Throwback Thoughts

On this perpetual day of constant "throwbackiness", I reminisce about my first big time, real deal, concert. Many people will recall their first as a show they were dragged to by their parents. Something that may be good and timeless - say, The Beach Boys - but not their own taste. For me, my first was seeing a band I admired more than all the rest.

Even in elementary school I was a major pusher of their tunes. So much so, their albums were perpetually forced on my family to listen to on road trips. With my influence over the years, my dad turned into a fan, and it was around this time twelve years ago that he drove my friends and I to Seattle to see Tony, Adrian, Tom, and Gwen -  otherwise known collectively as No Doubt. At fourteen years old, I hadn't seen anything cooler.

Under the gorgeous, historic ceilings of The Paramount Theater, I still remember being in awe. There was that sense of excitement just over the fact that I was in the SAME ROOM as these people I idolized. That room included a couple thousand other people, yet the experience felt entirely personal. Even before the show started, my friends and I were bouncing around in the front row of the balcony, freaking out after spying Ms. Stefani dancing in the wings during the opening act. Even as a I get older, seeing people in "real life" is surreal. 

The entire show had that same big atmosphere. Everyone was up and dancing (even our chaperone - my dad - was being a "cool dad", getting out of his seat). Although, bopping along to all those fun, ska inspired rock/pop hits, can't compare to the deafening sounds of an entire theater chiming in all together to sing their classic ballad, "Don't Speak".



My souvenir t-shirt from that night is worn thin, but that Rock Steady print scarf (pictured above) is still in heavy rotation as an accessory. Whenever I wear it, I'm reminded of where it came from. I'll always have ties to No Doubt, even though over time their music has been hit or miss.

Stefani became heavily focused on a career outside the band. Her many huge hits (including the irritating "Hollaback Girl") continued to push the lead singer into a solo sensation. I may not be a fan of her biggest song to date, but I did love a lot of Stefani's other music and will always cheer her on.

After an underwhelming release by No Doubt in 2012, Stefani is back this fall doing her own thing again. With her seemingly caring nature combined with expansive music industry know-how, she is a perfect addition to the judging panel on The Voice. Plus, it just so happens that she has a new single.



Within just a couple beats, it is obvious that this a great pop track. The bad part - it's generically good. Anyone could be singing this song. Even when Stefani was singing about how "shit was bananas" and spelling out the fruit, it was a voice all her own. "Baby Don't Lie" has a little bit of that ska vibe, but the auto tune makes every singers voice sound the same. All originality is lost in the process.

I don't want to rip it to shreds, because I do think it's a really fun song and I'm happy to see Stefani in all her musician glory again. I guess all popular music these days just has to sound like that.

When you really think about it, the fact that even one of the members of No Doubt is still around is really beating the odds. There are endless bands to enjoy, and even if it is mostly Stefani who is still in the spotlight, she's been there for 20 years.

Mostly her continued popularity has to do with Stefani still exuding the same bad-ass, chic demeanor, that has made her an idol for women everywhere. It could also be that fans like me remain somewhat devoted.

Ultimately, no matter the year, anytime No Doubt wants to release new music, I will continue to give it a chance. Even if their tunes sometimes land outside of my taste-zone, we'll always have that night in Seattle.

 

Weekly Buffet - Astonishing Goods

Surprises were big this week. We had lovely extended summer high temps, and numerous simple joy's turned the last seven days into a real treat.

Besides the glorious fact that my sunflowers finally decided to bloom (!), here's a sampling of things I found to soak up over the last week, and hey, I think you'll like it too. 

Ellie Goulding - "In My City"

If memory, or perhaps blog history, proves correct, a couple years ago there was a feature published here filled with complaints about all the twenty-something female singers emerging from the U.K. at the same time.

While I will never recant my feelings about Jessie J, after the addicting, "Anything Can Happen" and, "I Need Your Love" got into my ears over the summer, I caved and have since given Ellie Goulding a fair chance.

While her live performances often present a voice that is still mostly screechy and less than desirable, all of that is forgiven once her actual recorded synth-pop tracks start streaming through my head phones.

Anyone trying to find more albums to keep you motivated, while trying to work or exercising, look no further than Goulding's 2012 album, Halcyon. Mostly I have to keep my need for dancing at a minimum while working, restricted to a lil' toe tapping or the coveted chair swivel move, but it proves difficult while cranking this album.

Gouldling doesn't completely limit herself to a dancey beat either. She can also be found beautifully crooning with a choir of voices on the haunting piano ballad, "I Know You Care".

Freebie Premium Channels

Guys, I'm stressed - as of this past weekend I have full access to the cable glory that is Showtime and HBO.

Being a constant worrier, finding somewhat unimportant things to be anxious about can take a lot of edge off the daily stresses of life and those issues outside our reach, like anxiety about the safety of people in Syria and how tons of molasses is pouring into the harbor in Hawaii and killing the wildlife.

