DIARY OF A MUSIC JUNKIE

{April 16, 2011} Discover This Band: A Silent Film

“I want you, I want you to define me, define me.”

Every once in a rare while I go see a band and end up leaving head over heels in love with the band that opened for them. It has happenned a few times actually and until this month most notably twice. The first instance was when I saw the Bravery open for Depeche Mode years ago. I loved The Bravery’s music before I saw them that night but seeing them perform live kind of confirmed this band would become one of my faves. Then the Bravery returned the favor by introducing me to my two favorite bands: Civil Twilight and Your Vegas (now called Marfa Lights). I discovered these two bands one magical weekend in 2008 when I went with my friend Audrey to see the Bravery in North Carolina. I ended up leaving NC head over heels in love with the music of both bands. Then a few weeks ago Civil Twilight returned the favor…

I adore Civil Twilight and have seen them live numerous times and was so excited earlier in the year when I found out I would get to see them again. The shows were on April 1st at Rock N Roll Hotel in DC and April 3rd at Ramshead Onstage in Annapolis, MD. The band that was opening for Civil Twilight on their first official headlining tour was a band from Oxford, England called A Silent Film. I saw A Silent Film for the first time ever at the DC show and it was love at first listen. Their sound is indescribable and their stage presence and live show is unbelievable. I had actually heard a few of the songs from their CD: The City That Sleeps on the radio without even knowing they were songs by A Silent Film.

While I hate to compare bands to other bands just to give an example I will say A Silent Film would be closest to U2 with a bit of Coldplay thrown in too. But even despite that comparison A Silent Film has a refreshingly unique sound that’s all their own and they have crafted some hauntingly beautiful tunes. It’s just as fun listening to the poetic lyrics of each song as it is the melodies and rocking rhythms. It doesn’t hurt that they are some of the nicest guys you could meet too and while still young they have the stage presence of seasoned veterans. I had the pleasure of seeing them a second time in Annapolis too. In that intimate setting along with both Civil Twilight and A Silent Film simply shined and proved they sound exactly like their CDs live. No studio magic there just pure talent for both bands. They also were a perfect match musically that made each night extra special.

Shamefully I forgot to buy The City That Sleeps at both shows so I immediately listened to the CD when I got home and then downloaded it. From start to finish it is a brilliant CD and features some of the most gorgeous, poetic songs I have heard in a while. I now officially have a new music obsession thanks to the equally brilliant boys of Civil Twilight! I love discovering new music so wanted to spread the word and let all of you know about this hidden gem of a band too. A huge thank you to The Bravery who created a sort of chain effect that introduced me to some of the best bands and music I have ever heard. But I put videos for three of my fave A Silent Film songs below for your listening pleasure. The songs are “Driven By Their Beating Hearts” (sometimes called “Driven By Their Beaten Hearts,” online) “Thirteen Times The Strength” and “Firefly In My Window.” But the entire CD is amazing from start to finish. Not a bad song in the bunch! But some other stand out tracks on the CD to get you started are also the single: “You Will Leave A Mark” and the song “Sleeping Pills.” Happy listening everyone and get ready to fall in love! For more info on Robert, Spencer, Ali and Karl aka A Silent Film check out: http://www.facebook.com/asilentfilm, http://asilentfilm.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/asilentfilm

{March 12, 2010} Musical Therapy…

“Don’t let the fear in, don’t let the hatred through the door and the fever like a spider walk your skin.” (Birds of Paradise by Your Vegas)

“You’re coming back for me, cause even though you left me here I have nothing left to fear these are only walls that hold me here.” (“Letters From The Sky” by Civil Twilight)

Music has always been more then just rhythm, beats and lyrics for me. It goes much, much deeper. In my life like most people I have been through many ups and downs. It has been a wide range of things that hit at many times for me. Everyone has something that has helped them get through hard times but for me it seems music is my chosen form of therapy. I truly believe and have felt the real healing power of music. Most people have at least once has a song that has moved them. For me I have had songs that still make me choke up due to content. For example it’s very hard for me to listen to “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” by U2 without tearing up. That song is because of the subject matter and context. Bono wrote it after losing his father to cancer. I lost my mother to cancer in 2003 and the words and song really hit me hard. It is a tough song to listen to because it brings back memories of her especially since I never really got closure due to the suddenness of losing her.

But at the same time it makes me feel closer to her too because we used to listen to bands like U2 and The Beatles (who she made me a fan of) when I would take her back and forth to the doctors sometimes. But there are also songs that have been therapeutic for me and helped heal my heart in sad times. I remember being drawn to loud rock music when I was a child as distraction when my dad was going through chemo. Or going back to listen to artists like The Bravery, Linkin Park and Chris Cornell when I lost my brother because they made me remember my brother Harold who passed suddenly from a heart attack in 2007. It’s like every time I hear “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles I smile because I remember my mom singing it to me when I was a kid. Then there is music that just comes into your life at just the right moment and the words and songs touch your heart so deeply they inspire you and give you the strength to move forward.

That is what happened in 2008 when I discovered two bands while on a road trip with a friend. I went to North Carolina with my friend Audrey to see the band The Bravery and left in love with the music of the band’s two opening acts Civil Twilight and Your Vegas. Their CDs got me through a really rough spell when I lost my Aunt. My Aunt Christine was the aunt I felt the closest to out of all my mother‘s sisters. She was also there for me even despite distance when I lost my mom. She was also partially responsible for my love of the Beatles too. My Aunt passed away the day I came back from the trip. I listened to the Civil Twilight and Your Vegas CDs and as cheesy as it sounds they gave me strength, hope and solace. As my family went through more hard times that year like pretty much everyone in my family losing their job. For one of my relatives the result of that was losing their home and becoming homeless for a while before asking for help. But through that process I listened to a lot of music that helped me cope, go through all the necessary steps in grieving and helped me not go insane.

But these two bands and their amazing CDs really struck a chord with me and touched me in a way no CD has before. I have since told both bands what their music meant to me too. But music hasn’t just been something I listened to lift me up during hard times but it also provided me great memories with those I have lost. It can bring release, escape, comfort and hope. Sometimes song lyrics are really like poetry set to music. They can relay other peoples misfortunes or heartaches which helps you relate even more to the words. But at other times it could just be the words resonate with you for some reason or touch your heart. Whatever it is, it is one of the biggest reasons I am so passionate about music and think sometimes musical therapy is the best therapy of all. For me music is like a good friend that has been there for me through not only the good but the bad and I’m sure will play an important role in my life for years to come.

{March 3, 2010} The 15 CDs That Shook My World…

Myspace is of course a social networking site but for music junkies like myself it’s also a place where you can interact with your favorite musicians and also stay informed musically. For those of you who may be Facebook users and don’t know much about Myspace it offers up lots of boredom busters in the form of bulletins and surveys that can run from the boring to the entertaining. A friend of mine named Wendy actually provided one a few weeks back that was both immensely entertaining but also thought provoking. Here is exactly the challenge that was put before us by her bulletin:

“Think of 15 albums, CDs, LPs (if you’re over 35) that had such a profound effect on you that they changed your life. Dug into your soul. Music that brought you to life when you heard it. Royally affected you, kicked you in the nuts, literally socked you in the gut, is what I mean. Then when you finish, tag 5 others. Make sure you copy and paste this part so they know the drill. Get the idea now? Good. Tag, you’re it!”

I tagged five friends and 3 of the 5 accepted the challenge, I must admit it was fun to read the wide array of music that was on these lists from the Moody Blues and Marilyn Manson to Billy Ocean and Guns and Roses. I will admit it took me forever to narrow down my own list hence the honorable mentions section. The first 7 on my list jumped out immediately the rest fell in place one by one although most of them battled for the coveted top 15 slot with one or more of the honorable mentions. There were of course CDs like Franz Ferdinand’s jaw-dropping self-titled debut, Kaiser Chiefs Beatles-esque Employment, Amy Winehouse’s wonderfully raunchy debut Back To Black, Poe’s masterpiece aptly entitled Haunted, Santigold’s instant classic self-titled debut and the Rolling Stones Beast Of Burden all of which almost made both lists but I had to leave them off before my list was four pages long. But allow me to explain why I chose the top 15 above all others. You can also listen to a song from all the CDs to give you a taste of what I’m talking about (you can have a listen here: http://www.playlist.com/playlist/15325970187/standalone) and please consider buying them. Also feel free to post your own top 15 too because for some it will come as easy as breathing and for others it will be too hard to finish because you either can’t come up with 15 or come up with way too many to narrow it down. For me it was very much the latter but I feel satisfied with my final choices. They may surprise some of you since a few of these are before my time but if I’m one thing when it comes to my musical taste it’s diverse.

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MY TOP 15 ALBUMS LIST

THE BEATLES-1967-1970 (BLUE ALBUM): Although my mother exposed me to the Beatles and one of my first memories was dancing around the living room to “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” this was the CD that sent me from casual listener to the diehard Beatles fanatic I am today. The moment I heard this CD with “Across the Universe” (my favorite all-time Beatles song btw) and “Strawberry Fields Forever” I knew my world would never be the same and that I understood why Beatlesmania took over the US. I remember listening to “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” on repeat for an hour because the melody and words just captivated me. “Revolution” may actually be to blame for my rebelling against the sometimes ultra-conservative ways of the rest of my family. Because the words just made me look at things in a whole new light and this song struck a nerve with me. So I guess you could say the Beatles along with a certain Irish front man (see number 3) may be the reason I am so charitably/politically active. Plus who isn’t inspired just a little by songs like “With a Little Help From My Friends,” “Hey Jude,” and “All You Need Is Love.” So thanks to my late my mom and aunt who exposed me to these five geniuses from Liverpool. It was tough because I am a fan of the older stuff too but these songs really can be credited to my ravenous passion for all things Beatles.

Track Listing:

Disc One - #1: Strawberry Fields Forever #2: Penny Lane #3: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band #4: With a Little Help from My Friends # 5: Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds #6: Day in the Life #7: All You Need Is Love #8: I Am the Walrus #9: Hello Goodbye #10: Fool on the Hill #11: Magical Mystery Tour #12: Lady Madonna #13: Hey Jude #14: Revolution

Disc 2- # 1: Back in the U.S.S.R. #2: While My Guitar Gently Weeps #3: Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da #4: Get Back #5: Don’t Let Me Down #6: Ballad of John and Yoko #7: Old Brown Shoe #8: Here Comes the Sun #9: Come Together #10: Something #11: Octopus’s Garden #12: Let It Be #13: Across the Universe #14: Long and Winding Road #15:

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DEPECHE MODE-SONGS OF FAITH AND DEVOTION: I remember my brother buying me Violator when I was a kid and how much I fell in love with DM classics like “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus.” But it was this rocking departure of a CD featuring less synthesizer and more growling guitars then DM fans were accustomed to that really showed how truly brilliant DM is. When this CD was released in the 90s, it turned me from a fan to someone who has seen them a ridiculous amount of times and just can’t get enough (pardon the pun) of their music. Songs like “I Feel You,” “In Your Room,” and “Walking In My Shoes,” reached out and shook my world. The lyrics written by Martin Gore were more like a book about overcoming challenges and looking for answers rather then a bunch of song lyrics. The tour that accompanied this CD provided me with my 1st live DM experience, although I was much too young to be there. This CD Introduced me to crushing on a hottie rock star (I <3 Dave) and showed me how truly unique and powerful songs that explore spirituality and loss in a complex and non-traditional way can be. They have been rocking my world ever since.

