Music. Love. Life.

Happy Independence Day

January 31, 2010

Happy Independence Day.

This weekend marks a big anniversary for me…ten years since Trevor, my boyfriend for whom I moved to North Carolina, and I broke up. (Somewhat ironically, it also snowed in North Carolina that weekend…a big snow that incapacitated everything!) Although I have been on dates since then and “seen” people for periods, I’ve been officially single since January 2000.

For Christmas, one of my closest friends, Kelly, got me a personalized concert ticket stub book – very flipping cool, even in today’s world of online tickets. Being an extreme sentimentalist, I save absolutely everything – so I have concert tickets dating as far back as 1992. This book is the perfect place to keep them all in one spot, rather than spread out through various scrapbooks and photo albums.

The other day, I began the process of gathering up ticket stubs and print outs of tickets and loading them into the book. We all know my life revolves around music these days, but looking through all these old stubs brought back so many memories and reminded me of how at one time, music wasn’t the center of my world.

While I’ve always loved music more than the average bear – and despite the fact that it pains me to give him credit for anything – Trevor is the reason that I got into going to see live music. You can see that in these ticket stubs – there are dozens from when we were together. Our first Counting Crows show together in New Jersey. Our first big show after moving to Charlotte – Pearl Jam at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville. The music festivals in uptown Charlotte. The first time we went to Tremont Music Hall (Better than Ezra). Seeing Ben Harper in 1999 in a community college gymnasium before anyone knew who he was. I remember ALL of them…

I can’t express in any real way how heartbroken and alone I was when our relationship ended. Here I was, in a city where I’d lived for only a year and a half. My boyfriend, best friend, and man I thought I was going to marry had just told me that he didn’t want me in his life. My family was 600 miles away. I had very few friends here, and didn’t know what I was supposed to do. Luckily, I had one friend who jumped in to save me when I was lost and alone. I moved in with her and my journey of self-discovery began.

That also marks the year where I became a true live music junkie. Looking at the ticket stubs from that first year alone makes me smile…

In my first month as a single girl, Debbie and I going to see Vertical Horizon and Stroke 9. I remember dancing and singing and jumping around at the show, and remember falling in love with Stroke 9 – “Nasty Little Thoughts” became the soundtrack to my spring and summer that year.

In April of 2000, going to see Bruce Springsteen – my first show seeing him with E-Street. Waiting in line, doing the ticket lottery, getting horrible seats, but not caring because I was going to see Bruce with E-Street. Getting there before doors opened, being some of the first people into the Coliseum, sitting in our hideous seats, being “found” by the men in black and getting moved to the second row. One of my all time greatest life moments.

In June, seeing Bon Jovi for the first time live. Being a proud, card-carrying Jersey girl, you can imagine how significant this one was for me. And it was a special show, a fundraiser for a local radio station, so it was held in that same community college gymnasium where I’d seen Ben Harper. They did it as a “Storytellers” kind of set up, with all the guys sitting on stools and talking about the songs. It was amazing.

In July, going with Kierstin to see Poison and Cinderella at what was then Blockbuster Pavilion. She’d won lawn seats and we ended up getting upgraded to actual seats and thought that was the coolest thing in the world. Poison was horrendous, but Cinderella was fantastic. And god, did we laugh…and laugh.

Cowboy Mouth at a local bar that summer. The bar had become where Debbie and I hung out. Summer, beer, and my first Cowboy Mouth show. They’re not my favorite band, but they do bring back great memories.

Another first, seeing Third Eye Blind in August – my birthday present from Debbie. It was right after Blue came out, their staging was over the top and lavish. We were on the lawn, drinking beer and laughing, and I remember them playing “Semi-Charmed” at the end of the night and thinking that I could never ask for anything better than that moment.

Joe and Sting in September. Joe had an extra ticket, thanks to a breakup, and took me to the show. I wasn’t more than a very casual Police fan before that night, but seeing Sting live turned me into a big fan.

Probably one of the most significant shows that year, Counting Crows with Live at Blockbuster Pavilion. I was a Counting Crows fan before I met Trevor, became a bigger one while we were dating, and I think, if it’s possible, have become an even bigger one since. I was bound and determined to go to this show. Despite the fact that none of my friends wanted to shell out for the ticket cost, I bought a 3rd row ticket. It was the first show I’d ever gone to by myself, and it will always be one that stands out in my mind. I remember being enraptured by Adam on stage – the show where I began to really admire him as a writer. And Adam and Ed singing “Dolphin’s Cry” together at that show will forever be one of my favorite concert memories.

