without You
15. Can't Stop
16. If Only
17. Mmmbop
18. Hey
19. Change in My Life
Atlantic City was the show I added on last minute. They were playing in the House of Blues at Showboat and the walk was set to start at 3. At about 2, I went to the lobby area to see if everyone was starting to gather and about five minutes later, Zac appears, followed by Taylor and the megaphone. Tay megaphones (inside, of course) to head outside to the Boardwalk. By this point, shoes were already off, which lead to a good 75 people standing around on the Boardwalk, half without shoes. A little old lady came up to me and asked why none of the nice young women were wearing shoes and then warned us not to get splinters. It was such a beautiful day and one of my favorite places, so it was really a great place to walk. We mid-walk speeched right past the arcade pier, the ocean crashing in the background, the sky a bright blue. So awesome. Then we headed back toward HOB, ironically had to make sure our shoes were back on as we went inside, then filed in through slot machines and up the huge escalator, up to the Music Hall. It was so exhilirating, everyone hanging around in this hallway, registering their miles for their chosen causes, the (still shoeless) guys among us keeping order. The whole idea of the walk is really amazing and inspiring. I love it.
The setlist for this show was pretty awesome, with a lot more random stuff than the NYC show:
1. Something Going Round
2. Higher
3. Been There Before
4. Thinking of You
5. Follow Your Lead
6. Great Divide
Acoustic
7. Strong Enough to Break
8. Lay Me Down
9. Go
10. The Walk (Zac Solo)
11. Believe (Taylor Solo)
Back to Electric
12. Fire On The Mountain (Taylor on drums)
13. Blue Sky
14. Where's The Love
15. Running Man
16. Soul Shine
17. Crazy Beautiful
18. MmmBop
19. Minute Without You
20. Hey
21. Watch Over Me
Encore
22. This Time Around
Highlight of this set was definitely "Fire on the Mountain", my favorite song and one I was really hoping for. What was most awesome was that they played it electric. Usually, it's just Zac on guitar, but when Taylor finished "Believe", Zac came out and put on the guitar and Taylor went behind the drums. SO awesome. I was barely able to take it in, it went by so fast! And with Tay on drums, I felt like I was watching something with subtitles and didn't know where to look! I was also really excited by this set because I love Zac lead songs and he only did one at the NYC show. We got four at this one, including "Running Man", so fun! It was also Will the bassist's birthday. Hanson tradition is singing Happy Birthday and then shoving cake in the birthday person's face. Will was not spared!
Saturday, I took the train to the old stomping grounds. It was kind of rainy out but there were already a good 150 people waiting for the walk, and the guys came out on time to get it started. We pre-walk speeched in a muncipal parking lot and everyone looked like drowned rats. After the walk, there was much hanging around in damp weather. Luckily, the stage door was open and we heard the entire soundcheck, which included a huge "Been There Before" jam session, a really hot version of "Great Divide", and "Your Illusion" and "Got a Hold On Me", both of which hadn't been played on this leg yet.
I really loved Everybody Else, one of the openers, in AC, so I was excited to see them again, they put on a great show. I am currently obsessed with their song "In Memoriam". Dave Barnes, it was the third time I had seen him and I was kind of done with him by this point!
Hanson was on just after 10 and proceeded to play an incredible set list:
1. Something Going 'Round
2. Higher
3. Been There Before
4. If Only
5. Follow Your Lead
6. Great Divide
Acoustic
7 Never Been To Spain
8. One More
9. Lay Me Down
10. On The Rocks (Zac piano solo)
11. Love Me (Taylor solo)
Back to Electric
12. Fire On The Mountain (Taylor on drums.)
13. Dancin' In The Wind (Taylor on electric guitar.)
14. Blue Sky
15. Where's The Love?
16. You Never Know
17. Penny 'N' Me
18. Your Illusion
19. Crazy Beautiful
20. Oh Darling
21. MMMBop
22. Can't Stop
23. Hey
24. Watch Over Me
Encore
25. Coming Back For More
Holy shit this show. I thought the AC show was pretty great, but this show was like ten times better. The energy of the crowd, the energy of the guys, it was amazing. Plus, the SET! They played TEN songs that they didn't play in AC, and there had been more than four in that set that weren't in NYC! "Never Been to Spain", oh my God. I LOVE this song and the way they did it, with Ike coming out first alone and doing a verse, than Zac doing the same, then Taylor. So amazing. There was some "On the Rocks"! Random and I love piano Zac! And then Taylor did Elvis' "Love Me" and it was ridiculously amazing! Then, as if it is not already proven that the Hansons can play any and all instruments, Taylor then puts on an electric guitar! And they play "Dancin' in the Wind"! Which I don't even like that much usually, but it was awesome! As if that wasn't random enough "You Never Know"? And then freaking "Oh Darling"? The fact that Zac can drum like a madman and sing lead at the same time and sound that amazing is incredible. It was the most exhilarating song of the set, I think I might have hit the ceiling and come back down as it ended. So happy he did this one! "Hey" is such a fun song and then "Watch Over Me", I love it. Isaac does this thing at the end where he gets the whole crowd swaying by going back and forth with the guitar and you can tell he totally loves it. After Zac finished beating the hell out of the end of "Coming Back for More", he stood backwards on the bass drum and jumped off and landed in a heap on the floor, which caused Taylor to fall over and lie there with him and Isaac stand there laughing at them both.
It was such a great set and awesome concert. I love these guys so much. They are such great musicians and showmen and hopefully they hit the road again soon!
It's a little odd how the experiences of the shows kind of grew as the week went on. The NYC show was great, but is kind of a blur to me already. Plus, it started really late and there's a curfew in NYC (what!) so they had to play a shortened set. Still, this set had a few of my favorite moments of my mini-tour, including acapella "Change in My Life".
