February 5, 2012 in Music

Tony Lucca: The Voice Audition (how did it go?)

Man, Tony killed it! He sounded so good, voice smooth with amazing emotion while singing. He nailed “Trouble” by Ray LaMontagne. When Adam pushed his button I was psyched. I really wanted Tony to be on Adam’s team (Adam: “For the Record, I, I pushed two buttons. Which is the first time in the history of The Voice. Thats never happened before. Please please, for the love of God pick me..”) What else did I want? I wanted to see all 4 judges press their buttons and they did. I also wanted to see if Christina recognized Tony…and SHE DIDN’T! It was crazy, even after Tony said his name. I mean, how many people were there on the Mickey Mouse Club? Really? Way to forget your past. I kept looking for that glimpse of recognition and I think everyone that knew was waiting for it too. You could see it in his face, his family’s face (am I the only one that wanted to see his adorable daughter there too?) and Carson’s face backstage waiting for it. Waiting…

When he walked off the stage and her jaw dropped, her face red and she rose from her chair…you knew. It finally hit her and it was priceless. With Carson talking to him backstage while they cut to show her looking for him, they made the moment when she opened that door even better. I wish this video showed their reunion. But you know what else makes her not recognizing him amazing? Her comments about his talent were real. She didn’t tell him that he was talented because of their connection, she told him because she meant it. Having her choose to turn her chair around for him because of his talent = Awesome.

I’m so proud of Tony. I’ve seen him struggle on the road with audiences not coming out or talking through his set but he always gave the show his all whether there were 10 people or a couple hundred + in the audience. It didn’t matter, he was there to put on a show and if there is one thing he always does its deliver. He didn’t take the easy route, he has worked hard for everything his has and I am so proud to know him.

For the record this is what Christina said to Tony after he sang:

“It does take a true talent to come along and jolt us out of our seats to push our buttons, so thank for that first of all. And you have such a beautiful silky quality to your tone and I appreciate you for making us all push our button.”

And when she found him backstage she apologized for not recognizing him, then was introduced to his family (his wife and son, as mentioned his daughter was not there) and also told him no hard feelings for him not choosing her. Which honestly, wouldn’t that have been a little weird if he did choose her.

I know I said it two times already, in the same paragraph no less, but I am so beyond proud of Tony. He has shown he in not just a former mousekateer (whoever said that needs to be biatch-slapped). I wish him all the best and lots of good things in the future. Regardless of whether he wins or not (really America..he better at least make the finals or I will have lost hope in you) I know he will be fine and will continue to push on and perform because that is what he does. He is a performer, a musician and an artist, that is what he is. Plus with over 500k followers on twitter (when did that happen?), I’m sure his name will become a household one again and I am so glad for that. Kick some butt on The Voice! I am rooting for you!

You can watch Tony’s performance below as well as an after audition interview with Christina Milian. (Videos removed)

Also, you can download Tony’s version of Trouble on iTunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/trouble-voice-performance/id499357628?i=499357731

 

February 4, 2012 in Music, New Discovery

Gotye

Ive been hearing his name everywhere. The Video for Somebody That I Used To Know has literally popped up in my twitter and facebook feeds 26 times in the last 2 days (yes I counted). Which is pretty insane considering the differing tastes in music of my friends. I agree this song is awesome, plus it has Kimbra in it (love) and I discovered her music a few months ago. So, I’m going to join in on the posting of this video, but I’m also going to post the video for Hearts a Mess because I happen to really like this song. He’s definitely an artist that I will be paying more attention to. One more thing, his videos are well made and interesting. They add a whole other dimension to his music. At first I found them a little odd, but now I just can’t imagine seeing his music put into visual context any other way.

Here are the videos:

Gotye feat. Kimbra – Somebody That I Used To Know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY

Gotye – Hearts a Mess

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rvbSiQZfACQ#!

PS Neither of these videos belong to me. The links to their YouTube pages are under each video.