2000 was also the year I found Wil Seabrook. While I have no concert stubs for those shows (most of them were in bars or at festivals), it was in June and July of that year that I made my first true “indie music” discovery with Wil and the guys. I went to see them so many times that summer and fall. It was magic for me…listening to a band that not many other people knew, really getting to know the musicians and hear straight from the horse’s mouth the meaning behind the songs…I was intoxicated. And we all know that since then, there’s been no looking back.

And it goes on from there, year after year, the number of shows each year just increases. That magic happening over and over again. And while sometimes I get sad about being the lonely single girl, there’s not a doubt in my mind that I’ve found love. Music is my one true love and passion. It has given me so much.

I have jokingly called the day Trevor and I broke up “Independence Day,” but all jokes aside, that moniker is somewhat appropriate. Because had he and I not broken up, I may not have ever discovered Wil, or gone to that first show by myself (and discovered my ability to do it on my own), or seen Springsteen from the second row. Looking at all of these ticket stubs makes it so evident to me that everything happens for a reason. I had my slip and fall senior year in college so that I would reconnect with Trevor and move to North Carolina, which led to our eventual break up. That break up – the worst moment of my adult life at that time – was the start of everything that is so critical to who I am now.

So, on my Independence Day, a reminder to all of us that things are never really what they seem. Because while in the moment, that heartbreaking, wrenching, “worst thing that ever happened to me” incident seems like it will crush your spirit, sometimes it is the thing that will lead you to find out who you really are, to discover your passions, and to ultimately shape your life.

Posted in Friends & Family, Life in general, Music | 2 Comments »

“I need to feel the breeze of a new day’s dawn…”

January 16, 2010

For six years now, I’ve ventured out on an annual musical adventure on the high seas called The Rock Boat. The company that puts on this fabulous event, Sixthman, markets it as “The World’s Largest Floating Music Festival.” It’s true – it is. 4 days. 25+ musical acts. Lots of adult beverages. It’s a giant party.

But it’s become so much more.

In 2003, I went on “The Boat” with a group of friends that I no longer see that often. I had a blast. I saw more music than I thought possible. I met Cary Pierce on my very first night (and nearly DIED – CARY PIERCE, are you kidding me?). I met Brian VanderArk. I discovered Alex Woodard. I made new friends. But perhaps the biggest thing for me was finding a community of people that were, by and large, just like me. People who live and breathe for the music that colors their world. I felt accepted – and I was hooked.

I went back in 2004, sans my big group of friends, but with an acquaintance from Charlotte who I knew through a band we both went to see on occasion. I knew she was a fan of one of the bands going on the Boat that year and asked her, on a whim, if she’d want to go. She didn’t hesitate and today, Michelle is one of my closest friends, and I credit The Rock Boat for bringing us together.

That story can be repeated over and over and over again. Christy – met her because of The Rock Boat. Gail – met her through Annie (who I met through Brad…who I became better friends with because of The Rock Boat). Cory, Erinn, Liz – met through Scotty on The Rock Boat (who I met when I was at the beach with Michelle and Gail). The Pruitts – met through Annie, became friends because of our music connections and the Rock Boat. Stacy, Mindy, Jen, Kim, Nikki, Lee, Peter, Josh – all Charlotte friends that I never would have met had it not been for The Boat in some way or another. There are dozens of other friends I’ve made on The Rock Boat, and with each of these people, I share a rabid, insane love for music that not too many other people in my world can understand.

There’s just a kind of communion that happens on The Rock Boat…and you can’t know it until you’ve been through it. You can be given the stories, and understand watching musicians that don’t normally play together rock out a cover of a Bob Dylan song, or think you understand being in a room of 300+ people singing along to the same song – and overtaking this as-of-yet relatively unknown band while they watch from stage with total awe as the crowd sings their song. But until you’ve been on that Boat, you can’t understand it. You just can’t.

I had decided prior to going that this year’s Rock Boat would probably be my last – for a host of reasons that I need not discuss here. So, needless to say, I set out with an intent to make this Rock Boat special. And it totally lived up to my expectations. From spending quality time with those friends I only get to see once or twice a year to amazing, intimate musical performances, it was a great ending to the year (err, or maybe beginning to 2010? One or the other!). The weather decided not to cooperate, but honestly, who cares about the weather? Yeah, it would have been nice to have some sun and shows on the Lido Deck…but none of us were there for the weather. So Sixthman shuffled lineups, we adjusted, and the music played on….

