My Favorite Concert of 2011

Another year has quickly passed me by and I hate to admit it, but I sadly didn't attend nearly as many shows this year as I would have liked. With that said, I did get to see three great shows by three of my favorite bands so choosing which one I enjoyed the most was very difficult.

In April, I did get to see longtime loves of my life Duran Duran perform at a smaller venue here in Houston. It was packed and hot as hell, but I loved every minute of it. Two days later I finally got to see my girls from Warpaint rock out at Fitzgerald's. Damn, that was a great show, definitely one of my all time favorites out of all the shows I've been to in my life.

But it was one show that just left me stunned. Maybe it was the venue being smaller and I was actually near the stage, near the speaker able to take in every note and every word. I'm talking about the Echo & The Bunnymen show that I caught at Warehouse Live back in May. I've seen Ian McCullough and Co. perform before, but this show surpassed that and all of my expectations. They toured the U.S. performing their first two albums Heaven Up Here and Crocodiles in their entirety. Everything just came together to create the perfect show. The atmosphere was great from Will Sargeant's first note on the guitar to Ian's first breath of his sexy raspy voice as he smoked his cigarettes on stage hiding behind a pair of dark sunglasses. Heaven Up Here is a masterpiece that should be in every music lover's collection. "A Promise," "Turquoise Days" and "Zimbo (All My Colours)" are my favorite gems from that album, but overall that was an excellent followup album to Crocodiles. There is just so much emotion captured in each song. They released a live album from this tour as well! Definitely worth checking out!

So I bid farewell to 2011 but am happy for the three shows I did get to catch. I am definitely going to get out to more shows next year, especially smaller named bands playing. Two great shows I already am planned for are Adam Ant in Dallas and my Houston favorite, theSouthern Backtones are finally releasing their long awaited new album "La Vie En Noir" and celebrating in style with a CD release party on February 11th! And I will most definitely be back with pictures and videos galore! Until then, have a very safe and happy new year everyone! Keep rockin' and keep supporting live music!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Did everyone get what they wanted from Santa?! I saved the best for last, although it is not the best recording. No holiday is complete without my favorite band, The Cure! So here is Robert himself wishing everyone out there a very Merry Christmas! And I'll be back soon with more music news and tunes for the new year. I hope everyone has had a safe and wonderful holiday season! Sit back, relax and enjoy some egg nog with loved ones!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 24

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! I hope you've gotten all of your gifts and have them wrapped and under the tree. I wish there was a better version of this song, but for me it is not Christmas without this tune. Plus, hello, young Robert Smith when he was a Banshee! You didn't think I'd get through this whole list without Mr. RSX making an appearance did you?!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 23

It's cold here and there are only 2 days left until Christmas. Tomorrow I'll be surrounded by family and sitting by the fire drinking hot chocolate. And Elisabeth Fraser's voice is the perfect accompaniment! We don't have snow, but all of the Christmas lights sure make it look like a winter wonderland! Merry Christmas everyone!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 22

Today I'm breaking away from what I had originally planned to do with this list and am including someone that is a little more "mainstream" and not indie, new wave, retro or whatever. "Oh Holy Night" is my absolute favorite Christmas song of all time. When I was younger and ice skated, I always wanted to skate to this song. Kelly Clarkson does a tremendously wonderful job singing this song. It's absolutely gorgeous! So, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

25 Days of Christmas-Day 21

Aaaahhhh, we're getting closer! The stress is setting in and nothing brings out the best like some good old dysfunctional family moments. Today's song is the Ramones classic "Merry Christmas(I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)!" Here's to everyone having a calm and quiet holiday and if the craziness does break out, well then break out a bottle of your favorite vino and all will be calm again.

