Everyone has a song that every time they hear it, their spirit is just instantly lifted. We need those songs. They brighten our day, put a smile on our face, and make us feel hopeful and even cheerful.
For me, that song is "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)," by My Morning Jacket. It's also the song I have been singing along to all week. It's stuck in my head and I am so glad it won't get out!
My Morning Jacket is a Louisville band, and being a Kentucky girl myself, I love it when Kentucky boys make it! That's just a little added tidbit of info for you all this week. :)
Read the lyrics and watch the video and see if this song doesn't make you feel like everything is just going to be OK? I bet by this time next week, it's stuck in your head too. "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)"by My Morning Jacket
It matters to me
Took a long time to get here
If it would have been easy
I would not have cared
Like a tropical forest
Like a cop on the beat
When all is in order
You get lost in the heat
I feel so wonderful, wonderful, wonderful the way I feel
I feel so wonderful, wonderful, wonderful the way I feel
Doesn't matter to me
I could take it or leave it
I could learn from way back when
And still live right now
With the sun on my shoulder
And the wind in my back
I will never grow older
At least not in my mind
I feel so wonderful, wonderful, wonderful the way I feel
I feel so wonderful, wonderful, wonderful the way I feel
So wonderful, wonderful the way I feel
I feel so wonderful, wonderful, wonderful the way I feel
I'm going where there ain't no fear
I'm going where the spirit is near
I'm going where the living is easy
And the people are kind
A new state of mind
I'm going where there ain't no police
I'm going where there ain't no disease
I'm going where there ain't no need
To escape from what is
Only spirits at ease
As we speak, VH1's very own weekly Top 20's walls are being penetrated by what can actually be considered awesome music. The reign of the Mileys, and the Taylors, and the Beibers are over. Sure, they are putting up a fight, but week by week, independent music is making it's way onto the countdown.
The Civil Wars
Mumford and Sons were in the front lines, followed by The Civil Wars. Now Dawes and even The Head and the Heart are joining ranks. It's only a matter of time until a new king is crowned, and that king will be GOOD MUSIC.
Who would have actually thought the day would come when quality songwriting would force the tween phenomena out of the limelight? Well, that day is here.
The Head and The Heart
It's been years since I sat down and watched an episode of the Top 20. I didn't care what baby-faced kid "singing" corporate driven crap could gyrate their hips the most. But I still kept track...waiting...until finally, one day, songs that didn't totally suck started showing up. The American people were actually voting for, dare I say...MUSIC?! Kings of Leon, Adele, and The Avett Brothers were starting to get airplay. And so it began.
Then, after that famous Grammy performance, people started noticing Mumford and Sons. And thus set forth in motion the musical coup. The takeover.
It's been slow, but it remains strong. The days of this wah-wah crap is done. It's finally done. Suck it Disney.
Mumford & Sons
So, if you are like me, and you want to put an end to the Dark Ages of Music, I guess the only thing to do is the one thing you should always do when you want to see change...vote.
"If you give up New York, I'll give you Tennessee...the only place to be..."
I have repeated that line in my head over and over and over this week. The song I cannot seem to get out of my head is The Face by Kings of Leon. I am totally in love with their music.
Forget about the fact that I stood next to two of them at a Romany Rye concert a few months back. Forget that they are good ole Nashville boys. Forget that they are smokin' hot. Forget about everything and just listen to their lyrics and you can't deny why the band has been hurled into super-stardom over the last few years.
But with fame comes trouble. "Mo' money, mo' problems," I guess. Recently, the band had to cancel their U.S. tour based on, lead singer, Caleb Followill's "health issues."
Based on tweets from brother and band mate, Jared, and a recently released documentary showing much turmoil between Caleb and the other band members, I think it is pretty safe to say that there is much more going on there. Sadly, it seems to be the fate of many bands.
I just hope these boys pull through. For the sake of their fans...for the sake of music. We need bands like Kings of Leon. Plain and simple. I hope they can "ride out the wave."
Regardless of what might or might not be going on with these Tennessee boys, The Face is stuck in my head. Take a few listens and let's see how long it takes to get stuck in yours...
