Save Me Buddha-Bar Pandora Radio!

I was introduced to the Buddha-Bar soundtrack back in 2009. I heard it when I worked at The Summit Group Communication back in the day via my buddy and amazing colleague, Scott. After hearing it, I went to the library and found out that Buddha Bar had a variety of different soundtracks. I was hooked and bought all of them.

Since then, Buddha-Bar has been my go to when I need to get stuff done, and get it done quickly. Often, you will hear these tunes in my office when I have important deadlines to meet. Its varied sounds including drums, zithers, accordion, bongos, and Parisian influences provides the beats I need to stay focused and "get 'er done." 

With Pandora, I eat up the Buddha-Bar station like gangbusters. 

During my masters program, I would find my chair (Burt) in the Marriott Library at the University of Utah campus, plug in to my computer, and throw on Buddha-Bar. The end production of my writing and assignments was astounding - did I really just write that? Cool.
It is not news that music influences behavior; just read:

How Background Music Influences Behavior at Work: Berkeley Online Magazine
How Music Affects Your Productivity: Help Scout

Some of my most insightful blog posts were written while listening to Buddha-Bar. Now I sound like an advertisement - but I don't care. I just had to share with you something that works for me.

I also notice my house gets a little cleaner with these tunes streaming in the background.

Thank you Buddha-Bar....

Rockin A Capella

In Gilmore Girls (Season 6 I believe) there is a scene where Lorelai and Christopher go visit Rory at Yale. During the parent day visit, Rory says to avoid tunnels, arches, or anywhere that has good acoustics because it means that A Capella groups are hanging out there. During the rest of the show, Lorelai and Christopher make sure to avoid these places due to the fact that everyone at Yale seemed to belong to these crazy no-instrument singing groups.

I find that I generally do not like A Capella groups either and found myself laughing at the way the groups were portrayed in the TV series. That was until tonight. I don't know what it was, but the group I saw perform this evening was brilliant. Each voice seemed seamless. The choreography was hilarious. Though the group was professional and poised, I couldn't help but notice individual personality and flare during their performance. Tonight I saw the Harvard Krokodiloes perform music from titles like Danny Boy, to some more upbeat tunes like My Girl and even Rockin Robin (where part of the choreography included three men acting like birds). I was completely impressed.

By the end, I wondered why I hadn't liked this kind of vocal organization before. Maybe it is because I am jaded by the three to four-men A Capella groups that seem mostly to come out of Utah. I am not saying it is terrible, but there is something to be said about a larger A Capella group. I also liked that their sound was true to the song, meaning...no beat-boxing. Maybe that is why I haven't been so fond of A Capella groups before. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed the performance tonight and hope to go visit Harvard, Yale, Columbia and other top-notch schools that choose to stick with the roots of the true A Capella sounds.

Time After Time

When I was a sophomore in high school, I remember hearing the last measure of a song on the radio. I quickly turned it up recognizing the tune. It was the kind of recognition that didn't occur a few months ahead of time, it was the kind of recognition that now happened because it sparked something in my brain...but happened maybe even 10 years prior to the remembrance. My mom was driving and I asked her who it was that was singing. She didn't hear the tune, so I was left with this incredibly faded memory or recognizing this music without knowing how or why.

Days went by and the thought didn't really ever return until another time I was in the car driving with my mom and the song came on again. I quickly turned it up almost screaming "Mom, who is this...I know this, but I don't know how." My mom listened trying to recall her memories. Alas, she didn't know. After what seemed months, my mom came to me and said, "I remember that song, but not who the artist is. I remember your babysitter we had in California (I was 4 at the time) would always blast this in our house for you kids." Ah hah!! It didn't come back to me, but it made me feel a lot better that I wasn't crazy. Mom continued by telling me that the lyrics said "Time After Time" and that is when I called my very in-tune musically adept friends to ask them if they knew who sang it.

Within the next week, I found Cindy Lauper: a lyricist of my own heart. Time After Time was the magnet to this beautiful relationship. Girls Just Want to Have Fun, another memory provoking song. Yesterday, I worked out to her She's So Unusual CD.