Track Listing: #1: I Feel You #2: Walking In My Shoes #3: Condemnation #4: Mercy In You #5: Judas #6: In Your Room #7: Get Right With Me #8: Rush #9: One Caress #10: Higher Love

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U2- ACHTUNG BABY: What can I say the debate rages on between U2 fans worldwide: which is the best U2 CD: Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby . I have obviously chosen my side in the battle. The roaring guitar, poetic lyrics and electronic sound coupled with Bono’s soaring vocals made this the CD by U2 that I can never get sick of. This also was my first official concert although I was very, very young and snuck into this show by a babysitter who really wanted to go to the show. I don’t remember much but guess you can blame this tour for starting my concert obsession? Although I love Joshua Tree madly and that was the first U2 CD I heard, once again I had to go with my favorite and the CD that started my obsession with the band. From the very first notes I heard from this CD which was on TV when I heard “Even Better Then The Real Thing” blasting from the speakers I was hooked. My favorite U2 song out of their impressive catalog still remains to be hands down “Love Is Blindness” from this CD of course.

Track Listing: #1: Zoo Station # 2: Even Better Than The Real Thing #3: One #4: Until The End Of The World #5: Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses? #6: So Cruel #7:The Fly #8: Mysterious Ways #9: Tryin To Throw Your Arms Around The World #10: Ultraviolet (Light My Way) #11: Acrobat #12: Love Is Blindness

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LED ZEPPELIN- LED ZEPPELIN IV: OK so this CD is where my older brothers come into play mainly my brothers Greg and my late brother Harold. I was introduced to the amazing world of classic rock by them and much like the barely edged out CD The Wall by Pink Floyd below on the HM list I can never thank my brothers enough for exposing me to these legendary bands. “When The Levee Breaks” is officially the song that made me wish I was born in the 70s and could have followed Robert, Jimmy, John Paul and John around. This CD has on it all the songs that introduced me to Zepp. Hearing two of my faves “Black Dog” and “Battle of Evermore” never grows old even when I have to hear a solo Mr. Plant due it with Alison Krauss live. Still just as gratifying for a Zeppelin fan like me. Only way this CD could be better is if “Immigrant Song” and “D’yer Maker” two of my other faves from the band were on it. But because of this single CD lets just say my collection pretty much includes everything Zeppelin put out now.

Track Listing: #1: Black Dog #2: Rock And Roll #3: The Battle of Evermore #4: Stairway To Heaven #5: Misty Mountain Hop #6: Four Sticks #7: Going To California # 8: When The Levee Breaks

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KEANE- HOPES AND FEARS: This unbelievable CD that introduced me to this brilliant band from England is still one of the best discoveries I have ever made. While I could have picked Under The Iron Sea which is my fave Keane CD but I had to pick this CD. That’s simply because Hopes and Fears introduced me to a band that takes the subjects of loneliness, love and even politics and weaves them into some of the most gorgeous songs and melodies that you could ever hear. For me songs like “Bedshaped,” “She Has No Time,” and “We Might As Well Be Strangers” are haunting, lesser known gems on this CD and three of my all-time fave songs by any band. But to this day this CD is still in constant rotation in my IPod and car and the tunes sound even better live where they get transformed from melancholy to rocking and the songs just send shivers up my spine every time.

Track Listing: #1: Somewhere Only We Know #2: This Is The Last Time #3: Bend & Break #4: We Might As Well Be Strangers #5: Everybody’s Changing #6: Your Eyes Open #7: She Has No Time #8: Can’t Stop Now #9: Sunshine #10: Untitled 1 #11: Bedshaped

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CIVIL TWILIGHT-HUMAN (1ST EDITION): What can I say about this CD other then it is a exceptional masterpiece from start to finish. From the chill inducing opening notes of “Letters From The Sky” to the entrancing guitar work that starts “Anybody Out There,” my favorite which is the poignant “Perfect Stranger” and there’s “Trouble” with lyrics that make you feel like everything will be alright. Heck “Soldier” could be a lost track from a Police CD. But every song on this CD makes you feel something. With an obvious spiritual influence saturating every song this CD gives you hope and makes you believe in something beyond you without being preachy. Just listen to the words of “Letters From The Sky” or “Human” if you need to believe this band is going to be huge because if they can come up with such powerful songs that would make U2 and Coldplay jealous on the first try they are destined for greatness. One of my favorite lines ever comes from the song “Human” I discovered this CD at the same time as Your Vegas and both came at a time where I was suffering through many losses and a lot of pain and despair. Both provided therapy in their own unique and amazing way (hence me saying music is very therapeutic). You may not be able to buy this CD right now but you will be able to purchase a revamped version of Human with all the same songs as the 1st edition plus a few new tunes at the end of this month.

Track Listing : #1: Anybody Out There #2: Something She Said #3:Soldier #4: Run Dry #5: Perfect Stranger #6: Human #7: Trouble #8: Left Out #9: What You Want #10: Say Anything #11: Stolen #12: Mystery #13: Letters From The Sky #14: Quiet In My Town

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YOUR VEGAS- A TOWN AND TWO CITIES: Well since I wrote a very, very long blog entry about my love of YV then I guess this one was a no brainer to put on the list. This CD much like Human, A Town and Two Cities came at a time when I was feeling down to bad things going on in my life and helped act as therapy and both got me to write again which was a priceless gift. Also much like CT you just know that we are witnessing superstars in the making because to produce such a flawless debut CD like ATATC is amazing and a pretty good barometer of things to come. I dare you not to listen to “Birds of Paradise” and not feel the world is a little better place. But I adore every song on this CD from the instant classic “Troubled Times” (I think this song could single-handedly make the name Lydia the coolest name ever). The seductive “Up Until The Lights” to the achingly beautiful and haunting “Salvador” every song on this CD has its own distinctive flavor and is beautiful on its own . It was nice to hear a CD that was so completely unique and although you can hear subtle influences of new wave and people like Roy Orbison (I completely hear it when lead singer Coyle sings “Salvador“) but yet the CD carved out a sound all its own which can only be described as powerful, bombastic and simply one-of a kind. So due to its utter brilliance and the tour de force sound these five talented men make together and the amazing poetic words that discuss everything from a simple solution to war, death or sadness but it’s never depressing & will always be in my Top 10.

Track Listing: #1: It Makes My Heart Break #2: In My Head #3: Birds of Paradise #4: Aurora #5: Troubled Times #6: The Way The War Was Won #7: Your Vegas #8: Up Until The Lights Go Out #9: I Wish You Were Somewhere Else #10: Salvador

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COLDPLAY- A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD: Although I was torn and was very close to picking Viva La Vida I opted to go with this CD which is actually my favorite Coldplay CD and as I know I’ve said this a million times but this CD introduced me to the band. I know everyone has heard the hit song “Clocks” from this CD but I truly don’t think that song even does the CD justice. My personal favorite singles from this CD that I feel are even more representative of the brilliant sound made my Chris and the boys have to be “The Scientist” and “In My Place” (this song live is simply chill inducing). There are also other immensely powerful songs like the gorgeous “God Put A Smile On Your Face,” “Warning Song,” and “Green Eyes” this in my opinion is some of their best work lyrically and song wise and will forever be what I consider the CD that made me become a huge Coldplay fan especially since my late cousin introduced me to this band through this CD. So I’m eternally grateful to Sarah because this CD one of the best CDs I’ve ever heard.

Track Listing: #1: Politik #2: In My Place #3: God Put A Smile On Your Face #4: The Scientist #5: Clocks #6: Daylight #7: Green Eyes #8: Warning Sign #9: A Whisper #10: A Rush Of Blood To The Head #11: Amsterdam

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THE BRAVERY- THE BRAVERY Let me start by saying that without the discovery of the Bravery I would not have even been able to put Civil Twilight or Your Vegas on this list. That is because I discovered both bands through The Bravery when they opened for TB last year in North Carolina. But I will never forget hearing the song “An Honest Mistake” grabbing me and making me stop in my tracks when I was shopping in Target. The very artsy video for the first ever Bravery single was playing on one of the TVs. I remember stopping and just staring at the screen and wondering “who is that?” Their throwback electronic/new wave sound captivated me immediately and made me run to buy their CD even if I had only heard this one song. Flash forward years later and this CD is still one of my all-time favorites. Although I adore their latest CD The Sun and the Moon with it’s more stripped down sound I had to pick their debut because it was the CD that made me fall in love The Bravery. Every song on this CD is guaranteed to keep you dancing and rocking nonstop some of my personal faves are the fierce anthems “Fearless,” “Out of Line” and Unconditional” which blend the power of unbridled rock n roll, punk and new wave into a very unique sound. There’s also the catchy ode to being single “Ring Song” and the upbeat “Public Service Announcement” which I dare you not to want to dance a little when you hear this song. Talk about making the whole stop, drop and roll lessons you learned in school fun. But every song on this CD is a catchy, fun experience that sounds even better live and despite what their critics say they do not sound like any other band and have developed a hybrid sound all their own.

Track Listing: #1: An Honest Mistake #2: No Brakes #3: Fearless #4: Tyrant #5: Give In #6: Swollen Summer #7: Public Service Announcement #8: Out Of Line #9: Unconditional #10: Ring Song #11: Rites of Spring

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ROY ORBISON- FOR THE LONELY: 18 GREATEST HITS: Much like the Beatles this is another artist I am truly grateful my mom introduced me to. Mr. Orbison may not be as appreciated as the equally gifted Elvis but he deserves to be a household name. Without his songs that make heartbreak and pain captivating and the way he told these stories with such matchless elegance I likely wouldn’t have Chris Isaak on my list (side note: Chris beautifully covered my favorite Roy tune “Only The Lonely” for his CD Baja Sessions.) Roy is a legend and without him (and Elvis) I don’t think I would have the true appreciation of songwriting that I do. Roy’s voice is one of the most beautiful instruments I have ever heard. I remember hearing the first notes of the classic song “Crying,” and becoming mesmerized and I couldn’t stop listening to him sing. “In Dreams” is another song that shows Roy’s range, his song writing prowess and just how truly powerful one song can be. There’s the catchy upbeat “Dream Baby,” I may be young but I understand that every singer that croons a song owes a small debt of gratitude to Mr. Orbison for making heartbreak and love sound so achingly beautiful and paving the way for them to the same. Most of you may know “Oh, Pretty Woman” but to me that just is the top of the iceberg in this genius’ repertoire.

Track Listing: #1: Ooby Dooby #2: Rock House #3: Uptown #4: Only The Lonely #5: Blue Angel #6: I’m Hurtin #7: Running Scared #8: Crying #9: Candy Man #10: Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream) #11: Leah #12: Working For The Man #13: In Dreams #14: Mean Woman Blues #15: Blue Bayou #16: Pretty Paper #17: It’s Over #18: Oh, Pretty Woman

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THE THE- DUSK: I know many of you probably are thinking who in the world in the world is The The? Well I love obscure British bands and this band is one of the best discoveries I ever made. Matt Johnson the amazing lead singer is one of the most underrated songwriters ever and this CD is truly a hidden gem at the CD store that everyone should own. The lyrics to this CD provide the soundtrack to someone searching for meaning in the world and do it at various tempos but are all effective and so breathtaking. There is the main single from the CD, the rocking “Dogs of Lust.” Which is likely the only song other then maybe “This Is The Day” that most people probably have heard from Dusk. But some of the standout songs from this CD are “Love Is Stronger Then Death” which is a chillingly gorgeous song about the emotion of love overcoming despair, the same can be said about the unbelievable “Bluer Than Midnight” which still to this day is a timeless and sensuous query into why we must suffer so much to feel joy. There is also the flat out sexy “Lung Shadows” and the funky “Helpline Operator.” There is no way to describe the genre of this CD because it is truly one of kind and blends funk, rock, pop and everything in between and Matt’s voice is so sexy and unique that every song is just lifted to a whole new level.