January 26, 2012 in Music

This is The Voice…

Alright, I’m not usually a huge fan of reality TV shows but I’m actually really impressed with this one. Plus, I recently found out that once again a few of my favorite musicians will be on the show this season. Last season some of my faves Dia Frampton (Meg & Dia) and Vicci Martinez (WA State, represent!) were on there as well. Its kind of a trip seeing musicians you have been a fan of for awhile on a singing competition. This season, even better. Tony Lucca(!!!) is on this season as well as Chris Cauley. I’ve been a fan of Tony’s for a really long time, and it was always disheartening to see and hear someone that is so talented not get the recognition he deserved. I’m hoping that the Voice will be the chance he needs. The same goes for Chris, he has a wonderful voice and is so talented. February 5th cannot come fast enough.

Want to check them out before that?

Video of Tony (So Long): 

Some of Tony’s many homes on the world wide interwebs: www.tonylucca.com / http://www.youtube.com/user/tonylucca

Some of Chris’s online homes: http://www.myspace.com/chriscauley / https://www.facebook.com/chriscauleymusic

Bring it on Adam, Christina, Blake and Cee-lo. Hopefully you recognize their wonderful talent.

 

 

 

January 26, 2012 in Uncategorized

No misconceptions…

Originally this was going to be a site with multiple authors from all over the country but telling you about music in their area, what they liked and what they didn’t like. Then gradually everyone fell away and decided not to participate so its just me. I just wanted to say thanks for reading and if you are expecting a professionally written blog about music then you came to the wrong site. I’m just a girl and a music fan. I go to a lot of shows, I listen to a lot of music and I like to tell people about the stuff I like…or don’t like. So that’s what this is, take it or leave it.

What I’m listening to:

Currently in heavy rotation is Ravenna Woods (I know, I said I didn’t enjoy them live but if you remember correctly I said I like their CDs), Pickwick and Allen Stone. Its turning into Seattle music kind of week. Which, lets be honest, will never be a bad thing. Seattle churns out some amazing music.

January 25, 2012 in Live Music, Music, Uncategorized

30 Seconds to Mars: MARS300 extravaganza (part 2)

Click the picture to see the rest 🙂

 

This was the big night dubbed MARS300. The show where the guys would receive their Guinness World Record for the most shows played in support of a single album. I forget the actual record title but I know that it mentioned them playing 309 shows. When this show was announced I knew I had to go. Rumors were circulating about a possible end to the band and while I didn’t really believe they would break up I didn’t want to take that chance. Too many of the bands I love had broken up and I hadn’t seen their farewells; I was not going to add 30 Seconds to Mars to that list. At the same time that I made the decision to go, I also decided that since I was going all that way to NYC see them I wanted to make it an experience of a lifetime so when tickets went on sale I bought a Golden Ticket. Best decision ever.

If you read the post about my experience at the first show you will understand why this was a drastically different experience. The GT I purchased gave me early entry and side stage access, which for a girl that is only 5’2″ (okay, 5’1″ but thats as low as I am going) was perfect. They line you up according to height with the “petite” being in the front and working backwards to having the tallest in the back. So guess where this shorty was? Thats right, front row side stage…right next to TOMO!  We were placed in this “box” area which was really a taped off floor area that we had to adhere to. Since the show was being broadcast live all over the world via the internet it was a big deal to “behave”.

“Behaving” at a 30STM show isn’t like when your parents tell you to behave and that means listen intently, be quiet and stand still; it just means don’t run on to the stage and stay in the box to avoid effing up the show. Inside the box you are to go as freaking crazy as possible. I honestly wasn’t sure how well that was going to work out but I was excited to find out. While my experience the night before had been amazing I was looking forward to actually seeing the show. The pics I took the night before were taken with the camera above my head. When Jared went to the end of the catwalk extension I could see him by looking up but seeing Tomo and Shannon was tricky. In fact, I didn’t even know I had gotten a picture of Tomo until I looked at the pictures on the plane home. Anyways, I digress. Where was I, oh yes, the box.

The location of the box was perfect (well as perfect as you can get unless you want to be as close to Shannon as possible, because sadly he was on the other side of the stage). We were right in front of Braxton and next to Tomo. I have to say, Tomo is one of the raddest folks ever. He smiled and talked to us in between songs and even during songs. Raddest moment of the night involving Tomo…he hi-fived me! Thats right, a hi-five from Tomo during the show. How rad is that. I was beyond stoked. I’m getting a little ahead of myself though, so I will go back to the beginning of the show.