Don't you love it when you rediscover some part of your past that has been locked in your memory...but it is not very clear? I love it. I have since been trying to unlock bits and pieces of my childhood and have recently discovered movies from my past, including The Challengers, Teen Witch, On Our Own (all of which were watched when I was 5 or 6 at my friend Erin's house), George Michael's Careless Whisper (I don't know the memory associated with the song...just that it is ingrained in my memory), WHAM and Blackbeard's Ghost.

The point is that the memories may have faded, but the remembrance of these songs and movies stuck with me until I could create new memories.

NPR vs. Music

Since starting school, I have had one or two teachers ask if there were people in the classroom that listened to NPR. It isn't that I don't want to listen to insights about gov't, politics, arts, or whatever...it is that I like music WAY too much! I tried listening the other day and it just wasn't the same going down the freeway jamming to talk radio. Oh heavens, what do I do? So instead, I settled for listening to Remy Zero, Prophecy on repeat until I got to my destination. Perfect freeway travel music.

Give it a listen....you will know what I mean. NPR is just going to have to wait until people stop making great music.

On the Same Page-page

Remember the movie, What Women Want? Knowing what other people think...what an interesting concept. Don't get me wrong, half of the mystery and intrigue of dating is not knowing what the other person is thinking, right? That is what makes it fun, challenging and adventurous. And I certainly realize that as a couple grows together, they learn and develop a communication that works for them. Ah...communication. Remember how our youth are learning how to communicate via text...that is a whole other issue. What I am talking about right now is communication for the here and now. I am talking about the absolute elimination of the DTR (define the relationship).

Often in a relationship with a boy ;) I get overanxious and nervous at the get-go wondering...how slow do I take it, I want them to know I am interested in them, but if I give away the farm...the mystery and intrigue is gone and they don't want a part in it, even if they say they don't like the 'game' they are lying because boys like the chase...tis the way of man, so he chases me, but how far and how long? do you like me check yes, no, maybe....all that jazz. (Wow, now you people have seen into my mind...a very scary place to be)!

So, to make the transition of dating easier for us people and instead of communicating, because obviously people don't like that as much as they say they do, I thought I would create a web page call the "On the Same Page" page. Instead of having a DTR (define the relationship), people could just belong to this site that gives them several options of 'where they are' in a relationship. It would have various check-box items that any couple can use to communicate which page they are on. This avoids the whole 'learning how to communicate about the relationship before I realize I want a relationship' phase. These check boxes would include some of the following ideas/status-indicators:

1. Just want to get some action
2. Looking for someone to have a good time with
3. Want commitment, but not until I date you for 3 months
4. Can meet family whenever, cause it doesn't create pressure
5. Don't want to meet family until we are engaged
6. Don't want you to chip in for dinners, I want to take care of it
7. Don't want to be invited to your shindigs until after we are boyfriend and girlfriend as to avoid the awkward 'how long have you been dating?' question
8. Looking for a girlfriend who will commit and not ask questions like 'where are we going' every two weeks
9. Looking for a marital companion, but not to be married until I say so
10. Looking to get married, but do not want to rush a good thing

You know, it would be just SO much easier this way. But in the words of Ryan Reynolds in the new movie The Proposal, "Yes that would be easier." If you haven't seen the movie, you will not get what I am saying. In the meantime, I found a great song, (kudos to Thad Hall for showing me that I am not the only one that needs to be on the same page), I'd Really Love to See You, by the one and only England Dan and John Ford Coley.

Hello
Yeah, it's been a while
Not much, how about you
I'm not sure why I called
I guess I really just wanted to talk to you

And I was thinkin' maybe later on
We could get together for a while
It's been such a long time
And I really do miss your smile

I'm not talking about movin' in
And I don't want to change your life
But there's a warm wind blowin' the stars around
And I'd really love to see you tonight

We could go walkin' through a windy park
Take a drive along the beach
Or stay at home and watch TV
You see it really doesn't matter much to me

I'm not talking about movin' in
And I don't want to change your life
But there's a warm wind blowin' the stars around
And I'd really love to see you tonight

I won't ask for promises
So you don't have to lie
We've both played that game before
Say I love you then say goodbye

I'm not talking about movin' in
And I don't want to change your life
But there's a warm wind blowin' the stars around
And I'd really love to see you tonight

I'm not talking about movin' in
And I don't want to change your life
But there's a warm wind blowin' the stars around
And I'd really love to see you tonight

For Paul Cardall

Tonight I came home from a concert planning on working all night on homework and research for school, but I just couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to share with y'all what I did tonight!