Track Listing: #1: True Happiness This Way Lies #2: Love Is Stronger Than Death #3: Dogs of Lust # 4: This Is The Night #5: Slow Emotion Replay #6: Helpline Operator #7: Sodium Light Baby #8: Lung Shadows #9: Bluer Than Midnight #10: Lonely Planet

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SARAH MCLACHLAN- FUMBLING TOWARDS ECSTASY: I will never forget the first time I heard the song “Possession” from this CD. I had been a fan of female singers before like Tori Amos, Kate Bush, PJ Harvey even Enya but something about Sarah’s heavenly voice just hypnotized me and she quickly became my favorite of the bunch. Two of the standout songs on this CD have to be the “Fear” and the song “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” which showcase her beautiful vocals while showing why she is one of the best female songwriters of all time. This CD is definitely one of her more upbeat and experimental releases and provides songs that stay with you long after you’ve stop listening to them. On it’s own every song on this CD is an achingly beautiful piece of poetry but together the entire CD forms a lush, stirring soundscape that only a siren-esque singer like Sarah could really pull off. This CD is definitely tied with Surfacing as my favorite Sarah CD but I will never forget seeing her tour w/this CD when she opened for The Chieftains. So artists like Poe and Sia are even more appreciated when I listen to them thanks to my intro. into how powerful one woman’s voice truly can be.

Track Listing: #1:Possession #2: Wait #3: Plenty #4: Good Enough #5: Mary #6: Elsewhere #7: Circle #8: Ice #9: Hold On #10: Ice Cream #11: Fear #12: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

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CHRIS ISAAK- FOREVER BLUE: I could have easily picked Heart Shaped World by Chris which is the CD that introduced me to both the most beautiful song ever written IMO and my favorite song of all-time: “Wicked Game.” Or could have picked my personal fave Speak of the Devil. But in all honesty this is the CD where I went from a casual listener of Chris Isaak to the diehard fan I am now and this CD made me buy every other CD the Chris had released. “Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing” from this CD is a very close second to “Wicked Game” as my fave Chris tune. This sexy, bluesy tune was what made me the fan I am and I dare you not to dance a little naughtily when you hear this tune. This CD of course feature the standard tunes of loss, loneliness and heartbreak the way only Chris can serve them up. But this CD somehow touches my heart in a way the others do too but on another level. There is the throwback beauty of the title track, Chris’ signature love and longing set to an upbeat, catchy tune “Go Walking Down There” “Somebody’s Crying” and “Go Walking Down There.” The naughty “Goin’ Nowhere” which shows why Chris is the rockabilly version of a rocker bad boy. And the melancholy beauty of “Graduation Day” and “Things Go Wrong.” But whatever song you listen to on this CD you are guaranteed to fall in love with the unique sound Chris produces and hear one of the most stunning voices by a male singer ever. I personally thing much like Coyle from Your Vegas and Steven from Civil Twilight they should rename lead singers like these great singers swooners not crooners they do make you want to swoon just a little.

Track Listing: #1: Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing #2: Somebody’s Crying #3: Graduation Day #4: Go Walking Down There #5: Don’t Leave Me On My Own #6: Things Go Wrong #7: Forever Blue #8: There She Goes #9: Goin’ Nowhere #10: Changed Your Mind #11: Shadows In The Mirror #12: I Believe #13: The End of Everything

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GOLDFRAPP- BLACK CHERRY: Electronic, techno, dance whatever you call Alison Goldfrapp and Co. it to me is a thing of genius and really is unclassifiable. Goldfrapp is the reason I love artists like VAST, Delerium and other artists that dare to be different so much. Black Cherry is a jewel of a CD for anyone who likes songs with sexy, catchy Electronica beats mixed with the skillful mix of other sounds sang by a woman with one truly distinctive and unforgettable voices. The way Alison purrs out songs like “Deep Honey” and “Black Cherry” or stands out loudly above the blaring beats like in “Train” or “Strict Machine” made me want to grab a synthesizer and turntable and form a band. She truly should be as well known as a Madonna but sadly her style of music will never be mainstream. But as long as Goldfrapp continues to produce one-of-a-kind works of art like “Black Cherry” and the equally amazing Supernature then she is leaving a very indelible mark on the music world even if you don’t know the band’s name. My personal faves are the aforementioned “Strict Machine” and the delectably catchy “Tiptoe.” But be forewarned there are also the very erotic “Twist” and “Slippage” which are definitely not for the prudish but on second thought if you don’t want to feel slightly scandalous then steer clear of Black Cherry for the rest of you buy it now.

Track Listing: #1: Crystalline Green #2: Train #3: Black Cherry #4: Tiptoe #5: Deep Honey #6: Hairy Trees #7: Twist #8: Strict Machine #9: Forever #10: Slippage

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GNARLS BARKLEY- ST. ELSEWHERE: From the moment I heard the now biggest hit by Gnarls which was the completely distinctive song “Crazy” on the radio I knew I needed this CD. With its brilliant mix of Electronica, Rap, Dance, R&B and Pop this brainchild of Ceelo and Danger Mouse is a debut work of genius. This CD demonstrated to me that musical creativity wasn’t lost and that edgy music was still being made. Honestly without this CD opening the door on mainstream radio I don’t know if artists like TV on the Radio, Santigold or Michael Franti and Spearhead would be as radio friendly (I own these three too btw). My faves aside from the above-mentioned single have to be the upbeat throwback to the 50s “Smiley Faces,” the upbeat tales of being down “Who Cares? and “Just A Thought” and the funky “The Last Time” that encourages you to get up and dance. Their cover of the Violent Femmes hit “Gone Daddy Gone” is also one of the best cover songs ever. You should also check out their videos which are as creative and clever as the band and see them live because a Gnarls Barkley show is unlike any other because it showcases their quirkiness and belief in not taking yourself too seriously. I also have to thank them for supplying me with the funky song “The Boogie Monster” w/its eccentric and awesome sound and very naughty ending it’s now a mainstay on my Halloween playlist too but this CD will never grow old no matter how many times I hear it. How can you not love any CD with a “Inspector Gadget,” “Transformers” and “St. Elsewhere” reference on it thrown in with a song about raising the dead. So go-go by this CD, sorry had to say it.

Track Listing: #1: Go-Go Gadget Gospel #2: Crazy #3: St. Elsewhere #4: Gone Daddy Gone #5: Smiley Faces #6: The Boogie Monster #7: Feng Shui #8: Just a Thought #9: Transformer #10: Who Cares? #11: On-Line #12: Necromancing #13: Storm Coming #14: The Last Time

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HONORABLE MENTIONS THAT ALMOST MADE IT: ***The Beatles 1962-1966 (Red Album) ***Massive Attack Mezzanine ***Tori Amos Little Earthquakes ***Pink Floyd The Wall ***Soundgarden Superunknown ***The Killers Hot Fuss ***Bob Marley Legend ***The Chieftains Long Black Veil ***Duran Duran The Wedding Album ***Nine Inch Nails Pretty Hate Machine ***Enigma MCMXC ***Delta Fiasco Dreameater EP

{February 15, 2010} Funding my addiction

Ok so I am a bonafide concert addict. Well of course you all probably just said duh because I call myself a music junkie and my concert trek from 2009 in previous blog entries probably was a good indication. Although 2010 hasn’t been the year 2009 was and has started off slow I am still hoping it could pick up soon. It hasn’t been all bad of course. I have been blessed to already have seen Muse live three times (yes I waited a ridiculous amount of time in line for two of those three shows since they were GA). Those shows were unbelievably mindblowing and left me hungering for more.

I also got to see my two favorite bands live too. The first came when I got to see Your Vegas twice in New York . I can say for the very first time ever I hopped on a bus went up and saw a band in NY and then went home and then hopped on a bus the very next week and went back up to NY to see them again. By the way had to attend a bachelorette party in Maryland so no I’m not insane. Trust me it was sooooooo worth it because they beyond unbelievable live and mark my word will be a household name in 2011.

I also went to see my other favorite band Civil Twilight twice in VA and that was fun especially toasting to the two year anniversary of when I first saw the band live. What can I say I love these guys, after all why else would I help create the street team!? Although a mellow band at a death metal club (i.e. Richmond’s Alley Katz) probably not the best fit. Thankfully they get a Richmond redo because they are playing Canal Club in Richmond on August 21. Very excited to see them again because not only are they brilliant live but awesome guys. Not to mention at the rate they are going they may not be playing small clubs for very much longer. The crowds at shows now are a far cry from when my friend Audrey and I were the only 2 people at a show in 2008.

I am also lucky that thanks to my friend Julie I have second row seats for the Keane show next Thursday at Merriweather and I’m beyond excited because usually to be that close I have to sit outside doing GA. Keane never dissappoints live and I’ve met them after every show and they are incredibly cool guys. As an added bonus I get to see Fran Healy who is opening for them. He happens to be the lead singer of another one of my fave bands Travis. So needless to say I am counting down the days!

But for all those fun concerts I am lucky to attend there are way too many I had to painfully not attend. For example I missed the Black Keys the other night, had to just say no to Vampire Weekend and sadly will be missing Swell Season this weekend. There was also Miike Snow, Temper Trap, Concrete Blonde, Broken Bells and well those are only a few on a very long list of shows that I painfully couldn’t buy tickets for. So here’s to hoping that soon I can fund my addiction again. Since music is my passion and concerts my chosen addiction it is painful to miss so many amazing artists. So while I know that no year will live up to 2008 and 2009 I still hope 2010 will rebound and allow me a chance to feed my addiction even more because I am jonesing for more crazy concert related adventures!! But for now I am lacking the necessary funds to spend on my obsession and have to save rather then spend. Sometimes the reality of being an adult sinks in so I may have to be more careful in the future and pick and choose which shows to go to. Because to quote the Stones “you can’t always get what you want.”

{January 28, 2010} Year end review: My 2009 concert highlights Part 3

SOME OF MY FAVORITE HIGHLIGHTS PART 3:

FRANZ FERDINAND: I nearly flipped out when I heard Virgin Festival in MD was going to be happening after all and would be free. But I really screamed when I sat in my car and heard the lineup announced and heard the names The Bravery and Franz Ferdinand mentioned. I was happy when my friend Audrey decided to come too. I also made the last minute decision to make a sign that said: “Katherine is my middle name, close enough, can I kiss you now?” and take it to the festival. It was a play on words based on their song “Katherine Kiss Me.” It was so worth it because their guitarist/keyboardist Nick McCarthy sang to me and kept looking at me and smiling. I actually giggled like a fool when he pointed at me during a line in the song “What She Came For” that goes “Where’d you get your name from.” Then to cap it all off simply having lead singer Alex Kapranos come over and try and read it then signal for me to raise it up so he could read it better and then have this huge, naughty smile spread across his face was enough to turn me into a giddy mess again.

Big thanks to Audrey for enduring the rowdy crowd during the fun but crazy Girl Talk show so we could have that spot. The bruises on my knees from the barricade the next day were so worth it. I also had an amazing time at the New York Franz show but will spare you the rehashing since I wrote and entire blog entry about it that can be viewed here: http://diaryofamusicjunkie.wordpress.com/2009/05/16/my-3-day-rock-tour-part-1-franz-ferdinand-in-ny/ But seriously seeing Franz Ferdinand live is unlike any other show. They are so suave and full of energy and I never have a bad time when I see them live.