25 Days of Christmas-Day 20

Would it really be a list of Christmas songs by a girl that totally loves the '80s if I didn't include this song? Every year when I hear this song, I crank up the volume and sing it at the top of my lungs. Those new covers by other artists just don't hold a candle to George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley of WHAM! I hope no one gets their heart broken this Christmas. I've been there and it stinks! And if you do, just remember there is someone out there more deserving and special and brighter times are ahead! Merry Christmas!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 19

I said that this band would make another appearance on this list and for today's song the Raveonettes are back with their awesome synth-pop cover of "Baby Please Come Home." There's less than a week until Christmas! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. Who are you wishing would come home for Christmas?

25 Days of Christmas-Day 18

Definitely one of my favorite rock couples, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo penned this song as a 9/11 charity tribute. It was released as a bonus track from their 2003 album "Go." This is the time of year to set your troubles aside and do something to help others. And most importantly, don't take those you love for granted.

25 Days of Christmas-Day 17

Today's song is a nice punk-like cover of a Christmas classic. Released in 2009 by the New York group Blondie, this guitar driven version of "We Three Kings" will certainly add some flair to your Christmas party. Enjoy!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 16

I chose today's song because it is by one of my all time favorite bands and the lyrics are just simple and sweet. Although the late Michael Hutchence was not around to lend his sweet beautiful voice, Kirk Pengilly did a fine job on this tune, which he also wrote! There's only one more week until Christmas! Wherever you may be and wherever you are in life, I do hope you have a Merry Christmas!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 15

We're getting close to the final stretch with only 10 days to go until Christmas day! Today I chose Yeah Yeah Yeahs "All I Want For Christmas" for it's sexy reverb and sleigh bells sound. I was a latecomer to being a fan of YYY, but Karen O's antics and the bands overall sound has made me a fan for life! Is there anyone that you want for Christmas?!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 14

Sinead O'Connor still has one of my favorite female voices in music that I've ever heard. And her version of "Silent Night" is absolutely gorgeous! With very little musical accompaniment, O'Connor's golden voice gives me goosebumps every time I listen to this glorious tune. O'Connor has of course received a lot of criticism for some of her antics over the years, but putting all of that aside she has outdone herself this time. Let's not forget the true reason for the season.

25 Days of Christmas-Day 13

Today I've chosen a cover of the classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Coldplay. Say what you want about Coldplay, but this band will always have a special place in my heart. From the first time I heard Chris Martin's voice I've been in love. Of course I preferred them more before they were so popular and "hip" but I can't help but always become a little excited every time I see them perform. They are a great live band! This is such a beautiful version of such a wonderful holiday classic! I hope everyone has a a merry little Christmas as well!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 12

I love Zooey Deschanel! And I totally love her voice. So I was excited to discover indie pop duo She & Him! Their newly released Christmas album, A Very She & Him Christmas, featuring Deschanel along with fellow band member M. Ward has definitely hit the mark and is sure to be on it's way to classic status. Local record store Cactus Music has already sold out of the album once and just got more in! Not only does the album include original songs like "Christmas Day," but they also cover some vintage favorites such as "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride." I definitely recommend this album for anyone in the mood for some Christmas cheer!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 11

Okay, so we had some fun going back in time, and we'll probably make a stop or 2 back in time before the list is complete, but today I decided to go with something from one of my favorite indie bands, Camera Obscura. The band is from Glasgow,Scotland and Tracyanne Campbell's voice has become one of my absolute favorite voices in a long time. She has a way of just relaxing you, which is something we all need during this hectic time of year. This is a cover of the 1964 Jim Reeves classic, "The Blizzard". They put their own touch on it and make it very special. It's best when listened to while snuggling up with someone special by the fire drinking egg nog. Enjoy!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 10

So, I'm keeping in tune with the retro vibe I've been feeling all week. Today's classic is from the year I joined this world, 1979. I absolutely adore this song! It just puts me in a great mood every time I hear it. Plus, who doesn't love Paul McCartney singing about Christmas with the love of his life, Linda? I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas time!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 9

