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!

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!

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

 

INTRODUCTION:

There’s nothing like a little rock n roll adventure and traveling to wake you up and make your feel alive again. The boredom of working nonstop can strip my creative juices sometimes and just a few days off helped mightily but I must admit also left me itching for more trips. All three shows fell into place one at a time with buying FF tickets months ago, winning Killers GA tickets on Ebay a few weeks before the show and then accidentally discovering VAST was playing Philly when I wrote an article on VAST in MD. The only way I feel the trip could have been better is if I hadn’t been sick. I enjoyed myself despite having to take a bevy of cold meds and constantly blowing my nose. I also had to suck on sucrets lozenges nonstop throughout all three shows to help my cough, sore throat and keep my nose from running. I also alternated between dayquil and robitussin cold and cough (note: never take the latter on an empty stomach because it gives you a weird trippy/woozy feeling.) But regardless of this I still danced and sang and screamed because I was not going to let anything stand in the way of my having fun. Since this is a three part adventure I will tell the story in three parts. Warning they are very descriptive and therefore long. I wrote these over a pd of time at work so I wouldn’t forget a detail. I’m of course starting with Day 1 in NY with Franz Ferdinand!!! Pictures from the entire journey will soon be found in my MS photo album under “My Three Day Rock Fest May 2009,” after I caption them. Part two is in NJ (the Killers) and part three Philly (VAST).

Day 1: Franz Ferdinand in NYC @ the Roseland Ballroom- May 7, 2009

My journey started on May 7th when I left Maryland to go to New York to see Franz Ferdinand at Roseland Ballroom that night with my friend Christina. I love Franz Ferdinand and hadn’t seen them since 2006 in Ireland. New York was the closest they would be playing near me so when I heard about this show the day tickets went on sale I bought two. The morning I left was an adventure in itself since the light rail left early that was supposed to take me to my $1.00 bus (yes $1…thanks Megabus!!). So I had to get Plan B it and get a taxi and have him speed to the bus stop. Thankfully I made there just in the nick of time or I would have been stuck in a not-so-safe part of Baltimore and probably would have had to take a much later bus. Listening to FF of course via my Ipod on the way to NY I dozed off three times. I also listened to VAST to getting ready for May 9th since the bus ride to NJ would be spent listening to a certain band from Vegas with a hot lead singer named Brandon. But back to my point, I am used to riding buses which are cheap and I have many stations nearby so I go to NY quite frequently. Only drawback this time was all the coughing and the sore throat, I felt like everyone was looking at me like I had swine flu or something, one rude man actually asked me if I had been tested (I said of course I have!). The bus arrived 40 minutes late to the city. That was OK, it was the standing in terrential downpours waiting in a very, very long taxi queue in Times Square that was annoying. I was already sick so this wasn’t helping, luckily I had went into the big Borders right outside for a cup of coffee so that was helping me stay slightly warm. But my hoodie and poor, cute sketchers still got soaked. I was off to a hotel because I had to make a last minute decision to stay in a hotel since my friend had just moved and didn’t have an extra key to her place yet.

The problem came in because due to her working the day of the show and next day too, it would have been hard to coordinate how the next day would work since my bus to NJ didn’t leave until 1pm. I rushed to my hotel by taxi and after being scolded by the jerk taxi driver for getting his seats wet (duh my bags are wet moron it’s raining) and after I stopped coughing my brains out I navigated the halls of the weird 8th floor of the Days Inn on 94th Street. My room was nowhere to be found, after asking some nice people, who had found there room, “do you have a clue where room 800 is?” They said “did you check behind the door that looks like it leads to a stairwell?” Sure enough hidden behind the poorly marked door was three rooms and finally I was able to enter and speedily get ready. Mistake one was I brought my brothers carry on since it was weather resistant. There wasn’t even much in it but due to the small strap it has cut a hole in my shoulder, so I was sweaty from carrying it and in pain but I cleaned up and said “I’m in New York…nothing will get me down!!”

