Cover me

This past weekend I spent both Friday & Saturday evening at Mercy Lounge. It was all about cover bands and classic tunes. 

On Friday, YATCH ROCK REVIEW performed. I have to say that this is one of my favorite cover bands. It's absolutely a blast to sing & dance along with the smooth rock of the 70s and 80s. This was my second time to see them in the past couple of months and I will be ready to rock whenever they return. The only problem this time was that apparently these guys have been discovered because it was a much bigger crowd this time around. Their fan base has grown quickly!

Check out the website HERE to get a little taste of some Yatch Rock and maybe even book them for your next event ;) There is a back story to this cover band which includes a 12 episode video series about the lives & careers of American soft rock stars.  I find it highly entertaining and suggest you watch them in order to appreciate Yatch Rock even more.

Here is one of my favorite episodes of the series, just to give you a taste - Yatch Rock, Episode 11  (warning - this does have some foul language)

Next up, I enjoyed The Who's Live at Leeds performed by THE ORIGINAL SHAZAM on Saturday night. This was another rockin' show that took me by surprise. I understand that it would be hard to cover such a legendary band as The Who but I felt they did a great job. It gave me a glimpse of what it might have been like to experience The Who back in the day. 

This is what I love about cover bands-- you can hear some of your favorite songs live that you might not have had the opportunity to experience otherwise. Cover bands may not get all the glory of an original band but they are much appreciated by a fan like me. 

Are there any particular cover bands that you love? What's the last show of covers that you went to?

Here, there & everywhere

I'm Back! I was on a little vaca last week so I wasn't able to post. I'm sure ya missed me, right?!

I've been discovering a lot of new tunes lately from various places. Typically, I learn about new music from friends or family. Even while on vacation last week, I was excited to hear some new artists/bands on some friends playlists.  It can be overwhelming with all the ways you can find music these days sometimes I don't feel like I can keep up!

Just yesterday a friend introduced me to TURNTABLE - Find here - and I can already tell it's going to be my new favorite. You get to interact with other members while taking turns being the dj. You have an avatar that let's you rate the songs played, dj, create your own room or chat. I've always thought it would be fun to be a dj and now I get try it out online.  The only issue is that you have to have a friend on facebook that is already a member in order to join. I recommend checking it out immediately!

Some other places I enjoy discovering music:
EMUSIC - website
GROOVESHARK - website
MOG - website
PANDORA - website
AMAZON MP3 STORE APP (free song of the day) - info
SHAZAM - website
Music Blogs
Paste Magazine - website
Spin Magazine - website
Grimey's Newsletter
and many more....




Where do you find your music? Are you stumbling upon any new ways to find it?

Checking off the list

Well this past weekend, I was able to cross one of the top bands to see live off my list - I attended the U2 concert at Vanderbilt Stadium on Saturday July 2nd. Florence and The Machine opened up for them and I thought for a relatively unknown band, they were able to fill a football stadium with good tunes.  I would think it's pretty tough to open up for such an iconic band as U2.

FATM is slowly growing on me so we shall see if I end up purchasing any of the tunes in the future.

As far as U2 goes - it was absolutely fabulous as I expected. I did mention to a friend of mine that it actually wasn't the best concert that I've seen in my life but it's definitely up near the top. I'm just glad I was able to experience such an incredible band, in a great venue, on a perfect evening!

U2 fascinates me beyond just the music they create.....it's the fact that they started at 16 years of age and have stayed together for 35 years without any major bumps in the road.  I never heard of possible break ups/retirement (then of course the come back)/destroying hotel rooms/drug & alcohol issues/etc -- I'm not saying they haven't dealt with these ins and outs of rock n roll but it wasn't as publicized like many other artists of our time have been. Plus, it's nice to see a celebrity use the power and popularity that is gained in the music industry to focus on other important things in life through philanthropic causes, etc.

Ultimately, they are able to stay together and continue to create music that multiple generations can enjoy. Not a lot of artists can say the same....

One highlight of the evening you should read about here - Fan plays with U2

My Kroger Theory -

Happy Wednesday!