I had really wanted to wait before putting this song up, but I just can't help it. After talking about how I'd always listen to Christmas music on a local radio station all night long when I couldn't fall asleep on Christmas Eve, it sparked my memory that it was then when I first heard this song. It is my favorite Christmas song because it is so new wave and not your typical sound for the year. I listen to it over and over every year and used to have all of the words memorized. So since I'm officially in the holiday spirit, I give you my favorite Christmas song; The Waitresses "Christmas Wrapping". Released in 1981, Patty Donahue's vocals are reminiscent of Debbie Harry's "Rapture" rap-like flow and the funky guitars and saxophones complete this classic tune. Every time I hear it I'm transported to a snow filled town! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 8

When I was a little girl, I was never able to sleep on Christmas Eve because of all the excitement of Santa Claus coming and getting to open presents. I used to listen to one of the local radio stations all night because they would play non-stop Christmas music. One of my favorite songs I remember hearing was The Pretenders "2000 Miles". Aside from their usual hits, there was something about this song that just made me love Chrissie Hynde's voice that much more. So for today, continuing that trek back in time, I've chosen "2000 Miles". Is there anyone you're hoping will come home for Christmas this year?

25 Days of Christmas-Day 7

Continuing the trip back in time this week, today I choose Erasure's "She Won't Be Home". A beautiful song about missing that special someone at Christmas. I've always loved Andy Bell's voice and Vince Clark's synth pop sound. Who are you missing this Christmas?

25 Days of Christmas-Day 6

Today I've chosen a song from one of my favorite all time female singers. When I was a teenager, I loved Fiona Apple. I was so happy to find a Christmas song by her because it is a break from her usual sound. This festive version of "Frosty the Snowman" will definitely warm your heart! Have you had any snow fall yet? We don't usually get any this far south, but it would be nice to have a white Christmas for once!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 5

Today certainly feels more like Christmas is in the air! The temperatures haved definitely dropped to what feels like frigid numbers and although we're not getting snow, just a bunch of much needed rain at the moment, I'm getting more into the holiday spirit! Today's song is a staple in our household on Christmas. The Ventures is one of my dad's favorite bands and they were my very first concert as a kid. Every year on Christmas we enjoy this surf band's classic Christmas album and this song is a variation on one of my favorite songs my dad plays on his guitar. It's perfect for sitting by the fire and drinking hot chocolate, especially on days like this!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 4

I figured yesterday's Joan Jett guitar driven classic was a perfect segue into today's newer track by fuzz-rock indie band The Raveonettes. It was around Christmas 2005 that I discovered and fell in love with this amazing band and they never disappoint. They will have another song on this list later on, but today I'm featuring "Come on Santa." Never straying from their signature vintage sound, Sune and Sharin make me wish I could be home watching the snow fall and decorating Christmas cookies with this soon to be holiday classic. Santa will be here in exactly 3 weeks!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 3

Known more for her edgy, rock & roll lyrics and heavy black eyeliner, Joan Jett is not a name typically associated with the sounds of Christmas, but her 1981 cover of "Little Drummer Boy" is definitely one of my all-time favorites. Jett adds her own flare while keeping in tune with the classic sound we've all grown up hearing. Always a badass Joan! Hope your Christmas is rockin'!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 2

Today's selection is a newer tune co-written and peformed by indie bands Best Coast and Wavves which first appeared on a Target Christmas compilation that popped up last year. Best Coast's sound has quickly become one of my favorites and this song definitely encaptures their sound along with some joyful lyrics about what to get that special someone in your life. This song certainly has all the trimmings to make your indie holiday season complete! Can you believe there are only 23 more shopping days until Christmas?! What are you getting your honey this year?