FINALLY I ARRIVE AT ROSELAND…

I once again hailed a taxi and made it to the venue at about 6pm where Christina held our place in line. I finally breathed a sigh of relief that I was there. She was waiting with her talented musician friend JC Maillard (he plays in a band called Grand Baton) and it was nice to meet him as well. I was grateful she got there when she did, the line had a decent amount of people in it. I had wanted to arrive much earlier but due to coming from out of town that was not possible. But the line stretched around the building so I was just happy to be where I was. After JC bid us an adieu since he had a gig that night, Christina and I chatted a bit more and it wasn’t soon after they let us in. Of course once inside this featured the standard mad dash to the floor. We snagged a pretty good second row spot I liked it because everyone in front of me was very short so for once in my life I wasn’t blocked and felt super tall. After the usual “hold my place” moment where you run off to the bathroom and grab drinks I came back and we talked and caught up once again while we waited. It didn’t take very long for the opening band to take the stage and once the show started it was non stop rocking. The Born Ruffians came out first and were very good, their music was very unique and I must say their lead singer was absolutely adorable and had a gorgeous voice. I enjoyed their set but was anxiously awaiting Franz Ferdinand. I got a tiny taste of FF when drummer from FF joined BR onstage. The crowd really got into the song once everyone slowly figured out who it was now behind the once empty FF drum kit.

Finally I believe a little after 9:30 the band I had waited to see for years came out on stage. Guitarist/Keyboardist Nick McCarthy limped out on stage on crutches because according to him he broke his foot or as lead singer Alex Kapranos joked later when he did intros he was the man with one and a half feet. He rocked it out even despite this and having to sit in a big wooden chair. The show was unbelievable and they played some of my favorite songs including: “Dark of the Matinee,” “Lucid Dreams,” “Ullysses,” “No You Girls,” “Do You Want To?” and so many more. They did a lot of songs off their brilliant new CD “Tonight” which I adore. The stage looked cool decorated in a cool looking screen in the background that showed images throughout the show and also lights. But the band stole the show with their high energy performance and encouraging the crowd to sing, which oh yes we did. The longest sing and response was the “uh huh yeah.” sing-a-long during “Lucid Dreams” which was fun. They were so amazing to watch playing multiple instruments and also their interaction with each other. One of the big highlights was when the band started playing the drummers drums during “Outsiders” and also when the Born Ruffians joined them onstage during “Lucid Dreams” for one amazing extended light show and the sound produced was stunning. I love how frontman Alex Kapranos said New York was their favorite city other then Glasgow (of course). My only complaint would be the fact people decided it was cool to cut in front of us or save spots for way too many friends, so we felt ourselves get more and more crowded as the show goes on because nobody had the guts to stand up for their hard earned spot. We also had to be rude and physically keep people from cutting in front of us since some people didn’t have the courage to say anything. But when the last song played I was sad because I knew it could be a while until I see them again and the show felt way to short. Not only are those Scotsmen easy on the eyes but they write some of the catchiest songs around and are on the list of bands you have to see live to appreciate. I wanted a souvenir but everyone was hanging around the stage so I decided not to ask for a setlist, maybe next time.

After the show leaving the floor was a journey. After we made our way through the impressive sea of bottles and cups the crowd seemed to come to a dead halt trying to inch their ways down the one small hallway to leave. I had never seen anything like this before, it was insane. Eventually hot and sweaty and trapped in the equivalent of a sardine can we made our way to the merch stand. I bought a shirt of course a cute pink one that says Franz Ferdinand and No You Girls on the back. I also wanted an adorable electric blue tote bag but just my luck a girl who ordered about a minute sooner then me took the last one. So instead I got an electric blue Franz Ferdinand chrome water bottle that I adore. Once we left, Christina and I went on a trek to find cheap food or a place that was open since it was surprising how many places were closes. We walked around many streets for a good while, this impressed me because I was able to not die or stumble once in my 4 inch heels. I stopped on our way so I could ham it up for the camera in front of the giant David Letterman sign and even kissed my new FF water bottle. We ended up eating the largest slices of pizza I have ever seen at a place called Fat Sal’s Pizza. I had the yummiest Chicken Parm pizza slice ever and we chatted finally since the Roseland Ballroom was too loud to really do so. Unfortunately since this was a Thursday Christina had to call it a night early. So at 12:30AM I headed back to my hotel, which by the way is the first time I think I’ve ever ended up going home before 4am when I’m in NYC. Refreshing change lol So I went and got myself ready for the next day which included getting out what I was wearing to the Killers show because check out was noon. I went to bed at 3am and had was sad I had to say bye to NY and Christina so soon but realized my adventure was just beginning. I wanted a redo of FF but will hold out hope they will play near me again soon! But to quote them I really was “lucky, lucky!”