The lights went down, Braxton and Tim were in place before the guys came out. In the next minute or so came Shannon and then Tomo on to the stage. Shannon started playing the intro to This Is War. Then you could hear Jared’s voice start to ring through the air. Think of an event that you were extremely excited for and how intense the wait was for it to start and then it began and then everything seemed to stop around you for just a second and then whoosh back in the moment. Thats what it was like when the triad lit up and the lights started to go crazy. The show had begun.

It was a whirlwind, not to be confused with Jared’s signature dance move of wild spinning and dancing, of an experience. The band tends to go full speed and then stop dramatically, each time creating and intense experience…dare I say…EPIC lol Seriously though, being so close to the action there was no missing the joy these guys have for performing. At first I was hesitant to jump (as were many of the others), so I sang and danced along but the restriction of the box was in the back of my head as well as the fact that I could see a camera pointed in my direction and I wasn’t sure if it could see me (stage fright?). Then Tomo looked at us and said “JUMP! GO Crazy! Are you guys having fun?” Then it was on like Donkey Kong. I danced, jumped and sang along like I was at home by myself. I didn’t care if I looked like an fool, I was enjoying every minute of it. Every time I would get a little tired one of the guys would look at us and point, trust me you don’t want to let them down. The energy to keep going and give back as much as they were giving seemed to rise out of nowhere each and every time. At that point I was pretty sure that red bull and all other energy drinks would be in some serious trouble if someone found a way to bottle that feeling. Their love was my drug (yeah, I went there).

Awesome things…for me 🙂

  1. Guiness World Record presentation. I mean, how effing rad was that and the speech…I may have teared up a little.
  2. I relate Vox Populi live to being at a rally of like minds where you all want the same thing and won’t take no for an answer. Passion. Enthusiasm. Heart.
  3. I will never tire of hearing Closer to the Edge. Although, being in the crowd during that song would have been awesome. Something about it makes me joyful and hopeful. Its a big celebration of who we are right then at that moment in time. No regrets, no problems, no insecurities, we are PERFECT. That song makes me feel that each and every time
  4. I’ve long since been over the jump and squeal phase of being near a rad musician and yet when Shannon was returning his guitar to the tech right next to use it took everything in me to keep it together. I didn’t want him to remember be as some crazy chick that jumped him from the side of the stage. And Im pretty sure that would have been considered “misbehaving”.
  5. HI-FIVE FROM TOMO!!! (yeah, it was that awesome I had to type it again)
  6. Each time Jared would look at us point or sing to us on the side…feeling like you are a part of the actual show is awesome 🙂
  7. When the guys came out for the encore and decided to play older songs. They look terrified for a moment, in disbelief that they were going to do it and then just kind of went “why not”. After the first song I could see Tomo shaking his head laughing and then he looked at us and gave that shoulder shrug you give when something just happened and you are not sure what to do. The somewhat embarrassed “yeah, that just happened” shrug. Shannon and Jared  just laughed but then they kept going and playing more of the oldies. It was priceless to be that close and see them interact during those moments.
  8. Seeing all the confetti falling and the balls dropping and yes, the crabs. The inflatable crustaceans were there as well. Seeing this happen while looking into the audience is even more astounding than being in the crowd.
  9. During  Jared’s acoustic solo a new friend asked me to take a picture of Shannon, he was sitting behind the drum set on the stairs. Im not sure if he saw me but apparently he noticed someone or a few someones looking at him instead of Jared. He pointed to Jared, as if we didn’t know and laughed. Basically telling us to pay attention to Jared not him. Couldn’t help it lol.
  10. Being on stage for Kings and Queens. I didn’t realize that being on stage would be so much like being on the floor but in this case most of the shoving occurred because they needed to keep areas clear for the guys to play and all the people trying to get to the front of the group. I didn’t care, it was just rad looking into the crowd during that song.

