Sunday, December 26, 2010

Kim's Best of 2010!

After much thought and debate, the results are in! Mind you, these are heavily biased. Hence why they're KIM's Best of 2010. If I didn't listen to it or didn't like it, then it won't be found here. This is purely a compilation of my favorites in 2010. Also, only those released between November 2009 and October 2010 are eligible, my reason being that songs/albums released at the end of the year don't really get the chance to make an impact in that couple of months.

Kim's Top 20 Singles of 2010
20. "Here We Are Juggernaut" - Coheed and Cambria
19. "The Good Life" - Three Days Grace
18. "Sing" - My Chemical Romance
17. "Familiar Taste of Poison" - Halestorm
16. "Give Me a Sign" - Breaking Benjamin
15. "Tighten Up" - The Black Keys
14. "This Is War" - 30 Seconds to Mars
13. "Shoot It Out" - 10 Years
12. "Impossible" - Anberlin
11. "My Best Theory" - Jimmy Eat World
10. "Shameful Metaphors" - Chevelle
9. "White Flag Warriors" - Flobots
8. "WTF" - OK Go
7. "I'm Alive" - Story of the Year
6. "Odd One" - Sick Puppies
5. "Alone With Nothing" - Smile Empty Soul
4. "Brick by Boring Brick" - Paramore
3. "Fader" - The Temper Trap
2. "Undisclosed Desires" - Muse
1. "Waiting for the End" - Linkin Park

I bet you thought I would make Muse #1, eh? Almost, but not quite. I prefer Muse over Linkin Park easily, but I'm having an affair with "Waiting for the End." Also, MCR's "Sing" breaks my cut-off rule of October 2010 by about a week. But it's my list, my rules. And already, I've spent the past month or so listening to that song a great deal. So I would say it has left its mark on me already.

Kim's Top 3 Albums of 2010

3. Feeding the Wolves - 10 Years
2. This Is War - 30 Seconds to Mars
1. A Thousand Suns - Linkin Park

Of course, as time wears on, I'm sure I'll be getting around to more albums that we released in that time frame, but for now, those are the 3 that made the year for me.

Favorite Music Video

The Black Keys - "Tighten Up"

If you watch it, you'll understand. Great song with a great video.

Favorite New Band

The Few/Oh No Fiasco!

Not a tie. Those bands are one and the same. Due to trademarking issues, The Few very recently had to change their name, and they chose Oh No Fiasco!. Haven't heard of them? Not surprised. They are a local band, homegrown in Knoxville. I've seen them live, downloaded their music from iTunes, and I'm definitely into them. I hope they have a successful future ahead of them!

Favorite Concert

Muse in Raleigh, NC 10/26

I really hope you didn't expect me to give that award to anyone else. ;)

And that's that! Kim's 2010 favorites!!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Not dead yet

Just a quick little blurb to let you know that Musical Musings is still on my mind. Apparently, even my music-listening habits have been affected by this stupid move.

With the year's end approaching, I'm thinking my own personal "Best of 2010" list is in order. This is something that will take quite a bit of thought, so I should probably get started on that...

Monday, December 6, 2010

'Tis the Season...

Mainly, I just wanted to step in here and say that I am alive and kicking...long story short, my DOG is causing all of my computer sessions to be short...

I was thinking, with it being Christmas and all, and with this being a music blog...let's talk Christmas music shall we?

Due to some...frustrating...circumstances, I haven't had access to most of my Christmas music, but I do have a mix laying around that I made last year with some of my favorite recordings on it, and I just thought I would share a couple of those with you.

(Oh, and seeing as the CD is in my truck, and I'm too lazy to go get it, this isn't all of the songs, and they certainly aren't in order)

1) "Santa, Baby" recorded by Cynthia Bassinet (sp?). This recording is often mistaken as being by Marilyn Monroe, so if you see one with that stamp, it's actually this chick singing.

2) "Baby, It's Cold Outside" recorded by Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone (from the Elf soundtrack!)

3) "Mary, Did You Know?" recorded by Clay Aiken (guilty pleasure, here)

4) "I Wonder as I Wander" recorded by Jewel and some other chick

5) "Sleigh Ride" recorded by the Brian Setzer Orchestra

6) "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" recorded by Rascall Flatts (I assure you, probably the only thing they've ever recorded that I like...)

7) "O Come All Ye Faithful" recorded by Weezer

8) "Do You Hear What I Hear" recorded by Flyleaf

9) "Merry Fucking Christmas" recorded by Mr. Garrison (hahaha)

10) "Chinese Food on Christmas" written/recorded by Bryan Walker (I think that's his name anyway...)

11) "Grown-Up Christmas List" recorded by Kelly Clarkson

12) "Silent Night" recorded by Boyz II Men

13) "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" recorded by the guy from the cartoon haha

14) "Christmas, Don't Be Late" recorded by Alvin and the Chipmunks

15) "Carol of the Bells" recorded by Destiny's Child (a very interesting a capella)

16) "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" recorded by The Temptations (LOVE THIS ONE!)

There are 24 songs on that mix, plus one that my friend made me that has some great stuff on it too, but I'm having trouble remembering everything. Well those are some of my faves. What are yours?

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Ep. 18: Kim Loves 10 Years

Before I dust off my series, I'm gonna get sidetracked with a couple of topics.

1) According to my homepage, this is my 100th post? But if I count my actual number of blogs, it looks like this is only #95. What counted for the other 5?

2) I bought a ticket to see Linkin Park in January. I paid high $76 for the ticket (in the seats even. GA would have been about $90), and I'll be driving a ridiculously long time for this one, too. With my upcoming move, there were no dates nearby. Atlanta was the closest, and that's a 7-hour drive, straight-shot. I've decided to make it a little more worthwhile by staying in Knoxville and making a weekend of it. That way I can see some friends, then just drive down to the show (hence the seats, and not GA. If I had GA, I'd have to be there pretty early to queue).