The Face by Kings of Leon
Beneath the dance hall lights
You see my girl so sound
Lights up the ground
If you give up New York
I'll give you Tennessee
The only place to be
The cowboys burning eyes
Don't like the sight of me
Just straight enough to breathe
I like your point of views
So don't you shy away
Ride out the wave
Ride out the wave
Ride out the wave
Ride out the wave
Ride out the wave
You had me holding on
All of the time in place
Ride out the wave
Bury yourself away
The one and only face
Ride out the wave
Ride out the wave
Ride out the wave
As stated in multiple previous postings, I've had a love/hate relationship with Rolling Stone since I was 13 years old...that's 15 years that we have been "on-again, off-again." I feel like I have put some serious time and commitment into this relationship. But this time, I think we've run our course.
I realize that music and politics at times go hand in hand. Without political influence, we wouldn't have great songs like "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, or Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth." We wouldn't have "Imagine" by John Lennon. But in my humble opinion, that's where it should end...in the creation of great music.
I'm not a very political person. I have my viewpoints on important issues, but honestly, I could give a rat's ass what anyone else's view point is, or if they agree or disagree with mine. Who cares? Isnt' that the great thing about living in America? We can think and say whatever we want?
But here's where I have a problem: you're rights end when they infringe on mine. It's as simple as that.
So what does this have to do with Rolling Stone? Well, it shouldn't have anything to do with them, but it does.
I don't subscribe to Rolling Stone to read about their political views, or their stance on the war or whatever. I DON'T CARE (about their viewpoints, not I don't care about our country's involvement in the war, just wanted to make that clear). I read it because it is supposed to be a "music" magazine. If I wanted to read political information, I would subscribe to Newsweek. I want to read about music, concerts, bands, anything dealing with that industry. Not politics.
Now, you may ask, "why don't you just skip the political section and not read it?" Simple enough, right? It should be. I wish I could tell you that I'm able to skip past it. I don't read it. But it's not just words printed on those pages. If I see one more headless, mangled, mutilated body, I'm done. The last 3 or 4 issues have had photos so utterly disturbing, they have kept me up at night.
I don't pretend for one second to be naive enough to think that this doesn't exist in our world and happen on a daily basis. At this point, I don't even agree or disagree with our war. I just want it over and our troops home safe. I have a cousin in the US Navy that means the world to me and I couldn't be prouder. But I didn't join the military. I didn't sign up to see that. And I should not be forced to view these horrendous photos when I am thumbing through my MUSIC magazine, looking for an article about the possible break-up of the Kings of Leon. There's no warning, no advance notice...just turn the page and there's a picture of a body blown into 1500 pieces. Forgive me for not wanting to see that.
I'm sure someone is reading this, thinking "oh, grow a pair." Or, "that's what happens in war, deal with it." I am fully aware that our troops and the people who live in these foreign countries see these things day in and day out. I know that our troops see these things in their daily attempts to keep me and the rest of my country safe. But what about that makes it ok to force me to see it? If I wanted to see that, I would watch a horror movie.
So, all I have to say is this...thank you Rolling Stone for providing me with images I can't unsee. When this current subscription runs out, that's the last you'll see of me.
It's been more than two weeks since Grant and I saw The Decemberists in concert at the Ryman, and since then, more than one of their songs have been stuck in my head. I guess that's why I haven't been able to write my weekly posting about the one song that's on my brain, because I haven't had one...I've had 7.
I would have to say that without a doubt, that show was the best concert I have EVER been to. And that's saying a lot considering all the concerts I have attended over the years. I have never had so much fun or had a band participate with the audience the way they did. To put it simply, we had a blast!
So, how about those 7 songs I can't get out of my head since the show...
They are: Rox in the Box, All Arise, The Chimbly Sweep, The Mariner's Revenge, Calamity Song, Oceanside and The Rake Song.
Rox in the Box, All Arise and the Calamity song are all off of their newest album, The King is Dead, which is pretty much ah-mazing. It has a slightly more country, folksy twist to it, but in the most fantabulous way.
They started the concert with Oceanside... it is now my ringtone.
After playing The Chimbly Sweep, someone in the crowd threw a tiny chimbly sweep doll on stage, which Colin Meloy graciously accepted and placed on a speaker box for the remainder of the evening.
The Mariner's Revenge was by far the most fun song of the evening! They acted the whole thing out and all of us in the audience swayed back and forth with the music. That is, until the pivotal point of the song where we all screamed out like we were being eaten by a whale. So theatrical and sooooooo fantastical! Take a listen to the song if none of that makes since to you...