I could go on and on because really, the show was just that fantastic for me. It goes on my list of favorite shows ever. Experiencing the show, looking out into the audience and enjoying the same view the guys look at. I know why they are so into it and care so much about their fans. Its a tremendous thing to take in.

So I know this is really long, but I have to say one more thing…Jared, Tomo and Shannon are so genuinely nice its kind of unnerving. When it was my turn to meet them I was very aware of being in the middle of the room with the guys while other people were all around but they welcomed me into the room. When they talked they didn’t talk at me but with me and it was like hanging with friends for a few moments. Albeit I was like the nervous friend at the end of the year having them sign my yearbook lol but it was still a great moment. Spending the money for the GT and flying to NYC for the show was worth every penny.

Friends and family have often tried to talk me out of spending money on trips to see my favorite bands play. To them its not worth it, I could be buying a TV or something else equally flashy. However to me, these moments are the ones I will take with me and cherish for the rest of my days. Money is money, but memories and experiences are priceless.

Part 3: Church of Mars coming soon…

Did any of you go to the show (or see it on the interweb)? Im curious what you guys thought.

 

January 20, 2012 in Live Music, Music, Uncategorized

30 Seconds to Mars: MARS 300 week extravaganza (part 1)

Click here to see more pictures of 30 Seconds to Mars

Click on the above picture to see more pictures of 30 Seconds to Mars

People overuse the word EPIC all the time. Its gotten to the point that they use it to describe any cool thing. In the webster dictionary epic (adj.) is defined as the following:

1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an epic
2 : extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope

I’m going to use that word now, not because I just feel like describing 30 Seconds to Mars shows as epic but because I truly believe that is the only appropriate adjective that would ring true for this band. They go above and beyond the normal expectations to put on the greatest show on earth (thats right Barnum and Bailey, move on over 30STM have got this covered). 30 Seconds to Mars shows are EPIC.

There were four shows planned in NYC for this week to celebrate 30STM’s setting of the Guinness World Record for the most shows played for any cycle of one album as well as the end their current tour. The guys had been on the road for over two years putting it all out on the stage to perform over 309 shows in that amount of time. There were two full band rock the heck out shows at the large capacity Hammerstein Ballroom and two more intimate acoustic shows at the church St. Peter’s in Chelsea (the shows were dubbed Church of Mars shows). I was lucky enough to attend 3 out of the 4 shows, which makes up for the many shows in Seattle that I missed (insert sad face here).

I’m going to break this down into each night because otherwise it will all be a blur (it will be anyway but yeah). So here is the post for night 1, also known as White Night.

December 6, 2011: White Night
The first show was December 6th and the guys decided to make it a theme night, this particular night was “White Night” later called “Night of the White Shadow” when the poster was released (the guys take pictures of the audience during shows and release them as limited edition merch items). I am not really one to wear white and the theme was announced after I left for NYC, but since this week was all about the experience I went out and bought some white clothes. No party popper here, I was in for the full experience. No holding back.

Let me just say, going to a 30 Seconds to Mars show is like going to battle, you better be prepared to come out bruised and battered yet extremely happy. When I got to the venue the line was 5 so far down the street you couldn’t see the venue anymore. So you can imagine what it was like once you got in…packed! The opener, Skyler Grey, did a great job of warming up the crowd, my only complaint is she didn’t once tell the audience who she was. good thing I had heard her cd before. After she was off the stage it was just a waiting game, the crowd started to push in to get ready for the guys. Everyone trying to get as close as possible, but politely. Once the lights went off it was every person for themselves because the show had begun and it started with a bang!

The intensity was incredible. Every song was played with heart and there was no holding back. These guys know how to put on a show: confetti, beach balls and inflatable crabs (or lobsters whatevs) fell throughout the night. The only breaks in the full steam ahead extravaganza of a show they were putting on were when Jared popped up in the back of the venue to play a few songs acoustic (this accentuated the fact that he has an amazing voice) and Shannon played L490. Otherwise, the crowd sang, screamed, cheered and danced the entire time. The crowd gives as much energy to the guys as they give to the crowd. Participation is essential to enjoying the show…plus Jared will call you out on that shit. In any case, the end of the show came way to fast. (BTW: Kudos to the lighting guys, you kick butt.)