Now to the point.

10 YEARS

Stats
Formed: 1999
Albums: 3
Breakout Single: "Wasteland," 2005
Seen live? Twice!

They're one of the heavier bands in my library. Despite the heavy guitars though, they have great melodies and memorable riffs. Their lyrics on the first album, The Autumn Effect, were a little hard to decipher, but lately they've taken to more straightforward lyrics.

Since I've become aware of the concert scene in Knoxville, 10 Years have been through here 4 times. I was able to catch them twice, and both times were amazing. A band should be better live, and they lived up to that expectation.

Here's a song from their new album. Love it!


Friday, November 12, 2010

The Rules for a Rock Show

Someone recently made a very interesting post in the gigs section of the Muse messageboards. They posted the rules for attending rock concerts. And what a crock of shit it is! Here are some highlights:

1) Don't sing if you aren't one of the dudes on stage getting paid to do it. Nobody paid their hard-earned money to hear your dorky, untalented ass sing. We came to hear the dudes on stage sing. Paying 40 bucks to go see Tool, but instead of hearing Maynard, you get the dorkus malorkus with mad zits standing next to you singing "Sober" really loudly and out of key in your ear is enough to murder mother fuckers for.

Umm....really? I mean, it is kinda annoying when someone next to you is crazy off-key, but really? I sing every word as loud as I possibly can. Also, I've never been to a show where the crowd drowned out the band over the soundsystem. What shows do these people attend, anyway?

3) This is possibly the oldest rule in the book… yeah, you know what we're talking about… don't be THAT guy. We KNOW you like the band, that's why you're here, you don't need to wear their SHIRT to their show as well.

WHOA. Probably about 3/4 of the people at a concert are wearing merch of the band that's playing. Why the hell is this an issue? I've always thought it was pretty natural to wear a band's shirt to their shows.

6) Dancing is ok, as long as you don't get all fruity. Air-instruments are NOT ok. That includes: air-guitar, air-drums, air-microphone, air-keyboards, and yes even the air-bass. Don't get me started on air-saxophone.

Yeah. Because we all go to concerts to stand against the wall with our hands in our pockets. Why would someone want to move at a concert? The nerve!

8) Don't be the buff steakhead dudes in the Jeep blasting Radiohead as you leave (or enter) the parking lot of the Radiohead show. WE KNOW YOU LIKE THE BAND! THAT'S WHY YOU ARE AT THE @#%$ SHOW CHAMP! HOW MUCH OF ONE BAND DO YOU REALLY NEED?! Actually just don't be the four buff guys in the Jeep at the show… period. This rule applies to everybody. You don't need to listen to the band you're going to see on the way to seeing them.

Ok, when I am going to a concert, I listen to that band for at least the week leading up to it, I blast it from my speakers on my way to the gig, I blast it as I leave the gig, then I usually listen to that band for at least a week after the gig. You're going to the damn show because you like the band. This one is just stupid. Plus, if I wanna wear them out, that's my business.

13) Don't be that fat lame bitch that gets crushed at the front of the stage at the barrier. Every time there's a real big show, some grotesquely fat chick thinks it would be swell to get as close to the singer of Blink182 as possible, and that nobody else there has the same idea. 3 songs into the set, the bouncers have to pull her obese fainting ass over the barricade. Don't be this pathetic piece of pasty lard.

Do I really need to say anything about this one? What an asshole.

19) No crying.

When something unbelievably wonderful and beautiful happens at a show, dammit, I'm gonna cry, and I don't give a rat's ass if you don't like. Muse played an amazing and beautiful rarity when I saw them a couple of weeks ago. Did I cry? Yes. And I wasn't the only one.

20) When there's a brand new band that a lot of people seem real excited about that features ex members of other cool bands or something, and they don't have any releases out yet, just a demo, or a couple mp3's on their website or something, don't be the jackass at the front of the stage singing all the words. Yeah, yeah, we know you're the geeky super fan who likes these guys way more than everybody else. Just stop it cos you're making everybody want to vomit with your over apparent super fan enthusiasm.

HOW DARE YOU BE A FAN! STOP IT!! THAT'S NOT ALLOWED! STOP HAVING A GOOD TIME!! THERE IS NO FUN IN THE NO FUN ZONE!!

There were many other rules on this list, but those were the ones that really got under my skin. I bet this guy is the best concert buddy ever.


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

I've seen all I'll ever need...

It's been one week already. You have no idea how badly I want to go back in time and relive last Tuesday over and over. Oh, and tell myself to suffer through the headache and hang out after the show (I'm so jealous of everyone who was able to meet the boys!). I'm still in the midst of a Muse phase. They're all I've been able to listen to for the past week.

On the bright side, I have a couple of Musey projects ahead of me to help me stave off the PMS (Post Muse Syndrome). Just a couple of time-consuming things to cure some boredom. I'll be sure to post here as they're coming along.

So here I leave you with a vid from last Tuesday. This was during one of the most amazing songs of the night, and the filmer was just a few feet down the barrier to my left.




Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Muse. Mind blown. Face melted.

Warning! There be many, many, MANY words ahead!

Where, oh where do I start? I guess I'll start at 8:45 a.m. on 10/26/2010. That's where all the fun began, after all.

I met up with a couple of people I had met on the Muse messageboards
(Erindal = Tracy, mamababa = Margaret), and we headed to the arena. Even that early, we were still numbers 14-18 in line (for those of you who can count, Tracy's son and his friend were with us). However, we arrived just in time for a tiny slice of chaos. The utterly clueless staff of the RBC Center was trying to tell us that we could not be on the property until 5 pm. Uhh...do I need to say that this was a problem? Long story short, we found some nice staffers who were willing to actually talk with us, and everything worked out. We happily returned to our spots right outside the door of the arena.