And finally the Rake Song. Now, I never really cared for this song before because the lyrics are so utterly disturbing. But I have to say, after seeing it played live, and watching Sara Watkins beat the hell out of those drums turned me into a fan. It's now a favorite! Only the Decemberists can turn a song about killing babies into a worn out spot on my cd.
I'm not going to post the lyrics to all the songs because that that seems like overkill just a bit but I have included youtube videos for your viewing and listening pleasure. So now you can decide which you like, which you don't, but I bet you will be humming at least one later...
(all photos in this post were taken by me at the concert...my camera sucks.)
My mouth hung open throughout the whole set. I looked over at my husband, and he had an equally awestruck look on his face. With a voice reminiscent of Patsy Cline, the crowd was blown away when she took the stage...
Saturday night, Grant and I made our debut at the Ryman Auditorium. It seemed almost ridiculous that we had never stepped foot in the historic church before that night, but we hadn't. I was immediately transported back in time and I could almost feel the spirits of the previous artists who graced that old stage.
Sitting on the old church pews, in front of those old stained glass windows, was a total new experience. I felt "at home." Then the lights dimmed and she took the stage.
Armed with a guitar, a killer band, and a rhinestone "Opry" jacket, Caitlin Rose belted out the first few notes of her first song and I knew that was it. Instant fan.
We listened to song after song, each one better and better and mostly from her new album, Own Side Now. My personal favorites were Spare Me, Shanghai Cigarettes, and New York. That is until the finale. Caitlin stepped away from the mic and let her voice fill the auditorium. She sang "Sinful Wishing Well" and I felt a tear come to my eye. "Beautiful" doesn't even come close to describing it.
So who is she and where did this girl come from?! Well, where else? Nashville.
Being both a big city, and a small town, I've actually met Caitlin before without realizing it. We were crammed together side by side at a Deer Tick concert at The Basement a few years ago and we briefly spoke about how great they are. That is, before she hopped up there and did a few songs with them and Jonny Corndawg! I still didn' realize it was her until I was flipping through old photos and saw one I had snapped of her singing with them.
So, in conclusion, I'm calling it right now. This girl is going to be big! No, scratch that. HUGE! And where else for it all to begin but The Ryman, which fit like a glove. And in Caitlin's own words, "so did the jacket." Agreed.
The song I have in my head this week may have stemmed from my previous post...or maybe inspired it. Not sure which, but then again, which came first? The chicken or the egg? The song I can't get out of my head right now is Deer Tick's Baltimore Blues No. 1.
It is hard for me to pick a favorite Deer Tick song. And while I wouldn't consider this one my favorite, it is definitely on the list.
Baltimore Blues No. 1 is on Deer Tick's debut album, War Elephant, and was also the song the band chose to sing when they made their television debut on Late Night with David Letterman. It is a fantastic song and I know that if you give it a few listens, you will be humming it all week too!
Enjoy! :)
Baltimore Blues No. 1 lyrics
Kiss all your saviors goodbye
Offer them up to the dead
No kidding you know who's right
And whose got a price on their head
No doubt I'd sell you all out
For a pocket full of silver and gold
Way back when, when they made me one of them
Don't you know they're gonna' save my soul
I can't hang around with you like this my friend
Our time has come to an end
I can't play around with you no more
No, I'm seeing this open door
And I know you saw right through me
Afraid I'm taking you for a ride
But when you're dead you're dead
When you're gone you're gone
I got my conscience at both of my sides
I set out to disappear
And out there I found a new home
But listen Jack, you're on the wrong side of the tracks
At least now I don't have to walk it all alone
Can you hear the sound of the crawling flesh?
Now can you smell the burning desire?
This place is too small to hide
All the ghosts that's kicking around inside
What this town was entirely built upon
You can find it right between the eyes
Its a bullet hole that'll steal your soul
And roll you for your money and your diamonds
I set out to disappear
And out there I found a new home
But listen Jack, you're on the wrong side of the tracks
At least now I don't have to walk it all alone
They say the first step in getting help is admitting you have a problem. Ok, so I admit it. I'm obsessed.
