It so easy and convenient and I do it all the time. It's kind of like having a radio show, but not quite as cool. I'm doing song of the day and now talking about TV shows. I've realized that I'm such a pop-culture sucker and I'm just going to embrace it.
Missed the Bruce show in Albany tonight. It looked like a good setlist (Backstreets AND Kitty's Back) and got a phone call during Kitty's (Thanks KATE).
I did not get selected to go to New Orleans for Habitat for Humanity this year, but I will be re-applying for the program next year for sure.
LOST, Fringe, and Grey's provided great Finales this year. Excited for Summer, but hate having to wait several months to see the conclusion of these cliff hangers.
This weekend is the CF walk in Albany and unfortunately I will not be walking, but it's a great cause and Sarah is walking so please do anything you can. Even a $1 counts. Here's hoping you guys have great weather http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=5955&idUser=119750
Now it's time for The Office and Parks and Recs and 30 Rock. Working tomorrow night then the WEEKEND.
Peace Love and Cocoa Puffs!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Cage The Elephant
I had the great opportunity to work with this band on Friday and after getting their promo CD a couple weeks back I knew it was going to be a great show. I wasn't sure how it was going to be working with them, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was one of those nights like in SXSW where I just realize how lucky I am to have the job I do and meet the people I do. These guys are extremely professional and genuine.
Originally from Bowling Green, KY Cage the Elephant is made up of brothers Matt and Brad Shultz and friends Jared, Lincoln, and Daniel. After meeting in high school the band has had great success overseas and is just starting to see it hit in the states. Their single "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" is getting seriously airplay in Boston and I'm sure elsewhere. (UPDATE: According to Mediabase 24/7 it is currently the 10th most played song on alternative radio stations across the country.) It was the boys' first trip to Boston and the sold out crowd made them feel welcome.
After a set this weekend at Bamboozle Cage heads to UK. Then it's back to several American festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and All Points West. Next time they are back in Boston we'd love to have them back, but I'm guessing these guys will be playing Paradise Rock Club if not House of Blues.
Check out their website
Follow them on Twitter
Get a free download here
Originally from Bowling Green, KY Cage the Elephant is made up of brothers Matt and Brad Shultz and friends Jared, Lincoln, and Daniel. After meeting in high school the band has had great success overseas and is just starting to see it hit in the states. Their single "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" is getting seriously airplay in Boston and I'm sure elsewhere. (UPDATE: According to Mediabase 24/7 it is currently the 10th most played song on alternative radio stations across the country.) It was the boys' first trip to Boston and the sold out crowd made them feel welcome.
After a set this weekend at Bamboozle Cage heads to UK. Then it's back to several American festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and All Points West. Next time they are back in Boston we'd love to have them back, but I'm guessing these guys will be playing Paradise Rock Club if not House of Blues.
Check out their website
Follow them on Twitter
Get a free download here
Bruce Springsteen 4/22/09 Night Two Recap
So after the first night I was able to score a floor seat for the second night. The way Bruce works the floor is there is a front pit and the general floor section. To get in the pit you have to get a wristband, then it's a lottery system. I was number 66 out of 636 and they picked 501. 350 of us were let in and when I got in I went straight to the stage on the left hand side in front of Clarence. While the first night was great, the second night blew it out of the water. Maybe it was proximity to the stage or the fact that I high-fived the man during Waitin' On A Sunny Day but something about the energy of this show was incredible. It's been almost two weeks and I'm still talking about it.
Maybe I'll end up at the show in Albany too?
Maybe I'll end up at the show in Albany too?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Bruce Springsteen 4/21/09 Night One Recap
So this was my 5th Bruce show, but only my second E St show. I was hoping to score GA's but ended up on the lower level even with the soundboard and it was great. Of the two shows I've seen 43 different songs, and people are wondering why I want to go again?
Badlands
What I great way to hit the ground running. The song sounded great and I like it more at the beginning then the end.
Adam Raised A Cain
Back to back Darkness tracks raised the roof. Not a single person was still in their chairs and we were only about 10minutes in.
Outlaw Pete
Wasn't sure how this was going to be live and I really enjoyed it. After the first two rockers it brings it back down, but didn't complete destroy the momentum.
Out In The Street
A personal favorite of mine and we are back at full volume!
Working On A Dream
Love the message, still out on the song. It was good live, but I didn't LOVE it.
Seeds
I can do without this song. It's not one that I listen to on a regular basis, but it still rocked.
Johnny 99
As you can tell by my s/n this and Thunder Road are two of my favorites. I think its interesting that we've almost all of the last couple tours represented, except Devils & Dust. As long as he doesn't start closing the shows with Dream Baby Dream I would love to see a solo song or two or full band versions. Right around The Wrestler would be great. But Johnny 99 was smoking tonight.
