A few years ago, I heard my first Brandi Carlile song while driving to work. The song was "The Story" and I was so instantly enraptured by her voice, that I grabbed my notepad and pen from my purse to jot down a lyric or two so that I could google and download it that evening.
A few days ago, I was goofing off on Facebook where I read about a contest that involved emailing the three Brandi Carlile songs that were featured on Grey's Anatomy to some promotions person. I remembered that "What Can I Say" was one of the songs and I wikipedia'd the other two. I was thrilled to find out that afternoon that I won tickets to see her on Thursday night at Rams Head Live. This was my second time seeing her; however, the first time I wasn't familiar with her whole catalog. Singing along is so much fun so it was nice to see her a second time with many of her songs embedded in my lyrical brain space.
I ended up purchasing her latest album, Give Up The Ghost, at the show on Thursday. It was just released 3 days earlier, but it took one listen to love. Her music is sort of a country-pop, but when I say country, please for the love of God, don't equate that to the nonsense that is most country music these days. (If you are a fan of today's country music and this offends you, I am sorry. I am sorry that you cannot accept that Kenny Chesney has the talent of a mole rat and that he looks like one too. Tractors probably are a little sexier when in close proximity to that guy. And while I don't listen to most of it, I will acknowledge that there are some infrequent bursts of enjoyable songs from talented musicians in the genre; but in general, bleh.) Old school country, on the other hand, is actually a lot of fun and reminds me of sitting in the backseat of my dad(dy')s car and getting lost in the musical stories. Brandi Carlile spoke of her country influences and sang a little Tammy Wynette, rocked my brains out with some June and Johnny Cash, and shared a countrified diddy of her own called "Same Old You". She jokes that it is chock full of the classic country music cliche's, but it has the same "I'm not gonna put up with your drunken bullshit" vibe of Loretta Lynn.
This eloquent Paste magazine review of her latest album, Give Up The Ghost praises the newest album that I have been playing over and over since I bought it at the show on Thursday. I also love the comment from the fellow audience member, Gary Alexander. (No idea who he is, but he captures the essence of the Baltimore show beautifully). This CD is not only download-worthy; it's "I-need-the-actual-copy-so-I-can-read-and-memorize-the-lyrics-and-read-the-liner-notes"-worthy.
I'm grateful to the person who uploaded to youtube, a much better quality video than my little 30 second snippets from my cell phone so I can share the unplugged version of the song that I can't get enough of these days. "Dying Day" at Rams Head Live in Baltimore.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
PCD: Post Concert Depression
Labels:
Soundtrack of my life
For the last few days, I have been battling depression. More specifically, PCD: Post Concert Depression. It happens after nearly every show. I am so intensely high from the synergy that is reached when the band's presence and sound meets the enthusiastic reception from the audience. When post-show reality sets in, I am just so devastated that I'm a 30 year old wife in Maryland who has to go to work the next morning.
Last Tuesday, Jen and I went to see Muse and U2 at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. I had tickets but when Jen snagged a pair, I decided to sell mine and we would use hers. That was a choice decision since we were surprised to discover that our tickets gave us access to the Inner Circle. We were right by the stage, inside of the loop that U2 uses to run laps during the show. We stayed on the right side of the stage; and spent most of our time watching Bono and Adam Clayton. Since it is a requirement that I find a guy on stage hot and Larry Mullen Jr. was hiding behind his drum set, I was kind of surprised to find myself kind of having the hots for Adam. I've always loved bass players but as my heart fluttered a bit during With or Without You and I looked up at a very cool and collected Adam Clayton, all I could think was, "hmmmm. That's new." In a future blog, I will write about the deeply disturbing and growing list of men over 45 that I have the hots for. (For whom I have the hots, grammar nazis?)
This was my second time seeing U2. The first time was a few years ago at Verizon Center in DC for the Vertigo tour. Although we were in the cheap seats, way up high in the sky, that evening ranked #1 in my entire concert-going history. This time around, I wouldn't go so far, but I do not blame it on U2. Since we were on the side, we sort of had the feeling that we were part of the crew. As expected, the band was interacting with the majority of fans that were facing them; although, it was kind of a thrill when they would run over to our side to not even second guess whether we were making eye contact. The sound at FedEx Field is not the greatest. We were right by the stage and I know people who were in various parts of the stadium. All of us had a hard time hearing everything that Bono was saying when he was speaking to the crowd.