1. Something Going Round
2. Higher
3. Been There Before
4. Where's The Love
5. Penny And Me
6. Follow Your Lead
7. Great Divide
Acoustic
8. Strong Enough to Break
9. Go
10. Lay You Down
11. This Time Around
Back to Electric
12. Hole In My Life
13. Blue Sky
14. Minute Without You
15. Can't Stop
16. If Only
17. Mmmbop
18. Hey
19. Change in My Life
Atlantic City was the show I added on last minute. They were playing in the House of Blues at Showboat and the walk was set to start at 3. At about 2, I went to the lobby area to see if everyone was starting to gather and about five minutes later, Zac appears, followed by Taylor and the megaphone. Tay megaphones (inside, of course) to head outside to the Boardwalk. By this point, shoes were already off, which lead to a good 75 people standing around on the Boardwalk, half without shoes. A little old lady came up to me and asked why none of the nice young women were wearing shoes and then warned us not to get splinters. It was such a beautiful day and one of my favorite places, so it was really a great place to walk. We mid-walk speeched right past the arcade pier, the ocean crashing in the background, the sky a bright blue. So awesome. Then we headed back toward HOB, ironically had to make sure our shoes were back on as we went inside, then filed in through slot machines and up the huge escalator, up to the Music Hall. It was so exhilirating, everyone hanging around in this hallway, registering their miles for their chosen causes, the (still shoeless) guys among us keeping order. The whole idea of the walk is really amazing and inspiring. I love it.
The setlist for this show was pretty awesome, with a lot more random stuff than the NYC show:
1. Something Going Round
2. Higher
3. Been There Before
4. Thinking of You
5. Follow Your Lead
6. Great Divide
Acoustic
7. Strong Enough to Break
8. Lay Me Down
9. Go
10. The Walk (Zac Solo)
11. Believe (Taylor Solo)
Back to Electric
12. Fire On The Mountain (Taylor on drums)
13. Blue Sky
14. Where's The Love
15. Running Man
16. Soul Shine
17. Crazy Beautiful
18. MmmBop
19. Minute Without You
20. Hey
21. Watch Over Me
Encore
22. This Time Around
Highlight of this set was definitely "Fire on the Mountain", my favorite song and one I was really hoping for. What was most awesome was that they played it electric. Usually, it's just Zac on guitar, but when Taylor finished "Believe", Zac came out and put on the guitar and Taylor went behind the drums. SO awesome. I was barely able to take it in, it went by so fast! And with Tay on drums, I felt like I was watching something with subtitles and didn't know where to look! I was also really excited by this set because I love Zac lead songs and he only did one at the NYC show. We got four at this one, including "Running Man", so fun! It was also Will the bassist's birthday. Hanson tradition is singing Happy Birthday and then shoving cake in the birthday person's face. Will was not spared!
Saturday, I took the train to the old stomping grounds. It was kind of rainy out but there were already a good 150 people waiting for the walk, and the guys came out on time to get it started. We pre-walk speeched in a muncipal parking lot and everyone looked like drowned rats. After the walk, there was much hanging around in damp weather. Luckily, the stage door was open and we heard the entire soundcheck, which included a huge "Been There Before" jam session, a really hot version of "Great Divide", and "Your Illusion" and "Got a Hold On Me", both of which hadn't been played on this leg yet.
I really loved Everybody Else, one of the openers, in AC, so I was excited to see them again, they put on a great show. I am currently obsessed with their song "In Memoriam". Dave Barnes, it was the third time I had seen him and I was kind of done with him by this point!
Hanson was on just after 10 and proceeded to play an incredible set list:
1. Something Going 'Round
2. Higher
3. Been There Before
4. If Only
5. Follow Your Lead
6. Great Divide
Acoustic
7 Never Been To Spain
8. One More
9. Lay Me Down
10. On The Rocks (Zac piano solo)
11. Love Me (Taylor solo)
Back to Electric
12. Fire On The Mountain (Taylor on drums.)
13. Dancin' In The Wind (Taylor on electric guitar.)
14. Blue Sky
15. Where's The Love?
16. You Never Know
17. Penny 'N' Me
18. Your Illusion
19. Crazy Beautiful
20. Oh Darling
21. MMMBop
22. Can't Stop
23. Hey
24. Watch Over Me
Encore
25. Coming Back For More
Holy shit this show. I thought the AC show was pretty great, but this show was like ten times better. The energy of the crowd, the energy of the guys, it was amazing. Plus, the SET! They played TEN songs that they didn't play in AC, and there had been more than four in that set that weren't in NYC! "Never Been to Spain", oh my God. I LOVE this song and the way they did it, with Ike coming out first alone and doing a verse, than Zac doing the same, then Taylor. So amazing. There was some "On the Rocks"! Random and I love piano Zac! And then Taylor did Elvis' "Love Me" and it was ridiculously amazing! Then, as if it is not already proven that the Hansons can play any and all instruments, Taylor then puts on an electric guitar! And they play "Dancin' in the Wind"! Which I don't even like that much usually, but it was awesome! As if that wasn't random enough "You Never Know"? And then freaking "Oh Darling"? The fact that Zac can drum like a madman and sing lead at the same time and sound that amazing is incredible. It was the most exhilarating song of the set, I think I might have hit the ceiling and come back down as it ended. So happy he did this one! "Hey" is such a fun song and then "Watch Over Me", I love it. Isaac does this thing at the end where he gets the whole crowd swaying by going back and forth with the guitar and you can tell he totally loves it. After Zac finished beating the hell out of the end of "Coming Back for More", he stood backwards on the bass drum and jumped off and landed in a heap on the floor, which caused Taylor to fall over and lie there with him and Isaac stand there laughing at them both.
