Songs for philosophizing... (The Avett Brothers & Langhorne Slim)

Friday night, I was lucky enough to have a ticket to The Avett Brothers show at Ruth Eckerd Hall. It was one of those perfect nights filled with great music. I went to the show alone. Sometimes it's a little scary to do things alone, but what I've noticed is that when I'm alone, I'm so much more aware of everything that is going on around me, which makes me feel like I experience things more fully.
Langhorne Slim - Restless


One of the best things that can happen at a concert is when the opening act is someone new that you haven't heard of before and they just knock you out. Langhorne Slim was the epitome of that. His stage presence was energetic (he jumped out into the seats and played while walking across the back of the seats), soulful (he's a storyteller in the truest Bob Dylan/Paul Simon sense of the word... aware of people and feelings and beautiful moments), and intelligent. His voice gave me chills. One song in and I was completely sold. 

After his set, I went to the merch booth to buy albums. He was there, signing autographs and taking photos with everyone. The most surprising part was that he had such a crazy stage presence, yet back with his fans he was so soft-spoken, humble, and unbelievably sweet to everyone. He was a very cool dude. I (along with everyone else) totally have a giddy little crush on him now.



And just cause I'm stuck in ninth grade mentality where a photo makes me so silly happy, I have to share this.

The Avett Brothers - Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise


I know that I've written about The Avett Brothers many times already this year, but when people say that you need to see them live to fully understand their impact, they are not joking. First of all, their music is amazing to me because there is a deep, soulful intelligence and maturity in what they sing. The songs are about love, family, and soul searching. They are honest, emotional, and real. They have a knack for capturing these beautiful moments of questioning vulnerability. Sitting in that hall, there was such an overwhelming sense of love and connection. It made me feel hopeful for humanity. It was an amazing moment. And this is a really beautiful song.

Songs for endings...(The Avett Brothers, Brandi Carlile, The Like, & Glen Phillips)

While normally, I would fill this introduction by whining or waxing on about my personal life, I think that I’ll skip the drama this week. I'm just over feeling bad and being down about things.

The Avett Brothers - The Perfect Space


In case you missed the 101 and times that I've mentioned it, I'm so excited to see The Avett Brothers this weekend. Serious hardcore awesomeness. I'll admit that it took me a few listens to really get into these guys, but once that first song hit me, every song after it sounded more and more amazing. The lyrics on this song in particular just blow my flippin' mind. 

I want to have friends that I can trust. That love me for the man I have become not the man that I was...

Brandi Carlile - Hiding My Heart

Can I just leave this one with an ohh and ahhh of awesomeness and let it be enough of a description?


I wish that I could lay down beside you when the day is done, wake up to your face against the morning sun. But like everything I've ever known, you'll disappear one day, so I'll spend my whole life hiding my heart away.

The Like - Wishing He Was Dead

The Like have such a great kickback sound to those awesome girl groups from the early 60's, yet they add some rockin' and a some snarky humor. And really, what girl doesn't need a little angry girlie music now and then.



Glen Phillips - Didn't Think You Cared

What really makes me sad here is that I can't find a copy of this song to share (I think that I've tried this a few times before) and the song is just absolutely amazing. Why oh why isn't someone just dying to post this song? Anyway, it is on Mr. Lemons, which is also jammed packed with amazing songs (including Everything But You and Blindsight). I highly suggest a listen. If you really want, call me and I'll put the phone up to the speakers so you can hear it.

Songs for avoiding society... (Old 97's, Have Gun, Will Travel, Sea Wolf, & The Black Keys)

Ok, so these aren't really songs about avoiding anything, but lately it feels easier to just hide out and watch the world from behind my lovely Ikea curtains. I'm questioning a lot of things. It's either extremely long overdue or completely indulgent, but I haven't really decided which one yet.

Anyway, the coolest thing going on is that I'm trying to teach myself to play guitar. Truth of the matter is that I'm getting tired of lazily strumming the thing and acting all pretentious and cool, so it might be time to hire a teacher and reallly learn something.
Old 97's - Every Night Is Friday Night (Without You)

For my birthday, I got to see Old 97's live. It was a seriously fun and rocking show. They are such an energetic, amazing live band. I saw them 10 years ago for the first time. They were opening for Chris Isaak. I left that show and completely in love with them, and I've been a fan ever since. Rhett is just so ohhhh super dreamy, and this song is really fun.

Have Gun, Will Travel - Come, All Ye Sinners

Have Gun, Will Travel opened for the Old 97's. I was kind of blown away and also really excited to find that they are a local band (really looking forward to seeing them again). Bought a couple of albums and was equally impressed. This is just music that makes you groove and feel good.

Sea Wolf - The Violent Hour

I will admit that I know of this song and the band because of the New Moon soundtrack and then I will hang my head in shame for a few seconds. With that said, this song is kind of amazing and lyrics are like sweet honey.

The Black Keys - Never Gonna Give You Up

Seriously, who doesn't love The Black Keys these days? I would be snarky about it, but they are seriously badass and deserve the hype. This is one of those covers that reminds me of exactly why I love covers so much.