Finding Deer Tick, well, it was a spiritual awakening of sorts. Now, I'm not comparing them to God. Far from it. But discovering their music did wake something inside me. It was if I had found the missing piece of the puzzle to complete the 10,000 piece "Rhiannon" I had been trying to complete over 25 years.
I had just resubscribed to Rolling Stone after a long and messy break-up (if you have read my other posts, you know all about this). Towards the back of the issue was the "review" section. In it was a review of Deer Tick's album War Elephant. Intrigued by what I read, I went on iTunes and downloaded the album. To say I was instantly obsessed with them, however, is untrue. I mean, I liked them right off the bat. I liked them a lot, in fact, but no more than I did any other band at that time.
Throughout the following weeks, the more I listened to the CD, the more it grew on me...and not just one or two songs, but EVERY song. And then...they came to town.
Grant and I were scheduled to leave on vacation to Savannah bright and early the following morning, but somehow, I talked him into taking me to see the band at The Basement, a fantabulous seedy little basement bar in the back of Grimey's on 8th Ave in Nashville (www.thebasementnashville.com/).
The opening bands were Justin and the Cosmics (always puts on a good show) and Dawes. I had never heard of Dawes before, but when John McCauley of Deer Tick came out and sang "When My Time Comes" with them, I knew I was walking away a fan or more than one band that night.
Then came the main event...Deer Tick came out and it was like I had been living in a dark hole my whole life and had suddenly been exposed to all the bright colors of the world. It was like the best possible acid trip and I was hooked and wanted more. And more I got. The band literally rocked the house on into the wee hours of the morning and mind you, we were leaving for Savannah at 6 am...
From that moment on, I was hooked. And I am just as in love with them today as I was 3 years ago! My friends and family will tell you that I drive them crazy with it. But I really don't care...it's a part of me! Their lyrics speak to me and John McCauley's "gravel and moonshine" voice is beyond unique (although I have to admit that I am slightly creeped out by the fact that he looks identical to my father in his 20's).
The band is currently working on a new album (which I believe they are recording right here in Nashville) and I am awaiting it's release with great anticipation! If it is anything like its predecessors, War Elephant, Born on Flag Day and The Black Dirt Sessions, it will be nothing short of amazing.
McCauley is also currently fronting a side project band called Middle Brother along with Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, Matt Vasquez of Delta Spirit and the infamous Jonny Corndawg. That band has captured my heart as well. I pretty much think anything these guys do is genius.
So I hope this explains a little bit as to why I am such a Deer Tick freak and will continue to be until the day I die...
Ok, so I know it's been over a week since I have blogged, or done anything else outside of work for that matter. But I assure you, I am going to get back on track...first by announcing the song I can't get out of my HEAD this week...which is...Lost in My Mind by The Head and The Heart (http://www.theheadandtheheart.com/).
I discovered The Head and the Heart a few months ago. The local indie radio station (Lightning 100.1 http://lightning100.com/) plays the "Indie Underground Hour" on Saturday nights at 7 p.m., and Grant and I usually try to catch it to find new music. One night they played this song by The Head and The Heart and I knew I would become a fan of the band. It is right up my "alternative folk rock" ally.
I love learning how bands choose their names, what inspires them to write songs, etc. On the band's website, the opening paragraph of their bio tells us how they came to the conclusion to call themselves "The Head and The Heart" : "So many decisions in life and in the music we love can come down to a critical tug between the logic in our heads and the hot red blood beating through our hearts."
Their harmonies are outstanding and I really like all of their self-titled album. Their bio also describes their sound perfectly, and since I can't come up with a better description, I will just steal theirs:
"Their music pulses effervescently—both explosively danceable and intuitively intelligent. With Americana roots and strong vocal harmonics that swell like a river, this band finds its anchor in solid songwriting that has even the jaded humming along by the second listen." I agree wholeHEARTedly.
I was very HEARTbroken the other day when I noticed that while The Head and The Heart are touring with The Decemberists, they won't be with them when they come to play in Nashville next month. Totally bummed. Well, hopefully they will decide to visit soon...
