Musical Musings

Facebook Experiment #1

2012-02-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

As you know from my endless complaining, my current residence suffers from a severe limitation of the interwebs. I miss free use of the interwebs. :(

I used to be in-the-know when it came to music. Now, I'm missing out on all the current happenings. So, to help myself out, I thought I would narrow down my search a little bit and take advantage of the social network to expose myself (heh) to more music. Hence, I posted a status on facebook enlisting the help of my friends. I've heard so much about Matt and Kim, but I haven't ever actually heard their music. I had a few recommendations tossed my way, and here are the results!

Six songs were suggested:
"Cameras"
"Yea Yeah"
"Daylight"
"Good Ol' Fashioned Nightmare"
"Block After Block"
"I'm a Goner"

It took me a few days, given my internet suckage, but I have listened to them all. I didn't dislike a single one of them, but the stand-out favorites for me were "Cameras," "Daylight," and "I'm a Goner." Loved them! I immediately hopped onto iTunes and used what's left of my gift certificate to download them. Well, I couldn't download "I'm a Goner." Why the hell is that one not on iTunes? Boo! Randomly, I drained the last of my iTunes credit on Bjork... ("Army of Me" and "It's Oh So Quiet")

I wasn't in love with Matt's voice right away, but it quickly grew on me. I loved how upbeat every one of those songs were. It reminds me of my recent new experiences with Frank Turner. They're the kind of songs put you in a good mood, no matter what your mental state is. I'm going to go ahead and add that I loved their music videos. :D I bet their live shows are great.

I say that this first round was a success! I have discovered a new group, and while I only have a taste, that's all it takes to get you started. I think I know who my next query will pertain to, but I'll save that for later. :)

Thank you for the help, my friends!!

Ok, Whatever x 11

2012-01-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

So apparently, I have been tagged in this thing where I have to say 11 things about myself, then answer 11 questions. Ok, so I don't have to. I suppose no harm will befall me if I choose to rebel against this endless chain of pointlessness. I'm gonna do it anyway though. Part of it. I shall not be continuing this process by tagging 11 people. Mostly because I have no one to tag. I have not carved out a niche within the blog community, so I'm just gonna say my stuff, and let it be.

11 Things You Don't Know About Kim (probably)
1. As much as I love music and concerts, I was at the ripe, old age of 21 before I attended my first concert.
2. I don't like lemon in my tea.
3. I have more horror movies than any other genre in my DVD library.
4. I can't bring myself to get rid of my Lou Bega CD.
5. I have a completely irrational fear of the dark.
6. My favorite color is cerulean.
7. I worked very hard (and got very drunk) discovering the perfect appletini recipe: 2 oz sour apple pucker, 1 oz vodka, 1 dash of lemon juice, shaken then strained into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a single maraschino cherry dropped into the center. Go ahead and try it, then tell me you don't love it. :P
8. I can read both of the Japanese alphabets (but no kanji...)
9. I was 21 when I rode my very first roller coaster.
10. I have a mental block when it comes to taking pills. I guess I just overthink what I'm doing, so my tongue always gets in the way of a pill and my esophagus.
11. I am a HUGE Star Wars nerd, though I've fallen behind on the latest books.

So that's that. Now for the 11 questions posed by my sister to her 11 peeps tagged:

1. What is the chore you most hate doing? All of them. I can't really pick a least favorite.
2. Books: Do you prefer e-readers or bound print? Bound print, definitely. I just like having the phsycial book in my hands and seeing it on my bookcase.
3. Have you been outside the continental 48 states? Where? Yes. The Bahamas when I was a wee little lass, then England and Scotland when I was 15, then Ireland and England again when I was 20. In a year or so, I believe I'll be able to add South Korea to that list! :D
4. If you won an all-expense paid trip to anywhere in the world for one week, where would you go? Okinawa.
5. Do you eat breakfast? Sometimes.
6. What's something that you are passionate about? Music, which I'm sure is obvious given that I've dedicated a blog to it.
7. Do you use coupons when you do your grocery shopping? If I happen across one, yes, but I don't go digging for them.
8. If you were to go to the movies tonight, what would you see? Actually, I DID go to the movies tonight, and I saw The Grey.
9. Musicals? Love 'em or hate 'em? Fucking love them.
10. Do you have any live plants in your house? (Please don't answer that if they are illegal.) No.
11. How many times a week do you eat out? Maybe 1-ish.

I shall not pose 11 questions of my own since I won't be tagging anyone.

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

2012-01-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

First, the small news, then the big, K?

I bought another album! It's my second album of 2012! Aaaand, it's more J-Pop. In the last update, it was Yui's Holidays in the Sun. This time, it's Regeneration by Chemistry:

The song that piqued my curiosity was "Period." I absolutely love that song. When I listen to it, I feel like anything is possible. It did give me misconceptions about the album though. "Period" is pop-rock. While still bearing the trademark catchiness of pop, there is a significant guitar presence throughout the song. It's the only song like that on the album. However, that ends up not being a bad thing. I'm incredibly picky when it comes to pop music, but I love this album! I think I might actually love it just a little bit more than the more laid-back Yui album. The electronic dance beats that permeate Regeneration are infectious and resound in your head all day. If you're into it, check out "Go Alone," "Dawn," and "Life Goes On."

Anyway, enough of that, moving on!! BIG NEWS!
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KIM'S GOING TO A GIG!! ~*mwee*~

It's all kind of happened pretty fast, but I am going to see Frank Turner in St. Louis on February 21st!! Who is Frank Turner, you ask? Yeah, I had to ask that, too... Here's the story:

Remember that superbly awesome Muse concert I attended in Raleigh back in 2010? I met some great people there that I have still kept in touch with. Several friendships were formed that night, and more than a few Muser meet-ups have taken place in its wake. But poor little Kim went and moved to the other end of the state, so she's pretty far removed from her music buddies. Then, I learned that my friend M (who lives aaaaall the way in Florida) will be trekking west for this show with another Muser, C. St. Louis is only about four hours from here, which is a completely reasonable drive for someone used to making a six-hour drive on a regular basis. Four hours is considerably more manageable than the umpteen it would take to get to Florida, and she said she'd have some downtime that day, so thus the plan for the trip came into being. Then, it didn't take much to sell me on the show. In fact, I bought the ticket before I even listened to a single note from Frank Turner's guitar. I've since given him a listen though, and I must say that I love it! This show is going to be GREAT! I get to go to my first gig in over a year, and I get to hang out with two awesome people all day! I was so happy, I cried. I am not exaggerating. This is the first thing I've had to look forward to in so long. I already know that this trip is going to be amazing.

So that's my news! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go listen to Frank Turner some more and marinate in my happiness.

(I love the lyrics to this song!)

Nerdtastic

2012-01-03T21:43:00.000-08:00

So, I bought my first album of 2012! What album, might you ask? This one:

Yep. Kim likes J-Pop. Usually, I settle for picking up songs here and there, but occasionally, I've been known to pick up an album (like Boa Kwon. Love her!!). I heard the single "Again" on an anime, and I fell in love with it (Yep. An otaku to boot. Does my nerdiness know no bounds??). So, recently, I finally decided to order the whole album. It came in today, and it was so worth it! I really, really like it. So far though, "Again" is still my favorite. I guess it was ultimately a good thing that iTunes didn't have this song since I enjoy the album so much. Well, iTunes had a version of it, but not the real one. For some reason, iTunes seems to only release super vanilla covers of songs featured on popular anime. And when I say "super vanilla," I mean it. Come on, iTunes, there's a growing market for this stuff! There are plenty of nerds like me out there.

My 2011 in Music

2011-12-31T23:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-15T15:57:00.001-08:00

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

2011-10-08T10:53:00.001-07:00

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...

2011-07-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-05-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-03-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-02-26T16:21:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-24T20:45:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-21T19:29:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-18T21:45:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

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*

Kim's Best of 2010!

2010-12-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

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!!

Not dead yet

2010-12-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

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...

'Tis the Season...

2010-12-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

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?

Ep. 18: Kim Loves 10 Years

2010-11-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

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!

The Rules for a Rock Show

2010-11-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2010-11-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Muse. Mind blown. Face melted.

2010-10-27T16:11:00.001-07:00

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. :)

MUSE TOMORROW

2010-10-25T07:21:00.001-07:00

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.

A Thousand Suns

2010-10-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Ep. 17: Kim Loves Weezer

2010-10-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

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!

Closer and Closer...

2010-10-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Ep. 16: Kim Loves Three Days Grace

2010-09-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

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."

It's Official...

2010-09-19T23:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Ep. 15: Kim Loves the Smashing Pumpkins

2010-09-17T23:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Ep. 14: Kim Loves Silverchair

2010-09-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

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!

Ep. 13: Kim Loves Radiohead

2010-09-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Deftones: A Madhouse

2010-09-07T20:27:00.001-07:00

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.

10 Years pics

2010-09-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

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.

10 Years (This post contains explicit language)

2010-09-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

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.

A difficult, but smart, decision

2010-09-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Ep. 12: Kim Loves Paramore

2010-09-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Ep. 11: Kim Loves Panic at the Disco

2010-08-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

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."

Ep. 10: Kim Loves The Offspring

2010-08-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

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!

Ep. 9: Kim Loves Muse (duh)

2010-08-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

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."

Ep. 8: Kim Loves Linkin Park

2010-08-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

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."

Ep. 7: Kim Loves Incubus

2010-08-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

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?

Ep. 6: Kim Loves Hoobastank

2010-08-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

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."

Ep. 5: Kim Loves Flyleaf

2010-08-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Ep. 4: Kim Loves Evanescence

2010-08-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

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."

Ep. 3: Kim Loves Coheed and Cambria

2010-08-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Ep. 2: Kim Loves Chevelle

2010-08-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

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?

Ep. 1: Kim Loves Breaking Benjamin

2010-08-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Alrighty, so here goes the first installment of my shiney new series! I'm going through these in alphabetical order, so keep in mind these are not in order of how high they rank in my interests.

Breaking Benjamin

Stats

Genre: post-grunge nu-metal

Formed: 1998

Albums: 4

Breakout Single: "Polyamorous," 2002

Seen Live? No

I'm really picky about the harder bands. Oftentimes, they just don't sound special to me. Somewhere, I get lost in the manic guitars and screaming vocals. BB gets through to me though. I'm sure that you're tired of me reminding you of this, but I'm partial to melodic music. BB achieves that with digestible riffs, memorable choruses, and just the right amount of screaming. Describing their genre was a little difficult. Nu-metal is an offshoot of alternative rock that describes music that fuses different genres with metal. I typically see them classified as alternative metal, but I think nu-metal is a much better fit.

The first song I actually heard by them was "Rain." Being an acoustic ballad, it's hardly representative of their catalogue. It made me curious about the rest of their repertoire though. It's been smooth sailing ever since. Haven't seen them live yet, but some day...

And now, for your listening pleasure, here's one of my favorite songs by Breaking Benjamin, "Until the End."

Let's try this on for size...