SETLIST:

Bite Hard
The Dark of the Matinee
No You Girls
Tell Her Tonight
The Fallen
Michael
Turn it On
Walk Away
Twilight Omens
Do You Want To
Take Me Out
What She Came For
40′
Outsiders

Encore:
Ulysses
Lucid Dreams
This Fire

OK so everyone who knows me knows that I am a concert junkie. This year is already proving to be one of the most amazing concert years in a while. The list of bands I am seeing is staggering, I remember putting this in writing and sitting back and going holy cow how’d that happen? I also realized this is going to be one wild musical ride of a year. So for all of you who haven’t seen my list of shows I provided it below. You will now know why I may be broke and tired from the constant travel and late nights but it will be worth it. I’m actually also considering Lollapalooza and All Points West too, the latter especially since I will be in town for Depeche Mode and maybe the day before I see Depeche Mode I will swing by the Today Show to see Kings of Leon perform lol

But allow me to start with the ones I’ve already seen which I will come back with reviews of later but I’m so excited for the next few weeks because this is my idea of what every year should be like. Now I just hope I can come back with an update later saying I finally have some Civil Twilight, Your Vegas and Delta Fiasco dates to add to my list. That’s the only way it would be complete. No I’m not doing this to say “woohoo look at all the shows I’m going to.” I’m doing this because I hope it will encourage those of you who want to, to add a list of upcoming shows you’re attending at the end in the comments or even do your own blog entry! Because like what was witnessed on my partner in crime Audrey’s board, it is fun to see the wide selection of bands everyone will be seeing this year when shared.

So it is weird that according to list I will only be seeing two shows (as of right now that is) in my own state. But that’s fine because I love where I live because bus fare is cheap and there are so many bus choices and bus stations that are so close. So then I can take trips up to NJ, NY and PA ridiculously fast and knowing people in both places helps too, so that’s why I can be a road tripper so frequently. Plus DC and most parts of VA are super close as well so I’m very lucky. I am seeing a few bands more then once and believe me I would see Keane and Franz Ferdinand more then once if they had another doable date I could hit up, since it has been years since I’ve seen them. Same goes for Muse but I will be more then making up for not seeing them since I believe 2005 thanks to the wonderful U2 bringing them on tour with them (Once again I saw OMG OMG OMG to this pairing) I also have garnered from my list that I so need to move to NY already because I will be in the NY/NJ area 6 times to see shows this year (I’m sure more then that soon). Here that YV add an acoustic show on a Friday or Saturday please, just give me an excuse to make it 7 times to NY! But please read all about the crazy, musical adventure of moi and please share yours too if not now later because I know 99% of my friends are music junkies like me!

 

Already seen:

 

· The Killers: in VA on January 28th (Best bday prezzie ever!)

· Chris Cornell: in DC on April 5^th (Still giggle when I hear Billie Jean, Chris & his band are Gods & review later)

· Ladytron and The Faint: in DC on April 14th (I Love Ladytron but God the Faint rocked my world)

 

Upcoming:

 

· All American Rejects and Shiny Toy Guns: At my alma mater Towson University tomorrow (Go Towson!)

· All American Rejects and Shiny Toy Guns: in DC on April 28 (Seeing two amazing bands at my fave venue)

· Franz Ferdinand: in NY on May 7th (Yayyyyyy)

· The Killers: in NJ on May 8th (Once again Yayyyyyyy!)

· Chespeake Bay Blues Festival with Jonny Lang, Los Lonely Boys & more: in MD on May 15th (I <3 Jonny!)

· Keane: in DC on May 18th (2nd row baby!)

· Coldplay: in VA on May 21st (GA for CP is heaven)

· Coldplay: in PA on May 24th (*drools* Coldplay and rollercoaster riding @ Hershey Park!)

· The Roots, TV On the Radio, Santigold and the Black Keys: in PA on June 6th (This Roots Picnic lineup = pure bliss)

· Chris Isaak: in VA on July 27 (Wicked Game…sighhhhhhh)

· Depeche Mode w/Peter Bjorn and John: in Atlantic City August 1 (So excited for this esp. since it’s the only US G.A. date!!!!)

· U2 & MUSE: in NJ on September 24 (day 1 *beginning of my football stadium/general admission/ East Coast stalking tour of these 2 bands lol)

· U2 & MUSE: in NY on September 25 (day 2…will make this happen & get a ticket!)

· U2 & MUSE: in DC on September 29 (I take the last of my 3 older bros 2 his 1^st U2 show!)

· U2 & MUSE: in VA on October 1st (and so ends the stalking trip!)