I did catch the part where he dedicated "One" to President Bush; for helping 4 million Africans receive the HIV vaccination. It seemed he was trying to be less polarizing with his constant reference to "people on the left AND the right." Since I was there with a Republican friend, I suppose that made it a little more comfortable than if he were blasting conservatives. My friend knows where I stand, but we were there to enjoy music together; not to engage in political debate. Of course, everyone knows that Bono is deeply political and passionate and that the evening would not be free from political statements - especially so close to Washington DC! I do think that there is place for politics in rock and roll; as long as the artist is actually knowledgeable and passionate about their beliefs. (Having said that, I am really happy, on many levels, that I don't ever have to worry about going to a Toby Keith concert.)
My only other critique on the show itself, would probably be the over-the-top stage. Yeah, it's kind of cool. It probably looked really amazing to people who weren't practically sitting on the stage. (Do I sound like I'm bragging? I'm not... okay, maybe just a little. Sorry.) But really, I didn't pay for lights and grandeur. I paid to hear some of my favorite music and to witness the iconic band perform. Sure they're older (but apparently, I think that's kind of hot,) but the blinking bright lights and colossal tentacled claw are not the reason that I battled DC traffic and a crowded stadium. In fact, it would be a dream to see a band like U2 book several dates in a small auditorium for an authentic and intimate experience. My main problem with the 360 degree set is the environmental havoc involved in transporting this mammoth stage across the country and Europe. While The Edge states in this article that the band is concerned and working to offset their carbon footprint, I really don't believe that using eco-friendly products will offset 65,000 tons in carbon emissions. Why not use those products AND not have such an elaborate stage? Leave those gimmicks for untalented pop singers who need glittery distractions.
(hopping off soapbox!)
So, while this was not my favorite U2 show, I had an incredible time. And because of that incredible time, I've been SO BUMMED! Going back to work after a concert like that is as sobering as a smack in the face. How on earth can I go back to my JOB after being a part of that? I'm supposed to read resumes when there are people out there who get paid my salary 100,000 times over to sing and play guitar? Seriously?
Somehow, I made it through the week. I went to work. I read resumes while my ipod helped me pass the hours until quitting time. I came home and made dinner with the radio on in the kitchen. I did a little bit of laundry and cleaned the house, listening to a couple of new cd's I downloaded last week. Matt and I picked out a puppy, and listened to some CD's to try to provide some inspiration on puppy names. Blondie? Joan Jett? Layla? We watched a heartbreaking football game while drinking beers and listening to random music on itunes. Through all of the boring and monotonous daily chores, through the exciting and anxious moments, there was music playing in the background. I may not be able to live an exciting rock and roll lifestyle, but I am so very happy that I can at least have my own soundtrack.
Set list at FedEx Field, 9/29/09
1.Breathe
2.Magnificent
3.Get On Your Boots
4.Mysterious Ways
5.I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For "Stand By Me" snippet
6.Elevation
7.Your Blue Room
8.Beautiful Day "Blackbird" snippet
9.New Year's Day
10.Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of
11.The Unforgettable Fire
12.City Of Blinding Lights
13.Vertigo
14.I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight Remix version; "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" snippet
15.Sunday Bloody Sunday
16.MLK
17.Walk On
Encores:
18.One "Amazing Grace" snippet
19.Where The Streets Have No Name
20.Ultraviolet (Light My Way)
21.With Or Without You
22.Moment of Surrender
Concert photos, all taken by my friend Jen Martin, with the exception of a few cell phone shots. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113629&id=544203169&l=ae1c8d403d
Last Tuesday, Jen and I went to see Muse and U2 at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. I had tickets but when Jen snagged a pair, I decided to sell mine and we would use hers. That was a choice decision since we were surprised to discover that our tickets gave us access to the Inner Circle. We were right by the stage, inside of the loop that U2 uses to run laps during the show. We stayed on the right side of the stage; and spent most of our time watching Bono and Adam Clayton. Since it is a requirement that I find a guy on stage hot and Larry Mullen Jr. was hiding behind his drum set, I was kind of surprised to find myself kind of having the hots for Adam. I've always loved bass players but as my heart fluttered a bit during With or Without You and I looked up at a very cool and collected Adam Clayton, all I could think was, "hmmmm. That's new." In a future blog, I will write about the deeply disturbing and growing list of men over 45 that I have the hots for. (For whom I have the hots, grammar nazis?)