2010-08-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Remember that silly little series I tried to start? Going through all the albums in my library? Yeah well...that was too big. Really? I have somewhere in the vicinity of 200 albums. Not a ridiculous amount. I've heard of many enthusiasts that have well over 500. But still, 200 is no small number. The scope of that series was just too big. I have a penchant for not finishing what I start, and beginning a series that would call for approximately 200 posts was just plain silly of me. Plus the posts were already getting so repetitive. If I bought the album, then obviously, I'm going to like it to some extent.

So I've got a new series that I want to try. It will only call for 33 posts. Much more reasonable. Instead of taking you through a tour of my library, I'm going to take you on a tour of my favorite bands.

I think a brief intro is called for. There are a couple of things that will come up as I do this. First, as I dig in to each band, they may rise and fall through the ranks. As I work my way through their catalogue, "new" songs may rise up the list, while "old" songs fall out of favor. But usually, once a band makes the favorite list, they're there to stay.

Second, I'm going to try to describe each band's genre. That's incredibly hard to do. Genre these days is a slippery notion. No band strictly adheres to any one genre. Any sound they've ever listened to and liked is amalgamated into their overall sound. Also, I'm sure that purists will disagree with some of my classifications, but that's fine. I'm sure no purist will ever stumble into this blog.

So while I put together the first installment of this new (and hopefully doable) series, here's a vid. I love the kids in this one. They're cute!

Scratch it Off!

2010-08-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Last night, I saw the Sick Puppies and Janus right here in Knoxville! It was a really great show! I was a little later getting there than I meant to be, but I was still as close to the stage as I was the Smashing Pumpkins, which means that I got some decent pics! Now, lemme break it down for you.

There were signs posted on the building saying that the first 200 fans to buy Sick Puppies merchandise would be stamped to get autographs after the show! So of course, my first stop was the merch table, and I got myself a Sick Puppies shirt.

The doors opened at 8, which usually means that the first band goes on at 9, but My Darkest Days actually started playing at 8:15 as people came in. I thought this was a little sad because I thought they sounded pretty decent. It's a shame they weren't able to have a larger crowd. Their first album comes out in September, and you can buy their first single on iTunes. I'm a little curious about them.

It's Alive was the second band. I was a little less impressed with them. There was one song that was okay that they played, and I've already downloaded it from iTunes. I don't think I'll check out much more from them.

Janus was great! I'll definitely be picking up their album! The crowd was into them overall, but "Eyesore" was great. The whole crowd screamed "LIGHTS OUT! WAKE UP! STAY CALM! DECIDE! REACH UP! STAND OR BE AN EYESORE!" I recorded a clip of it, but I'll only post one clip here (you'll see).

Finally! The Sick Puppies! They were so great! It's really difficult to have that much presence when it's only a 3-piece band, but damn, they showed up! Shim talked to the crowd a lot, especially about their history. It was really neat hearing how the different songs played into their journey. And Emma! The Silversun Pickups and the Smashing Pumpkins both had female bass players that just kinda stood there, but Emma flew around that stage and head-banged more than a lotta guys out there. On top of that, she was good. Her fingers could move! It was just such a good show! I hope they come back, cause I would definitely see them again!

They apparently didn't meet their 200 purchases, because they just let anyone line up to meet and get autographs after the show. Damn! I thought I would be special! Haha. All three of them signed my shirt, and I was a little dumbstruck when I met them. All I managed to say was that it was a hell of a show and for them to please come back...lame, yes?

Originally, on my 50 Things to Die Before I Die, the item was to get a CD signed by the artist, but I think I can change that to getting any merch signed by the band. I have a Sick Puppies shirt signed by all three members of the Sick Puppies! How awesome is that?!

This again?

2010-08-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that everyone has a few subjects that just...interest them. Something that they give their time to, love to talk about, love to learn about, etc. They are the subjects that once you get a person onto them, you can't get them off of it. I stumbled across someone's post about that recently. It spoke of how sometimes when we find ourselves in our niche subjects, we become snobby know-it-alls. I believe that's fairly accurate. I try not to be so insufferable when I'm on my soapbox. I try to realize that not everyone has invested so much time in my particular hobbies, and that no one else really cares what I have to say on the matter. I try to, anyway...

So what are my chosen topics? One is drink mixing. I've done lots of studying and researching. I have a well-stocked liquor cabinet, and my fair share of serving equipment. I have no desire to actually work in a bar, but I enjoy immensely bartending for my own parties with my friends. Sometimes, I get a little know-it-ally on the subject.

I've been eking out a living lately at a pet store. There, I've learned a great deal about pet care, especially training and nutrition. While I'm hardly an expert on the subject, I definitely know a bit more than the average pet owner. Sometimes...I get a little obstinate on that topic as well (especially the nutrition bit).

Then of course, there's music. Unlike my other niches, a little more opinion is involved in this one. I think I do fairly well at keeping on open mind in regards to this one. The feelings that we get from listening to music are ours and ours alone. Just because a song doesn't "do it" for you, doesn't mean that it's a bad song. Someone else out there likes it. As high as my tolerance is in this field though, I do have a major pet peeve. I utterly cringe when I hear someone describe a band as "bad," "terrible," "mediocre," etc. How can you possibly judge? I think it's possible to say that a band isn't doing anything new. That's measurable. But even if a band is treading around in well-worn territory, someone out there appreciates that and likes the sound that they're producing. I find myself getting outright angry when I hear people talk like that. Not because they don't share my taste in music, but because I feel like they're trolling over anyone who doesn't share their taste in music. I bite my tongue in these instances, due to the fact that I know that not many others share this particular view.

Sorry...this topic is sitting a little fresh in mind.

Oh, the possibilities...

2010-08-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Knoxville's getting some serious action. If you've been reading, then you'll know that I'm going to see the Sick Puppies and Janus this Monday (can't wait! Plus, I found someone to go with me!). I have a ticket to see 10 Years on September 3rd. Then of course, there's my Muse ticket for October 26th (though that one is all the way in Raleigh). But check out the upcoming announced shows for K-town:

September 7th: Deftones (considering that one)

September 13th: Cavo with American Bang (free show! I'm there!)

September 19th: As I Lay Dying w/ All That Remains (not really my style)

September 22nd: Nonpoint (not really my style either)

September 30th: Slayer w/ Megadeth and Anthrax (Again, not my thing, but I think that's pretty cool)

October 26th: 311 (same night as the Muse concert...)

November 9th: Social Distortion

I think that's pretty sweet. The Deftones show is up in the air, I'm definitely going to Cavo. The others...I probably won't hit. I would if I had disposable income, but come on...who the hell has disposable income these days? I would LOVE to go to the 311 show, but seeing as how it's the same night as Muse...oh well! Muse always wins! Besides, I've seen 311 before, and I'm sure the experience was probably better in a huge amphitheater than in the antique-y Tennessee Theater anyway.

September looks pretty busy, and I'm sure that October will fill in as it approaches. So far, 2010 has turned out to be a pretty good year for concerts! What will 2011 hold in store?

Finally, Some New Linkin Park

2010-08-03T19:11:00.001-07:00

I love Linkin Park. Criticize that if you want, but I love all three of their albums. However, many Linkin Park fans were disappointed with the third album. It began to move away from their rapcore roots, and into softer territory. I loved it though. As I've said before, it's completely natural for bands to evolve their sound over time. That may carry the band away from the sounds that you may like, but come on. If they just made your favorite album over and over again, wouldn't that just be boring?

LP's fourth album, A Thousand Suns hits stores (physical and digital) this September, but their first single from said album was released yesterday. It's not on youtube just yet, but you can find it on iTunes if you'd like to take a peek. "The Catalyst" is very different from anything that has appeared on their earlier albums. It's very electronic, switching to a softer piano style a few minutes in. If this indicates what the rest of the album will sound like, I think it could lead them away from large portion of their fanbase though. I don't have a problem with that. I hate to think of bands as writing with a particular style just to cater to their fans. It's important to appreciate your fans, but you should write the music you feel. I really think that's what they're doing by moving in this direction. They're maturing and evolving.

You've probably guessed from my posts that I have a pretty diverse taste in music. I love Hybrid Theory and Meteora, with their screams, raps, and distorted guitars, but I certainly don't mind the new move into the realm of electronic rock. I'm totally excited about the upcoming album, and I'll be picking it up the first day.

Top 5 Experiences

2010-08-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

That great blog idea that I told you about a post or two ago has finally come into fruition. Ok, so you might not think it's that great. But I do, and I right this stuff, and that's all that matters.

I want to post my top 5 concert experiences. I wrote out a list of all the actual shows that I've been, too. Then just started crossing off the list. I won't go into detail, but I will list a particularly spectacular moment that stands out in my memory. I found out something interesting though. My top 5 are also my most recent experiences. At first, I wondered if that was because they were foremost in my mind. But after lots of thought, I determined that no, it's simply because things just keep getting better and better (when it comes to the shows, at least).

5. 311/The Offspring in Atlanta, GA 7/17/2010

Most Memorable Moment: Turning around to see the hundreds of lighters twinkling in the dark across the lawn. With the music all around and that gorgeous sight before me, all I could do was hold this big goofy grin on my face. A close second for the MMM would be hearing several thousand people scream "You stupid dumbshit goddam MOTHERFUCKER."

4. Halestorm/Adelitas Way in Knoxville, TN 7/7/2010

Most Memorable Moment: When Lizzy screamed the high note in "Innocence." The crowd knows it's coming, and you can hear everyone shut up for that split second before in anticipation, then all at once everyone erupts into cheers when she nails it perfectly. It gets me every time. Close second would be when they come out on stage, Lizzy sings the chorus of "It's Not You" solo and really drawn out. It's the perfect setup for what's about to come.

3. Smashing Pumpkins in Knoxville, TN 7/23/2010

Most Memorable Moment: The final lines of "Tonight Tonight." I've loved that song for so long, and there was nothing like hearing you're favorite lyrics live and with hundreds of people singing along: "The indescribable moments of your life/the impossible is possible tonight/Believe in me as I believe in you tonight." Close second is the first time they hit the chorus of "Bullet with Butterfly Wings." You haven't lived until you've jumped up and down, rubbing up against a hundred hot and sweaty people screaming "DESPITE ALL MY RAGE, I AM STILL JUST A RAT IN A CAGE."

2. Three Days Grace/Chevelle/Adelitas Way in Knoxville, TN 4/13/10

Most Memorable Moment: The whole concert. After much thinking, I can't isolate a single moment. But when there are three bands playing, and you're a fan of all three bands, plus you know all the words to every song they play...it just all comes together into one amazing night.

1. Muse in Nashville, TN 3/15/10

Really? Did you think it would be anything else? It was my first time seeing my favorite band. The feeling I had during every song was so intense. That was one night I truly wished would never end. But heeeeyyy...I get to repeat the experience this October! I can't wait!!

So that's that. As I keep going to shows, I'll update it if anything changes. The upcoming 10 Years show could be a very promising contender for the Top 5.

New Date!