Happy (very belated) Birthday George Harrison

This is my very late attempt to celebrate George Harrison's birthday. And what better way to celebrate than to listen to some awesome Harrison tunes and post a dorky photo of me with a poster of him.

George Harrison - My Sweet Lord

This is absolute essential Harrison. Such a beautiful and amazing song.

The Beatles - Something

The second I saw this was followed by a long awwwwwww it's Pattie. If you don't know who Pattie Boyd Harrison Clapton is, go do your research. She is a very interesting figure in Beatles lore. I want her entire wardrobe from the 60's.


George Harrison Tribute - While My Guitar Gently Weeps

What an awesome collection of musicians playing tribute. Seeing Dhani makes you feel like you're sucked back to 1964 seeing George.



George Harrison - Breath Away From Heaven

Still has to be one of the most beautiful songs that I've ever heard.

Songs for getting older... (The Beatles, The Avett Brothers, & G.Love)

As I like to remind everyone starting around November, tomorrow is my birthday. I am always so excited when the day is coming, but as it gets closer, I start thinking a little too hard about my life. Thinking too much about one's life is never a good move. On the other side of that, I'm ready to celebrate.

In thinking about the last year and everything that has happened, I realize that some of it was pretty difficult and trying, but for the most part, this last year has been so full of surprises and cool things that I have to dub it one of the best years of my life. I go into the next year with an open mind and an open heart.
The Beatles - Birthday

I can't think of anyone other than John, Paul, George, and Ringo that would be more awesome to have sing happy birthday to you. Plus, this song totally rocks.



The Avett Brothers - All My Mistakes

As with all Avett Brothers' songs, this is beautiful and the lyrics are pure poetry. Plus, I think it's a perfect sentiment for this time of the year.


But I can't go back and I don't want to 'cause all my mistakes, they brought me to you...



G. Love - 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover

This isn't exactly the best video (it just sort of dies halfway through), but this is a seriously cool cover. Take the awesomeness of Paul Simon (my writing hero) and then funk it up with some G. Love. Good times.

Songs for cruising... (Jack's Mannequin, Jakob Dylan, Wham!, & Two Door Cinema Club)

I'm sure that you probably think that title means these are songs for taking a leisurely car ride, but you are wrong. Life has been pretty crazy lately. I've spent more time in emotional tizzies than I care to admit. However, it has all sort of mellowed out, and I've found this serene state of calm and happiness. The cynic in me is screaming to delete that last statement as fast as possible before the fates hear and right my life back to the drama show fit for my silly little Pisces butt, but I'm not going to do that. I'm just going to enjoy this, close my eyes, ignore the lurking pessimism, and hope like hell that reality knocks me out when it pops back around the corner.
Jack's Mannequin - Swim

Ok, so this isn't one of my normal picks. I love dark, depressing songs about jilted lovers. I'm pretty sure that this is about this guy being optimistic through his battle with cancer. I want to make some snarky comment, but honestly, how can you? This song is pretty badass. The video is a little annoying, so just focus on the music.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA8PaIw5gcE)

Jakob Dylan - Everybody's Hurting

This m is beautiful, but when he sings, I still just want to close my eyes and get lost in that sound. His sound is a sad, yet sweet combination that hints of something beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. This song always makes me take a deep breath, which means that it's just a little beyond kind of amazing.


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgigjciOUu8)

Wham! - A Different Corner

Ok, I can hear the collective groan, but before you judge, you have to really listen to this song. Worst thing that happens is you get to laugh at a video of George Michael where he has a crazy mullet and a cool 80's sweater. Honestly, I have loved this song for so long that it's hard for me to tell anymore if it's really that good or if the years of loving it have made me grow a little too fond of it.


I'd say that love was a magical thing. I'd say that love would keep us from pain. Had I been there...


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPWHkK-_a_A)

Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work

And on a different note, something completely different that will make you feel good and need to dance. I guess that I'm just all over the board in my emotions these days.


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PorW3y5n1w)

(Cover) Songs for Over Thinking Everything... (Brandi Carlile & R.E.M.)

Mix some crazy lusty hormones, a super emotional heart, and a lot of inappropriate snarky comments and then times it by my hyperactivity and you get the crazy town that is me lately. Mostly, I just want to tell my brain to shut up, give my heart a valium, and let things get back to the basics, but life is never quite that easy, is it? Anyway, here are some kick ass covers.
Brandi Carlile - Creep (Live In Boston)

This song is so sad. I really don't want to relate to it, but I have been there. Digging on someone so hard, craving their attention, trying to make them happy, doing goofy shit to screw up the situation, and then kind of realizing that it shouldn't be so difficult. I couldn't find the released version of it, but this video gives you an idea.


I don't care if it hurts. I wanna have control. I want a perfect body. I want a perfect soul. I want you to notice when I'm not around...



R.E.M. - Dream (All I Have To Do)

This is most definitely my favorite cover. Before the internet, I spent countless hours searching for this. Thank goodness for dreams and the loveliness they allow.

Dream, dream, dream...