Take a listen to Lost in My Mind by The Head and The Heart. I hope it gets stuck in your HEAD...and also your HEART. :)
LOST IN MY MIND by THE HEAD AND THE HEART
"Lost In My Mind"
Put your dreams away for now
I won't see you for some time
I am lost in my mind
I get lost in my mind
Momma once told me
You're already home where you feel loved
I am lost in my mind
I get lost in my mind
Oh my brother
Your wisdom is older than me
Oh my brother
Don't you worry 'bout me
Don't you worry
Don't you worry, don't worry about me
How's that bricklayin' comin'?
How's your engine runnin'?
Is that bridge gettin' built?
Are your hands gettin' filled?
Won't you tell me, my brother?
'Cause there are stars
Up above
We can start
Moving forward
How's that bricklayin' comin'?
How's your engine runnin'?
Is that bridge gettin' built?
Are your hands gettin' filled?
Won't you tell me, my brother?
'Cause there are stars
Up above
We can start
Moving forward
Lost in my mind
Lost in my mind
Oh I get lost in my mind
Lost, I get lost
I get lost in my mind
Lost in my mind
Yes I get lost in my mind,
Lost, I get lost
I get lost
The song that I've been humming to myself all of this week is Cage The Elephant's Right Before My Eyes. The song is off their 2011 released album, Thank You Happy Birthday. Their sophomore album is just as creative and genius as their first, which included the ever popular Aint No Rest For The Wicked.
I had downloaded much of the new album from iTunes, but had somehow missed this song. I was randomly pursuing YouTube, as I often do, and came across an acoustic version of Right Before My Eyes, along with a video montage of Edie Sedgwick. (http://youtu.be/3aTWvJL54DY) It was so hauntingly beautiful, and I instantly fell in love with the song. Since then, the song has been stuck in my head!
Me with Matt Schultz from Cage the Elephant
When their last album was out, they played a free show at Grimey's and Grant and I went. I had the privilege of meeting them and I got to take this picture with Matt Schultz. After posting on Facebook that I went to the show, I found out that we have a mutual friend. One of my high school friends from back home used to be Schultz's manager at the restaurant where they both worked...small world.
Speaking of small world...This band hails from my home state, good ole Kentucky, and I couldn't be more proud as a fellow Kentuckian. It is so nice to see that when you work hard, and maybe play hard too, you can succeed, no matter where you come from.
So I hope you enjoy Right Before My Eyes. And I hope it gets stuck in your head too!
Right Before My Eyes by Cage the Elephant
Timber shakes these trails they all derail
Phony, false and frail
An empty ocean lost our way with no direction home
Golden needles names we take in vein
Find it harder to remain
And nothings sacred still waiting on that explanation
Right before my eyes
I saw the whole world lose control
The whole world lost control
Before my eyes uh-huh
I fell through the floor
I couldn't take it anymore
I can't take this anymore
It breaks my mind uh-huh
Hold your dirty hand over the flames
Getting pleasure from the pain
Softly screaming the pistol that you raise has spoken
Golden needles names we take in vein
Find it harder to remain
Well nothings sacred still waiting on that explanation
Right before my eyes
I saw the whole world lose control
The whole world lost control
Before my eyes uh-huh
I fell through the floor
I couldn't take it anymore
I can't take this anymore
It breaks my mind uh-huh
Everything I thought I knew fell to the side
Time went on and on I couldn't see past my own eyes
Past my eyes
Past my eyes
Past my eyes
Right before my eyes
I saw the whole world lose control
The whole world lost control
Before my eyes uh-huh
I fell through the floor
I couldn't take it anymore
I can't take this anymore
It breaks my mind uh-huh
I remember being a small child and being completely in awe of my parents massive record collection. It took up an entire wall of our home and included every Beatles, Fleetwood Mac (even the Peter Green days), Led Zeppelin, and Rolling Stones album ever released. Growing up in the early '80s, there were even some Bangles and Madonna albums thrown in there for me. It was an amazing collection to say the least.
Over the years, cassette tapes, CDs, and now MP3s have taken the place of the over sized discs and we live in a time when bigger is no longer better. But along with size, I think we have lost something else...character. Now don't get me wrong, I would be completely lost without my iPod, and having the availability of hundreds and even thousands of songs at my fingertips is a luxury I am not sure I will ever be able to live without again. That being said, I am still finding myself drawn to the vinyl section of music stores, especially like my favorite store, Grimey's.
So what's with the vinyl revival? I think as people are becoming more involved in the whole "experience" of the music they love, they find themselves wanting to pay homage to the nostalgia of the time that paved the way for the music that speaks so strongly to us today. Plus, it's just plain cool. Duh.
