Road Trip to the Avett Brothers

 Way back in April I submitted a request to win Avett Brothers tickets when they appeared on The Jimmy Kimmel show in L.A.  Low and behold, I won the tickets.  At first I thought Ian and I would go, but he didn't want to miss work.  Then I wanted to take Ben, but he had already missed too much school.  Just when it seemend like I wouldn't be going after all, Merilee texted me and said that Megan had won tickets too and was I up for a road trip?!   I asked Kim if she wanted my other ticket, but she had to work so I ended up giving it to Elise.  We had so much fun roadtripping to LA.  Them Bogle girls are the bomb!

 Playing one of my favorites:  The Laundry Room.

 We were literally 10 feet away when they were playing.  They played 4 songs:  True Sadness, Ain't No Man, The Laundry Room and I and Love and You.  It was divine.  Although it was a long way to drive to hear 4 songs, it was worth it.  If it would've ended there, it would've been fine, but as most of you know...when you are with the Bogles, you meet the band.

 At first we just keep walking around asking about the band, waiting to see if they'd come out.  Then we met another group who wanted to meet the band as well - the had found the stage manager and he asked The Avett Brothers to come meet us all. 

 After waiting about 30 minutes - they came out.  The weirdest part was when they were walking toward us - we were behind a barrier and couldn't go around it so that walk seemed super awkward but when they finally reached us they were AWESOME!!!  They kept saying, "thank you" and were just so nice and gracious.  I told Scott that we had wanted to see them when they were in Phoenix last, but it was on a Sunday and Sundays are religious days for us.  He replied, "Sundays should be quiet and for family".  Ugh could he be any more perfect?  Anyway, there was a lot I had wished I would've asked but when you are in that moment its just too exciting and surreal to think about.

I'm mad that it took me so long to discover their music - I truly love what they sing about and stand for.  They are the best and I can't wait to see them again!

Fun.

 Sometimes I wonder if I would have any fun if it wasn't for Kim and Brian? (pun intended).  I've seen FUN. three times and Kim and Brian have paid for two of those times.  I am so lucky that they like me enough to invite me to concerts :)  When Kim texted me that she had 2 extra tickets I wanted to give the tickets to Ben and Max.  To Ben because he is awesome.  He helps me out, never complains and always obeys.  Ok, maybe not always but 90% of the time.  And Max because he LOVES Fun. and have never seen them.  Well, after talking it over with Ian and then with Kim I decided that Max is too young to go to a concert without me and I felt that Ben was the most deserving of the ticket. 

 As per usual Kim and Brian style - the seats were amazing.  The concert was amazing.  The whole night was a blast.  The best is how much Ben, Joe and Michael loved being there.  I love how much they all love music. 

My favorite songs they played were "Walking the Dog" (I had yet to hear that one live) and Bar Lights.  They always put on a great show.  I'm so glad I got to enjoy it with my son :)

Keane!

For Mother's Day, Brian got Kim tickets to see Keane in LA and she invited me to come a long!  Joe and I got the share the back seat. 

 We had to stop by the dinosaurs on the way.  Just so I could tell my kids we stopped there :)

 Evan was sad I was leaving and packed me his Redskins Santa hat. 

 I love that boy.

 At the Orpheum.  I think it's the same theater where they do try-outs for So You Think You Can Dance.  It's an awesome venue- small but spacious.

 So excited for the show.  I love my sister!

 We had AWESOME seats.  I think I knew every song.  And they were just as good in concert as they are on their albums. 

 Towards the end of the show, we were able to move even closer!  Yeehaw!

 The next day we stopped by a strawberry stand to get some strawberries to bring home. 

 Strawberries...yum!  Thank you Brian!

 It was such a fun weekend!  Thank you Kim and Brian!

James

Yes, it's true.  We went to the concert the day of Xander's 14th birthday.  I ordered him pizza and gave him x-box access so trust me, he was fine with it.

I love going places with Ian.  It reminds me of why I love him so much.  We have such a fun time together.

I'm pretty sure he's not going to love me posting these pictures but I like them :).  We went with Kim and Brian too.  I love going places with them - we always have a great time and laugh so hard our stomachs hurt.

