Meet The Little Willies

Meet the Little Willies. Lee Alexander (bass), Jim Campilongo (guitar), Richard Julian (guitar and vocals), Dan Rieser (drums) and a little someone named Norah Jones (piano, vocals). 

This is a side project Norah has been working on lately and well yesterday I finally found some of their music floating around youtube. I recommend a listen if you like good music. Just saying... no pressure.

This one is called "Remember Me", Norah sang it a few months ago at the Bridge School Benefit. And well I'm still in love with it...

Little Things In Life

Its all about the little things in life. Those little things that happen everyday that put a smile on your face. This gem entered my life about 48 hours ago... and no lie I've watched it 40,000 times. Maybe 40,0001. Its been a lot. 

I dare you not to smile. 

Welcome to the World Blue Ivy Carter

Yes, I just welcomed to the world Jay-Z and Beyonce's kid. After having the most hilarious 20 minute conversation here at work about if this kid will be pretty (if it takes after Beyonce) or ugly (sorry Jay-Z you are not the most handsome man in the world). We have decided that either way the kid will have swag. How do we know this? Well this girl, whose name is Blue Ivy Carter... already has a song about her. She is 48 hours old! 

Unbelievable. She even has a cry solo at 3:15. 

But for real this song is sweet, and congrats to the new parents. 

Somebody That I Used To Know - Walk Off The Earth

What happens when an entire band uses only one instrument to play an entire song? 

Take a look.

Oh The Places You'll Go

When I was a little kid I was completely obsessed with Dr. Seuss. I used to collect his books and sit in my bed late at night with a flashlights and read them. I used to imagine going to far away places, to the land of where his characters lived. I would have the best dreams, and think the most wonderful thoughts. I do believe he deserves all the credit for me being the dreamer that I am today. (Or for me living in la la land... you choose)

Its nice every once in a while to go back and visit those things that made you so happy when you were small. I promise you they will still bring a smile to your face. 

I just re-read "Oh the Places You'll Go" and well, its just as fabulous as the first time I read it. Take a peek at a little bit of it. It kind of makes you feel like you can conquer the entire world... what great books for a kid to own!

*And yes I know this has nothing to do with music but sometimes music leads you back into books and into poetry. That's just the way it works... don't blame me*  

"Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose

You're on your own. And you know what you know. 

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.

About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there". 

With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet

you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street

And you may not find any 

you'll want to go down.

In that case, of course, 

you'll head straight out of town.

It's opener there

in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen

and frequently do

to people as brainy

and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen

don't worry. Don't stew.

Just go right along.

You'll start happening too.

.....

On and on you will hike

and I know you'll hike far

and face up to your problems

whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up of course,

as you already know.

You'll get mixed up

with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

and remember that Life's

 a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. 

And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS. 

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So, get on your way!"

Hammer and Strings (A Lullaby)

Been listening a lot to Jack's Mannequin's second album lately. I have no idea what it is about this band that keeps me coming back so often, or why I never seem to get sick of any of their songs. It just works for me, and if you know me I stick to what works in my life... 

This next song "Hammer and Strings" always catches me by surprise every time I hear it. I just love it. 

"Give me something to believe in,

So write it down

I don't think that I'll close my eyes

Cause lately I'm not dreaming

So what's the point in sleeping

Its just at night

I've got nowhere to hide

To the sleepless this is my reply:

I'll write you a lullaby" 

I hope everyone is having a good Tuesday. I'm extremely busy at work about to walk into a meeting at noon that will last for well over two hours (my favorite). But no real complaints here because.. wait for it... I'm off to get pizza! And pizza makes everything better!

NME's Best Quotes of 2011

Just reading one of my favorite music blogs "NME" and came across a great article of some of the best quotes from artists in 2011. And by great, most are absolutely ridiculous. Right up my alley. Also please excuse the language, its their words not mine. Promise!