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COLDPLAY: I had seen Coldplay in 2008 on Halloween which made it the second concert in a row I had seen on my favorite holiday. After 2009 I had seen three Halloween shows in a row (with Your Vegas being the 3rd.) While seeing Coldplay on Halloween was a lot of fun our seats weren’t as amazing as the price or seating chart made me think. So I just wanted to go to one GA Coldplay show and be super close. That moment occurred in the summer of 2009 when the band played Nissan Pavilion in Virginia. My friend Luciana had bought 4 tickets to show. One for me, one for her, one for our friend Melissa and one for my friend Emily. I couldn’t get there as early as Luciana and Melissa because I was riding up with my friend Emily but would be so grateful Luc and Mel decided to go really early.

Emily and I still left early and gave ourselves plenty of time because we factored in traffic and also the fact my friends were waiting in line saving us a spot. But what was about to happen was my nightmare. We ended up stuck in the worst traffic I had ever seen. Staring at each mile marker which seemed to take an hour to get to was beyond painful. No matter how positive we tried to stay we both were getting frustrated. I was getting nervous because as I checked my phone I saw time ticking away more and more. I would get texts from Luciana and began to feel guilty for making her sit and wait for so long. At first we held out hope we were going to make it in time due to traffic letting up but alas that wasn’t to be. We ended up hitting more traffic and arriving just as doors open. We had to get in line at the back and after convincing Emily that we should run and find them on the floor before venturing to the bathroom we ran down to floor.

Thankfully they were able to save us a spot and we met up with them. I ended up in the 2^nd row, for a few songs Luciana let me take her spot against the railing. It was so much fun and we were so close it was a bit overwhelming but in a good way. We got to see two opening acts Pete Yorn and The Howling Bells. Pete Yorn was good but it was The Howling Bells that blew me away. I left out of the show needing to buy their CD, yet another wonderful find that I discovered as an Opening Act. But once Coldplay took the stage the magic began. They sang so many songs I love including a few I didn’t hear on Halloween including “Trouble.” We were showered with beautiful multi-colored butterfly confetti, saw yellow balloons come out over the crowd during the song “Yellow” and just took in the splendor that is Coldplay live. One of the biggest treats was when they started singing one of my all-time favorite Coldplay songs “Green Eyes” when they were out in the crowd. At this show they went out into the crowd three times and sang for the people in the cheap seats. For a few minutes all of us up front were a bit jealous. But I collected as much confetti as I could during the show and just had such a good time. I even called few friends including my friend Shannon and my friend Wendy who I would be seeing them with in Pennsylvania. Paid a lot for this ticket but it was worth every penny.

A few days later Hershey Park with Wendy left me with many great memories. I am addicted to maybe two other things as much as I am music: football and rollercoasters. So the opportunity to ride rollercoasters before a rock concert was such a dream. God Bless Wendy for being willing to face a fear and ride several intense and fast coasters with me. She was such a trooper for doing that although I’m convinced she used my name as a swear word for days after. We signed our names on the wall of one of the coasters where other riders had left the mark. Maybe one day if I can convince her to ride it again we can see if it’s still there. But after we found a locker for our stuff, ate theme park food, bought souvenirs for people and rodes rides of different types it was time to get ready to go over to the show. I of course being in comfy mode had to go get rock glammed up in the bathroom really quick. I did that but of course as I walked out of the bathroom I heard the ominous sound of thunder and saw the sky was turning a very dark shade of gray. People decided to leave the park in droves at the same time but me and Wendy got a head start which proved to be a great idea.

We were very lucky that we left when we did because we ended up making our way up the steep hill to the stadium and got to the front just as the massive storm started and it began to pour. So unlike most people Wendy and I didn’t look like drenched rats when we got inside. Of course due to lightning the concert was postponed so 1,000s of people all stood around inside waiting for the rain to stop. It was funny because much like a cold bottle of water on a 90 degree is a hot commodity at this show everyone kept trying to get their hands on an elusive poncho that sales guys kept coming by with. After many failed attempts we both got a poncho. After endless waiting and me trying to brave the merch line they finally said the show would start. Unfortunately they were very unclear on how everyone gets down to the field so everyone at once tried to go through two tunnels. After we saw a complete nightmare that was the line which didn’t move we abandoned it and went in search of another way in. We eventually found it. We waited patiently and made our way to our seats since this show was non-GA. We used the ponchos on our seats so we wouldn’t get wet. Sadly we got an announcement that Howling Bells wouldn’t be performing due to the delay. But once Coldplay came on we had so much fun.

We may have been a bit far from the stage but we didn’t care because we had such a blast just singing the lyrics together and dancing. Again the confetti and balloons were just as magical and enjoyable as was every aspect of the show. Just like the last show hearing “Fix You” made me tear up and songs like “The Scientist” touched me more then words could express. Afterwards we collected confetti off the ground. I was on a hunt to find some of the metallic kind. Wendy even snapped a pic of me throwing it in the air like leaves. But sharing the experience with Wendy just made the show even more special and unforgettable.

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1997: Another really fun memory was Audrey and I and our fateful encounter with 1997. Who knew that simply lounging on the beach in VA, just hanging out and wishing that the boys on the beach weren’t so boring would bring them into our lives? We got up to go walk around before we left and decided to take pics, we had been doing a “rocker boy, rocker boy” chant that thankfully ended up coming true. As I took a pic of Audrey my mouth dropped open as over the hill came three of the most breathtaking guys donning skinny jeans, no shirts and loads of tattoos. Later we would come to know them as Caleb, Cody and Kevin. The way they looked basically was screaming “we’re in a band.” Before Audrey could even turn to look at them they stopped and walked over to us and asked if we wanted our picture taken and the rest was history. They invited us to go grab a beer and we ended up walking off in a quest to find some cold frosty drinks. We ended up hanging out with them and the rest of the band for the rest of the day.

The best part was when we ended up sitting outside and one of them broke out their guitar and an impromptu jam session began. Crowds gathered and people watched and it was truly a fun moment to be a part of. The band and Audrey ended up convincing me to stay a day longer and see them live the next night. I was very happy I did. The next night we got to drink a pitcher of beer with them and just hanging out and talking again. We also exchanged battle scars with the members of the band like Arthi who had received the same bizarre severe sunburn we had. I won’t even talk about how the only nearby ATM was next door in a strip club. Note to self: always take money with you everywhere. They seriously are some of the nicest, kindest and most talented human beings that you could ever hope to meet. While they have lost a few members we love since then (we’ll miss you Kevin and Matt) they will always be some of my favorite people ever. I’m thankful that their mistake of ending up on the wrong beach brought them into my life and all of them will always have a special part in my heart.

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THE KILLERS: The three times I saw the Killers were all equally extra special. It all started in January of 2009 when my friend Amy bought me a ticket to their Virginia show as a birthday present. Despite a massive ice/snow storm the night before and day of we still made the trek up to the Patriot Center. We ended up waiting in the GA line in the freezing cold for hours but it was worth it. We not only met some great people while waiting but also ended up in the front row against the barricade. I had so much fun a lot of that due to the best security staff I have ever met . One of them was flirting with me the entire show and kept complimenting me, another one was asking everyone to show them their tattoos and their boss was equally funny. This just made an already amazing show even better. Amy and I both ended up walking away with a setlist after the show and Brandon seemed more comfortable on stage then he had ever been. Their best tour yet hence the fact I would need to see them two more times.

The next show was in NJ during better and warmer weather in May with Wendy. I highlighted this in another blog that can be viewed here: http://diaryofamusicjunkie.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/my-3-day-rock-tour-part-2-the-killers-in-nj/ But it was made extra special since it was Wendy’s first time seeing them. That made the jaw dropping pyrotechnics and song choices even more special. We had so much fun even despite the confusing chaos that was the line situation outside and a horrible opening act. Sorry Chairlift but a cowbell and girl who twirls around like a tilt a whirl non stop is not entertaining. But Wendy ended up fighting for a guitar pick and gave it to me so another wonderful keepsake from a Killers show. I ended up a sweaty mess as we left this show but ever bead of sweat was worth it.

The third time came in at Merriweather in Maryland during the summer which was the first show for the band on the third leg of their tour. This time Amy and I ended up in the 2^nd row but it turned out to be incredible. The barricade was pushed closer to the stage then I have seen it in a while and when Brandon Flowers decided to break out into Elvis’ “Love Me Tender” he was inches away from us. I was in awe of how close we were. Plus I finally got my “I Got Soul But I’m Not A Soldier” shirt and walked away with my third keepsake a flower from the stage. Too bad I never saw them in the fall so I could have seen them in all four seasons. But they really provided me with three of my favorite shows of the year. They truly proved why they are one of the best bands on the planet. Having opening act Wolfmother rock my socks off before the show was an added bonus too.

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KEANE: I always look forward to seeing Keane live, they are great performers and such kind people. They really are three of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Every time I have seen them I have talked to them after the show. This time was at DAR Constitution Hall in DC. Post show my friends and I got to talk with them and have our picture taken with all the guys in the band. But having their drummer tell me to contact their manager the next time they come around so we could set up an interview was so cool. But this time they performed loads of songs off their latest CD Perfect Symmetry which I adore and also blended in other favorites of mine like “Bedshaped,” “Crystal Ball,” “Nothing In My Way” and so many more. Their music is so hauntingly beautiful and catchy that it makes me dance like an idiot everytime I see them but it also gives me chills. I ended up not sitting with my friends at this particular show due to buying tickets seperately but I ended up in the same row only the opposite side. I was in the 5th row and I was in heaven. Although DAR Constitution Hall is a wee bit stuffy for my tastes I loved seeing this brilliant band again and look forward to seeing them many more times and next time I hope to interview them too, not just meet them. But if you get a chance see them live because their CDs do not do them justice at all.

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So that is my 3 part year in review for 2009! I apologize for the length but there were so many memorable moments I had to share. Believe me I could have gone on forever because I obviously saw alot of shows last year. But hopefully 2010 brings just as many unbelievable musical memories and adventures. Although 2009 will be hard to beat but come on 2010 prove me wrong and bring it on!!

{January 20, 2010} Year end review: My 2009 concert highlights Part 2

SOME OF MY FAVORITE HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2009 PART 2:

CHRIS CORNELL: I have had a crush on Chris since I was about 12-years-old, I had the pleasure of meeting him briefly at Projekt Revolution the year before but I seriously became a geek and couldn’t form words when he looked into my eyes. Major #fail in the cool department. This show was at my favorite venue the 930 Club in DC. The show itself was amazing due to the brilliant mixing of Soundgarden and Audioslave songs along with songs from Chris’ solo Cds. He was out in support of his last CD “Scream” which he worked with Timbaland on and I really liked it a lot. I think that got me noticed by him and the band because as always I was going nuts because I was singing the words to every song. But I turned into a 10 year old and once again geeked out when Chris Cornell stop right in front of me and sang his steamy version of “Billie Jean” to me on stage. As the guy that was standing with his daughter on my left side said “the look on my face was priceless.” But that’s the effect he has on me. It was also too funny because to the right of me was a nice couple who had seen Chris so many times. They were diehard fans and we chatted a lot during the show. But after Chris sang to me and as I finally catched my breath I looked over at them and the girl shot me a look that was like she wanted to scalp me.