· Kings of Leon: in NJ on September 12 (since I can’t see them tonight or Monday this equals happy solution! So who wants to go with me…yes I’m spontaneous)

 

The below blog post was a little something I wrote for a Killers contest. You had to tell them why you were the Killers biggest fan in a video. I created a fairytale about myself using I believe all of their song titles except two. The song titles are highlighted in bold and I will supply the actual video itself later but for now enjoy reading my little attempt to win the contest. At least I gave it my best effort because I may not have been able to buy tons of merchandise due to little money and space but I hope the people at spin earth will see that I am truly passionate about the band and their music despite all that. The video also not that great since all I had to use was my little digital camera and the audio on my computer came out bad but I tried. Also feel bad I had to talk about myself in the third person but hey it worked. But for those who don’t know the title of the story is Dustland Fairytale which a song from their brilliant release “Day and Age’ and the song title actually inspired me to write this. Thanks for reading and Killers rule (go buy all their CDs you won’t regret it!)

A DUSTLAND FAIRYTALE

BY LIZA WOODS

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Please allow me to share with you a tale called A Dustland Fairytale. Although not as classic a tale like Romeo and Juliet but it’s a tale of devotion and passion for music, travel, journalism and most importantly the Killers.

Enterlude

Once upon a time there was a Killers Super fan named Liza that lived in the kingdom known as Maryland. Liza dreamed of meeting the Killers and wanted so badly to see them at Coachella or in Vegas or even to the sold out show in New Jersey in May. Liza hadn’t been able to see the band a lot due to financial reasons and when she looked in her Daddy’s Eyes and realized she was helping him out financially right now she knew she had to Move Away from that thought. Until one Spring day as this Killers fan heading in from a Midnight Show said:

 “Somebody Told me about my dream contest, I think it was Uncle Jonny no it was Jenny… Jenny was a friend of mine on Myspace and she knew what a huge Killers fan I am.” Liza knew going to these places would be even sweeter if someone asks “Who Let You Go?“ and she could say why the best band on earth the Killers did.

Liza couldn’t sleep dreaming of how she could possibly do a little Shadowplay for the band. Liza’s heart filled with excitement as she thought:

” If only they could Read My Mind they would know that On Top of My List of things to do in life is to follow the Killers behind the scenes and show everyone what life on the road is like for them, especially in two of the places I’ve never seen in the World We Live In, good ol Sam’s Town aka that Neon Tiger Vegas and California.”

Liza, a fan ever since she heard the first notes from “Hot Fuss,” had waited in both scorching heat all day to see that Glamourous Indie Rock and Roll of the Killers and also this past January as a birthday present she received a ticket to see them in Virginia. There she sat in frigid temps for hours on the frozen ground after a snow/ice storm. Driving to the venue she exclaimed: “I don’t care if I had to say Don’t Shoot Me Santa but I need to take your Big Red Sleigh because not even ice and snow will keep me from Brandon and the boys!.”

She would do anything just to be as close as possible to Where The White Boys Dance onstage and pull off jaw dropping shows. Her reward from January, one of her most prized possessions her beloved Killers setlist which she hopes one day to have them sign. The closest she had come to meeting All the Pretty Faces of Brandon, Ronnie, Dave and Mark was a long, long time ago in 2006 in a faraway place called Dublin, Ireland where she interned for music magazine Hot Press. Her co-workers exclaimed gleefully they were going to interview the band. But despite her begging they couldn’t take her For Reasons Unknown…guess they were Under the Gun but they broke the heart of the diehard Killers fan.

But now deep in her “Day and Age” loving heart she had a glimmer of hope now knowing Everything Will Be Alright and Mr Brightside her own Prince could possibly make her the lucky Human/Killers fan who gets to document their every move for Spin Earth. Liza with her journalism degree dreamed of being a music journalist and interviewing bands like the Killers but instead found herself working in the most perplexing strange land: an Accounting firm, merely using her journalism skills on the side. She found solace in their music and whenever she felt she was Losing Touch with her dreams she just listens to all their CDs to Tranquilize those negative thoughts. The Killers poetry every line she knows by heart, inspires her.

