In the order in which they were thought….
1. “Led Zeppelin never won one of these? Really?!”
2. “New life goal- to win a “Best New Artist” Grammy for my spoken word album.”
3. ” I could totally do this. But probably not.”
And that’s pretty much how my Sunday night went.
This does look a bit suspicious….
When you date a Professor of Geography, you learn a lot of things. For instance, you learn that the band Journey was probably just a cover for serial killers. Captain Thoughtful (or should I say Professor Captain Thoughtful?) clued me on this one day when I was singing along (loudly) to “Don’t Stop Believing”.
Me: Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit…
Professor Captain Thoughtful: Did you know there is no such place as South Detroit? It’s just Lake Erie.
Me: Thanks for ruining the moment.
Later, as I was pondering on why Professor Captain Thoughtful would want to hurt me by questioning Journey lyrics, it occurred to me that he was right. (I may have looked at a map). But that he totally didn’t even realize that hundreds of thousands of people have probably drowned in Lake Erie looking for “South Detroit”. Then I wondered why I hadn’t heard of any PSAs about how “South Detroit” isn’t a place and that if you go looking for it and aren’t a strong swimmer you are totally going to drown in Lake Erie, and why in the world had Journey not released another song clarifying that “South Detroit” is really Lake Erie? Slowly, it occurred to me that Journey wanted people to keep making that mistake and drowning in Lake Erie, because they are ACTUALLY SERIAL KILLERS. This is there signature kill, and it’s really the perfect cover because no one would ever suspect them. Journey may be the most prolific serial killers in history.
Last night, I went to see The Black Keys play live here in Austin. They killed it. But, more importantly, they owe me money. Why? Well, as many of you will remember, when I reviewed El Camino right here on this blog, I mentioned that my favorite track on the album was ‘Gold On The Ceiling’. I also mentioned that I thought that song should be playing while I was involved in some sort of a car chase. Low and behold, last night, as they played ‘Gold On The Ceiling’ they showed a car chase on the screen behind them. Well, it was less of a car chase and more of just a speeding car, but I still believe I am owed compensation. I expect my money forthwith. And yes, yes I do understand that I am only validating the lyrics to their song because, hell yeah, I want some of their “gold on the ceiling”.
By the by, The Black Keys really were absolutely stellar last night and if any band had to steal my idea for a video based on their music, I’m glad it was them.
I love musicals. I really really love musicals. But the thought struck me that I may be overdoing it on the musicals when I realized that I structure my days around songs from musicals.
In the morning, while I’m getting ready for work, I sing this-
When I get to work, I’m always humming this-
At lunchtime, I sing this song, usually in my head but occasionally out loud on accident.
If I need a bit of a pick-me-up in the afternoon, I sing this-
For no other reason than I love it, I pretty much always sing this song on my way home from work.
And obviously, before bed, I sing-
So, I’m thinking it’s maybe odd to mark your day by singing songs from musicals. Or maybe not. Maybe it’s a thing lots of people do. But, probably not.
This week is SXSW in Austin and usually I try to avoid it at all costs because it means there will be lots of strangers in my city walking in the middle of the street, clogging up all my favorite restaurants, and taking all the best parking spots downtown, which turns me into a grouch extraordinaire. However, there are also lots of stellar free shows during SXSW and my love of music frequently overrides my grumpiness about everything else. It was because of that love of music that I went to see Patrick Sweany play yesterday with Captain Thoughtful. Cute story, Captain Thoughtful and I met at a Patrick Sweany concert. (Cue the “awwwws”)
You may not have heard of Patrick Sweany and that’s a crying ass shame because Patrick Sweany means good music. Really good music. Pure rock n roll with a strong blues and soul influence. It’s the kind of music that I will love 80 years from now when I live on the moon and drive a flying car. His show was well worth driving downtown in the middle of SXSW for. Have a listen.