2010-07-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

I'm adding another date to this year's concert marathon! I was just thinking that I really hoped that 10 Years would come around to Knoxville again. I saw them once in March of 2009. They came back around on December 27th, but it was just bad timing. I was home for the holidays, and that would have put me in a rush to get back up here for the show. Then they came around for the Carnival of Madness on July 23rd. I missed that one because 1) the Smashing Pumpkins were here the same night, and 2) 10 Years and Chevelle were the only bands I cared about at that show, and they were the first two playing.

The Valarium is the most active venue here. It's small, standing room only. There's not a bad place to be in the house. Some bigger acts come through and play the larger venues from time to time, but the Valarium definitely sees the most action. There I've seen 10 Years, Chevelle, Tantric, Theory of a Deadman, Halestorm, and the Smashing Pumpkins, all as headliners. Several other bands have come through there in the past year that I've missed (Hollywood Undead, 311, Silversun Pickups, Cage the Elephant, AFI, The Used, just to name a few...). Seeing as how their stage is so busy, I check the website frequently to see if anyone new has been added.

I already have a ticket to see the Sick Puppies and Janus there in a couple of weeks. The Deftones are coming in September, and I haven't made up my mind about going to that one yet. But I popped in yesterday to see if anything had changed and hellloooo...There was a new date right before the Deftones show. 10 Years!! They're coming back through again! And I was just thinking about how I wanted to see them again!

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, and I get paid tomorrow. So guess who'll be buying a ticket? I already can't wait. They put on such a great show! Their new album comes out on August 31. The show is September 3rd. That means I'll only have a few days to familiarize myself with the new songs they'll be playing. This is exciting!

Anywho, sorry that I rambled for so long. Basically, all I have to say tonight is I'm buying a ticket to see 10 Years again.

I've got an idea for another post, but it will require some thinking.

Weezer Have Gone Crazy

2010-07-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

I love Weezer. We've had a long and satisfying relationship. If you remember from an earlier blog, the Blue Album is on my "Deserted Island" list. Also, if you remember, I've said that I like to see bands change and evolve over time. Then to refresh your memory one more time, I've also said that no opinion on music is definitive, and critics are full of it. So that being said, bear in mind that this is mere opinion, and I don't like Weezer any less.

Really guys? Another album? The "standard" gap between albums is two years, with more being common. Bands that churn out yearly albums (in this era) are typically commercial machines looking to sell their name for a buck or two. So what's going on, Weezer? You wait three years to release the Red Album (#6), then about a year later, you hit us with Raditude, a very controversial album amongst Weezer fans. I use the term "controversial" pretty liberally here. But you know what I mean. As if there wasn't enough of an argument between Weezer fans about the direction of the band, Raditude comes along with its pop-oriented sound, drastically different from Weezer's geek rock/power pop roots. Come on, they even collaborated with Lil Wayne on one of those songs, after poking fun at artist's for doing that just one album prior (specifically, poking fun of pairing up with Timbaland).

And now, this September (roughly one year since Raditude), they will be releasing a yet-to-be-titled eighth album. Three albums in as many years. For the Red Album, frontman Rivers Cuomo was not the only one with the pen, or even the mic. All of the other band members contributed songs and even assumed lead vocals on the album. Weezer said that with all of the band members writing songs now, new material was popping up faster than ever, thus speeding up the album releases. But wait...let's look at the credits for Raditude, shall we? Drummer Pat Wilson wrote one, then the others...Cuomo...Cuomo...Cuomo...Cuomo...see a pattern, yet?

Again, I'm not really complaining. Though it's different, I'm not disgusted with the seventh album. Plus, who I am to judge their creative streak? Maybe inspiration is just striking left and right and these are the results. I'm eager to hear what this new album will hold in store for us. I'm hoping it will dispel all fears for the future of this beloved band. Nevertheless, wherever the future takes them, I still love albums 1-6, and I will always respect the band that recorded them.

Don't Be That Guy

2010-07-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

This post is inspired by my own encounters at shows and encouraged by a comic a read a while back.

I love that every show I go to is a unique experience. Not just because of what happens on stage, but also because of the goings-on in the crowd. However, not all of the latter experiences are desired and can be downright annoying. Let's look at those, shall we? And remember: when you go to a concert...DON'T BE THAT GUY!!

Concert Attendee Party Fouls

1. The Rock Show Amnesiac

This is the person who gets plastered before the first band sets foot on stage. I'm all for pregaming and feeling good throughout the show, but I think it kinda defeats the purpose if you're going to be spending the duration of the concert in alcohol blackout, plus the likelihood that you'll sick up all over your fellow concert-goers is pretty high. Prime example: A woman stumbled up to my friend and me at the Smashing Pumpkins concert, and asked us (in slurred words, might I add) if we were into women. When we replied no, not our thing, she asked us if we would kiss for her. When we passed on that one, she then tried to "hook us up" with every guy in the vicinity, finishing with asking us if we wanted to go to an orgy after the show. Indeed she was funny, but it qualifies as annoying, too.

2. The Solo Mosher

This happens at nearly every show I've been to. Let's face it, the days of moshing are over. Somewhere along the line, concert-goers tired of getting trampled and breaking limbs and decided to enjoy the music in a less destructive fashion. But there's always someone who decides they're going to start shoving everyone around them and try to get the pit started. It's kinda funny the angry reaction this elicits these days.

3. The San Diego Chargers.

These are the people whose goal is to have nothing between them and the stage, and they don't care how they get there. This varies in severity from the mild, but annoying, "Excuse me, sorry, I'm just trying to get to my friends," to those who lie in wait for the crowd to start jumping to plow through as hard as they can.

4. The Bachelorette

These are the girls who seriously overdress for the show. They do the hair and make-up, don the most revealing dresses in their wardrobe, and then complete the look with a pair of strappy heels. They're not there for the band, they're there for the bad boys who like the band. All I have to say is good luck in those heels, chick.

5. Mr. Grabby Hands (this one's for you, Pam)

This is the guy who's at the show because the Bachelorettes are at the show. In such a big crowd, how can she possibly know who grabbed her ass? And no, you certainly didn't qualify as a "Bachelorette" that night, Pam. Haha. You were just nearby and lookin' hot! ;)

So in summation....

Pace yourself. You can feel good and not make a fool of yourself at the same time.

Chill out! It's possible to go crazy and not take out everyone in a 10 foot radius.

You're not the only one that wishes they were closer. So stop pissing off everyone else and enjoy the show!

If you want to look good, it's totally possible to look good and be comfortable at the same time. And trust me, your feet will appreciate the effort.

Keep your hands to yourself, unless you want your ass beat. One of these days, you're gonna grab the WRONG ass.

So remember, kids. Go to all the concerts you can. And DON'T BE THAT GUY! :)

The Indescribable Moments of Your Life

2010-07-23T22:58:00.001-07:00

Wow. Wow wow wow! Tonight was amazing! And I finally remembered to bring my digital camera along, so I got some decent pics and even some passable video. Just remember, I don't have a great camera, and I have no idea what I'm doing with it, so the pics here are the best I can do.

The first band to play was Bad City. They're a new band from Chicago (actually, every band on stage tonight was from Chicago). Their first studio album is due out in August. To be honest, I really wasn't all that impressed. I felt that they were a little out of place at this concert. They would have fit right in with the hair bands of the 80s. The lead singer pranced around stage with his perfect platinum blonde hair and sang his songs about how rock and roll would never die. They weren't really for me.

Kill Hannah was band number two. They had a more alternative sound. I thought they were okay. I might look into them a little more, but I'm not sure that they've completely won me over.

Then the main event. The SMASHING PUMPKINS!! First let me say this: it was bloody hot. I've been to a lot of shows, and I've never been that hot before. It rivaled my days in band camp. I'm sure it was a combination of the hot July weather outside, plus the sold-out crowd inside, who were all shoving forward as close as they could possibly get. All of the bands made comments on how unbelievably hot it was. Billy Corgan said this about halfway through their set: "Well, that's the show! It's too fuckin' hot, so I'm gonna go lay down in the bus!" Haha. Oh Billy, you kidder. For real though, he seemed to be having a really great time. He said he couldn't believe how into it we were despite the heat.

I'm a really big Smashing Pumpkins fan. The anticipation I felt for this concert was only surpassed by Muse. They didn't play anything from their first album, but they played a few songs each from albums 2-8 (except 6. Skipped that one, too). It was so incredible. It was kinda funny though. All day, I had been watching SP videos, in most of which Billy was in his 20s. It was funny to go from that to the 43-year-old Billy Corgan on the stage in front of me. He still looks good though. And still has his voice.

Pretty sweet, huh? I thought that one turned out quite well. And lookee there! I was pretty close to the stage, eh? Man, it was so amazing!! And you haven't quite lived until you've jumped up and down with hundreds of sweaty people screaming "DESPITE ALL MY RAGE, I AM STILL JUST A RAT IN A CAGE!"

But the biggie...the moment I was really waiting for..."Tonight Tonight." I've loved that song for years. I actually teared up when they played it. It was so incredible, and the crowd was so into it. They closed the set with it, before coming out for the Encore of a 1000 Guitar Solos. I took a video. It's not great, but it's really not that bad considering my equipment. Of course, it's shaky as hell. I was trying to hold somewhat still, but well...you'll see how that worked out. So yeah, I was screaming out lyrics, and throwing my left arm in the air, and moving to the music. But here's the video anyway. It's just a minute or so.

Also, as you can see, I'm having format troubles again. Get over it!

Unity Tour

2010-07-21T17:53:00.001-07:00

I've been out of commission for a little while thanks to my computer woes. Picked up a virus, and since I'm a complete idiot when it comes to computers, it took me a whiiiillle to get it fixed. But I'm back online now, and I have a show to tell you about!

Saturday, I drove down to Atlanta for this year's Unity Tour. For 2010, 311 added The Offspring to the roster, and daaaaaamn this show was good!

I've only attended two concerts by me onesy so far, but I must say that I sorely missed company on this one. I think I've told you before that 311 is simply the best for summertime, windows down, driving music. I wanted someone in my passenger seat singing along with me so badly. When I arrived, I ended up parking fairly far away the venue, but it was only $10, so I can't complain. When I arrived at the actual site, it was 6:03, and the show started at 6:30. Good timing, eh?

I had never been to a concert like this before. The traffic coming in was bumper to bumper with attendees, and the streets were packed. The actual parking lot for Lakewood Amphitheater was filled with people tailgating. I felt a stab of envy at that scene. I drive a truck! That would have been so perfect to have a group of friends pile into the back with a case of beer. But alas, I was solo...

By the time I made a much-needed pitstop, bought a shirt, and a beer (a big one), it was about ten minutes until the first band, Pepper, went on. I had never heard of them before, but they fit in nicely, and I believe I shall be taking a closer look at them. I was so stoked when The Offspring took the stage. Though most of the crowd was clearly there for 311, everyone was really into The Offspring. My only complaint was my own damn fault...That beer went right through me, and I had to take off to the bathroom, and I missed "Why Don't You Get a Job." Dammit!! But it was still amazing.

I will definitely be checking out some more 311. I only have their ninth (and newest) album Uplifter. Their show was amazing, and the crowd went hella crazy for them. They played for almost two hours straight, and the energy never stopped or even slowed down.