So the excited Killers fan thought to herself “if only you would let me Show You How big a fan I am, I could prove that I am worthy of this opportunity and you will never want to change your mind.” She longs to hear Liza your are lucky and you win and not “Andy, You’re A Star or no really, Believe Me Natalie you win.” For Liza knows she’s up for the challenge because she doesn’t want to just provide Sweet Talk about the band she adores. She wants to show all the many sides of the band be it the Bling… (Confessions of a King) or Kings in this case or normal sides. But mainly show everyone just why the Killers are one of the best live acts ever. All the while making everyone who loves this band as much as she does feel they are part of the Joyride on the road for three glorious days.

But for now she will Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf until she has something to celebrate, but all the Bones in her body long for this chance to see lands unseen and live a musical fairytale with the Killers. Much like the River Runs Wild so does her sense of adventure and passion for music and the Killers. She firmly believes in the motto: “This Is Your Life so live it to the fullest” and she hopes that one day if asked, “When You Were Young did you live your biggest dream?” Liza, this Killers super fan, can say,

“Yes I did and it happened long, long ago in 2009 and as years passed I asked myself Why Do I Keep Counting? because after All These Things That I’ve Done nothing will can compare to meeting and shadowing the Killers.”

The End, well not really because whether this fairytale has a happy ending is all up to you. For now I will give you some Spaceman or woman to make your decision but in the end I of course hope you Smile Like You Mean It and pick me! Til then Goodnight, Travel

For more info. on the Killers then go to: www.myspace.com/thekillers  or www.thekillersmusic.com

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

I don’t know how many of you have heard the news but Ticketmaster has found yet another way to ensure they make money and in turn the fans lose theirs. I am talking about the $2 billion merger that is being struck between Ticketmaster and Live Nation (http://cbs2.com/local/Ticketmaster.Live.Nation.2.931717.html) This could be the end of choice for music fans like myself who buy concert tickets on a regular basis. Myself and others have observed the unhanded tactics Ticketmaster uses to makes money off selling tickets. TM also is ensuring they are the only option we have to buy concert tickets other then high priced ticket brokers and auctions. It was a breath of fresh air to see Live Nation giving Ticketmaster a run for their money especially after the suspicious partnership of Ticketmaster and Ticketsnow. I am not trying to start any kind of conspiracy theories but something doesn’t smell right in that situation. For all of you who don’t know let me provide a personal reason why this is a problem. On several occasions both myself and people I know have attempted to buy tickets right when they went on sale only to endure long waits and be told the particular section we were searching for was sold out less then even a minute later. Then you were given the suggestion to check Ticketsnow to find the tickets you seek and sure enough I did and what do you know all the best tickets in the venue were there at double, sometimes triple the cost.

The average folk like me aren’t the only ones who are affected by this in fact the boss himself Bruce Springsteen has been made aware of this dubious partnership (read this blog entry, it is very compelling: http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/blenderburner/24780/springsteen-hard-to-be-a-saint-in-the-rock-n-roll-city/) Only thing I disagreed with in that blog entry is I don’t blame Bruce, I blame Ticketmaster for this fiasco. His fans found themselves stuck in the same Ticketmaster/ Ticketsnow quandary as myself and others have found themselves in. My biggest question is what on earth doesn’t make this a monopoly? How could Sirius and XM have their merger put on hold for so long due to the M word but this particular merger is allowed to just happen. Although over the past few days more and more outrage has been surfacing and the deal is receiving more and more scrutiny and I am hoping if more and more people speak out then this deal will be killed.

But I did gain a whole new level of respect for Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York and Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-New Jersey, because according to the article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/11/ticketmaster.livenation/index.html?section=cnn_latest a letter was sent to Attorney General Eric Holder stating that the merger between the two companies would “consolidate ticket selling, concert promoting, and concert venue ownership under one massive entity.” Apparently angry music fans decided to stop staying mute and complained to Mr. Pascrell and now there is potential that this could be looked into to see if it violates anti-trust laws and also could cause an investigation into the practices of Ticketmaster overall. If that is the case and finally an investigation is launched against Ticketmaster this could be a silver lining but I hope the deal gets stopped even despite that. You see my main issue is for far too long Ticketmaster has been allowed to get away with so much, don‘t get me started on the hilarious and colorful nicknames some people have given the company. I have heard complaints from people I know that I can relate to about being told that only horrible seats are available only to find that amazing seats suddenly appear right before the show. In my opinion, this screams of trying to sell your least wanted inventory before providing the good stuff. I’ve been told by TM huge shows like U2 were sold out before only to find a lot of tickets good and bad magically appearing before the show. I know a limited amount of tickets are dropped before shows and bands take some of the tickets but it is the suspicious tactics and partnerships of TM that leave me wanting to give greatseats.com or stub hub.com my money and pay a bit more because I want to be close and not deal with the headaches.