25 Days of Christmas-Day 1

So, I know what you're thinking. For my first day I choose such a cliche and perhaps overplayed song, but in my opinion "Do They Know it's Christmas" written by Bob Geldof & Midge Ure is just the song we need to remember what Christmas and the holiday season is all about. Plus, you can't deny the fact that John Taylor of Duran Duran looks exceptionally adorable in this video! So much talent came together on November 25, 1984 including U2, Duran Duran, Bananarama, Tears for Fears, Culture Club and many other popular artists of that time. With just one day to record, the song was released on November 29, 1984 and sales surpassed anything that Geldof and Ure had hoped for making it a very successful and memorable event.

Helping those that are less fortunate is the greatest gift of all. I'm a strong believer in karma or what goes around comes around (or however that saying goes) and every year people tend to get caught up in the hooplah of the shopping and partying frenzy. So this year, take a little time not just for yourself so you don't go crazy, but also to help someone that might not be as fortunate as you. And if you're struggling this year, just know that you're not alone and that somewhere is an angel looking out for you.

Celebrating 25 Days of Christmas

In honor of the upcoming Christmas holiday, I'm starting up my blog again and will be featuring Christmas music everyday until December 25th. This won't be your typical Christmas music though! You'll just have to wait and see what surprises I can dig up in addition to classics we already know and love. Stay tuned!

Sunday Fun Day With Sheila Marshall

Spring is certainly in the air. A time for getting outside, finding a great patio, enjoying a cold beverage and listening to some stellar local music. And this past Sunday, I did just that.

I've known Sheila Marshall for about 10 years now. She was quite a frequent performer at Sam's Boat on Richmond where I used to work from about the age of 20-22. Back then, Marshall's sound was a little more rock & roll, covering tunes by acts like K's Choice, Sheryl Crow, Black Crowes, and others. Over the years, however, her sound has headed more towards that of country. Not the mainstream sound you hear on the radio, but more of a rockin' Texas country sound that only a native Texan can play.

I last saw Sheila perform live at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo about 7 years ago. She was a featured artist in the Hideout Series. By this point she'd already been a finalist on the short lived American Idol-like show, Nashville Star and was quickly making a name for herself along Music Row and throughout the rest of the country world.

She's recently released a new album entitled What If I Was, and has recently signed with the Bobby Roberts Agency out of Nashville, TN. And is currently pushing her latest single "What Will You Say About Me" to local radio stations throughout the country.

I saw that Ms. Marshall was playing at a place near my aunt and uncle's in Kemah, near the water. I took them with me to hear some great live music and they were hooked on her sound just like I have been for all of these years. Not only was her voice and sound still raw and sexy, but she was backed by some great musicians as well. Her husband, Scott, plays guitar, but she also had another guitar player that totally rocked! She played a lot of her own songs, old and new, like "Believe"-one of my all time favorites, "The Revival" and covers like "Me and Bobby Magee" by Janis Joplin and The Black Crowes' "She Talks to Angels".

It was great to see that she still pulled in a great crowd. The crowd loved her and it was a perfect way to end the week and start a new week. I can't wait to catch her when she's back in Houston. Check her out if you get a chance!



Upcoming shows:
04/08/11 9:00pm Kilburns Cypress, TX
04/09/11 9:30pm Yagas Galveston, TX
04/21/11 7:00pm Dosey Doe The Woodlands, TX
04/29/11 TBD Fremont Highschool Fremont, MI
04/30/11 TBD Petosky Middle School Petosky, MI
05/01/11 TBD Potter Center Jackson, MI
05/02/11 TBD Temple Center Saginaw, MI
05/03/11 TBD Mendel Center Benton Harbor
05/06/11 9:00pm Lugnutz Nacogdoches , TX
05/07/11 8:00pm WineStyles The Vintage Houston, TX
05/08/11 6:00pm T-Bone Toms Kemah, TX
05/12/11 9:00pm Pub Fiction Houston, TX
05/20/11 TBD Mayo Civic Center Rochester, MN
05/21/11 TBD Winona Winona, MN
06/01/11 9:00pm Pete & Shorty's Kitchen & Tap Katy, TX
06/16/11 9:00pm Pub Fiction Houston, TX
06/26/11 6:00pm T-Bone Toms Kemah, TX

Spring Is In The Air...That Means Concert Season Is Here!

