tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672750859321451462024-02-20T12:03:56.484-08:00The Set ListYour guide to new music, concerts, musicians and trying to make your way as a songwriter in LA...as told by me.Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-79250192263465241092012-05-05T10:10:00.000-07:002012-05-08T13:02:21.240-07:00JLew Reschedules!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRkGCiQhLJb6H8iWUgAHgDVRHomKrrvslMAWK0TzwHuDh03QMpMex7wLlUi4lakTSSyEr8R0-p7xjdh2LGrPvnvYSyv17FHcARL9oR0QMBJHBMGu9pTGwOTZBdHhzpiYMqJTyeFQT24c/s1600/IMG_0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRkGCiQhLJb6H8iWUgAHgDVRHomKrrvslMAWK0TzwHuDh03QMpMex7wLlUi4lakTSSyEr8R0-p7xjdh2LGrPvnvYSyv17FHcARL9oR0QMBJHBMGu9pTGwOTZBdHhzpiYMqJTyeFQT24c/s320/IMG_0533.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view of Jenny at The Music Box last June.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Whew. We can all breathe a sigh of relief now. Jenny Lewis has rescheduled her "I Heart Cali" tour. It's been a pretty rough week for me, so I was so thankful when she announced it. I got my tickets for June 20th at the Largo. (A great venue for intimate shows). And it's the day after my birthday, so it'll be a nice little gift. I've been going through serious JLew withdrawals. I haven't seen her perform live in almost a year. Can you imagine??? I'm proud to say that this will be my 14th time seeing her live. Exciting stuff!Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-15464154994560170322012-04-19T10:03:00.000-07:002012-05-08T17:58:30.827-07:00My Top Ten Ani DiFranco Songs<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNkVYgfaBEia-i2AyfIB-slRhtWf_so6hR3H0FS18mMATVYI-A8lEUfzIWn90puyQT_yVIKWjepjhHjEnbYB-G0Dr79Jo8AbRustodr9qBmqy4_5-Z74vZvu4ZrKL8l5ODaHTQ1G87E8/s1600/101_0163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNkVYgfaBEia-i2AyfIB-slRhtWf_so6hR3H0FS18mMATVYI-A8lEUfzIWn90puyQT_yVIKWjepjhHjEnbYB-G0Dr79Jo8AbRustodr9qBmqy4_5-Z74vZvu4ZrKL8l5ODaHTQ1G87E8/s400/101_0163.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from when I saw Ani at the House of Blues a couple years ago.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Really,
does it get much more badass than Ani D? After 20 years in the music
biz and over 20 albums, she still knows how to tug at our heartstrings
with each and every song she writes. And she just keeps going. Her
most recent album, <i>Which Side Are You On?</i>, was just released in
January. What I love most about Ani is that it’s so hard to put her
into any one category. Is she blues? Soul? Jazz? Folk?
Singer/songwriter? Rock? The answer is: yes, yes she is. She is all
of the above and more! And her guitar prowess is simply mind-bottling.
<span class="st">You know...when things are so crazy it gets your
thoughts all trapped, like in a bottle? (Come on…what’s that from?) Seriously, though. Whenever I
try to learn an Ani song on the guitar, I’m like WTF is she doing? How
many hands does this woman have?! And then I put my guitar down and go
hover in the corner and cry. Okay, not really, but it’s pretty
frustrating. </span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="st"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Since
her style reaches across so many musical genres, her lyrics make you
think “omg, she totally wrote that about my life,” her guitar-playing
sends me into a tizzy, she writes songs that
can speak anyone, anywhere, I’ve decided she will be our new “Essential
Playlist.” With the help of my bff (Ani is one of her favorite singers)
I’ve narrowed down the top ten Ani DiFranco songs for you to add to
your playlist (if you don’t have them already). </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="st"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Falling is Like This </span></i></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="st"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Pretty
much sums up what love feels like. “We can’t fight gravity on a planet
that insists that love is like falling and falling is like this.” </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">2. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Untouchable Face </span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
very first Ani song I had ever heard. Needless to say, I was hooked.
Without a doubt, one of the best breakup songs of all time. EVERYONE
has felt this at one time or another. “She’s not really my type, but I
think you two are forever and I hate to say it, but you’re perfect
together , so fuck you and your untouchable face.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">3. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">She Says</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">A
hauntingly beautiful song that’s about a relationship not being able to
work out simply due to the timing. She’s got a beautiful girl in her
bed and knows that it just can’t work no matter how much she wants it
to. “Like an idea, she came to me, but she came too late or maybe too
soon. I said please try not to love me…you know I have no vacancy and
it’s awfully cold outside tonight.” Gah! It gets me every single
time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">4. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Not a Pretty Girl</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Female empowerment. The lyrics say it all.</span></span></div>
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<b> </b>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">5. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Both Hands</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We
witness the deterioration of a relationship. Her words in this song
are so deeply personal, it’s like peering into her life and the failed
romance that she tried so hard to keep together. The imagery in this
song makes it one of Ani’s best. You see every single moment as the
breakup plays out. “You’re bones have been my bed frame and your flesh
has been my pillow, I’ve been waiting for sleep to offer up the deep
with both hands.” </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">6. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Little Plastic Castle</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This
seems to be an Ani theme in a lot of her songs (and it’s a much
welcomed theme!) Don’t judge people by their appearances or make
assumptions based on what they look like or what they’re wearing.
“Quick! Someone call the girl police and file a report.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">7. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Overlap</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I know
there is strength in the differences between us and I know there is
comfort where we overlap.” And she said when I write songs about her,
it reminds her of this line: “I build each one of my songs out of glass
so you can see me inside of them…”</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">8. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">32 Flavors</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">A
song basically telling everyone not to take Ani (or anyone else, for
that matter) at face value. This song says so much in a matter of
minutes. Every line is my favorite line, so just give it a listen and
let the words speak to you. I promise there will be at least one line
where you’ll think “Damn, now THAT’S a line.”</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">9. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">As Is</span></i> </b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Such
an amazing song about accepting someone for who they are and what they
are, flaws and all. And don’t bother trying to lie or be someone you’re
not, because you’re not fooling anyone. “Just give up and admit you’re
an asshole, you would be in some good company.” I also love the line,
“When I look down, I just miss all the good stuff and when I look up, I
just trip over things.” That pretty much sums up my life. I’m so shy, I
often look down when I walk and I know I’m missing out on so many great
things and great people that I’m just too shy to experience. And when
I look up, I end up becoming disillusioned with things…or literally
just tripping over them because I’m a klutz.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>10. <i>Fire Door</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ever been cheated on? This is the song for you.<b><i> </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So...are
you an Ani fan yet? Then get on over to iTunes or Amazon or her
website at www.righteousbabe.com to get everything she has ever
written...ever. </span></span> </span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="st"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="st"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span>
</div>Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-33857557125616709682012-04-03T17:44:00.000-07:002012-05-08T17:44:44.277-07:00Workout SongsOkay, since I'm a regular at the gym, whether it's LA Fitness or Krav Maga or on the soccer pitch, I cannot stress enough the importance of having good, fun, upbeat and motivating music to listen to while you work out. If my iPod runs out of battery while I'm at the gym, my day gets infinitely sadder and my workout suffers. So I'm here to share with you my top ten workout songs right now:<br />