But I had an equally nice duo to the left of me standing next to Amy. It was the aforementioned gentleman who I had befriended. He was there with his daughter and I think we bonded because we were two of very few people who were really getting into the songs of Chris’ CD Scream. She walked away with a pretty amazing keepsake too when she got the setlist. I had fallen in love with “Watch Out” and “Long Gone” even before they were released on a CD. I had heard them the year before at Projekt Revolution and trust me they were even better live then on CD. Also much like the year before hearing my fave Audioslave songs “Cochise,” “Show Me How To Live,” and my favorite Soundgarden songs “Rusty Cage” and “Fell on Black Days” had me in a state of euphoria. But the 2nd biggest highlight of the evening came when he jumped off stage during “Black Hole Sun” and made his way from the left to right of the barricade. I was towards the end on the right. He got down to where I was and was singing and finally looked up at me. He smiled slightly and then sang part of the song to me as he stood inches from me holding my hand. Again I froze and just sang and got chills and this added to my dream come true night. It’s these things that happen that I will never forget.

But as we were walking towards the exit I commented to the girl “What a cool keepsake you got there.” Her father joked and said “Don’t you be jealous, you got sang to twice.” It really is one of the night’s I will never forget for the rest of my life. After the show me and Amy ran into several members of the band outside. One of my favorite parts of the 930 Club is the fact all the tour buses usually park on the streets so meeting bands is usually too easy. The priceless moment of the night number three came when the band remembered me after the show. They acted like they knew me and Cory said he had remembered me from the show. We chatted and I was so comfortable around him and his friends we were even making fun of each other. But yes I do have a history with their bassist Cory because he threw guitar pics at me and kept winking at me the year before at Projekt Rev. But regardless of why it was quite flattering. I must admit I’m a bit sad about the rumored Soundgarden reunion because if it happens I will miss his touring band. They are some of the sweetest guys ever esp. Cory and Peter. But this was an amazing night that I wish I could hop in a time machine and relive over and over.

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U2: U2 always put on an amazing show and I was so excited I was able to nab a highly coveted to ticket to not one but both NJ shows and their DC show. Speaking of flirting, other memories that will stick with me forever are having Adam Clayton flirting with me on stage at the U2 shows in NJ. I shamelessly flirted back and remember him stopping and looking at me and I took the opportunity to blow him a kiss. Hey a girl can dream can’t she. Also cool was being able to throw my flowers (that were painted like the Irish flag) on stage in DC thanks to the nicest security staff ever. They were incredibly nice guys and were too funny and kept making fun of me for not having a voice due to a cold.

I don’t know why but I think the one thing at all the U2 shows that stayed the same was the cool security staff. We arrived late for the first NJ show but still somehow ended up with one of the best spots possible right on the outside of the ellipse. Perfect view and the band was always so close to me I could have died. I attribute our luck to the show being moved from a Friday night to a Wednesday night due to Rosh Hashanah and a football game. This show would also be the last time I would wait in line with Amy and Julie who I rode up with. I was sick so I ended up having to come late to New Jersey show two. But that proved to be OK because I met some of the coolest people in line. I ended up finding our spots in the back of the pit and we ended up hanging out in there and taking pictures.

At this second show, the nice people who came all the way from South America had nabbed the coveted spot right against the ellipse. But we befriended them so they kept giving me their spot when Bono would come by so I could try and throw my flowers on stage. That plan failed due to the first mean security guard I had met. In DC I ended up not waiting in line with them but met some very nice guys in line who were too cool. We stayed together the entire time and ended up running into the pit together. One of them who was very tall walked all around the pit to find my friends for me. He found them in the front row on Adam’s side and guided me to them. Finally Amy, Julie and I were reunited at a show. But just seeing U2 and having Muse open for them alone was a highlight for me. Seriously three of the best shows I’ve ever been to and hearing three of my all-time favorites that I had never heard them perform: “Unforgettable Fire” “Stay (Faraway So Close) and “Ultraviolet (Light My Way)” was mind-blowing. I can’t wait for U2 round two this summer and this time hope I can finally meet all the guys. Also now I have the whole where to stand part figured out since I tried three different areas by that monstrous stage. Waiting in line all day in the GA line allows you to somewhat take control of that.

So I know where my favorite spot is now (tip everyone always go for the front railing outside of the pit!) Only bad part of tour this time around was the utter chaos that is line numbers. I don’t like having people be able to put their name on a list the night before and if you do being told you have to arrive by a certain time. It should be first come first serve and not require a stupid number being written on your hand. I don’t like the fact that people who will be coming to meet you later (say after work!) cannot join you in line because of this dumb number system. If this doesn’t change for the summer shows I will be very bummed. I was also very happy that I was able to take my brother Greg to see the band. I had taken my other two brothers to their first U2 show so this completed the trifecta. I was sad we got split up due to his late arrival and no cell reception I ended up 2nd row pit and he ended up at the back of the field I was just happy he got to see the show at all.

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MUSE: What can I say? I waited two years to see this band and never expected to see them. When I heard earlier in the year that they were opening for U2, who I already had planned to see, I think I screamed like 50 times and jumped around like a moron. You see I had very bad luck in the past with getting boring openers for U2, so this was like redemption times a million. I freaked out at all 3 shows and went nuts when they were on stage. Me and my friends were three of only a few people who knew all the words or really went nuts during the show. I remember educating many people during the show and while waiting in line on how good they were or what songs they may be familiar with. I was like a Muse promotional machine. At two shows I remember having people around me ask what CD they should buy after Muse left the stage because they were so impressed. The first night in NJ was the best of all three shows because they had a longer set and sang my favorite song off their new CD “Undisclosed Desires.” Also being told by another friend Ryan who was there that I was shown on the screen during Muse singing made me a very happy girl. I am excited to get to see them in March on their own. But seriously they were not only the best opening act U2 has ever had but I think they also may have stole the crowd and gained alot of new fans in the process. Two thumbs up for Muse live.

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DEAD BY SUNRISE: I had an early Halloween when I was able to go to one of the best festivals that Maryland ever has hosted. Dead By Sunrise who I saw a week before Halloween at a Halloween themed festival also played a huge role in my life this year. It all started when I won a contest to go to NY and listen to their CD before it was released. As a fan of Chester Bennington (and Linkin Park) and also Julien K needless to say I was so excited! That is because Chester and Julian K joined forces to create Dead By Sunrise. As a result of the contest I got to write a review and then stayed in contact with their manager who ended up setting up a phone interview between me and Chester which was so amazing. But also at Ulalume seeing them live made my lifetime since it would be their closest stop on their tour. It was also cool having people tell me and my friend we had been featured on the jumbotron for long pds of time during the show was too cool. I knew the entire CD by heart so no doubt everyone saw me getting way too into the songs. Although I was disappointed my Bettie Page costume didn’t win a prize it got a lot of stares. But one of the coolest moments came thanks in part to MTV who were putting on the festival. Twice an MTV producer pulled me and my friend aside so we could do promos with Kat Von D because of our costumes. As we were leaving the stage up the hill came Chester, Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh. We actually got to shake their hands and say a few words. My heart nearly dropped just like it would a month later when I got to talk to Chester on the phone. He was an amazing and easy interview and was so kind and personable. But my heart was beating so fast talking to him. But it is their immense talent and easy going nature that is reason 50 billion why Halloween rules and I hope Dead By Sunrise make music together for years to come. But this was a really fun and scary festival and I hope Ulalume and DBS come back my way very soon.

{January 13, 2010} Year end review: My 2009 concert highlights Part 1

Happy New Year! With 2009 gone I decided to look back on the past 12 months as we start a brand new year and even more bizarre: a new decade. I had an OK year. The real highlight was all the shows I saw. As always it was an adventure. A few of the shows I discussed in previous entries but there was so much more. The year was amazing with all the brilliant bands I got to see. While I am excited about this year because I plan on making my dreams come true this year because this is my year of “living with no regrets,” but 2009 sure had some musical highlights. The following is a list of the shows I saw this year followed by some of my favorite memories from some of the shows. Some of these shows really did offer up some of my best musical memories ever. I counted 23 bands including openers who I also loved and I didn’t even get a chance to see every band I could have seen. Sadly I had to miss Depeche Mode, Chris Isaak and Metric due to lack of money. But please indulge me for a moment as I share some of the reasons why last year was one of the best concert years I have ever seen. Plus it also sums up why I love concerts. They always tend to have magical things that happen for me that make lifetime memories.

A lot of the fun memories came from attending these events with friends who are passionate about the bands we saw and well they just get me. That is truly what takes an ordinary event and makes it extraordinary. So 2009 was truly a remarkable and amazing year of shows. I wish I had time to highlight everything from every show but if I did that my already never ending 2009 shows synopsis would become an even bigger novel. But that is what I love about music and making the most out of every experience. There was just too much to cover in a blog. There were too many memories, too many good people I met along the way or that I saw shows with. So while the end of the year for me was horrible, mainly due to the sudden sickness of a friend who some of you may know (Get Well Robin) and also how I lost my job that won’t bring me down. But both challenges left me lost and struggling and as much as the year started fun I am happy 2009 is gone and 2010 can bring a fresh start. Robin is doing better and I feel liberated from a job that wasn’t where I belonged.

All of the negative things from last year have made me look forward to what amazing memories, better times are ahead this year. I hope to meet more wonderful people and have more wild and crazy experiences with friends. So hello 2010 I’m ready to take you by the cajones! A new year truly means new possibilities. So Happy New Year from one Music Junkie to all my fellow music junkies out there. May 2010 bring you many exciting music adventures. Now enjoy part one of a multiple part tale of the many exciting musical gifts that 2009 gave me but first the complete list:

THE LIST OF SHOWS (YES I MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING):

-U2: at Giants Stadium in NJ two nights in a row and at Fed Ex Field in Landover, MD

-MUSE: when opening for U2 (same stops as above)

-CIVIL TWILIGHT: in MD at Sonar and at the 8×10 Club and in DC at DC9

-YOUR VEGAS: in NY at Rockwood Music Hall and Roots Café in the summer and at Crash Mansion on Halloween

-THE BRAVERY: in Pennsylvania at the TLA and at Virgin Freefest in Maryland.

-FRANZ FERDINAND: in New York at Bowery Ballroom and at Virgin Freefest in MD (read about the NY show in a previous blog on Myspace or here: http://diaryofamusicjunkie.wordpress.com/2009/05/16/my-3-day-rock-tour-part-1-franz-ferdinand-in-ny/)

-THE KILLERS: at Patriot Center in VA; at Susquehanna Bank Center in NJ and at Merriweather Post Pavilion in MD (read about the NJ show in a previous blog on Myspace or here: http://diaryofamusicjunkie.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/my-3-day-rock-tour-part-2-the-killers-in-nj/)

-KEANE: at DAR Constitution Hall in DC

-CHRIS CORNELL: at 930 Club in DC

-COLDPLAY: at Nissan Pavilion in VA and at Hershey Park in PA

-KINGS OF LEON: at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland

-SILVERSUN PICKUPS & CAGE THE ELEPHANT: at Rams Head Live in MD

-VAST: in Pennsylvania (read all about it in a previous blog on Myspace or here: http://diaryofamusicjunkie.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/my-3-day-rock-tour-part-3-vast-in-pa/)

-DEAD BY SUNRISE (aka Chester from Linkin Park and Julien K): at Ulalume Festival in MD on October 24
-1997: in Virginia

-THE SWELL SEASON: at 930 Club in DC

-LADYTRON & THE FAINT: at 930 Club in DC

-SHINY TOY GUNS: at 930 Club in DC and at Towson University’s Tiger Fest in MD

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SOME OF MY FAVORITE HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2009 PART 1: CIVIL TWILIGHT, YOUR VEGAS and THE BRAVERY

CIVIL TWILIGHT: As always seeing Civil Twilight was so fun because every show seems to leave me with an irreplaceable memory. But as always seeing them with my partner in crime Audrey made all three shows extra special. The first show was in DC at DC9. There were a few more fans there singing the songs thankfully and it was a fun little place. Even introduced Audrey to Purple Haze beer. After the show it felt good to have Andrew compliment my article that I had written about them. But even cooler was discussing an interview we would be doing with them the next night and the Street Team that Audrey had decided to create for them and that I would be co-President of. We chatted for a while with Rich, one of the biggest highlights of this show was getting to know their drummer Rich who is one of the nicest human beings you could ever meet. Who knew the guy I once joked with that never spoke to us would turn out to be one of my favorite people ever. He went above and beyond the call of duty giving us a very large amount of promo cards to help get the street team off and running. Plus anyone who after this show would walk both of us to our vehicle (while the McKellar brothers slowly drove along next to us) well he gets two major thumbs up.