Today's post is kind of random but I experienced my theory earlier in the week so I decided to write about it.

I've had a theory about the music played at various Krogers around town. This past Monday evening, after running into a Kroger for a couple of items, my theory was once again confirmed. I've also had a witness with me a few times (including Monday night) that now agrees with me.

Basically, I've come to the conclusion that Kroger has made a deal with Eddie Money & Taylor Dayne to play their music exclusively. More times than I can count, I have been in a Kroger (especially Belle Meade or Green Hills) and either Take Me Home Tonight (Video) or I'll Be Your Shelter (Video) comes on at some point while shopping. I usually start to sing along with each song just because it makes grocery shopping a little more entertaining. I'm just dumbfounded that these random artists are the main source of music used to accompany folks while they buy groceries?!

*Note - now that I've actually looked at the lyrics for Take Me Home Tonight - the first verse is very appropriate for food shopping. Check it out to the left. ;)

I think what happened is that Eddie and Taylor decided that they might not be able to make much money in music anymore so they made a deal with Kroger to have their songs played every other hour. Even if that's not the case, I think if I was an aging artist - it would be something I would consider. 

I might start to keep count of how many times this happens or maybe keep a log of when it happens just to come up with a number for proof. I've been using my SHAZAM app lately so that could be a good way to keep up with it.

Has anyone else ever noticed these songs playing at Kroger?? Do you have any random music theories like this?

Next time you happen to be in a Kroger - try to listen and see if Eddie Money or Taylor Dayne come along for your fabulous shopping experience.....

A few other songs from their collections that might be played as well:

Eddie Money - Two Tickets to Paradise, Shakin', I'll Get By

Taylor Dayne - Tell It To My Heart, Don't Rush Me, Love Will Lead You Back

These songs easily get stuck in your head so watch out!

This week in music....

I wanted to share with you a couple of things I've enjoyed this week with music.

As some of you know, one of my favorite TV shows besides The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart is The Colbert Report. I love both of those guys - they are brilliant & hilarious. I hope to catch a live show one of these days so if you have a way to get tickets, let me know!

What does this have to do with music? Well, all this week on The Colbert Report - Mr. Colbert is having a "Summer Concert Series" called STEPHEST COLBCHELLA '011.  Each night he has a different musical guest perform. I watched Monday & Tuesday which were both fantastic. I suggest you tune in tonight & tomorrow or go to the website & catch up on all this weeks episodes HERE.  (plus you can watch a few bonus performances by the artists)

The line up is as follows:

Monday - Bon Iver performed Calgary from his new album Bon Iver (which I'm happy to say that I WILL be attending his show at The Ryman in July!)

Tuesday - Florence & The Machine performed Dog Days Are Over from the soon to be released 2nd album (I will also get to see her live since my girl, Carrie, informed me that she will open for U2) Did you know she was discovered in the girls bathroom at some bar? Crazy!

Wednesday - Talib Kweli will perform. I've never heard of him but apparently he is a rapper from Brooklyn. I listened to a little sample on Amazon and he sounds pretty good.

Thursday - Jack White and The Black Belles perform. I've actually seen Jack White around town a couple of times and like some of my friends who have seen him live before have said-- he has a major presence when he walks into a room, it's infectious. I'm not familiar with The Black Belles but looking forward to checking it out.

You get to laugh and listen to great music all in one fabulous show. Two of my absolute favorite things to do!!

The other thing I wanted to share was that I went to see Hangover II last night. Many people I talked to that had seen it didn't really care for it. I thought it was pretty funny even though it was the same format as the first. I love Zach Galifianakis though so he could just be standing there & I would probably start laughing. (I'm a sucker for a good comedian)

As I was watching, I noticed the soundtrack and how much I liked every song. I vaguely remember the first Hangover soundtrack but I know I didn't like the song - You Spin Me Right Round - until they put it at the end while showing the pictures of what happened. Weird, right?!  Yep, now I like the song and will actually listen to it.