<br />
1. Mr. Brightside - The Killers<br />
2. Rumour Has It/Someone Like You mashup from Glee<br />
3. Gimme Sympathy - Metric<br />
4. How Far We've Come - Matchbox 20<br />
5. Bodies by Drowning Pool<br />
6. 'Til I Collapse by Eminem<br />
7. Committed by Jenny and Johnny<br />
8. Here It Goes Again - OK GO<br />
9. My Body - Young the Giant<br />
10. You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift<br />
<br />
Are you pumped? Then download these songs and get to it!Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-83617205049813971342012-03-29T12:58:00.000-07:002012-05-08T12:58:28.108-07:00Guilty PleasureI'm almost ashamed to admit this. But I'm going to admit it. Because I'm not a music snob. I like what I like. And it turns out, I like Selena Gomez's "Love You Like A Love Song." There. I said it. And I'm not taking it back. You can't make me. It's kind of like when I went through my Miley Cyrus phase a few years ago. I couldn't get enough of her song "7 Things." And Ke$ha's album. I may or may not have worn that album out. It's just good fun. And so it "Love You Like A Love Song." Now the question is: do I download it? Or will I soon get tired of hearing it on the radio? Hmm...Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-78561345934837541772012-03-22T10:05:00.000-07:002012-05-08T10:05:29.482-07:00Lyrics of the Day"And the heart is hard to translate<br />
It has a language of its own<br />
It talks in tongues and quiet sighs<br />
And prayers and proclimations<br />
In the grand days of great men<br />
And the smallest of gestures<br />
And short, shallow gasps."<br />
<br />
-Florence + the Machine, "All This and Heaven Too"Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-49782121530014418662012-03-01T09:52:00.000-08:002012-05-08T09:53:16.239-07:00Lyrics of the Day "Heartbeats" - (I love the Elllie Goulding version, but The Knife version is pretty awesome, too)<br />
<br />
One night to be confused<br />One night to speed up truth<br />We had a promise made<br />Four hands and then away<br /><br />Both under influence<br />We had divine scent<br />To know what to say<br />Mind is a razor blade<br /><br />To call for hands of above<br />To lean on<br />Wouldn't be good enough<br />For me, no<br /><br />One night of magic rush<br />The start, a simple touch<br />One night to push and scream<br />And then relief<br /><br />Ten days of perfect tunes<br />The colors, red and blue<br />We had a promise made<br />We were in loveRedhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-73300024895177467122012-02-28T10:42:00.000-08:002012-05-08T18:01:25.044-07:00Dream Collaborations<br />
Okay, I'm gonna make this short and sweet. These are the folks I would LOVE to see collaborate on any sort of musical project:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyEkC6mRigl-S03LOdA68IVB8jc0natpNAwLSTWBNw-vc4R_htUUXE_hmo3KHrxs2OL3Grc2zXmP96xMsHTHlIZ54wmwbITuiO0IU1VUDCOLkqtUNVQHwDW3BXqI4bQXpOU6nnYrVJjU/s1600/101_1206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyEkC6mRigl-S03LOdA68IVB8jc0natpNAwLSTWBNw-vc4R_htUUXE_hmo3KHrxs2OL3Grc2zXmP96xMsHTHlIZ54wmwbITuiO0IU1VUDCOLkqtUNVQHwDW3BXqI4bQXpOU6nnYrVJjU/s320/101_1206.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Dallas Green of City and Colour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
City and Colour with Sade. I know it sounds weird, but if you heard Dallas Green (the man behind City and Colour) sing the mashup of his song "Sometimes I Wish" and Sade's "Ordinary Love," you would want this collaboration, too!<br />
<br />
Florence + the Machine with Adele. Come on. Two sultry Brits with killer voices? Arrange a tour together, ladies. Or record a song. Anything!<br />
<br />
Naya Rivera with Ne-Yo. Yes, I'm a huge Gleek and Santana (Naya Rivera) is my favorite. How cool would it be if she not only released a solo album, but also collaborated with my favorite R&B artist. Besides, Naya + Ne-Yo. Come on! The Naya/Ne-Yo tour. It just rolls off the tongue.<br />
<br />
Jenny Lewis with Jenny Owen Youngs. My two favorite Jennys. East coast Jenny (Owen Youngs) and West Coast Jenny (Lewis). The Biggie and Tupac of the girls with guitars world. I'm salivating just thinking about it.Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-44712721646409111762012-02-16T09:43:00.000-08:002012-05-08T09:45:10.385-07:00Ingrid Michaelson - Up Close and Personal<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9BNcR78PwlgtM-JMkNZaMSGeGWqvwtRcZnHbcDeVyWCcPEm1VYj2h7AJW7s5UBgmFu2-WZWf_9Mkj5t_OctaMm78GWz42yBdeyfX2DilD6vigJqIxGl0ynZuMRAw0CJtr0qzRpqly7I/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9BNcR78PwlgtM-JMkNZaMSGeGWqvwtRcZnHbcDeVyWCcPEm1VYj2h7AJW7s5UBgmFu2-WZWf_9Mkj5t_OctaMm78GWz42yBdeyfX2DilD6vigJqIxGl0ynZuMRAw0CJtr0qzRpqly7I/s400/032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingrid!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Ingrid is back! And I'm one of the lucky few who was able to attend one of her intimate "pop-up" shows in support of the release of her new album, Human Again. She played at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood - probably the venue I've been to the most. I love the intimacy of Hotel Cafe. The maximum occupancy is approximately 150, so you know you're gonna get a truly personal show. <br />
<br />
I can't even express how amazing this show was. I had only downloaded her new album a couple days ago, so I didn't have too much time to learn the songs she was going to perform, but the one song I found myself listening to on repeat (and the song I almost teared up to when she played it live) is called "Ghost." That is by far my favorite song on the album. It's one of the most heart-wrenching breakup songs I've ever heard. Sample lyrics:<br />
<br />
"Do you remember when the walls fell<br />
Do you remember the sound that the door made when you closed it on me<br />
Do you know that I went down to the ground<br />
Landed on both my broken-hearted knees<br />
I didn’t even cry<br />
'Cause pieces of me had already died"<br />
<br />
Trust me. It's a tear-jerker. <br />
<br />
The most exciting part of her show? She invited one lucky fan up on stage to sing with her. The song is called "The Chain." It's off one of her previous albums and I think it's safe to say that it's my favorite Ingrid song. It's sung in a round and Ingrid only had bandmate Allie Moss with her on stage, so she needed another voice for that song. She asked for a volunteer and only two people raised their hands. I was one of those two people. The thought of maybe being able to sing on stage with Ingrid Michaelson was enough to make my heart beat out of its chest. It's always been my dream to be invited on stage to sing with one of my favorite singers. And who did she choose to sing with her? The other girl that raised her hand. Yup. Story of my life. But that's okay. The other girl did a great job and I was genuinely excited for her. My day will come...sooner or later.<br />
<br />
Ingrid played the majority of the songs on her new album, while sneaking in some old fan favorites. She had the crowd in the palm of her hand. (Which, incidentally, is the name of one of her new songs, "Palm of Your Hand," which was just featured in an episode of Grey's Anatomy). I've seen Ingrid four times in concert and every time, I'm captivated. Not only by her voice and her music, but by the stories she shares with her audience. She's known to vamp a lot between songs, sharing funny and engaging stories and she constantly keeps the audience laughing.<br />
<br />
Once the show was over (too soon, if you ask me), I met up with her back stage and had a really nice conversation with her. It's actually my second time meeting her and I really love how genuine and sweet she is. They always say "Don't meet your heroes" but with Ingrid, thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. She was open and honest and funny and I'm so thankful that I had this opportunity to talk to her. She's playing at the Wiltern in April and of course I already have my tickets. After the first time I saw her in concert, I made a solemn vow to never miss Ingrid when she's in LA. I'm sticking too that vow.Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-73423476313747780012012-01-20T10:27:00.000-08:002012-05-08T10:27:24.891-07:00Coachella 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
So here's the Coachella lineup. I have to admit, I've never actually been to Coachella. I always want to go every year because of how many incredible bands are there, but I usually can't afford it and the thought of being in the desert in the searing heat and bright sun probably isn't the best for my fair, Irish skin. But this is an impressive lineup. And it's TWO weekends!<br />
<br />
The acts I'm most pumped about? The Black Keys, Florence + the Machine, La Roux, Bon Iver, Martin Solveig, Mazzy Star, Cat Power and of course Feist!Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-77796518786669545402012-01-03T09:54:00.000-08:002012-05-08T09:54:46.009-07:00Lyrics of the DaySometimes I wonder why<br />
I'm so full of these endless rhymes<br />
About the way I feel inside<br />