It was such a great set and awesome concert. I love these guys so much. They are such great musicians and showmen and hopefully they hit the road again soon!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Time, precious time.
Oh, this man.
The simple fact is, I have been fascinated by him for eleven years. When I think about the scope of his creation and his success and his fame, and then think about the fact that I'm in the same room as him, it gets a little too unreal. I did spend a lot of time tonight in the actual moment, which is amazing in itself to be able to say. When he was playing "Big Love", I was totally transfixed. The way the light behind him made him literally glow during "Never Going Back Again" was one of the most beautiful images I had ever seen. I totally rocked out to "World Turning". The final solo in "I'm So Afraid" was absolute bliss and a moment that felt truly unbelievable. But tonight I didn't even have to close my eyes and he was standing there, in a shiny blue kimono, his huge mess of curls bopping side to side. He'd lean down to solo, eyebrows raised and I could swear the jeans and black leather jacket were momentarily replaced by a slick gray suit and short haircut. As he lost himself momentarily in the yelping laughter of "Gift of Screws", the cowboy hat and vest flashed through my mind. And as he played "Big Love", solo, sounding as amazing as he's sounded since The Dance, I saw him in the black slacks and jacket of the Lindsey I first knew, the one that made me pay attention and realize he wasn't just some guy with a guitar.
My friend that I went with always says that he never looks the same. It's true, pick a year and you'll get a Lindsey to go along with it, each with unique qualities that have not come before or since. While I'd give anything to travel back in time to visit years that pre-date my own existence and experience what it was like to see him then, the Lindsey of 2008, the Lindsey of right now and hopefully the Lindsey to stay, is one I am so happy and grateful to have been able to see. It's like he transcends time. He can take us back to those great moments simply by being on stage and then he'll finish a song and pump the air and jump around a little and the pure excitement, the adrenaline, the love of being on stage and playing guitar, hangs in the air and overtakes the room. It's like he himself can't believe he's still doing this and having so much fun with it. He's not doing this because he has to, he's not surrounded by people who drag him down or don't get him, he's doing this because he wants to be. To have been able to see him at a time where he so clearly loves it as much as he does is amazing.
The second row tonight gave way to the edge of the stage for "Go Your Own Way" and the encores. I kept rhythm by beating my hand on the stage, and occasionally I'd look up and Brett would be smiling at me, which was a little added bonus to the whole thing. By the end of the song, Lindsey was soloing and climbing over the amps to get closer to us. I was literally looking directly up at him as he played his most famous song and I could seriously barely take it. I think I looked at Amanda and just started laughing numerous times. The encores were equally amazing and while I would have died to hear "Bleed to Love Her" as the last song, "Time Precious Time" did feel like the appropriate choice. "Take all the time that you want. Take all the time that you need. Slow and easy. You might succeed. Time, precious time, precious time, precious time. Remember." As I watched him, I thought of it all again. My 15 year old self seeing The Dance for the first time, the collecting of albums and videos, immersing myself in a world that wasn't mine, the revisiting that took place over the years which ultimately lead to this sticking the way it has for the past year. And as I saw him get more and more emotional as the song came closer to ending on this last night of the tour, I thought of that all again too. When he was my age, he was recording Rumours and now he's 59 years old, has a wife and three children and has finally found a peace that he has been looking for in his own career, balancing it with the mega-machine that is Fleetwood Mac and bringing it to the people who truly appreciate it. Slow and easy, indeed. The rewards, I would imagine, are now worth the wait.
I wasn't expecting to feel sad that the night was over. I think the combination of the song itself and his own reaction to the tour ending kind of left me wanting to know that this won't be the last time I'll ever see him play. I still can't get over that I was able to see him at all, especially this way. I'm especially glad I got to see him with a friend who also loves him tonight, someone who I could giggle over little things like how hot he looked in those jeans or "Big Love for Dummies" with, someone who knew pretty much every song just like I did and understands what it's like to love this man. Likely the next time we get to experience Lindsey will be with Fleetwood Mac, and while that's exciting in its own right, it won't be the same. This was more than I ever could have hoped for. I never expected to have an experience like this, not with him. I can't believe that I have and am so glad I had the chance.
The simple fact is, I have been fascinated by him for eleven years. When I think about the scope of his creation and his success and his fame, and then think about the fact that I'm in the same room as him, it gets a little too unreal. I did spend a lot of time tonight in the actual moment, which is amazing in itself to be able to say. When he was playing "Big Love", I was totally transfixed. The way the light behind him made him literally glow during "Never Going Back Again" was one of the most beautiful images I had ever seen. I totally rocked out to "World Turning". The final solo in "I'm So Afraid" was absolute bliss and a moment that felt truly unbelievable. But tonight I didn't even have to close my eyes and he was standing there, in a shiny blue kimono, his huge mess of curls bopping side to side. He'd lean down to solo, eyebrows raised and I could swear the jeans and black leather jacket were momentarily replaced by a slick gray suit and short haircut. As he lost himself momentarily in the yelping laughter of "Gift of Screws", the cowboy hat and vest flashed through my mind. And as he played "Big Love", solo, sounding as amazing as he's sounded since The Dance, I saw him in the black slacks and jacket of the Lindsey I first knew, the one that made me pay attention and realize he wasn't just some guy with a guitar.