Then I went home and looked it up to see exactly which songs were on it. So many times on movie soundtracks they will leave off songs that were in the movie, this bothers me. Thankfully the songs I liked were all on the second soundtrack which you can listen to samples of HERE.

Do you have any favorite movie soundtracks? (besides Garden State, ha!)

Shows n such....

Gonna make this quick - I guess I will be posting either Wednesday OR Thursday...depending on what pops up in life.

Anywho, I'm very excited b/c numerous shows and concerts are coming up for the summer. I still haven't had the true outdoor concert experience this season but I will fit it in at some point.  It's so hard to decide which concerts I am able to go to or afford!

The closest big show coming up is U2 at Vandy Stadium on July 2nd. I am so excited for this one that I almost don't believe it's really happening. I'm wondering who will op[en for them and what playlist of songs they will perform. I love all of U2 but of course have my favorites.

After U2, I will be going to see Natasha Bedingfield at Exit Inn and Katy Perry at Bridgstone Arena.  I am also hoping to go see Bon Iver at The Ryman and Sade in Memphis. We shall see how those turn out but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works out!

The BIG news is that my beloved ELBOW is finally playing in the STATES!!!! They will be in ATL and DC this September. Those are my two choices of places to go see them and I am definitely going to make it happen one way or another. Still can't believe they will be on this side of the pond! :)  If anyone wants to join me, holla!!

Do you have any good concerts that you will be going to see in the next few months? Any recommendations?  Have you already been to some that were outstanding?

Hope your week has been fabulous....

News From Friends!

I know I'm posting a day late but life can get in the way sometimes. Whoops.

There are some exciting things brewing with multiple friends of mine so I wanted to give some shout outs & share the news! I definitely recommend checking the following people out because they are all very talented and continue to allow their passion for music lead them to new ventures ....

I have some dear friends from college that have recently released an album - MAKIN' READY. Even though they have been writing together for a few years now, this is the first time they've produced an album together. Both Matt & Jenny Behnke are talents on their own but I think coming together has put the icing on the cake. I enjoyed this album tremendously when I first had a listen a month or so ago. It's a good road trip cd that is totally fun to sing along. The lyrics are clever and thoughtful which allows the listener to identify with what they are talking about....I would describe the music as Americana/Bluegrass. It's unique in that it doesn't really fit into a specific genre. (like most great music these days)

Take a listen for yourself and find out more about The Behnkes on their website HERE! I might even have a free cd for ya, if you like the tunes & pass along the love to your friends. :)

I also wanted to mention another talented fella in music & beyond - Korby Lenker. He's been touring with Daphne Willis as well as crankin' out his own gigs which you should check out whenever you get a chance. The other cool project he started was launching his website WIGBY! As Korby describes it, "WIGBY is a monthly video blog, featuring pretty much the best artists around, playing and singing great songs with their great voices in an intimate setting."

The first artist for this month is COURTNEY JAYE performing her song "One Way Conversation". A fabulous song that you need to hear immediately! Please check out the website HERE! You can read the back story of the Wigby bird & watch the new video.  Also, please take a second and LIKE Wigby on Facebook as well.  This is a fantastic way to discover new artists or listen to some of your favorites.

Last but not least - I'm so proud of my friend, Angel Snow! She will be opening for Alison Krauss this August at THE RYMAN!! I can't imagine having the opportunity to open for Alison Krauss & Union Station much less to be doing it at The Ryman. What a rare and unforgettable experience that is going to be...She is currently working on her sophmore album which I can't wait to get my hands on. She is also having a lil summer tour so check out if she is coming to a city near you at her website HERE!

Ok, that's all I got for now as far as my friends go -- On a sad note - Our local college station, WRVU, officially went off the air on June 7th.  My nickname for Vandy radio was The "UM" Station (since most of the DJs were learning & tended to say Um a lot)  I will miss the eclectic music, the various DJs and quirky shows. I discovered a lot of good music from them that I don't think I would have found any other place. I think it will leave a little hole in 'Music City' as far as expanding our city beyond country.

Have a music filled rest of the week!