Here are 10 things that I learned that night during 30STM’s set is:

  1. Be prepared to jump when Jared says jump or be trampled by everyone else that is jumping.
  2. Girls, don’t bother getting all super cute before the show unless you just like to waste your time. By the end of the show you are a sweaty mess…a happy sweaty mess but a sweaty mess nonetheless. If you are not, then you did not give the show your all.
  3. Don’t plan on getting any good pictures of 30STM during the show if you are in the crowd, if you want a good picture your best bet is to just snap away and hope.
  4. Jared doesn’t move like Jagger, he moves like Speedy Gonzales at a rave on lots of sugar (read: Jared does not stand still. Also the reason why #3 does not happen).
  5. Shannon is so freaking impressive its not even funny. He is a perfect of example of why everyone should love drummers. Without him driving the songs with that beat we’d all look like spazzy monkeys (okay, some of us still look like spazzy monkeys but at least we have a better chance of doing it to a beat).
  6. Tomo picks his moments, he’s not all over the place like Jared but don’t forget about him during the show. He has some amazing moments and he is a bad ass guitar player. You will regret it if you don’t ever look his way.
  7. When there is a theme night, 30STM fans can go all out. Some scary looking but most definitely cool.
  8. Even when there is nowhere to go, the crowd will still continue to surge forward with each and every person trying to get on stage for Kings and Queens. Learn to stand your ground and push back if necessary, if not you will suffer the consequences. (read: Be aggressive but don’t be a dick.)
  9. You may not notice it during the show but you will wake up the next morning with bruises if you were anywhere on the floor. The closer you are to the stage the more bruises you will have.
  10. At the end of the night you will be sweaty, maybe a little bruised and battered, tired as all f*ck, look a mess, possibly have ripped or torn clothing but you will be smiling. It will ALWAYS be worth it to go to a 30 Seconds to Mars show. ALWAYS.

My only complaint about the night would be the dick who threw paint behind them into the audience. I was covered in it. It was all over my clothes, my sister’s camera (sorry Crys), in my hair and, worst of all, all over my face which included it getting into my eyes. To that person: I get it. It was White Night and you were completely into it and just wanted the crowd to be as into as you were, but next time please remember that you cannot plan where the paint goes and it HURTS LIKE A MOFO when it gets into your eyes.

So ends night 1…on to night 2.

 

January 9, 2012 in Music, New Release, Uncategorized

Jason Mraz – I Won’t Give Up

Sadly I did…for awhile. I admit it, I gave up on Jason. I had been a fan of his since 2003 and it was love at first listen, but the last few albums that I listened to failed to impress me into that same state of music bliss. I don’t know what it was about them, they just didn’t reach my heart like he had in the past. Mr. A-Z came out and it was good but something just didn’t hit right. Then We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. came out and I just kind of stopped actively pursuing the opportunities to listen to Jason’s music. I heard about the music through friends. Prior to that I was always on his blog, his website and most definitely his message board. I loved the community and I loved Jason. If he came anywhere near me I was there, and “anywhere near me” meant anywhere within 4-5 hrs from my home…or the home of a close friend.

I would take every opportunity to say hi and catch up with him. Each time a look of recognition would hit his face along with a smile, he would tell me it was great to see me and give me a hug, and then say the same thing “I suck, I forgot your name, I am so sorry. Tell me one more time?” and I would tell him my first name and he would automatically exclaim my last name with a proud smile. He always remembered my last name and connected our history. Sometimes making a joke that my last name was oak, or spruce or some other tree instead of my actual last name..which is not a tree. Our little joke. Each time I would walk away with a huge smile on my face and “love” (not “I’m in love with you” kind of love but the “you are an awesome person and mean something to me” love) in my heart.

Everything Jason did was golden, his voice hit that sweet spot. I thought he could sing the dictionary and it would enthrall me but then that changed. Maybe it wasn’t him, maybe it was me. I started to explore more music and was digesting everything I could get my hands on from all directions. My musical taste was growing and reaching out to include a wider variety. Maybe this was me “navigating”.