And for four days, my world was perfect. Surrounded by friends and music I love, floating away from the “real world.”

I’m a little sad to be back.

So, to mark a week of being back on dry land, here’s my list of my Favorite Musical Moments of TRB X – in no particular order:

Green River Ordinance’s First Candelight Lounge Set: Last year, I saw the GRO boys live for the first time, after being a fan for almost two years. It was awesome to see them play, meet them and hang out with them – and they were the hit of The Boat! So it didn’t surprise me when their first set in the “small room” was packed to the gills. Nor did it surprise me when the WHOLE ROOM sang along with the boys when they sang “On Your Own” – sans microphones. It put a huge smile on my face watching their faces – they were NOT expecting it, and it was a truly magic moment. Can’t wait to watch these boys rocket to super stardom this year! (And as a little aside, huge congrats to GRO’s lead singer, Josh Jenkins, who just tonight got engaged to his sweetheart!)

The Songwriter’s Panel Getting Giddy Over Will Hoge Singing “Baby Girl”: One of the things I adore about The Rock Boat is that a lot of the artists are friends. And if they aren’t already friends, they have this insane respect for each other’s work. Sixthman tries hard to give the fans unique experiences, and this year, they put together an all-star songwriter panel – Marc Broussard, Pat McGee, Jim Bianco, Stephen Kellog and Will Hoge. We all know my love for Will’s music, but watching the other artists on the panel gush about Will and his song “Baby Girl” was just downright … affirmation … of my love for the man’s music. Oh, and singing him sing “Baby Girl” wasn’t too shabby, either. More video for ya…listen to Pat McGee and Stephen Kellogg go on about the song and dancing with their daughters. It’s adorable.

Chelsea Williams Rockin’ Out in the Elevator Bank: I caught glimpses of Chelsea’s sets on the Boat, but unfortunately, she conflicted with almost everyone I wanted to see, so I never got to see an actual full set. But I did catch a moment that I wish I’d gotten on video tape, something that truly captured the spirit of The Boat. I was walking up the stairs past a dining room and there was a crowd forming in the elevator bank outside the dining room doors. I stopped when I heard the opening chords of “Wonderwall” being played, and watched Chelsea jam out – no mic, no amps, just a girl and her guitar – surrounded by about 50 Rock Boaters. When she got to the chorus, the whole crowd of us broke into the song with her. It was just downright cool. I didn’t get this on video, which I’m bummed about…but you should all go listen to Chelsea!

Augustana’s Acoustic Set: I’m a pretty huge Augustana fan. Christy got me started on them back before “Boston” was a hit and I’ve loved them ever since. Their latest album, Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt, was definitely one of my favorite purchased in 2009. It’s a little less overdone than All the Stars and Boulevards, a little more mellowed out and my speed. And despite what you’ll hear others say about their first performance on the Boat, their acoustic set on The Boat was stunning. Particularly their performance of a new, yet-to-be-recorded song called “Hurricane” that will be on a new album later this year. I managed to get right up in the front row to watch the whole set and got some video.

Will Hoge’s Whole Second Set in the Candlelight Lounge: Having Will back for my last Rock Boat was, to be cliche, a dream come true. Will was on the ‘04 Boat, which is one of my most treasured Boat experiences. And his last set on that ‘04 Boat is legendary – long time Rock Boaters still talk about it. Well, I think Will and the band’s last set on this Boat is one that people will be talking about for a long time, too. The guys put on a blistering set – rock n’ roll at it’s finest. And they dusted off some gems and mixed them in with classic Will stuff. My favorites included “It’s a Shame,” which I haven’t heard in FOREVER – and Will totally shredded on the guitar during this one, which was awesome; “Sunshine Burn,” a song that has once again become a rarity in Will sets; and ending with the song that started it all for Will on TRB, “Carousel.” It was a perfect set.

Carbon Leaf covering “Born to Run”: Seriously, was NOT expecting this out of Carbon Leaf – and I love me some Leaf! The opening chords to this classic Springsteen song – and one of my all time favorites – are fairly unmistakable and when it started, I swear to you, I must have jumped 5 feet outta the booth. And then, Cory and Erinn came running over from the other side of the room, Stacy jumped up to dance with me, and Elizabeth, Jason and Traci turned around from a nearby booth to point at me as if to say, “This one’s for you!” I danced. I drank Guinness. I celebrated the moment with friends. It was a great slice of time for me – can’t you tell? (Thanks to my friend Elizabeth for capturing this on film…err, or memory card, as the case may be!)

