My 2011 in Music

It has been 2012 for almost an hour, and though I am really quite tired, I don't want to push this blog back.  Knowing me, if I don't do it right now, I'll never do it (remember what I said in the last post about having a stockpile of ideas?  Yeah, WHERE THE HELL ARE THOSE, KIM?).  That being said, here are my musical reflections of 2011.

In 2011, I went to a whopping ONE gig.  This makes me immensely sad.  It really couldn't be helped though.  Since the move, I am in a blackhole where bands never meander through, so I would have to travel to any and all shows.  For a large part of 2011, I was unemployed, which means no dough with which to travel.  Now that I have a job, I find that it's not one that allows me the freedom to chase bands throughout the season.  Not that I'm complaining.  Well, I am.  Sorta.  But not really.  Yeah?  I had a moment about a week ago.  I was listening to the new Chevelle album (more on that to come), and I could almost feel it.  I've seen them twice, and though I've never heard any of these new songs live, it was there, on the periphery of my senses.  I could imagine how it would be, how it would sound.  It hit me then just how much I really miss it.  I may or may not have teared up a little bit.  I know, I know, first world problems, right?  But still, being at shows makes me feel so alive, and it's been so long since I experienced that.  I just have to keep telling myself that it's not over.  It's not like I'm never going to a gig again.  Now is just not the right time.

Geez, I really drifted there, didn't I?  Anywho, that was my 2011 in gigs.  Let's move on to albums.

Again, unemployment meant little to spend on albums.  I probably bought fewer this year than any other year in like...ever.  Let's see, there was Biffy Clyro's Only Revolutions.  They were a new discovery for me this year! I would love to see them live some day!  Sadly, then it was probably nothing until Evanescence's new self-titled album (see previous post).  Then Chevelle's Hats Off to the Bull.  I really liked that one, but then again, they are in my Top 5.  Then there's my newest addition, Queen's 3-disc Platinum Collection.  See, I told you it would be a short list.  I was pleased with all of my new albums though. :)  Hopefully, now that I have some money, I can afford to pick up some I missed this year.

Last year, I did a "Best Of" list for 2010.  I don't think that I was exposed to enough music this year to do that.  Don't worry, I'll spare you that rant.  I've bitched enough about my current internet limitations, I won't make you hear it again.  So skipping that, I'll mention a few 2011 highlights, in no particular order.

Adele - "Rolling in the Deep"
- Yeah, it was played to death on the radio, but you know what?  I very rarely listen to the shit stations that broadcast in the area, so I didn't have to hear it all the time.  Only when I wanted to, babycakes.  So it didn't really get worn out for me.  Hence, I still love it.

The Airborne Toxic Event - "Changing"
- This was such a good, relaxing summer song.

Chevelle - "The Meddler"
Chevelle - "Envy"
- While I enjoyed the whole album, those are my favorites from Hats Off to the Bull.

Evanescence - "Swimming Home"
Evanescence - "Lost in Paradise"
- Again, loved the whole album, but those are my favesies.

Foster the People - "Pumped Up Kicks"
- Ya know, I wasn't crazy about it the first couple of times I heard it, but then I fell in love with it.

Jessie J - "Mamma Knows Best"
- One of the few pop songs you'll see on this list.

The Joy Formidable - "A Heavy Abacus"
- This is a brand spankin' new discovery of mine.  Heard them on...Carson Daly?  Some late night show.

Panic! at the Disco - "Ballad of Mona Lisa"
- BITE MY ASS.  I will like what I like.

Pendulum - "Watercolour"
- I'm so glad to have seen them live!  I really really need to get this album.

Smashing Pumpkins - "The Fellowship"
- One of the better releases from Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.

Transmissions - "My World"
- Remember that Deus Ex trailer on the telly?  Yeah, I fell pretty hard for that song.

Young the Giant - "Cough Syrup"
- I think this album came out in 2010, but I don't think this song was released as a single until this year.  I really really really really love it.

Um...so that's my take on 2011 in music.  I'm sad that I didn't have the exposure to merit a better post.  But I have to stay positive, right?  I still heard some new music, and even though it was a small amount compared to years past, my life is still better for it.  I'm excited for 2012.  Many of my favorite bands are cooking up new albums!  Including...yup...I'm sure you guessed it...MUSE!!!  Album #6 should land this year, babyyyy!!!