Right after Mr. A-Z came out, I just kind of started listening to Jason when he hit the radio. Some of the songs were good but the longing to listen to his CD in entirety for days upon end were gone. A song here and there when they came on the radio or played in shuffle mode was as much listening as I was doing. I no longer ran out to the store to grab his albums as soon as they dropped and scoured the net for anything I could find. I would still go to his shows if wasn’t too expensive and tickets were available…but I didn’t wait around to try and say hi anymore. Too many people.

When it came down to it, live is the one place where my love for Jason always remained. Even the albums I didn’t care for brought me back to him in the concert setting and made me love him again for those few hrs he was on stage. However, that love would again begin to dissipate back into like as soon as I popped in the cd and the tingles would fade because the songs on the cd just didn’t capture the same energy or feeling of emotion behind them that the live show did.

Well… the tingles are back. The butterflies, the desire to see Jason live whenever and wherever he goes, as well as wanting to put a song of his in constant rotation. All of it is back full force and its all thanks to his new song “I Won’t Give Up”. As soon as the song started I was fully immersed, so much so that when it ended I could have sworn no time had passed at all but yet I could recall every word and the melody soared through my head and heart. I played over ten times in a row and finally had to stop because it was 3 am and I needed to sleep.

My brain and heart wouldn’t let go of the song though, I dreamed of that melody in the background and woke to it playing in my head. “I Wont’ Give Up” made me want to meet someone, fall in love and then break up because the timing was bad not because we didn’t love each other. Then as he prepared to walk out of my life this song would play as tears slowly fell down my face and I whisper to him that I will wait for him never giving up on us…ever. My imagination created this scenario and even though it would hurt, my heart desperately wanted it to be true…all because of a song. This song.

I love this song. I may have given up on him but he didn’t give up on me. He continued to play music and reach out with his songs and finally I heard. After searching through iTunes I realize he has released more albums in that period of time that I was exploring other music and musicians, so I am doing what I can to rediscover him and catch up on the time lost. It may have taken awhile but I’m finding my way back. Thank you for not giving up Jason. I have missed you and your magical voice. I won’t give up again.

Download Jason’s new song “I Won’t Give Up” here: Jason Mraz – I Won’t Give Up (iTunes Link)

PS Jason, you still owe me a copy of “Live” and “Sold Out (In Stereo)”, but I guess I CAN give up on that 😉

October 1, 2011 in Live Music, Music, Seattle Bands, Uncategorized

10.01.11 Ravenna Woods w/openers The Young Evils and The Summer Babes (Tractor Tavern, Seattle WA)

So let me say first, I love small venue shows. The type of show where the band is mingling with everyone before it starts so that once the performances begin, its like a group of friends hanging out partying together. Before the show started I noticed a large group of people chatting and drinking. Normally I wouldn’t have paid attention except they were wearing an abundance of white. Like, head to toe white. I thought it was a little strange but soon chalked it up to just being their “thing” and how someone dresses is up to them. More power to them, so after wondering and a few glances their way I ignored them.

My ex-roomie and I sat in a little alcove talking when we noticed everyone moving towards the main floor area. The music we thought was just the overhead stereo sounds turned out to be the first band the Summer Babes taking the stage. We moved to the floor with the rest of the people and looked on stage to see the same people dressed in white that we thought were just Ballard party peeps. Turns out the Summer Babes like to make an impression with their outfits. It wasn’t really necessary though, their music spoke volumes. Loud and catchy, reminded me of a more pumped up version of fifties beach music. Totally rockin and fun to dance to. Im not usually one to dance at shows (yes, I am usually one of the “Seattle Concert Zombies”) but there was just no way to stop it. First the toes were tapping, the head was bobbing, body started swerving and then I was dancing. I’m not ashamed. Lucky for me the next band kept it going.

