The Head and The Heart at Southside Ballroom Dallas

Ach! Life is passing me by.  I saw The Head and the Heart on Friday night but kept waiting to write this up.  The best reviews are when it's super fresh.  This shall be my short and sweet concert review.

"Sounds Like Hallelujah" a song with interrupted cadence well more of change in tempo but awesomeness whatever you want to call it

The Head and the Heart is a folksy sounding band from Seattle.  I discovered them this past year and fell in love with the song "Lost in my Mind".  I think this is their most well known song and it was amazing live.  When I saw that they were coming to town, I immediately bought tickets.  It was a very young crowd and it sure seemed like a full house.  I have to put in my typical gripe about being too short for GA shows.  It really stinks not being able to see everything.  I guess the rule needs to be that I need to get to the venue early and claim a spot close to the stage.  I really think we should all line up like in grade school pictures with the short people in front and the tall people in back.  Then again I want to be with my tall man and we would be separated.  I guess that brilliant idea will not hold up. 

 

Lost in my Mind - amazing song from the first listen

The band opened with Shake, their first single from their new album which was recently released.  I think actually in November.  They followed with Homecoming Heroes which inspired a "fucking awesome batman" exclamation from my guy who really didn't know the Head and the Heart before we went to the show.  Their music can be unusual.  It doesn't always have the traditional verse chorus verse chorus structure.  I like any band that mixes it up and does things a little differently.  They also have some wonderful heartfelt lyrics.  The problem is that some of the slower, more mellow songs just aren't exciting live.  "Sounds like Hallelujah" was great live.  I don't think I heard Josh McBride which is my favorite song from the new album. 

 

Down in the Valley - I just love songs that build like this.

Here's a partial setlist.  I didn't get them all.

Shake
homecoming Heroes
Ghosts
10,000 Weight in Gold
Let's Be Still
Winter Song
Sounds like Hallelujah
Rivers and Roads
Honey Come Home
Down in the Valley

 The Shake

 

 

 

So The Head and the Heart is a band that I hope to hear much more from.  

 



SOTD - Eric Church - the Outsiders

 

 

 

Just heard this song and I like it.  It surprises me that I like it.  It's different and interesting and not what I expected from Eric Church. 

 

 

 

 

If I were queen of country music radio...

So many of my friends are big time Texas country fans and they have no use for mainstream or Nashville country.  I still like some country music but do think they have lost their way a bit.  I love Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town and Kasey Chambers.  It's just that there is some awful music getting radio play and some wonderful music that I have never heard played on the mainstream country stations.  I just thank God that I live in the age of the internet where I can discover this music without radio.  So the CMT's tonight got me to thinking about the music I would play if I were the queen of country radio.  Here are a few songs...

The wonderful Justin Townes Earle singing "Harlem River Blues".  That's some good stuff there.  He is the son of Steve Earle and named after Townes Van Zandt. 

Nikki Lane "Gone, Gone, Gone"

Jason Isbell "Alabama Pines"  He is formerly of the Drive By Truckers.  His new album Southeastern is one of my favorites of this year.  Love him.

 

Awesome Mindy Smith singing amazing "Come to Jesus" 

 

 

 

Local favorite Zane Williams singing "Overnight Success"  I love him and I love this song.  I can't wait to go see him in a couple of weeks at Billy Bob's. 

 

 

My favorite karaoke songs

 

So I finished my previous post about the do's and don'ts of karaoke and decided I need to share my favorite karaoke songs.  I mean how will the interwebs go on without knowledge of my favorite karaoke songs.  It's just a public service that I perform here. 

First up Santeria by Sublime.  I don't know about everywhere but at the Mule everyone sings along. 

Ah hell hath no fury like a woman scorned or Carrie Underwood in Before He Cheats

Do you have the time to listen to me whine?  Basketcase by Green Day I like being Billy Joe.  I guess I should pick some new songs too.  This song is almost 20 years old?!?  How?  Why? 

Did I say a new song?  I totally lied.  I love singing the Supremes.  I want to be a Supreme.  I want to be Diana Ross.  I have to make do with karaoke night.

Queen - Fat Bottomed Girls  ... maybe this is going to be an oldies karaoke list

I am now inspired to listen to Motown as my distracting me from cleaning music.  Ugh, I hate cleaning but music helps make it bearable.  Have an awesome day friends!  If you feel so inclined share your favorite karaoke songs in the comments. 

My do's and don'ts of karaoke

Do have a beverage or two.  It will help loosen you up a bit.  If you're an awesome singer, you can sing sober but it's more fun if you're a little happy.

Don't just sit there watching other people.  Be brave.  Sing.  It's fun.

Do pick a song that people will know.  This is not time for some obscure song no  one has never heard of.  I don't care how much you love it.   I don't care if it's a beautiful song.  It's better if the audience can at least hear the artist in their heads and maybe sing along.

Don't pick some sad song that makes you cry.  Think upbeat.  Upbeat songs are soooo much better for karaoke. 

Do PERFORM!  Smile!  Look at people!  Have fun!  A little attitude goes a long way even if you don't have the greatest voice in the world.  I have lived this,  people!

Don't pick a song with a long instrumental in the  middle of the song.  You will just stand there feeling like an idiot waiting for your time to sing again.  Again, this is the voice of experience.

Do sing with your friends.  Some won't let you bring your friends up if they're not listed on the slip.  Check this out when you get there. 

Don't sing Beyoncé.  Really, just don't do it. 

Do be polite to the other singers.  Even if they have awful voices.  Even if they pick the worst song on the planet.  Be nice.  Ask the worst singer for their autograph.  Don't tell them it's because they were the worst singer.

Have fun!  Karaoke!  Take pictures!

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.