This and That

Some tasks at my new job require me to be mentally present.  Others, however, are some of the same menial tasks that I did for two years at my last job.  When I'm stuck with some of those, I just hit auto-pilot, and my mind wanders.  What do I think of during those times?  Usually nothing important.  I think about the book I'm reading, trying to guess how things will play out.  I think about what I could have for dinner.  Lately, I've been thinking about this blog.  For once, I actually have a stockpile of topics.  Maybe I'll lazy out and never actually get around to typing them.  But who knows.  We'll see, I suppose.

I've been experiencing a great deal of musical frustration lately.  By lately, I mean for the past year.  It's one of those things that's cumulative.  The more time that passes, the more out of the loop I become.  I used to be on top of what's new.  I surfed the billboard charts, plowed through youtube, streamed KROQ.  Now, I can't do any of those with any kind of efficiency.  Living in the sticks can be nice, but it also means you have nothing but a shitty internet connection to work with.  That, combined with the very limited radio formats offered in the area, means that new music makes it to my ear at an incredibly slow pace.  I'm never out of the loop when it comes to music.  And now I am.  This makes Kim a sad panda.  

There is one exception though.  I did buy an album recently.  A brand, spanking new album.  First time in a while for that.  It was the new Evanescence album.  Hey, hey, HEY now, shut up.  Among my fellow music enthusiasts (here's lookin' at you, music snobs of the world), Evanescence is frowned upon.  But if you've read some of my previous posts, you know my stance on that.  When it comes to music, it's personal, and you will like what you will like.  It's pointless to rag on somebody for it.  So rag all you want, I'm impervious to such things.  Dammit, I'm rambling again.  I should probably get to the point...

Anyway, I bloody love the album.  It fully satiates my shameless love for Evanescence.  There are two ballads in particular that just...floored me.  Amy Lee can write some purty ballads, but these go above and beyond all expectations.  The first, "Lost in Paradise," starts out as traditional ballad fare, but then it builds and builds until it hits the bridge, which hits my ears with such a beautiful ferocity that it's just...I dunno...it's just something.  Moving.  The second, "Swimming Home," sounds like nothing she's ever written before.  It's almost sweet.  Evanescence doesn't usually do "sweet."  "Melancholy" is more their style.  Now that I'm really thinking about it, I suppose "Swimming Home" is perfect median between "sweet" and "melancholic."  Anywho, whatever it is, it's interesting and beautiful in its simplicity.  It has already leapt into my top ten most played songs on iTunes.  If I could add the number of times it has played in my truck, it would have an insanely high play count.  I suppose I will wear it out eventually...maybe.  

I suppose that's all I have to say for now.  Bye bye for now.  Here's "Swimming Home" if you're at all curious.  

Gah.  Or not.  I can't get youtube to load the embedding code.  Whatever.  Here's a link if you want. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzR-_GwVc3E

A replacement iPod in just 15 Easy Steps

I love my iPod.  I use the crap out of it.  Aaaand...I suspect that they may have contributed to the early demise of my beloved iPod Nano.  Given the fact that I sleep with it on in my iHome every night...could I have blown the power supply?   I don't speak techie, so I don't know.  I suppose it doesn't matter now.  It only lasted about a year and a half.  Though I take it for an odd coincidence that my iPod died a mere 3 days before Steve Jobs?  Fate?  Fortunately, the one and only stroke of good luck that came with this whole ordeal is that I had bought a two-year warranty on it, AND I managed to find it (truly a miracle given the fact that I've moved in that time frame).

Anywho, my recent adventures have led me to create a step-by-step guide to replacing a dead iPod.  If you think it is as simple as going to the place of purchase, waving a paper, and bringing home your new baby, you are quite wrong.  So, if you should find yourself in a similar situation, please follow this guide to replacing your iPod. :)

How to Replace Your iPod

Uh-oh!  Your iPod has died!

Step One:  Do you have an active warranty?  If no, then say a tearful goodbye to your hard-earned money as you shell out for a new one.  If yes, then please continue to Step Two.  

Step Two:  After locating your warranty, drive 45 miles to the nearest Best Buy at the next available opportunity (one of the many perks of living in the middle of nowhere, huh?).  

Step Three:  Locate the Customer Service desk and wait a minimum of thirty minutes for your turn to come up.  I bet you wish you could plug in to your iPod right about now to pass the time as you wait, sucker.  

Step Four:  It's your turn!  They will confirm that your warranty is still in effect.  Go pick out your replacement and come back to the Customer Service desk!

Step Five:  Uh-oh!  In the entire store, they don't have a single 16GB iPod Nano!  Would you like to exchange for something smaller?  No, not really.  Would you like to go upgrade and pay the difference?  No thanks, I'm broke.  Please go back to the Customer Service desk to figure out what to do next. 