Here they go:

"The people I want to be there (at my funeral) are like world leaders. Ones that say, 'Kanye gave me my first shot, he told me to believe in myself." - Kanye West during a recent tour stop

"I know his bank account's good but sometimes I know he's probably like, 'I don't want to go to this fucking charity event, I wanna go play Xbox'." -Tyler the Creator on Justin Beiber

"You're going to be fucking arrested wearing his gear and you're going to pull a really nice-looking bird wearing mine." -Liam Gallagher in comparing his clothes line to Jay-Z's

"We're a U.S. export the same way Coca-Cola is. We look for the best markets to go to. Right now Indonesia is on my watch list." - Metallica to the Wall Street Journal

"There are a lot of fucking weirdo's in the music industry. It's just like dayum, how do you get so weird" -Azealia Banks

"If a song makes you want to move and run, that's good. But running outdoors. I'm not very big on the treadmill because it freaks me out. I don't like running when I'm not going anywhere. I'm kind of like Pheobe from Friends when I run. Lots of flailing. - Florence Welch (I actually know exactly what she means!)

"I spent about 40 minutes with these little pricks at the end of May and I haven't wanted to strangle anybody that much in a real long time" - Nirvana producer Steve Albini on Odd Future

Here is to even better ones in 2012!

Madonna - Hung Up

The following song is a shout out to someone who is not feeling very well today. Hope you are feeling better and enjoy the song! :) And yes its now stuck in my head too...

Itunes Sessions

It should be no surprise that as big of a music fan as I am, my itunes account is insane. I spend a lot of money each month on music and well, it usually is all well worth it. This past week while I was on my death bed I went on a splurge and bought a few new cds. The best by far was an itunes session by Kelly Clarkson. Itunes sessions are the best because its about 10 acoustic songs and a 45 minute interview for about six bucks. You can't beat that! And this one is quite special.

Kelly gives some great performances of some new and old songs. Her voice while a little strained towards the end songs, belts them out almost perfectly. I really wish I could sing like her. 

The next two songs are my favorite from the session. The first is her song "Never Again", and while its a pretty upbeat rock song off of one of her albums, the way it is done here is magical. Check it.

The second is a version of her new song "Mr. Know-It-All". Again, just a great take on it. So I guess the point I'm getting to here is go check out some of these itunes sessions, they are well worth your hard earned six bucks.  

Other Itunes Session Suggestions: Grace Potter, The Black Keys, Lykke Li, The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket and The Head and the Heart. 

Yup, Thats My Brother

Great picture taken of my little brother after one of his hikes this past weekend. 

Well done Rick, well done. 

Greese Never Sounded This Good

If you have never heard of Angus & Julia Stone... well there is not enough space on this blog for me to explain to you all the reasons I love them. But here is an easy and simple one. A great cover from Greese. Yeah I said Greese. Trust me and enjoy.

Happy Birthday David Bowie!

I bring you this special Sunday edition because well, the Jets are out of the playoffs and this Giants game could be the most boring thing I have ever watched in my life. So I'm going to focus on the things that actually make me happy, like music!

Today we celebrate the birth of a legend... Mr. David Bowie, who turns 65 today. Love this man. Love his music. So here are a few of my favorites. Hope you are all having a good weekend. I'm back to the grind tomorrow. 

"I don't know where I"m going from here but I promise it won't be boring" -Bowie

First is "Lets Dance"

And now the best of the best. The original video for "Space Oddity"

Follow Your Heart

Updates from today.

1. I'm feeling much better. I don't know if it was an early morning thing but my throat has almost cleared, my voice is almost back and well... things are looking up!

2. Did I mention to you while my job is very stressful how much I enjoy what I do? Today has been a good day here at the office and then tonight I get to go speak to some great volunteers. 

3. Jersey Shore is back tonight.... um... I may be watching :)

4. My friend Michelle posted the above photo today. I love it. It comes with the message...

"This is the only thing you must do in life. As in... have to! As in.. why are you doing anything else?

Your heart is waving a baton. And wearing a crown. Freaking chase it!"

I Gave My Kid A Terrible Present

This has lifted my spirits today... thanks Jimmy Kimmel.

(The kid with the potato has seriously made my day!)

Truth.

If I had to draw what I actually feel like today it would look like the above picture.

Too bad I have a full work day and no time to stop. 