Tonight I attended a benefit concert for Paul Cardall. For those of you who don't know Paul, he is an incredible musician blessed with several gifts from writing and playing incredibly inspirational music, to creating and developing a successful record label. He has been on the billboard charts for new age music and has 14 studio albums.

I met Paul in 2007, when he approached The Summit Group to help him do PR for a concert and also for some musicians that were some of the first to sign with him. When we first met in a business setting, I was put at ease by his demeanor and attitude. He has a very positive outlook on life and his optimism spread into his business relations. I was excited that I got to work for someone so....for lack of another word....nice!

I ended up leaving The Summit Group shortly after I started working for him. After doing a few jobs on the side for him, I lost track of him....until tonight.

I entered the Cottonwood High School foyer an hour before the performance, overwhelmed by how many people were already there. I mean, c'mon, this is Utah...the place where people wait until the last minute to show up at anything. I thought I would be one of the first...I was wrong. There were people in four lines on the bottom floor and even people started making lines for balcony seating...all waiting for the ushers to open the doors to the auditorium, which I think seats a little over 3,000 people. The show was sold out...I think since Wednesday of last week.

I made my way around meeting my family members, running into old acquaintances and bidding on items that were on display for the silent auction...all proceeds that would go to Paul.

What I didn't know before I got there was the depth of Paul's story. See, I had only heard a little portion of it. I love his music anyway and wanted to go to the concert, but I didn't know what I was in for. You see, (according to my program) Paul is a 36 year old husband and father waiting for a heart transplant. Apparently, he was born in 1973 with congenital heart disease and has been in and out of the hospital for shunts, endocarditis, reconstructive heart surgery and has had various pacemakers replaced between ages 14 and now. He has waited 220 days for a heart.

So tonight, all his musicians, even competitive friends came to support him during this time.

I laughed, I cried, I bee-bopped along, I wished I would have taken more piano, I looked for wedding rings on all the musicians (just to see who was single), I looked around to see how others reacted to certain songs and performances. The stage was decked out with multiple lighting elements, from laser movement to a sweet color pallet, the background was set up with flowing white sheets that hung from the top of the stage and draped in the background, creating a very mystical and energetic space on the stage.

All the instruments, as well as two video screens, were in the front and to the sides. The screens projected close-ups of the musicians, and also acted as a slide show/video presentation during some of the songs.

Here are my personal highlights of the show:

• When Paul and his family entered the room, everyone stood and applauded.
• Kurt Bestor began with some songs. Though he makes light that he and Paul are somewhat 'competitors' he respects him as a fellow musician and actually thinks that he is a 'nice guy.' Along with some humor he threw into his performance, he wrote a song on the spot for Paul and his family.
• David Tolk's witty banter. He talked about writing a song before he married his wife called 'Pretty Girl' then realizing several months after they were married that there was more to her than just looks ;) He then commented that he was sure his wife wouldn't like the intro and justified himself by saying his wife is the most fabulous person ever and that he loved her. His song 'For Lisa' is amazing.
• Steven Sharp Nelson doing his thing on the cello. Pretty amazing stuff.
• Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband. K-so I have lived in Utah for almost 9 years now. SHEESH...and Ryan and the gang have been around...I mean around! AND I have never seen them. I know...it is like a sin. I finally got my taste tonight...and you know what? They are good. I bought the CD, I boogied to the sweet bluesy/folky tunes, moved my head back an forth to the fiddle and decided I was going to the concert in June. I am sold on you Shupe.
• Peter Breinholt-tell me that you remember me!? I remember the first time I saw Peter in the backyard of the 'boys' house up at Utah State. Patrick Svedine (spelling?) had him over once in his backyard on a makeshift stage decorated with hay. From the moment he started playing tunes like St. Theresa, What About....I was sold on Pete. He dedicated one of his songs that was for a little girl named Gracie. Paul is receiving his treatment from Primary Children's Hospital. As he makes his visits, he has a chance to connect with other patients. Gracie was one he made a connection with, who since birth, had trouble with her heart. She was one year old when she died. Paul played at her funeral.
  