Step Six:  Wait an additional twenty minutes for your turn at the Customer Service desk.  Damn, I really wish I had an iPod right about now.  

Step Seven:  They will order a replacement for you.  Please wait one week before coming back to pick it up.  Oh, and it's probably a good idea to go ahead and buy another warranty since the last one was handy.  Enjoy the 45 mile drive back home empty-handed!!

Step Eight:  Receive an email stating that your new iPod is in the store!  Make another 45 mile trip to Best Buy.  

Step Nine:  Lookey there!  There's no wait today!  Head to the Customer Service desk and pick up your new iPod!  Hooray!  ~*confetti*~  But you're not done yet, pal.  Drive another 45 miles back home and continue to Step Ten.

Step Ten:  Great, you're home!  Plug in your iPod, and let's sync it up!  Uh-oh!  Your new iPod is not compatible with the old version of iTunes on your computer!  Time to upgrade, I guess.

Step Eleven:  Your router is being particularly moody today and is currently not in the mood to pick up your internet signal.  There will be no downloading a new version for a while yet.  Mutter a few colorful words and try to muster up some patience.  

Step Twelve:  After battling a come-and-go internet signal for a few hours, unplug your ancient desktop computer and drag it down the stairs and plug it straight into the modem.  Patience may be a virtue, but it doesn't have to be one of YOUR virtues, now does it?

Step Thirteen:  Go to the iTunes website and click on the link to download the latest version of iTunes.  Uh-oh!  The site is down for maintenance!  Choose your favorite angry and say them with some feeling.  

Step Fourteen:  Oh yeah!  Maybe you can get to the download straight through iTunes!  Give that a try!  Yay!  Something works!  Download your new version of iTunes.

Step Fifteen:  Plug in, sync up, and breathe a sigh of relief like a heroin addict finally getting their fix.  Enjoy your new iPod, and don't forget to store that warranty some place safe.  That you'll remember.  

Dreaming Again...

So, it's been a while, huh?  I guess it doesn't matter since so few people read this shit anyway. :D  I'm going to claim that I was so upset over the break-up of Silverchair that I have been unable to tend to my blog in my inconsolable state (that's bullshit, but I'm gonna claim it anyway).  It's been so long since I've even stopped by to check up on my reading list that blogger seems to have changed their lay-out.  I had format problems before.  Expect lots more to come while I figure this out!

Anyway, I have a topic today, I promise.

For a while, I've been meaning to blog about this dream I had.  It was one of those dreams born from me leaving my iHome on all night.  It was creepy and beautiful at the same time.  It will be difficult to describe, but bear with me. 

Ok, so for some reason, I was attending some sort of seminar being held in the auditorium of UT's music building (which I hear has been bulldozed by now...).  Jim Carrey was the speaker at said seminar.  I don't know why him, but since he was sporting his very sexy Eternal Sunshine look, I can't complain.  I don't remember what he was talking about, but I remember entering in the middle of his talk and taking my seat in the front row.  It was very dark, but the stage had a dim, blue light illuminating Carrey.  And then... he started to sing.  That's when the dream turned creepy/beautiful.  Here's the song:



Do you see what I mean?  Those haunting four notes repeated over and over again.  The way he was moving across the stage.  The way that blue light played upon him.  As the song built, I noticed there were screens directly in front of us on the front row.  And these images began to appear on the screen.  They were the same shade of blue, and they seemed to shapeshift as you watched.  I remember that I gripped the edges of my seat, trying to push myself back as far away from them as I could.  I don't know why I was afraid of them.  But at the same time, it was so beautiful that I couldn't look away. 

See, I told you it would be really difficult to describe.  I actually had that dream about a month ago.  I kept meaning to post about it.  It's stayed with me all this time.  Every time I hear that song now, that's all I can think of.  I already liked that song (hence why it was on my iPod), but now I have this new respect for it. 

Well, guess that's all for today!  Adios! 

A Sad Day...

Well, I signed on to facebook today to find some sad news.  There was a post from Silverchair in my news feed...a farewell post.  Despite having begun work on their sixth studio album, they've split, citing creative differences.  I feel so...sad.  I was never able to see them live.  I said that as soon as they got that new album out and began their tour that I would do whatever it took to get to one of their shows.  And now, that will never happen...

Well, I suppose I can't say "never."  They're not calling this a "break up."  They're opting for the phrase "indefinite hibernation."  The farewell post said that the three of them "won't be working together unless and until it feels right again."  They've been on hiatus before and returned. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't want them to stay together just for us kids.  If this is what they need to do, then it's what they need to do.  But I can still be sad, right?