My friend that I went with always says that he never looks the same. It's true, pick a year and you'll get a Lindsey to go along with it, each with unique qualities that have not come before or since. While I'd give anything to travel back in time to visit years that pre-date my own existence and experience what it was like to see him then, the Lindsey of 2008, the Lindsey of right now and hopefully the Lindsey to stay, is one I am so happy and grateful to have been able to see. It's like he transcends time. He can take us back to those great moments simply by being on stage and then he'll finish a song and pump the air and jump around a little and the pure excitement, the adrenaline, the love of being on stage and playing guitar, hangs in the air and overtakes the room. It's like he himself can't believe he's still doing this and having so much fun with it. He's not doing this because he has to, he's not surrounded by people who drag him down or don't get him, he's doing this because he wants to be. To have been able to see him at a time where he so clearly loves it as much as he does is amazing.
The second row tonight gave way to the edge of the stage for "Go Your Own Way" and the encores. I kept rhythm by beating my hand on the stage, and occasionally I'd look up and Brett would be smiling at me, which was a little added bonus to the whole thing. By the end of the song, Lindsey was soloing and climbing over the amps to get closer to us. I was literally looking directly up at him as he played his most famous song and I could seriously barely take it. I think I looked at Amanda and just started laughing numerous times. The encores were equally amazing and while I would have died to hear "Bleed to Love Her" as the last song, "Time Precious Time" did feel like the appropriate choice. "Take all the time that you want. Take all the time that you need. Slow and easy. You might succeed. Time, precious time, precious time, precious time. Remember." As I watched him, I thought of it all again. My 15 year old self seeing The Dance for the first time, the collecting of albums and videos, immersing myself in a world that wasn't mine, the revisiting that took place over the years which ultimately lead to this sticking the way it has for the past year. And as I saw him get more and more emotional as the song came closer to ending on this last night of the tour, I thought of that all again too. When he was my age, he was recording Rumours and now he's 59 years old, has a wife and three children and has finally found a peace that he has been looking for in his own career, balancing it with the mega-machine that is Fleetwood Mac and bringing it to the people who truly appreciate it. Slow and easy, indeed. The rewards, I would imagine, are now worth the wait.
I wasn't expecting to feel sad that the night was over. I think the combination of the song itself and his own reaction to the tour ending kind of left me wanting to know that this won't be the last time I'll ever see him play. I still can't get over that I was able to see him at all, especially this way. I'm especially glad I got to see him with a friend who also loves him tonight, someone who I could giggle over little things like how hot he looked in those jeans or "Big Love for Dummies" with, someone who knew pretty much every song just like I did and understands what it's like to love this man. Likely the next time we get to experience Lindsey will be with Fleetwood Mac, and while that's exciting in its own right, it won't be the same. This was more than I ever could have hoped for. I never expected to have an experience like this, not with him. I can't believe that I have and am so glad I had the chance.
Friday, October 17, 2008
coffee coffee buzz buzz buzz
For awhile this summer, I quit iced coffee. I did not quit caffeine entirely because I simply can't live without Diet Coke, it's as much a taste thing as a dependence on a drug. However, for awhile, I've been back on the iced coffee and I do say it like that because it is pretty much a necessity. If I don't have it, or enough of it, I get really cranky, I get headaches, I get all messed up. I went cold turkey one day recently and felt nasty all day and fell asleep at 8:30pm and slept 13 hours. So, it's bad. It's a problem.
However, I am now totally attached to my coffee guys! It is to the point where they see me coming from across the street and are already in the process of making my drink before I get there. They don't even need to ask what I want. In fact, this morning, Hanney actually asked me if I plan on sticking with the iced coffee now that it is cooler, or would I be switching to hot. My absolute dependence on caffeine at the moment is worth this kind of personal treatment. I do not want to disappoint Hassan and Hanney. I like walking to the office with a smile on my face because I am now a regular and have gotten a cheerful greeting with my drink. One day this week, I had to go to Starbucks because I had no cash and I actually hid the drink and walked as far from the cart as possible so they would not see me and think I was betraying them. Thank goodness they have iced all year, so I have no legit reason to stop. I'll be hopped up every day!
As if this wasn't enough, my deli guy also knows me! He knows me and Amanda as a pair ("where is your friend today?!") and as solos. Today, I just ran over without a jacket and he asked me why I wasn't wearing a jacket because it is cold out! Being a regular excites me too much. I like these little acquaintances!
However, I am now totally attached to my coffee guys! It is to the point where they see me coming from across the street and are already in the process of making my drink before I get there. They don't even need to ask what I want. In fact, this morning, Hanney actually asked me if I plan on sticking with the iced coffee now that it is cooler, or would I be switching to hot. My absolute dependence on caffeine at the moment is worth this kind of personal treatment. I do not want to disappoint Hassan and Hanney. I like walking to the office with a smile on my face because I am now a regular and have gotten a cheerful greeting with my drink. One day this week, I had to go to Starbucks because I had no cash and I actually hid the drink and walked as far from the cart as possible so they would not see me and think I was betraying them. Thank goodness they have iced all year, so I have no legit reason to stop. I'll be hopped up every day!
As if this wasn't enough, my deli guy also knows me! He knows me and Amanda as a pair ("where is your friend today?!") and as solos. Today, I just ran over without a jacket and he asked me why I wasn't wearing a jacket because it is cold out! Being a regular excites me too much. I like these little acquaintances!
Monday, October 13, 2008
So, Lindsey Buckingham, your new album is called Gift of Screws?
I saw Lindsey Buckingham last night!