I wish I could just get it right.<br />
<br />
- City and ColourRedhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-35859123241471283002011-11-01T09:03:00.000-07:002012-05-08T09:04:38.791-07:00Death Cab!<div class="standardText storyText">
<span class="attributeText locationText"> </span>KCRW
hosted a private Death Cab for Cutie show at Bob Clearmountain’s
Berkeley Street studio in Santa Monica. This intimate setting is a
perfect venue for watching a band you truly love. The past few times
I’ve seen Death Cab in concert I was really far away amongst a crowd of
thousands, so it was such a treat to see them up close and personal. The
excited crowd of 150 people stood shoulder to shoulder in eager
anticipation waiting for the band to take the stage. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
After
14 years together, Ben, Chris, Jason and Nick released their seventh
studio album, “Codes and Keys,” back in May. Throughout their ten-song
set, they performed songs from the new album as well as some fan
favorites. Opening with “Crooked Teeth” (one of my favorites) from their
seminal album “Plans,” the quartet seemed right at home on a relatively
smaller stage than they’re used to. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
They
led right into “A Movie Script Ending,” followed by a song from the new
album, “Doors Unlocked and Open,” which had everyone moving in unison
to the strong and steady beat. That’s just one of the many things I love
about this band. No matter how mellow they may seem, their live shows
always get people moving. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
They
performed the new album’s lead single, “You Are a Tourist” next. The
audience hung on to every word as lead singer Ben Gibbard sang “define
your destination/there’s so many places to call home.” </div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
Following
“Tourist,” there was a mini-break in the show where the band was
interviewed by KCRW’s Annie Litt and we got to know a little bit more
about the quartet. For any Death Cab fan, it was a brilliant dialogue
where they discussed their lyrics, music, touring, books they’re reading
and how they’ve managed to stay strong as a band throughout the last
decade and a half.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
After the
interview, they kicked back into gear with “Portable Television” – laden
with a groovy tambourine (tambourines are ALWAYS groovy!) and a
predominant drum beat. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
After
“Blacking Out the Friction,” they played a couple more songs from “Codes
and Keys,” including the album closer, the sweet and carefree “Stay
Young, Go Dancing.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
For their
“non-core” – as Ben called it – they closed with the full and rich
“Sound of Settling.” The show was over way too soon, but it was a
thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. This really was an incredible
venue and the acoustics were top notch. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
The
performance and interview will air on Tuesday, November 1 on KCRW’s
“Morning Becomes Eclectic.” Be sure to tune in! It will also be
streaming live on line during the radio broadcast.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
You can catch Death Cab for Cute currently on tour and their “Keys and Codes Remix EP” will be available on November 22.</div>Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-64938652941687989672011-10-15T09:48:00.000-07:002012-05-08T09:49:06.623-07:00Sad News!Awww man. I was so excited when Jenny Lewis announced her "I Heart Cali" tour. I got my tickets to see her at McCabe's. It would have been my 14th time seeing her in concert. (Yes, 14th. I'm a "JenHead." What can I say?) Well sadly, she just announced that the tour has canceled and rescheduled for a later time. I'm bummed, but seeing as how she's citing a family emergency, more than anything I hope she's okay. I can be patient and wait for new dates to be announced. I just hope everything's okay. Hang in there, Jenny. We all love you. You're worth the wait.Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-8299432750029234072011-09-10T10:44:00.000-07:002012-05-08T10:45:11.727-07:00Performing Tonight!It's been a while, but I'm performing tonight at Room 5 in Los Angeles. Come one, come all and watch me perform original songs and some covers from my favorite artists!Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-61246672459949601682011-08-11T10:13:00.000-07:002012-05-08T10:13:44.117-07:00Lyrics of the Day"I've just seen a face, I can't forget the time or place<br />
Where we met, she's just the girl for me<br />
And I want the whole world to see we met<br />
La da da die die."<br />
<br />
The Beatles, "I've Just Seen a Face"Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-56742691594161658992011-05-26T09:13:00.000-07:002012-05-08T09:14:29.453-07:00The Elected at the Troubadour<span class="attributeText locationText"> </span>It’s
been four years since my favorite band, Rilo Kiley, produced a new
album, but luckily for me, frontman Blake Sennet has been hard at work
on his side project, The Elected, which has just released its third
album --“Bury Me In Rings”.<br />
<br />
<div class="standardText storyText">
The
disc’s 12 tracks are full of dreamy pop with a 70’s vibe. One could
liken it to the jingle-jangle feel of The Byrds, with a plethora of
instruments creating a full and satiated sound. The effervescence of
each song leaves the album sounding softer, smoother and a little less
strident than their previous albums.</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
The
album kicks off with two sprightly sounding songs: “Born to Love You”
and “Babyface” – both consisting of spot-on, mellow harmonies. “Look At
Me Now” is an upbeat and catchy tune with buoyant guitar riffs, while a
more subdued “Trip Around the World” makes excellent use of the ukulele.
(I’m always a sucker for a good ukulele song.)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
In
the sweet and soulful ballad, “Have You Been Cheated,” Blake brings the
lyrics to life as he sings, “You put all your best words in your worst
song and you can’t bear to sing it when they won’t sing along.”</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
The
album closes on a bittersweet note with “Time is Coming,” where among
the soft and melodic guitar, Blake sings “Will you hold me if I cry,
will you miss me if I die? Will you come and heal my wounds?”</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
At
the band’s record release gig at the Troubador in LA on May 17, Blake
proved he has lost none of the passion or intensity he had on prior
tours of either of his bands.</div>
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<div class="standardText storyText">
Opening
with a cover of Tom Petty’s “You Got Lucky,” Blake and the boys then
dove into “Babyface,” before treating the crowd to “I’ll Be Your Man,”
from 2006’s “Sun Sun Sun”.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
During
the few moments between songs when the venue was quiet, members of the
audience started shouting out songs they wanted to hear. Most of them
yelled out “Ripchord” (a song off of Rilo Kiley’s 2004 album, “More
Adventurous”) while others requested The Elected’s “Bank and Trust,”
which Blake himself admitted he didn’t know how to play anymore.</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
At
live shows, I feel like the audience should just let them play what
they play. There’s a set list for a reason. If the band asks for
requests, then by all means speak up, but otherwise, just let them do
their thing. I know fans want to hear their old favorites, but sometimes
you have to let your favorite artists share their new material with
you. That’s why they’re there. That’s why they’re excited and why
they’ve been rehearsing over and over to give you the best performance
they can.</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
Anyway, back to the
show. After a few more songs off the new album – “Born to Love You,”
“Have You Been Cheated,” and “Where Are You” – and after a little tuning
problem with the guitar during “Time Is Coming,” they played a fan
favorite “Biggest Star,” which had Blake rocking out, while belting
“Honey, I can’t lose!”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
For the
encore, they only played one song: “A Response to Greed” from 2004’s “Me
First”--leaving hungry fans salivating for more when the lights came
up. I’m sure I speak for the rest of the crowd when I say the show was a
big success and a great way to welcome back a guy who’s been gone from
the music scene way too long. (Sure, it’s only been a few years, but it
felt like a lifetime!) Welcome back, Blake!</div>Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-70584687016236584742011-04-15T09:09:00.000-07:002012-05-08T09:10:28.690-07:00Bad Religion/Rise Against<span class="attributeText locationText"> </span>It
was a sold out crowd at the Long Beach Arena where we were all treated
to a genuine arena rock concert. This would mark my first time seeing
The Descendents, Bad Religion and Rise Against in concert. I wasn’t
disappointed.<br />
<br />
<div class="standardText storyText">
