Michael Franti at House of Blues Dallas

What an awesome show!  I had so much fun watching Michael Franti perform.  Well really not even watching, participating in the show.  His show got me thinking about what makes a show so much better than others.  First of all, of course, the music.  Even if everything else is right if the music is off it's not going to be a great, fun show.  There's just so much more to it.  The personality of the performer makes such a difference.  I adore the performers who just exude love and appreciation for their fans and that is Michael Franti.  He is so happy to be there.  He's so happy that we're there with him.  Also he encourages you to share love with those who came to the show with you.  I thought it was very sweet.  Love was definitely in the air.  I love performers who tell the audience stories.  Balloon drops!  I think every band should have a balloon drop.  That might be a problem at a heavy metal show but who doesn't love bopping balloons around.  Apparently, that's something that never grows old.  Sing a longs are always fun.  Jumping! Jumping! Jumping!  Performers who come out into the audience and grab hands (twice for me), give hugs! invite kids on the stage.  He also came out after the show to sign autographs and pose for pictures.  You know he has to be exhausted but he just keeps going, showing love and appreciation for his fans.  I will absolutely go see him the next time he's in the area.  Such an awesome night. This is apparently going to be a stream of consciousness blog because I'm too tired to clean it up for you.  This is in my top three favorite shows of the year. 

I also have to say what a difference it is seeing a song performed live compared to listening to the album.  There are several songs that I thought were just okay when I listened to the new album but watching the performance gave me a whole new appreciation. 

I'm going to post a few videos for the people who don't know Michael Franti's music.  I'm going to say he's a cross between Jack Johnson and Bob Marley. 

From the new album "Life is Better With You"

First single from the new album "I'm Alive (Life Sounds Like)"

His biggest song and the song that led me to Michael Franti "Say Hey (I love you)"

 

 

So I did not keep a set list because my phone died.  My phone just really doesn't like to hold a charge.  So I did my best to try to put it together after the fact.  I know I'm missing songs but here you go. 

 

 

I Don't Wanna Go

Yell Fire

Rude Boys

Sound of Sunshine (fabulous balloon drop song)

11:59

Closer to You

Life is Better with You

Gangsta Girl

Hey World

All People

Hey Hey Hey

Let it Go

I'm Alive (Life Sounds Like)

Say Hey (I Love You)

 

Me and my Gigi Boo Boo before the show.  It was her first time to House of Blues and she is IN LOVE with Michael Franti now and has decided it's time to look for love.  Unfortunately, Michael is taken so she'll have to look elsewhere.  Oh I also need to say that opener Serena Ryder did a great job.  She has an amazing voice and I'm so jealous.  Fabulous show!  Awesome night!  Fun, fun, fun!

 

Ranch Bash 2013 Favorites!

I am still recovering from Ranch Bash 2013.  I just stayed awake late and had to work this morning not that I ever let that stop me.  I did let it stop me from going to the after party at Whiskey Girl though.  Ranch Bash is a big Texas Country concert put on by the radio stations 95.9 the Ranch.  This year was the first year at the Panther Island Pavillion in downtown Fort worth.  I love this venue.  doesn't the city skyline look beautiful behind the stage.  Unfortunately I didn't make it for the opening bands.  But I did get to see my favorite, Hayes Carll.  I just wanted to share a favorite song or two from a few of the Ranch Bash artists. 

First up Hayes Carll singing "Hard Out Here".  I'm sorry about the annoying TV feed but the other version I tried to upload was not cooperating and the sound is good on this one.  I love this song and I love Hayes Carll.  So two Hayes Carll suggestions.  Next time have Charla  Corn sing Another Like You with you.  Not that I didn't appreciate the audience members best efforts Charla would have been awesome.  Also why oh why aren't you singing "She Left Me Jesus" anymore?  I've seen you three times this year and have missed this song. 