I have found myself searching the interenet for just the right turntable, so that I can begin to amass my own vinyl collection full of todays fantastic music along with yesterday's favorites. I wish I reach back in time and save my parents old albums.
Today, you can buy music packages that often include the vinyl copy, along with the CD and MP3 versions of the album. You can also go to a record store, like Grimey's, and purchase preloved vinyl or even new vinyl for about the cost of a traditional CD.
So, while I continue on my search for the proper turntable and begin my collection of vinyl (my first purchase was a rather ratty copy of the Beatles' Hard Days Night), I hope that others will start their quest as well, so that someday our children can appreciate our amazing vinyl collections the way I appreciated my parents. Long live the Vinyl Revival!
The song that has been stuck in my head this week is June Hymn by The Decemberists. Now, The Decemberists were one of the first independent bands that I really fell in love with and I have been following them for quite some time now. They have a new CD out called The King is Dead, and it is pretty much ah-mazing. My favorite song from the album (and believe me, it's hard to choose) is June Hymn. It is just an uplifting song about new life and growth that takes place in the early summer. Everything is fresh and new from spring and June Hymn describes perfectly the feeling you get when you see all the newness around you, yet the melancholy feeling of the end of something as well . I personally love it.
I am also very excited that on August 6, my husband and I will be at the Ryman Auditorium downtown to see The Decemberists play live. I've never seen them before, so I am really stoked! Also, they are one of the few bands I listen to that Grant loves as well. So this year, for our 8th anniversary, Grant got me tickets to see them. I can't think of a better gift I could have received!
I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do, and I hope it gets stuck in your head too!
June Hymn Lyrics
Here's a hymn to welcome in the day
Heralding a summer's early sway
And all the bulbs all coming in
To begin
The thrushes bleating battle with the wrens
Disrupts my reverie again
Pegging clothing on the line
Training jasmine how to vine
Up the arbor to your door
And more
You're standing on the landing with the war
You shouldered all the night before
And once upon it
The yellow bonnets
Garland all the lawn
And you were waking
And day was breaking
A panoply of song
And summer comes to Springville Hill
A barony of ivy in the trees
Expanding out its empire by degrees
And all the branches burst to bloom
In the boom
Heaven sent this cardinal maroon
To decorate our living room
And once upon it
The yellow bonnets
Garland all the lawn
And you were waking
And day was breaking
A panoply of song
And summer comes to Springville Hill
And years from now when this old light
Isn't ambling anymore
Will I bring myself to write
"I give my best to Springville Hill"
And once upon it
The yellow bonnets
Garland all the lawn
And you were waking
And day was breaking
A panoply of song
And summer comes to Springville Hill
One of my very favorite bands right now is Everest. I first learned of them when they opened for Bobby Long when we saw him back in March. I was so impressed with them. They are a 5 piece band, out of L.A., and led by Russell Pollard (who I was fortunate enough to chat with after the show).
Also, be sure to check out the band's website for all other Everest happenings. I know you will find them as intriguing and inspiring as I do. All you have to do is give them a chance...and that chance is FREE! http://everestband.com/
Oh, and just a little side note...the guitars that are in the background of my blog header are none other than Everest's guitars...
So, this week the song that has been stuck in my head is..."Red Light Love" by Those Darlins. I know exactly why I cannot get this song out of my head! Kia has a new commercial out for their 2012 Sorento and they have "Red Light Love" playing in the background. Click on this link to watch it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyqD4AtkM9A
I absolutely LOVE Those Darlins. They are a group of 3 young ladies (Nikki, Jessi, and Kelley Darlin), and 1 cool dude (Linwood Regensburg) from the Nashville area. Their mix of garage band rock with a rock-a-billy sound makes them truly unique. Nikki Darlin is engaged to John McCauley, lead singer of Deer Tick, and the two of them wrote one of my favorite songs ever, Cake & Eggs.
It is safe to say that while "red light love" drives Those Darlins' crazy...it doesn't drive me crazy. It been a great song to have stuck in my head all week!