Them Shoes
More and More
Shoestring
He also plays a mint green guitar so, it’s kind of impossible not to like him. http://patricksweany.com/
Happy weekend folks! Remember to wear green tomorrow or leprechauns will steal your babies. (That’s the legend, right?)
Kenny Loggins is always essential.
When I was a little girl, there were two things that I was excessively proud of. My super cool dance moves and that I could sing every word of Footloose. I remember beaming with pride every time Footloose came on the radio because I thought it was a really difficult song to remember the words to and I nailed it every time. I’m pretty sure no one else noticed, but to me, it seemed like being able to do that proved I was super cool. To this very day, when I hear Footloose on the radio, I can feel that same pride welling up inside me and I sing my heart out without shame or consideration for the other people around me.
In addition to the song Footloose, I also had a deep and undying love for the song Danger Zone from Top Gun. In fact, I had such a love of that song that I frequently tried to choreograph a dance to it. Again, I was very proud of my super cool dance moves. I can think of more than one occasion when I got out my tape player, popped in Danger Zone and spent the next thirty minutes trying to think of how Paula Abdul, New Kids on the Block, and Michael Jackson would dance to it. Then, I would add a few of my own moves like wild jazz hands or awkward hip shaking and put it all together. It was dance magic but unfortunately, no evidence of this exists. Probably because my parents were really jealous of how awesome I was. I also remember thinking that Goose and Maverick would totally approve of my Danger Zone dance.
Clearly, I owe a debt of gratitude to Kenny Loggins who was directly responsible for my proudest childhood moments. Thanks Kenny, this one is for you.
Last night, I went to see The Civil Wars play live at the Paramount theater in Austin, which happens to be one of my favorite places, and once again it was STUNNING. Some of you may remember that I first saw The Civil Wars play last July in Austin and I was put under an absolute spell by their music. Their album, Barton Hollow is an amazing album (one of my top albums of all time in fact) but to hear them live is on a completely different level of mind-blowing. After hearing them live the first time, I was positively overjoyed. After last night, I am euphoric.
Typically, I don’t like to go see the same band within months of already having seen them. I’ve found it to be disappointing because there is rarely new music and the second time just can’t compare with the ecstasy of the first. The Civil Wars, however, completely demolished that way of thinking for me last night. I was just as blissfully overwhelmed by their music last night, as I was the first time I saw them. And, I finally bought their album on vinyl and it is total musical heaven.
One of the biggest surprises of the evening was the opening act called The Staves. Look them up people. I was absolutely floored by their impeccable harmonies and lovely melodies. They were flawless y’all. Flawless. Also there was a ukulele involved so I was pretty happy about that. 
Last night was pure musical bliss. May I recommend you get some as well? It really warms the heart and puts a smile on your brain.
I am in full-out holiday spirits right now. I am a present wrapping, cookie making, cookie eating, under the mistletoe kissing, cider drinking, holiday sweater wearing fiend right now. And these are my jams.
Feliz Navidad
I know some people get sick of this song but I can’t get enough of it! It makes me want to dance and also to learn more Spanish.
Rockin Around The Christmas Tree
I crazy love Brenda Lee. Every time I hear this song I am compelled to bake some yummy sugar cookies while drinking mulled wine.
Christmas Eve In Sarajevo
Such a rocking Christmas song! Also, did you see the lights on that house?? Wicked.
What are your holiday jams?
I bet you think this post is about my boyfriend. Sike! It’s about the new Black Keys album El Camino.
Ok. Everyone needs to open their iTunes and buy El Camino immediately. I love The Black Keys and this is another stellar album put out by them. They had me from track one, although my favorite track by far is this little gem.
That video is from their absolutely brilliant SNL performance last Saturday. Seriously kids, they owned it hard. I keep listening to this song again and again, it makes me want to dance and be involved in some sort of car chase. I dig it.
Also, there is this video for Lonely Boy (their first single) that may be one of the best music videos I’ve ever seen. It’s so hypnotic and hilarious and a complete stroke of genius. Watch it, won’t you?
Yeah, you’re welcome.