So I'll just recount how I came to meet and love Silverchair for you, and leave you with a favorite song.  I first heard of Silverchair when I was quite young.  My sister had their first two albums, though I never really listened to any of their music.  It wasn't until I was in middle school (and going through my MTV phase) when they really hit me.  Their third album was on its way out, and "Anthem for the Year 2000" was in rotation.  I fell in love with the song, bought the album, and I wore that sucker out.  And that's how it all started for me.  I went ahead and bought albums 1 and 2 for myself, but it wouldn't be until years later (January 2008 to be exact) that I would re-discover those albums and discover their successive albums for the first time.  But Neon Ballroom has held its place as one of my favorite albums ever since that very first time I heard it in 1999/2000.  Now, their five albums are probably some of my most played in my entire library. 

Well boys, it's been great.  I will miss you.  Thank you for all the years I've been able to spend with your music.  Here's my favorite Silverchair song, "Untitled."  It's a b-side from the Neon Ballroom-era. 

Rockin' to the End of the World

I've got a post in drafts that I've been working on from time to time, and I can never really seem to perfect it.  However, that post is put on hold because a more pressing matter has come up:  the world is ending this Saturday.  That's tomorrow, people!!  That means we need an Apocalypse-appropriate playlist!  And so, with a little digging through my iTunes, I've uncovered a handful of tunes to help you ring in the end in style! 

*Note:  I went with either lyrics or titles that fit, so no lectures about what the songs really mean because you're MISSING THE POINT. :P


1) Everclear - "Santa Monica"
Worried about getting the best seats to watch the end come?  Worry not, my friend!  Everclear has figured that one out for you!  Find yourself an ocean, then you can "swim out past the breakers and watch the world die."

2) Smashing Pumpkins - "The End Is the Beginning Is the End"
The world ends tomorrow?  But what about 2012?  It's confusing, ain't it?  Is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end.  Hell, we'll just listen to this one "til the end times begin."

3) Blue Oyster Cult - "Don't Fear the Reaper"
Pretty good advice, ya think?  Do not go gentle into that good night, people!  Grab your cowbells and hold you heads up high!

4) Linkin Park - "Waiting for the End"
If it is the end of the world, not much we can do about it, eh?  Not much to do now except wait.

5) "Last Night of the World" from Miss Saigon (yeah, it's in my iTunes, what's it to ya?)
Grab your significant other and dance like it's the last night of the world, because it just might be.  Preferably dance to a solo saxophone.

6) Lostprophets - "It's Not the End of the World, But I Can See It From Here"
Well, the Lostprophets don't seem to think tomorrow will be it, but they sure do seem to think it's coming soon.  2012, perhaps?

7) Muse - "Apocalypse Please"
Probably the most appropriate song on the list, seeing as how it's the only one whose lyrics actually refer to a biblical apocalypse.  This is the end, this is the end of the world.

8) R.E.M. - "It's the End of the World As We Know It"
And I feel fine.

And that's my playlist for you today!  I could have overlooked some good ones, and I'm sure there are more that I just don't know too well, so by all means, tell me:  what else can you add to the playlist?

Feeling Blue

Ok, so I know I sound like a broken record, but I really miss concerts.  My facebook news feed is filled with updates as my friends kick off the spring/summer concert season.  I have to admit, I'm a wicked shade of an envious green.  Of course, I'm happy for them, buuut...I wish I was partaking in the action, even just a little bit. 

I am trying to be positive though.  I really am.  I mean, come on.  I'm in my mid-twenties.  I have a lifetime of concerts waiting for me.  The bands that I'm missing this year, I will see, eventually.  Things will take a turn for the better, and I know I can get that little piece of myself back.  I know it might sound a little weird to value these things so much, but this is how I get my kicks.  I feel so alive at a show.  The whole experience is one big thrill ride.  The excitement as you're driving to the gig, blaring the same band you're about to see on your speakers the whole way there.  That feeling when you step inside the venue and take your spot.  The rush that comes the instant the lights go down.  Then when the music starts, absolutely nothing else exists in the world. 

But like I said, I know things suck right now, but this is far from the end of my life (I hope.  Hint hint, God).  All these shows that I'm sad about missing, those bands will keep touring.  They'll come back around, and circumstances will be better for me.  Then I'll forget all about that time that I missed so-and-so. 