It sucked that I had to do this one alone, but the trip was definitely worth it.

My Library IX - New vs. Old

2010-07-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Belatedly, the next installment of my series.

Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin (2009)

I'm quite impressed with this album. I've never been a big fan of Breaking Benjamin. I do like heavier rock music just fine. I'm just prone to more melodic sounds, and they've never really explored that outlet. Until now, that is. I've been hit or miss with the tracks from their first three albums, but I'm definitely into this one. I'm not utterly enthused with each song on here, but the majority of the album appeals to me.

In addition to harder rock that's similar to their earlier music, this album is also ballad-heavy. I like and don't like this at the same time. Ballads are nice, but too many can slow an album down. That being said, I still immensely enjoy this album. I think this is a rare example of when I prefer a band's latest work to their earlier work. Not very common for me.

I give this one a 4.5/5 on my scale.

Concert Marathon has begun!

2010-07-07T21:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so guess who's been falling behind on their blog series? Oh well, whatever, nevermind... (hee hee...that there be a lyric).

Between now and October, I have five concert tickets, four of which happen within about a month (and there's a possibility of a sixth one being thrown in for September. More on that later). Tonight was round one, right here in Knoxville.

Headlining: Halestorm

Opening: Adelitas Way, New Medicine, and Skytown Riot

Let me begin by saying this: This. Show. Was. Amazing. Everyone who was there was there for Halestorm, and because Halestorm and Adelitas Way have played together in Knoxville so much, everyone knew their music really well, too. There was so much energy there in the crowd tonight, and the crowd's energy can really make or break a concert.

According to the Valarium's website, Since October was supposed to be there, too, but they were a no show. I don't know if they just can't make the first few dates on the tour or if they just had something come up at the last minute for this particular stop. Either way, they weren't there.

The first band that went on was a local band called Skytown Riot. I was definitely into their music. They're on iTunes. I'm thinking I just might download their album. Perhaps you should check them out as well. I wonder if they come off as great in the studio as they did on stage. We'll see.

New Medicine took the stage next. They reminded me a little bit of Cage the Elephant, using similar styles in the verses. Only a little bit though. They also put on a great live show. I don't know if I felt them as much as Skytown Riot. I'll check them out a little more on iTunes before I completely form an opinion on them.

Then Adelitas Way came out. This was the fifth time I had seen them. This was probably the best time yet. Lead singer Rick's voice was still a little weak, but I've heard him be spot on before. They do a massive amount of touring, and I know that's hell on one's vocal chords. He still did a great job. Like I said before, so many of the people that were there had seen these guys multiple times, so the energy was solid. The majority of the crowd knew the words to every song they threw at us. It's great to be in a crowd that's totally rocking out. You feed off of each other's energy, and I like to think that that energy empowers the band as well. Great times. My question though: what's the deal with "Inside?" I really like the song, but it's not on the album. Wonder if they're saving it for the next...gonna have to use my own methods to nab that one, it looks like...

I'm not sure words can express the electricity of Halestorm's performance. They're always solid, but tonight, they were on fire. Lizzy's voice was impeccable, as usual. I don't know how she does it. It's usually especially difficult for female vocalists to stay on pitch and project in this environment, but I don't know if I've ever heard her miss a note in the four times I've seen them. The song choice was great. They played every song on their debut album, plus a couple of covers, and I do believe a couple of new songs as well. I think their next album could be quite promising. Again, I think what really made a difference was the energy in the crowd. It's so amazing when everyone is into it. And perhaps Lizzy says all the things that she says to every other city that they land in, but I like to think that they really do have a special place in their hearts for Knoxville. I hope, anyway.

Oh, and for the record, Lizzy threw out her bracelets after the show. I totally caught one. Whoo hoo! And on my way out, I patted Keith Wallen of Adelitas Way on the arm and said that they were great tonight. Then I tittered off like I did something naughty. Celebrity is in the eye of the beholder. All in all, it was a great night.

My Library VIII - We Really Do Have Some Remnant of Punk

2010-07-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hmm...the frequency of these posts has already began to slow down (something about that verb tense bothers me. I don't think I executed it correctly...). Perhaps my own little wager at 12 will be correct...

Enema of the State by blink-182 (1999)

I think this is one of those albums that everyone has. At the turn of the millenium, these guys were what's hot. I think everyone knows the song "All the Small Things." There were a lot of other great things happening on this album. Most of the songs on this album retain some essence of punk, such as the fast tempos and upbeat lyrics. This is an album that I can't really take seriously. It's one of my "fun" albums. Plus, I kinda like the fact that they use two singers that alternate lead duties. Sometimes I think more bands should do that.

I give Enema of the State a 3.0/5. I like it, have fun with it, but I don't love it.

My Library VII - One of My Many Guilty Pleasures

2010-06-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Move Along by The All-American Rejects (2005)

Ok, ok, before you start knockin', lemme remind you of my stance on musical taste: there's no such thing. It's what you like and what you don't like. So yes, AAR are a brand of pop rock/emo that most rock fans shake their heads at, but I have fun with this album. It's upbeat choruses are great for summertime. Not every song on the album is a hit with me, but a pretty decent chunk of it tickles my fancy. I guess that's all I have to say. Something tells me I'll probably like their first album, but not so much the third. We'll see. I don't have either of them yet. But this one's a fun one.

It gets a 4.0/5 on my likeability...likability...is that a word...scale.

My Library VI - We're Punk, But Not Punk, K?

2010-06-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

After I finish this blog, I'm gonna tinker with the layout a bit. We'll see how that goes...

Let's Build Something to Break by After Midnight Project (2009)

There's nothing that I outright dislike here, but I think AMP has some growing to do, musically. It's just a little...static. About half of the songs seem to blur into each other, and then the ones that have a little more substance to them are just different takes on the same idea. It works for me, but I'm eager to see if they can pick up the pace a little in the future. Sorry for being redundant, but I'll remind you that I happen to enjoy catchy melodies, and there's plenty of that here. Overall, I enjoy the album. Oh, and as for my not-so-clever title, that refers to the fact that AMP has been on the Warped Tour for the past couple of years. Warped Tour used to be really punk, but now it's adopted a more...poppy punk image...and while it's difficult to nail down genre these days, I don't hear much of any of today's punk styles in AMP...

Giving it a 4.0/5 on my scale.

My Library V - Can I At Least Get a Little Cheese On This, Please?

2010-06-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Adelitas Way by Adelitas Way (2009)

Oh, the mixed feelings I have here. I do like it, but I enjoy this album way more than I should. I blame the live shows. The first time I saw these guys, they had just been signed and hadn't even released the first single off of their soon-to-be-released first album. So, I kinda feel like I've watched them grow up. They have really energetic live shows, and I've always said that live is the best spice. I don't think I would feel the same about this band or their music if I had just heard them on the radio. But I've seen them four times (fifth coming up on July 7th). It's not that the music is bad. It just sounds like anything else out there. There's not really anything about Adelitas Way that stands out amongst their peers. They could use a little cheese. But look, I knock'em, but I'm about to give this album a good score. Again, because these aren't reviews, just my opinions on my library, and everything being said, I still like this album. It gives me good, happy feelings and reminds me of all the times I've seen them live.

This one gets a 4.5/5 on the Kim Scale.

My Library IV - Nothin Like Summer

2010-06-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

Before I jump into today's entry in the series...

I sleep with the radio on. After I woke up this "morning" (Ok, so it was more like noon...), I was just laying in bed, delaying the moment when I actually I had to get up, when I heard something muy interesante on the radio: "The Smashing Pumpkins are BACK, ladies and gentlemen, and they're gonna be HERE at the Valarium on..." I didn't even hear the rest of the sentence because that was all it took for me to leap out of bed and run to my computer. Sure enough, there it was. I had just been to the Valarium's website maybe a week ago, and that concert sure as hell wasn't listed then. This a new development, and the tickets went on sale today at noon. I checked the balance in my bank account and ordered myself a ticket. Yes, I know that Billy Corgan is all that remains of the original Pumpkins, but this concert is still gonna be sweeeeet.

Anywho, on with the show!

Uplifter by 311 (2009)

Would I define myself as a 311 fan...not particularly. That doesn't mean that I don't like them. I just don't love them and don't really listen to them very much. Just a song here and there. But I really fell in love with their singles for this album, especially "It's Alright." So I went ahead and picked up Uplifter. I'm definitely satisfied with the purchase. I don't dislike any of the songs, though I can't really get into about half of the album. I will say this, though. This album is perfect for summertime: in your car, windows down, bright sunny skies...I'm going to see them in July. It's an amphitheater show, and I think they'll be perfect for it.

I give this one a 3.5/5 on the Kim Scale.

My Library III - SCREEAAAMMMOOOOO

2010-06-24T18:16:00.001-07:00

Damn, I'm on a roll with these posts! Anywho, next up...

A Beautiful Lie by 30 Seconds to Mars (2005)

I don't think I would exactly call myself a fan of emo/screamo in general, but I certainly do have a soft spot for this band. You know me. Good guitars + memorable melodies = good tunes. Plus, I can handle a little screaming here and there. That being said though...I was a tiny bit disappointed by this album. Before I purchased it, I had only heard the four singles, and I loved every single one of them (especially "The Kill" and "From Yesterday"). I don't dislike the remaining tracks. I just don't think they sound as special. There are a few other songs that I really like, though they don't quite have the power of the singles. Overall, I enjoy this album though (despite the dreaded hidden track).

I give this one a 4.0/5 on the Kim Scale.

Pet Peeve

2010-06-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

What? Two blogs in one day? Yeah, well I had something else to write about, in addition to today's entry in the new series. Wanna know one of my pet peeves? Hidden tracks. Am I the only person that finds them annoying as hell? I feel like in the the digital age, they're pretty obsolete. I like the idea behind them. A nice little surprise or bonus is good sometimes. But I think it causes a slight bump in the road in today's digital age.

Hidden tracks come in various forms. First, there's one of the most common, the "Oops-you-left-the-CD-on" hidden track. Usually, it happens after the last track on the album. The song plays, followed by several minutes of silence, then the hidden track plays. The point of these is usually to surprise fans. It works, and gives a nice bonus to fans who are purchasing the CD. In today's world though...

Many who buy albums buy digital copies through iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, what have you. Those who still buy CDs usually end up importing them to their computer also. What happens then? The music often ends up on iPods and other such mp3 players. A track that is fifteen minutes long, with ten of those minutes being complete silence, is just a pain in that digital setting. Either you can get to the skip button and the hidden track goes unheard, or you have to sit through minutes of silence, which isn't why you shoved those buds in your ears, now is it? Plus, what if you just want the hidden track to play? Nope, sorry. No soup for you! Case in point: "Your House" from Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill or Jagged Little Pill Acoustic.