I thought it might get a little boring standing outside waiting for ten hours. Ya know what though? I kinda had a blast! I've never been around so many people who share my obsession, so it was great getting to talk Muse with everyone. Also, it was really awesome getting to finally meet all the people that had formerly had no faces. Like I said, I had a blast queueing up for this. :)

Getting inside the arena was a little hectic. Actually, "hectic" might not be the right word. "Clusterfuck" would be more accurate. So much for trying to number ourselves off outside the arena. Ultimately, my entire group made it to the barrier though. Nothing between us and the stage but a few security staffers! I couldn't believe how close I was. I don't think there's a word to describe my excitement.

Metric came on. Good stuff. I believe I will look into picking up an album. By the way, the lead singer was absolutely ADORABLE. But enough about them...

Before the lights went out, we could see the glow from Matt's (lead singer/guitarist/keyboardist) guitar inside the first tower. That's when it started to sink in that the boys were only going to be feet away from me, and not the distant specks they were at the last show I attended. We cheered as we watched the silhouettes of the towers rise. Almost time...

Someone had glimpsed part of the setlist, but fortunately, I was forewarned and actually managed to resist the temptation to look. It's soooo much better when you don't know what to expect.

I'm so glad I didn't peek. I was expecting the usual intro into their biggest single "Uprising." That would have been amazing enough on its own. I can't describe how I felt when I realized I was hearing strings, not a keyboard. Muse opened with the first movement of their Exogenesis Symphony, usually reserved for the encore. They have only rarely done that on this leg of the tour, and the times when they did, I had thought to myself "I want this setlist!!!" I never dreamed we would get it. The song continued to build, and I could feel the moment coming when the veils (what would you call them? Tarps? Cloths? Eh?) would drop away, and the music would hit me in the face like a freight train. I remember grabbing the girl next to me (Margaret, if any of the boardies have followed the link I posted) and said, "Here it comes!!" And all at once, the veils fell away, the towers exploded into light, and Matt's beautiful falsetto filled the arena. I think my heart missed a couple of beats, and I'm pretty sure I screamed...

I'm not going to take you song by song. Instead, I'll just highlight the moments that (Warning! Cliche ahead!!) took my breath away.

Every song was mind-blowingly awesome, even the ones that aren't particularly my favorites ("United States of Eurasia," for instance). But then...

So usually, after USoE, they follow up with their cover of "Feeling Good." Sometimes however, they substitute that with "Ruled by Secrecy." I wanted to hear RbS so very badly... As Muse finished playing USoE, I think I stopped breathing. What would they play next? Then the first bar of that beautiful piano line from RbS sounded out, and I know I screamed that time. I sat back and sang along, and then when the fortissimo piano section hit, I teared up. I know not everyone will understand this, but that moment was like nothing else I had every felt before. That song is beautiful on the album, but absolutely breath-taking live. By the end, I was crying a little.

Muse proceeded to melt my friggin' face off for the rest of the show. The next big huge enormous moment for me was the closer. It's the entire reason why I was so excited to hear Exogenesis open the show. When they open with Exogenesis, they close with "Take a Bow." Not only had I never seen the song live before, I imagined it to be quite the epic closer...

I was right.

Everything about it...the build...the EPIC LASERS, the animations on the towers...was simply stunning. "Knights of Cydonia" is a fantastic closer, but "Take a Bow" worked insanely well. I was sad because I knew it would be the last song of the night, but what a song to end with.

That night was the best night of my life. I wish I could relive it a thousand times.

If any of my boardie friends are reading this, again I say it was GREAT to meet all of you!

I took lots of pictures. Not sure how great they'll turn out, but I'll post them all to facebook when I get them up and sorted. :)

Monday, October 25, 2010

MUSE TOMORROW

Short post today. I'm about to put the finishing touches on my packing, then I'm hitting the road. Where to, you ask? Raleigh, NC. What's there?

MUSE

Expect a full report when I get back.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Thousand Suns

I've said before that I don't care much for album reviews. It's subjective, and no one really has the right to label an album as "good" or "bad." But here are my opinions on Linkin Park's new album A Thousand Suns. Yeah, it came out about a month ago, but I've just now gotten around to grabbing it.

LP hit the scene hot and heavy with their debut album Hybrid Theory. Heavy guitars, rapped verses with screaming (yet melodic, heh) choruses. Second album Meteora followed suit. They experimented a little more electronically, but the same basic ingredients that made fans fall in love with the first album were still very much present. I love both of those albums.

Third album, Minutes to Midnight, began their departure from nu metal. A lot of fans cried out, "LINKIN PARK'S GONE SOFT." I disagree. They're moving in a new direction. Mike only raps in a couple of songs on that album, and Chester only screams on two tracks. The rest of the album is more melodic, more electronic...just more experimental in general. Mike steps forward and sings in a few songs. The lyrics take on a more mature nature ("Hands Held High" is a perfect example). I loved this album, just in a different way from the previous two.

Now comes A Thousand Suns (hard to believe they're on their fourth album. I remember buying Hybrid Theory when it was new...). Again the fans of the first albums complain, but me...from the song-writing perspective, this is their best album yet. It's more mature both lyrically and musically. Not everyone will like it, but kudos to LP for writing what they want to write. There are 15 tracks on the album, but only 9 of those are actual, stand-alone songs. The rest are short instrumentals ranging from 18 seconds to 2 minutes in length. They're not something I would put on my iPod, but when listening to the album front to back, they unify it quite nicely.

I've heard this album called Linkin Park's OK Computer. It's great. It's inventive. I don't know if I would go that far. OK Computer is...pure genius. But A Thousand Suns certainly is...something else. I think it could very well become my favorite LP album.