All three sets were
fast-paced and high energy, complete with crowd surfing and several mosh
pits that were fun to watch from the balcony seating. It was like
little moving crop circles running clockwise in the crowd. Maybe one of
these days, I’ll be brave enough to try it, but in the meantime, I was
quite content with my nosebleed seats.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
After
The Descendents opened the show, punk rock legends Bad Religion set the
stage ablaze with their energetic and dynamic set. Playing many of
their classic hits and fan favorites, including “Infected” and “Sorrow,”
it’s hard to believe that they’ve been doing this for 30 years. They
haven’t slowed down at all and had just as much endurance and gusto and
twice the stage presence as any fledgling band that has only been
touring for a couple years. They also performed “The Resist Stance” and
“Cyanide,” newer tunes off of their most recent album, “The Dissent of
Man.”</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
The only problem I had with
Bad Religion’s 12-song set had nothing to do with the band itself, but
the three people in front of me who spent the entire set on their cell
phones texting and Facebooking. All three of them…the whole time. I’ve
said it before and I’ll say it again: get off your phones and enjoy the
music, people! Who wants to be distracted by an incoming text when
you’ve got great live music to stimulate you? It takes away from the
full experience, so do yourselves a favor and either leave your phones
in the car or just use them to snap a few pictures to commemorate the
show and then put them away and enjoy the concert.</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
Vent over. Now back to the show.</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
When
the main act of the night, Rise Against, came out on stage, the crowd
went nuts and more moshing commenced immediately. Playing hits like “The
Good Left Undone” and “Prayer of the Refugee” off their 2006 album,
“The Sufferer and the Witness,” they had the entire crowd fist pumping,
head banging and singing along. One particular song that got me out of
my seat and dancing around was my personal favorite, “Audience of One.”</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
Lead
singer Tim McIlrath’s vocals were a little lost at times amongst the
over-powering guitar levels, but once the kinks were worked out, he
sounded great and his voice filled the entire venue.</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
Touring
in support of their brand new album, “Endgame,” they didn’t stray from
performing songs off that album, including their current hit single,
“Help Is On the Way,” a song whose video is inspired by and depicts the
aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Being known as an activist band, Rise
Against strongly advocates causes like animal rights, environmental
issues, and even fighting against the bullying of gay teens and the
onslaught of gay teen suicides last year, which they so passionately
sing about in “Make It Stop (September’s Children).” As Tim McIlrath
sang, “And too much blood has flown from the wrists of the children
shamed for those they chose to kiss. Who will rise to stop the blood?” I
thought about how great it is to see a band that stands for something
and believes in the word they’re singing, especially when they do so
while entertaining a crowd of thousands.</div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="standardText storyText">
Their
sixth studio album, “Endgame,” is available now. If you’re a fan of
pure, pulsating rock combined with socially conscious and prevalent
lyrics, then you’ll love this album.</div>Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-20993261118040530902011-03-10T15:42:00.000-08:002011-03-10T15:43:38.115-08:00Avril's New Album: "Goodbye Lullaby"<p>It’s been a long time coming. Four years, to be exact.</p> <p>Now, Avril Lavigne’s new album, “Goodbye Lullaby,” is finally here!</p> <p>Some might call the Canadian native’s style “pop,” some call her “rock” and some try to describe her as everything in between. Well, I say, ‘Let’s refrain from labeling her.’ She is simply a musician, plain and simple. And true musicianship means taking a leap and not being afraid to explore every kind of sound and emotion that inspires you, which is exactly what she does on this album.</p> <p>So, we all know Avril originally from her “Complicated” days — and more recently, from her “Girlfriend” days. On her fourth album, the angst is still there, but it’s not as prevalent as it has been in the past. We definitely get that sound in the lead single, “What The Hell?”, but don’t let that catchy song fool you. The rest of the album is much more subdued and meditative. She’s showing signs of growing up as evidenced in songs like “Push” and “I Love You.” She poignantly explores heartbreak in “Not Enough” and “Remember When.”</p> <p>Perhaps the most personal song on the album, “Goodbye,” is a hard one to listen to, particularly if you’ve ever had your heart broken. The words, as simple as they are, are all too true. As she sings, “I have to go, I have to go and leave you alone,” the song builds into a crescendo and tugs at the heartstrings.</p> <p>Still, the album isn’t all “what if’s” and “goodbyes.” In “Smile,” she sings about making out with someone all night and then waking up with a new tattoo. Never one to be lacking in the lyrics department, in her signature ballad, “Wish You Were Here,” she sings, “Damn, damn damn, what I’d do to have you here… I love the way you are with who I am. Don’t have to try hard.”</p> <p>Just as a fair warning, she makes good use of swear words on the album, which I’m personally a sucker for in songs.</p> <p>Avril worked with producer Max Martin on “Goodbye Lullaby,” as well as ex-husband Deryck Whibley (of whom a lot of the songs seem to be about, but you can read into it what you will). Yet, there seems to be no ill will between the two.</p> <p>The proof is in the words sung by an older, wiser Avril.</p>Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-89531413147121364572011-01-28T08:21:00.000-08:002011-01-28T08:41:46.928-08:00Getting to know April Smith<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiTg4X-pO4_dFfNW36GtIOB0LobYAryexzRnStcrJcPUlkRQmrz3y3K_PahuwEbRWOlvms4pD4IY4LbdEvmrE1-Yx-ZeXl6Wv8PEk7fA5a4dB36zwSS-UocTsGHV7CsNJkLj8RYJZTpc/s1600/aprilsmith.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567277746190256642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiTg4X-pO4_dFfNW36GtIOB0LobYAryexzRnStcrJcPUlkRQmrz3y3K_PahuwEbRWOlvms4pD4IY4LbdEvmrE1-Yx-ZeXl6Wv8PEk7fA5a4dB36zwSS-UocTsGHV7CsNJkLj8RYJZTpc/s320/aprilsmith.bmp" border="0" /></a> Tamara and I with April Smith!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you don’t know who April Smith is, I guarantee you will soon. This girl is blowing up and shows no signs of slowing down. In the past six months, the New Jersey born, Brooklyn-based singer's music has been featured on Showtime’s “Weeds,” multiple commercials, and her band, April Smith and the Great Picture Show, also released their new music video for the dark and mischievous song, “Terrible Things.” <a title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg9-I0ULERA">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg9-I0ULERA</a> She just finished up a successful tour and most recently, April’s song, “Can’t Say No” (a song inspired by her adorable dog, Scout) was featured in a montage on the season premiere of “American Idol.”<br /><br />I caught up with April recently to chat all about her whirlwind year and what’s on the horizon for her in 2011, starting with her reaction to “American Idol” using her song. “I was so excited. People started calling me and were like, ‘Oh my God, your song is on ‘American Idol!’ I think they were just looking for a song that fit and I guess mine kind of came up in the search. I'm really excited!”<br /><br />Seeing as how over 26 million viewers saw the premiere of "Idol," April is sure to gain even more momentum. This kind of success doesn’t come easily, though.<br /><br />“I don't have a label, so it's basically a DIY operation. You kind of have to get a team together that's 100% gunning for you at all times. After you make the album, it's like you’ve planted the seed and now you have to water it. You have to get promotion and radio and marketing and all that stuff and you have to pay for a tour and it's all so expensive... I've been pretty lucky as an artist without a label that I've gotten the opportunities that I've had because it's really tough to get those things happening.”<br /><br />With the success of April Smith and the Great Picture Show’s album, “Songs for a Sinking Ship,” April is just now starting to hit her stride and has big plans ahead for the coming year.<br /><br />“I've been writing. When you're involved in the business side, it's so hard to take off the ‘business hat’ and say, 'Now I've got to be creative.' So, I'm trying to find the balance between the two. I'm writing now and I'd like to have the next album written by the end of the year.”<br /><br />The underlying style of her most recent album is a retro pop ‘30s and ‘40s inspired sound fused with vintage, jazzy vocals. She says she's looking forward to exploring and developing that sound even more.