Another big one is the "We-Swear-You'll-Only-Find-This-One-By-Accident" pre-grap hidden track. Most commonly, this one is found only by putting your CD into a player and manually "rewinding" from the beginning of track one. Pre-gap tracks are often referred to as "Track 0." You have to rewind all the way through the song, to the beginning of the track, where it will play forward from there. Computers can't read these at all, so there's no way to even get them to your computer to move them to your mp3 player. So not only is it a pain to get to these tracks from your album, but you can't get them in any form digitally. Case in point: "Uncle Bobby" from Flyleaf's Memento Mori. It's actually a really good song. Too bad...

This rant has been cooking for a while, but what spurred it? I've been listening to the albums that I'm using for the series, and 10 Years uses 2 instrumental pre-gap tracks on each album. The next one from 30 Seconds to Mars has the dreaded nine minutes of silence before that super-secret hidden track plays...(insert rolling of the eyes here). Come on, guys. I appreciate that you all want to make us work for our hard earned songs, but let's get what the present, shall we?

/rant

My Library II - Movin' On Up

2010-06-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Division by 10 Years (2008)

So if I really like the first album, I love this one. Division was written with a more experienced hand. It has none of the static of the first album, instead delivering a string of impressive songs that really have a way of sticking to me. This is an album I come back to a lot. This album is why I love 10 Years and why I'm excited for their upcoming album.

I give this one a 4.5/5 on the Kim Scale.

My Library I - Start of a Series I May or May Not Finish

2010-06-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

First off, I have my Muse ticket! Four months and four days until I'm rocking out on the floor level of the arena in Raleigh!

So...about this new series. I feel like dishing out my thoughts on my entire CD library. Will I finish it? Hellllls no! Do you know how many CDs I have? But I'm in the mood to start this, so let's start a pool on how far I get before I get tired of it and give up, shall we? Put me down for...12.

Here's how it's gonna work:

First, these will not be reviews. If you've been paying any attention to my rantings, then you know I hate reviews and the fact that critics feel that their opinions matter. Rather, these will just be a brief summary of what I do or don't like on each album (so prepare to be very bored).

I'm going to rate each album on a scale of 0-5. Again, that's not a scale of how "good" the album is, but a scale of how much I like the album.

I'll still do my..."regular" posts. Just mingled in with this doomed series. And I'm mostly going in alphabetical order. I'm skipping some and will come back to them (yeah, we'll see about that).

The Autumn Effect by 10 Years (2005)

I really love the overall sound of 10 Years. As a band, they sound unique to me. I don't feel that they had completely come into their sound yet when they made this album. I'm super into about half of it, and while I think the other half is really quite good, that half sounds very similar to me. They're really good at seeking out a melody that fits very well against the guitar-laden tracks. The songs that really grab me are the ones that combine memorable melodies with interesting guitar riffs. The rest of the album just doesn't seem to climb to that level. I feel like they had an idea of what they wanted their sound to be, but just perhaps they weren't experienced enough to enrich that sound so that each song really stood out.

This album gets a 4.0/5 on the Kim Scale.

50 Things...

2010-06-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I scribbled into my journal my list of things to do before I die. Not exactly a new or novel idea. Every so often, I'd go back to it and update it. Not just with scratching off the things I've done, but fleshing it out a bit. I mean, the list can't stay the same as it was when I was 15, can it? Who knows what they want out of life when they're 15? Over the past couple of days, I've been obsessing over the list. I guess several things have me thinking about mortality lately, and how I need to up the ante a little. I turned 24 and realized that I've accomplished little in life. I'm definitely not where I thought I would be at 24. Plus, this year, everyone has been getting married. Pardon my cynicism, but really? I know you can still have adventures after marriage, trust me, I plan on having several, but there's still so much to do now without having to worry about the priority changes that come with marriage. Then lastly, the death of a friend has got me thinking about how you never know when you're going to run out of laters...

I've been trying to hammer it out into 50 Things, with very specific goals. Like, where the list used to say simple like things like "Go to Australia" or "Go to Germany," it nows says "Scuba dive off the Great Barrier Reef" and "Have a beer at Oktoberfest." Instead of just "learn to play the piano," it now reads "accompany a student on piano."

So why am I talking about this on my music blog? Because there are a handful of music related items on this list, only one of which I've been able to scratch off thus far. And that's what I thought I would share with you today.

1. See Muse live. (check!)
2. See Silverchair live.
3. See 100 different bands live (since my first concert in 2008, I'm already at 23).
4. Go to a concert in another country.
5. Go to an entire music festival (I would have loved to have been at Bonnaroo this year, or even to get to go to the Forecastle Festival).
6. Get an album sleeve autographed (I have an autographed Flyleaf EP, but I didn't actually have them autograph it. Just bought a pre-signed copy at their show).

So that's that. I know that some people may see that and think, "Gee, with everything there is to do in the world, why not make it more extravagant?" My response is that 1) the rest of the list is more boundary pushing (for me), and 2) in case you haven't noticed, music is a bit of an obsession for me. I'm really excited about one day checking off all of those items (and the rest of the list, for that matter.)

Kim Loves Live Music

2010-06-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

So, my ticket to see Muse is en route, and I also officially bought a ticket to see Halestorm. Super-stoked about both. In case you haven't noticed, I love live music. I wish I could just drop everything and chase bands, even just throughout the region. Knoxville really is a pretty good location. We get some pretty decent shows here. Then, roughly three hours away in each direction, we have Atlanta, Nashville, Lexington, Louisville, and Asheville, all of which get some great shows. I would love to see every band that passes through that I even remotely like, and I would love to check out other acts that I haven't heard of. What stops me? Work and money. I don't make enough dough to go flitting about the region, and requesting the night off for those shows makes things even tighter. That just means I'll have to squeeze in everything I possibly can, right?

I went to a show Thursday. A free one! Blues Traveler, right here in Knoxville! It wasn't the most enjoyable experience though. Imagine all of Knoxville packed into one square downtown. There was absolutely no room to breathe, much less move. Don't get me wrong, I love being in the action, and I'll let my bubble get a little violated for a little rock action, but this was ridiculous. But still, now I've seen Blues Traveler, albeit not in the most ideal situation. They did an awesome cover of "Creep."

In other news, I've been investigating, trying to find other shows that I can go to. Here are some that I am really interested in:

June 24 - Psychostick in Cookeville, TN

July 17 - The Offspring & 311 in Atlanta, GA

July 23 - Shinedown, Sevendust, Puddle of Mudd, Chevelle, & 10 Years in Knoxville, TN

August 9 - Sick Puppies & Janus in Knoxville, TN

November 7 - 30 Seconds to Mars in Charlotte, NC

Realistically...Psychostick could totally happen. Tickets are only $10. Sick Puppies will definitely happen. Probably won't go to the Carnival of Madness on July 23rd. I love Chevelle and 10 Years, but I don't really have an interest in seeing the others. Plus, I've seen both of those bands before, and I've never seen either The Offspring or 311, so if I go to anything, I'll go for that one.

And let the record show, that I would kill to go to Bonnaroo or the Forecastle Festival, both of which have freakin' awesome lineups this year. Doing the whole music festival thing is on my list of things to do before I die. My bucket list, if you will. Someday...

No video today. I know, I know, but I just don't feel like it. Catch ya next time.

Oh dear, I've done it again!

2010-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Let's see...Halestorm is coming to town again! I'm excited about this. This time, they're headlining! This will be my 4th time seeing them live. Adelitas Way will be opening for them, which will be my 5th time for those guys. I'll get to see Since October for the first time that night, too. I think it will be a good night.

But I have bigger news. I was on the Muse website this afternoon, just browsing through the tour dates. Mostly Europe and Australia. A few in California. Then at the end of the list, was a small leg running through the U.S., with one stop in Raleigh, North Carolina. I paused. That's only about 6 hours from here. Hm...I wonder how much the tickets are. I followed some links, clicked on best available, and I froze. The ticket it drew up was floor level, general admission! I couldn't believe it! If I bought one right then, I would be on the FLOOR. At a MUSE concert! Remember my blog about seeing them in March? I said the only thing that could have made it better is if I would have been on the floor. It was pricey. But I checked my balance, saw that I had a little cushion, and I BOUGHT IT. $75 later, I have a ticket to see Muse in Raleigh, NC on October 26th. And I'll be on the freakin' FLOOR.

This week, I've been on another Muse kick. Every few months, I do this. I stop listening to everything except Muse. Finally ordered the Hullabaloo Soundtrack. Discovered tracks "Map of Your Head" and "Shine Acoustic." Absolutely incredible songs.

Oh man, I can't wait to see Muse again. This is going to be incredible. And I actually have a friend who may be going with me this time. If she gets to go, then this will be perfect. My head could quite possibly explode.

Here's "Map of Your Head."

Neutron Star Collision

2010-05-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. Well, it was average for the most part. Took my dog for a walk with my next-door neighbor (and got SOAKED), went to work, trying to make myself get in a little bit of cleaning before I go to bed...

So what perked up my day? Muse released their new single today. Usually, I'm interested when a new single is released, but not really excited about it. This one is special though. It's not on any of their studio albums. So it's 100% brand spankin' new! It's called "Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)." I love it. When I first heard it, I really wasn't sure about the beginning. It's still my least favorite part of the song. But then this galloping drum beat hits (similar to the one heard in "Knights of Cydonia"), and the melody is beautiful. And then there's this guitar solo. Nothing complicated, the guitar just repeats the melody. It's all quite lovely.

The first couple of lines in the song make me giggle a little every time I hear them: "I was searching, you were on a mission/ Then our hearts combined like a neutron star collision." Come on, Matt. I know you love spacey topics, but wow. Not the most common analogy, but I think it really is growing on me. The rest of the lyrics (specifically the chorus) are a bit intense. "Our love is forever/And if we die/We die together." Is it just me or are more and more of Matt's lyrics about love? I think he's happier now. He has said that the lyrics of "Undisclosed Desires" are very personal to him and his girlfriend, and let's face it, I think every girl dreams of a guy who will say to them what Matt says in that song. It's a nice change for him (though sometimes I miss, the darker, conspiratorial lyrics of earlier albums.

"Neutron Star Collision" isn't a complete non-album single. It's the lead single from a film soundtrack...the new Twilight movie, Eclipse. If you check out the comments on youtube videos (which if you never glance through the comments when you watch a youtube video, you're missing out. They tend to be on the funny side), you'll see that a lot of Muse fans are up in arms about them appearing on all three soundtracks of the Twilight films.

It really doesn't bother me. I think it's pretty dumb to shake the foundation of your fandom for a band just because they show up on a soundtrack for a movie you don't like. That doesn't change the music or what it stands for. What a silly thing to get worked up over...

Anyway, that's all I've got for you. Here's the song, of course!

Stunted Growth, Perhaps?

2010-05-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

I've had a thought recently, and it's been bugging me. I've always been very supportive of a band's evolution. I've always said that I don't want to hear the band that sounds the same from one album to the next, even if it means that their sound develops in a direction leading away from the sounds I usually like. If I were to hammer out a list right now of my favorite bands, they would all be bands that have a distinct sound from album to album. Except for one.

