When Fate Takes Over My iPod

Today on my bus ride to work, I was listening to my iPod, like I usually do, when fate took over the shuffle. Right in a row I heard "Not Ready to Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks, "Stronger" by Kanye West. and "Black Swan" by Thom Yorke. To most people, this might just seem like a really eclectic mix of music, but for me these songs were my anthems from last summer. I listened to them constantly. I would sit in my car with the windows rolled down listening to "Black Swan" on repeat. It was pep up song before I went into work. Ok, I know. Thom Yorke as a pep song? It worked for me, though. I was in a really bad place with my job. I felt trapped and these songs brought me comfort. It was odd today how they just popped up in a row on my iPod. I was instantly transported back to last summer and it was like I felt the awful feelings all over again. I felt myself welling with tears, but half way through "Stronger," they stopped. I was feeling really happy. Impressed about where I am a year later. Yeah, I still have bad days, but they are not every day. I don't take my work home with me like I used to back in Minneapolis. Baby steps. It feels good.

Bob and Willie

The Marcus Amphitheater before the show (Taken from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).

For my dad's Father's Day and Birthday present, I got us tickets to Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson at Summerfest in Milwaukee. What made the concert even cooler was my dad and I saw Bob Dylan ten years ago almost to the date for my 21st birthday. Let me just say, that this concert was even better than ten years ago. Bob still has a good voice, despite what others had told me. I heard his voice was shot, but that wasn't the case this past Wednesday. As for Willie, I really didn't know what to expect. I admit that I am more of a Bob fan than a Willie fan. The concert was absolutely amazing from start to finish. I think it has to be one of the best concerts I've ever been to. How could it not be with two of the biggest musical legends of all time performing?

Willie performed first. I was really shocked that he started promptly at 7:30. He played non-stop for the next hour. His voice still sounds the same and he has an incredible amount for energy for someone in their mid seventies. He played all of his hits: "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys, "Georgia on my Mind," "On the Road Again," "Whiskey River" and "The City of New Orleans." It was classic Willie wearing a bandanna, braid, black t-shirt, and jeans. He is an amazing performer. The musicians he had backing him were awesome, too. I was really impressed with how laid-back and himself Willie was. He really looked like he was having a good time.

Bob took to the stage with a dramatic entrance: a black stage and an announcer announcing him and all of his reinventions from over the years. He also had a black backdrop the projected black and white images throughout the show. This is not the Bob Dylan I remember from ten years ago. Ten years ago, it was very simplistic: Bob, his guitar, harmonica, and a stool. This time Bob really kicked it up a notch, it was two hours of rock and roll Bob. He only played the guitar for two songs (and it was an electric guitar) and the majority of the time he played the keyboard (yes, keyboard. I didn't know he even played the keyboard). Of course, he also played the harmonica. He had two guitar players , a bass player, and a drummer backing him. He did a good mix of his old songs with his new. Highlights included: " Like a Rolling Stone, "It Ain't Me Babe,"I'll Be Your Baby Tonight," Desolation Row," "Stuck in Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again," "Hwy. 61 Revisited," and the very last song of the encore was my absolute favorite Bob Dylan song: "ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER!" I just about crapped in my pants. It was the best version I have ever heard, too. Despite the rock and roll sound, it was still classic Bob Dylan. He wore a black suit with a black shirt and grey piping down the side of the pants, and a black cowboy hat; he had limited interactions with the audience.

I felt super young at this concert. I would say the average age of the concert goers was 55, but there was also a lot of twenty to thirty somethings and families with young kids. It is great how Bob and Willie really transcend generations and appeal to people from six to seventy.

My dad really had a great time. He actually enjoyed Willie more than Bob. My dad is sort of a Bob Dylan purist and likes it better when it's just Bob, his guitar, his harmonica, and a stool. Although, he did enjoy the Everly Brothers style of 50's rock.

All in all, an AMAZING show. If you ever have the opportunity to see either one of these legends, you should go. They will not disappoint.

I feel fortunate that I've had the opportunity to see one my favorite musicians of all time, Bob Dylan twice. I have so much more respect for Willie Nelson after seeing him. He is an amazing musician and person. And Bob, is always Bob. Both of these musicians have been able to stay true to themselves and not sell out. They are huge Icons in the music industry. It takes a lot to impress me ( I am a bit of a music snob), and Bob and Willie left me in awe. They are truly national treasures.

Today's Moment of Clarity Brought to You by Soul Asylum

Today while I was driving home from work "Runaway Train" by Soul Asylum was on the radio. I was never a huge Soul Asylum fan, but for some reason, I resisted the urge to change the station. Sort of glad that I did. As I was literally parked on 4th Street headed towards Central, I had this huge realization that this song really describes my life right now. Who would've ever guess that a song that was popular twelve years ago, would hit home. The chorus was the part that practically screamed at me:

"Runaway train never going back

Wrong way on a one way track

Seems like I should be getting somewhere

Somehow I'm neither here nor there."