The next night we got to interview them before the show in Baltimore (that will be online soon in correlation with an upcoming CD release). That was officially our first team venture. The funniest and most terrifying part was being on the phone directing Rich to the Barnes & Noble in the Inner Harbor. The venue Sonar is located in the middle of nowhere in one of the worst parts of Baltimore. They decided to walk away from the venue in search of somewhere like a coffee shop to do the interview. Imagine images running through your head of four South African guys being mugged in my city their first time there, yes I was worried. Thanks to their sound guy/photographer Kevin who we dub the fourth member of the band that didn’t happen. He was thankfully able to guide them to the safer Inner Harbor. I will never forget asking Rich what he saw as they walked. I had him describe what was around him. He said he saw a river (that would be the harbor) and flags that had the Orioles written on them. I finally exhaled, they were safe.

Everything went well at the interview aside from a cleaning guy who kept interrupting us and ruining some shots. That and the crowd noise below us due to way too many tourists in town for a Soccer match the next night at Ravens Stadium were the only issues. But I will never forget that and the show. We also got to chat with other bands like The Trews and discover how many amazing bands are out there. But my apologies to Audrey for all our parking issues (remember the closed garage in Baltimore at the hotel and the snafu after the 8×10 show?) But earlier at the interview I mentioned how amazing their cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” was when they did it the year before in Virginia. They mentioned possibly doing it at the show that night. I had my camera ready because to our happiness we saw on the setlist that was taped on stage they were going to do it. I recorded it this time and once again they proved why they will be megastars.

The 8×10 Club show was fun as well. I discovered Audrey was coming down for it at the last minute which made me very excited. Thankfully Andrew said they liked this part of Baltimore because Sonar had given them the wrong impression. I couldn’t really talk or scream because due to a massive cold and cough I barely had a voice. I joked about it before the show and apparently Steven and one of the guys from another band were sick too. Audrey screamed on my behalf though when they finally played some of their new songs like “Next To Me.” We got to keep Rich company as he manned the merch stand and he gave both of us a free copy of the new version of their CD. We showed Andrew and Steven the posters and cards that Rich helped get mailed to us. They even autographed a few backstage and we chatted with other fans there trying to recruit them for the street team. Can’t wait to see them again everyone needs to discover this band now but 2010 will bring many amazing things for them I know. (Check them out at www.myspace.com/civiltwilightband or www.civiltwilightband.com

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YOUR VEGAS: After many failed attempts in a year beginning in January 2009 I finally saw Your Vegas do an acoustic show for the very first time. I got to see not one but two acoustic shows in NY last summer. I had the opportunity to see them at the cool, dimly lit little venue called Rockwood Music Hall the first night. Coyle was funny and kept joking and using naughty British slang. They really were so relaxed and just having fun. I remember being knocked into by the band and their instruments as they passed by due to the close proximity of our table to the stage. Note to self never sit at the front table at this venue or your neck will hurt from looking up at the band all show long. The 3/5ths of the band there Coyle (vocals,) Mat (guitar and backing vocals) and Mark (guitar, keyboards, pianos and backing vocals) were very sweet and chatted with me before the show. They seemed quite surprised to see me especially Mark. I was very thankful and happy to get the cool hand written setlist from Coyle post show. Just the fact they performed an unreleased song I don’t think they’ve done live in years tha’s one of my favorites “Sweet Melody” made this night magic. I had always wanted to hear them sing their cover of The Beatles “Black Bird” and their song “Oceanbird” so I made a deal with Coyle. I said if they sang those two songs the next night I would donate to the charity of his choice. We shook on it before Christina and I said goodbye to each member and left. Mark said he may not be at the next night’s show to which Coyle joked “soon it would be just me on stage, a one man band.”

The next night in Brooklyn at Roots Café was even more fun. I remember Christina and I being scared we would be late. In a “this can’t be happening” moment we got off the Subway and saw Mat and Coyle walking towards the turnstiles. Immediately they stopped and looked stunned that we were there. They were sweet and waited for us and I remember saying “guess we aren’t late huh? They can’t start the show without the band after all.” We were lucky and walked with them to the venue. Christina chatted with Mat and I chatted with Coyle and we even stopped to peruse a box of musical items that somebody had left out front of their home on the street. The venue was a small little coffee shop that didn’t serve alcohol so Christina and I went next door and bought some Corona. Once inside we said hello to the legendary Mary aka cupcakethecat and stood for a while since seating was limited. This was fun because it lead to a fun argument with the very talented Andy Zipf. He started dissing Myspace and said it sucked so without thinking or remembering I was in public I blurted out “No It Doesn’t!” That lead to a playful argument throughout his set where he even did a survey of who prefers Facebook to Myspace. I lost, but it was the perfect way to start the night. It even got a chuckle out of Mat who stood next to me with his friend. But Andy’s set was so fun especially when little boy decided he wanted to join him and insisted on trying to play his guitar and drink his water. So funny. He also made a new fan out of me.

It was only 2/5ths of the band tonight due to no room on the stage for a piano. But once again their performance was so brilliant. The highlight of the night was when they completed their acoustic version of Blackbird and Oceanbird and Coyle looked at me and said “ASPCA.” I said “Done.” He smiled and said “Cool.” I did keep my end of the bargain and gave $100 to the ASPCA. Coyle sat down in a nearby seat and after the show everyone watched the very entertaining, energetic and hard to describe band Brothers Moving. They were so fun and I got into it and was moving about in my seat. Such a wonderful way to cap off an amazing night full of so much amazing music. After the show we bid them adieu, a girl talking with Coyle actually said to me “I need to shake your hand, I saw you rocking out over there. Love to see people get into the music.” Perfect way to conclude a perfect weekend.

The final time I saw them in 2009 I actually got to see all the members of the band live and chat with 4 of the 5 members. It was on Halloween or as it was renamed “Hell-o-ween” at Crash Mansion. I was dressed as Bettie Page in her “Don’t Tread On Me” devil costume. It was humorous to be donning a black wig, bright red lipstick and devil costume and be talking to their bassist Jon for the first time in almost a year like that. My favorite part was our discussion with him about how I can get my friends Emily and Corey to survive staying out until 4am in NY when they aren’t used to it then get up to go sight seeing. His answer “just don’t go to bed.” Jon is a very wise man lol and our discussion reminded me of why I missed talking with him. I also got to chat with Mark quite a bit and found out his mom and dad were there too. But all of them were very sly hiding the secret to come with their costumes. All four of the guys I spoke with were sweet and had nothing but nice things to say about my costume. I chuckled later because I wondered what they really thought as I talked to them and walked around with my riding crop and very naughty outfit. Heck a friend didn’t even recognize me in the bathroom. It was a cool night where I also got to meet fellow YV fan Becky and see Mary again.

But the real stars of the night were YV. Their costumes were to be a surprise and boy were they surprising. When they came on stage all of them were in little black dresses wearing makeup. It was funny to see five hot British guys in drag. Some donned wigs and pantyhose too. Don’t get me started on how scarily hot they looked dressed as girls A highlight was having Coyle joke on stage that “he liked all the devil horns because that means that people are being evil” and looked right at me as he said it. This was a special night that had many guys in many bizarre costumes hit on me (Little Bo Peep? Zorro?) but it was priceless. It was made even better because I was in NY with two friends who had never been there before and they got to see Your Vegas with me for the very first time. This is another band to watch out for because 2010 will be huge for them! (Check them out at www.myspace.com/yourvegas)

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THE BRAVERY: I was so excited when I heard that The Bravery were making one of their few “non-opening act” shows 15 minutes away from me in MD at Virgin Free Fest. I had been to every Virgin Festival since it came to Maryland in 2006 and this year it was renamed Virgin Free Fest. I was so happy to hear on the radio that first of all Virgin Festival was taking place at all (long story short the venue that the festival was held out went bankrupt) but would also be free. But then they announced the bands and when they read the name The Bravery I literally screamed. I immediately texted friends, first up was Audrey. But the problem was tickets sold out so quick I was worried but I luckily managed to get a free ticket from a friend and found another one for a cheap price on Ebay. So I finally was able to plan with Audrey so we could see the band for the first time since Projekt Revolution in the summer of 2008. It was so much fun, although we had to stay on the edge of the lawn to watch due to a ridiculous line system. That was officially the furthest away we had ever been at a The Bravery show. But we danced our brains out in the warm but not sweltering weather and did our PSA “stop, drop and roll” dance (yes we started it people!) We also got to preview some of their new material which made us even more excited for their new CD. I got to hear “Jack-O-Lantern Man” and a few others that I had never heard before. Two big highlights were hearing “Red Hands and White Knuckles” and “Hatef***” live. Since Audrey and I are not shy we didn’t care we were two of only a few people on the lawn who were up and going nuts. But at one point as we did our dance during “Public Service Announcement” two women stopped and screamed “Oh My God they do it too.” We then did the dance with two complete strangers and bonded and chatted with two more diehard The Bravery fans. As always seeing TB with Audrey is too fun for words.

I was supposed to see The Bravery in DC with Audrey the day after their Pennsylvania show in TLA months later (see below.) But thanks to missing my Greyhound bus from Pennsylvania to Maryland I decided to make the fateful decision to take the Amtrak back for the very 1st time. This proved to be a bad idea. That’s because I never made it to the show due to my train hitting someone because the train didn’t move for over 5 hours. That was a terrible disappointment and I felt so bad that poor Audrey drove over 3 1/2 hours to get to the show that I had convinced her to go to the night before. She had to go by herself so I will be making up to her soon.

But seeing the Bravery at their aforementioned Pennsylvania show was amazing. All their new tunes proved to be even better live. They really were even better then a year before and Michael broke out all kinds of cool instruments on stage. Sam was even on the mark despite being sick. But having them so kind post-show especially having guitarist Michael Zakarin say to me that it is nice to see a familiar face in the crowd really meant a lot. Their drummer Anthony was quite nice too saying goodbye to me and thanking me for coming at the end of the after party. Wendy was able to snag a photo pass and was understandably nervous at dinner. We even did a couple shots of liquid courage after dinner at a nearby bar so we could ease her apprehension. That was because this was the first time she would be professional rock photographer (one of many more times to come). At the show she was so calm and got some gorgeous shots.

