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.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Cure Announce 2011 Show
Being a die hard Cure fan, we've come to expect movement from the band about every 4 years. It is the same with other bands like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran. Needless to say, for a while over in Cure camp, as I like to call it, it has just been way too quiet for way too long. With the exception of a collaboration between Robert and Crystal Castles for the song "I'm Not In Love" set to release next week, and a few charity items Robert has donated, there has been no talk of a new album or live shows. I just found out today that guitarist Port Thompson who rejoined the group in 2005 left the band last year, or was let go, a slight of information that could cost me my VIP status with the band (if such a thing existed).
So with today's BIG, and by BIG I mean HUGE GINORMOUSLY EXCITING FANTABULOUSNESS news that Robert and Co. will take the stage as the Saturday headlining act for the 4-day festival in Isle of Wright called "Bestival", a few of us are little excited to say the least. It is being billed as the Cure's "only European festival show in 2011" according to RSX himself but festival organizers have touted the appearance as the band's "only European show in 2011" causing Cureheads around the world to salivate and rejoice hoping that the words spoken by Robert are true and that they will play "other" shows in 2011 in addition to this "festival" billing.
Cure fansites were set ablaze today with this news and everyone speculating what will happen next. The show doesn't even happen until next September, but those that are fortunate to live near the UK, have some lovely spare change in their pockets or both have already purchased their tickets for this undoubtedly wonderful experience. The rest of us are left only with dreams of what will hopefully flourish from this appearance. And since no one knows for sure who is still left in the band, besides Robert and most likely bassist Simon, fans are wondering if former members keyboardist Roger O'Donnell and guitarist Perry Bamonte will return to the fold. Seeing as how no relationship is truly over when it comes to Robert, except for his with Lol Tolhurst, it is easy for us Cure fans to start saying, "Oh, I hope this one returns or that one is on this album".
And speaking of albums, we've been hearing about this long awaited follow up to 2008's 4:13 Dream for a while now as it has been said to be the "dark" album Disintegration and Pornography lovers have been long hoping would finally bring the band back to their darker, melodic guiatar driven roots. Will this spawn such an album? Seeing as how RSX has more than 200 songs in his library, I doubt he's just been sitting idly on his hands not writing any new material. The man is a lyrical genius, even if you don't enjoy newer songs like "The Perfect Boy" or "Freakshow", he still manages to create beautiful masterpieces like "Underneath the Stars" and "Anniversary". There still is plenty of greatness left in Robert's 51 year old brain.
So, the next 10 months will certainly be full of fans' speculations as to what to expect from this "only European show" of 2011 and where it will lead. The biggest problem about being a Curehead, along with having any other addiction, is that we can't wait to get our fix again. With the Cure, it's another album and another tour and then we have to wait again. Well, we're encroaching on that 4 year mark and RSX has emerged from the dark caverns of England with such wonderful news. Christmas has come early for Cure fans across the globe!
So with today's BIG, and by BIG I mean HUGE GINORMOUSLY EXCITING FANTABULOUSNESS news that Robert and Co. will take the stage as the Saturday headlining act for the 4-day festival in Isle of Wright called "Bestival", a few of us are little excited to say the least. It is being billed as the Cure's "only European festival show in 2011" according to RSX himself but festival organizers have touted the appearance as the band's "only European show in 2011" causing Cureheads around the world to salivate and rejoice hoping that the words spoken by Robert are true and that they will play "other" shows in 2011 in addition to this "festival" billing.
Cure fansites were set ablaze today with this news and everyone speculating what will happen next. The show doesn't even happen until next September, but those that are fortunate to live near the UK, have some lovely spare change in their pockets or both have already purchased their tickets for this undoubtedly wonderful experience. The rest of us are left only with dreams of what will hopefully flourish from this appearance. And since no one knows for sure who is still left in the band, besides Robert and most likely bassist Simon, fans are wondering if former members keyboardist Roger O'Donnell and guitarist Perry Bamonte will return to the fold. Seeing as how no relationship is truly over when it comes to Robert, except for his with Lol Tolhurst, it is easy for us Cure fans to start saying, "Oh, I hope this one returns or that one is on this album".
And speaking of albums, we've been hearing about this long awaited follow up to 2008's 4:13 Dream for a while now as it has been said to be the "dark" album Disintegration and Pornography lovers have been long hoping would finally bring the band back to their darker, melodic guiatar driven roots. Will this spawn such an album? Seeing as how RSX has more than 200 songs in his library, I doubt he's just been sitting idly on his hands not writing any new material. The man is a lyrical genius, even if you don't enjoy newer songs like "The Perfect Boy" or "Freakshow", he still manages to create beautiful masterpieces like "Underneath the Stars" and "Anniversary". There still is plenty of greatness left in Robert's 51 year old brain.
So, the next 10 months will certainly be full of fans' speculations as to what to expect from this "only European show" of 2011 and where it will lead. The biggest problem about being a Curehead, along with having any other addiction, is that we can't wait to get our fix again. With the Cure, it's another album and another tour and then we have to wait again. Well, we're encroaching on that 4 year mark and RSX has emerged from the dark caverns of England with such wonderful news. Christmas has come early for Cure fans across the globe!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Remembering Michael Hutchence
Today is the 13th anniversary of the death of Michael Hutchence, former frontman for the Australian band INXS. His death came to a surprise to all of his fans and he is still regarded as one of the most influential singers of my generation. I fell in love with Michael and the rest of the band when I was about 7 years old. My oldest sister was a big fan of their music. This was right around the time that Kick was released. She salivated at the mouth when she saw Hutchence in the "Devil Inside" video. From there, I was hooked as well. She is also responsible for my infatuation with Duran Duran all of these years. It was a match made in heaven with songs like "Don't Change", "Listen Like Thieves", "Never Tear us Apart", how could you not love their sound?
I recently read their autobiography and was so moved by the story of true brotherhood. Those guys were all in it together from the very beginning and never let any outside forces, like the record companies, come in between them and their duty of creating great music. I never had the opportunity of seeing them perform live, so like the rest of the world, I'm left with only live footage from before Michael's passing.
Michael passed away on November 22, 1997. He was in a hotel room completely blitzed out on a mixture of drugs and alcohol. It has been speculated that Michael killed himself during a bout with sexual autoeroticism, but I don't believe that. Especially after reading the book and learning of his state of mind he was in, only someone that has experienced that sense of desperation can maybe truly understand the situation. Michael left behind a daughter, Tiger Lily, that day as well as his bandmates/brothers. His legacy continues on to this day and his fans still miss him very much.
I recently read their autobiography and was so moved by the story of true brotherhood. Those guys were all in it together from the very beginning and never let any outside forces, like the record companies, come in between them and their duty of creating great music. I never had the opportunity of seeing them perform live, so like the rest of the world, I'm left with only live footage from before Michael's passing.
Michael passed away on November 22, 1997. He was in a hotel room completely blitzed out on a mixture of drugs and alcohol. It has been speculated that Michael killed himself during a bout with sexual autoeroticism, but I don't believe that. Especially after reading the book and learning of his state of mind he was in, only someone that has experienced that sense of desperation can maybe truly understand the situation. Michael left behind a daughter, Tiger Lily, that day as well as his bandmates/brothers. His legacy continues on to this day and his fans still miss him very much.
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