Lyrics to "Red Light Love" by Those Darlins Red light love
Makes my heart stop
Drives me so crazy
I can't even walk
I got a red light love
Hoping every day
He don't green light go
Go go go away
Don't matter where we go
It don't matter how long we stay
As long as I'm sitting next to him everything's gonna be okay
We'll dress up nice, jump in the car, go out and paint the town
We don't worry about getting lost because he knows his way around
[Chorus]
Turn on the radio
They play my favorite song
We know we got a way to go
We start to sing along (na na na na)
We go for miles and miles
He takes me far away
We talk and talk and talk
But we never run out of things to say
[Chorus]
Some people can't be satisfied with the simple things in life
Difference between them and us is we know how to take a ride
Got a car, we got each other
No we ain't hard to please
All we need is a couple of bucks
And a can of gasoline
So, in an attempt to blog at least once a week, I am going to start something new. Each week I am going to post the song that is stuck in my head that week. I would say that it is probably a pretty frequent occurrence that people will get a certain song in their head that they just can't seem to get out. Sometimes it's a great song, and you hum it to yourself and it just makes your day better. Sometimes it's a song that drives you insane. I find that all different types of songs overtake my brain and it seems they get trapped in there for around a week. I have decided to be completely honest and share the song that is stuck in my head each week, along with its lyrics and a video, regardless of its level of embarrassment. So, here goes week #1... This week, the song that I cannot get out of my head is Justin Townes Earle's, Harlem River Blues. Now, I don't know if it is simply because I just saw his show last week, or not, but for whatever reason, this is the song I have been playing over and over on my iPod and have been humming all week. Currently at work, we are converting a 140 + year old building into an events all, in which is my personal goal to make into a happening concert venue. After learning that my boss has a connection to Steve Earle (Justin Townes' famous father), I am hoping that I can get him to play a show there!!! But back to the song of the week... Believe me when I say that this is a good song to have stuck in your head. It is extremely uplifting. I am just head over heels for this song. I hope that after listening to this song, it will get stuck in your head too! ;) Enjoy!
Harlem River Blues by Justin Townes Earle
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
I'm on a roll, mama, I gotta go, gotta get there while I still can
Troubled days are behind me now and I know they're gonna let me in
When you see me walkin' up the empty yard, just a-singin' and a-clappin' my hands
Tell my mama I love her, tell my father I tried, give my money to my baby to spend
'cause Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Good times come and they go, even a good man'll break
He'll let his troubles bury him whole even though he knows what's at stake
So I'm taking no chances, carrying over while I'm still good in His grace
I'm no fool, mama, I know the difference between tempting and choosing my fate
'cause Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Last Thursday night, my friend, Angie, and I made our way down to 12th Ave. for a fun-filled evening of music. I had received an email about "Supper & a Song" at Imogene + Willie's, a unique little clothing store located at 2601 12th Ave. South, Nashville ( http://www.imogeneandwillie.com/ ). Of course, when I saw that my favorite band EVER, Deer Tick, was playing, there was no doubt in my mind that I would be in attendance. So, I called up my fellow Indie-loving Princess, Angie, and we hit the town.
The event was to begin at 4pm, so we got there right on time. To our surprise, there really wasn't anyone there yet, so we decided to head up to my favorite little record store, Grimey's on 8th Ave (www.grimeys.com/) and then made our way back down to 12th, where we experienced the sights and smells of the little vintage stores and then headed to the pizzeria for a slice!
We were lucky enough to hit happy hour at the restaurant (and I apologize for not remembering it's name, but it was next to The Taproom), so I got 2 for 1 Yuenglings and they brought them to me in mason jars. I loved it! Then you could build your own slice of pizza for $2.25! It was divine. The slice of pizza was so huge, I couldn't finish it. But beware, their jalapenos are the HOTTEST I have ever tasted. I love spicy peppers, but I had to pick those bad boys off!
After dinner, we headed back to Imogene + Willie to see if the festivities has begun. When we got there, the parking lot was full and people were everywhere! It was apparent that we had arrived just in time. We headed past the Mas Taco truck parked outside, our bellies still full of pizza. We headed through the store into the back area, where the crowd has amassed and the opening act was in full swing.