My oh my, I can't believe it is already March! Where has this year already gone? I have been so busy adjusting to my new role at work that my mind hasn't had time to come up with wonderful stories to share. I'm totally excited about this weather that we've been having here and am super stoked about all of the concerts that are already being announced for the 2011 concert season! There are some great acts making their way to Houston and hopefully I'll be able to check them all out.

First up to start off my 2011 concert series is OMD at House of Blues on March 16th. Yes, I'm a dork I know, but how can you not love this lovely synth-pop duo from the 80s and they are back in full force with a new album.

After that I will be checking out Warpaint at Fitzgerald's on April 8th. I missed these talented and beautiful ladies when they stopped here on New Year's Eve so I am definitely not letting them get by me again. That should be a stellar show and I hope to hang with the ladies for an article.

Echo & the Bunnymen have decided to make a stop here on their Heaven Up Here/Crocodiles jaunt. I saw them back in 2006 when I lived in Dallas and am super excited to be seeing them again. Ian may not sound as great as he did 20 years ago, but they still put on a great show and both of those albums will surely not disappoint the crowd.

Some recently announced shows that I'm hoping to catch...Duran Duran announced that they were playing Warehouse Live on April 6th. I would love to see these guys in a small venue like this, but the ticket prices are a little more than what I can afford at the moment, but we'll see if the ticket gods come through for me. They will be coming back later in the summer for a larger scale show...I'm thinking birthday gift!!!!

Recent Grammy winners Arcade Fire have decided to embark on their former hometown of The Woodlands, TX in support of their album of the year, Suburbs. There will not be any lawn seats at this show so once again I'm hoping the ticket gods will pull through for me.

Still waiting to hear on some other shows, but it is certainly already looking to be a great concert year! Hopefully I'll be able to share some great reviews and stories from each and every show!

P.S. I forgot to mention that the Psychedelic Furs will make their way to Houston April 23rd for their Talk, Talk, Talk tour. I was originally planning to go, but may be out of town and have already seen them twice so I might have to pass on this one unfortunately.

All I Need Is...Duran Duran

My infatuation and love affair with Duran Duran dates back to when I was about 5 years old and living outside Corpus Christi, TX. My oldest sister was a huge fan, in love with Simon LeBon, and I took one look at John Taylor and instantly fell in love and have been in love with him and the rest of his mates since then. Now, nearly 30 years later, they still hold my heart. I've seen them live in concert only twice, sadly. But that will change this year as they embark on another world tour in support of their 13th studio album, All You Need is Now.

Produced by Mark Ronson, All You Need is Now takes fans back to the band's golden years of the early 80s when Rio and Seven and the Ragged Tiger were in heavy rotation in everyone's tape deck and record players. MTV was still in its infancy and Duran Duran was plastered on every young girl's walls.

Setting the mood of nostalgia, is the album's first track and first single to be released, "All You Need is Now" featuring some of Nick Rhodes' best electronic synth-pop sounds. The song's lyrics talk about going back to a time when "you were younger". Simon's voice still sounds as strong as ever after a nearly four decade career. This song certainly has that element that makes you want to cruise down the highway with the roof down and the moon guiding your way.

From there, the album just continues it's momentum with "Blame it on the Machine" and "Being Followed". "Being Followed" is one of my favorite tracks on the album. I don't know what it is. Maybe Dom's guitar licks and JT's driving bass lines mixed with Nick and Roger's beats coming together makes you feel like you're being chased in a James Bond flick. One of the things I love about Duran Duran is they write great songs that can easily be turned into great videos. They were made for MTV when that channel used to live up to it's name and actually play videos. I guess I love that because I always wanted to make music videos and DD's sounds certainly fuel that creative energy in my head, but I digress.