I have to follow this whole “Born to Run” spazz moment with a little aside…after this show, I went back to the cabin to get a friend some Dramamine and was walking back to see the rest of Stephen Kellogg’s set when I ran into Mr. Hoge himself and his wife in the hallway. I was a little embarrassed and, at the same time, touched that he remembered my love for The Boss (although he was sitting only three booths over when said dancing maniac was released) – when he saw me and said, “Hey, how’d you like that last Carbon Leaf song?” I think it’s pretty funny that one of my all time favorite artists knows who his competition is for “all-time favorite.” Will, if you’re reading – I may love Bruce to bits, but you’ve got him hands down on live shows. You are my #1 reigning king for number of live shows seen. Going to cross that 60 mark this year!

I’m hugely sad that this will probably be the last “Rock Boat Recap” that I ever write….I wish I could do the event justice. I wish I could give all of you that have never had the chance to be there just an inkling of a feeling of what it’s like. But words on screen or paper could never fully capture the energy and spirit of “The Boat.” The Rock Boat is the place that for six years has brought me untold happiness, laughter, peace, love, soulmates by the dozen, and endless beautiful music. It is, and will always remain, my Mecca.

Posted in Indies, Up n' comers & Unknowns, Live Shows, Music | 6 Comments »

New Music from Alpha Rev

January 13, 2010

I know, I know…I owe you a Rock Boat update. Maybe this weekend. But for right now, want to give a little pub to one of my favorite bands – Alpha Rev from Austin, Texas. You might have heard me gush about them before (we all know I’m prone to gushing). No gushing here right now, just some news….

This morning, “New Morning,” the first single from their Hollywood Records debut album being released on April 20, dropped on iTunes. The guys have had some great PR lately, including their song “Phoenix Burn” being featured on a trailer for the ABC Family show “Greek.” I have a feeling that this new album is going to be huge for them…so, be the cool kid that’s listening to them before all your friends are. Download “New Morning” here now, or check out this video of them performing the song.

Yeah, I know, I’m in awe of it, too. Flipping brilliant. I want to swim in Casey’s lyrics. And I just adore watching Brian play that violin. Will someone please sponsor me so that I can follow them on tour, please?

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Best of 2009 Live Music Shows

December 31, 2009

Live music is a big part of my life…Here are the basic statistics in the 2009 chapter of me chasing bands around the U.S.

Live shows attended: 81
Farthest traveled for a show: Vienna, VA (412 miles one way)
Artist seen the most times: Green River Ordinance (9 times, including 3 Rock Boat performances)
Runner up artist seen the most times: Tie – Gareth Asher & Sequoyah Prep School (5 times)

And, since it’s New Year’s Eve, I thought a list of my favorite/best shows of the year would be in order.

10. Boyce Avenue
Local 506, June 23
There’s something about seeing up and coming bands in grungy little college town bars that is so REAL. Boyce Avenue finally toured close enough for me to go see ‘em…so I made the weeknight drive up to Chapel Hill along with my trusty roadtrip buddy Mindy to see this little band of brothers. And the 5 hour round trip was SO worth it. These kids have just got it. Perfect harmonies that only family can have. Great musical skills. A super set of originals and covers. Color me impressed.

9. Damion Suomi
The Evening Muse, December 16
I was introduced to Damion this year and have just fallen madly in love with his music, so I was pretty excited when a last minute end-of-the-year show got added at my favorite venue. Can I just say wow? Damion and his animated percussionist, Ian Little, filled that room with sound and energy in a way that most bands can’t. I have developed a serious musical crush…

8. Green River Ordinance
The Evening Muse, March 11
The Evening Muse tends to inspire artists to do shows that are a little bit different than what they usually do. Perhaps its the tiny size of the venue, or maybe its the intimate (and quiet) atmosphere it creates. Green River Ordinance was no exception this year. They stripped down and did an acoustic show on their trip to Charlotte in March, and then topped it off with a late-night Josh and Joshua acoustic campfire-circle type mini-set for fans who stuck around for awhile. We even got to hear Josh sing “Dancin’ Shoes.” It was a wonderful night!

7. Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band
Greensboro Coliseum, May 2
27 songs of glorious Boss-ness. What a flippin’ fantastic show. Bruce and the band were firing on 8 cylinders, just blowing it out. First time I can remember seeing “Johnny 99.” Got “Cadillac Ranch.” And “Hang On Sloopy” complete with house lights all the way up and the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. Even the drunk guy who kept asking me why I was there by myself didn’t keep this from being one of the best shows of the year!

6. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
The Handlebar, June 9
I swear to God, I think Grace Potter could sing the alphabet and I’d find her mesmerizing. My 3rd GPN show was probably my favorite so far. Andrea and I got there early and were right up front. This band just SMOLDERS on stage. Three cups full of bottled lightning, indeed.

5. Carbon Leaf & The Alternate Routes
The Visulite, July 9
I’ve been a Carbon Leaf fan for a loooong time, thanks in large part to my little sister who turned me on to them years ago. I’ve seen a lot of great Carbon Leaf shows in my day, and this one was no exception. And helloooo acapella Carbon Leaf mini-set within a set? Yes, please. I’m a relatively new Alternate Routes fan, and the guys were playing as a trio on this night. Something about the combination of two Rock Boat bands, and being surrounded by a lot of my TRB friends, made this one of my favorite shows of the year.

4. Counting Crows, Michael Franti & Spearhead & Augustana
Uptown Ampitheatre, August 21
The Counting Crows are in my “pantheon.” There are some artists that are untouchable in my world, and collectively, the band is one of them. So needless to say, I will lay down a pretty penny to see them play. This summer, they came through and played Charlotte’s new uptown ampitheatre, an intimate little 5,000 seat outdoor venue, with Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana. The former I didn’t know much about, the latter I adore. Well, Adam (Duritz) made it clear through posts and e-mails to the fans that these shows were going to be different – and man, was that the understatement of the year. The bands didn’t do a traditional set – one band played a few songs, then the next band came out and joined them for a few songs, or all the bands were on stage together, or one member of one band and one member of another band. It was so mixed up and crazy, but it kept the show full of energy and movement and I looooved it.

3. The Rescues
The Evening Muse, August 28
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more powerful set of vocalists on one stage together. The Rescues left me in awe. I’m a little jealous of those folks out in California that get to see them regularly.

2. Joshua James
The Evening Muse, October 31
Being dressed up for Halloween in a yellow bathrobe (which you could only see through slightly, Joshua!) as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz was a ploy. Holy crap. I was expecting the Joshua James show to be rather mellow, but Joshua and his band absolutely KILLED it. Man, talk about a rock n’ roll show…hand clappin, foot stompin’, soul-filled rock. I was in love with Joshua’s music before the show, but this show made me a fan for life.

1. Will Hoge
The Evening Muse, April 23
I guess, for those of you that know me, this is one of the obvious choices for the top show of the year. For those that don’t, I’ll summarize quickly. Will had a near fatal accident in the summer of 2008. So for him to return to touring a mere eight months later was miraculous. Add to all of this that he is one of my favorite artists, and my favorite artist to see live, and you understand the emotional gravity of this show for me. The show was phenomenal, and despite sitting for the show, Will made it clear that he was back – and that nothing as piddly as a scooter versus a van was going to keep him down. Acoustic and with the band playing stripped down, at Charlotte’s most cozy (and my favorite) venue, it was a really intimate show…When added to all the other factors, it made for a magical night. I’m so glad I was there.

So there ya go, folks. My live show year in review. Here’s to 2010 and a year filled with music!

Posted in Indies, Up n' comers & Unknowns, Live Shows, Music | Leave a Comment »

My Top Ten Albums of 2009

December 18, 2009

If it’s possible, I continue to fall more in love with music – and as the years pass, I seem to invest more and more in purchasing music each year. Every December, I sit down and go through all of the new music I’ve purchased over the last 365 days and try to narrow it down to the ten “best” of the year. It’s near impossible – I truly love most of the music that I buy, all for different reasons. But, there are always a few that seem to stand out, the ones that get more exercise – on the iPod, in the car, on the computer – than any others.

I’m no music critic, and I certainly have no idea what I’m talking about – but if I had shiny silver statues to give out, these are the records that were released in 2009 that would receive a “Krissie.”

As an aside, I decided not to give out honorable mentions this year, as that was really kind of a cop out from having to exclude records I really liked from the list…I’m being tough this year and forcing myself to make some hard – and unpopular with myself – decisions.