The whole idea of this is still kind of crazy to me. Of course, there are the personal reasons. I have loved this man and his music for over eleven years. I'd even say that he and Fleetwood Mac were the first thing that I put so much effort and interest into following. It's because of Lindsey that my mind was opened to music in a way that I had not yet really known. All of a sudden, I was the girl who loved guitar solos and appreciated more than just the simple pop songs. I was drawn to Lindsey's skill, his craftmanship and technique and dedication to creating what he most wanted to create, even when the result wasn't going to be the most popular. In the playlist of my mind, it is probably songs written by Lindsey Buckingham that have been listened to the most. So the simple fact of being in the same room with this man pretty much blew my mind. He was no longer just a voice that I listened to, or an image that I watched on video, the actual MAN was standing no more than a hundred feet away from me.
Then there's the history of it. In the peak of their career, Fleetwood Mac played to crowds of over 30,000. Their most successful album, Rumours is one of the Top 10 albums of all time and has sold over 25 million copies since it was released. Songs like "Go Your Own Way" and "Rhiannon" and "You Make Loving Fun" have become classic songs that pretty much everyone knows. To be in a room of about 1,000 people watching this man who was so much a part of this history, who wrote some of those songs, who produced those albums, I really still can't believe it. It's hard to describe just how well I know this band and how strange it can be to love a band that was most successful before you were even born. So often during the show, I kept mentally flashing to moments from documentaries I'd seen or bootleg versions of songs I've heard and then look at him and just start laughing. One of my favorite things about seeing my favorite musicians live is being able to experience their music as it happens. For bigger concerts, the simple act of being there is what is so fun, but with the more intimate concerts, it's being able to actually be in the moment with them and being able to do that with Lindsey after all this time was really one of the most amazing things.
The venue itself was a little weird. It was just an exhibition room in the Taj Mahal, not an actual theater, so the chairs were just set up on the floor. At first, the audience seemed like they were not going to be that into it, but as soon as the show started, I was proved otherwise and by the end, even Lindsey kept remarking on what an awesome crowd it was. He's not one who banters much, but by the end of the set and into the encores, he was chatting with the audience closest to the stage, laughing and just seemed to be in a great mood. Love it!
Lindsey is not one who changes up his setlist much and it was obvious a few people in the audience had already seen a few shows because as the house lights went down, people just started screaming "It's gonna be a GREAT DAY!" Which is the song he started with! Love the song and it was a great song to open the show with. Next was my favorite song from the new album, "Love Runs Deeper". I almost wish he had played it a little later because I LOVE the song and especially the guitar solo at the end and I wish I had been a little more warmed up before it came along, but it sounded HOT.
My favorite song of the night, without a doubt, was "Big Love". I don't think I MOVED. When I wasn't grinning like an idiot, my mouth was hanging open. I can listen to this song all I want, nothing compares to seeing it live. It was exhilirating and mesmerzing and I kind of wanted to jump ten feet into the air when it ended. I also really loved "Never Going Back Again", it's been a favorite of mine for basically as long as I've known it existed and it was so amazing to hear in person. I also just love that he still gives the songs from Rumours than much love!
At one point, I think before "Shut Us Down", Lindsey started talking about the difference between being in a group like Fleetwood Mac and the successes that come along with that, and then having a solo career that is received in such a different way. I think he's struggled with those differences for a long time, his solo work has never been as commercially successful as I'm sure he'd like it to be, even though he always receives critical praise. Hearing him talk about it, and mention how having the kind of solo career he has now has him playing smaller venues for audiences that really do know his solo work, was really nice. He seems to have finally found a balance between the two, and as he often mentions, I'm sure the stability of his family life has helped that along. He seems so happy and satisfied and it's really nice to see him that way, knowing that it hasn't always been the case.
By the time we got a little more than halfway through the set, I had managed to move up a few rows and over to the other side of the aisle, where I had a better view. Even so, I had the idea in mind that if anyone started going toward the front of the stage, I would do the same and as "I'm So Afraid" heated up and Lindsey started soloing, the migration began and I jumped on it. I ended up standing in the aisle, equal with the second row. I was surrounded by people who looked about as excited as I felt, which was about ready to burst and trying really hard not to scream "Holy shit, this is SO AWESOME!" Seriously, the amount of giddiness and glee surrounding me made the whole thing even more exciting, especially with Lindsey SO close.
It was the perfect time to be up front because the next song was "Go Your Own Way"! So freaking awesome! I have more versions of this song on my ipod than any other song, it's Lindsey's best known song and the whole thing just kicked ass. He came along the lip of the stage, letting people reach out and strum his guitar, really getting in our faces and gaaah, it was crazy. So much fun!
That was the last song, but of course, they came back out for encores. First off was "Second Hand News", then "Don't Look Down", which yay for the Out of the Cradle love! He introduced the the band, Brett (love!) introduced him, they all bowed, then they did "Treason", which is a song I don't really love off of the new album, but found myself appreciating quite a bit last night. After that, Lindsey closed it out by himself, doing "Time Precious Time", which I love and was amazing to watch live. Just being able to watch his fingers on the guitar, so awesome.
I'm really happy I have the opportunity to see him again next weekend. I feel like leading up to this, it seemed so unreal that this was about to happen that I didn't get as excited about it as I could have. The dude is awesome. That is the bottom line. I'm so impressed with him, so happy that seeing him in person is all I ever thought it would be, and so happy for him that he is still doing this. And of course, I'm beyond glad I had the chance to see finally see him!
The whole idea of this is still kind of crazy to me. Of course, there are the personal reasons. I have loved this man and his music for over eleven years. I'd even say that he and Fleetwood Mac were the first thing that I put so much effort and interest into following. It's because of Lindsey that my mind was opened to music in a way that I had not yet really known. All of a sudden, I was the girl who loved guitar solos and appreciated more than just the simple pop songs. I was drawn to Lindsey's skill, his craftmanship and technique and dedication to creating what he most wanted to create, even when the result wasn't going to be the most popular. In the playlist of my mind, it is probably songs written by Lindsey Buckingham that have been listened to the most. So the simple fact of being in the same room with this man pretty much blew my mind. He was no longer just a voice that I listened to, or an image that I watched on video, the actual MAN was standing no more than a hundred feet away from me.