It's a concept album, LP's first. It's unified with the themes of war and fighting for what you believe in. Some favorite tracks are the lead single, "The Catalyst," "Waiting for the End," "When They Come for Me," and "Iridescent."

I could write a great deal about each individual song, but this post is already getting pretty long. So I'll leave you with a few comments on the aforementioned "When They Come for Me." Mike's lyrics here are a response to those who say that Linkin Park should stick to the music they became known for. Here are some lyrics that I particularly like (these are not consecutive):

"I am not a pattern to be followed"

"Nor the same person telling you to forfeit the game" ("forfeit the game" being a reference to "Points of Authority" from Hybrid Theory)

"Even a blueprint is a gift and a curse
Cause once you've got a theory of how the thing works
Everybody wants the next to be just like the first"

"Yall ought to stop talking, start trying to catch up, motherfucker"

I just love that "EFF YOU" feeling the song has. That's right, boys. It's your music, and your right to move it in whichever direction you will.


Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Ep. 17: Kim Loves Weezer

Weezer

Stats
Formed: 1992
Albums: 8
Breakout Single: "Undone-The Sweater Song," 1994
Seen live? No :(

Weezer once solidly occupied the #3 position on my list of favorite bands. Their latest antics have knocked them down a bit. Don't get me wrong, I still love them, and I commend them for writing what they want to write. It's just to me, while I like some of it, it just doesn't have that same charm that previous albums had. I highly doubt that they will ever be knocked from my faves list though. Too many good memories here.

The first song I heard by these boys was the aforementioned breakout single. Oddly enough, I heard it almost 10 years after the fact. Strange, eh? I've told you before though...I haven't always been as musically aware as I am now.

Many Weezer fans are losing interest in them, due to their new "pop" image. I don't really care. I read an interesting article just the other day though...one fan in particular is trying to raise $10 million for them. Why? He wants to pay them to break up. Last I heard, he hadn't even raised $300 for his cause. After hearing about it, drummer Pat Wilson said that if the fan made it $20 million, they'd take the "deluxe" break-up package.

I don't think I have to tell you that the fact that fans are demanding they break up just because they're not writing music that they want to hear anymore grates on my nerves, stomping all over my biggest musical pet peeve. But whatever...

Here's one of my faves, "Perfect Situation," from their fifth album. Recognize the girl starring in the music video? None other than Elisha Cuthbert, a.k.a. Kim Bauer!



Thursday, October 7, 2010

Closer and Closer...

Yes, yes, I'm still alive. Things have been a little crazy lately. Of course, I haven't been so busy that I can't spare 10 minutes to type up another post for my series, but I've been just busy enough to rob me of any desire to do so. :D

I could move on to the next episode now, but I'm tired. I've been working some overnight shifts lately, so my sleep schedule is bass-ackwards. I believe I shall make a quick note here, then retire to my bed for a nap before work this evening.

Muse in 19 days!! I can't believe it's this close. When I bought the ticket, it was still 5 months away, and now it's less than 3 weeks! I'm so excited! I've been lurking on Muse's messageboards, and I've found some people to meet up with there in Raleigh. We're gonna meet outside the arena at a bright and early 8 a.m. That's 12 hours before the first band even hits the stage. Sounds crazy, right? But there's no doubt that we'll be on the freakin' barrier getting there that early. As in, nothing in that entire arena between us and the stage, but the barrier and a couple members of security. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH THIS EXCITES ME?? It will be the best night of my life.

Plus, one of the girls ordered 12 of these for us (we'll pay her back when we meet): http://www.flashingblinkylights.com/blueflashingsunglasses-p-1713.html

So there we'll be. In the front row, with bright flashing sunglasses. I can't even imagine how awesome this show will be.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Ep. 16: Kim Loves Three Days Grace

Three Days Grace

Stats
Formed: 1992
Albums: 3
Breakout Single: "I Hate Everything About You," 2003
Seen live? Yup!

One of the few straight-up rock bands on this series. I mean, it's still alt rock, but it's...a more...mainstream.......alt rock...yeah, genre is a squishy subject.

Despite the heavier style, they still write melodic music, which is probably why it appeals to me so. They don't really venture into unknown territory, but they manage to leave their own fingerprint on the genre (perhaps my use of the word "genre" is a little contradicting, given my previously stated issues with it, but oh well). That's not an easy task to accomplish.

I talk of their music tending toward the heavy side, but here's one of their ballads from the latest album, "Last to Know."



Sunday, September 19, 2010

It's Official...

Weezer have gone crazy.

They've begun work on their ninth studio album. Album number eight was released less than a week ago. They're mad men.

But dammit...

I love them.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Ep. 15: Kim Loves the Smashing Pumpkins

Stats
Formed: 1988 (breakup 2000-2006)
Albums: 8 (8th is ongoing)
Breakout Single: "Cherub Rock," 1993
Seen live? Yup! Though not with the original lineup...

I freakin' love these guys. One of the best things about them is their (and by "their" I mostly mean "Billy's") ability to conjure a "signature sound" and stick to it, while managing to manipulate that sound and create something unique with each piece. That's not an easy task.

This band could be my number 3 band. That's still not definite though. While I'm intimately familiar with songs throughout their catalog, there are still many that I have yet to dive into. These guys are up there though. Seeing them live was sublime (even though only Billy remains).

How do I choose a song to post here? There are so many I love. Hmmm..."Eye" or "Perfect"...Let's go with "Perfect," from their fourth album, Adore.



Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Ep. 14: Kim Loves Silverchair

Stats
Formed: 1992
Albums: 5
Breakout Single: "Tomorrow," 1995
Seen live? No... :(

This band has done the opposite of most of the other bands on the list. They've lost popularity as the years have worn on. In the United States, at least. They are still one of the most popular and most successful bands in Australia.