We were both also very nervous about the idea of holding a spot on the GA floor for her when she was in the photo pit. Because at The Bravery and other GA shows general admission can mean loads of self-entitled, crazy people. We sure encountered many a territorial girl there who shot us icy, evil stares and tried to steal our spot many times through the night due to our great spot. But the photo pit idea was a non-issue since there wasn’t one. That was because the barricade was so close to the stage Wendy and I were dangerously close to being hit by instruments. In fact once when the lead singer of Living Things jumped off the stage his mic chord wrapped around my neck, Wendy saved the day and untangled me. We were breathtakingly close. I even read the setlist and squealed when to of my fave songs were on there and said “aww” when someone came out and scratched them out with a marker. But the show was a blast and her pictures of both bands were exquisite. We didn’t let a few pushy girls ruin our fun when they were simply jealous of our spots in the front row (earned by waiting in line I might add) and the fact Michael Zakarin acknowledged us ruin our fun.

But the coolest part of the night came at the after party when Wendy and I got to see Mike “Dirt” Hindert’s side band No Lover who were absolutely brilliant. But also getting to chat with Cory Becker who is the guitarist for Living Things was one of my favorite memories from that night. I had been flirting with him after the show and complimented his The Cult show so he shook my hand and chatted with me. I also was staring at him like an idiot the entire show too. So it was fun to chat with him and he was so shy and so adorable that it left a lasting impression. Quote of the night was Cory trying to make small talk with us and he said: “So you like the Rolling Stones?” so cute) But the best part of the night was just simply seeing a The Bravery show with Wendy for the first time but also to have her meet the band, make Dirt laugh and just chat with the band for the first time meant even more. (Check them out at: www.myspace.com/thebravery or www.thebravery.com)

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{June 20, 2009} My first step to rock journalism world domination :)

Most of you already know but earlier in the year I took on a side job as the DC Music Examiner for Examiner.com (page viewable here: http://www.examiner.com/x-6224-DC-Music-Examiner) This may not be the full time journalism or PR job I have been longing for that would allow me to quit my day job which doesn’t fulfill me. But it still is a paying side job and allows me to do what I love: write. The subject matter I get to write about is especially gratifying for me since I love music and feel it is my passion. I would have been happy to write about anything but the fact it is music is the cherry on top of the sundae. My dream job is to work for Rolling Stone or something like it, but I have began to consider possibly creating my own music journalism destiny and maybe starting up my own site. This could happen since I have talked with a friend about a journalism collaboration (I think you all can guess who) so we could combine our talents and make our dreams come true ourselves. But I am still seeking that full time journalism job or PR job and it doesn’t need to be in music. I also love sports and helping others too so a job writing or working in a sports or charitable environment would be just as amazing for me too.

When I got the gig as DC music examiner I finally felt like I was moving in the right direction. Ever since I received my degree in Journalism I have felt like I have not been given a chance. Many places would tell me I did not “have enough experience” which brings me to my never-ending question, how does one gain experience if never given a chance? The fact is I did have experience since I have done internships in PR and Marketing, Promotions and most importantly I have done many internships in writing too. I have experience in writing for many mediums including: newspapers, magazines and online. The most memorable one that filled my portfolio with many clips was when I interned for a music magazine in Ireland in 2006. I am grateful for the chance to write period but to right about a subject that I pretty eat, sleep and breathe is even more of a dream come true. But this chance goes deeper then just writing articles. I like the freedom of this job but also the idea that I am still doing what I love. Going to my 8:30-5 job at an accounting firm does not feed my soul, so having an outlet where I can still write on the side and people actually have been reading it and giving me positive feedback has meant the world to me. I feel like I am more content and happy and most importantly I’m optimistic now. I do pretty much everything on my page, which is extra special for me. I write and edit the articles and publish them on there (my editor will only step in if she finds something wrong but she hasn’t yet). I upload and resize the photos and add the captions. I create the hyperlinks within the text and even come up with the headlines too. I love how it is a one-woman show and I look forward to expanding my page even more with more interviews, videos and music clips. I already did an interview with the keyboardist from Shiny Toy Guns that once I finally finish editing the video or transcribing it then it will go on the site. I also hope in the very near future to be interviewing some up and coming bands that I love and want to promote as well.

Let me conclude by saying thanks to everyone who already has supported me, shared his or her kind words and helped promote my page. You truly don’t know how much it means to me. I also hope others who haven’t yet will check out my page too. Because don’t let my title of “DC Music Examiner” fool you, it isn’t just about the DC area I also focus on music I recommend and other things that will appeal to a broader audience too. But thanks for your support and keep your eyes peeled for future endeavors too because I’m vowing to take the music journalism world by storm very soon and hope I can take all my wonderful friends along on the ride with me. Viva La Rock!

{June 20, 2009} My 3-Day Rock Tour (Part 3: VAST in PA)

Sorry that day three came so late but better late then never huh…so here is day 3 the final day of my adventure finally!

DAY 3: VAST IN PHILLY @ THE KHYBER- MAY 9, 2009

The next day I slept in until noon, allowing for my sick behind to recuperate from the amazing two nights before. This show was a last minute addition that was added a few days before the trip. I still marvel at how well the puzzle pieces fell into place as far as concerts back to back to back goes. We stopped at a local restaurant so I could eat some of the world famous crab fries Wendy kept talking about. Sorry not as good as my beloved MD Old Bay Fries but they were very good, OK so I’m bias. The food was terrific but the waiter not so much. As Wendy could tell you I don’t think he kept sustained eye contact with us for 5 seconds, super customer service jerk. Wendy got the meal, but as she can attest to we kept going back and forth paying for stuff so I guess it evened out in the end. In another random observation something fancy must have been going on nearby because I’ve never seen so many fancy ball gowns on women of all ages at 2pm on Saturday. Made me feel so underdressed in my skinny jeans. But before I walked into the restaurant I discovered the woozy feeling at the Killers and the trippy almost drunk feeling I had before I ate this day was due to Robitussin…what the crap is in that stuff?

After lunch, feeling slightly better but still looking and feeling a bit sick we headed out to go find something to do near the Khyber. The Khyber show was slightly unorthodox because both Wendy and I are used to doors opening at a specific time and us having to wait in line forever. So when we were told you couldn’t go in until 9pm we realized we had left way too early. So now we had to kill time for several hours since it was too long of a drive to go all the way back to her place. After loads of driving around and some browsing in stores we decided to just chill at the Starbucks. While sitting at a table outside things became very interesting. The first instance was a homeless man who singled us out and decided to tell us that he “forgave all our sins” even did the whole gesturing thing to forgive us like a Priest. Then he went into a diatribe about people dying constantly and how many people do we know that died this week? He ended with the pleasant comments: if we want to sit here with our cakes and sodas we will spend eternity with Satan. This was particularly funny knowing I had just been telling Wendy that I have relatives who think I am a heathen and are trying to convert me to being a super soldier for Jesus. Just as we stopped laughing over that randomness, something else happened. The next thing was very surreal because I now can say I think I’ve been hit on by a guy on every method of transportation (yes even a man on a horse). Two guys on a tandem bike rode by and while Wendy and I sat chilling and drinking our frappuchinos they proceeded to yell “We have cup holders!” This made us laugh and felt like it was some skit from Saturday Night Live, actually one of the dude’s looked like Andy Samberg so hmmmm?

NOW FOR THE PURE ROCK N ROLL PART OF THE TALE

We finally decided to leave for the Khyber at 7:30 and after parking we walked up. It was very bizarre because unlike every other venue I’ve been too there’s no will call or place to pick up tickets. So we decided to sit at the bar and order a few drinks and just chat while we waited. I couldn’t help but notice the music being played was very impressive. I’m sorry any place that plays loads of Ramones tunes and the Sex Pistols rules! I may not look Punk but I so am! But seriously there just aren’t enough rock bars/clubs like Khyber anymore!! At the Khyber not only were the signs on the doors of the bathroom the best ever, they were marked “Sit” and “Stand” but once inside we got a pleasant surprise. On the toilet paper dispenser there was a Your Vegas sticker, so of course both Wendy and I took a picture of it. Your Vegas dorks unite! The size of the venue made me sad I missed their show last year at this place. So Wendy and I sat at the bar waiting to see how tickets would be distributed and finally a man stamped our hands after checking a list that stated I had paid already. We then made our way through the crowd gathered at the tiny doors and headed on in and took our spot by the stage. I looked around and was pleased because the crowd was actually quite impressive.

After the opening band who I had never heard anything from tried to tune up and get ready on the super small and very crowded stage they began to play. What we heard from a band called INTO THE PRESENCE was mind-blowing and I am now officially in love as is Wendy with them (I think her even more so). They are hard to describe almost like a mix of classic rock, Audioslave style rock and more. They are just too good for words. Lead singer Luis Maldonado not only had a jaw dropping voice but his guitar skills are amazing. Part of the way through the show a female who we saw warming up with them joined them on stage with her cello. I immediately was fixated by the amazingly cool electric cello that looked less like a cello and more like a guitar. The girl who played it was awesome and seriously made me wish I had learned to play the cello if I knew it could look so cool that is. We really got into their set and some guy actually yelled at one point exactly what I was thinking “CELLO SOLO!” To which Luis said “who said that, that was awesome.” He even acknowledged the guy later when there was a cello solo. The entire band was amazing including the incredible drummer and the kick-ass female bassist. They actually made me wish I was in a band. Luis at first seemed nervous but as the crowd really got into it the more and more he warmed up and was cracking jokes and chatting with the crowd who were really getting into them too. At the end of the show I couldn’t resist, due to the closeness, I stopped Luis as they were getting their stuff off the stage and said “you guys were un-f***ing-believable.” He smiled and said “aww thank you so much.” As Wendy said, it was so cute he got all bashful when I said that. Yes Luis is very cute too, so it was quite adorable. The only drawback of their set was the fact we made the mistake to leave a bit of space in front of us because three girls decided squeeze into a space that should only fit one person. The one girl on the table to the left of us who kept messing with her hair drove me nuts. They finally left afterwards but one of them unfortunately came back for the VAST show.

After Into the Presence left the stage much like the very, very long wait for the Killers there was an even more long wait for VAST. I amused myself by listening to drunken conversations around me and at one point sang “Beat On The Brat” by the Ramones as it played. It was fun to watch the small door by the stage open and close as the bands loaded their stuff out the door. That was part of the amusement watching faces of passers by on the streets wondering WTF was going on. I think Wendy and I found stuff to stay occupied reading the tiny sticker that said “love” over the stage, playing musical chairs as we took turns sitting in the lone chair by the stage and more. The sound check guy was also fun to watch as we stared at his tattoos and listened to him throw playful jabs at the guy over at the sound booth, my favorites “God your voice sounds magnificent coming out of this microphone.” and him saying he may need to hold our hands to climb off the stage once the show starts.