 The opening act was some Russian lady that sang great, but she was pretty much a one trick pony.  Not much diversity in her music.

 I love LOVE James.  I've loved them since I was a teenager.  I never thought I'd see them live.  The show started out slow, but once they started playing stuff from Laid, it picked up.  Everyone in the audience knew that album.  I wished they would've played some new stuff too, but I can't complain because think I knew every song.

 My favorite was "Sometimes".  Tim rocked that song.

 The best part was when Tim jumped off stage and started walking through the audience.  Ian and Brian both touched him.  I was too awestruck to even take a picture.  It was surreal and soo cool.

Such a great concert and a great night.

Fun.!

A while back we heard Fun. was coming in concert.  But only to Tucson.  Well, we snatched up tickets because we love them so much.  We've loved them since the Format :)

Then they decided to come to Mesa too but that's ok.  We love ourselves a little trip to Tucson and the Rialto.

Ben bought a ticket too.  It was his first concert and it was packed!  We had so much fun singing and dancing to the songs.  I'm pretty sure Ben had a blast.  The concert was one of the best I've been to.  Nate was funny and got the whole crowd involved.  I loved every minute of it and never wanted it to end!  Afterwards, Dallin saw Nate's dad and told him, "You make great babies".

A few weeks before that Fun. put on a little show and record signing at the Zia's right up the street.  Kim was kind enough to wait for hours in line with Ben and Xan.  Max really wanted to go but that was the day he went to the hospital.  So sad.  Ben and Xander both got to meet the band and get things signed.  Xander touched Nate and swore he'd never wash his hand again. :)  Michael told Nate, "You are even more beautiful in person".  It was an awesome experience for both boys.  My sister Kim rocks.  Thank you Kim!

Music makes my world go round.

Coldplay (HD) - Us Against the World (Glastonbury 2011)

I have been listening to Coldplay a lot lately. I love their lyrics and melodies. This song is my current favorite. In case you don't have time to listen, here are the lyrics:

Oh morning come bursting, the clouds, Amen.Lift off this blindfold, let me see againAnd bring back the water, let your ships roll in.In my heart she left a hole
The tightrope that I'm walking just sways and tiresThe devil as he's talking with those angel's eyesAnd I just want to be there when the lightning strikesAnd the saints go marching in
And sing slow-ow-ow-ow it down
Through chaos as it swirlsIt's us against the world
Like a river to a raindrop, I lost a friendMy drunken as a Daniel in a lion's den
And tonight I know it all has to begin againSo whatever you do, don't let go
And if we could float awayFly up to the surface and just start againAnd lift off before troubleJust erodes us in the rain (x3)
Sing slow-ow-ow-ow it downOh Slow-ow-ow-ow it down
Through chaos as it swirlsIt's just us against the worldThrough chaos as it swirlsIt's us against the world

Point of Extinction by Motion City Soundtrack

In case you couldn't tell, I am way into Motion City Soundtrack right now. I love, LOVE their lyrics. Plus there music is super upbeat so I've been running to them alot lately. I just wish they didn't use curse words in some of their songs. It kind of ruins the song for me. I love this song. Love it.

Are you listening, Javelina?

Every corner and the coast is still clear,

All dressed up with some medicine for luck

How I hope that you're still here, when I return.

Burning bridges is a form of suicide,

I saw the fire as a ghost in my life,

Passed me by and there is nowhere you can hide,

From the lessons or the lies that bind them

I'm so tired, I've had enough.

If there is one thing I've learned,

You'll always get burned

But you'll never give it up.

Can we count on our conversations,

To restore us like energon cubes

Made one wish for a permanent kiss,

That would echo through these bones like arsenic.

I can figure out the point of anything,

Just not as quick as I can mess up my life.

With all my dreams hooked to hospital machines,

I think, "Let's try redefining beautiful"

I'm so tired,

I've had enough.

If there's one thing I've learned,

you will always get burned

but you'll never give it up

Guster

I've been listening and loving Guster lately. Luckily they are one of Xander's favorite bands too so we can sing along together.

James

I have been listening to a lot of different music lately. If I feel like singing along, I listen to Adele or Glee: The Warblers. If my boys are in the car, we listen to Fun, The Format, Motion City Soundtrack or All American Rejects. Or if I'm in a mood we listen to Jimmy Eat World or James. Because they seem to perk me right up lately.

