5.16.2010

Songs of the season

Following up on a previous post, Summerfest has finished announcing its headliners …

If this was like past summers, this would be my go-to list …
… And those are only my top choices. Never mind that I’d also love to catch a glimpse of Colbie Caillat, She & Him, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The B-52s, 311, Danny Gokey, and Blue Oyster Cult playing “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (... more cowbell!)

But this won’t be like past summers. We’ve entered a new era. We’re starting over and trying new things.

At least I can take solace in the fact I’ve seen Guster, I've seen OAR and I've seen Counting Crows -- three times, in fact, on all three. It’s the idea that they’re so darn fun to hear and see that keeps me wanting more! I also can settle on the idea that The Moody Blues and Yes are, um, aged and perhaps wouldn’t be worthwhile …

Which leaves the one and only Sheryl Crow. The dream isn’t dead yet.

If all goes well and according to plan, we’ll be moving from K-Town the weekend that Ms. Crow will be touring through the area. Which is also my birthday weekend … Yay me.

Of course, now I’m on a mission to find the hot concert venues around our new home base.

* * *

The New Pornographers show I was pining to attend in June, however, is not likely to happen for me.

Sigh. It’s ok. Really. We have a lot on our plate right now. And we don’t need to spend the money. … Sigh.

Ooh, but it could have been great. Seeing one of the great indie bands of this era, the ridiculously talented supergroup, with all eight of its members jamming on a stage together. Hearing upbeat rock songs like “The Bleeding Heart Show” and “All the Old Showstoppers” live. Perhaps Neko Case would pull out a couple of her solo songs …

Surely there would be some cuts from their new album, "Together," which I picked up the day after its release a couple weeks ago. I haven’t felt the immediate love I did for 2007‘s “Challengers,” but it’s growing me.

Here’s a great perspective from AllMusic.

* * *

I am certain on not liking another album …

Court Yard Hounds. In case you’re not familiar with the duo, it’s the Dixie Chicks, minus Natalie Maines. You’d think it’s gotta be great, right!?

I had already added it to my Amazon wish list in wild anticipation, when I streamed it online a couple weeks ago … And oh, how very disappointed I was. A Washington Post review couldn’t have summarized it better: “tepid, torpid and disappointingly pleasant.”

I want Natalie Maines back.

* * *

The other night I spotted a posting about Ingrid Michaelson covering R.E.M.’s “Nightswimming.”

I gasped and logged onto YouTube for a glimpse.

In our household: “Nightswimming” + Ingrid Michaelson = Bliss.

Check it out.



* * *

Before I go …

Here’s one more I got wind of this week …

Ben Folds covering Elliott Smith’s “Say Yes.” More bliss.

Check it out.

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