Last Friday, I read that one of my favorites (Company of Thieves) was playing an acoustic set at the Disc Exchange back home in Knoxville.  I literally cried when I read that update.  But one and can only wallow in self-pity for so long before you're forced to kick your own ass back into a better mindset.  There are lots of great shows in my future.  I'll be there before I know it. 

Only in Dreams...

So I got an iHome for Christmas.  I have a desktop, not a laptop, and no $$ for a proper stereo/soundsystem, so the iHome is a mighty handy alternative.  It sees the most use at nighttime, when I catch my zzzzz's. 

For ages, I've slept with a radio playing.  I usually turn it down really low so that the pesky talking and commercials won't wake me up.  But with my dandy little iHome, I don't have to worry about that, do I?  I still keep the volume down for my sleeping, but louder than I would with the radio.  The result?  The music enters my dreams. 

Seriously, at least 3 nights a week, I'll dream about the songs playing.  When I wake up, I always go back through my iPod to see if the songs really did play, and yep!  There they are!  Dreams can be weird enough, but when you throw in your favorite songs, it really gets interesting.  I've had a couple of artist mix-up dreams.  For example, I dreamt I was at an Offspring concert, but at this concert, they were playing "The Night" by Disturbed.  In the dream, I thought it was a really strange song for them to cover.  In a similar dream, I was at a Weezer concert, and I kept thinking that Rivers Cuomo was sounding more like Jared Leto than himself.  And alas, when I flipped back through my iPod, there was 30 Seconds to Mars. 

Of course, I can't remember them all.  After last night's dream, which featured two songs, back to back, I decided to tell yall about my musical adventures in dreamland.  Last night, I dreamt I was driving down the interstate, playing the acoustic version of Muse's "Sing for Absolution," but I added to it, dreaming that lead singer Matt Bellamy had some false starts during an instrumental part.  I remember thinking, "Huh, I never noticed that in the recording before..."  Then I was at a friend's house, and he was showing me a video he made, which he had set to "Territorial Pissings" by Nirvana. 

I know this might be a boring post, but over the past couple of months, I've really started looking forward to checking my iPod in the mornings to see what I can remember dreaming.  So I had to share.

Oh, and speaking of Jared Leto...I dreamed about him last night, too.  Not in the way that a girl would like to dream about Jared Leto, but still any appearance by him at all is pretty nice, right?

Wish in one hand...

I lived in Knoxville for a little over six years.  I was late in discovering the Knox music scene.  It's nothing like some major areas like California or even Atlanta, but it was something, and it was fun. 

I miss it.

I'm pretty sure this is the longest I've gone without a ticket in the past year.  Not the longest without a show, but the longest without a show planned.  I'm so far from everything.  There are a couple of local bands here.  I might eventually get curious enough to venture into the shady, redneck dives that serve as the only venues around here, but so far, I haven't gotten that desperate.  Ultimately, to get to anything worth listening to, I have to drive.  Memphis is about two hours south, Little Rock about 3 hours west, St. Louis about 3 hours north, Nashville about 3 hours east.  Then of course, my beloved Knoxville, a six hour drive away.

It's so easy to slip off to a show when it's right there in town, but when it's farther away...well, it costs money to travel, plus time off from work...not as easy. 

I've really missed the Knoxville music scene lately.  About a week ago, Oh No Fiasco (formerly known as The Few) played the downtown area.  They were my favorite of the local bands there.  Plus, they played with Lovers and Liars, a Nashville band that I had missed once before, but was eager to see.  I wish I could have been at that show. 

Just last night, Copper played a one time only reunion show there.  They're another local band of which I was a fan.  Their lead singer, Keith Wallen, left to play guitar in Adelitas Way in about 2008 or so.  Now that AW is off the road, Copper put together this gig.  I wish I could have made it, especially since who knows when it will happen again.

On April 5th, Cage the Elephant and Biffy Clyro are hitting Knoxville.  I missed CtE twice and swore that I wouldn't miss them again.  Biffy is a band I've only recently discovered, and I'm actually more excited at the prospect of seeing them than CtE.  There is a possibility I could make it to this one.  I wish it could be for certain.

On April 19th, Seether is coming to K-town.  They're not a favorite that I would typically travel to see, but if I were still in Knoxville, it wouldn't be travelling, now would it?  I actually could have seen Seether back in '08.  I had the ticket.  I was there.  The friend I went with, however, wanted to leave after Flyleaf, and I didn't really have the balls at the time to say, "I paid for my ticket, I'm staying and getting my money's worth!"  I think even if I had seen them back then, I would still want to go now.  I know more songs now.  I really wish I could go.