• COLORS!! Need I say more. Talk about college-days flash back. Seriously. As I recall the first time I saw them was at this outdoor amphitheater up at Utah State. Wow boys...we have been around the block. Russ, you can still rap it like M&M...but cleaner. Yoshi...who knew Yoshi rhymed with anything? Way to go. MMM. Memories! Oh and shout out to Michael Ferguson who helped out with a reggae tune.
• Love the MC. Not only was he witty....but pretty durn (that's right durn) talented. Sam Payne is his name...

So, that was the outline of the show. I was completely blown away by the love I could feel in the auditorium. You know that feeling like you just got out of an incredible church meeting, or listened to an inspirational sermon or talk...and all you want to do is hug everyone and let them share the joy you have in heart? Yeah, that is how it was tonight for me. I just had to share this.

I have linked several names on this blog. Go to the sites, listen to the free tunes. You could potentially feel what I felt.

I think the most pivotal moment tonight was when Paul and his family were invited to come on to the stage. There was such gratefulness and compassion radiating from the family. Paul decided that he felt good enough to play for us. He too dedicated a song to Gracie...actually, he wrote a song for her. I don't remember if there was a dry eye in the audience.

I am glad I know Paul and that I was able to attend this event, "Living for Eden." I wish you well Paul and will pray for a new heart to come into your life....so we can continue to be inspired by you!

Rachael YamaGREATa

One of the opening bands said she might as well be called Rachael Yamagreata...and as cheesy at it was...that made me laugh so hard!

Seriously, Rachael Yamagata's performance Saturday night left me in awe and begging for more. My first time seeing her with the Hotel Cafe tour, I could have left before the encore and been perfectly content. As you may recall, I wasn't very impressed with it...but this time...I was stunned back into place.

The bands came in from Denver, and ran a little behind...but it gave me the opportunity to get to know my date...so I was cool with the 'lateness' factor. The stage was awesome. Decorated in silk flowers, some that lit up and some that were display only...I couldn't help but already have a sense for how the concert was going to be. I laughed a little thinking about the bands she was touring with and if they really cared that the decor was all very girly.

Though the first band couldn't make it, Spencer from (insert band name here *I forgot) played some of his fave tunes. His style was a mix of Jack Johnson and John Mayer. He couldn't rock all the way without his band, but I felt his enthusiasm.

The second opening band - or rather dude (s), totally wowed me! In fact, the first song hit me so hard that I teared up! I know I have already confessed that I am a Weeper, but it struck a chord with me...(no pun intended-he was playing the piano). Greg Laswell-will you marry me? His deep vocals sent me into shock....but even more when he hit those high notes. I almost forgot about my date ;) and almost ran onto the stage to hold Greg in my arms, at which point, I am sure I would have said, "Baby, just dedicate this next song to me...and I will be fine." Greg joked around that he had a dream once that his grandma came to him and said that he needs to start writing happy songs. So, in attempting to follow those words of wisdom, he wrote a song about the visitation, which started off being happy, but all in all with some minor chords mixed in with some melancholy timing...ended up being quite sad. In between his songs he thanked Rachael for letting him bring his silk flowers to adorn the stage. He was so cute....and I got to meet him!! I felt like a giddy school girl trying to play it cool, but totally coming off weird. Here is one of my fave tunes:



Then Rachael came on. She was so cute in her black dress and totally rocked! She began with a song that we all knew "Be Be Your Love." We cheered and cheered and wanted more. When she switched from the piano to the guitar...she rocked it! Her band was pretty remarkable. I was totally impressed with their onstage presence. So much more than the last time I saw her. Mid-concert, she switched it back to the band that was finally able to show up...Spencer's Band...Wiggly something, or Aqua something...I really just don't remember. There was some banter back and forth...and then Spencer rocked it with the girl bass chick, and wirey-little drummer. Then Rachael came back on and rocked her little heart out. I wanted my date to like her so much...just like me, so I kept making sure he had expression, which he didn't...but after a while, I kind of forgot that I wasn't by myself. My poor date.