Then there's the history of it. In the peak of their career, Fleetwood Mac played to crowds of over 30,000. Their most successful album, Rumours is one of the Top 10 albums of all time and has sold over 25 million copies since it was released. Songs like "Go Your Own Way" and "Rhiannon" and "You Make Loving Fun" have become classic songs that pretty much everyone knows. To be in a room of about 1,000 people watching this man who was so much a part of this history, who wrote some of those songs, who produced those albums, I really still can't believe it. It's hard to describe just how well I know this band and how strange it can be to love a band that was most successful before you were even born. So often during the show, I kept mentally flashing to moments from documentaries I'd seen or bootleg versions of songs I've heard and then look at him and just start laughing. One of my favorite things about seeing my favorite musicians live is being able to experience their music as it happens. For bigger concerts, the simple act of being there is what is so fun, but with the more intimate concerts, it's being able to actually be in the moment with them and being able to do that with Lindsey after all this time was really one of the most amazing things.
The venue itself was a little weird. It was just an exhibition room in the Taj Mahal, not an actual theater, so the chairs were just set up on the floor. At first, the audience seemed like they were not going to be that into it, but as soon as the show started, I was proved otherwise and by the end, even Lindsey kept remarking on what an awesome crowd it was. He's not one who banters much, but by the end of the set and into the encores, he was chatting with the audience closest to the stage, laughing and just seemed to be in a great mood. Love it!
Lindsey is not one who changes up his setlist much and it was obvious a few people in the audience had already seen a few shows because as the house lights went down, people just started screaming "It's gonna be a GREAT DAY!" Which is the song he started with! Love the song and it was a great song to open the show with. Next was my favorite song from the new album, "Love Runs Deeper". I almost wish he had played it a little later because I LOVE the song and especially the guitar solo at the end and I wish I had been a little more warmed up before it came along, but it sounded HOT.
My favorite song of the night, without a doubt, was "Big Love". I don't think I MOVED. When I wasn't grinning like an idiot, my mouth was hanging open. I can listen to this song all I want, nothing compares to seeing it live. It was exhilirating and mesmerzing and I kind of wanted to jump ten feet into the air when it ended. I also really loved "Never Going Back Again", it's been a favorite of mine for basically as long as I've known it existed and it was so amazing to hear in person. I also just love that he still gives the songs from Rumours than much love!
At one point, I think before "Shut Us Down", Lindsey started talking about the difference between being in a group like Fleetwood Mac and the successes that come along with that, and then having a solo career that is received in such a different way. I think he's struggled with those differences for a long time, his solo work has never been as commercially successful as I'm sure he'd like it to be, even though he always receives critical praise. Hearing him talk about it, and mention how having the kind of solo career he has now has him playing smaller venues for audiences that really do know his solo work, was really nice. He seems to have finally found a balance between the two, and as he often mentions, I'm sure the stability of his family life has helped that along. He seems so happy and satisfied and it's really nice to see him that way, knowing that it hasn't always been the case.
By the time we got a little more than halfway through the set, I had managed to move up a few rows and over to the other side of the aisle, where I had a better view. Even so, I had the idea in mind that if anyone started going toward the front of the stage, I would do the same and as "I'm So Afraid" heated up and Lindsey started soloing, the migration began and I jumped on it. I ended up standing in the aisle, equal with the second row. I was surrounded by people who looked about as excited as I felt, which was about ready to burst and trying really hard not to scream "Holy shit, this is SO AWESOME!" Seriously, the amount of giddiness and glee surrounding me made the whole thing even more exciting, especially with Lindsey SO close.
It was the perfect time to be up front because the next song was "Go Your Own Way"! So freaking awesome! I have more versions of this song on my ipod than any other song, it's Lindsey's best known song and the whole thing just kicked ass. He came along the lip of the stage, letting people reach out and strum his guitar, really getting in our faces and gaaah, it was crazy. So much fun!
That was the last song, but of course, they came back out for encores. First off was "Second Hand News", then "Don't Look Down", which yay for the Out of the Cradle love! He introduced the the band, Brett (love!) introduced him, they all bowed, then they did "Treason", which is a song I don't really love off of the new album, but found myself appreciating quite a bit last night. After that, Lindsey closed it out by himself, doing "Time Precious Time", which I love and was amazing to watch live. Just being able to watch his fingers on the guitar, so awesome.
I'm really happy I have the opportunity to see him again next weekend. I feel like leading up to this, it seemed so unreal that this was about to happen that I didn't get as excited about it as I could have. The dude is awesome. That is the bottom line. I'm so impressed with him, so happy that seeing him in person is all I ever thought it would be, and so happy for him that he is still doing this. And of course, I'm beyond glad I had the chance to see finally see him!
Friday, October 10, 2008
I am obsessed with my iTunes play counts. Ever since I re-set them when I got Mikey Jack (my iPod), I have been watching my play counts rise and keeping track of what songs are in the lead. They are usually not surprising. My favorite bands get the most play a lot of the time, and then at least a handful of random songs that I am enjoying fleeting obsessions with.
I want to make a habit of posting these and perhaps elaborating on why certain songs are suddenly in the top. Except this week, in preparation for a bunch of Hanson concerts I am attending (or the simple fact that I listen to a lot of Hanson), my Top 5 is... only Hanson.
SO.
Top 5 of a few top bands? Why not!