I really like Chevelle. With their use of heavier guitar riffs, interesting chord structure, melodic choruses, and occasional screaming, they come of as pretty unique (to my ears, anyway). They have found their way into my favorite bands because I'm not just hooked on one or two albums. I own and love four of them (there are five). And while I may not love every single song on each album, there are certainly several on each that I absolutely love. I've seen them live twice (with a possible third time in my future), and they are just as great in person.

So what's been bothering. I was listening to a couple of their albums back to back this weekend, and that got me to thinking. The sound across their albums is really interchangeable. Like I said, all of my favorite bands grow and change over time. If I were to hear a song I didn't know by them (if you could find one), I would be able to tell you what album-era it came from. But Chevelle...probably not. I hear a difference from their first to second album, but after that...it's like they found their sound and were satisfied with that. I mean, it's a good sound. I own and love my copies of albums 2-5. But to not grow as songwriters...

This doesn't make me lose respect for the band or love them any less. I was just a little shocked to notice that hey, whaddaya know, I really do like a band that hasn't evolved in years. It makes me wonder where they would go from here, if they did start moving in one direction or another. Would I like that new sound? Would I wish that they had stuck to the old formula? I don't know...Anyway, I just thought I would share that with you.

Here's "Well Enough Alone" from their fourth album, Vena Sera.

Shiney New Toy

2010-05-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I sat down and wrote almost an entire post, and then said screw it and deleted it all. Sometimes I really struggle with this. I'm not a writer. That, I can deal with. Hell, it's not like many people read this. But the topic I had on the docket for yesterday required a bit more translation than I could muster. I have all these thoughts in my head, but sometimes I just can't find the right words to convey what I'm thinking. So in my frustration, I scrapped it all. In case you're wondering, the blog was going to be about Green Day, how they've changed, and where I stand with them now. Blarg...

Today's topic is a little easier for my meager skills. I finally got an iPod today. I had previously used a 2GB Insignia. Let me tell ya...two gigs is not a lot, not when you're a music freak like me. It held about 320-330 songs, which is certainly not enough for my purposes. As soon as I got my shiney new (blue) 16GB iPod Nano going, I went down the list clicking on all the songs that were must haves. I have 887 songs on it, and still 10GB free! Oh, the possibilities.

One of my projects for me and Mr. iPod will be getting to know my albums a little better. Right now, when I get a new album, I pop it into the CD player in my truck and listen while I drive. For some reason, I just can't focus as much on new music when I'm sitting around my apartment. But now, I'll be able to throw an entire album on my iPod and loop it to my heart's content. There may be hope for me and my library just yet.

I know all this probably isn't exciting for anyone else, but I'm as giddy as a school girl about this. That's all I've got for today. Here's a song!

Nothing Like a New Discovery!

2010-05-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

I've said before that there seems to be simply too much music in the world. I just can't take it all in. I wish I could say I could name every song on every album I own. I wish I could sing along to more albums. I wish I knew more than the choruses of the songs I hear on the radio. I wish I could download it straight into my brain, Matrix-style.

Every now and then, something seems to shine through all the noise, though. Something will stand out as new and unrecognizable. I love listening to my old favorites, and unveiling more music by bands I already know and love, but there is nothing quite like hearing a band for the first time and falling in love. Granted, I've only heard two songs by them, but I'm completely hooked. I've already got their album ordered and on its way. So who is this new discovery? The Temper Trap. They're an Australian alternative rock band signed to an independent label that just released their very first album last June. How did I hear about them? As I've said before, I check the Billboard rock charts. Their debut single, "Sweet Disposition," has been climbing up the Alternative Rock Chart. No radio station around here plays them, so curiousity sent me over to YouTube to check them out.

The more I listen to it, the more I love this song. They've released a second single now, "Fader." It hasn't hit the charts yet, but I love this one, too. I know I could meander through YouTube and listen to the rest of their album, but I prefer to wait until I have it physically in my hands and in my CD player. Why ruin the surprise? I'm really excited for this one to come in. I'm really hoping that I'll love the rest of the album as much as I love those two songs.

In other news, there's another concert coming to town that I really want to go to. It's Shinedown's Carnival of Madness tour. I'm not really a fan of Shinedown, but check out the line-up: Headlining is Shinedown, with the opening bands being Sevendust, Chevelle, Puddle of Mudd, and 10 Years. I'm not a Sevendust fan at all (they just headlined their own show here last week, and I didn't care at all to go), and I only like a couple songs each by Shinedown and Puddle of Mudd, but I love both Chevelle and 10 Years. I've seen them both before, but I would love to see them again. So do I go or not? A) It would be another chunk of change to go, and B) the concert is July 23rd. Should I find a teaching position, and should it be a high school teaching position, that will put it right smack in the middle of a band camp, which could pose another problem. What to do, what to do...

That's all for today. Here's "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap. There are two music videos for it. This is the Australian version, for no other reason than I like its aesthetics a little better.

X Rock Weekend

2010-04-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

I don't really listen to the radio much. When I do though, it's usually 94.3 The X here in Knox Vegas. It's the only "modern" rock station in town. I say "modern" because the word "modern" has two different meanings in rock music, and I don't think this one leans toward the main definition of modern rock. For those a little loose on their terminology, "modern rock" is interchangeable with "alternative rock." While The X plays quite a bit of alternative rock, they play just as much mainstream rock. The second meaning, and the one I think this station is more geared toward, is "modern" in the sense of contemporary, current rock (though they can't use the word contemporary, because there's another genre called contemporary. Haha, it all gets so entangled...).

Now that I have bored you to tears, let me get back on topic. About once a year, they have a weekend called "Your X Rock Weekend" where listeners can submit their own playlists for them to play on air. They encourage people to be creative and choose some sort of theme or order for the songs, and also to try to include songs that might not ordinarily be played (within reason. No Britney Spears, ya know?). Last year, I submitted a playlist of rock songs they rarely or never played. It didn't make it on air, and as I listened, they really didn't play much that they never play. Guess they weren't as liberal with that idea as I had hoped.

This year, I stuck to songs that normally air on their station. It hasn't been played yet, but here's to hoping it'll make it in tomorrow (last day!). Can you guess the theme? It's pretty obvious...you don't even have to listen to the songs...

1. Halestorm - "It's Not You"
2. Incubus - "Pardon Me"
3. Janus - "Eyesore"
4. Kings of Leon - "Sex on Fire"
5. Linkin Park - "Breaking the Habit"
6. Muse - "Uprising"
7. Nirvana - "Heart-Shaped Box"
8. Offpring - "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid"
9. Puddle of Mudd - "Psycho"

New band, new song. Check it out, here's "Eyesore."

Notable New Release: Coheed and Cambria

2010-04-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

I once planned on making a new release blog every Tuesday. You see how long that lasted. I've recently been thinking about how to adjust that so that I can keep up with it a little better. So I've decided to do "Notable" release blogs. Of course, there are several new albums out each week, and many of them are notable, but I've decided to just cover the ones that appeal to me and are something I would like to add to my library.

Released April 13, 2010: Coheed and Cambria's Year of the Black Rainbow

This is their fifth studio album, and it serves as a prequel to their earlier albums. A prequel, you ask? To an album? Let me give you a quick rundown on Coheed and Cambria's deal here. They've taken the term "concept album" to a new level. They have more of a "concept career" going on. Each album is a new chapter in The Amory Wars, a post-apocalyptic saga written by lead singer and guitarist Claudio Sanchez. He has been releasing graphic novel counterparts for each of the albums (though not all of them are released yet). The songs are taken from this story and are from the perspectives of various characters in the saga. In fact the name of the band comes from two characters, Coheed and Cambria Kilgannon.

The story behind this new album is a prequel to the events in the earlier albums. Rather than a graphic novel, a full novel was written to accompany Year of the Black Rainbow. I absolutely love this idea of linking all the albums to a story.

Now, musically, what is there to Coheed and Cambria? They generally have a very "emo" sound, often using catchy guitars with almost poppy melodies. I would call their genre more of "new progressive rock" though, with their lyrical elements and song forms (they typically stray from verse-chorus forms). I'll admit also, the timbre of Sanchez's voice may not be for everyone. I love it though, and seeing as how it's my blog about music I like, that's all that matters! :)

In my library, I only have two CoCa albums: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (second album) and Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness (third album). I really like both of them. I'm looking forward to adding this one.

Here's the lead single from Year of the Black Rainbow, "Here We Are Juggernaut."

Life Starts Now and This Type of Thinking

2010-04-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

So to all my curious readers, I opted for Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin. Should be on its way to my mailbox soon enough.

Thanks to the concert I attended earlier in the week, I've been doing a lot of listening lately. I've worked my way through Life Starts Now by Three Days Grace and This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) by Chevelle several times now, and let me say that I'm very pleased. So here's a quick breakdown of my thoughts on each.

This is their third (and latest) album, released just last September (in fact, I think I remember mentioning it back when I was trying to keep up with my new release blogs). I'm really pleased with this album. So far, two singles have been released (there will surely be a third, probably a fourth at some point in the next few months), "Break" and "The Good Life." I really like both songs.

There are a couple of songs that I'm not sure I'm really feeling, but for the most part, I've really enjoyed this one. Some highlights (other than the singles I mentioned) are "Lost in You" and "Last to Know." Both exhibit the softer side of 3DG, for those of you who are only familiar with their harder side. If you're interested in their harder side, try "Bitter Taste," "No More," or "Goin' Down." All three are some of my favorites from the album. I'm really glad I picked this album up.

This is Chevelle's third album, but it was released back in 2004. This album and I sat down for a nice long chat today, and we got to know each other quite well. This album saw three singles: "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)", "The Clincher," and "Panic Prone." I love all three of those. The rest of the album follows through with those singles, delivering some seriously solid music. "Get Some" and "Still Running" are a couple of great ones that they often play live. And then "Emotional Drought" and the acoustic "Bend the Bracket" are awesome songs. Today was the first time I really checked out this album, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation.

That's all I've got for today. As usual, here's a song, the gorgeous, "Panic Prone" by Chevelle.

Decisions, Decisions...

2010-04-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here struggling to decide which album to order next. Lately, I've generally always got something "new" (sometimes used, I guess) on its way to me. My last album ordered came in yesterday (Uplifter by 311), and now I can't decide what to grab next. Here are the main ones I'm torn between:

This Is War by 30 Seconds to Mars
Homesick by A Day to Remember
Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin
Vena Sera by Chevelle
Brand New Eyes by Paramore
Swoon by Silversun Pickups
One-X by Three Days Grace

I know I only have approximately one reader, but still, any thoughts? This is a really hard decision for me...

Today's song is from the aforementioned Breaking Benjamin album. I think this song is so gorgeous. Here's "Give Me a Sign."

Three Days Grace, Chevelle, and Adelitas Way

2010-04-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

So, caught another show last night. I had a great time! It was right here in Knoxville, but at a venue that I had never been too before (for a concert, anyway). It was a larger venue, which ended up being a little disappointing. Why, you ask? Because of the crowd, or lack of. I expected with huge names like Three Days Grace and Chevelle performing that the Coliseum would have been sold out. Instead, it was probably half empty. What gives, Knoxville? I was very disappointed.