So, without further adieu, kids, I give you – My Top Ten Albums of 2009.

10. The Fray – The Fray
Yes, I’m just as surprised as you are about this one. After much debate, I decided that it had to be in the Top 10 and not an honorable mention. It was a late buy for me – I probably waited six months after it came out to buy it. But it has been in consistent play since the moment I purchased it. It is one of my favorite albums to put on while I’m driving. I think it’s a much stronger overall record than How to Save a Life – The Fray has grown up. The album is rich, huge sounding, and really just well done. C’mon, you can’t tell me that you don’t belt out “You Found Me” when you hear it on the radio! I’m particularly partial to “Say When,” which has an unbelievably philosophical and dark edge to it….Say what you want about The Fray, I love this album.

9. Shane Hines & The Trance – The Glory Journal
There is no songwriter who can touch my emotional heart strings the way Shane Hines does – the man writes these insane missives and turns them into songs – sometimes beautiful, often heartbreaking, and occasionally witty. When The Glory Journal was released in March, the first thing I did was devour the lyrics. Want to know what it’s like to stare depression in the face? Listen to “Way Up” and see if you don’t walk away feeling like you might have an idea. Ever felt heartbreak – true heartbreak – too late? “We Can Never Be” is your song. Wanted to kick yourself for being ungrateful? Yup, “Boy” is for you. Combine the powerful writing with a huge (and unique) voice, amazing guitar skills from both Shane and bassist Thumbs, and you’ve got a pretty fabulous record.

8. The Airborne Toxic Event – The Airborne Toxic Event
I bought this album on a complete whim. Was hunting around iTunes, looking for some new stuff to listen to. The “Others who bought this album also bought” link led me to The Airborne Toxic Event. I listened to some snippets. I thought, “Eh, I’ll see what it’s all about.” Turned out it would be one of my best investments of the year. This little five-piece from LA has one of the most unique sounds out there right now: a genuinely spooky vocal, crafty lyrics about love, betrayal and obsession – and their resulting chemically induced stupors, and seriously fantastic instrumentation (they have a viola, for crying out loud!). It’s exceptionally sharp writing: “She’s laughing, she’s turning, she’s holding her tonic like a cross…” – come on, that’s flipping awesome! Strangely, it’s incredibly upbeat and happy, despite lyrical subject matter that is at most times the complete opposite. It’s probably my favorite thing to put on late at night when I’m driving or when I’m out running. A solid debut effort from this band – cannot wait to see them live and hear what they put out next!

7. Needtobreathe – The Outsiders
Gotta give credit to Annie and Brad here. Nearly four years ago, they convinced me to go see this little band from Possum Kingdom, South Carolina (yes, there IS such a place) and they had me from their first song. Enter Needtobreathe into Krissie’s heart. Mark my words, kids: in 2010, Needtobreathe will become a household name – and this record is going to have a lot to do with it. Tremendous vocals, great lyrics and melody, and lots of stompin’ and handclappin’ made this record a favorite from its first play. I do believe that Bear Rineheart could sing the alphabet to me and it would sound amazing. From the dance hall fun of “Girl from Tennessee” to revival-esque songs like “Lay ‘Em Down” and “The Outsiders” to touching, slow-down-and-think numbers like “Stones Under Rushing Water,” there’s something for everyone on this record. An easy choice for the Top 10 list this year.

6. Green River Ordinance – Out of My Hands
2009 was definitely the year of GRO for me. After being a fan for several years, I finally got to meet and see the boys live on The Rock Boat in January, shortly before Out of My Hands was released in February. The intoxication of seeing them on the Boat led to a pretty excited Krissie when the album came out, and it has been in pretty permanent rotation all year. It’s a melodic, happy and sweet record that would appeal to anyone who likes a good tune. These boys are on the brink of super stardom, and I’m super excited for them. If you somehow missed my missives this year, please, for the love of Bruce, go out and pick up a copy of this record right now!

5. Christopher Jak – The Leadfoot Lover EP
Two words: Finally. Perfection. We all know that C Jak is in my Top 5…so of COURSE I’ve been waiting with bated breath for new music to come from him. And he didn’t disappoint me in 2009…his first new music in over three years. Three perfect new songs, and one re-done older song, all in a nice little package. Jak has this insane talent for being able to write deeply emotional and poignant songs – a la “Strong Enough” – and pair them with humorous, fun and sexy songs – “Leadfoot Lover” – and the combination just works. And damn, his ear is near perfect. I mean that quite literally; he’s a pretty savvy producer and has a knack for just making songs that sound fluid and full … and that just soar. It might be a small record, but it packs a punch. Welcome back, Jak … I missed ya!