The fist act was a talented musician named Justin Townes Earle. I was somewhat aware of his music, but was no means an expert. He is a young singer/songwriter from Nashville, and the son of the legendary, Steve Earle. I was really blown away by his stage presence. I can definitely say that I am now a fan of his music! My favorite song of his right now is Harlem River Blues. Check out this interview with him from 2009: http://www.blogger.com/I%20was%20really%20blown%20awahttp://popdose.com/the-popdose-interview-justin-townes-earle/. It gave me a lot of the background info I was looking for on Earle. And check out his newest CD, Harlem River Blues...you won't be disappointed!
While waiting for the second act, Angie and I braved the horrifically long line for the bar in hopes of possibly getting a beer before the second act was done. The line moved ever so slowly, and as we inched forward, little by little, we realized that this long line was a blessing that allowed us to notice and embrace the characters around us! From the tobacco pipes, to the bow ties and the vintage garb, we were not at all left without topics to discuss. It is fascinating to me the people I come across and these little indie events, but I have to say, I love it. It's weirdness at it's absolute greatest, and I commend all the weirdos and freaks, like me, for just being themselves. But the best part of the whole wait in line: when we finally made it up to the front and ordered our beers, the little guy behind the bar handed them to us and then asked the next person what they wanted. I gave him a puzzled look and asked him where I needed to pay. He chucked and pointed to a big pot in the center of the table. "No pay," he said, "Just tips." FREE BEER. That's right folks. FREE. I mean, of course, you need to tip the guys, but FREE BEER! And free mixed drinks too. I have to say, at that point, Ang and I felt like the evening couldn't get any better.
The second act, The Apache Relay, played while we were waiting in the free beer line. I had heard about them around town, and knew they were a local Nashville band, but I had never actually heard any of their music before. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. They have such a fun sound: rock with some folk thrown in. My favorite songs by them are Lost Kid, American Nomad, and Home is Not Places. Their second album, American Nomad, recently came out and I have already downloaded it off iTunes! You should too!
Deer Tick playing at Imogene + Willie, 6/9/2011
And the final act...DEER TICK! Of course, I have described seeing a Deer Tick show as being the equivalent of a young child's Christmas morning for me. I am just plain obsessed with them. Period. Love them. So when they began to play I was so excited. Also, I had turned Angie on to them, so I was excited for her to get to experience a live Deer Tick show for the first time as well. They started off with a few new songs off the album they are in the process of recording. I really liked everything I heard. This takes my anticipation for the next record to a new level! Next they moved on to stuff from their last album. During the song Choirs of Angels, a guy comes up and whispers into Chris Ryan, the bass player's, ear. I see him kind of chuckle, and the guy keeps talking and then Ryan looks a bit more serious. When the song is finished, Ryan leans into John McCauley's ear and says something. McCauley then states that there is apparently a funeral taking place at the Muslim church next door, so they were just going to sing one more song. I was outraged! Which my reply was, "Who wouldn't want Deer Tick to play their funeral?!" Seriously...I would. Anyhoo, they did play 3 more songs instead of the one, but to my dismay, they were cut about an hour short, and only 6 songs in.
Angie getting her tattoo.
I was upset, but more so for Angie than myself. After all, I have seen them several times and she never has, so she still hasn't had the Deer Tick live show experience.
Me in the chair.
The evening was still young, so we didn't really know what to do with ourselves. Then one of us, and I honestly can't remember which one, decided it would be a great idea to hit up Blackbird, the little tattoo parlor, down the street. So we did. Now, I had 3 tattoos, and Angie had none, so I somewhat felt like I was a bad influence, but she assured me that this was something she had been wanting to do for quite some time. I hadn't planned on getting another tattoo that night, so I was a bit stumped on what to get. I did promise her that if she got one, I would get one too. She had decided that she wanted to pay homage to one of her favorite bands, The Avett Brothers, and get the words " I and Love and You" on her wrist. But in a cool twist, she took out the spaces and made it all lower case: iandloveandyou. It is SOOOO cute! So, taking inspiration from Angie's tattoo, and feeling a bit like I owed it to Deer Tick for setting me on this path of great independent music...I did it. I got a tiny little deer tick on my foot. I became a Tickhead for life.
Angie's "iandloveandyou" tattoo.
Now, I don't expect most people to understand it. And if my Aunt is reading this right now, I haven't told her about the new tattoo and I know she is having a cow as we speak, but when it comes down to it, it's ME. I am who I am and I am dedicated to the band that opened my eyes to a new world of music.