You would think that at least the people who were there would be big fans who would really get into the show. But for Adelitas Way and Chevelle, the crowd was pretty dead. Before their last song, Pete Loeffler (lead singer/guitarist for Chevelle) called out the folks in the seating (most of the tickets were floor tickets, but there were quite a few in the stands): "Thanks, you guys up there. You've done a great job of sitting down."

Now, to break down each band. Adelitas Way was up first. This was my fourth time seeing them live. Musically, they were just as good as ever. Vocally...eh. But I mean, I completely understand. They've been touring practically nonstop for at least a year. That is not kind to vocal cords. So, I can't possibly complain if the lead singer was having a weaker night.

When Chevelle hit the stage, I thought the crowd would wake up a bit more for them. Oh, well. I really think Pete was having some vocal issues, too. I've seen Chevelle before, and he was much better the last time. Again, I can't complain. It was still a solid show, and he definitely made the most of what cords he had left. They played some great songs and even threw in a nice surprise ("An Evening with El Diablo"). I was pleased.

The lead singer of Three Days Grace, Adam Gontier, really knew how to pick the crowd up and get us going. It was pretty awesome. He talked to us, interacted with us. Despite the poor turn-out, it was pretty lively in the arena last night when they took to the stage. Also, they had....FIRE!! I like fire. Haha. That was the first show I've ever been to that actually had fire happening. Anyway, the music, the lights, the energy...it was an amazing show. Not Muse amazing, but still amazing. I think it actually made it to the number 2 spot on the list of "Best Shows I've Seen."

Today's song is "Lost in You" by Three Days Grace. It's from their new album Life Starts Now, and they played it as one of their encores last night. I love it. :)

A Day to Remember

2010-04-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, now that my little Muse mini-series is finished, let's get back to the usual, shall we?

First off, am I the only one that's having flashbacks to the early 90s? Look at the charts. The Stone Temple Pilots just unseated Alice in Chains from the number one spot, and Hole is back on the charts. What's next? I guess the ghost of Kurt Cobain will be rising soon...

So I saw a show while I was in Atlanta. The headliner was A Day to Remember with August Burns Red and Silverstein supporting. There were a couple of other bands there, too. I know one was Enter Shikari, but I can't remember the name of the other. I think they might have been a local act. None of those bands are really my kind of scene, but when some friends invited me to the ATL with them to see the show, how could I turn them down? ADTR is one of their favorite bands. I enjoyed myself. They were very energetic on stage, and I was surprised to find that I actually liked the music. All the bands there were post-hardcore, which I've usually written off as "not for me." I came away from the concert eager to investigate both Silverstein and A Day to Remember a little further.

The atmosphere was amazing and completely different from what I'm used to. Atlanta is huge (compared to Knoxville, anyway), so when you get a band playing to a sold-out crowd in such a small venue, it's pretty much just the die-hard fans that know the words to every song that show up. The place was packed wall to wall with people screaming out every lyric and totally losing themselves in the music. That was a great experience. But that's not the only thing that was new to me.

If you're a hardcore noob like me, then let me enlighten you on a bit of hardcore culture. Most of the bands have breakdowns in their songs, and during the breakdowns, a circle pit forms and...dancing?...commences. I guess it's dancing. Not in the traditional sense, but definitely dancing. It's really violent, but they definitely get into it. Don't think moshing. It's different from moshing. But when you're not used to it, it's kind of a spectacle to see, and something I never would have experienced if I had stuck to my usual genres. I hung out in the back, clear from the destruction path.

I definitely had a great time that night. I mean, nothing tops seeing Muse live, but it's good to know that I can still enjoy myself at a concert that's not Muse. Hehe. Anyway, I've been looking into both ADTR and Silverstein, and I can see myself picking up a couple of their albums. If you know me at all, then you know I love discovering new sounds. :)

Today's video is "I'm Made of Wax Larry, What Are You Made Of?" by A Day to Remember. Oh, and the clip at the beginning of Close Your Eyes...they handed out a demo disc at the concert that had this song on it. I think I'm in love with it...

The Resistance

2010-04-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

Final one! Congratulations, you've toughed it out. Back to the usual rants and musings after this one.

The Resistance is pretty much a departure from the rest of their repertoire. It still sounds like Muse, just a different side to them. Oddly enough, it's their biggest album in the U.S. with two very successful singles so far ("Uprising" and "Resistance"). Both songs are good, but I think they're hardly representative of Muse's library.

This album has a pretty broad range of sounds. Matt Bellamy said he wanted to compose in all genres, and I believe he hit his mark. I would like to point out "Guiding Light" as being the lowest point in the album for me. It has begun to grow on me, and I do like it a bit more now, but it's still a little weird to me. The melody is actually pretty, but the keyboard part combined with the sound of the drums...it sounds very 80s. I can hear it being played during the credits roll of Top Gun or something.

"United States of Eurasia" is also a little low on the list for me. This one has grown on me a bit also, but it's still not one of my favorites. Its sound greatly resembles Queen, and then there's this string part that sounds remarkably similar to the "March of the Slave Children" from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

One of the absolute highlights from this album would be the last three tracks. They encompass the Exogenesis Symphony. I love the last movement, Redemption. It's beautiful. The first movement, Overture is incredible also. They played that one when I saw them live, and it was amazing. The symphony truly sounds like the direction I expected Muse to move in.

Somehow, "Undisclosed Desires" is my favorite song on the album. The first time I ever heard the song, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. It grew on me pretty fast though. It's poppy, dancey. I'm not sure what I love so much about it. Maybe it's just the girl in me connecting to the lyrics.

And now, for your listening pleasure, here's the third movement of the Exogenesis Symphony, Remdemption!

Black Holes & Revelations

2010-04-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, moving forward. Next in the series is Muse's fourth album, Black Holes and Revelations. Released in 2006, it began a slight shift in their style. Oh, they still sound like Muse, but some of the harder sounds present on previous albums are absent on this one. Primary song-writer Matt Bellamy seemed to be concentrating on other elements when he cooked most of this stuff up. Political themes run rampant through the lyrics, most evident in "Take a Bow" and "Assassin."

"Take a Bow" is the first song on the album, and it begins with softly, building throughout the song to a powerful climax. The album moves from there into several different territories: the very mainstream friendly "Starlight" to the dancy, R&B-inspired "Supermassive Black Hole"; the short, acoustic "Soldier's Poem" to the heavier guitar riffs of "Assassin." This album gets around.

It ends with "Knights of Cydonia," and it's a powerful ending indeed. When I caught Muse live, this song was also the last song they played for the night. I can see why it's always the last song. This song projects so much energy, it just can't be topped.

So just one more in the series after this one, then back to business as usual. Today's video is the song "Invincible." It contains, hands down, my favorite guitar solo ever. In it, Matt uses a classical theme and variations device. I love watching him play it on their live DVD.

Absolution

2010-04-05T08:35:00.001-07:00

Well, I have my computer up and running once more, so I can hammer out the rest of this little mini-series quite quickly. Just suffer through three more blogs like this, and I'll move on to my usual random rantings.

If you remember my deserted island scenario, the Muse album that was on the top of the list was Absolution. I love every second of this album. I could listen to it a thousand times over and still not tire of it.

It starts with "Apocalypse Please." It doesn't ease you into the album. Instead, it throws you in face first with Matt hammering away on some thick chords on the piano. It is difficult to describe the rest of the album. It covers many different sounds. There are heavier rock tunes like that of "Time Is Running Out," "Stockholm Syndrome," and "Hysteria." There are also the slower, but powerful songs like "Sing for Absolution" and "Falling Away with You."

There's nothing heavy about "Blackout" at all. It's beautiful, with an added mandolin part to show its Italian inspiration. Matt exhibits his piano skills in "Butterflies and Hurricanes." In the middle of everything happening, an incredible piano interlude takes over, greatly resembling the sound of Rachmaninoff.

Hmm...talking about this makes me want to listen to the album all over again. It would only be the millionth time I've heard it.

I caught another show this weekend. As soon as I get through the rest of this series, I'll tell you all about it. For now though, here's "Falling Away with You." It's my favorite song from Absolution and my second favorite amongst the entirety of their catalogue.

Origin of Symmetry

2010-03-28T19:59:00.001-07:00

I told you it would be a while between posts. I still don't have regular access to a computer, so updates will still be few and far between.

Moving on with this new series that no one cares about but me...

Muse's second album, Origin of Symmetry!

On this album, you can really hear Matt Bellamy stretch his legs a bit. Showbiz was great, but only hinted at where his song-writing was heading. Here, Muse begins to truly define their sound. Both guitar and bass utilize heavy distortion on most of the album, and the keyboard shows its face in nearly all of the songs. Many of the songs feature a drastic change in sound mid-song.

It's hard for me to list some of my favorite highlights of this album. How about the whole album? Eh, almost...

I guess I'll begin by pointing out the ones that I don't connect with as much. I've never really been able to get into "Darkshines." It has an awesome bass line, but for some reason, it just doesn't grab me as much as the rest of the album. "Screenager" might not be one of my favorites either. I like it, but don't love it.

So let's call the highlights every other song on Origin of Symmetry, shall we? If I have to pick an absolute favorite, let's go with "Citizen Erased." It's seven minutes and twenty seconds of pure unadulterated genius.

I don't have much else to say today, so I suppose I shall leave you with a video from this album. This song contains my favorite guitar riff ever, and I absolutely love it! Here's "Plug In Baby." I'd like to post the official video to it, but I can't find one that allows embedding. Anyway, here's the audio, at least! Enjoy!

Showbiz

2010-03-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

So, my computer is currently out of commission. Blogs will be few and far between until I can get it up and running again. It's definitely a massive inconvenience.

Anyway, in music news...all I've been able to listen to is Muse. I am reminded of the movie Juno. Jason Bateman's character (was that his name?) let Juno borrow an album by Sonic Youth (his favorite band). When she gave it back she said, "When you're used to listening to the raw power of the Stooges, everything else just sounds cute by comparison." That's probably not verbatim, but you get the idea. Right now, that's how I feel about everything else. I know this is just a phase, but for the moment, everything that's not Muse sounds a little amateur and uninspired to me. Like I said, I'll get my fill soon, and I'll start listening to my other music again. Haha.

Because I have nothing better to talk about tonight (and even though I know not many Muse fans will be visiting my blog), I think I'll spin my album opinions for you.

Let's start with Showbiz. I love this album. Maybe not the way that I love the others, but it still has its highlights. "Unintended" is my favorite song on the album, and my third favorite song by the band ever. In my opinion, it's the most beautiful love song ever written. Chromatic harmonies, melodic sequencing, and beautiful lyrics all come together to create something truly incredible. The album's namesake is another favorite. "Showbiz" is a brooding song that builds and builds throughout the entire 5 or 6 minutes. I think this song is a great indication of where the band was heading developmentally. Those two are my absolute favorites from the album, but the whole album is really great. It was released in 1999 and definitely stands out amongst the other rock sounds of the time. It's not perfect though. "Overdue" leaves something to be desired for me. It's alright, and I still sing along with it when I get to that track on the album, but it's terribly repetitive.