After a short commercial break aka setup change The Young Evils took over the stage. I loved this band. The only thing I knew about them before this show was that Mike McCready of Pearl Jam had one of their shirts. So basically I knew nothing. No expectations lead to being totally open for discovery. This was a homecoming show for the band according to the blogs, articles and the guy that introduced them on stage (don’t ask me who he was because I have no idea). They blew me away, the music was catchy and fun. It was energizing and started mini dance parties all over the floor. Granted this is Seattle so there were quite a bit of the usual “stop and stare” concert goers but I was so into them I barely noticed. That is the mark of a great live band, bringing the crowd so into their performance that they forget what is going on around them. Needless to say I bought their cd at the end of the night. They have a new fan in me for sure.

Ravenna Woods is a great band unfortunately they are not my type of live band. I am a firm believer that different music styles find you when you are ready for them. You may see a new band/artist and instantly love them or as is often my case you find that their name sounds familiar and you cant understand why until you look through your iTunes and realize they are not a new and now you think they are the best live band ever. So talented that everything they do is gold. I’m hoping that one day Ravenna Woods is that live band for me. Its not that I hate them, I actually quite like their CDs, I’m just more into live performances that flow well with a strong melodies rolling through the air, driving beats with consistent rhythm that you can move to. RW has this style of music where they changed the tempo so often without segueing into the new rhythm that it almost feels like whiplash. Oddly enough to say its a good whiplash when you are listening on your stereo or I guess more popularly your iPod/iPhone. However live, it makes the performance seem jerky. Once you start going and dancing and totally get into the music it stops and the same song starts again but with a different tempo or in some cases the breaks are so plentiful you cant overcome the awkwardness you feel dancing in the crowd. Yet, Seattle is known for crowds that tend to stand there with their ears open, hands in pockets and faces forward staring intently at the musician/band so this doesn’t mean its necessarily detrimental. It just means dancing is not a viable option, although many tried. Head bobbing…now that’s another story. So for me, live RW was a thumbs down. For my roommate though, it was love. 1 out of 2 isn’t bad.

Overall it was a good night, and the cds from all three bands are fantastic. You should grab them. Its worth the money. When it comes to seeing them live, that is up to you to decide.

September 27, 2011 in Live Music, Music, Uncategorized

09.27.11 Gomez w/openers The Kopecky Family and Greylag

I’d heard of Gomez for years, and I do mean years. The first time was back in 2002 I think. Jason Mraz was opening for them and I was in love with him. So began the chain of near misses with Gomez. I didn’t see them that night because I was in Portland, then every time after I either was somewhere else or didn’t know they were in Seattle. It was like I was subconsciously avoiding them. Well, on the 27th of September in the year 2011 that came to an end. I finally saw Gomez and the night was better than I could have ever imagined. First of all…spoiler alert…I love Gomez live now and will gladly see them again, but also every band on the bill was awesome!

First up was a local pacific northwest band (from the state directly south to my own..Oregon) called Greylag. I was a little worried when they took the stage. They looked very hippie-ish. I know you should never judge a band by the way they look but there it was, in my head, “Hippie Band”. Well, if Greylag is a hippie band then I love hippie bands. They had a great sound and the the lead singer, Allen Stonestreet, has the perfect voice that blends astonishingly well with the music. Their sound reminded me of Ivan and Alyosha, Ray LaMontagne, Mumford and Sons, and the Head and the Heart..you know..that sound that is really taking off right now. Very indie folk rock. Then right before my eyes they transformed from hippie to rockstar. I could tell I was falling in love with this band. It was a short set but as the first opener it was expected. Not wanting it to end I purchased their cd so I could listen over and over. They definitely had a new fan. (bonus info: Allen is super nice and personable.)

The second opener was the Kopecky family band. I’m used to seeing one or two of the musicians in the band play multiple instruments but this was insane. They all played multiple instruments, and really well I might add. I want to say the drummer played guitar and sang and then the keyboardist played guitar and cello and so on and so on but I don’t know if those are their normal instruments. So, I feel like that might not be an accurate label for them. I was fascinated by this band and their constant switching of instrumentation between them. It was almost like when I was in kindergarten and during “music time” the teacher would tell you to pass your instrument down. Yeah, just like that except without the horrible sound produced by a bunch of 5 yr olds. They guys (and gal) are pro. I admit I was taken in by their versatility but their music was delightful and kept me enthralled. Two more cds were purchased that night. (bonus info: Fantastic people. They let me leave the cds with them to make sure that all the band members signed them. When I went to pick them up again they all thanked me profusely. How awesome are they?)