And call me crazy but I think any respectable company would give the good seats to the fans who wait by their computer or outside where tickets are sold all morning during presales or the day the tix go onsale just to get the best seats but end up being left with paltry leftovers. I have learned very valuable lesson from TM, don’t jump on tickets when they first go onsale unless you don’t care where you sit because good things do sometimes come to those who wait. I hope that is also the case with the merger, hope in the end not just Live Nation stays independent of them but other companies give them a bit of competition because that’s the only way the fans won’t get the shaft when they want to see their fave band. And as the Boss himself said in his tune, “Surprise, Surprise,” everybody please open your eyes and see that some appearances can be very deceptive and it is time to fight for what is right. Because how can music fans follow the lead of artists like Pearl Jam and boycott Ticketmaster if we aren’t given any other ticket buying alternative?

       What is Your Vegas fever you might ask? Well the best way to describe it is an unexplainable feeling that overcomes you after you experience Your Vegas. The first symptom is you feel compelled to listen to their music obsessively.  That is soon followed by the burning desire to see them live repeatedly. Soon you feel this itch to do whatever it takes to spread the word about all things Your Vegas and even feel the relentless need to get multiple autographs and pictures or help them out.  I’m obviously displaying one of those symptoms right now by my need to spread the word and write an absurdly long post about them.  But myself and others have officially come down with an incurable case of Your Vegas-itus. But in this case of being infected I must say I like it and never want a cure for this wonderful fever.  OK in all seriousness, Your Vegas is actually a band from Leeds, England who released their masterpiece of a debut CD “A Town and Two Cities” last year (available on Itunes.) I discovered the band last March when I saw them open for the Bravery in North Carolina. Ever since then I have fell absolutely head over heels in love with their music. Since the band’s CD wouldn’t be released until a couple months after I saw them I had to listen to them on Myspace to satisfy my curiosity on whether their music sounded as good on CD as it did live. Needless to say it did and once I finally got the CD that was it I was addicted and now I can’t stop listening to it. Although I must say the CD alone doesn’t do them justice because to really appreciate their epic, powerful sound you have to hear them live. But it really isn’t just about their amazing unique sound which blends pop, new wave, electro, rock to create a distinctive sound all their own, it’s about the people themselves. There is Coyle Girelli (vocals), Jon Langford (bass), Mat Steel (guitar and vocals), Mal Taylor (drums) and Mark Heaton (keyboards and sometimes guitar) to be exact. These are five of the coolest people you could ever hope to meet or will have the pleasure of communicating with. 

     Myspace is where it’s at if you want to find out what I mean. They always make an effort to make you feel like you are important, if you send them a message on there they write you back so quickly sometimes it blows your mind. Although they are getting more and more exposure as they deserve so needless to say they have more fans to tend to now so sometimes patience is a virtue. In a word they genuinely seem to enjoy interacting with their fans. After I had a rare moment of shyness and spoke no more then a sentence or two to them in NC, my friend Audrey and I finally had the pleasure to talk with them last July for the first time since NC during a week her and I dubbed the “Epic Week of Epicness” because it was basically NC’s bands again spread out over one week plus a little rollercoaster riding thrown in for good measure. Honestly they probably wish they had never started chatting with me because I have talked there ear off at every concert since then (I think I am at 7 or 8 now?) That’s just because they are even more kind and easy to talk to in person. I’ve had the pleasure to get the know the guys behind the music which is rare with bands you love and they have been very kind to indulge my relentless hunger for picture taking but it’s that easy going nature that makes the shows extra special.  Yes upon first seeing and meeting the band you can’t help but notice yes they are very, very easy on the eyes too and have really adorable accents. But unlike some of the good looking bands out there, with YV it isn’t about the shallow, external things with them. If you look deeper and crack the surface then your will find intelligence, courteousness, immense talent and an infectious spirit that makes them so much more then a bunch of “cute” rock stars. They are performers seasoned beyond their years and are the rare band that not only recreate their sound live but better the recorded product.  Although in all honesty I’m seriously waiting for shirts like the ones created for the movie ‘Twilight’ to come out that say: Team Jon, Team Coyle, Team Mat, Team Mal, or Team Mark because honestly every female that sees them seems to form a crush on one of two of these guys instantly.