<br /><br />“The retro/swing/big band sound has always been a favorite of mine, so it was definitely a different direction for me when it started influencing my writing. And I'm really happy with the way that 'Songs for a Sinking Ship' sounds, but I think as an artist you should hope that you evolve and change a little bit, even if it's not a drastic change. I definitely feel that on the next album, it'll be a little bit of a different sound, different instrumentation. It'll still have that retro sound, but maybe different elements.”<br /><br />Perhaps why April is doing so well is because her music really is unlike anything else people have heard before in our generation.<br /><br />"I feel like it's accessible, but it's not typical mainstream music," she continued. "I hope that works in my favor.”<br /><br />If you read my previous review on April’s album, you’ll remember that I marveled at her powerful, moving voice and it had me wondering exactly when she discovered she could sing like that and how she got her signature sound.<br /><br />“When I was little, I used to sing all the time. I would not shut up. I loved the ‘Annie’ soundtrack, so I used to sing that anywhere. When I was 13 and I realized I wanted to sing, I had this horrible stage fright and I was really nervous and gradually I got less nervous. It's just really important to find your voice and not try to sound like other people. You should always try and be unique in your style. When I tried to tune out everything around me, all the mainstream music, I think that's when I became a better singer. It was really easy for me to find my own voice."<br /><br />If you listen to the entire album, each song tells a story and they all seem to be connected in a way, which led me to believe it could be turned into a pretty stellar musical. I asked April if she would ever consider taking on the task of turning her songs into a musical someday.<br /><br />"I would love to do that, actually. My first college major was musical theater, but I switched to broadcasting. My big passion is to create my own music. I would love to do a musical. I've been approached by a couple people who are playwrights who have asked me if I wanted to write something and that would be a really fun thing to do when I have some downtime between albums, even if it's a really short show or writing a couple of tunes for a musical."<br /><br />While a musical isn't out of the question, there is one goal that April would love to attain:<br /><br />“What I really would love ultimately, is I would love to have one of my songs on ‘Glee.’ That would seriously rule. If someone told me I'd have sell my kidney, I'd say, ‘All right.’ I just want to have a song on that show. I think ‘Colors’ would be an amazing song for them to do.”<br /><br /><br />OK Gleeks, so have a listen to April Smith -- and after you discover exactly what I've been raving about, let’s get a Facebook campaign going to get one of her songs on “Glee”!<br /><br /><br /><strong>5 Quick Questions With April Smith:</strong><br /><br /><em>What is the song that made you want to become a musician?<br /></em>"'Somebody to Love' by Queen."<br /><br /><em>What is your biggest guilty pleasure?<br /></em>"Listening to Wham."<br /><br /><em>What is one thing you want to try that you've never tried before?<br /></em>"I would love to jump out of a plane someday. With a parachute, of course!"<br /><br /><em>What is your favorite city to play live in?<br /></em>"Spokane, Washington."<br /><br /><em>What is one thing you can't live without on tour?<br /></em>"A fingernail brush. I am super creeped out by dirt under my fingernails."<br /></div>Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-16672424956263793512011-01-24T12:54:00.000-08:002011-01-24T12:55:12.058-08:00AvLav is back!I’ve been waiting a long time for this: new Avril music!!! Nearly four years since her last record, her fourth studio album, “Goodbye Lullaby” is set for release in March. The track list has already been revealed. While I’m anxiously awaiting the release, the Max Martin produced kick-off single, “What the Hell,” gives us a taste of what’s to come from the new album and if this song is any indication, we definitely have a lot to look forward to from Avril this spring.<br /><br />With synth-filled, steady beats and a prominent keyboard sound that doesn’t let up, “What the Hell” is an infectious, in-your-face, fist-pumping good time. Avril shows off her young, carefree attitude with taunting and teasing lyrics reminiscent of her lead-off hit song from her third album, “Girlfriend.” Her cheekiness is unrelenting in the power-pop single as she sings, “All my life I’ve been good but now I’m thinking ‘What the hell?’/ I don’t really care about if you love me, if you hate me, you can’t save me…” She even ends the number with a few playful “la la la’s.”<br /><br />Avril kicked off the New Year by debuting the catchy, party song on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” to an amped-up audience. Based on that performance, the new single and the forthcoming album, it looks like 2011 is poised to be the year of Avril.<br /><br />So… have you still not heard the song yet? “What the Hell” are you waiting for?!Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-90477240613741185532010-11-10T12:30:00.000-08:002010-12-17T09:42:31.119-08:00Ingrid Michaelson at the Troubadour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNfP0sDLXMbdIkc60RVVbQTegsF2U3K_zI4fvSRHYyLU66kGdMEc13qqAVb7ZJfyix8Bhms7RLnMLWnoV9sD_35KTtBFriDSEOlDy0c17WNlBvZa68oV7gOYM5ZOIZDeSTNB-4ftJPN0/s1600/ingrid.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538022028935835010" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNfP0sDLXMbdIkc60RVVbQTegsF2U3K_zI4fvSRHYyLU66kGdMEc13qqAVb7ZJfyix8Bhms7RLnMLWnoV9sD_35KTtBFriDSEOlDy0c17WNlBvZa68oV7gOYM5ZOIZDeSTNB-4ftJPN0/s320/ingrid.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Closing out her North American tour, singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson headed to the Troubadour for the first to two sold out shows in Los Angeles. I’ve seen her live before, but after this performance, I have made myself a solemn vow to see her in concert every time she comes to LA. This girl puts on a hell of a show. She is a consummate entertainer, to say the least, and left me with a perma-smile on my face the entire night.<br /><br />Shortly after 10:15pm, the band entered to Led Zepplin’s “Immigrant Song” and started playing their version of the song. Immediately following the cover, Ingrid went right into her song “Soldier” (off her current album, “Everybody”). After a bit of ukulele trouble, she moved over to her keyboard to perform an older song, “Breakable.” After sharing a story of how Leann Rimes quoted her lyrics on Twitter, she busted out in to a short little ditty, appropriately titled “Famous People Know Who I Am” then dedicated the bubbly sounding, but lyrically heartbreaking “Once Was Love” to none other than Leann Rimes.<br /><br />Then came time for “Die Alone” - her obligatory ‘happy song’ (as she called it). Don’t let the title fool you, it really is a song about hope in finding true love and realizing that maybe you won’t die alone. See? Happy song! With the ukulele problem now solved, it was audience participation time where we all sang back the chorus to “Mountain and the Sea.”<br /><br />During the fun and catchy love long, “You and I,” each band member got to sing a little line and everyone joined in on the foot-stomping and hand-clapping at the end. After that, Ingrid was left alone on stage to regale the audience with her story of meeting R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, then proceeded to make my heart nearly explode with delight when she covered my favorite R.E.M. song, “Nightswimming.” It was a remarkable a capella rendition using a looping pedal to record her voice harmonizing the melody as she sang the lyrics over it. The entire crowd was captivated, even the ones who had never heard the song before.<br /><br />After throwing in some new tunes, including “Annihilate” (which is a pending title) and her current single, “Parachute,” she began to sing one of my favorites: “The Chain.” At this point, I’d like to take a moment to really convey exactly how insanely good her vocals are. This girl has got chops. I’m really not a fan of that expression, but there’s really no other way to put it. Her vocal prowess is top notch. During “The Chain,” her voice filled the entire room, with Allie Moss and Bess Rogers singing the backing vocals in a round.<br /><br />Learning her lesson the hard way in previous shows, she knows now never to play ‘the hit song’ first for those who just came to hear that one song. Her big hit, “The Way I Am” came about an hour into the show followed by another hit, “Maybe” (which is the song that takes me days to get out of my head once I’ve heard it.) I don’t think her fans could have asked for a better closing number than Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” which came complete with synchronized line-dancing and a fun little cheer-type pyramid at the end. While I love her original songs, I always look forward to seeing her live just to hear her cover songs, whether it’s Radiohead’s “Creep,” Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” or the theme song to “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”<br /><br />Instead of doing the traditional “run off stage and come back on two minutes later for the encore,” Ingrid and the band opted to simply have the lights go down and they each found a hiding spot on stage until the audience applause grew to deafening heights, waiting for an encore. We were all very pleased with her playing “Be OK” and then she got us all dancing around to a raucous, punk rock version of “The Way I Am.” She covered her own song and made it even more awesome than it was…if that’s possible.