Next up my favorite song by Whiskey Myers "Broken Window Serenade"

The Dirty River Boys most fun song "Raise Some Hell" The music actually starts at 1:05.

 

A much needed female presence in Texas Country The Trisha's singing "Mother of Invention".  I'm really sad that I missed their set.  I will catch them their next stop through DFW well FW. 

 

 

 

I missed their performance but I heard them from the parking garage as I was leaving work and this is the song that's been stuck in my head for the last day.  Eleven Hundred Springs performing "We're From Texas"  The music begins at 1:30.

 

 

 

Here's a picture of my fabulous friends affectionately known as "Wallbangers" for getting on the texting wall of 95.9 the Ranch on the app or on the computer.  I was taking the picture. 

 

So other suggestions.  Concert goers were you born in a barn?  Please throw your trash away.  There were trash cans provided.  If it's a cold night even though you might look adorable in your short shorts and tiny skirts, they really aren't practical.  Stay until the end.  Bring a blanket.  Sunscreen is a good idea if you're going to be outside all day.  Even if it's cool that sun sure is still shining, just ask Matt Voss. Don't leave before the fabulous headliner, Hayes Carll, finishes.  That's just bad form but I did appreciate him calling those who stayed until the end "the gladiators of music and alcohol and his heroes".  Also with the alcohol.  If you are going to see ten bands starting at 1 pm pace yourself on the drinking.  Eat something.  Maybe switch one alcoholic beverage with a non-alcoholic beverage.  Also even though we love to see our friends and socialize be considerate of the people who are actually trying to see the bands.  So thank you artists for performing.  Thank you Ranch for putting on a great show.  I can't wait to see who's in the line up next year.  I'll go ahead and request Randy Rogers Band, Turnpike Troubadours, Stoney Larue, Wade Bowen and The Damn Quails.  That's a good start. 

My guy asked me to marry him and I'm so happy playlist!

 

 

 

So my guy got down on one knee in the middle of the Dallas Aquarium.  He asked me to marry him and I said Yes!  I honestly don't remember what I actually said but I know it amounted to Heck Yeah!!!!  So now I get to plan our wedding and our happily ever after but first I get to make a mushy, gushy, lovey dovey playlist.  I'm really, incredibly, extremely happy. This may also be an exercise in procrastination because although I've made room for him in my heart, making room in my closet is not so much fun.  It's a labor of love. 

 

The love song is so important.  Music in general.  I feel so much but don't always know how to put it in words but then I hear a song and I'm like "Yes, that's it exactly.  That is exactly how I feel!  How did they know?"   These are a few of those songs.  

 

 

 

Ingrid Michaelson "The Way I Am"

 

If you were falling, then I would catch you
You need a light, I'd find a match
'Cause I love the way you say good morning
And you take me the way I am

 

 

 

 

Tyrone Wells "Happy As The Sun"

 

 

How could I go wrong
When you are here with me
How could I be anything but smiling

I'm happy as the sun, lighter than a feather
Walking on the clouds when we are together
Every day with you just keeps getting better
The world's as it should be, when are you here with me 

 

 

Lana Del Ray "The Lucky Ones"

 

Every now and then the stars align
boy and girl meet by the great design
Could it be that you and me are the lucky ones
Everybody told me love was blind
Then I saw your face and you blew my mind
Finally you and me are the lucky ones, this time.

 

 

 

Ray Lamontagne "You Are The Best Thing"

 

 

Our hearts are strong and our, our hearts are kind
Let me tell you just exactly is on my mind

You are the best thing
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
Ever happened to me

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors - "I Like the Way You Hung the Moon"

 

I like the way you hung the moon, uh huh. well I just like being close to you, uh huh. when you're gone I feel so blue, uh huh. yeah, I like the way you hung the moon uh huh.

 

 

 

 

Our picture on engagement day 10/14/13. We were in the shark tank.  Well actually the tunnel underneath the shark tank so we look a little green.  Happy, happy day!