When Rachael came back on for the encore, she did two songs, and the crowd went crazy! She started her last song and invited people on to the stage to perform with her. She got two teenage girls who rocked the harmony. With a couple of encouraging expletives...they went through the whole song, repeating the chorus a couple times. She seemed quite impressed. Very non-karaoke..it was awesome!

Here is one music video from her:



Um, highly recommended. Look them up.

Rachael Yamagata
Greg Laswell

Darlin' Do Not Fear

Darlin' Do Not Fear by Brett Dennen

When I arrived in my old set of clothes
I was half a world away from my home
and I was hunted by the wolves
and I was heckled by the crows
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

Alongside my innocence I laid in bed awake
conflicted and in chains with the impetus of age
but like a phantom she crept across the floor and out the window
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

From its place on the mantel my heart was taken down
scattered in a thousand little pieces on the ground
and I below the streetlamp like an orphan with a halo
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

cuz it won’t last
worries’ll pass
all your troubles they don’t stand a chance
and sometimes it takes more than a lifetime to know
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

Your confidences fall as your faith etched in stone
neither could comfort you from the wild unknown
so bury your burning hatred like a hatchet in the snow
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

If you have a broken heart or a battered soul
find something to hold onto until they go
to help you through the hard nights
like a flask filled with hope
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

cuz it won’t last
your worries’ll pass
all your troubles they don’t stand a chance
and it always hurts the worst when it’s the ones we love the most
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

sometimes your path is marked in the sky
sometimes it falls too thin in between the lines
sometimes all you can do is say no
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

I said when I arrived in my old set of clothes
I was half a world away from my home
and I was hunted by the wolves
and I was heckled by the crows
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know
I said Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

We said Darlin’ do not fear…
***

There is nothing like stepping into the unknown. And I am there again. Once more a future that was in front of me is now lost, gone...poof. Some say that circumstances are just circumstances. If they are JUST circumstances...then why does it feel so bad? A lot to live for, a lot to hope for....just not today.

Now is my declaration. Who am I really? What do I want to do? Have you ever noticed that when you meet someone new, the first two questions are 1. What is your name? 2. What do you do? Well...to answer those 1. My name is Lindsey 2. I am seeking great and incredible opportunities that will allow me to expand my horizons and help businesses/people in the world of public relations and communications.

In the meantime, I will take the advice of Brett Dennen: Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know.

Hotel Cafe

I went to a concert last night that featured musicians: Rachael Yamagata, Meiko, Thao Nguyen, Emily Wells, Kate Havnevik and Lenka. The show is called The Hotel Cafe that travels around in a group and does a show where all the ladies perform at one time, with no hassle of taking instruments on and off the stage.

During the past couple weeks, I had been psyching myself up for this event. I was excited to finally see Rachael...my personal favorite. Although, I hadn't really followed any of the other ladies...I was excited to see what they had to offer too. To tell you the truth, I was a little disappointed in the performance last night. It was still good, but it wasn't, "I wish you would play for us all night long" great.

I am not sure what it was...but I have widdled it (sure that is a word...like widdling wood) down to a couple things.