This was my second time seeing U2. The first time was a few years ago at Verizon Center in DC for the Vertigo tour. Although we were in the cheap seats, way up high in the sky, that evening ranked #1 in my entire concert-going history. This time around, I wouldn't go so far, but I do not blame it on U2. Since we were on the side, we sort of had the feeling that we were part of the crew. As expected, the band was interacting with the majority of fans that were facing them; although, it was kind of a thrill when they would run over to our side to not even second guess whether we were making eye contact. The sound at FedEx Field is not the greatest. We were right by the stage and I know people who were in various parts of the stadium. All of us had a hard time hearing everything that Bono was saying when he was speaking to the crowd.
I did catch the part where he dedicated "One" to President Bush; for helping 4 million Africans receive the HIV vaccination. It seemed he was trying to be less polarizing with his constant reference to "people on the left AND the right." Since I was there with a Republican friend, I suppose that made it a little more comfortable than if he were blasting conservatives. My friend knows where I stand, but we were there to enjoy music together; not to engage in political debate. Of course, everyone knows that Bono is deeply political and passionate and that the evening would not be free from political statements - especially so close to Washington DC! I do think that there is place for politics in rock and roll; as long as the artist is actually knowledgeable and passionate about their beliefs. (Having said that, I am really happy, on many levels, that I don't ever have to worry about going to a Toby Keith concert.)
My only other critique on the show itself, would probably be the over-the-top stage. Yeah, it's kind of cool. It probably looked really amazing to people who weren't practically sitting on the stage. (Do I sound like I'm bragging? I'm not... okay, maybe just a little. Sorry.) But really, I didn't pay for lights and grandeur. I paid to hear some of my favorite music and to witness the iconic band perform. Sure they're older (but apparently, I think that's kind of hot,) but the blinking bright lights and colossal tentacled claw are not the reason that I battled DC traffic and a crowded stadium. In fact, it would be a dream to see a band like U2 book several dates in a small auditorium for an authentic and intimate experience. My main problem with the 360 degree set is the environmental havoc involved in transporting this mammoth stage across the country and Europe. While The Edge states in this article that the band is concerned and working to offset their carbon footprint, I really don't believe that using eco-friendly products will offset 65,000 tons in carbon emissions. Why not use those products AND not have such an elaborate stage? Leave those gimmicks for untalented pop singers who need glittery distractions.
(hopping off soapbox!)
So, while this was not my favorite U2 show, I had an incredible time. And because of that incredible time, I've been SO BUMMED! Going back to work after a concert like that is as sobering as a smack in the face. How on earth can I go back to my JOB after being a part of that? I'm supposed to read resumes when there are people out there who get paid my salary 100,000 times over to sing and play guitar? Seriously?
Somehow, I made it through the week. I went to work. I read resumes while my ipod helped me pass the hours until quitting time. I came home and made dinner with the radio on in the kitchen. I did a little bit of laundry and cleaned the house, listening to a couple of new cd's I downloaded last week. Matt and I picked out a puppy, and listened to some CD's to try to provide some inspiration on puppy names. Blondie? Joan Jett? Layla? We watched a heartbreaking football game while drinking beers and listening to random music on itunes. Through all of the boring and monotonous daily chores, through the exciting and anxious moments, there was music playing in the background. I may not be able to live an exciting rock and roll lifestyle, but I am so very happy that I can at least have my own soundtrack.
Set list at FedEx Field, 9/29/09
1.Breathe
2.Magnificent
3.Get On Your Boots
4.Mysterious Ways
5.I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For "Stand By Me" snippet
6.Elevation
7.Your Blue Room
8.Beautiful Day "Blackbird" snippet
9.New Year's Day
10.Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of
11.The Unforgettable Fire
12.City Of Blinding Lights
13.Vertigo
14.I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight Remix version; "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" snippet
15.Sunday Bloody Sunday
16.MLK
17.Walk On
Encores:
18.One "Amazing Grace" snippet
19.Where The Streets Have No Name
20.Ultraviolet (Light My Way)
21.With Or Without You
22.Moment of Surrender
Concert photos, all taken by my friend Jen Martin, with the exception of a few cell phone shots. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113629&id=544203169&l=ae1c8d403d
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