At 12:30am I once again probably embarrassed Wendy because just before VAST took the stage the lights dimmed and what came on but… “In Dreams” by Roy Orbison which just happens to be my fave Roy O. song. So I proceeded to sing the song animatedly and sighed because it was so cool to hear this played somewhere. Then after the final notes of the song played, VAST finally took the stage, the crowd sang along and screamed to every song. They especially sang loudly to hits like “Touched,” “Pretty When You Cry,” and I must admit I went nuts when I heard those songs along with other personal faves like “Be With Me,” “Turquoise,” “One More Day,” and my all-time favorite “Here” to which, yes I head banged. The sound system was amazing because the machine behind the band recreated some of the ambient sound from songs like “Touched.” The music was a perfect blend of VAST’s diverse catalog and blended mellow and loud tunes flawlessly. Jon Crosby aka the mastermind of VAST was amazing but his touring band were equally amazing and watching them play their instruments was mind-blowing. Although I think Wendy and I simultaneously developed a crush on the keyboardist who was so gorgeous. Midway through the show, the tallest of the three girls from earlier came back only with a camera. The sound guy now sitting in the chair annoyingly told me and Wendy excuse me so she basically stole our spot. If it wasn’t for her occasionally leaving and also sitting on the sound guy’s lap I probably would have gone ballistic.

so I can say I hit both of the famous cheese steak places in Philly. I let Wendy order since there is a specific way to order subs at Genos to save time and I didn’t want to look completely like an outsider/idiot. The sub was great and I even got Wendy to capture the me biting into its tasty goodness with my camera to prove to my brother that I did. He did after all say I better eat a Philly Cheesesteak in Philly. While sitting there at the tables we sat next to the most stereotypical Philly guy ever in his thick accent and had a love of the F word but he was very entertaining. The temperature had dropped so we decided to abandon the table outside for the warmth of the car. She popped in her newly bought and newly developed obsession’s CD and we drove back to her place. I went to bed at 4am I think and it was slightly bittersweet because I knew tomorrow I would be ending my journey. I also must add I had the chance to meet her mom who I cracked up because she was very much enthralled by my long trip to Ireland and seeing Roxy Music with Bryan Ferry while there so I saw a little of where Wendy got her desire to go to the Emerald Isle and her love of music. I also think she thought I was a bit crazy yet brave to travel alone from state to state. Yes I am but that’s me exactly: crazy and brave.

THE LAST DAY OF MY ADVENTURE:

The next day unfortunately was my last day of the adventure and after getting up, taking a shower and packing, Wendy and I ate one of the biggest but most delicious strombolis or calzones (sorry always get them mixed up!) that I have had in a while. She drove me a long ways from Doylestown to the crowded Philly bus station and off I went home. I was a little sad to see it end and to have to go back to normal life. But in the back of my mind I knew that I would be back in PA two weeks later for Coldplay at Hershey Park so that perked me up and made me feel better. So I rode the bus home tired and still a bit sick but remembering all the fun I had on my rock n roll adventure. Viva La Rock and Viva La Adventure!!

PS: STILL SEEKING THE SETLIST WILL UPDATE ONCE I FIND IT!

{May 17, 2009} My 3-Day Rock Tour (Part 2: The Killers in NJ)

After I woke up, packed my bag and took a shower. Sidenote: washing my hair before the Killers show…what was I thinking?! On my way to NJ I of course listened to all four Killers CDs in preparation for the night. When I left my hotel I had the brilliant idea to just do my hair and wait to do my makeup until I get to the NJ bus station so I could look fresh for the Killers show. This is because it was warm outside and bus rides tend to make my skin all shiny. When I arrived at the Camden station, which was a scary place I went into the bathroom only to realize there were no mirrors!! But being the resourceful person I am I broke out the compact, put it on my suitcase and did my thing. It was hard and I had loads of chatty women talking to me while I did my makeup in one of the worst bathrooms ever but it was interesting. I also got loads of compliments about my perfume from people of all ages. The weather outside was quite warm so I dragged all my stuff into the handicapped bathroom and changed out of my jeans and into a denim mini skirt. After I was ready, I waited in the bus station. In a duh moment I learned to never wear a low cut halter top and mini skirt in the bus station ever. I’m fine with attention but leering of men you don’t want talking to you I could do without…lesson learned. Wendy picked me up at the station after she got off work and we drove together to the Susquehanna Bank Center after a brief stop at McDonalds for iced coffee. I needed caffeine badly but it was fun chatting with her in the car on our way.

WOOHOO WE MADE IT TO THE VENUE…

Once there we found a parking lot of tailgaters and saw a decent line by the doors so we headed over. As we walked up we noticed the lines outside were crazy. It looked like a free for all with three lines of varying lengths in between little barricades full of confused people. We picked the shortest line and stood there for about an 1 1/2 hours chatting. The funniest part was when a man in a monkey mask proceeded to show up and interview fans from the lines using a banana. I am still dying to know who this was since the lady filming had on Killers credentials. If I wasn’t sick I would have volunteered but honestly the Robitussin I took was making me woozy so I just observed from afar. The cutest fans were three young girls wearing jackets they had put feathers on to make it look like Brandon’s. Security didn’t seem prepared for the large amount of people who arrived early, a few people including a cranky girl arrived at 6:30am, geez that’s just way too early. As we stood there, a 4th line formed itself and security freaked everyone out when they said it would be only three lines. Needless to say chaos ensued with people screaming “Are we a line then?” Eventually the crowd was told after arguing w/security that there would be four lines now, that appeased the masses briefly. That was until security said we would be formed into two lines when doors open and then merged into one. After a lot of “feedback” from the crowd that idea was nixed too.

So at around a little after 7:30 the doors finally opened for all four lines. As always I was in the shorter line but the one that was the slowest. This time due to a lady that had her ticket scanner malfunction. She finally got backup after what felt like forever and also after few people cutting in front of people in the 2nd line. Once inside, as Wendy had warned me about, there was another line to wait in for people going to the pit. A few people were already there and security was trying there best to control the massive single line. We weren’t that far back and after we got our bracelets we strolled single file down to the floor. Wendy found a front row spot off to the right but I saw a spot second row center we chose instead. This turned out to be a great choice because we were actually so close and our view was amazing especially since everyone in front of us weren’t tall, two nights in a row…sweet! The pit was small and the people around us were very cool. I managed to meet two girls who were big U2 fans like me due to my complimenting their bracelets and turns out we have gone to many of the same shows and will be attending several of the same U2 shows too. There was also a nice British woman, a equally sick Asian girl and two twin girls that were also very cool. They told me a story about why everyone was taking pictures with one of the crew guys, an older gentleman who looked to be in his 50s or 60s. It turns out he was super fan and had been to so many shows that the band found out and now he is hooked up for life. Now hanging out backstage which I must say is a freaking awesome reward for dedication, bonus points to the Killers for that. The opener Chairlift was a bit boring except for one song everyone knew from a commercial (that song that goes: “I tried to do handstands for you…”) The band was decent but too mellow and the entertainment was actually the guy who played a bazillion instruments and the female singer who also played keyboards off to the side. Staring at her odd tights and watching her spin in circles like a nouveau hippie was fun to watch. Another highlight was hearing people scream “More cowbell.” when she broke out the aforementioned weird instrument. When the band left the stage, to everyone’s relief, the wait for the Killers was excruciatingly long.

The crowd at points broke into chants of “Killers, Killers.” Wendy and I examined the stage noticing all the cool details like the roses (which turned out to be real) in the back of the stage and on instruments. I also was marveling at how close to me the keyboard was, the one with the giant light up K on it, because this is where Brandon stands. In January I was off to the far right at the show so I got a lot of Dave and but not much of Mr. Flowers. Susquehanna Bank Center also had something else noteworthy and that every pit should have, a candy and water man! I think without my Peanut M&Ms I probably would have died from hunger since I hadn’t eaten since I feasted on the super healthy giant honey bun and popcorn at breakfast (life on the road!!) Finally the show started with the stage slightly aglow but soon after the band came out on stage and rocked out to the first song “Change Your Mind” the stage became electric as did the crowd. This was such a fun crowd because everybody sang the words loudly non-stop and danced and bounced up and down in unison. Although the “More Cowbell” girl and her friends really didn’t need to scream obnoxiously non-stop and yell the band’s names all night…that was the only bad part. My first thought when the band came out was “holy crap is Brandon really inches from me.” Yes folks we were super close, it was especially surreal when he come over to our area quite often and sang to our section. He liked to balance and walk on the speakers so close to us that I’m quite positive my mouth was open in awe for most of the show. I felt at home with this crowd because I too was rocking out to every tune extra hard because of the energy of the people around me. I know the words to all their tunes so poor Wendy had to deal with my animated dancing and gestures and the singing of every tune.

Midway through the show I had to pull my hair back in a ponytail because I was getting so hot from moving. I just can’t express the energy you get from a Killers show, they are such an amazing live band and just make you move and have fun. I especially got excited when they sang some of my old faves like “All These Things That I Have Done,” (alltime fave Killers tune) “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine,” “Shadowplay,” “Bling (Confessions of A King)” and more and my new faves from their brilliant new CD Day and Age like: “I Can’t Stay,” “Joyride,” Spaceman,” and “This Is Your Life.” I was pleased to hear “Dustland Fairytale” but missed not hearing “Losing Touch” and “Neon Tiger” this time around. But they did not disappoint me I mean how can any show the ends with fire and sparks shooting up from the stage at the end be a letdown. As the confetti from the cannons covered everyone in the pit during the final song “When You Were Young” the crowd seemed satisfied because this was the best Killers show I have ever seen. Despite being tired, sweaty and gross Wendy and I still of course made a stop at the merch stand. After perusing the wall because there was really way too much to choose from but since a girl had taken the only one left of a shirt I wanted (it said the Killers in the middle of “I got soul but I’m not a Soldier”) Wendy and I opted for the same cute purple shirt with Killers in big pink letters, I also got Wendy a poster and I bought a Killers tote bag as well. But after two nights in a row of having something I wanted at merch taken I have learned the valuable lesson to go before the show from now on!

I walked away from the show with a sense of awe since this show was even more amazing then when I saw them in January. I left the January show in VA with a Setlist which is one of my most prized possessions. But I left this show with an equally cool collectible, one of Dave’s guitar picks! It was thrown near Wendy and I. With her lightning fast reflexes she nabbed this as everyone else around her tried for it too. But instead of keeping it for herself and knowing what a huge fan of the band I am she gave it to me (thank you, thank you, thank you!) This makes me wonder what will I be lucky enough to get next at a Killer’s show since I am building up and impressive collection. A drum stick maybe? A feather from Brandon’s jacket? But after watching this unbelievable show I left there longing for another Killers show. So needless to say I almost flipped out when a local radio station in Maryland announced they will be playing my favorite outdoor venue Merriweather in MD on August 30th (I think I was unable to concentrate the entire day when I heard this news, yay!!) So this means I have seen the band in the Winter and Spring, soon to be Summer…come on fall too!

After the show, hungry and thirsty and with all concessions stands closed we opted to go to Sonic’s drive thru instead of going to a bar or sit down restaurant. This was due to the fact personally it felt like I had just ran a marathon four times because I was covered in sweat from head to toe, even my hair was wet. I even found bits of confetti in inappropriate places later that night stuck on me from the sweat. But I always welcome Sonic’s food, since I don’t have any where I live. I ate my favorite a chicken melt and some tater tots and downed my slushie due to being sooooo thirsty. My water at the show didn’t last (thanks to that security guard btw for letting me drop my bottle behind the barricade.) We made our way to her place after we finished eating and chatted for a while esp. gushing about the awesomeness that was that show. I must add her Ipod is creepily psychic because of course while on shuffle it decided to play the Killers right away but every time we talked about a band it would play the band (for ex. Civil Twilight, Your Vegas or Coldplay). At her place and since I missed having a pet it was especially cool to meet some of Wendy’s. I met her dog Blue who I think I freaked out and I also met the friendliest cat ever, her cat Mike who I wanted to steal. I think at 3 or 4 we went to bed because I think the show wore us out plus we had another adventure tomorrow. But I had trouble sleeping because I really was still in awe of what I had just experienced.

SETLIST:

Joyride
Change Your Mind
Somebody Told Me
For Reasons Unknown
I Can’t Stay
Bling (Confessions of a King)
Human
Shadowplay
Smile Like You Mean It
Spaceman
This Is Your Life
Dustland Fairytale
Read My Mind
Mr. Brightside
All These Things That I’ve Done

Encore:
Bones
Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
When You Were Young

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