You've heard me say multiple times that I like and expect for bands to evolve their sound over the course of their career. Silverchair is an extreme example of this. They look and sound absolutely nothing at all like they did when they first gained popularity. In fact, they've almost completely cut ties with their old sound. The last time they played "Tomorrow" live was in 1999. They said then that they were sick of it, it didn't go with their present sound at all, and that it may be ten years before they ever drag it out again. It's been eleven, and still no "Tomorrow." The only song from that album that even makes it to their current setlists is "Israel's Son."

Their present sound is a bit experimental. These guys are my second favorite band of all time because they keep changing their sound, and I keep loving it. My favorite albums are Neon Ballroom and Diorama. Great stuff.

Here's a live version of "The Greatest View" that's superior to the album version. Love it!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Ep. 13: Kim Loves Radiohead

Stats
Formed: 1985
Albums: 7
Breakout Single: "Creep," 1992
Seen live? No :(

This is actually a new-found love of mine. I still haven't made my way through all of their albums, but I've yet to come across something I don't like. Plus, if you'll remember, their third album, OK Computer, is on my 5 Deserted Island CDs list. I love that album.

There's really not much to say here. They're one of the biggest, most well-known bands in the world for a reason. Like most bands, they've changed with time. They've long since parted ways with the sound of their first album, Pablo Honey. They're in the studio now, recording album #8. Will I nab it when it's out? Probably.

This is old Radiohead, but this is one of my favorite music videos, ever. And Radiohead still won't tell what the man said at the end. I think it has something to do with the repeated line, "We do it to ourselves." I think maybe the man realized that everything in the world, everything that's bad, we all brought on ourselves. We have no one to blame but us. So maybe if we just give up, and stop doing anything, then maybe the world will be a better place. Or maybe he said that if you lie down like this, you can see Thom Yorke up on the balcony. Who knows? Here's "Just."

And dammit, it's another video that's disabled. Do me a favor, and go watch it will ya? It's a great one.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Deftones: A Madhouse

Ok, so I woke up this morning with an insanely sore throat, and by this afternoon, I had a slight fever. Did that stop me from going? Of course not! I paid for that ticket, and I wanted to see them. A little sickness wasn't about to stand in my way.

I didn't really plan on buying a shirt, but I did anyway. Every show that I've been to that I haven't bought a shirt, I've always regretted it later. So I boughts me a shirt.

There was only one opening band. They were called This Will Destroy You, and they really were something else. They were a purely instrumental band, but man, they rocked! They had a very interesting sound. I loved it live, but I don't think I could buy an entire album of it. I was thinking as I listened to them, that they would sound great on a movie soundtrack. As I'm perusing their page on Wikipedia, I see that their music has been used in a few movies. Each song started soft and eerie, then gradually built up into this cacophony of sound. I can't quite describe it beyond that, but I highly recommend you check out a tune or two by them.

Then when the Deftones came on...I've said before that there's always that one guy that decides to mosh. As the Deftones took the stage and kicked into their opener, the crowd exploded into a mosh pit, all at once. Everyone was absolutely craaaaaaazy. I like to be up there and in the thick of it, but I had to concede defeat and move to the back. It was pretty awesome to see all that happen. They didn't stop until the band left the stage at the end of the night. It was one hell of an experience.


Also, for another first, between bands, the guy in front of me suddenly squatted down and lit up. At first, I couldn't tell if it was a joint or just a cigarette (he never would have made it back to his spot if he had left for the smoking area). Then the smell hit. Ha. Squatting, smoking a joint...this dude was gettin' ready. Haha. He kindly offered a hit to all of us around him, but no one took him up on it. Hehe.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

10 Years pics

Ok, so here's my subpar phone pics of 10 Years (as Jesse strips on stage).

Jesse Hasek, fully clothed:


Jesse Hasek, open shirt:




And finally, Jesse Hasek, TOPLESS:



Pretty, ain't he? My phone doesn't really show distance very well, but for these, I was the same distance from the stage as I was for the Sick Puppies. I started off even closer, but I moved back a tiny bit to hang with the couple I met.

Friday, September 3, 2010

10 Years (This post contains explicit language)

The 10 Years show was tonight. I had been looking forward to it sooooo much. I LOVE 10 Years! There were three opening bands, all of which were local (10 Years is also from Knoxville, so they usually try to help out some of the local bands in the area when they're in town).

The first, Digital Summer, was decent. The second, American Plague, was blah. The third, The Few, kicked ass! I had actually sorta seen them before (part of them, anyways...). Some of them used to be in a band called Vertigo (including the amazing female lead singer), and when that band dissolved, they got together with some of the remnants of another recently broken band, Thoroughfare, and boom! The Few was born. They were awesome. If I had had cash on me, I would have picked up their EP at the end of the show. I'll definitely look into it though.

Then the time finally came: 10 Years! They were so amazing! They have so much energy on stage. Simply amazing. If you ever have the chance to see them, I highly recommend it (if you're into that type of music, of course). And at the end of the show, Jesse stage dove twice! The first time, he leapt to the opposite side of the crowd than me, and the second time, he passed within mere inches of my fingers!! Blast!

So what detracted from the night and kept this concert from jumping to my list of tops? The ASSHOLES moshing behind me! At just about every rock concert, you have one guy who tries to get a pit going, and everyone else around him subdues him pretty quickly. Not this time. This time it was about 4 idiots who decided a mosh pit was needed. I hope I don't sound too square when I say this, but I HATE mosh pits. Why? Because I do not ENJOY getting HEADBUTTED in my FUCKING KIDNEY!! And when I wasn't dealing with the moshing assholes, I was dealing with the entirely too drunk bitch who kept grabbing my shirt, my arms, my shoulders, because she was too fucking drunk TO STAND. And she was trying to do much more than stand, and she just about took me down with her two or three times. I know I gave her a good elbow right square in the tit at least once, but I really think she was too drunk to feel it. I missed out on two of my favorite songs (Actions & Motives, and 11:00) because I was trying to stand my ground against the drunk bitch and the asshole moshers. Fuck.