 

 

 

 

What makes a great cover?

 

 

 

My guy is on my Spotify account so being the super, sweet woman that I am I decided to listen to some tunes on Youtube.  I then discovered this fabulous cover of Kopecky Family Band playing "All You Do Is Talk"  by another one of my favorite bands BRMC.  Such awesomeness.  I would now like all my favorite bands to cover each other because it makes me so happy.  I really can't even remember if I wrote a post on covers but oh well if I did here's another one. 

 

So there was a time when I really didn't like covers at all.  I thought everyone should play their own music but then I heard some covers that blew me away.  Covers that change the mood, the tempo, the style, the feel of the song.  Some that were better than the original.  So now I'm a fan of covers though it's still embarrassing when I love a cover and DON'T EVEN KNOW IT'S A COVER.  Then I just have to pretend I knew but I feel like an idiot.  Oh well, it's still great to discover new and fabulous music even if you look stupid in the process.  Such as when KFB covered "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac at their show but I didn't know that until my friend told me.  KFB did a fabulous job on that cover and of course I had to go and listen to the original. 

 

So first up KFB's cover of BRMC.  Check it.   

 

 

 

 

Not better than the original but a great soft interpretation of Three Little Birds by The Postmarks orignally by Bob Marley, of course. 

 

Walking with a Ghost original by Teagan and Sarah covered by the White Stripes

 

 

 

 

Better Be Home by Kasey Chambers covering Crowded House Well I would have shared that song if youtube and blogger would cooperate for me but they aren't.  Good tune though.

 

 

Okay the my favorite version of Lay Lady Lay by Magnet and Gemma Hayes covering Bob Dylan.  I love the song but hate the video.  I suggest you listen to it with your eyes closed. 

 

 

 

Here is Glen Phillips covering Huey Lewis and the News "I Want a New Drug".  Unique cover.  Glen is the singer for Toad the Wet Sprocket.  Grrr that one won't load either but look it up and listen to it. 

 

Okay last one Karen O with Trent Reznor covering Led Zepelin's "Immigrant Song"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Green Cars at Live Oak

Such an incredibly, awesome show.  I'm so glad I got to be there.  Their opening was the best opening I've seen this year.  Little Green Cars is a band from Dublin, Ireland.  They're described as Americana because they have a bit of a folk influenced sound.  I guess we could go with indie alt description too. 

This was the song that they played for the open.  The curtains open to an empty stage.  No screaming "Hello Fort Worth, We're Little Green Cars".  Just an empty stage.  The band members come out and stand at the front of the stage without their instruments and sing this beautiful song a capella.  Such beautiful harmonies.  It really was an awesome opening.  They then go straight into the second song and though I love their music I was afraid they were going to be one of those bands that takes themselves too seriously.  You know the bands that think they artistes and perform without comment or enthusiasm.  Luckily as the night progressed I realized that I was so wrong about that.  I had to laugh at the bass player who came out wearing a jacket and with his hair combed back then he had his pretty woman rock and roll makeover moment and lost the jacket and started rocking out with the hair in his face.  The guitarist lost his bow tie as the night went on too which was funny but not as impressive. 

They have some very moving, quiet songs but they also have some very upbeat, danceable songs too.  One of my favorites follows, Big Red Dragon.

I think the most moving song was The Kitchen Floor.  Faye is a powerful, powerful vocalist.

 

The penultimate song was their biggest song and the first song I heard by this band, The John Wayne. 

 

 

 

For the John Wayne they invited the audience members onstage with them.  How much fun was that and something that's never happened at another show.  Then for their encore they joined the audience off the stage in the middle of the venue and sang "The Consequences of Not Sleeping".   They were literally right beside me.  Such a great show and a great reason why you need to go see live music.  It is so much more of an experience to see a live performance than to listen to the music at home.  You get to see them, their enthusiasm, hear them talk and tell stories about the songs.  I always come away with a new appreciation of the music after seeing the band live. 