Lollapalooza this year is going to be A-MAZ-ING!  The full lineup haven't been announced yet, but the headliners have (well, they've been basically confirmed):  Eminem, Foo Fighter, and Muse.  Though I know nothing of the rest of the lineup, I know there would be others I would want to see.  Lolla is one of the largest American festivals.  It always has an impressive lineup.  So, not only is doing an entire festival on my Bucket List, but this year's Lolla would be a hell of a way to scratch it off.  Oh, how I wish I could go!

Wow!  That's a lot of wishing, huh?

To all that, I must say to myself:

"Well Kim, wish in one hand, shit in the other.  See which one fills up first."

Ep. 19: Kim Loves 30 Seconds to Mars

Aha! I just realized in the last post that I never finished this series, so I'm back again, to finish up! And I was so close to the end, too...

Stats
Formed: 1998
Albums: 3
Breakout Single: "Attack," 2005
Seen live? Not yet...

Laugh if you want, but I freakin' love these boys! I don't care how "emo" you consider them to be, they just...do it for me. Like most bands, their sound has evolved over time. I'm least familiar with their first album. What little I have heard on it, I didn't connect with so well, though I haven't given up giving it a proper listen.

That being said, I'll skip to albums two and three, the combined power of which has landed 30StM in my Top 20. They combine electronic elements with purring guitars to create a sound unique to them. Lead singer Jared Leto has a soft, gentle voice, yet a delightfully grating scream that thrills me, chills me, and fulfills me. ;) A Beautiful Lie (2nd album) utilized heavier guitars and screams, but for the next album (This Is War), they opted for a more electronic sound, especially prevalent in "Hurricane," even incorporating a taste of pop from time to time, as in "Closer to the Edge." I love ABL, but I think TIW is my favesie. :)

Here is one of my favorites from This Is War, "Alibi." It begins as a simple enough ballad, but around the 4:20 mark (haha, I said "420"), it unfurls its wings, revealing its true splendor.

Girls Kick Ass

Today's post is an homage to one of the coolest people in rock music: the female bassist. Come on, who's cooler than that? Quite a few bands have female lead singers, which if you know me, you know I'm a fan. They're easier to sing along with (for a girl), not to mention that they have to rock twice as hard to get their voices to carry.  Not nearly as many bands have a female bassist (or the incredibly rare female drummer).  There's just something so undeniably badass about a girl with a bass guitar.  If I were to join a band, I think I would wanna play bass.  So here's a shoutout to some particular awesome gals that I've caught live. :)


Nikki Monninger, Silversun Pickups

From afar, Nikki's not very exciting to watch.  She doesn't move around much on stage.  But when you're closer, you can see that it's her face that's so active, in contrast to Brian (lead singer and guitarist), who's pretty mobile.  It's like she's saying, "Yeah, you do that Brian.  I'm cool over here."


Nicole Fiorentino, Smashing Pumpkins


Nicole is the epitome of sexy. Like Nikki, she's not very mobile, but Nicole is very different.  She's totally aloof, but I'm convinced that it's an act.  I think she's mastered that air of "aloofness" to go with her look.  I bet it drives the boys crazy (as if her legs didn't do that enough, I'm sure).

Emma Anzai, Sick Puppies

Emma is incredibly fun to watch.  She flies around the stage, slinging her hair around.  I get exhausted just watching her.  I really don't understand how she can do all that and play so well, and that she does.  The Sick Puppies have several songs with fast basslines, but that doesn't slow her down a bit.   


Chloe Duveaux, Does It Offend You, Yeah?

 Chloe is absolutely adorable.  She's so tiny, and she bounces around the stage for pretty much the entire show.  I wish there was a pocket-sized version of her, so I could keep her with me.  Then, when I need a spirit booster, I could take her out and watch her bounce around.  It just makes you happy.  Though that could be related to the music (if you are unfamiliar with DIOYY, they're a techno band)...

And that is my homage to some CHICKS WHO ROCK!!   Oh, and she doesn't play bass, but she is my own personal Goddess of Rock...here's Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.  Girl Power!! (or some equally lame exclamation)

LZZYYYYYY!!!!

Swappity Swap!

When I originally began to type this up, it was getting monstrously long, and I wasn't even halfway done. I talk too much, yes? So, long story short, I've been involved in an international mixtape swap (which is pretty much one of the coolest freakin' ideas ever), though my giving/receiving ended up being here in the States. I sent 2 discs off to North Carolina (incidentally, to a friend I had made at the Muse show last October) and received 3 discs from California. Because my Muser pal is awesome like that (and because mixtape swaps in general are hella fun), she sent me 2 freebies. :) I'm actually not done either: I'm swapping with a local friend, too.