/rant

Anywho, I went to this concert alone, as is happening more and more lately, but this one wasn't too bad, in that sense. I chatted up the couple next to me in line, and they introduced themselves. When we got in, we went our separate ways. Before the first band made it out though, I felt a poke on my arm. It was the girl from the line. "Are you lonely? Do you wanna come stand with us?" "Sure! Why not?" So I got to hang out and talk with them for the rest of the show. They were really big 10 Years fans, and tonight was their first concert they had been to in 8 years. It was nice to have fellow fans to talk to.

I forgot to charge my camera before the show (which is a shame because I was pretty darn close, and would have gotten some excellent shots), so no pics or video to post.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

A difficult, but smart, decision

I've been doing some thinking. I think I need to can the idea of making it to the October 20th 30 Seconds to Mars show in Nashville. At first, I thought, "Yeah sure, I can spread the money around and make it work." But upon more thought, I don't want to stretch the money. I want to know everything's taken care of. Dammit...I'm making adult decisions...had to happen sometime...

I had to take my dog to the vet recently. It was just her annual exam and vaccinations, but it put a dent in my bank account. Then I shamelessly blew some money on a shirt (I rarely pay full price for any article of clothing, but this shirt was worth it...). Plus, I've been thinking about the whole Raleigh thing...I want to know I've got that covered. As soon as that $200 check comes in from the leasing office, I'm getting my name down for 2 nights at a Motel 6. Then I'll continue putting money back each week for general traveling expenses...

Still going to the show solo. But I've been lurking through the messageboards on Muse's website, and there are a lot of people on there going to the show. I'm gonna see if any of them mind if I meet up with them and tagalong for the day so I won't be so ronery.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Ep. 12: Kim Loves Paramore

Paramore

Stats
Formed: 2004
Albums: 3
Breakout Single: "Misery Business," 2007
Seen live? Nope. They came to town in April, but I saw Three Days Grace instead...

Another pop rock band, eh? Can't help it. I love'em. Yeah, Hayley is fun to sing along with in the car, but I really love the sound, too. Even though they are a young band (plus, though they formed in 2004, they were able to release their first album as soon as 2005), you can definitely hear progress from album to album.

Somehow, I had never heard of them until a friend of mine bought Riot! (second album). I didn't listen to it, but he said that the album was great and that I really needed to check it out. I went home, and noticed that "crushcrushcrush" was available on Rock Band, downloaded it, and fell in love. Then I listened to the rest of the album and loved it, too.

Here's "Brick by Boring Brick" from the new album, Brand New Eyes. I think the song and the video are both beautiful. It's about the people who see only what they want to see so that they won't have to face what's actually there. Good stuff.

Aaaaaaand I just realized that the record label has disabled any embedding of the vid, so if you're curious, you'll have to actually go to youtube to watch it. Anywho, here's the song.





Saturday, August 28, 2010

Ep. 11: Kim Loves Panic at the Disco

Panic at the Disco

Stats
Formed: 2004
Albums: 2
Breakout Single: "The only difference between martyrdom and suicide is press coverage," 2005
Seen live? Nope.

Yup. A little bit of pop rock thrown into the mix. But I cannot deny that I love this band. I will say though that a lot of people write them off because of their (formerly) catchy beats and popularity. There's actually a great deal of interesting things happening in their songs. Their first album was their most popular. The singles faired alright on the rock charts, but they garnered a lot of attention on pop radio. If you actually listen to the songs though, you'll find there's a surprising amount of depth to the music on that album.

Their second album shifts gears. Their catchy beats are replaced with a laid back, Beatles-esque sound. And poof! Went their popularity. "Nine in the Afternoon" made a small splash, but the rest of their singles didn't even chart. The depth is still there, but the dancey packaging has been tossed away. Forgive my smugness, but I think that that only goes to show how shallow John Q. Public's ear truly is, and helps to explain why KeSha keeps topping the charts...

There have been some changes in the lineup, but the band is working on album #3, and hopes to have it out in early 2011. They've released a single since the second album, found on a film soundtrack. I think it's a mix between the sounds of their first and second albums. Here's "New Perspective."

Monday, August 23, 2010

Ep. 10: Kim Loves The Offspring

Whoops, missed a couple of days. That's okay, though. Moving on!

The Offspring

Stats
Formed: 1984
Albums: 8
Breakout Single: "Come Out and Play," 1994
Seen live? Yup!

I already liked The Offspring, but after seeing them, they were bumped up onto the favorites list. They were great live, and seeing them caused me to go rooting around through their catalogue. There's a lot of great music there.

Someone not familiar with the band would probably write them off as a schtick band. But they actually put a great deal of thought behind their music. The Offspring isn't for everyone, but it's certainly for me.

I'm opting for "Bad Habit" for today's song. If you recall my post after their concert, you might remember me mentioning the audience yell a stream of obscenities...this would be that song. This is a great song to listen to when you're driving. Listen to the lyrics!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Ep. 9: Kim Loves Muse (duh)

Muse

Stats
Formed: 1994
Albums: 5
Breakout Single (U.S.): "Time Is Running Out," 2003
Seen live? Hell yes! With a second time on the way!

You already know I love Muse. So I'll spare you the dirty details. They didn't hit U.S. airwaves until their third album (my all time favorite). I heard "Time Is Running Out" when it was circulating on Fuse, and I fell in love.

I can't wait to see them again. The first time I saw them, it was the most amazing experience. This time, I'll be on the floor, the friggin' FLOOR!!