Wow. It's as if David Pierner climbed inside my head. It's just so fitting. The image of the a runaway train fits so well. It's my life in a nutshell right now. It was like it was a wake up call to get my life back on track. I love it when a song hits so close to home. It is so very comforting. Right now that's about the best thing ever. And I have a song from 1994 to thank. Ahhh....Soul Asylum.

Vampire Weekend and Sunglasses

The other day I finally bought the Vampire Weekend CD, Vampire Weekend. It is my new favorite CD. I love the happy and poppy sound of all the songs. It's the perfect spring/ summer CD. Especially here in Minnesota, where spring seems like months away. Vampire Weekend sort of reminds me of Bloc Party, with a slightly retro 60's feel. They are amazing. It is one of the few CDs that I've bought recently where I actually like the entire CD. The best part is Vampire Weekend ended my month long Radiohead Fest. I had Ok Computer and The Bends on autorepeat with a bit of In Rainbows thrown in for good measure. That's way too much Radiohead for one person. Trust me. Shockingly, my mood is better now.

I finally bought myself a pair of prescription sunglasses. Part of it was the cost and part of it was my general laziness. Plus, I didn't realize that you could actually get fun, trendy, cute frames. I recall when I was little and my parents wanted me to have prescription sunglasses and they had an old pair of my glasses turned into sunglasses with the old prescription in them. Looking back, I applaud my parents' frugalness, but for a teen, that's the kiss of death. I hated the frames and wearing an old prescription gave me a headache. I went to the Target Optical center in my neighborhood Super Target. I was so surprised at the selection of frames for glasses and sunglasses. Very fashion forward. Plus, the employees let you browse. I was shocked. I hate how at the Big Box Optical Centers, they pounce on you and won't let go. I usually have an idea of what I want and don't need someone else forcing their opinions on me. I ended up with a fun pair of Nicole Miller frames that are very 80s. Plus, they have a classic quality about them. I didn't want to buy a pair of uber trendy Olsen twin sunglasses that would be ugly next year. In the world of eyeglasses, it is impossible to find frames and lens for under $300. Not the case at Target. So excited.

I Just Don't Get It...

This is going to make me very unpopular with the local music fans of the Twin Cities, but I don't care. Last night I saw local band turned national music media darlings, Tapes n Tapes on Conan. I was unimpressed. The only word I can use to describe them is: overrated. They're not bad, but they're not great. They're just meh at best. They just don't seem to live up to their hype. Tapes n Tapes is really nothing special. They seem the same as every other Indie Rock band. Everyone else in this town seems to think they are the best band ever. I just don't understand it. I've never understood it. I saw them before they broke nationally (before Erik Applewick jumped on the bandwagon), at the Hexagon, and I just thought they were ok. Mediocre at best. I would never go out of my way to see them, but they also don't make me want to rip out my eardrums, either.

Super Hack

I would like to add Timbaland to my list of people in the music industry who drive me nuts (he's in good company with Adam Levine and Nickelback). This might seem to come out of nowhere, but he has completely ruined the One Republic song, "Apologize." It is so much better without his annoying little touches. All he added to the song is a couple of beats and a "hey, hey." I am sorry but a small child without a musical background could come up with that nonsense. When the song is listed on the charts or played on the radio he receives most, if not all of the credit. It's credited as Timbaland featuring One Republic or my personal fave, simply Timbaland. Did Timbaland write the song? Noooo. Oh, but he arranged it and ruined a good song. Yes, that requires full credit. The song is great on it's own. It's a nice, poppy ballad a la Journey. It really didn't need the help of Mr. Super Producer Timbaland. Ugh. Every time I hear the original version I hear the stupid beats and the "hey, hey," they're engraved in my brain. I've been brainwashed by Timbaland. Someone help me!

Advice for Blake Lewis

After watching Blake Lewis perform last night on FOX's rip-off of Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve, I have decided that he really, really, really needs some help. He seemed like he had such a promising career ahead of him while he was on Idol, but now it looks like the begining of the end. Which is sad. He's a talented performer who seems a bit confused. Here's my list of things he needs to work on:

1. Pick a genre and stick with it. The song he performed last night had quite the multiple personalities. He went from pop to blues to rock to hip-hop in three minutes. YIKES. It was all over the place. If you're going to do something like that, it needs to work with the song and transition nicely from one genre to another. I would rather listen to an album of Maroon 5 covers than listen to him cover multiple genres in one song.