     But witnessing them live is breathtaking and everyone should do it before they reach superstardom and while you have the chance to see them in small venues. I don’t say that as a biased fan but because it’s just a feeling you get when you hear the band and watch their steady progression over one year, mark my word it will happen. I have seen them in Virginia alot, once in MD and even Atlantic City and saw them play alone but also with bands like The Bravery, Duran Duran and The Shiny Toy Guns. Although I am still bound and determined to see them in actual Las Vegas and also New York at one of their acoustic shows at Rockwood Music Hall too (the latter is something every YV fan should experience.) They have played huge music festivals like Bonnaroo, SXSW and have been hand picked to headline Playboy’s Cabo Wabo celebration and this year should be no different with a wide variety of ways you can have a Your Vegas experience. Also like many fans I’ve worked merch for them because honestly you just feel compelled to help them out because they don’t come with all the perks of superstardom yet like giant tour buses, a payroll to hire a perm merch girl or lavish catering. No they travel by van everywhere 95% of their time, rely on fan help to sell their swag at shows and eat food usually at the venue like the rest of us. Also much like another band I fell in love with that same night Civil Twilight (yes there is a long post about them coming too) they love performing and are easy to approach unlike some artists who may seem off-putting or above conversing with fans. That mentality alone means they deserve to be superstars because many bands could learn from them. I implore you if you haven’t bought “A Town and Two Cities ” please go buy it, it’s way too brilliant for words and I dare you not to fall in love with them after one listen. It’s pretty much impossible to pick favorites on this CD but my personal favorites are “Troubled Times,” “It Makes My Heart Break,” “Aurora,” and “Up Until The Lights Go Out.” It will be one of the best investments you can make.   

     They are currently back in the studio in New York writing new songs but honestly having heard some of their other previously unreleased tracks this band has enough music for three new CDs. Their latest song called Champion, created for MLS is pure brilliance (check out a link below to hear it along with some other noteworthy sites.) Also check out a few of their gorgeous unreleased tracks like: “Saturday Night,” “Someone To Love, Someone To Hold,” I’m On Fire,” on You Tube, this one called “Oceanbird” is my personal favorite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKE1ap5q7XU.  Along with the release of some sure to be amazing new tunes soon they also are giving everyone an extra treat with a cover of “Everybody’s Got Something To Hide, Except For Me and My Monkey” by the Beatles, this after they brilliantly covered the Beatles “Blackbird” (see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxjvW6XqBU4.) A friend of mine and I had been discussing recently that it takes a lot of talent to do justice to legendary bands like the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Who and The Rolling Stones.  Your Vegas proves they can not only cover classic bands but could probably cover anyone. Because Coyle’s stunning voice, haunting like a modern day Roy Orbison, coupled with the incredibly dynamic and gorgeous sound produced by the four irreplaceable and talented guys that create the lush soundscape that is Your Vegas makes their music a thing of beauty. They deserve more airplay then just on Sirius radio’s Altnation where the song “In My Head” is getting loads of exposure thanks to fan voting. But they apparently are adding more dates soon so hope they get more exposure and airplay in 2009, just please keep an eye on their Myspace page (link is below) to see if they are playing near you soon. But while you’re on MS check out the band’s blog and bulletin entries which are the most entertaining thing on the social networking site (Jon’s colorful writing constantly makes me laugh).

     I’m not going to go into detail on how their music has helped me through so many ups and downs nor am I  writing to simply gush or say I <3 Your Vegas (although I do). I just wanted to say that anyone who hasn’t checked them out live or on Myspace or bought their CD you should do it ASAP because you won’t regret it. I love to spread the word on things I am passionate about and YV is one of those rare bands that makes me want to promote and tell the world listen to this.  Because as myself and so many others can tell you Your Vegas is one of the best overall bands to come out of England or anywhere in a long, long while. OK so this turned into a bit of a gush-a-thon after all but I couldn’t help it because Your Vegas really has rocked my world and I am trying to spread the word. So please for all of you who haven’t, go discover this brilliant band comprised of five great guys called Your Vegas and then I know you will have a serious case of Your Vegas-itus too!! So catch the fever and you won’t want to find a cure either trust me. VIVA YOUR VEGAS!!