What didn't work

1. I think the Hotel Cafe idea of having all these ladies tour around together is great. HOWEVER, I did not like the idea of having one lady perform 2 songs and then exit the stage to make room for the next one. All in all, every one of them played 4 or 5 songs, but not all at once. One lady would play 2 or 3 songs, and the next would come on. This format hardly allows these ladies to establish a rapport with the audience. Sure, I went there to see one specific musician...but I felt like all musicians were in a sense 'removed' throughout the show because they couldn't get too comfortable before having to exit the stage. They really didn't have time to really get into their music as much as they could have if their songs were consistent and all at once. I felt like things were finally starting to 'get good' but then they would leave the stage...as the format permitted. I didn't like it! Maybe other people were not bothered by it, but one thing I love about concerts is how I can really understand and get to know a musician through their songs. A taste of their songs one bit at a time, didn't give me the opportunity to relish their work as a whole. If their goal is to 'spread their name,' I think if the format changed, it would be more effective. I was not sold completely.

2. The sound system was a little off. I hate when I can't hear a musicians voice. Two things that separate these ladies from the mold are their various styles and unique voices. That is how I came to love Rachael's music... her sound was so different...but the kind of different that made me pine for her next release. I couldn't hear the musicians at all!! In fact, I couldn't even hear the instruments that they played. Don't get me wrong, the band was great...even the guitar player with only four working fingers...but I HATED that I couldn't hear their voices and couldn't understand the words to their songs because I couldn't hear them. The bass was WAY too loud and the drums should act as background only...not an overpowering machine. It was not the drummer's show. He repeatedly asked for more sound, but I'm sorry....'twas not your show dude.

Also, get the ladies some decent mics. Come on now...all musicians deserve the best mics ever!

3. Maybe too casual?? I don't know if that is accurate. I guess I was expecting something a little different. This is just my point of view, but I felt that bringing everyone back on and off the stage to help with vocals and such was a little too much. Sure, I'm sure that each musician loves the help of vocals, but I don't think it was necessary to have all the ladies come back on. Maybe assign them to specific songs. Obviously, they were eating grub back stage because they would come onto the stage chomping their food and drinking their drinks. I felt like it was a little too casual and threw everyone in the band off the 'groove' of the show to have so many interruptions. It was probably organized, but watching it...seemed a little unorganized. Then again, if this is just a casual show anyway, I guess it really doesn't matter.

Also...I am not saying these women have to be beauty queens by any means and that they probably have their own style...but if you are going to be casual...be casual and wear a bra if you are wearing a white shirt. You are still a performer. I did not pay to see your...well, you know what I mean.

What worked

1. When I could hear the musicians (when the band wasn't overwhelming), I fell in love with the songs all over again. Some were new to me and I loved them enough to check them out online. I am even purchasing some today! I would have loved consistency so the musician and I could really get into the music instead of worrying about going on and off the stage.

I was completely taken off guard by Emily Wells...and was wowed in a way I have never been. She mixed her own music right there in front of our eyes. I was stunned at how impressive she was as a musician and artist. Using her own violin, voice and beat-boxing ability...I watched as she produced her own sounds. She even used bites from the audience as part of her song. That's right, ya'll...I can snap!

I also had not heard very much from Lenka or Meiko and fell in love with their tunes.

Lenka was just so optimistic about everything. Her tunes were very upbeat and I loved when she brought out her lap piano. That was my favorite to really see her raw talent. She was also the girl who would skip onto the stage. She has an incredible stage presence.

I especially loved when Meiko told us a little bit about her new song that she can't wait to record. She said the song was in response to a girl who thought that her boyfriend was cheating on her with Meiko. It was pretty darn funny and very fluid. I can't wait until she records it. A little comedic relief was refreshing, too. It seemed way too serious on stage....

Thao rocked it like only a rocker chick could. It was very impressive to see someone passionately head-banging like she did!

I loved how very individual most of their sounds were. Not one tune sounded similar.

Kate Havnevik has a little Euro thing (since she is from Norway) going on mixed with a little indie rock...it was pretty cool. She had this instrument...I have no idea what it is called, but it was like a piano harmonica. Shoot, I can't even describe it, but it was off the hook. I couldn't hear her too well except on her solo...which apparently was on Grey's...had no idea. I'm sure I would have come to find that out sooner or later, since I love all the music on Grey's soundtracks.

Rachael was as impressive as I thought. Her new song is kickin. I would have loved to hear more from her. She did a jazzy type song that, of course, I fell in love with...there was a 'moment' she shared with the guitar player that kind of jazzed up the stage presence.

