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.