I have loved the band James forever. Ever since I heard Born of Frustration, which is one of my all time favorite songs. I love his lyrics and voice. On the way to California Ian popped in The Best of James. I love every stinkin' song on that c.d.

Seven and Say Something are favorites. I love the lines, "Amongst friends but all alone - why do you hide?" and "Your silence is deafening".

Watching the video I think every one has felt that way. Like no matter what you do or say no one is listening or understands. I especially love the second verse. Somedays I feel like I am just going through the motions.

This song really speaks to me.

Sometimes...

-I feel like doing nothing...so I lay in bed watching re-runs of Ice loves Coco - which is surprisingly a good show once you get over how big Coco's chest is. Let me tell you - Ice really does love Coco. It's my dream to see them (they have a house a few miles away from me)

-I feel sorry for myself. And then I give myself a pep talk. And tell myself that I have some really awesome people in my life.

-I like to try on clothes. But then I remember that I've gained a little weight in the last few months...so then I tell myself to lay off the Dr. Pepper. Sometimes that works...but sometimes it doesn't.

-I feel guilty for liking work so much. I really love my work peeps. We have so much fun. And they put up with my goofiness.

-I wish I didn't say whatever pops in my head. It's a problem. But I'm working on it.

-I procrastinate. And then I get stressed. And my stomach hurts.

-I want to move. O.k. I pretty much want to move all of the time. It's like that James' song, "Need a change of scenery..."

-I listen to Justin Timberlake. And Lady Gaga (thanks dr. v!). And Eminem. Ya, that's right.

-I wish I could eat peanut m&m's and kit kats all day. But then I probably wouldn't like them any more.

-I hate Facebook.

-I wish I had a cook that would make dinner every night.

O.k. I really wish that all of the time.

Music

Ian and I saw Arthur last night. For me, the best part was hearing 2 Ben Gibbard songs. Even though there is no video for this one, I just close my eyes and listen to it. I love it.

I've been listening to Motion City Soundtrack (Hysteria might be my theme song), Neon Trees, The Killers and Mumford and Sons lately. This song is a nice change. I wonder if he has a solo album coming out?

This is me

when I was about 15. Notice my AWESOME Cure shirt. I wonder what happened to that shirt - I think I wore it constantly for my whole high school career.

The other day Xander and I went to Zia Records. As soon as I walked in and smelled the incense a wave of nostalgia hit me. My favorite thing to do when I was in junior high and high school was go to a record store. Zias and Stinkweeds were favorites. I also loved Shirt and Things (I'm pretty sure that's where I got that Cure shirt).

I went to my first concert (The Throwing Muses & New Order) when I was 13. What was my mom thinking??? To her credit, my older cousin Kevin took us and was in charge of us. (hey mom remember when you took Heidi and I to see Oingo Boingo at the State Fair - I have so much love for you for doing that). I have loved music as long as I can remember. And I love all types and kinds of music: The Beatles, The Cure, The Smiths, The Killers and I even like George Strait, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake. I don't limit myself to liking one sort of music.

The other day a friend and I were having a conversation and I told her when I am sad or bad thoughts come in my head, I sing a little song. Usually it's "I am a Child of God". It works every time.

Here are my top 5 favorite albums (right now) (in no particular order):

The Killers: Sam's Town

The Format: Interventions and Lullabies

The Cure: Head on the Door

Motion City Soundtrack: Even if it Kills Me

Jimmy Eat World: Chase this Light

Coldplay: A Rush of Blood to the Head

I guess I can't keep it at 5 :). It warms my heart that Xander is really getting into music. We don't like all the same bands, but at least we have similar tastes. Good music makes me so happy.

P.S. Those glasses aren't real - I just really wanted glasses

P.P.S. Doesn't Ben look like me?

Guster Concert

Last night we ventured down to Tuscon with Brian, Kim, Joe, Dallin & Adam to the Rialto Theater to see Guster in concert. The ride down was a blast. Kim sat up front with me and we listened to Jimmy Eat World's Chase This Light (which is easily one of my top 5 favorite albums of all time). Then Ian started telling us his throwing up stories and I laughed so hard that my stomach started to hurt.