I'll keep this one short and sweet since I've talked about Muse a lot here. I love their whole catalogue, so it's hard to choose one song to post. Let's go with this one. One of their heavier songs, it features one of my favorite guitar riffs of all time. I wanted to embed the music video, but it's disabled for all of them on youtube. Here's "Plug In Baby."

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Ep. 8: Kim Loves Linkin Park

Linkin Park

Stats
Formed: 1996
Albums: 3 (#4 coming out in less than a month!)
Breakout Single: "One Step Closer," 2000
Seen live? No... :(

This one might be a little cliche...but I have to admit that I love Linkin Park. I remember the first time I heard "In the End." I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Plus, since I didn't listen to the radio very much, I didn't get it worn into the ground like the rest of the world did. Let's face it, I still think it's a pretty freakin' awesome song.

Again, we have another band that is heading in a different creative direction with their newer albums. Many fans of Hybrid Theory and Meteora have been losing interest with the newer releases. Me, I say bring it on. I like a wide range of music, which means that the new sound is still within the parameters of my tastes. Therefore...I still love it.

In fact...today's song is from their third album, Minutes to Midnight. I fell in love with this song the very first time I heard it. There's just something about the chorus...Anywho, fourth album, A Thousand Suns, is out September 14th! New single, "The Catalyst." Check it out!

Here's "Leave Out All the Rest."

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Ep. 7: Kim Loves Incubus

Incubus

Stats
Formed: 1991
Albums: 6
Breakout Single: "Pardon Me," 1999
Seen live? Not yet...

Incubus is a band that I haven't fully discovered yet, but everything so far gets them a spot firmly on the favorites list. I'm really excited about delving into them more and seeing what I find. They can crank up the guitars a little bit when they want to, but they have this laid back sound. They're especially good to listen to in the summer. Hearing them, I want to sit on my little patio with a beer in hand, and just....relaaaaaax.

I've heard that they are great live. I haven't seen them yet, but they are working on album #7, which means when they get it out, they'll be on tour. I'll hit'em up then.

The song today is the first song I heard by them, and I was hooked from the first time I heard it. It's "Talk Shows on Mute" from their fifth album. And don't ask me what rock I was living under that THAT was the first Incubus song I laid ears on. I wasn't always as musically conscious as I am now. Here's a bit of trivia for ya...the chorus is:
Come
One
Come
All
Into
Nineteen
Eighty-four

......Do you see?





Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Ep. 6: Kim Loves Hoobastank

I can't believe it, Episode 6 already. I hope I can keep up this pace.

Hoobastank

Stats
Genre: I give up on classifying genre. It's all various shades of alternative rock. There.
Formed: 1994
Albums: 4
Breakout Single: "Crawling in the Dark," 2001
Seen live? Nope

Yeah, I'm gonna nix trying to classify a genre for all of these bands. Most bands shift a bit as they progress, plus many play around in a few different genres anyway. There's no one on this list that isn't some form of alternative rock.

Hoobastank started out their career kinda hot and heavy, but lately, they've lightened up. Their lyrics have always been very emotional, which you can bash if you want, but sometimes, it just hits the spot. Many fans prefer the days when the 'stank had some edge, but I think my favorite album is actually their third, Every Man for Himself. It's just...nice. :) Sorry, but sometimes it's just hard to describe the emotions we get from music.

Here's one of my favorites from the aforementioned third album. It's one of the rockier songs present on the track list. I think this song is funny. So many of the songs on that album have these motivational lyrics, with themes like "be yourself" and "always move forward." Then you have this song...and it's theme is..."I WANT TO PUT MY HOO-HOO DILLY IN YOUR CHA CHA." Here's "Inside of You."



Monday, August 16, 2010

Ep. 5: Kim Loves Flyleaf

I'm having fun with this series. Sorry if it's boring you!

Flyleaf

Stats
Genre: post-grunge nu-metal, but lately it's been a little softer
Formed: 2000
Albums: 2
Breakout Single: "I'm So Sick," 2005
Seen live? Yep.

The genre here is a little more difficult to nail down. Their first album was mostly post-grunge nu-metal, but their second album was just a tiny bit softer, and Lacey cut out the screaming for Memento Mori. I don't really blame her...she's great at it, but it's hell on the vocal cords. Just days after I saw them live, they had to cancel 5 tour dates because she lost her voice. It happens.

They're a relatively young band, with their second album making it out just last November, but I love every song they've churned out so far (OK, except for this one on Memento Mori that I'm having a hard time getting into), which gets them on my favorites list. I still haven't quite decided if I want to see them or 30 Seconds to Mars...

I had a hard time choosing a song to post on here. It was between three, but...I think I'll be going with "So I Thought" from the first album. It's a beautiful ballad, and I love the harmonies at the end.



Sunday, August 15, 2010

Ep. 4: Kim Loves Evanescence


Evanescence

Stats
Genre: post-grunge nu-metal
Formed: 1995
Albums: 2
Breakout Single: "Bring Me to Life," 2003
Seen live? No...but more on that later...

So far, I've labeled 3 out of four bands as post-grunge nu-metal. Maybe I do have a type. Evanescence has this dark sound, with lots of melodic guitar action. And I have to admit, I have a thing for bands with female lead vocalists. I think it's because they're easier to sing along with. Amy Lee does have an extraordinary voice. She's also a trained concert pianist, which means she knows what she's doing when she's writing music.

Talents aside, I get the feeling that Amy Lee is a little hard to work with. Evanescence has been sailing in choppy waters for the last few years. She's the only original member of the band left after 2 nearly complete turnovers, and the partings have not been on good terms. The band was even on an "indefinite" hiatus until late last year. They've been in the studio working on their third album, but progress has been recently delayed. I'm really hoping that they can get back on track, crank out that next album, and get back to touring. I'll have to make sure I catch them on this one. With their history, they might not survive very long after this album.

