Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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!
Monday, April 4, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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.
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.
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
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