We have now come full circle back to Gomez. My unrequited love now fully realized in one night. It was magical. They played, sang and worked the crowd like pros. When I say “worked the crowd” I do not mean like lounge singers. They made sure that everyone was fully engaged in the show. Talking with the crowd in-between songs and making everyone laugh. The ease of this band had with each other was impressive and inviting. We started out in our seats during “Bring it On” watching the show from a distance, slowly moving from sitting to standing to dancing. By the end of the show we were on the floor and in the front row (yeah, I know how to work it). Options was so good as was my fave song See the World. I also loved Make No Sound. Then as if the show could not be better they announced they were going to bring a special friend up on the stage with them to play a song because it was his birthday. The special guest was…JOSEPH ARTHUR!!! Maybe this is a bigger deal for me because I love him and because of the Gomez show I missed his (same night, but no regrets). The night was complete. We left happy and entertained and with a few new cds.

Two thumbs up for a great night of music.

September 25, 2011 in Live Music, Music, Seattle Bands, Uncategorized

09.25.11 Pearl Jam (Vancouver, CAN)

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(Check out more pictures from the show by clicking the image above.)

I was never a big Pearl Jam fan. Okay I admit it, I was never a fan at all. I know they are an iconic band from my home state no less but I just couldn’t get into them. So when a friend who had just recently moved to San Diego called and asked if I wanted to go with her I was hesitant, but I could tell she needed someone to go. The need was that she had no car in WA and her friend who was supposed to go with her had a DUI. Did I mention the show was in Vancouver Canada? That’s right, this show was going to involve a passport and border crossing which does not happen when one has a DUI. Obviously I said yes, free Pearl Jam Concert with tickets that was “fan club” seats…I would have had to be an idiot. Plus it was with one of my best concert buddies. So was it all a music lover could have imagined? Hell yeah it was! I love going to shows and bands tend to win me over best that way. Plus, I felt kind of like a traitor living in Seattle and never seeing Pearl Jam live.

We arrived late thanks to an awesome (read: horribly slow and long line) experience at the border crossing, so we missed the opening band. Turns out the opening band was Mudhoney, Doh! Oh well, I’ll be seeing them next week so that will make up for it, I mean the real point was to see Pearl Jam. Pearl Jam fans are “into it” to say the least. They know every word and immerse themselves in the experience. I was a little afraid I wasn’t going to like them and then my friend was going to murderize me on the way home…I needn’t have worried. I LOVED THEM! They were so much fun, tons of energy and outstanding stage presence. Plus Mike McCready was in front of us almost the entire show and he is like a one man entertainment show himself. He really gets into it and does all he can to bring the crowd along with the ride.

It was a little loud so I couldn’t understand all the words, but when I wasn’t taking pictures I was jumping and dancing with everyone else. Nowhere near the same enthusiasm as my friend, but she had been in the fan club for over 17 years and I was a noob when it came to the band. I also realized while I thought I wasn’t a fan, I knew a lot more of their music than I realized. I even sang along to a few of the songs. Score, maybe I wasn’t as out of loop as I thought I was. Traitor status was slowly diminishing to just stupidly out of touch. As expected Pearl Jam won me over. I also realized that even though Vancouver is only 2-3 hrs away the fans might as well have been light years apart from Seattle fans. These fans knew how to get down and party and show their favorite band they were enjoying the ride. At one point Eddie mentioned to the people in the front row he would have preferred that the people in the back had those seats because at least they would be into it and getting crazy. He then remarked that they must have been from Seattle. I would take offence but its true. Seattle fans tend to go all zombified spectator at shows.

Alicia was most definitely not a zombie and neither were those surrounding us. The trick to a enjoying a Pearl Jam show is no different than enjoying yourself at any show…just go with it and enjoy. Let the music take you where it wants and you will never be sorry (well unless it takes you to a horrifyingly humiliating place where you recount the entire night of awesomeness to the band… but I digress…). Go see Pearl Jam if you ever get the chance, they are bucket list worthy to say the least.