For everyone's sake, let's take a break and all stress about finding the time for consuming top notch entertainment. Agreed?

Any TV fan can relate to this interminable question: what the heck do I catch up on first? Zillions of episodes magically cascading endlessly out in front of you, all set up as On Demand for your pleasure, has actually caused me to break out in a cool sweat.

Once the awe faded away, I was able to make a rational decision - start with the shows I'm only a couple seasons behind on and progress from there. Brand new series will just have to wait.

Being an avid follower of the The Big C for two seasons, I was stoked when season three began last year. Due to computer difficulties I gave up trying to find the episodes on the world wide web and decided to wait for legal viewing options.

That time has now come, and while the story falls a smidgen off course, guest stars like Susan Sarandon, Alison Janney, Hamish Linklater, and one of  those Streep kids, is a reminder that wonderful actors playing unusual characters is what makes this show stellar. Entirely recommended to anyone looking for something new, if even just for the endlessly enjoyable relationship between brother and sister pair, Cathy (Laura Linney) and Sean (Sean Tolky).

Typical Washington weather is slowly creeping its way back in making for perfect guilt free television viewing. On stack next will be finishing up Homeland and Dexter.

(The first three seasons of The Big C are also available on dvd.)

The Hobbit

How are they turning The Hobbit into three movies?  That is the question perplexing my brain as I flip through the pages of the only Tolkein book I will (presumably) ever read.

Not to say this one is such rubbish that I would detest the others, it's just... I'm more of a one book kind of gal, not a trilogy - too much commitment.

Seriously though, 270 pages into three movies- how will they do it?

When the first movie came out earlier this year, I was half way stuck between believing I had read the tale of Bilbo Baggins in elementary school and, on the flip side, not remembering the plot at all. Three weeks ago I decided it was much better just to read it (re-read it?) and find out. Long story short, my memories were wrong - I never read this book, but I'm now glad that I did.

Besides the fact that many of the sections feel hurried along with a lack of much details, the story of one delightful hobbit dragged along by 13 dwarves on a trek to find a mountain full of treasure guarded by a dragon, turns into quite an exciting adventure. After watching the three Lord Of The Rings movies earlier this year, it was also quite tremendous to finally learn how exactly Bilbo ended up with "The Ring" in the first place.

This is definitely recommended to anyone looking for a quick read of classic, epic proportions.

There's two more movies coming out, so you better get reading.


Enjoy Sunday and the week to come everyone! I'll be cooking up my mass crop of tomatoes and making sauce all day, while cheering for the Seahawks, and freaking out about Walter White in the desert with creepy Todd. Good day indeed.

Seemingly Civil Wars

[Happily duetting back in 2012 - Gorge Amphitheater]

Today's release of the new Civil Wars album is bringing to light feelings of tremendous joy, but also grief.

Any fan of the hit 2011 album, Barton Hollow, was instantly clamoring for more from the duo with gorgeous harmonies. As expected from Joy Williams and John Paul White (two singers who are so perfectly matched together they could sing anything and fill a crowd with awe) the new self titled album kicks off with the dramatic gusto of, "The One That Got Away", followed by the bluesy, "I Had Me A Girl". Their cover of The Smashing Pumpkin's chilling, "Disarm" is also a can't miss.

You can just have a beautiful voice and be successful in the music industry, but what lasts is compelling songwriting, and The Civil Wars are never short of weaving a terrific story set with stellar melodies.

Success - ah, here is where we get to the disappointing truth. Did success just come too fast for these two?

From personal experience, just over a year ago, they were the highlight of 2012's Sasquatch Music Festival. Both Williams and White seemed honestly shocked to draw thousands of people to an afternoon show at the Gorge Amphitheater Mainstage. They weren't the headliners of the festival, but music fans gather when talent is on the roster.

All this pressure on a little group didn't stop the two from doing their thing, feeding off the electric energy they have with each other, smiling, dancing, and having, what seems like, a ball. In the end their cool, collected, no bells and whistles performance all about their showstopping talent made for a concert experience of a lifetime.

                                  (Shaky camera work due to extreme excitement. "Billie Jean"!)

I feel bad even talking about how tremendous they are live, as many fans may never get the chance to experience it for themselves.

By now most have heard that the duo are, for right now, not even on speaking terms. Williams has been doing some press for the new album, but White seems to be keeping to himself. Little is known about the exact reasons keeping these two apart, and really, who are we to pry.

While we can still appreciate the new wonderful tunes, this news of behind the scenes tension adds a tinge of sadness to each note. Fans who appreciate their work just want the best for them, especially for a group who's talent could produce music for the ages. We'll just sit back and hope these two can work it out.

Why can't these talented folks keep it together? There are plenty of groups out there that could use a good tussle to get them off the radar for awhile.