The Ghost of Tom Joad
Nils shredded this song apart. If they can rework this, they really need to work on some of the Devils and Dust stuff.
Raise Your Hand
It was like Simon Says. Bruce said Raise Your Hand and the crowd obliged. Signs collected.
I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide
Everyone loves a good cover, and this was fun, but I wish there were more BRUCE sign requests.
I'm Going Down
Really enjoy this and since Gillette when it was "Rarely played, and ever more rarely requested" it seems if there is a sign for this one, it's going to get played.
Growing Up
Another sign request. First saw this on D&D tour. Liked the full band version equally live.
Waitin' On A Sunny Day
I know here this song is tired and old, but I've never seen it and it's been a song with a lot of personal meaning to me. So those first couple chords really got be going. As much as the handful of people here are bored with it. First timers and others really get into it. It has to give the guys on stage a huge boost of energy.
The Promised Land
I fell in love with this song on D&D and personally think he should strip it down going into The Wrestler.
The Wrestler
This song live was awesome. More powerful and emotional if that's possible. I remember when someone recorded from the end of the film before it had released and I wasn't sure about it. Now I'm hooked. The smoke effect was pretty cool. It's interesting to see mid tour he dropped the super bowl screen. Wonder if it will come back?
Kingdom of Days
WOAD has been growing on me as an album and I'm glad that this was one of the ones I got to hear live. Dedicated to Patti tonight who had a spill off a horse, although not a 'Madonna-like' spill. This one went out to her.
Radio Nowhere
While the sign was great and I like this song...he replaced Jungleland for it. Sign maker is not forgiven.
Lonesome Day/The Rising
Where some people are really tired with Waitin'. I'm tired with these two. They are great and I'm sure I was singing at the top of my lungs, but can't we get Lost in the Flood or Thunder Road or Kitty's Back or more Working On A Dream.
Born to Run
Lights on. Security guy in front of my section looked startled that the lights came on, then was smiling from ear to ear. I think this works really well to close the main set. Tramps like us...
Hard Times
Good song. Prefer How Can A Poor Man... if he is going to do something along these lines and I'm not sure it works really well as an encore opener, but it does work with the PSA.
10th Avenue Freezeout
Some people think this has gotten to hammy, but I love this song. It's a 'New Jersey fairy tale' as he said in July. The crowd gets into it, the band has fun with it. And I mean it's the BIG MAN! (Who by the way was holding his own, but he sat in his chair during the encore break and Cindy helped him across the stage for the bows.)
Land of Hope and Dreams/American Land
It's when you know it's the end of the night. I like LOHAD but also think its tired in the Encore slot. I'm okay with a consistent main set closer, but get rid of these two for a bit.
Rosalita
Just like Gillette one more for the road. Rosie came out and the lights came back on and it was a rocking time in the Garden.
Great energetic night. Setlist was great. Hoping to score a single ticket for tonight!
Badlands
What I great way to hit the ground running. The song sounded great and I like it more at the beginning then the end.
Adam Raised A Cain
Back to back Darkness tracks raised the roof. Not a single person was still in their chairs and we were only about 10minutes in.
Outlaw Pete
Wasn't sure how this was going to be live and I really enjoyed it. After the first two rockers it brings it back down, but didn't complete destroy the momentum.
Out In The Street
A personal favorite of mine and we are back at full volume!
Working On A Dream
Love the message, still out on the song. It was good live, but I didn't LOVE it.
Seeds
I can do without this song. It's not one that I listen to on a regular basis, but it still rocked.
Johnny 99
As you can tell by my s/n this and Thunder Road are two of my favorites. I think its interesting that we've almost all of the last couple tours represented, except Devils & Dust. As long as he doesn't start closing the shows with Dream Baby Dream I would love to see a solo song or two or full band versions. Right around The Wrestler would be great. But Johnny 99 was smoking tonight.
The Ghost of Tom Joad
Nils shredded this song apart. If they can rework this, they really need to work on some of the Devils and Dust stuff.
Raise Your Hand
It was like Simon Says. Bruce said Raise Your Hand and the crowd obliged. Signs collected.
I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide
Everyone loves a good cover, and this was fun, but I wish there were more BRUCE sign requests.
I'm Going Down
Really enjoy this and since Gillette when it was "Rarely played, and ever more rarely requested" it seems if there is a sign for this one, it's going to get played.
Growing Up
Another sign request. First saw this on D&D tour. Liked the full band version equally live.
Waitin' On A Sunny Day
I know here this song is tired and old, but I've never seen it and it's been a song with a lot of personal meaning to me. So those first couple chords really got be going. As much as the handful of people here are bored with it. First timers and others really get into it. It has to give the guys on stage a huge boost of energy.