4. Will Hoge – The Wreckage
How do you give the middle finger to fate? Recover from a brutal and nearly fatal car accident and put out what is perhaps the best record of your career nearly a year to the day later. Welcome to the story of The Wreckage, boys and girls. Will Hoge continues to channel the harbingers of great rock n’ roll – Otis, Hank, Johnny, Bruce, The Band – and create his own breed of rock. A little soul, a little country, a bunch of guitar. The Wreckage retains the grit and swagger that Will is known for, but takes it down a notch, coming across a little softer, a little more incisive – and it’s absolutely fantastic.

3. Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons – Death Won’t Send a Letter
The battle for my top album this year was really close and a hard decision. Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons come in third, but only by a hair. Cory Chisel found his way into my iTunes in 2008, and quickly became a favorite. His voice is gravelly, smoky and powerful – three things that win me over nearly immediately. The music is a beautiful blend of folk and rock. Coupled with gorgeous harmonies and insightful lyrics, it’s an absolutely enchanting record. “Born Again,” “So Wrong for Me” and “Longer Time At Sea” are my three favorites…but the whole record is stunning. And seriously, how bad ass is the name of this record?

2. Damion Suomi – Self-Titled
Where do I even begin? Damion was a gift to me this year from another band I listen to – Gasoline Heart. They share a label and when Damion’s album came out in March, the guys from GH tweeted about it. I clicked out of curiosity and almost instantly made the decision to buy the record. It is a free wheeling ramble of an album – drinking, heartache, self-doubt and self-love – a total barn-burner. The songs sway from sing-songy simple numbers like “Waltz” to fiery philosophical arguments like “Darwin, Jesus the Devil and Me.” It’s one of the most complex albums I’ve ever heard, and every time I listen to it, I find new jewels in it. Besides, how can you not love an artist who starts out a song by reciting Yeats “A Drunken Man’s Praise of Sobriety” (which is in itself a little shout out to Elvis Costello, who obviously influences Damion a bit)? If you want a musical adventure, pick yourself up some Damion Suomi. You will not be disappointed!

1. Tim Brantley – Goldtop Heights
This could potentially be a controversial choice for the top spot, but I’m sticking to my guns. Technically, I got this album in 2008…however, it wasn’t officially released until 2009, so that’s the date I’m using. Quite simply, Tim is a storyteller and a modern-day poet – much like my beloved Bruce. And I won’t lie that when Gail first sent me Tim’s album and said, “Just listen,” the Springsteen undertones were what immediately drew me to Tim. But the more I listened to Goldtop Heights, the less I heard Springsteen. Tim’s ability to take the stories and really charge them emotionally is absolutely brilliant. Lines like “Buried in me like a bullet, too dangerous to take it out, carried it with me like a souvenir, the scar from where you took me down…” are at the very crux of what made me fall head over heels in love with this album. Add all that to 70s-era piano skills reminiscent of Billy Joel and Elton John, a guitar, and an incredibly sexy voice, and you’ve got the recipe for my number one album of the year.

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Running: Facing my biggest competitor

October 18, 2009

I am not an athlete.

That’s what I say to myself nearly every time I double knot my running shoes and step out the door for a run. Because in my heart of hearts, even though I’ve run hundreds and hundreds of miles over the past three years, I still do not think of myself as a runner. In my brain, I’m still an awkward teenager with no grace, no coordination and no athletic ability. I am, without a doubt, my own biggest competitor.

If they are lucky, some people run for love of the sport. A lot of people, I find, run for fitness. Many runners that I’ve met love the competition. Me, I run for the self-challenge. When I’m out there pounding the pavement, it’s all about beating that inner teenager geek: the unpopular bookworm who didn’t ever really fit in.

In high school, I was a really smart kid – graduated second in my class. I was in all the “honors” classes (or whatever we called them). A lot of the folks in my classes were the wealthier, popular kids that shopped at The Gap (to this day, I have an aversion to The Gap that is totally illogical, but it makes me feel inferior still!). The rich kids were all in the ski club. If you weren’t popular because you had money, you were popular because you played a sport. And man, we had some crazy good athletes at my school. Our cross-country and track teams were amazing.