Good thing is that I only get sick about once or twice a year... so let me just pass this thing and I'll be back to normal**

(** definition of normal varies in many peoples minds**)

Little Game

Go look up the number one single from the week you were born. Then watch said video on youtube. Fun right?

Here is mine: September 8th, 1982 - Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band! 

Nice!

Death Cab Lyrics

Its no surprise that I love the dark side of Death Cab for Cutie. They are my easy go for when you are in a down mood or just want to sit in your bed all day. Today a friend of mine posted these lyrics and well, shocking, I like them too... 

Hope everyone is having a good day today. I'm working like a maniac! 

"And if you feel just like a tourist in the city you were born

Then its time to go

And define your destination

There's so many different places to call home

Because when you find yourself the villain in the story you have written

It's plain to see

That sometimes the best intentions are in need of redemptions."

Boom. 

Behind The Gag

Okay I promise last post on Phish for the day. I figured why not make it a full day of posts before getting back to your regularly scheduled program. Plus its my blog and well I can do what I want...

I just read a great review of the 31st show by Mr. Miner and his take on the meaning behind Phish's New Years gag or like he likes to call it "Your Soul Joins Mine". Its pretty powerful stuff, and well I like it, I like it a lot. You ready for his take on it (remember he came up with this not me, but I agree 100%). Warning another long Phish post.... be prepared! 

"The band created a powerful, and philosophically driven skit that delivered the poignant message that we are all eternal souls dancing together forever. Recently the Phish fan community suffered three tragic losses in the course of months. Three big fans and fixtures of Phish tour lost their lives due to tragic circumstances and the band was fully aware of this. (A few months ago they played an entire show with every song starting with the letter S in memory of Scottie Nowak). Leave it to Phish to have a pulse on their community, because this New Year's skit struck a chord with many fans. As the narrative of "Steam" began, the smoke machines started to cloud the stage in mystery. And as the song refrain, "You're soul joins mine in steam", the woman rose above the stage dancing to the dramatic music, representing the soul from the song's lyrics. But then, things got far more symbolic. 

As the song progressed, other people, also cabled to the rafters began to rise above the crowd, dancing with mini smoke machines releasing clouds of steam that surrounded each of them. Clearly representing souls, the people weren't dressed as costumed dancers, but rather like Phish fans, your everyday concert goers. Clouds of smoke surrounding each apparition floating above the arena, and they were dancing to "Steam" like we were- together with us. And as the "souls" danced above the audience the bands instruments (that they weren't playing) began to levitate as well. 

Following the dark "Steam" jam, the first woman who danced above the stage counted down to New Years. Then, after "Auld Lang Syne" the symbolism continued. As the dancers performed a choreographed, mid-air routine to "Down with Disease", small circles of the stage under Trey and Mike began to life the guitar players high into the air. Trey and Mike were some ten feet in the air playing in line with the dancers, uniting the entire arena in the skit. The ideas of the impermanence of human life and the unity of all souls seeped through the stunt as a legitimate statement of belief. By Trey and Mike joining the elevated dancers, the message was clear, this community, and all of life on this planet - is eternal and we will always be united whole, dancing through the universe together. This earth is merely one part of that journey. (Whoa) Even the "Disease" lyrics "Waiting for the time when I can finally say, this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way" took on a far more powerful meaning. An affirmation of the eternal nature of the soul and oneness of everyone, this stunt had a lot more below the surface than the spectacle floating performers with smoke packs attached to them." 

Thank you Mr. Miner! 

Stanford Band Loves Phish

HAHAHAHA

This is pretty amazing, you don't get much better than the Stanford Marching Band. These guys know how to have some fun. And yes that is a Phish tuba all the way to the left. Way to go guys!

This Has All Been Wonderful... But Now I'm On My Way!

This unfortunately will be my only post for the day since its already almost noon and I haven't stopped answering emails yet. But its time to catch you up on my Phish adventures of the past week. And while I won't bore you with gushing over the four days of great music and great friends (including an 8th row show on the 29th). I'll just explain to you New Years Eve their gag and me losing my mind. 

Ready? Okay! Also fair warning about a ridiculous long Phish post. If you don't like it... turn away now! Can't say I didn't warn you... 

