Took a drive tonight to see a new band…kind of on a whim. Haven’t taken a little road trip on a week night in awhile. So glad I went. GREAT set by Shawn Fisher & The Jukebox Gypsies, a band out of Jacksonville, FL – and how much does this gal love a four-guitar aural assault? Straight up rock n’ roll.
Seriously, these guys played to a crowd of maybe 30 people like there were a thousand people in the room. Super energy and passion for what they’re doing! And holy crap, they covered “Rock and Roll” and knocked me out of my seat. *This close* to being the best cover of any Zepplin song I’ve ever seen.
If they come to your town, free up some calendar time and go see ’em. Here’s a little preview of the full band (not the best sound on this video, but you’ll get the idea – thanks to the gal who posted this to YouTube):
And really, who doesn’t love a band with a sense of humor? (You can get the full band version of this one on iTunes, kids.)
Watch out for these kids, gang. I predict you’ll be hearing their name around sooner rather than later!
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.
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? 🙂
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!
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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