Here’s some instant gratification. These are some of the most important places you need to check out for all things YOUR VEGAS:

1) Official Myspace page of Your Vegas: www.myspace.com/yourvegas 

2) Hear clips of “A Town and Two Cities” here on amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/recsradio/radio/B00165KMGU/ref=pd_krex_listen_dp_img?ie=UTF8&refTagSuffix=dp_img)  

 3) As promised please check out the instant classic “CHAMPION” here: http://www.thesixtyone.com/YourVegas/collection/item/36851/Champion/?autoplay_song) 

4) The band’s Kyte channel: www.kyte.tv/ch/38712-yourvegas  

5) YV’s Twitter home: www.twitter.com/yourvegas 

6) Location of everything you need to know about YV): http://www.yourvegasmusic.com/news_d.aspx?nid=5914%20-%20 

7) Official Fan Forum For Your Vegas: www.yourvegasfanforum.com 

The wonderful music Gods have answered my prayers once again. No I haven’t found a free hotel for Coachella but it does involve one of the acts form the festival. If you seriously need a evidence I am hooked on live shows I am about to give it to you. Well a few days ago I went to work and was feeling like utter road kill. My nose was running, my head felt like a herd of buffalo stampeded over my skull, I was sick to my stomach and was just overall feeling miserable. Well I got home from work, turned on my computer and logged into myspace since it is blocked at work and I needed my MS fix. One of my friends had written a bulletin about how excited she was that Franz Ferdinand is playing near her. Of course seething with envy I posted a comment that went something like this OMFG I’m so jealous or something hopelessly excited like that. Then I decided I would check out Franz Ferdinand’s MS page, apparently I work in backwards order and should have maybe thought to do this before posting my exuberant bulletin comment. But lo and behold they also announced dates in Philly and New York. I proceeded to do the happy dance on the inside and shriek with delight, no seriously I think I actually shrieked with delight.

A little back story, ever since I saw the Coachella lineup I have been yearning to see Franz Ferdinand. I had been given a glimmer of hope that a band that rarely plays America would possibly be coming here. But their tour dates showed I may have to wait a long while to see this brilliant band again since it was pretty much just foreign dates. I mean the idea that unfortunately I’m probably not going to be able to afford Coachella is beginning to sink in and therefore I was one bummed girl. I love Franz Ferdinand (with a capital L in love) and the last time I saw them was 2006 in Ireland and they blew me away. Needless to say I have been dying to see them again. Their new CD “Tonight” is brilliant and has been in constant rotation in my car and Ipod since I bought it a few weeks back. You all can expect a review of this CD and more later because I have been on a music buying spree and found some amazing gems, this one is at the top of the list right now. So go buy it ASAP! I had been listening to the CD as I put my car in park that night and walked into my house and needless to say the CD sounds even after the wonderful news I received. There is no doubt that I will be seeing them on May 7th in New York and if I am feeling adventurous maybe in Philadelphia on May 8th. I know NY is a go because I immediately texted one of my friends in NY, who I might add has impeccable taste in music, to let her know about the show and she immediately asked “do you want me to buy tickets?” I love my fellow musically adventurous friends. So you better believe I will definitely be at the Roseland Ballroom in May dancing in my usual crazy way, rocking out to my favorite Scotsmen ever.

I’m just the kind of person that will take trips that surround concerts. I love New York so any excuse to go there is great but I love filling up a trip with music regardless of whether it is for a weekend or a week. Hey, I just may head over to Camden, New Jersey on May 8th and see the Killers while I’m there because yes I am that crazy. But I instantly felt better once I heard the news that FF had announced more dates. No my cold or virus never miraculously vanished but I got an endorphin rush that made me smile all night and forget I was sick, no doubt the happiness part will stick with me for days. So yes I am a hopeless concert addict and I get excited even before I actually go to the show. I plan like months in advance and psych myself up. So I am very excited for May. It will be extra special because I still get sort of blue on Mother’s Day which is May 10th because I lost my mom in 2003, so this will be a happy distraction as well. I gleefully answer Franz Ferdinand’s question posed in the title of one of their classic hits: “Do you want to” My answer is yes and I am going to because I <3 those lovely lads from the country of my people aka Scotland and I <3 live shows especially in the Big Apple! But watch out NY and FF I am coming for ya in May and I will be wearing my hottest pair of dancing shoes.

PS: Please follow this link: http://www.playlist.com/playlist/15004989963/standalone (give it a few seconds to load.) I created a playlist just for you I included what I consider the absolute essentials from FF. The first few are from their amazing new CD “Tonight.”

Also for information on the band please check them: http://www.myspace.com/franzferdinand or www.franzferdinand.co.uk/