The Promised Land
I fell in love with this song on D&D and personally think he should strip it down going into The Wrestler.
The Wrestler
This song live was awesome. More powerful and emotional if that's possible. I remember when someone recorded from the end of the film before it had released and I wasn't sure about it. Now I'm hooked. The smoke effect was pretty cool. It's interesting to see mid tour he dropped the super bowl screen. Wonder if it will come back?
Kingdom of Days
WOAD has been growing on me as an album and I'm glad that this was one of the ones I got to hear live. Dedicated to Patti tonight who had a spill off a horse, although not a 'Madonna-like' spill. This one went out to her.
Radio Nowhere
While the sign was great and I like this song...he replaced Jungleland for it. Sign maker is not forgiven.
Lonesome Day/The Rising
Where some people are really tired with Waitin'. I'm tired with these two. They are great and I'm sure I was singing at the top of my lungs, but can't we get Lost in the Flood or Thunder Road or Kitty's Back or more Working On A Dream.
Born to Run
Lights on. Security guy in front of my section looked startled that the lights came on, then was smiling from ear to ear. I think this works really well to close the main set. Tramps like us...
Hard Times
Good song. Prefer How Can A Poor Man... if he is going to do something along these lines and I'm not sure it works really well as an encore opener, but it does work with the PSA.
10th Avenue Freezeout
Some people think this has gotten to hammy, but I love this song. It's a 'New Jersey fairy tale' as he said in July. The crowd gets into it, the band has fun with it. And I mean it's the BIG MAN! (Who by the way was holding his own, but he sat in his chair during the encore break and Cindy helped him across the stage for the bows.)
Land of Hope and Dreams/American Land
It's when you know it's the end of the night. I like LOHAD but also think its tired in the Encore slot. I'm okay with a consistent main set closer, but get rid of these two for a bit.
Rosalita
Just like Gillette one more for the road. Rosie came out and the lights came back on and it was a rocking time in the Garden.
Great energetic night. Setlist was great. Hoping to score a single ticket for tonight!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Please Enjoy The Music While Your Party Is Reached
New music player on the right side. I'll update it when I hear new music that I have to share!
I suck at blogging again
I know. I've not been good at blogging lately, but I'm working on it. I really want to get back into writing more and about more things and maybe finish that movie/book/tv pilot I'm writing. I was talking about it to someone the other day and they like it, so back to that soon. Things are crazy here at work, but good crazy. Trying to make some changes and seeing resistance, but I'm just remember that I can't change everything or that changes don't happen instantly. Serenity!
Music is great. Everyday finding new stuff and rediscovering old stuff. Trying to me less ADD and more focused on things and get the ball rolling on my 10 year plan. It's scary to think that I have a 10 year plan (and that I'll be 34 when I get to the end of it) but I have goals and if I want to make it happen, I have to start now. Too bad saving money is hard when all I want to do is go to shows. I'm not one to ask for favors and with the state of the music industry, live music is the only income these people are having. So I'll pay the $20 to see a band or $100 Million to see BRUCE! This week has been crazy. Working events day and night trying to get new stuff in here and more exposure for the cafe. But I'm getting tired. Late nights, early mornings. Hopefully I do it now and it pays off by the end of this 10 year plan.
Artists to check:
Toby Lightman / Lucy Woodward / Rachel Platten
Last night these three ladies graced our stage for the second time. Their voices really blow me away. Something very soothing and soulful about all of them.
Cage The Elephant
This show is coming up in a couple weeks and they are alternative country type and it just rocks. These guys are really starting to pick up steam in the blogs and press and I'm sure the show is going to sell out in a couple weeks.
The Hold Steady
I have been listening to Massive Nights for a while since I got it on a compilation disc a couple months ago, but after seeing an interview with them down at South By and getting some more urgings from friends I've been listening to the albums the past week or so. 'Chips Ahoy" is a great track about horse racing and drugs. The DJ for the event yesterday said their sound is "if Bruce Springsteen and Thin Lizzy birthed a band". Check it out for serious!
Delta Spirit
Still spreading the Delta Spirit love. Check the last post for more info on these guys. Long day that pounding bass drum really hits hard.
It's marathon weekend and there are Red Sox games, Bruins and Celtics are in the playoffs so the city is alive with tourists and runners. It's annoying because everything is crowded and people walk slow, but I love that the city is alive again. Summer is almost here.
No hot water this morning so it was a cologne shower this morning. Hopefully I'll get some time to run home this afternoon and freshen up. Looking for apts for next year or at least I should be. Looking for a roommate, but it may be time to grab a studio. Probably get more writing and focus on. TV has been running my life. So many great shows on right now. Will be happy when they wrap for the summer. More motivation to get outside and enjoy the sun.
We'll talk soon. I promise.