It's hard to pick a favorite here, but let's continue with my trend of picking singles with videos and throw this one out there. Here's "Lithium."


Saturday, August 14, 2010

Ep. 3: Kim Loves Coheed and Cambria

Moving right along!

Coheed and Cambria

Stats
Genre: New Prog
Formed: 1995
Albums: 5
Breakout Single: "A Favor House Atlantic," 2004
Seen live? No, but someday...

These guys have something really interesting going on. They've taken the concept album to a completely different level. Their albums are based around The Amory Wars, a post-apocalyptic graphic novel (and with the latest installment, an actual novel) series. The songs are sung from the points of view of the various characters in the story (two of which inspired the band's name, Coheed and Cambria Kilgannon). I haven't yet caught up on the entire story yet, as not of all the installments have been completed.

The concept is interesting enough, but I love the music, too. Claudio's voice is incredibly unique (and I'll admit, it's not for everyone). As is traditional with progressive rock, CoCa strays from typical Verse-Chorus song structure, yet the "new" part of their genre shines through with their almost poppy treatment of their songs. It's a nice hybrid that results with the sound of something both new and familiar.

"Welcome Home" is one of my favorites. Anyone who's played Rock Band will surely be familiar with it. This music video is the only one to follow the storyline of The Amory Wars. In case you're interested, "Welcome Home" is told from the point of the view of a character known only as The Writer. He has discovered his girlfriend Erica Court has been unfaithful, and this song is his fantasy of killing her for her crimes. As he holds her above an empty grave, he tells her, "Welcome home," before tossing her lying ass in there.


Friday, August 13, 2010

Ep. 2: Kim Loves Chevelle

I've made it to the second post of the series. So far, so good. If any of my readers (er...reader, singular, I s'pose...) stumbled into this post without reading the post I made between Ep. 1 and 2, kindly pop into that one. I am seeking some thoughts on the subject.

Chevelle

Stats
Genre: post-grunge nu-metal
Formed: 1995
Albums: 5
Breakout single: "The Red," 2002
Seen live? Twice!

I listed them as the same genre as Breaking Benjamin, but don't be fooled. They are hardly interchangeable. Both bands write heavy, guitar-driven songs with memorable, melodic choruses. Both bands also throw in a scream or two here and there. But that's where the similarity ends. They each leave their own fingerprint on the genre. I think Chevelle's music is a little more complex. They use dissonant chords and cryptic lyrics.

The first song I heard by Chevelle was "Send the Pain Below." I was instantly in love. I bought the album (Wonder What's Next), and it's still my favorite Chevelle album. Good thing too, because they still play more from that album live than any other album. This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) is another favorite too, both with me and live. Their fourth and fifth records are decent, but I'm not as keen on their first. Anywho, I love this band, and I'll see them every chance I get.

Here's one of my favorite songs by Chevelle. I think I've posted here before, but I deem it necessary to post it again. Here's "Well Enough Alone" from their fourth album Vena Sera.



Thinking Out Loud

The addict is at it again. Soon, I'll have a $200 check coming from my apartment complex. So naturally, I want to buy a concert ticket. I can buy one or two and still have plenty of money left over for "more important" stuff like gas and groceries.

But what do I go to? I have a ticket to see 10 Years on September 3rd, right here in Knox Vegas (that one was less than $20). Cavo's doing a free show at the same venue on September 13th (free? I'd be crazy to pass that up!). Then of course, I'm in for the long haul with Muse, all the way in Raleigh in late October.

Here are my choices:

Coheed and Cambria 8/21/10 in Asheville or 8/22/10 in Nashville. Asheville is closer, but the Nashville show is a little cheaper. I love these guys, but those shows are only about a week away. That's not a lot of notice. Plus, as much as I love CoCa, I don't know if they'll win against some of the other choices...

Paramore 8/21/10 in Nashville or 9/1/10 in Atlanta. Both cities are about the same distance away, but the Atlanta show is more expensive. There's still the issue of the August date being so close, so that might eliminate the Nashville show. Then again, the September date is just 2 days before the 10 Years show. Hmmm...

Deftones 9/7/10 in Knoxville. I'm not a hardcore Deftones fan, but they have the bonus of playing here in town. I'd save money in gas, but I wouldn't be seeing one of my top bands. But who knows, I could see them and they could jump up the list of faves?

Flyleaf 9/18/10 in Atlanta or 9/20/10 in Nashville. Nashville show is cheaper. I've seen Flyleaf live, but I didn't get to see them "right." I was with a friend who only wanted to stand in the back, away from the crowd, and listen. Annnndd...I like to get up close and personal at shows... And I love Flyleaf. This one's a major possibility, especially since tix are only $21 (in Nashville).

30 Seconds to Mars 10/11/10 in Louisville or 10/12/10 in Nashville. Nashville is about an hour closer, but the tickets for Nashville haven't gone on sale yet, so I don't know how much. Louisville is $25. I love these guys, too.

Actually...just writing all that out helps me narrow things down a little farther. I love CoCa, but it's bad timing. I would love to see Paramore, but that might be a little too much action in one 2 week period. That would be brutal on my bank account. Deftones will in town. Of course, I should go to that. There's one. Then it's down to Flyleaf or 30StM. I'll have over $200 saved up specifically for the Muse trip, plus whatever's in my account. But will 30StM be too close to that time for me to recover my bank account... Flyleaf will allow more time to recover, but it comes on the coattails of a concert marathon that could hurt my moneys...

Ok, so Deftones for convenience and then either Flyleaf or 30StM. I've seen Flyleaf already, though I've never seen 30StM. I take $200 check, but tix, then stash the rest for more padding to get me through September concert marathon. What the hell else am I going to spend it on? Any thoughts?