So there's the backstory. Now to get to the point to tonight's post. Between those five discs, I've been bombarded with new music, and lemme tell ya, that is an awesome situation to be in. I've been a little cut-off since the move, so it's nice to get a new music injection, especially with bands I might not have heard otherwise.

When you give someone a mix, you're never going to hit a homerun with every track. Naturally, there were some on these that just didn't connect with me, personally. Then there were a plethora of individual tracks that I really liked that have found their way to my iPod. I'm not going to take you through five discs worth of tracks. Instead, I'm going to introduce you to the bands that I have developed an interest in, thanks to these swaps.

1) Flight of the Conchords - If you don't know, they're a musical comedy duo that are just...oh so funny. I had heard of them, but never listened to them. I was missing out. The track that won me: "The Most Beautiful Girl (In the Room)."

2) Metric - I already knew (and loved) 2 songs by them, and I had seen them live, which had piqued my interest. Now...I bloody love them. My swap buddy was kind enough to forward on a Metric mix, which I'm now digesting, song by song. Metric could very well be headed toward my favorite bands list (oh no, I never finished that series, did I?). The track that won me: "Satellite Mind."

3) Mumford & Sons - Another I had heard of, but never really listened to. They're an English folk rock band. I never thought a banjo could sound so sexy. She forwarded their debut album as well, and it's just amazing. The track that won me: "White Blank Page."

4) The Avett Brothers - This is another folk rock band. I've only perused a few songs beyond the one included on the mix, but so far, I'm loving what I hear. The track that won me: "The Perfect Space."

5) The XX - I absolutely love the chill sound of this band. I've skimmed through more of their album, and it sounds like the whole thing is made of win. The track that won me: "Crystallised."

6) My Chemical Romance - Of course, I'd heard of them. But I really only knew two songs and never bothered to check out more. Both of my swaps sent along some MCR (all from the newest album), and I loved every single track. That album was sent along too, and yep! Totally awesome, from start to finish. I don't think I ever would have explored MCR if it weren't for these mixes. The track that won me: "Bulletproof Heart."

7) Violent Femmes - Ah, an oldie! I have a thing for The Clash and the Sex Pistols. That being said, the Violent Femmes were an instant win for me. As I've said, I've been bombarded with new music, so I haven't had the chance to thoroughly check this band out, but I have a feeling we're gonna be friends. The track that won me: "Add It Up."

8) Chiodos - I had never even heard of this one before. I still haven't really delved into their catalogue, but the two tracks of theirs on the mix have definitely piqued my interest. The track that won me: "Intensity in Ten Cities."

9) A Silent Film - A local Californian band. I highly doubt I ever would have heard of this band on my own. I've perused their samples on iTunes, and I think we're going to get along just fine. The track that won me: "You Will Leave a Mark."

10) Italian Japanese - Another Californian local. Again, I've only skimmed through the samples on iTunes, but I'm definitely interested (so much music! so little time...). The track that won me: "Le Pony."

11) Jay Chou - Surprise! He's a superstar in China! She included three of his songs, and they're all quite good (one, especially so). Holy Hell, he's got something like eight albums though, but I've found some more interesting songs. If you've seen my library at all, you know I don't mind foreign language music at all. The track that won me: I don't know. :( DOES ANYONE HEAR READ MANDARIN?? Like I said, he's got a lot of albums, and I'm trying to go through them and find this song so I can at least get the pinyin title because as of right now, I have nothing to call this song other than "Track 15."

See? Swapping is fun! ELEVEN bands/artists that I was introduced to, PLUS all the individual tracks I picked up. So readers, here's your homework assignment: find someone with whom to exchange a mix! Expand your minds, peeps!

EDIT: 100th post!! ~*confetti*~

Linkin Park 1/23/10

No, I have NOT forgotten about my blog. I just haven't had much going on in my music world since the move (well, there's something, but that will be for another day). But finally, my first concert of the year!! I highly doubt that I will be able to go to even half as many as I made it to last year given my new location and lack of funding, but hopefully, this at least won't be the only one I get to...

First off, as usual, I was solo at this one. Once the music starts, I don't care. But when no one's on the stage, and you're just sitting there waiting for the next band...really boring by yourself. And the ride home? With no one to jabber on about the concert with? Lame... Plus, do you have ANY IDEA how good Waffle Houses look that late when you've just spent all your energy rocking out?