<br /><br />She had the crowd laughing and singing all night and we all hung on to every word of her little anecdotes, not wanting her witty badinage to end. But I was lucky enough to get to meet and talk to her after the show. She's an absolute sweetheart. Her tour may have come to an end, but she does have four dates in Australia later this month. In the meantime, while you’re waiting for her to come back around to your city, be sure to download her current single, “Parachute.”</div>Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-46001059161346216322010-11-10T12:29:00.001-08:002010-11-10T12:29:47.160-08:00The Magic of TayTaySo, if you haven’t heard by now, Taylor Swift sings about the people in her life, and her exes in particular. Yes, some are famous. Yes, she doesn’t hold back. And yes, she’s done it in the past and she’ll continue to do so in the future. We can speculate all we which song is about what guy, but that would just overshadow the album itself, wouldn’t it? So let’s just put that aside and focus on Taylor’s music and impeccable songwriting.<br /><br />At 16, Taylor broke ground with her sweet and mellow hit song, “Tim McGraw.” That’s when I first took notice of her. As a country artist, she definitely had what it took to maintain staying power. I knew she’d be going places, but I never imagined how huge she would become until I heard 2008’s “Love Story.” When a teenage girl can write a song that even my sixteen-year-old nephew (who is considered, by all definitions, a “jock”) likes to belt out, then obviously Taylor knows she’s struck a golden chord. Now nearly 21, Taylor continues to mature and grow into her role as prolific songwriter with the release of her third disc, “Speak Now,” an album that speaks volumes about heartache and regret. And Taylor, we’re listening.<br /><br />“Mine” is the first single and the song that kicks off the album. A warm and lighthearted love song, it reached number 3 on Billboard Hot 100, making Swift the second female artist in the history (along with Mariah Carey) to debut multiple tracks in the top five during a calendar year – not an easy feat.<br /><br />“Back to December” reminds us that we all have regrets, even Taylor. She’s usually the one who’s scorned, but in this number, she’s the one who made a mistake, and now wants to assuage the situation. We see a different side of Taylor in the title track “Speak Now,” in which she breaks up a wedding, claiming the guy deserves better than the girl he’s about to marry. The song contains one of her secret messages in her liner notes stating, “You always regret what you don’t say.”<br /><br />As for “Mean,” this song is country through and through, complete with the twang of a banjo and the use of hand clapping as percussion, while “The Story of Us” leaves no metaphor left unturned as she describes the demise of a once perfect relationship.<br /><br />“Innocent,” as we all know from Taylor’s VMA performance, is the “Kanye” song. Cleverly, her secret message in the liner notes for this song is: ‘Life is full of little interruptions.’ Regardless of the subject matter, it’s still a really affecting song. Making mistakes and having regrets seems to be a common theme on the album.<br />The claws come out on “Better Than Revenge,” which is a lot of fun lyrically with Taylor singing “…she’s an actress, but she’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress…She thinks I’m psycho ‘cause I like to rhyme her name with things…no amount of vintage dresses gives you dignity.”<br /><br />“Last Kiss” is heartbreaking ballad that focuses on the little details of a broken relationship, as opposed to the big milestones. It paints a vivid picture we can all relate to. At one point or another, we’ve all been crying on the floor, lamenting on what was and could have been.<br /><br />There is not one ancillary song on the album and in spite of some of the more serious tracks, it’s clear that she knows how to have some fun. The album really does read as a diary put to music, which is excellent. So many great songs are based on personal, real-life experiences. The important thing to remember is to include your listeners by making it something they can relate to and avoid making it too self-indulgent. By not specifically naming names, Taylor pulls this task off very well. Having been a fan from the beginning, I’m glad to see she’s only getting better and better. And despite being in my late 20’s, I too find myself sometimes grabbing a hairbrush and singing along to Taylor. It can’t be helped. And I know I’m not the only one who’s done it, so no judging. That’s just my point. She reaches a wide variety of people and has a diverse audience, which bodes very well for the future of this talented young lady.Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-79348277925423299062010-10-15T14:58:00.000-07:002010-10-15T14:59:24.120-07:00Kings of Leon - "Come Around Sundown"It’s hard to believe it has been two years already since Kings of Leon’s highly successful breakout album, “Only By the Night,” was released. Songs from that album are still reverberating all over radio. Now brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared, along with cousin Matthew, are releasing “Come Around Sundown” — their fifth studio album. I think one question on everyone’s mind is: Can it compare to 2008’s commercial juggernaut? Well, I am lucky enough to have heard the new album already… and I have the answer: Who cares?<br /><br />The album is a strong and unyielding endeavor. If you’re looking for the “Use Somebody” Kings that shot to uber-stardom with their last album, you might be a bit disappointed. Parts of it are there, but it’s very understated and I don’t want to make comparisons because they sound different with each progressing album. This is one of those bands that I love to see explore new sounds because they can do so much experimentation and still sound incredible.<br /><br />The album kicks off with “The End.” With a transcendent bass line, the brooding song has almost a Killers(-ish) sound to it. The first single off the album, “Radioactive,” is a thrashy, riotous number with a fuzzy guitar sound, complete with falsetto backup vocals.The backing falsetto continues on “Mary,” a song that holds a steady beat as Caleb pledges, “No I won’t, never once, make you cry / Just to kiss, how I’ll miss your goodbye.”<br /><br />Several songs pay homage to the band’s home state of Tennessee. “The Face” suggests, “If you give up New York, I’ll give you Tennessee, the only place to be.” The tribute to their roots continues with the southern anthem, “Back Down South.” With a country tinge and a hint of steel guitar, it’s a mesmerizing song, highlighted by Caleb’s lackadaisical singing. The juxtaposition works great. While on the surface, they are singing about the south, upon closer examination of the lyrics, the song could also simply be construed as another “Sex On Fire,” as the descriptive imagery suggests. I love the double meaning behind their words!<br /><br />“Birthday” is a good-time drinking song all about taking someone home and “Fallin’ and laughin’ at the drinks we spilled / Just one of those nights that I had to share.” As for “Mi Amigo,” I have a hard time trying to figure out if he’s being literal or if what he’s singing about is symbolic of something else. It’s hard to tell, but it’s a fun song, nonetheless. The album closes with “Pickup Truck,” an intensely passionate track that alludes to getting caught having an affair.<br /><br />Lead singer Caleb Followill’s soulful, raspy voice echoes through the entire album and if you’re a longtime Kings fan, you’ll notice “Come Around Sundown” evokes some elements of their earlier albums, “Aha Shake Heartbreak” and “Because of the Times.” Still, this album also propels them forward into a new realm. It’s a little more subdued than strident, focusing more on the laid-back, meandering musicianship and thought-provoking words. It’s a solid effort and a great album to listen to whether you’re at the gym, on a road trip or if you just want to unwind.Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-38150668701951745642010-10-15T14:56:00.000-07:002010-11-10T12:36:53.941-08:00Paramore/Tegan and Sara concert<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SQEvqd4vgDW323eXLEyPIBzGCI5VA5d10qDS1CNzJ19_6y9NdxUroCr69shRtBjOPxicfA6GttE6W87KVX0Wx98M4HyISssJjHJoAyM4pehyphenhyphengtpBq2Vvih6MbtGGFL8kNj73QoYef08/s1600/tegan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538022670545086786" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SQEvqd4vgDW323eXLEyPIBzGCI5VA5d10qDS1CNzJ19_6y9NdxUroCr69shRtBjOPxicfA6GttE6W87KVX0Wx98M4HyISssJjHJoAyM4pehyphenhyphengtpBq2Vvih6MbtGGFL8kNj73QoYef08/s320/tegan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Me w/ Tegan and Sara (or Sara and Tegan if we're going from left to right)<br /><br /><br />Pop rock, chick rock, punk-pop rock, alternative rock… however you want to categorize Paramore, the operative word here is: rock. And what I witnessed at the Honda Center in Anaheim this past Sunday was a genuine rock show in every sense of the word. These guys really know how to put on an entertaining concert — full of energy, pyrotechnics, and even a little head banging. But I’ll get to that in a minute…<br /><br />The Anaheim show was the very last night of the 2010 Honda Civic Tour. Kicking off the night in this four-band event was Kadawatha, who was then followed by New Found Glory. As an old school NFG fan, I was pleasantly surprised and glad to see that they’re still touring and going strong as a band. Their set was short but memorable and even included their cover of Sixpence None The Richer’s “Kiss Me” and they surprised the crowd by bringing out Paramore’s Hayley Williams for their song “Vegas.”<br /><br />After New Found Glory, one of my all-time favorite musical acts, Tegan and Sara, took the stage. This was my sixth time seeing them in concert and I truly never tire of seeing them. Usually, their music comes across much better in a smaller, more intimate venue, but they sounded GREAT in the arena! It just so happened to be the twin sisters’ 30th birthday and they celebrated it with perfection as they opened their set with “Living Room,” leading straight into “I Bet It Stung,” followed by “The Con.” When they started playing “Walking With a Ghost,” things took a comical turn when people dressed in sheets came out on stage as ghosts and started dancing around.<br /><br />After performing more of their old favorites, like “So Jealous” and “Where Does the Good Go?” the twins played some stuff off their current album, “Sainthood.” Meanwhile, I was loving every minute of it because this arena was filled with nearly 15,000 screaming fans waiting to see Paramore and those who hadn’t heard of Tegan and Sara before were getting a lesson in how great they really are. Of course, many were there to see Tegan and Sara as well, but I think it’s safe to say these girls will now have a lot more fans thanks to this tour. After closing yet another fun and perfectly executed set with “Hop A Plane,” the ladies left the stage following an erupting applause.<br /><br />And now to the main event — I’ve been a fan of Paramore for a couple of years now, but this was my first time seeing them in concert, so needless to say, I was pretty excited to see what was in store. The music started with the band behind a curtain. After only seeing their silhouettes for a few minutes, the curtain finally dropped and they opened with “Ignorance.” I was immediately sucked in. After “No Sympathy,” the band had everyone (including me) singing and dancing along to “That’s What You Get.”<br /><br />Hayley Williams is the ultimate frontwoman: charismatic, engaging, and fun with a powerhouse voice. Donning a Girl Scout sash, she was full of energy, running around on stage and head banging to a point where I had to question how many Red Bulls she had consumed. This girl must run daily marathons uphill while singing. How else could she have this much energy and be able to sing like that while being so active on stage? But I guess that’s just how talented she and the rest of the band are. They made it very clear how grateful they were to all their fans and made this show worth the fans’ while.<br /><br />After sending the audience into a frenzy performing “Decode,” the band paid tribute to their roots. Having formed in Tennessee (the country music capital) Hayley busted out a rendition of Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough To Take My Man.”<br /><br />For the acoustic part of their set, Hayley and the boys (lead guitarist Josh Farro, drummer Zac Farro, bass player Jeremy Davis, and rhythm guitarist Taylor York) were sitting on and gathered around a stylish red couch playing their songs campfire-style. During the acoustic portion, they dedicated the song “Overlap” to all their fans and ended with “Misguided Ghosts,” before taking a brief break.<br /><br />Upon returning, they kept the nonstop energy up and had everyone in the arena on their feet for “Crushcrushcrush” and then slowed things down a bit with their current hit “The Only Exception.” This is where my one complaint about the show comes in (and it had nothing to do with the band at all). This song is the typical “Bic lighter” song where everyone holds up a lighter and sways back and forth, which is great. It’s tradition. Every great band has at least one of these songs. And maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I was bothered by everyone (and I mean everyone) using their cell phones instead of a lighter. Or using their “lighter app” on their iPhone, which is just a poor substitute. It distracted me.<br /><br />For that matter, I was also distracted by every third person constantly holding up their video cameras throughout the entire show. I find this happening more and more with every concert I attend. Maybe I’m being too picky, but doesn’t it take away from the concert experience by watching the whole show through a tiny screen on your camera? A word of advice to all concert-goers: just take a few pictures and maybe film them singing your favorite song, and then put the technology away and just be in the moment. Be there with your favorite band and experience it with them. The memory of it will be far more effective than a grainy video taken from 200 feet away. It’ll also be less distracting to the people around you. Sorry for the tangent… I just had to vent for a minute.<br /><br />Now, back to the show. After leaving the stage, the crowd was clamoring for more and Paramore gave us exactly what we wanted. For their encore, they began with “Brick By Boring Brick” and followed that up with their very first hit, “Misery Business,” which is what closed out the night along with sparklers and falling confetti. None of this, however, before making one lucky fan’s entire year by inviting him up on stage to sing with the band. Seeing as how he said he had seen them in concert 21 times and it’s pretty much everyone’s dream to be pulled up on stage by their favorite band, I’m assuming he can cross this off his bucket list and will probably never want for anything again.<br /><br />It may have been my first time seeing Paramore in concert, but after an explosive and lively show like this, it definitely won’t be my last. Their touring continues overseas in October starting in New Zealand, but I’m hoping they’ll make it back to the states soon.Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-6322195049590086732010-09-02T08:10:00.000-07:002010-11-10T12:41:31.569-08:00My Interview with Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nBSjK7yjkEZ9UOeWKmrQGZzUFqp9gWwuQ-vPqZ_HZZd7F4kVxt11uaxxKe5iZLUs0IvxSUY0TgFkN0VwSiSxEQzMBO4IYLO43xsj0kUguRIIvlQhmLN46ekUbsU6tW6d3ja6QmivEZc/s1600/mejenny.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538023915545952354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nBSjK7yjkEZ9UOeWKmrQGZzUFqp9gWwuQ-vPqZ_HZZd7F4kVxt11uaxxKe5iZLUs0IvxSUY0TgFkN0VwSiSxEQzMBO4IYLO43xsj0kUguRIIvlQhmLN46ekUbsU6tW6d3ja6QmivEZc/s320/mejenny.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJyuhODqRl6kYPj6DlUdqCmdlbJfMs8twEAUs4UK0nHXnlltKTuVDn_xp-0FztytQsLdzRaHcytV9ItyC1y6mZkkqmoCnlKBSUdw3tLVERdYBW3pR8Ws_anxaQCjsnaos8-8g_0Y2wqA/s1600/meandjenny.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538023679468949906" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJyuhODqRl6kYPj6DlUdqCmdlbJfMs8twEAUs4UK0nHXnlltKTuVDn_xp-0FztytQsLdzRaHcytV9ItyC1y6mZkkqmoCnlKBSUdw3tLVERdYBW3pR8Ws_anxaQCjsnaos8-8g_0Y2wqA/s320/meandjenny.bmp" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>Me and J.Lew </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ooookay...so I got to interview THE goddess of music, my favorite singer, ruler of my iPod and biggest musical inspiration, Jenny Lewis. Cross that one off the bucket list.<br /><br /><br />After two previous solo albums under each of their belts, Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice have finally decided to join forces on a full-length alum entitled “I’m Having Fun Now.” I, for one, could not be more excited. Each of them is an established artist in their own right. Jenny Lewis (who happens to be my favorite singer) is the lead singer/frontwoman of beloved, semi-defunct, LA band Rilo Kiley and she also earned critical praise on her two solo albums, “Rabbit Fur Coat” and “Acid Tongue.” Virginia-bred Johnathan Rice brought his Dylan-esque attitude to his past solo albums, “Trouble Is Real” and “Further North.” After previously collaborating on each other’s records, they’re taking it to the next level performing as Jenny and Johnny.<br /><br />I had the incredible opportunity to interview Jenny and Johnny about their new album and asked the real-life couple about the collaboration process.