While wishing tension on anyone is negative, as a Civil Wars fan, I couldn't help but drum up a  hypothetical proposition titled, "But Why Can't They Be Fighting?".

So, if you had magical powers and could transfer this Williams and White fight to any other group, who would it be? For me, if any of the below groups were having a tiff, I wouldn't care and it would not ruin their music (because, for the most part, I don't like it anyway):

Insane Clown Posse

Dave Matthews Band

Black Eyed Peas

Vampire Weekend

Mumford & Sons

Fall Out Boy

Maroon 5

Florida Georgia Line (what even is this?)

Fun.

The Rolling Stones

 
On that note, they may be on a break, but The Civil Wars still have a new album, so support them while you can. Go out and purchase it which ever way you buy music these days (currently listening to it on Spotify, but I will be buying a physical copy at a real music store soon).

At the same time think, which band would you transfer this "Civil War" to?

Come on guys, just make up! Please?


Until next time!

Confessions On A Half-Time

In third grade there were two ladies who made me curse the day I was born a brunette-those two women being Gwen Stefani and Madonna.

These two platinum blond stars (well, most of the time Madonna) were an integral part of my early music obsessions, and while my taste has evolved over the years, there will always be a little bit of my heart reserved for both.

Although, I have discovered in the couple months, that my love for Madonna has slowly faded more than originally believed (Anyone who saw her annoying Golden Globes speech knows).

While high school Justine would have blown her lid about Madonna performing at the Super Bowl Half-Time Show, post-College, 24 year-old Justine, is rather blase about it.

As of right now though, I am doing my younger self a favor, and trying to rally behind the idea of seeing her perform tomorrow. Like A Prayer! Borderline! The Ray of Light Album! Come on, get into the groove! (Oh, pun definitely intended.)

It was a rough start to this mission yesterday, with the debut of her bizarre (not in a good way) football/crappy commercial inspired music video for, "Give Me All Your Luvin' ".  Even with MIA, I really got yearning for the old days of Madge after watching that mess.

That disaster aside, lets get real: she's a legend, and has got plenty of classic, and possibly new, material to bring to the stage. Come along with me, watch some vids, and get jazzed for tomorrow night.

Dress You Up

Let's all collectively wish that we were one of those teens in the 1980s, piling out of that station wagon, and perfectly adjusting our lace-bow head band to be just right for a night of dancing with the Material Girl.

Like A Prayer 

One of the most perfect, iconic songs, ever. Still gives me chills-must see this song performed live. Remember when music videos were controversial? Madonna always went there. (Click Here for said, brilliant video)

Hung Up 

Fun song - Fun Album - ABBA sample!

Borderline 

I miss the simplicity of music videos. The 1980s did it best. Break dancing, girl torn between weird photographer and another dude, green socks with bright yellow pumps. Done.

Madonna and Courtney
  Lastly, this gem as a parting gift. You are welcome.

Musical Discovery: Emmylou

As I am a full-time (or more like OVER time) workin' lady these days, I have decided this blog needs a little more structure. This way I figure I won't be so frazzled trying to think of something (anything!) to write. During this week I'll begin to integrate daily themed posts. Sound good? Well, lets get started.

Last Saturday, I had some fun with my library card, and checked out a mass collection of winning books and tunes. The library is really a poor persons best friend, so why not utilize it?

Especially in the music area, new things can literally be discovered every day. Selections from A Fine Frenzy, The New Pornographers, and even a duel live disc of Carol King and James Taylor made their way home with me recently.

The soundtrack to Brokeback Mountain, which I almost put back on the shelf when I realized I had eight CD's clasped under my arm, has actually been playing the most for the last several days. The minimalistic guitar score is fantastic, but it has mostly been playing non-stop because it highlights an iconic singer; Emmylou Harris. Her haunting voice perfectly resonates on the ballad, "A Love That Will Never Grow Old".





Inclusions of lovely songs, like that one, that ties into the emotional story, only makes Brokeback Mountain even more heart wrenching.

Harris has been a part of the music industry since the 1970s, and even though I always consider her to behold one of the most astounding singing voices, I am ashamed to admit that I don't know much about her or own any of her solo albums. Tragic.

Her work in movie soundtracks (O Brother Where Art Thou), duets with Dolly Parton, and work with Conor Oberst, ultimately is what brought her to my attention. However, I am planning on changing that. With nearly forty solo albums-there is a lot of catching up to do!

It's surprising to me that I connect with Harris's music as much as I do. Country music, on any range of the spectrum, normally hurts my ears. Although, with a voice like that, how can this musical exploration go wrong?

(Editors Note From The Future: Destiny strikes! Just yesterday, without my knowledge, Emmylou released a brand new CD. What are the odds? This post just became even more topical. Check out Hard Bargin at your nearest record store, or I guess, Itunes.)