I will continue to say that nothing beats being able to spend time with the people you love in a setting that feels like home. That's how I feel about Phish shows. Some people it may not be their cup of tea, but for me I thank my lucky stars that I have something in my life that I can go do a few times a year that makes me so happy. Not many people have that and well I recognize that I do and I don't let these moments pass without notice. 

I spent New Years Eve with three of my best friends in the entire world. Brianna, Beth and Michelle. I don't know where I would be without these girls and well being able to share experiences like these while we can again is just a blessing. The show on the 31st was our fourth straight night of seeing shows. I didn't think that I had it in me to do these types of runs anymore.... fortunately I was wrong. Besides losing my voice night 2 I was ready for whatever my band was going to throw at me. 

We showed up to our 100 level seats just about 15 minutes before showtime and couldn't believe our eyes. Our seats were perfect. Side stage, perfect view of stage and crowd, from right there we knew we were in for a treat. The first set was great. We had great people around us, we danced, we drank, we laughed, we were enjoying the moments as they came. The second set also was a lot of the same. Lots of dancing and wondering what the Phish gag was going to be. So far here at MSG on NYE I've seen Phish fly out riding a hot dog, and I've seen dancers on stilts and fake snow. Whatever was going to happen I was ready for. 

The third set started around 11:45. The place was a buzz.... when the lights came back down we started to see some cables hanging down from the ceiling that were not there before... all of us started to get even more excited for what was to happen next. They started to play one of their newer songs "Steam". All of a sudden out of nowhere, this dancer raised up in front of the stage dancing across a guard rail. From there in a cloud of steam she lifted up above the stage and high into the ceiling... dancing! (PS Where do I sign up?) 

The band looked like they were having so much fun watching this girl float above them dancing like the fans in the crowd. Then before we knew it.... people on the floor and random band instruments started to rise as well! The people wearing these light up backpacks that were letting steam out from all around them. I must have counted at least 15 of them. It was amazing... they danced around like us for a good 10 minutes until the girl at the front of the stage lead everyone in the New Years Countdown. From there Phish let us have it with a balloon madness followed by a rocking Auld Lang Syne. A perfect way to usher in the new year. 

After ringing in the new year, they jumped right into "Down with Disease" and before we knew it the dancers were back up in the air with spotlights and wait whats that? Is that the band rising up on platforms to meet them? Yup that actually happened too. They sang and danced eye level with the dancers and I promise I was completely calm. I spent the rest of that evening dancing away with my best friends and my favorite band. They played right until 1am and when it was all over we were left exhausted and overwhelmed. We hit the streets of NYC (right down the street from Times Square madness) and walked right into a raging Michael Jackson dance party. Nothing says late night rage then MJ. 

Then somehow I managed to make it on a 9am train and back to Richmond by 4pm Sunday. Who says I'm going to be 30? I still got it.... 

Its taken me until this morning to actually realize what this last week has been. I was afforded the opportunity not only to ring in new years with my best friends and 20,000 other fans. But I spent the entire week hanging out with great people in the greatest city in the world. I'm back in Richmond now, back at work, re-energized and ready to make the next year the best year yet. Have I told you how much I love my life right now? 

I hope that everyone had an amazing new years. Thank you to Phish and my friends for reminding me how great life can be. Thank you to my family for welcoming me home for Christmas in grand fashion. Thank you to my amazing boyfriend who let me go off on an adventure for almost two weeks and didn't hold it against me. You all are the reasons why this smile has not left my face for a week. 

Happy 2012. And enjoy the video I took below. Ball drops around 6:30. 

More NYE Shows

Phish was not the only band that brought in the new year playing for their fans. Take a look at some of these pictures from various bands nye extravaganzas. 

Girl Talk

Gogol Bordello

Lady Gaga

Lights All Night

...and the weirdest pairing of them all... Bieber and Carlos Santana

Feel Good Story of the Day

Well played Pearl Jam... well played.

Just read an article that made me go "awwww"... not many bands these days would do this sort of thing, glad to hear it actually does happen. 