<br /><br />Johnny: “We've developed a pretty easy working relationship. For this album, anyway. There were no Fleetwood Mac levels of strife.”Jenny: “It wasn't fraught, but I think the more you play music, the more you learn the language of music and being able to express what you hear. It's one thing to hear it, it's one thing to play it, but I think you have to be able to communicate what you want. With this, we worked with Pierre de Reeder from Rilo Kiley and he is very open. So, we were actually able to get our hands on the controls in the studios, plug stuff in, where in the past it was a little more hands off.”<br /><br />The finished product is pretty extraordinary. This is a fun album (as the title so aptly states)! Serpents, sharp shiny objects, withering relationships, and the seemingly unending recession are all motifs thoroughly explored and exposed on the eleven-track collection. The laid back and upbeat sound is juxtaposed with the lyrics, which offer a more dark, brooding, ominous tone. When I asked if they were going for a specific sound on the album, Johnny told me, “I think the sound kind of emerged into its own thing. We didn't want to make something that sounded like it was from another time. We wanted it to sound like it was from right now.”<br />“Right now via the ‘90s rather than the ‘60s,” Jenny added.<br /><br />Some songs on the album have a kind of beach-feeling sound to them. The kick-off single, “Scissor Runner,” and the catchy and relatable “Big Wave” (which is all about lack of money and self-medicating) are prime examples of that. Johnny explains, “We made a concerted effort to spend much more time at the beach because this is the most time that we've had off. We spent a lot of it at the beach.”<br /><br />“Renting bikes,” Jenny added. “We had actually gone bike riding in Venice. And I actually have a tan for the first time since I was in ‘The Wizard’” (alluding to her fair skin and her acting past).<br /><br />The album is full of memorable tracks. “Switchblade” is all about what happens when you go from being broke to finally getting some money in your pocket with lines like, “It was poverty that kept you sweet / And dreams that kept you young. The money started rolling in / You stopped having any fun.”<br /><br />“My Pet Snakes” is a thrashy, beat-laden number about a conflicted relationship (whether personal or professional). Once the NRE (new relationship energy) is over, what comes next? Do you stay and keep at it or do you bail? While in “New Yorker Cartoon,” we’re taken for an acid trip of a ride complete with vampire bats and saluting paper bags. “Committed” is a song I appreciate for personal reasons. Being a huge Michael Jackson fan, I got a kick out of the line, “For God and for country, for Michael Jackson’s monkey…” -- an homage to the singer and his chimp, Bubbles.<br /><br />“I’m Having Fun Now” is transcendent, reaching every level of emotion, making it easy to listen to no matter what kind of mood you’re in. Johnny (sporting a spiffy new haircut as a result of losing a bet) easily blends his raspy, growling voice in with Jenny’s hypnotic, rich, honeyed vocals.<br /><br />The two of them have the ability to create something beautiful. Their personal relationship is balanced perfectly with their professional relationship as they both seem to have genuine respect for each other’s work. I asked what Jenny’s favorite Johnathan Rice song was. “Animal,” she responded. “But it’s hard because songs change... your perception of them.” And Johnny’s favorite Jenny song? “Silver Lining.”<br /><br />Working with each other hasn’t stopped them from branching out and working with other people. I asked them whom they would love to collaborate with the most.<br /><br />Johnny: “We’ve both been so lucky and serendipitous. I feel like we'll probably get to collaborate we everyone we want to. Almost. Jenny has sung with Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, all these great artists… and it all happens very naturally and beautifully and you couldn't ask for anything more, really.” Jenny: “Well, when you get a chance to work with Elvis Costello, at that point you’re kind of like ‘OK.’ But actually, I'm a fan of collaborating with people who are just kind of beginning their musical careers in a way. I love working with women who are just starting to embark on that journey. It's always great to have a bunch of girls in my band that are on their first tour. Like the [Watson] twins when we toured “Rabbit Fur Coat,” it was so much fun.”<br /><br />As for Jenny’s band, Rilo Kiley, many are wondering what will become of the cherished group. I asked Jenny if I witnessed the very last Rilo Kiley concert at the Greek two years ago, or if they had something in the works. She told me, “I don't know. I know we don't have any plans to make a new record right now but we are putting together a compilation of B-sides and rarities, which is taking a bit longer than we originally expected, so we're hanging out and compiling a bunch of stuff. So, we'll see what happens with that.”<br /><br />Jenny and Johnny kicked off their tour in Jenny’s native Los Angeles on Sunday night at Three Clubs in Hollywood to a crowd of about 200. The intimate show is just the first of many over the next few months. I asked them what is their favorite city to which to play. Jenny loves playing in Los Angeles and Austin, while Johnny likes D.C. and Chapel Hill.<br /><br />Be sure to catch them on tour in your city! If it’s anything like Sunday night’s show, you’re in for a great time with artists who genuinely love what they do.<br /><br /><br />5 Quick Questions with Jenny and Johnny:<br /><br />What is the song that made you want to become a musician?<br />Jenny: “Pass the Dutchie.”<br />Johnny: “ ‘Cinnamon Girl’ by Neil Young and Crazy Horse.”<br /><br />What is your biggest guilty pleasure?<br />Johnny: “Sleeping when everyone else has to work.”<br />Jenny: “I don't really have any guilty pleasures…Mum's the word.”<br /><br />Something you want to try that you’ve never tried before?<br />Jenny: “Uni. Sea Urchin. It looks so gross.”<br /><br />Favorite location to get away from it all?<br />Johnny: “Big Sur”<br />Jenny: “The back yard.”<br /><br />What is the one thing you can’t live without on tour?<br />Jenny: “A soft pillow.”</div>Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5267275085932145146.post-21745175606682627682010-07-15T16:55:00.000-07:002010-07-15T16:56:25.253-07:00April Smith and the Great Picture ShowIt’s rather uncommon for an opening act to not only catch, but also hold my interest. The only other times I can recall this happening was when Patty Griffin (now one of my favorites) opened for the Dixie Chicks in 1999 and when a young, unknown singer by the name of Celine Dion opened for Michael Bolton in 1992. Yes, I just admitted I went to a Michael Bolton concert. Don’t judge. It was my first concert ever and I rather enjoyed it, even though my taste in music has changed dramatically since then.<br /><br />That being said, I recently caught Jenny Owen Youngs at Hotel Café in Hollywood where the opening act was April Smith and the Great Picture Show. I had never heard of them before, but after five minutes of their performance, I had to ask myself WHY I hadn’t heard of them before. They were incredible. Fun, catchy, lively and loud. And even – dare I say? – a little Rilo Kiley-esque with a vintage flair.<br /><br />If you haven’t heard of April Smith and the Great Picture Show yet, I suggest you jump on the bandwagon. Their song, “Terrible Things” is currently being used in the season six promo for Showtime’s “Weeds.” Their fan-funded new album, “Songs for a Sinking Ship” is full of ‘30s and ‘40s inspired music fused with jazzy vocals. Smith can’t be much more than five feet tall and 100 pounds, but when she hits the power notes, it’s hard to believe that such a fiery, growling voice can come out of that little frame!<br /><br />The album kicks off on a high note with “Movie Loves a Screen,” which is full of energetic beats. “Drop Dead Gorgeous” is the best premise for a song I’ve heard in a long time. It’s all about dating someone who is devastatingly good-looking, but lacks the brains to even carry on a conversation: “Oh you’re so enchanting when your mouth closed/And with a mouth like that, who needs politics and prose?”<br /><br />In “Colors” (my personal favorite on the album) Smith seemingly evokes the likes of Patsy Cline while singing “I’ll wear your colors my dear until you’re standing right here/Next to the one who adores you, whose heart is beating for you.” The album takes a somber turn during the heartbreakingly poignant “Beloved.” Smith’s dynamic vocals are paralyzing in this deeply affecting, morose number. “Stop Wondering” features a playful piano as she flirtatiously muses about emphatically telling her ex that she is absolutely not thinking of him, even throwing in a comedic “B*tch, please!”<br /><br /> The modern and quirky lyrics paired with nostalgic, old-fashioned melodies make for a musical genre rarely heard these days. “Songs for a Sinking Ship” could also be called “Songs You Want to Sing Along With” or “Songs You Want To Dance To” or even “Songs That Can Bridge the Generational Music Gap.” I can’t wait to see them live again and I’m curious to see what they do next.Redhead81http://www.blogger.com/profile/09841159003708268213noreply@blogger.com0