2. The band was talented. If I had a back up band...I would have chosen this one too. I was pretty impressed by how many instruments were used on the stage during the variety show. The four fingered guitarist, Jason wowed me with his solo that he played with a broken finger. But, he did it for me...so there.

All in all by the end of the evening, I was little worn out by the coming on and going off of each musician. I just didn't feel connected to the musicians in the way I do when I go to a concert with just one musician or band. I guess that is the artistic flare of this show...but in a way, I wish the format was different. I would give this concert and average rating. Also, if you are going to drink or get stoned during the show....don't make it so obvious...at least bands like Def Leppard can control it on stage and put all that stoned/drunken energy into their music.

Still buying the music, but may think twice about attending the next one with such fervor unless some things change.

Matt Nathanson

Need I say more?? I mean really! He is amazing. I couldn't stop thinking about him after the concert on Saturday. Call it the fact that he is a brilliant musician, or call it the fact that he is so darn sexy...I think that his banter with the audience totally made the show for me. Perhaps the sneaking smiles from his drummer, or the coolness of guitar player (Aaron), who knows. I was completely blown away by this artist and his band.

Why he isn't featured yet on more soundtracks, I don't know. I am going to put a Youtube video below that doesn't even touch what the concert was all about. Warning, he cusses a little in the video...so, if you don't like that, watch the second one, that is his music video, no-banter. If only you could be there to hear his banter.

He dedicated a song to Gossip Girls and admitted that he loved watching the show. He probably went on talking for a good 5 minutes about how he loves being caught up in the show just for a night and doesn't really hang onto it, but then knows every Monday, he needs to watch.

Seriously, I don't know what it is about Salt Lake City, but every artist comes and says what an awesome and rowdy audience we are. During the show, Matt said, "I am not just trying to kiss your butt, like all those other artists that say that you all are the best, you really are. Of all the times I have been here...seriously...Salt Lake City here I come." Then he played for a second and then stopped his band and said,"Except, what is up with your roads? I mean, it's like you all think this whole grid systems works out and stuff...it freaking sucks. You expect me to find 206 South and 100 West? I mean it's like, dude, why do you live by the railroad tracks? And all your little villages have the same thing. I hate that....but love you guys anyway."

He was just so stinking funny! He made us sing...and after we sang 'Sunshine,' he stopped the band and said, "Are you serious. No wonder you all have the Tabernacle here." At the end of the show, he said, "OK, so this is the last song before we leave the stage and then you cheer really loud, and then we will come back on and do two more." Then after the song, he said, "All right, that's it, that is really it, we are leaving." It was hilarious.

I am not even going to get started on how much I liked watching him move. That's right...he has moves. If this video below doesn't capture it, then you will just have to go find out for yourself. At times, the chemistry he has with his guitar made me a little uncomfortable ;) Seriously, I loved that he was so into his music. I have a whole new place for Matt in my heart...aww!

First video with Banter:



Second Video: Car Crash, official music video



Hah, doesn't this just totally contradict my last post ;)

Chill Melodies

Thanks to 'Art Fart' I now have a new favorite website where you can make mixed tapes and share them with other people. Although it was pointed out that you don't have the ending screech, or the opening boop boop boop, this idea is genius! I have wanted to share some of my favorite tunes for a long time. I miss the days of mix tapes, but that was overcome when I could burn whatever song I wanted to a CD! So, I hope you enjoy some of my favorite chill tunes. I guess you could say this compliments my new chill autumn attitude. Enjoy!

Look out Jack Johnson, Zach Gill in the house!

So, I was going to wait until I had photos from the concert, but I just can't wait to tell you all about Jack Johnson! Not only do I think Jack and I belong together, but I would have to say that I am almost as much in love with his pianist as I am with him! Zach Gill is amazing. Mid-way through the concert, my sweetheart Jack pulled up his lovely comrades that will no longer be touring. They all did a pretty awesome song, but it wasn't until he invited his right-hand man, Zach to the stage that my heart did a little jump!