HANSON aka Yes, there is so much more to them than "Mmmbop"
5. "Get Up & Go" from Underneath
4. "Lost Without Each Other from Underneath
3. "Penny & Me" from... Underneath
2. "Fire on the Mountain" from The Walk
1. "Georgia" from The Walk
FLEETWOOD MAC
5. "Bleed to Love Her" from Say You Will
4. "Everybody Finds Out" from Say You Will
3. "Think About Me" from Tusk, but the bonus disc and this version of the song has Lindsey Buckingham singing the choruses, not Christine McVie.
2. "Never Going Back Again" from some live bootleg of the Rumours tour, Oklahoma City I believe.
1. "Bleed to Love Her" from The Dance (I clearly love this song mad amounts)
REM
5. "I'm Gonna DJ" from Accelerate
4. "Living Well is the Best Revenge" from Accelerate
3. "Horse to Water" from Accelerate
2. "Man-Sized Wreath" from Accelerate
1. "Hollow Man" from Accelerate
I swear I listen to more albums than Accelerate!
THE BEE GEES
5. "For Whom the Bell Tolls" from Size Isn't Everything
4. "Jive Talkin'" from Main Course
3. "Fanny (Be Tender With My Love)" from Main Course
2. "I've Gotta Get a Message To You" from an album I am assure of because it is a greatest hits compilation
1. "Come On Over" from Main Course
For now, that is all. I will attempt to do this again soon to see if there is much variation. And to see if John Mayer's "Dreaming with a Broken Heart", Blake Lewis' "Break Anotha" or any of those David Cook songs I've been listening to since American Idol ended make their way in. Exciting stuff, indeed.
I want to make a habit of posting these and perhaps elaborating on why certain songs are suddenly in the top. Except this week, in preparation for a bunch of Hanson concerts I am attending (or the simple fact that I listen to a lot of Hanson), my Top 5 is... only Hanson.
SO.
Top 5 of a few top bands? Why not!
HANSON aka Yes, there is so much more to them than "Mmmbop"
5. "Get Up & Go" from Underneath
4. "Lost Without Each Other from Underneath
3. "Penny & Me" from... Underneath
2. "Fire on the Mountain" from The Walk
1. "Georgia" from The Walk
FLEETWOOD MAC
5. "Bleed to Love Her" from Say You Will
4. "Everybody Finds Out" from Say You Will
3. "Think About Me" from Tusk, but the bonus disc and this version of the song has Lindsey Buckingham singing the choruses, not Christine McVie.
2. "Never Going Back Again" from some live bootleg of the Rumours tour, Oklahoma City I believe.
1. "Bleed to Love Her" from The Dance (I clearly love this song mad amounts)
REM
5. "I'm Gonna DJ" from Accelerate
4. "Living Well is the Best Revenge" from Accelerate
3. "Horse to Water" from Accelerate
2. "Man-Sized Wreath" from Accelerate
1. "Hollow Man" from Accelerate
I swear I listen to more albums than Accelerate!
THE BEE GEES
5. "For Whom the Bell Tolls" from Size Isn't Everything
4. "Jive Talkin'" from Main Course
3. "Fanny (Be Tender With My Love)" from Main Course
2. "I've Gotta Get a Message To You" from an album I am assure of because it is a greatest hits compilation
1. "Come On Over" from Main Course
For now, that is all. I will attempt to do this again soon to see if there is much variation. And to see if John Mayer's "Dreaming with a Broken Heart", Blake Lewis' "Break Anotha" or any of those David Cook songs I've been listening to since American Idol ended make their way in. Exciting stuff, indeed.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I fell for the other Olympic swimmer dude
Can we talk about Jason Lezak for a minute?
This is almost old news, yes. It's been a week. However, my admiration of Jason Lezak has not ceased since he, first, won the Americans gold in the 400m Free Relay and then led us to victory in the 400m Medley Relay. I would think being an anchor in a swimming relay during the Olympics is enough of a burden. Sure, relays are a team effort. It's up to all four participants to swim their absolute best, keeping their team either ahead of the competition or making up for any lost ground. However, it can't be denied that anchoring a relay comes with a bit more pressure. It's up to the anchor to secure the victory. In Lezak's case, this was especially daunting in the 400m Free yet the dude pulled it off in an amazing and exciting fashion. All of Lezak's time in the pool was impressive and inspiring, including his bronze medal win in the 100m Free.
What the guy deserves even more glory for is the fact that two of the eight medals Michael Phelps earned this Olympics are very much thanks to this guy. I'm not discounting the talent of Phelps in any way at all. I think he's an extremely talented swimmer, he's a hardworking and humble athlete and he ain't bad on the eyes either. Part of me loved the Phelps-mania that swept the country last week and I barely even tired of all of the montages, human interest pieces and replays that were shown throughout the Olympic coverage. I'm not even saying Phelps would have deserved those medals more if he himself had anchored the race. It just made me love Jason Lezak even more, for being the one to make happen in the end and then standing quietly in the back while the focus was on Phelps. I think we saw more of Phelp's celebrating Lezak's amazing win in the 400m Free Relay than we saw of the win itself. We talked more of Phelps being closer to his eight golds than Jason's swimming assuring him those medals.
I give credit to the NBC reporters for making sure each of the other four men swimming on the relays teams got some camera time. Great swimming by Aaron Piersol, Brendan Hansen, Garrett Weber-Gale and Cullen Jones made those golds happen along with Phelps and Lezak. I'm glad they got their glory, heck, they may have gotten even more glory because of the importance placed on the race due to Phelps' being on the team. It was the definition of teamwork and dedication to a craft.
Jason Lezak, however, still stands out to me as the hero of it all. I wish he could get an extra medal just for being awesome. Since he can't, I figured I may as well give him a little extra Olympic fan love.