"Leave A Light On" slows down the mood for a bit. Honestly, I can't really name too many Duran Duran ballads, but this one certainly is a touching piece and I have a feeling many Duranies will be utilizing it in any upcoming nuptuals. If I were getting hitched any time soon, I certainly would!

Then, just when you think you've heard it all, the boys throw you for a loop and bust out with a funky disco vibe called "Safe (In the Heat of the Moment)" featuring Ana Matronic from electro-pop band The Scissor Sisters. I do have to say that I really like this song as well! It's fun, it's funky and you think that at any moment the floor is going to start lighting up and John Travolta will bust out some of his famous dance moves.

And from there, the party is just getting started. "Girl Panic" is classic Duran Duran and hard hitting and certainly fun with lyrics like "In a girl Panic, This driving naked through my mind, It's a crush panic she's got me atomized". Remember "Girls on Film"? This could be it's long lost cousin coming back to remind all of us why we fell in love with these fabulous Brits in the first place.

Now we come to my absolute favorite track on the album. Up until hearing this gem, I was obsessed with only one other Duran Duran track, "The Chauffeur". The moment "A Man Who Stole a Leopard" begins, the hair on my arms stood up, I got chills and was quickly intrigued. The song describes a story of a hunter capturing a leopard and becoming obsessed with the creature, living with it and never leaving her side until he is caught. It is such a mysterious song. I don't know if it is based on a true story or not, the new broadcast at the end only add to the song's beauty. I love when Simone says "thought I could resist but the leopard in you silently preyed on me". I don't know what it is about this song, but I have become quite obsessed with it. It reminds me of "The Chauffeur" and I think it is just a beautiful story. Of course I have the video mapped out in my head of how I would love to piece it together if in another universe I was given that chance.

The album is rounded out with the last two songs, "Runway Runaway" and "Before the Rain". A catchy, upbeat tune followed by another ballad-like anthem.

This album encompasses everything that Duran Duran have always stood for when it comes to their sound. I was disappointed with the last few albums, but this album certainly redeems them. Mark Ronson did an absolutely amazing job at getting these to get back in touch with what fans have been missing for years. I can't stop listening to All You Need is Now, it's all I need. Go get it now!

New Year, New Beginnings...

Well, it has been a few weeks since I last wrote. The whirlwind of the holidays left me in a daze for a while, but I think I'm finally starting to come back to life. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's! I know I did!

I'm starting off the year in a new position at work which has been very exciting. I have been promoted to Assistant Director for Paralegal Placement at my company. It is nice finally having some stability in my life and direction. I feel like this is something that I will enjoy! Who knew that the whole time I had no idea what to do with my own life, I was probably meant to help others on their own career path! I still have a way to go in my training, but I think things are moving along quite smoothly.

In music writing news, I'm still writing for Modern Mystery Blog, moreso there than on here unfortunately. I'm also thinking about contributing to QRO Magazine starting in the next month or two. We've been in communication, but right now I just have too much going on in my life to commit to another publication. And of course, I certainly don't want to abandon this blog. One of my resolutions is certainly to spend more time writing and exploring new music and attending many many shows!

I'm heading off to the Big Apple in a couple of weeks to spend a week there, hopefully not freezing my butt off! I get to see my cousin and plan to check out some record stores while I'm there so maybe I'll stumble across some rare gems! I think we're going to check out one of my new favorite bands, White Lies, while I'm there as well so I should certainly have some great things to write about upon my return.

I did get some new music for Christmas. Currently on heavy rotation in my world is Warpaint's The Fool, The National's High Violet and The Cinematics' Love and Terror. I highly recommend all of those albums! They are pure greatness and I'm still bummed I missed Warpaint on their recent trip to Houston as I was spending my holiday in Dallas with family.

That's all I have today, but plan to be back very soon. Until then, keep rockin'! xo