I'll visit the next album in the next entry, whenever that is. As I mentioned earlier, my computer access is limited right now. But I'll get to it when I get to it.

For your listening pleasure, here's "Unintended."

Muse. Live. Amazing.

2010-03-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

There really are no words to describe last night. It was the best night of my life (so far, anyway). I'm gonna try to describe all this awesomeness to you, and I'll also try to do you the favor of making it short. I'll try, anyway...

First off, the MONEY. $58 for a ticket. $50 in gas, $15 to park, $32 for a shirt, and $9 for a beer (a big one). But I don't regret a penny! The only way the night could have been better is if I had had someone with me to share the experience with. I might have also liked to have a decent camera on hand, so that I could show everyone how awesome everything was (but the entire thing is burned into my brain forever, so I don't need a camera to remind me). It would probably have been pretty awesome to be on the floor. But really, my seat was good. Actually, there probably weren't any bad seats in the arena.

The Silversun Pickups went first. They were really good. It made me wish that I had been able to catch them when they came through Knoxville. It was pretty standard concert fare. Brian was energetic on stage, and his banter was funny. There was a girl down front in the crowd who had flashing devil horns on her head. He kept talking about them between songs. I had to take off to the restroom (remember that beer? Yeah...but I didn't miss much at all), and when I came back, Brian was wearing them! Haha. And he actually gave them back to her when they were done performing.

Behind them, there were these...things. They were like big buildings, with this cloth over them. Before their last two songs (They closed with "Panic Switch" and "Lazy Eye"), Brian said to the crowd, "So, you've probably noticed these things behind us. Well, we didn't bring'em. But you know who did, right? MUSE brought'em! And they're gonna use the shit out of'em, too!" So, I'm wondering what the hell these things are for, and what Muse are going to do with them.

The wait between bands was excruciating. And I couldn't see what they were setting up. They pulled the Silversun Pickups' equipment off the stage, but they weren't moving anything else out there. Finally, the lights went out. In the darkness, the buildings become illuminated. One by one, each window lights up. Then the scene changes. Playing across the buildings is a scene of stairs with silhouetted figures slowing moving up. There's an eerie intro playing over the speakers. As the silhouetted figures stop making their trek up the stairs, they begin to fall away. Meanwhile, I'm thinking, "Where's Muse? I still don't see anything being moved on stage?" No sooner have I thought that when simultaneously the cloth falls away and the music starts. Where's Muse? Right here:

How awesome is that? No, that's not my picture. The only camera I had was my phone, and it can't take a picture like that. They didn't stay up there all night. The bottom half of the pillars moved, and would lower them to stage level and they'd move around and play. The top parts of the pillars would still always have awesome effects going on.

Anyway, from the second the music started (They opened with "Uprising") to the last song of the night ("Knights of Cydonia"), I didn't stop moving. This was actually the first show I've ever been to where I've known every lyric to every song played. Usually at shows, by the end, I'm ready for it to be over. I'll think, "This has been awesome, but I'm tired and hungry." Not last night. I didn't want it to end. I never felt tired. I never felt hungry. They could have played every song in their catalogue, and I still would have begged for more. The energy was amazing. It wasn't just awesome stage effects that made this show the best one I've ever been to. It was the energy. There was so much energy in each song. I think I even have a new love for "United States of Eurasia," which I never even really liked, after seeing it live. You better believe I was throwing my fist in the air and screaming "SIA" along with the rest of the arena (a part in the song that normally makes me cringe a little on the album).

When they came back out to play "Knights of Cydonia," I knew it would be the last song of the night. There's no way to top that song. I thought the crowd was getting into it before then, but the crowd went nuts during this whole song.

I wish I could relive last night over and over again. But I'm a little worried about every other show I'm going to see. How will I ever be able to properly enjoy a show again? What do you do after you've climbed Mt. Everest?

Anyway, I'm not gonna leave a video today. I'm going to marinate in my memories for a little bit.

P.S. Sorry for the format. For some reason, my paragraphs aren't separating the way they should, and I can't figure out why.

On the Rocks V

2010-03-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

Muse tomorrow night! I can't wait. I still don't think it has completely sank in yet. I think part of me is still afraid that something will happen that will keep me from making it there. Here's hoping for a safe, uneventful trip to Nashville!

On the Rocks V is what's currently in my truck's CD player. I really like this mix, too. Seeing as how it's in my truck, I don't have the actual track list on hand, but I know what songs are on it, so who cares what order they're in, eh? Anywho, here it is!

1. Phoenix - "1901"

2. Cage the Elephant - "Back Against the Wall"

3. Creed - "Overcome"

4. Death Cab for Cutie - "Meet Me on the Equinox"

5. Paramore - "Brick by Boring Brick"

6. Chevelle - "Letter from a Thief"

7. 30 Seconds to Mars - "Kings and Queens"

8. Pearl Jam - "Just Breathe"

9. Halestorm - "It's Not You"

10. AFI - "Medicate"

11. Foo Fighters - "Wheels"

12. Slipknot - "Snuff"

13. Breaking Benjamin - "I Will Not Bow"

14. Cavo - "Crash"

15. Flyleaf - "Again"

16. Rise Against - "Savior"

17. Three Days Grace - "Break"

18. Smile Empty Soul - "Don't Ever Leave"

19. Weezer - "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To"

20. Theory of a Deadman - "By the Way"

21. Paramore - "Ignorance"

I don't really have much to comment on for that mix. There are very few on this one that I'm not psyched about. It's a great mix. For the most part, I think I did pretty well at remembering the order. I know I didn't leave anything out. There's definitely 21 songs on it.

Anyway, the next time you hear from me, I'll be utterly and completely high on Muse. I can't wait. This is going to be unbelievable. The song I'm going to leave you with is from the above mix. It's been stuck in my head all day. Seriously, I've been singing the chorus over and over again for several hours. If it weren't such a good song, it would be really annoying...

On the Rocks IV

2010-03-13T23:03:00.000-08:00

Here's something random that I've been thinking about a lot lately. I'm not sure that very many people I know share this train of thought. Everyone looks forward to the future, right? Where will I work? Where will I live? Will I get married? Have children? Here's the thought that plagues my mind: what will my children think of the music I'm listening to right now? How will we view what's playing on the radio currently some 20 or 30 years form now? It seems to me that somehow even the worst songs become cool in hindsight. For a while, 80s pop was the mockery of the music timeline. Now? Someone turns on "Rock Me Amadeus" or "Turning Japanese" at a party, and it's the coolest thing ever. When Weezer's Pinkerton came out in 1996, it was NOT commercially successfully, and critics ripped it up and down. Now, those same critics are praising it as one of the best albums of the 1990s (one of the reasons why I could care less about what the critics have to say). Anyway, that's just been something that's been on my mind lately. Thought I would share that with you.

Continuing the series, here's my track list for OtR4!

1. Breaking Benjamin - "Until the End"

That was the song that began my relationship with BB.

2. Hoobastank - "So Close, So Far"

Typical 'stank emo-fare.

3. Sixx: A.M. - "Life Is Beautiful"

4. Franz Ferdinand - "No You Girls"

Look out. That song could cause you to spontaneously dance...

5. Hinder - "Get Stoned"

6. Papa Roach - "I Almost Told You That I Loved You"

7. Tool - "Sober"

Oldest song in the whole series! 1993!

8. Company of Thieves - "Oscar Wilde"

One of the few indie bands that I've stumbled upon and liked.

9. Adelitas Way - "Invincible"

I don't think that I would like that band as much if I hadn't seen them live so much. April 13th will be the 4th time!

10. Saving Abel - Drowning (Face Down)

I think I might like this song better than "Addicted."

11. Seether - "Fake It"

12. Linkin Park - "New Divide"

13. Staind - "Fade"

That was the song I was looking for when I found "Everything Changes."

14. Royal Bliss - "Save Me"

Stumbled across this new band. I really like their sound. Hope the rest of the rock fans out there learn about them soon, too!

15. Jet - "She's a Genius"

16. The Offspring - "Half-Truism"

Love that one!

17. Halestorm - "I Get Off"

Those guys are DEFINITELY my favorite new band of 2009! Seen them live 3 times! Great show!

18. Muse - "Uprising"

For being their most successful single in the U.S., it's pretty low on my list when compared to the rest of their songs.

19. Buckcherry - "Crazy Bitch"

20. Deftones - "Change (In the House of Flies)"

And that's that! I love this one, too! I made it at the same time as OtR3, and this one also has older songs mixed in with the then-current tunes. I think 3 and 4 could be my favorite mixes...

Tomorrow, I'll let you in on part 5! And here's a song for tonight, from the aforementioned mix. :)

On the Rocks III

2010-03-12T22:39:00.000-08:00

Continuing my little series...

I made parts III and IV at the same time. It breaks the rules a little bit. I included older songs, too. I had been listening to the radio a lot when I made these, and it made me realize that there were a lot of great songs that would fit into the sound of this series, but not the timeline. And I didn't quite have half of each, so I wouldn't have been able to split it into one CD of older songs, and one of the newer. So...I thought, Hey! It's my series! I can break the rules if I want! So here's OtR3!

1. Trapt - "Contagious"

That song didn't fare well in popularity, and the local station doesn't play it anymore, but I really like it.

2. Staind - "Everything Changes"

I've actually never heard this one on the radio, but I discovered it trying to find another Staind song. Being from 2006, it's one of the rulebreakers.

3. Finger Eleven - "Paralyzer"

Apparently, this song was pretty big. I was living in a musical vacuum at the time though, and I missed it. Buuuut, I'm back on track now.

4. Foo Fighters - "Best of You"

See explanation above. Heh.

5. Silversun Pickups - "Panic Switch"

Gonna see them this Monday! They're opening for Muse!

6. Chevelle - "Jars"

About to see them for the second time in April! Love this band!

7. 311 - "It's Alright"

8. Nickelback - "Burn It to the Ground"

9. Seether - "Driven Under"

10. Fireflight - "Unbreakable"

I have a thing for bands with female lead singers. Maybe because their songs are easier to sing along with?

11. Godsmack - "Whiskey Hangover"

I'm only lukewarm on that song.

12. Kings of Leon - "Notion"

13. Hollywood Undead - "Everywhere I Go"

14. Pearl Jam - "The Fixer"

15. Three Days Grace - "Riot"

16. Green Days - "21 Guns"

That is probably the only song in the whole series that I actually regret putting onto a mix. The more I hear it, the more I don't like it.

17. Shinedown - "Sound of Madness"

Lukewarm here, too.

18. Santana featuring Chad Kroeger - "Into the Night"

Definitely the poppy side of rock, but I have to admit to liking this song...

19. Framing Hanley - "Lollipop"

20. Lacuna Coil - "Spellbound"

21. hed(PE) - "Renegade"

So that's the third mix in the series. I really like that one. Except for "21 Guns." Seriously, what was I thinking?

The video for today is a gorgeous song that I'm hooked on. I've already seen Chevelle once, and I'm super excited to be seeing them again in April! So I thought I would share this song from their album This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In).