 

The following is my  best attempt at a set list.  I didn't actually keep it at the show but tried to remember the next day which is never as good but it will have to do.  I know I'm missing some songs on here. 

 

Red

Angel Owl

Harper Lee

Big Red Dragon

The Kitchen Floor

My Love Took Me Down to the River (to Silence Me)

The John Wayne

The Consequences of Not Sleeping

 

 

 

I also wanted to add that the opening band The Days out of Denton did a good job.  They have a unique, retro sound.  I really enjoyed their show and hope they continue to grow.  Also a note that I love the venue of the Live Oak in Fort Worth.  I love to see a band in a small venue and it's even better when they get a decent turn out.  This was their first performance in Fort Worth and I hope they come back.  If you get a chance to see them, absolutely do it.  

 

Still Awesome! - Don Williams

Don Williams is a wonderful, country singer that grew up listening to.  I just love his voice, his songs and his personality.  He's known as the gentle giant.  He is still performing at 73 and actually put out a new album just last year.  He will be at the Majestic in Dallas on October 12, 2013.  I would love to see him especially now because who knows how much longer he will be performing but I already had tickets for another show the next night.  I read concert reviews that said he just sits in a chair and sings.  Well I don't know what they expect from a 73 year old man.  Maybe he's supposed to come out in spandex with his face painted like Kiss.  That would be hilarious.  The audience would all have heart attacks.  So anyways, Don Williams is still and will always be awesome. 

"You're My Best Friends"  Just a very sweet love song

 

"Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good"

 

 

"I Believe In You"

 

 

"I Just Come Here For The Music"  from his 2012 album a collaboration with Alison Krauss

Those Darlins

 

I adore Those Darlins. I have yet to catch them live but would love to see a show someday.  They are hard to categorize.  Their Spotify biography says country-punk.  I think that sort of fits.  They definitely aren't traditional country.  Their new album "Blur the Lines" just came out recently.  It is more chill than their past work.  My favorite songs are the more upbeat, in your face songs.  I'm not sure about this music blogging.  I think I should be saying something more but all I ever want to say is this song, band, album is awesome, you should totally listen to it. 

 

 

 

 

 

"I Want to Be Your Bro"  My first introduction to Those Darlins.  I had to laugh at their lyrics. 

 

 

 

 

Off the new album "Oh God"

 

 

"Red Light Love" This song was featured in a Kia commercial.  I don't think it's selling it out.  It's a way to get their music heard by a wider audience.  I have never heard Those Darlins on the radio.  Why not a commercial? 

 

 

My eff the government shut down playlist!

I am so frustrated with this whole government shut down.  I keep reading articles that make my head want to explode.  I want to shake these individual politicians and make them see reason but I am completely powerless except to complain about their stupidity.  So I have decided to distract myself from the political bs by making a killer playlist to make you forget all this mess.  I'm feeling dance-y today so that's what the muzak selections will be. 

"You wanna live fancy? live in a big mansion?  party in France? You'd better work bitch!" Britney Spears

That driving beat... all new Hot Chip - Dark and Stormy

I have a major girl crush on Janelle Monae and I am loving her whole album, The Electric Lady. I think this song is my favorite.  QUEEN.


I was going to list more but my friend has called me out for an emergency celebration.  I don't know what the good news is but I'm always up for celebrating with my awesome friends!  Have an awesome day friends! 

Build Me Up From Bones by Sarah Jarosz

Okay, I'm trying again.  I tried to post this fabulous song earlier but the lords of the interwebs were not cooperating.  Okay this is the title track from Sarah Jarosz new album which is wonderful.  I really don't see why this can't be mainstream if Mumford and Sons can be mainstream.  Until everyone else learns to appreciate the awesomeness of this music I will be glad to share it with you,  My other favorite songs from this album are Fuel the Fire and Mile on the Moon.