When we got there, Ian and I realized we were starving (I hadn't eaten all day). So Ian sweet talked the security guard into letting us leave (there were NO RE-ENTRY signs posted everywhere) and we went to find food. Everything was closed! Seriously people, it was only 7:30! When I saw a Subway sign I started running. I was that hungry. We quickly wolfed down a flatbread sandwhich and ran back. I think I embarrassed Ian on the way back because I was doing my Forest Gump run. I was in such a good mood.

We got back right when the first band was playing. Good Old War. Seriously good. I don't think I've ever liked an opening band more. They were hilarious too. The lead singer was such a geek. We bought their cd. He signed it. And all was right in the world. I think he was thrilled that we loved his band so much. Here they are playing below. They sound like Simon and Garfunkel meets the BeeGees. And when they sang "Celcilia" it was a little bit of perfection. They harmonize so well.

Sooo...then we waited for Guster and I danced around to "Our House" and "Country Roads". I think I embarrassed Ian some more (and Kim and Brian too). But when I hear a good song I need to dance. You know?

Guster finally arrived. They were AWESOME! They all switched instruments quite a bit - I loved that they played the piano a lot. And they did a whole bunch of old songs. I was so happy they played "Careful" and "Satellite" which are two of my favorite Guster songs.

I only had my phone to take pictures so whatever. Brian was supposed to send me some more...I'm just sayin'. So then some guy in the audience yelled, "I like your sweater!" and so the lead singer of Guster told us how he got the sweater and then he turned it into a song. He was hilarious.

The cute Guster guy sang a lot. And he did an awesome guitar solo that had everyone screaming their heads off.

One of the guys had a toothpick in his mouth half of the time and I really wished Tiffany had been there so she could've told me who he looked like. When we went to The Pixies Tiffany and I spent most of the time trying to decipher lyrics and making jokes. We always crack ourselves up.

This is a little picture that Brian sent me of the cute Guster guy. I love him! My favorite parts of the concert were:

1. Good Old War

2. When the spot light shone on the lead singer and he played a guitar solo with his tongue hanging out. It was hilarious.

3. Cute guy's guitar solo

4. The lead singer's wit. He is so funny.

5. At the end, when all 4 members came out and stood in front of the stage and played "Jesus on the Radio" acoustically. It made my night. It reminded me of when Fran Healey sang with his acoustic guitar at the last Travis concert I went to. It was magical.

Even though I am tired today, it was so worth it. It was so much fun being with Ian and just hanging out and listening to one of our favorite bands. I love that we love the same things.

I am including the video to my favorite song Good Old War sang:

P.S. I think I've heard this song before. But I can't remember where. And also, The Rialto is my favorite place to see concerts.

the end.

Brandon Flowers Performs "Magdalena"

Flamingo came out this week. I woke up. Got dressed. Took the boys to school and went and bought the album. Because that's the kind of fan that I am. To say music makes me happy is a gross understatement. And to say that I love Brandon Flowers is an even grosser understatement. Like super grosser.

I love the album. It's different than any Killers album. Ian and I were discussing it and we think this album has more 60 & 70's influence - like Dire Straits, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and even Elvis. The Killers are more rock and roll and Brandon Flowers as a solo artist seems more mellow. Most of the songs are stories and I love that. I love him. Seriously.

You can watch his interview on Jimmy Kimmel on youtube. He talks about his influences (The Smiths, The Cure) and about his love for Las Vegas. His album seems like an ode to Las Vegas.

This album and Gusters new song make me so happy. Jimmy Eat World's new album comes out next week. There is something about listening to a really great song that makes me emotional - happy, sad, introspective. That's what great art does. You can quote me on that.

Also, as much as I LOVE Brandon, I'm not loving his outfit. Ian thinks he got it at a thrift shop in Apache Junction. I think Brandon needs a new stylist.