2. Stop with the beat-boxing. Or cut back on it. Seriously, too much beat-boxing is a bad thing. The song, "How Many Words" is such a good pop song that is ruined by the beat-boxing solo. I know that's what made him unique, but it has really gotten old.

3. Hire a Stylist. I am not being mean, but he looked so much cuter and more put together when he was on "Idol." Last night he was wearing some ill-fitting jeans, a black shirt, a grey hooded sweater, and a plaid scarf. Not horrible, but it didn't work with his body type. The scarf added a good 15 pounds. He should be dressed in a solid colors with bright colored accents. Or something a bit quirkier. His hair really shouldn't be spiky. It just looks silly. Way too totally teen. He needs something slightly edgier like an asymmetrical wedge cut. And no more clunky skater sneakers. Ewww...


I should seriously be a music producer. Or at least a stylist.

Please Go Back in the Closet

Yesterday I was watching MTV and I saw an ad for R. Kelly's new DVD "Stuck in the Closet: the Next Chapters." I am not making this up. I thought it was a joke or something, 'cause why would there be more chapters of possibly the worst song ever made. The ad made it seem like it was a parody a la SNL or Mad TV. Alas, it's not a joke, it's coming out on DVD soon. And you can buy it at Target. Why R. Kelly, why? "Stuck in the Closet" has to be the most annoying and longest song ever made. It goes on forever. And pretty much makes no sense. I love the line: "I'm stuck in the closet, got no phone in the closet." It's really funny to watch R. Kelly perform it like he's doing Macbeth. Not to mention it came out around 2005, I am sure that no one cares about R. Kelly being stuck in the closet. I'd like to meet the genius record executive who thought this was a good idea. Perhaps it's a way for R. Kelly to make some money to pay for all of his legal fees. Just a thought. If only he could stay trapped in the closet.

Wow...

I think it is so cool that Prince is playing at First Avenue tomorrow night. I really wish I could find a way to get a ticket for that... it's not like he plays there everyday, heck or even once a year. I really like Prince. What makes him so darn cool is he does stuff like the show at First Ave. that's sorta sneaky. He hasn't forgotten his roots.

I found out that the Smashing Pumpkins are reuniting and coming here in October. That is very cool. I haven't decided if I want to go or not. Fifteen year-old me says, "Oh my gosh! You have to go! Billy Corgan is god!" Twenty-nine year old me thinks that maybe it's not such a good idea. It might be better to leave that back in 1994. It's not the complete original Smashing Pumpkins, either. Still, I am sure it would be a great show. If I went I'd have to wear Converse one-stars with a ratty flannel complete with three shirts underneath and some loose fitting jeans.

The Worst Live Performance EVER

I would like to give that award to Adam Levine from Maroon 5. I saw them on "SNL" last night and I was in shock with how awful Adam is live. At times it was often inaudible. "Makes Me Wonder" what they do to his voice in the studio. They must have some great engineers. Seriously, he missed half of the words and the words he did sing were waaaaay off key. It was hands down the worst live performance ever. I was in shock. Even if I don't like Adam's voice, I can normally see the pop appeal. Last night it looked like some local bands night at a dive bar. I was shocked. I don't think this is a one time isolated event. When I saw them on "Idol" it was a similar situation. Although, it was far worse last night. Perhaps, Adam should look into lip syncing his way through performances.

Music I Can't Get Enough Of

Part of me will always be totally teen obsessing over songs for days and listening to them on repeat 24/7. There are two songs right now that I cannot get enough of--even after repeated listenings. Here they are:

"I'm Not Ready to Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks. I love this song! It's perfect mix of take- that girl power with this odd touch of sadness thrown in. I can relate. I'm never ready to make nice. The Dixie Chicks always stand up for what they believe in.

Anything by Peter, Bjorn, and John. I saw them a couple of months ago on Conan and they are awesome! So fun. A little bit of a throw back to the 60's. Plus, they're from Sweden and have a great sense of style.

Maroon 5

This post is in honor of Maroon 5's show tonight at the Fine Line...

I really, really, really, cannot stand Maroon 5. Ugh. Their new song, "Makes Me Wonder" drives me up the wall. It's so adult contemporary wannabe Bee Gees lite. Not to mention that when they perform it, they're not having fun, it's like a funeral dirge. They look like they are all too cool to have fun. It's a song that's meant to not be taken seriously.

Their last album, "Songs About Jane" has got to be one of the most over played albums ever. I admit when it first came out (four years ago) I thought they were OK. I could tolerate them. I wouldn't go out of my way to see them play, but they were tolerable. That was before I heard "This Love" played over and over and over. There's something about Adam Levine's voice that makes me want to rip on my eardrums. It's too nasally and the falsetto thing is awful. Plus, he's a man whore. He has a wannabe Morrissey haircut, too. Now, if Blake Lewis wanted to record an album of nothing but Maroon 5 covers, I would be all over that. I thought that when "Makes Me Wonder" landed, it would be so much better if Blake sang it. It all comes down to Adam Levine's horrible voice. That's what makes me abhor Maroon 5 so much. Their songwriting is pretty decent, it's just that Adam's voice is so annoying. It's not like Nickelback where everything is just horrible.