Now me? I may have been in the smart kid classes, but I was not wealthy, popular or athletically inclined. I was on the newspaper staff, the yearbook staff, and in the creative writing club. I was a total geek. I never felt like I fit in with the kids in my classes. My clothes were not “cool,” I didn’t have the money to join the ski club, and I was always the last one picked for teams in gym class because anything the required coordination was totally beyond my ability.

I secretly wished every day that I was in the cool crowd. I thought that if I tried something and failed at it, that people would make fun of me, that they would like me less. I loved words and writing and being smart – those were the things I was good at doing, at which I knew I wouldn’t fail. And that was the world to which I relegated myself. I was scared of making a fool of myself for trying anything outside of my world.

Of course, I went to college and rapidly figured out that the balance of cool vs. geek existed everywhere and transcended money, athletic and intellectual ability – and that it was okay to be myself and that people liked me for being myself. But there are some emotional scars that never leave, and high school will always be there for me: this big, looming reminder that once upon a time, I wasn’t okay with myself.

Even now, as an adult, there are days when I face those high school fears – that failing at something new will make people like me less. I’ve learned to tackle the fears, of course, and realize that the only way you get good at something is to fail at it and get better at failing, then succeed clumsily, and then succeed well. But the fear of failure, of wanting people to “approve” of me, is always there, in the back of my mind.

And that idea, that version of me, is who I run against. Every time I go just a little bit farther, just a little bit faster, I’m keeping that scared, unsure of herself, uncoordinated little girl at bay. Because if I can do these runs, I can do anything that I never thought myself capable of doing.

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Christopher Jak Does Movies?

September 17, 2009

Yup, he does!

Christopher Jak is an amazingly talented musician/singer/songwriter (originally from NJ!) who lives out in Colorado. He’s one of my all time favorite musicians….I can’t get enough of his music.

When he’s not making his own music, he’s often producing or promoting the work of others. He recently was the music supervisor for a documentary film called “The Edge of Never” about extreme skiing that’s going to premiere at Sundance at the end of the month! I’m super excited for him…. Check out the trailer and go see it if plays in a town near you….

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Will Hoge Lovin’ on CBS

September 1, 2009

I love it when my musical loves get camera love on network TV.

My favorite live artist – on CBS Saturday Early Morning Show! Congrats to Will & the boys. Looks like his accident might bring some much deserved attention to the music (it should stand on its own, but sometimes it takes something big to wake the rest of the world up).

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Green River Ordinance on CNN!

August 28, 2009

Many people know how much I adore Green River Ordinance, one of my favorite little rock bands from Texas. Josh, the lead singer, and Jamey, one of the guitar players, were on CNN this afternoon! I’m so excited for them. Check it out!

GRO On CNN

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The Top 5…or 10…or maybe 20?

August 21, 2009

Once, in a business meeting with a vendor, the vendor asked me something music-related. I nattered on for a bit about whatever it was and the vendor then turned to my colleague and said, “Did you see the way her eyes lit up when she started talking about music?” ‘Tis true. I love it more than anything.

That said, lots of folks ask me to “name my favorite artists.” I don’t think many people realize what a difficult question that is for me to answer. My general response is usually “I really can’t “rate” my favorites in an order. The top 5 have equal status, in my eyes, and have been the same for years.”

Just the other day, Gareth was here and I made reference to Will Hoge being my favorite artist to see live and he said something like, “You have a lot of favorites.” It’s a totally true statement – I do. And I love them all for different reasons and just as equally. But if I were forced to get rid of all of my music and only keep a few, there are some that I could just not live without.

So, who are they, you ask? In no order:

Absolutely cannot breathe not being able to hear:
Bruce Springsteen
Counting Crows
Will Hoge
Wil Seabrook
Christopher Jak

Survival would be next to impossible without:
Alpha Rev
Josh Queen
Bon Jovi
Shane Hines & The Trance
Carbon Leaf

And it would break my heart if I couldn’t hear:
Edwin McCain
Gareth Asher
Sam Thacker
Pat McGee Band
Honor By August

Depression would set in without:
The Stereophonics
Tim Brantley
Green River Ordinance
Mieka Pauley
David McMillin

Seriously, in typing this I expanded from 10 to 20 because I just can’t imagine my life without the music of some of these amazing artists. But it was next to impossible. I had to cut Corey Hart off the list, and that’s just sad. “Sunglasses at Night” is immortal.

So there it is, set in stone, or at least HTML, for all the world to see.

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