Love and Green Day

Years ago (1995?) I saw Green Day in concert at a tiny club called The Mason Jar. It was right before they got big. In fact, 3 or 4 months later they were playing to a crowd of thousands at the Arizona State Fair. But that day there were only about 50 or so people there. I remember Ian pointing over at the bar, where Billy Joe was getting a drink. We dared each other to ask for his autograph, but neither of us wanted to be uncool enough to do it (why didn't we do it?!!). I think Kim and Elise were there too, but I don't remember much else about that concert - even though Green Day was one of my favorite bands at the time.

That night when Ian and I drove back to my house we sat in my car and talked. And then I remember blurting out, "I love you!" Ian looked at me, startled. Like, "Where the heck did that come from?" I'm pretty sure he'd never heard that from a girl before.

"What?" he asked.

"What?" I replied.

"Did you mean 'olive juice'?" he asked.

That was a little game we used to play. We'd mouth "olive juice" to each other jokingly...get it?

"Of course that's what I said, what did you think I said?"

"Never mind."

Running this week, listening to "Who Wrote Holden Caulfield" by Green Day I thought about that day. How I inadvertently admitted to Ian (and to myself) that I was in love.

And how it's still true today.

Always Be

Right now Ben and I love Jimmy Eat World. I don't have all of their albums, but my favorite one that I do have is Chase This Light. I love every song on the album. My favorite song is Chase this Light. I just love his lyrics. I couldn't find that song, but Always Be is another one of my favorites. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Human and Dancer

I always forget how much I love live music. Especially when the band sounds better live then on their records. Last night was no exception. Me and my posse saw the Killers. Live. In concert at a packed Dodge Theater (a great venue by the way). It was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Not only are they superb musicians but Brandon Flowers really knows how to work a crowd. By the end of the concert everyone in the whole arena were on their feet screaming.

I loved every song they played from their cover of that Joy Division tune to the re-worked slower version of Smile Like You Mean It. When he explained the meaning behind the song For Reasons Unknown it made me love that song more. My favorites were: Joyride, Spaceman, Read My Mind and Jenny was a Friend of Mine. And When You Were Young. It made me so happy to be there - dancing and singing my guts out.

On the way home Ian, Kim and I reminisced about concerts we've been to. Ian told about how he was once thrown out of a Neds concert. How the bodyguard grabbed him by the ear and tossed him out - kicking him once for good measure. Ian tells such great stories.

It was one of the best times I've had in a long time. I can't wait to see them again next time they come. Thanks mom for staying up past your bedtime to babysit. You are the best!

I'm with the band

This is Christian. He's one of the best drummers I know. He can hear a song and then beat it out perfectly on his kit. He's that good.

These are the other two members of Christian's band. I think they wish they were as good as him.

When we listened to their jam session the other day Christian kept messing around with Jason - playing different beats and changing the tempos.

But Ian and Jason couldn't complain too much. They were lucky Christian even agreed to play with them at all.

Snow Patrol

In case you couldn't tell, my current band of choice is Snow Patrol. What's not to love about a half Irish/half Scottish band?

Their new c.d. "A Hundred Million Suns" is beautiful. My favorite song, "The Planets Bend Between Us" is (in my humble opinion) lyrically, one of their best. I love all of the imagery he uses in his songs.

A while ago Ian, Tiffany, Jason and I saw them in concert at The Dodge Theater. They were great, but I'm looking forward to Tuesday night, when they will be playing a much smaller venue (and for free!). I'm going to get my groove on. And then some.

My 5 favorite Snow Patrol Songs (in no particular order):

1. Chocolate

2. Crack the Shutters

3. If there's a rocket tie me to it

4. The planets bend between us

5. Signal Fire

Do you have a favorite?

P.S. go ahead and youtube them - you won't be sorry. My favorite video was Chocolate or Spitting Games.

Keane

When I first bought Keane's new c.d. "Perfect Symmetry" I didn't like it. Then one day Ian said, "Isn't that new Keane c.d. awesome? In parts it sounds like The Killers and in other parts it's pure 80's." I gave it another listen and guess what? He's right. "You Haven't Told Me Anything" is my favorite song. When it comes on I turn it up and sing at the top of my lungs. My poor, poor children....The only song I don't like is #9 - "Pretend That Your Alone". The lyrics are just plain stupid. But the rest of the album...pure bliss!

Here's the link if you want to check out their second single off the album: "The Lovers are Losing".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujh4sln7r-c