Here is the story:

Back in the year 1992, Pearl Jam gave a 17 year old fan named Josh a signed Fender guitar while he was dying of brain cancer. Josh lost his battle a few years after, and the guitar went to his brother. Fast forward 20 years.... the guitar was stolen from his brothers house. After explaining the incident to a local news outlet, the band got wind of the story. 

A week or so ago... the band shipped the brother named Ben a package. It was a brand new guitar complete with all the band members signatures. The family has said.

"Its an amazing gesture of goodwill. It exceeds all expectations... they went above and beyond. Its a blessing for our family to have all this happen. This is our Christmas story. Pearl Jam is amazing and to think that they remembered Josh after all these years is incredible".

Pretty incredible indeed. I'm always happy to hear these types of stories especially from a band that has made it so big. Bravo. Bravo.

Happy 2012 Everyone!

Happy 2012 Everyone!!!

Hope that everyone had a nice and happy holiday last week. I missed Richmond but managed to have a little fun while away. If you take a quick peek at the above photo you will see what I saw just a little after the ball dropped... yup flying people! Only at Phish right? More to come on that. For now I'm going to try and make it through the entire work day without falling asleep under my desk.

So far so good...

Goodbye Friends!

Well this is it. The last blog post before I leave for a nice extended stay up north. Have a lot planned for the next 10 days so it should fly right by and before too long I'll be back in good old Richmond. But its a welcomed break certainly from work and from the hectic life I've been living for the last few months. It will be a time to catch up with old friends, see my family, root on my Jets, give some gifts out and enjoy some music. 

I hope that everyone has a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I'll be returning in 2012 hopefully with a lot of new and exciting music. I'm looking forward to a hear full of exciting things... including... wait for it... my 30th birthday! Ahhh! haha. 

No but really a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.... thanks to all of you who have helped keep a smile on my face. You are the best!

Happy Holidays! 

My Valentine - Paul McCartney

Check out the beautiful song that Sir Paul wrote and sang for his lovely new wife Nancy at their recent wedding. How sweet...

"And I will love her for life

And I will never let a day go by

without remembering the reasons why

she make me certain

I can fly"

More Photos

If you haven't noticed by now I'm a sucker for concert photography. I think I explained it last week but to recap I just love how its able to capture a moment in time that really can't be duplicated. Its not set up, its real and raw. 

Now with the end of the year approaching, lots of magazines and websites are putting out their list of "bests". Over at Spin Magazine they just put out "Spins 25 Best Live Photos". Lets check some out shall we?

LCD Soundsystem Farewell Show... NYC

Jeff the Brotherhood at Bonnaroo 

Kanye and Jay-Z in DC

Sleigh Bells in NYC

Odd Future at SXSW

Public Enemy in NJ

Megadeath at Yankee Stadium

Holiday Miracle!!!

Above you will see a prime example on why I thank my lucky stars each and every day for the job that I'm able to have. Above meet Maria and Teresa... formally conjoined twins from the Dominican Republic who have been staying at the Hospitality House for the last five months. 

This morning... they went home from Christmas. Separate. Healthy. Happy. 

What a holiday miracle! 

Creeping Closer

Well Friday is just about on us and I am nowhere near done with everything needed to get out of town and head out on vacation for a week. I know, everyone seems to be running around without a head at this time of year, I just usually have my stuff together. This year... not so much. I hopefully will knock out my last two presents today and then tonight will finish wrapping and packing and then by tomorrow evening my car will be packed and ready to hit the road on Friday. 

That all sounds relatively easy right? Right? RIGHT? 

Lets just hope it actually is that easy because right now I'm kind of feeling like Jesse Spano on caffeine pills on Saved by the Bell... 

Hope everyone has a nice productive day!

Laura Marling and Ryan Adams at Abbey Road

What a great duet of "Oh My Sweet Carolina" by two of my favorites.... Ryan Adams and Laura Marling.

Oh wait you forget who Laura is... check out an old blog post HERE. 

"May you one day carry me home

I ain't never been to Vegas but I gambled up my life"

Dubstep Great Wall of China.... GO!

A little dancing on the Great Wall of China to brighten your afternoon? Why not!