My seat was okay. One row up from the bottom of the arena, pretty far back. The arena wasn't all that big though, so there really wasn't a bad seat there. I felt that I could see just fine. Granted, I would have loved to have been front row in the pit (dammit, I'm spoiled now), but that just wasn't in the cards this time.

I'll start with the opening bands. Before I drove down, I honestly had no idea who all would be opening up for LP. The first band was Does It Offend You, Yeah? I had heard of them, but never actually listened to them. I really liked them! The little tiny female bass player? Totally adorable! Their genre is sort of a techno-rock thing (as I've said before, genre can be a pretty slippery subject these days). THIS is the kind of stuff I would rather here in clubs, personally.

Second opening band was even better. Pendulum is also a techno-rock band, but I felt that their sound was a little more polished, with each song being a little more unique. I really, really, really want an album by these guys. If I had had some moolah to spend at the concert, I definitely would have picked it up, but alas, it'll have to wait. These guys were awesome in my book.

Now for Linkin Park...

Unbelievable. Just unbelievable. I really liked the stage setup (see pic below). They played songs from all four albums, which I thought was great because I love all four albums. They even included several of the interludes from their latest, A Thousand Suns. I feel those interludes really unify the album, so it was nice to see them incorporated into the setlist. There were some songs that I wasn't fully convinced would work live, but I was definitely won over. The slower songs like "Shadow of the Day" and "Irridescent" actually had a lot of power live. I was very impressed.

I tried to grab a video of "Wretches and Kings," but my camera ran out of juice as soon as I started filming. It was incredible to see hands waving all around the arena (especially the sea of hands in the pit) during "front to the back, and the side to side, if you're feeling what I'm feeling, put'em up real high."

"When They Come for Me" was friggin' awesome. I had never truly paid attention to this little fact while listening to it (which I must admit, it's a little odd for me to not notice something like this), but there's absolutely no guitar in that song. Tom toms were brought out for Brad and Chester while the rest of the band did their thing. On a side note, I really wish I could have snapped a picture of "MOTHER FUCKER" emblazoned on the screens behind the band. Just seems like it would have made a nice picture.

They played many of the old favorites of course. Man oh man, I wish I had been in the pit for "One Step Closer!" It was the closer for the main setlist, and you could see the entire arena going nuts. I was pretty sure my head was going to snap off and go flying the air. Needless to say, my neck was a little sore the next day from all my head-slinging.

My voice was utterly wrecked after the show. With it being so loud and so many other people trying to do the same thing, I screamed along with Chester. Haha. Even after "Faint," which was pretty early in the setlist, I thought was voice was going to give out. But come on? Who hasn't wanted to scream out lines like, "YOU'RE GONNA LISTEN TO ME, LIKE IT OR NOT, RIGHT NOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!! Don't deny it...

I was pleasantly surprised with how long the encore was. When they left the stage after the main setlist, I thought to myself "Ok, they still haven't played 'In the End,' 'What I've Done,' or 'The Catalyst.'" Those are the biggest songs, so I knew that they wouldn't omit those. So imagine my surprise when, in addition to those three, they also played "The Messenger" (which is a gorgeous acoustic song, if you don't know it) and a special extended version of "Bleed It Out."

I was surprised they chose "Bleed It Out" for the show closer. I've always really liked it, but I just didn't think it was strong enough to be a closer. BUT, they threw some surprises in there. After they played through the song, they kept the guitar part going, and Mike began singing the chorus to "Burning Through the Skies." I was like, "Whoa! Friggin' awesome!" And then he started rapping (the "Bleed It Out chords still going, mind you). The rap was really familiar, but my mind wasn't quite able to place it until Chester starts sayind, "You try to take the best of me. Go away..." and at that point, my mind was blown. "OHHHH SNAP!!" So we had "Bleed It Out" with the chorus of "Burning Through the Skies" followed by a verse and the screaming bridge of "A Place for My Head." DAMN I WANT A BOOTLEG OF THAT!! It would have been great enough as a standard medley, but the way they melded it all into "Bleed It Out" (which they closed out with after "APfMH") was just....fucking awesome. No other way to put it.

So that was the concert! On a side note, I would like to mention that after seeing them live and hearing all of those opposing sounds from their albums come together, I really appreciated more than ever just how versatile LP really is. Before I go, here a the only decent pics I got before my camera pooped out.

EDIT: Correction, the pictures are going to be the first thing you see at the top of the blog (obviously). I really don't understand why half the time blogger will let me move my pictures and half the time it won't. Is it really that inconsistent or am I just clicking something wrong half the time?? *angry face*