This is almost old news, yes. It's been a week. However, my admiration of Jason Lezak has not ceased since he, first, won the Americans gold in the 400m Free Relay and then led us to victory in the 400m Medley Relay. I would think being an anchor in a swimming relay during the Olympics is enough of a burden. Sure, relays are a team effort. It's up to all four participants to swim their absolute best, keeping their team either ahead of the competition or making up for any lost ground. However, it can't be denied that anchoring a relay comes with a bit more pressure. It's up to the anchor to secure the victory. In Lezak's case, this was especially daunting in the 400m Free yet the dude pulled it off in an amazing and exciting fashion. All of Lezak's time in the pool was impressive and inspiring, including his bronze medal win in the 100m Free.
What the guy deserves even more glory for is the fact that two of the eight medals Michael Phelps earned this Olympics are very much thanks to this guy. I'm not discounting the talent of Phelps in any way at all. I think he's an extremely talented swimmer, he's a hardworking and humble athlete and he ain't bad on the eyes either. Part of me loved the Phelps-mania that swept the country last week and I barely even tired of all of the montages, human interest pieces and replays that were shown throughout the Olympic coverage. I'm not even saying Phelps would have deserved those medals more if he himself had anchored the race. It just made me love Jason Lezak even more, for being the one to make happen in the end and then standing quietly in the back while the focus was on Phelps. I think we saw more of Phelp's celebrating Lezak's amazing win in the 400m Free Relay than we saw of the win itself. We talked more of Phelps being closer to his eight golds than Jason's swimming assuring him those medals.
I give credit to the NBC reporters for making sure each of the other four men swimming on the relays teams got some camera time. Great swimming by Aaron Piersol, Brendan Hansen, Garrett Weber-Gale and Cullen Jones made those golds happen along with Phelps and Lezak. I'm glad they got their glory, heck, they may have gotten even more glory because of the importance placed on the race due to Phelps' being on the team. It was the definition of teamwork and dedication to a craft.
Jason Lezak, however, still stands out to me as the hero of it all. I wish he could get an extra medal just for being awesome. Since he can't, I figured I may as well give him a little extra Olympic fan love.
Friday, June 27, 2008
hello
If there's only one thing I love most about having favorite bands, and it is hard to pick one, it is when the opportunity arises to see that band outside of just the light that they usually allow. Fame is a tricky thing, and while people in the spotlight tend to lead far more public lives than most of us would want to, it's amazing how much they can put forth and hold back. I've always respected the people who find that balance the most.
This is why I love Hello.
Hello is a book of photographs chronicling one of my favorite bands, REM, on the road over the past few years or so. I am no photography expert, but I am in love with the shots of the band that David Belisle has provided in this journey behind the scenes with this band. His photos, which run the gamut from hilarious to beautiful to touching to mind-blowing, combined with hand-written captions by band members Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills (plus a few assorted guests) make this book a total joy to experience. I've had it for days and find myself just going back to it and looking through it again, discovering more each time.
REM is one of the bands that feel like mine, even though they're huge. I've always loved looking at photos of them because I find the dynamic of the band so fascinating. So often, rock bands have this underlying drama and while I know that the road has not always been paved with gold for these guys, the image they have put forth over the past 26 years has consistently been appealing. They've always just seemed like regular guys who happen to make music to me. People who have learned to embrace their fame without exploiting it, who have used it to their advantage in the best ways possible and who seem to be able to put it aside when need be. This book let's those ideas live on while giving even more of a glimpse into each individual member. Mike, standing on a stage with his arms crossed over his chest, his bass hanging off him and a satisfied smile on his face. Peter mid jump-kick during a live show. Michael standing shirtless on a speaker over at least hundreds of fans. It's a great glimpse not just into the band but the men who make the band, on stage and off. And because this band has found such a great balance in their careers, it's also a treat.
This is why I love Hello.
Hello is a book of photographs chronicling one of my favorite bands, REM, on the road over the past few years or so. I am no photography expert, but I am in love with the shots of the band that David Belisle has provided in this journey behind the scenes with this band. His photos, which run the gamut from hilarious to beautiful to touching to mind-blowing, combined with hand-written captions by band members Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills (plus a few assorted guests) make this book a total joy to experience. I've had it for days and find myself just going back to it and looking through it again, discovering more each time.
REM is one of the bands that feel like mine, even though they're huge. I've always loved looking at photos of them because I find the dynamic of the band so fascinating. So often, rock bands have this underlying drama and while I know that the road has not always been paved with gold for these guys, the image they have put forth over the past 26 years has consistently been appealing. They've always just seemed like regular guys who happen to make music to me. People who have learned to embrace their fame without exploiting it, who have used it to their advantage in the best ways possible and who seem to be able to put it aside when need be. This book let's those ideas live on while giving even more of a glimpse into each individual member. Mike, standing on a stage with his arms crossed over his chest, his bass hanging off him and a satisfied smile on his face. Peter mid jump-kick during a live show. Michael standing shirtless on a speaker over at least hundreds of fans. It's a great glimpse not just into the band but the men who make the band, on stage and off. And because this band has found such a great balance in their careers, it's also a treat.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
and so it begins
It is very possible that I am going to be one of those people.
One of those people who has a public blog and has no real purpose for having it.
I suppose there is a slight purpose, and that purpose is to have a place to ramble about things I love. Plus, I live in a city. There's always stuff to say.
So we'll see how this goes.
One of those people who has a public blog and has no real purpose for having it.
I suppose there is a slight purpose, and that purpose is to have a place to ramble about things I love. Plus, I live in a city. There's always stuff to say.
So we'll see how this goes.
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