I think it's just me, though. Everyone else seems to really like Maroon 5. I guess I am just a music snob.

RIP Drive 105

I was very upset the other day when I turned my radio to Drive 105 and I heard elevator music. Apparently, Drive 105 is no more. It's Love 105. Playing the best music of the 60's-80's. Do we really need another easy listening station? I loved my Drive 105. It was such a good mix of old school alternative with new. I know that I can still listen to the Current, but I don't like having to listen to the weird and bizarre for fifty five minutes until they play something I enjoy. Don't get me wrong, I do like the Current, I will just miss how Drive 105 fit more with my personal taste in music. I don't enjoy crazy jazz or hippie dippy folk rock. These two genres always seem to fill the Current's playlist. Drive 105 was much less pretentious, too. I looked forward to Homegrown on the Sunday nights. It was a great look at the local music scene. I got the sense that the hosts actually enjoyed the local bands that they played. Sometimes with the Current, I get the sense that they aren't playing the band because they like them, they are playing them because they are trendy.

I know that Drive 105 wasn't doing well in the rating, but I'd like to believe that I am not the only one who enjoys good alternative music. The Twin Cities is a pretty big city and should have an alternative radio station. Heck, Milwaukee, which is a much smaller market, has an alternative radio station. I guess for now, I'll have to put up with the randomness of the Current or just listen to Cd's.

I heart Blake

I have to admit that I have a silly totally teen crush on Blake. Shhhhh.... don't tell anyone! He's probably the most original and talented contestant on "American Idol." I was so impressed with how he totally reworked the Bon Jovi song and made it so much better than the original version. Wow. Plus, he can play the keyboards, dance, sing, and has fabulous fashion sense. Did I mention that he sang one of my favorite Cure songs? I really, really hope he wins Idol. He totally deserves it.

Musical Hell

For the past couple of hours the radio in my head has been playing nothing but Bon Jovi. Ugh. Horrible. Horrible. Horrible. Can someone make it stop? Please. It's driving me mad. I somehow think watching "AI" will not help this situation...

The Woman Who Sold the World

It looks like Courtney Love is at it again. Is nothing sacred? Can we just let poor Kurt Cobain rest in peace? This time Courtney has decided that she is going to sell all of Kurt's possessions. I guess she's tired of having the house look like a shrine to Kurt. I can sort of understand that. What I don't understand is she is donating 1/2 of the proceeds to charity and the rest goes to her. Does she need anymore money? What does she plan to do with it? Get her botched lipo job fixed. Buy some more drugs. Some bad designer clothing. I think if you're going to do anything with his belongings, it should either go to charity or be donated to a museum. That's just me. The money could go to an organization that helps people with depression or drug abuse or funds music programs for kids. Something. Anything but in her hands. Frances Bean will receive one of his guitars, the sweater that he wore for the MTV Unplugged New York special, and a flannel. I am not a big fan of Courtney Love. Never have been. I did like the Hole song "Doll Parts" and her rocker chick style of the early 90's. I loved the baby doll dresses with the mary jane shoes. But, I don't like the mess that she has made of Kurt's posthumous life. Selling his journals. Poor taste. Causing the huge fight between the remaining band members. Very Yoko. I just don't like her.

Also, I wonder what kind of person would want to buy one of Kurt's old flannels or his signature cardigan sweater. Personally, I find that sort of thing disturbing. It's creepy. What would you do with it? You couldn't wear it. Put it on the wall in your living room. Make a quilt. I just don't get it. I am not into morbid displays of celebrity worship.

While I am not the Kurt Cobain expert, I don't think he's the type that would want people buying his stuff. I think he deserves more than a rummage sale of his belongings.

Welcome to my Personal Hell

The past two days I've been living in my own personal musical hell. I've had this crappy Nickelback (are there really any good Nickelback songs?) song stuck in my head. I don't know the name of it, but it's the one where the brilliant Chad Kroger rhymes cried, died, alive and sighed. Very creative. It is horrible. Ugh. Since I've had this stuck in my head, I've been wondering who really enjoys Nickelback? I don't. I never have. Most of my friends don't. Who is Nickelback's target audience? Frat boys? White Trash America? The deaf? I just don't get it. I admit that I am a bit of a musical snob. I can recognize musical talent even I personally don't like the band. But Nickelback? It amazes me that they are popular.

I have decided that Nickelback songs would fit nicely in a lesson on writing poetry as a bad example.