Shawn
Music is great. Everyday finding new stuff and rediscovering old stuff. Trying to me less ADD and more focused on things and get the ball rolling on my 10 year plan. It's scary to think that I have a 10 year plan (and that I'll be 34 when I get to the end of it) but I have goals and if I want to make it happen, I have to start now. Too bad saving money is hard when all I want to do is go to shows. I'm not one to ask for favors and with the state of the music industry, live music is the only income these people are having. So I'll pay the $20 to see a band or $100 Million to see BRUCE! This week has been crazy. Working events day and night trying to get new stuff in here and more exposure for the cafe. But I'm getting tired. Late nights, early mornings. Hopefully I do it now and it pays off by the end of this 10 year plan.
Artists to check:
Toby Lightman / Lucy Woodward / Rachel Platten
Last night these three ladies graced our stage for the second time. Their voices really blow me away. Something very soothing and soulful about all of them.
Cage The Elephant
This show is coming up in a couple weeks and they are alternative country type and it just rocks. These guys are really starting to pick up steam in the blogs and press and I'm sure the show is going to sell out in a couple weeks.
The Hold Steady
I have been listening to Massive Nights for a while since I got it on a compilation disc a couple months ago, but after seeing an interview with them down at South By and getting some more urgings from friends I've been listening to the albums the past week or so. 'Chips Ahoy" is a great track about horse racing and drugs. The DJ for the event yesterday said their sound is "if Bruce Springsteen and Thin Lizzy birthed a band". Check it out for serious!
Delta Spirit
Still spreading the Delta Spirit love. Check the last post for more info on these guys. Long day that pounding bass drum really hits hard.
It's marathon weekend and there are Red Sox games, Bruins and Celtics are in the playoffs so the city is alive with tourists and runners. It's annoying because everything is crowded and people walk slow, but I love that the city is alive again. Summer is almost here.
No hot water this morning so it was a cologne shower this morning. Hopefully I'll get some time to run home this afternoon and freshen up. Looking for apts for next year or at least I should be. Looking for a roommate, but it may be time to grab a studio. Probably get more writing and focus on. TV has been running my life. So many great shows on right now. Will be happy when they wrap for the summer. More motivation to get outside and enjoy the sun.
We'll talk soon. I promise.
Shawn
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
People, C'mon
Well it's been a week since South By and I'm still re-living the moments. It was right back to work so I haven't really had a chance to sit back and write about all the bands I saw, but I will, I hope. Work is good. A lot going on as the students wind down for the semester. We are already booking into June which is crazy talk. This week we have the last Executive Session of the semester Natalie Maine's dad and Acapella Friday night. Also the one year celebration of the club with three alum/student groups on Saturday. Steven's going to the KS formal as are a lot of people so it will probably be a pretty quiet weekend. Although after a week of detox after Texas I'm ready to go out again.
Thursday night will probably go to Northeastern's alumni center to grab a drink to celebrate Rebecca's new job (She's coming to Berklee yay!). Then its home to settle in for 3 hours of the end of ER. The end of an ERa. Growing up we had one night a week we could stay up as late as we want and pretty much do whatever we want, within reason. That's when I first saw ER. Carter was just an intern who had never been in an ER and Carol was supposed to die. 15 years later the hospital I grew up with, and which at one point had me wanting to be a doctor, will leave the air for good. (I once even watched a season finale from the Albany Med ER, a girlfriend had put her teeth through her lower lip and needed stitches.) Hopefully they do Michael Crichton and the original writers, and the characters the justice they deserve.
I might be going to New Orleans in June. Berklee pays for 4 Faculty and 4 Staff members to go and volunteer their time and build houses for Habitat for Humanities in a music village down there. I'm applying this week and will hear back the first week in May. Wish me luck.
Another casting call I may attend for fun this weekend, but look for more details on that later.
-S
Thursday night will probably go to Northeastern's alumni center to grab a drink to celebrate Rebecca's new job (She's coming to Berklee yay!). Then its home to settle in for 3 hours of the end of ER. The end of an ERa. Growing up we had one night a week we could stay up as late as we want and pretty much do whatever we want, within reason. That's when I first saw ER. Carter was just an intern who had never been in an ER and Carol was supposed to die. 15 years later the hospital I grew up with, and which at one point had me wanting to be a doctor, will leave the air for good. (I once even watched a season finale from the Albany Med ER, a girlfriend had put her teeth through her lower lip and needed stitches.) Hopefully they do Michael Crichton and the original writers, and the characters the justice they deserve.
I might be going to New Orleans in June. Berklee pays for 4 Faculty and 4 Staff members to go and volunteer their time and build houses for Habitat for Humanities in a music village down there. I'm applying this week and will hear back the first week in May. Wish me luck.
Another casting call I may attend for fun this weekend, but look for more details on that later.
-S
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