I love Jack's sound, his surfin' style and chill rhythm sends me on a trip every time I close my eyes. There I am, on the coast of Hawaii, laying on the sand letting the ocean play with my feet. Aah, sweet escape.

Now, with Zach...I have a very similar daydream, accept I am lying on the beach on the Mediterranean Sea, French side. Take me to Nice any day baby. Zach's style is a lot more playful, as are his words!! I think the fact that he plays the accordion with such a cool sense of whisper blues intrigues me. I am absolutely fascinated with the joy-ride my ears took! What adventure. What sweet nothings that were whispered in my ear at that moment in time. Midway through the song, Jack commented that Zach's words weren't as 'kid-friendly.' I had to laugh since the main chorus was: Girl, I wanna lay you down. My favorite line of the song, "I Wanna Lay You Down," would have to be:

"Turn out the lights, bring out the candles. Wrap your arms around my love handles."



Jack you make me swoon. Zach, you make me want to swoon with Jack on the French coast.

Here is Zach's promo video too:

Whisper Rock

I went to an incredible concert on Friday with some buddies. Joshua Radin came back to Salt Lake after only a couple months. I have to say that I have never really been one to swoon over a musician before, but with his lyrics and very soft music, I couldn’t help but fall for him….ok, maybe not for him, but absolutely for the music. I was so impressed by the lyrics and the way he presented each song. In the middle of his performance he said he is trying to start a new genre of music called ‘whisper rock.’ I can’t think of another way to really describe his music. As one of my friends put it, he had me eating out of the palm of his hand. In fact I really just wanted to tell him how much his words meant to me.

To get a little personal, all that icky stuff that I have been facing the past couple months, was amazingly portrayed through his music. Call it inspired, cheesy or whatever, but he spoke to me in a way that I haven't been spoken to before. Sure, I have heard his songs before, but the concert made it so real! I feel for his music the way some feel for the Twighlight series....just can't wait more, and when it is over, you are left with a sense of completion, and can't stop thinking about it.

The band stuck around after the concert, but I got kicked out before I had a chance to go meet him. *Sniff. I am ok with that, but I am totally planning on it next time. And yes, there will be a next time.

Here are the lyrics to my favorite song. I also found this youtube video that was on Ellen. It was the best I could find that had the clarity that will make you swoon too! You may even learn a new language while you watch it. Hey, you never know.

Today

shoelaces untied
you can dry your eye
perfect shadows lie behind us
and this is the day i make you mine

the way your hair lies
sometimes unrecognized
all the way from nice, today
on a train
nothing to say but there's still time

and here comes the sun, it's been baiting 'morn today

lately i've lost my tongue
today you found my song
unknown our love has grown
and i thank god you came along

and you are the one i've been waiting for today
and here comes the sun, it's been baiting 'morn today

you looked right through me there was no one else
i sat beside you and became myself, today

and you are the one i've been waiting for today
and here comes the sun, it's been baiting 'morn today

Rocking Blues with a 16 year old

I am absolutely blown away by the talent of youth! Seriously!! It seems like everyday, I get emails about extraordinary talent by youth from all over the world. Last night, I was completely taken back by this incredible 16 year old blues artist Andrew Goldring. His band rocked too.

I had a date that I was in charge of planning and I wanted to do something very out of the ordinary. I was just going to take him to a nice sit-down dinner, where we could talk, catch up...whatever. Instead, I got online to see what the city of Holladay had planned. Every Wednesday during the summer, the Holladay City Arts Council sponsors musicians to come and perform behind city hall. I wasn't sure what I was getting into by going, but thought that might be a fun date.

And let me tell you!! It was amazing. I was completely impressed by this young musician and his band. He really was inspiring. The way his fingers moved over his guitar...wow. I also loved how catchy the music was and how random, yet awesome, the lyrics were. The date rocked too!

I looked for him online. You can listen to his music at www.andrewgoldring.com. Apparently, him and his band have some upcoming gigs in Utah. I am so there! I bought his CD last night and have listened to it at least 6 times. Here is a little diddy I found on YouTube. He also has his own YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/andrewgoldring.