I have been a very lucky girl lately. It's very unlike me to be so lucky.
I got to see Needtobreathe play two shows two nights in a row. Talk about luck. We (the roommate, Chelsey and I) had bought tickets to see them play in Little Rock back in May. But the roommate entered a contest to win tickets to see them in Oklahoma City, and she won.
Oklahoma City was ridiculous. Standing room only. And we were so close to the stage. I could have touched Bo if he had reached out to the crowd.
I mean seriously. I could have touched him. It was an amazing night. The opening bands were so good, and the energy was crazy.
Leaving OKC and driving the 5.5 hours back to Little Rock was a true test of character. About three hours into the drive home, I was ready to be out of the car. And by the time we got home, we had just enough time to get ready to go eat before the show.
Round 2 was just as awesome as Round 1.
They played "Cops" from their new EP that came out a few weeks ago. I was ridiculous. Jumping. Singing. Screaming. Laughing. You get the idea.
I can't tell you how much I love Needtobreathe. I just can't do it.
I am a music lover. And I have been since as far back as I can remember. My family was always in awe of my ability to memorize song lyrics and melodies at such a young age. And there was a period of time (1998-2000) where I wanted to be a "pop star."
Needtobreathe became my favorite band my senior year of college. All it took was one song. One song started the whole thing. Once I got all their music, I was hooked. Ridiculously amazing melodies. Thoughtful lyrics. And every single album that comes out is just different enough and even more genius than the last. And I like all of the old stuff just as much as the new stuff....and that's not something I say very often.
I have now seen them play live six times. And each time is more amazing the the first time. They are like a fine wine...just keeps getting better with time. Songs become more thought-provoking. Melodies become more ridiculous.
The roommate took some video that I have to share with you. I want you to have the opportunity to see what I saw. To experience the awesomeness that I experienced.
This first video is from OKC. "The Outsiders" is a song off the album The Outsiders. And there is a point in this song where my brain exploded. If you listen carefully around 1:15 you can hear me freak out because of the ridiculousness.
The second video is a new song called "Difference Maker." I had never heard it before they played it in OKC. But the roommate recorded the whole thing in Little Rock. I think we were both in shock and awe mode in OKC because of how awesome it is. And when I watched this exact version in Little Rock, I totally cried. The sounds and lyrics were just too much to handle.
I hope you enjoy. If you are new to Needtobreathe, you should definitely check them out. I can say without a doubt they are my favorite band ever. And those are big words for me.
What is your favorite band/song?
Who was the last band you saw play live? Where did you go to see them?
Yesterday was a big day. The reason behind that is The Fray's new album "Scars and Stories" came out.
Before yesterday, the band released to singles "Heartbeat" and "The Fighter." And let me just say I've worn both those songs out (but still absolutely love them).
But something happened on my drive to work this morning. I had a musical epiphany when I heard the song "Rainy Zurich." Not kidding. A musical epiphany. It is the most beautiful song. And I love how it makes me feel. I can't even begin to explain it. Just listen.
"I'll keep you warm dancing in downpour. And I will hold your body slowly turning. I'll keep you warm dancing in a downpour. Breathe it in, take it off and soak our skin."
I am in love with this song. So deeply in love with it.
Basically I'm telling you to go buy this. And listen to it on repeat. Forever.
Before the musical epiphany in the car this morning, I had a moment while getting ready for work when listening to Dave Matthews Band. "All Along the Watchtower" is definitely something to swoon over. Cannot. Handle. It. Ever. Not. One. Time.
Music is something I love. And awhile back, I updated my Facebook profile's "About Me" section to being about music and melodies. Sometimes melodies say more about me than I could ever say about myself. It's hard to explain. But if you get it, you get it. And I feel sorry for the people who don't get gooey feelings in their stomachs over an amazing lyric or a musical riff.
Greetings Friends. Today I'm thankful for this blog because I have lots of stories, and no voice to tell them. Why don't I have a voice, you ask? Well, I sang my little heart (and apparently voice) out during Boom Kinetic's show at Sticky Fingers on Friday night.
But before I get into all that, I have to tell you about the two miles I ran without stopping in the freezing cold Friday afternoon.
I tried out my new compression socks my dad got me for Christmas. And I honestly don't know if they did anything different since I only ran two miles. But I'm hoping to see some differences once I work up some higher mileage.
I was really the most excited to be done with the run because my throat was seriously hurting, and I felt like I could barely breathe the entire time. And it shows in my stats.
Distance: 2.00 miles
Time: 24:10
Best Pace: 11:00
Average Pace: 12:06
Calories: 222
I'm looking for a redemption run tomorrow afternoon.
But back to Boom Kinetic. I was at the very front and center the entire time. I got a picture of the set list, and I have made the most awesome playlist in the history of all the playlists. Two songs you need to get right this very second are "Electric Feel" by MGMT and "Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun.
"Electric Feel" by MGMT
"Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun
And just so you know how amazing and excited I was about the whole Boom Kinetic show, I'm going to show you this.
I am the girl just to the right of the guy singing. This was taken by Boom Kinetic's drummer. And I sang every word to every song for three hours straight. And they will be playing in Little Rock on my birthday weekend.
And we (Jodi, the roommate and I) may or may not have talked to the lead singers of the band after the show was over. And now they know who we are and that it's my birthday the next time they come to play in Little Rock.
Today's the kind of day that warrants a little tunage to calm my soul.
Last night the roommate found a video of Needtobreathe covering Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks," and I fell a little more in love with Needtobreathe and Bear's voice.
I. Simply. Cannot. Handle. This.
His voice, the ponytail and hat combo, the open shirt, the sound of the guitar. I swoon.
If I had been there in real life, I'm pretty sure I would have passed out from the sheer genius of the sounds. Even when I watch it, my palms get sweaty and my heart races. Clearly I have a problem.
Other songs I can't get enough of right now:
I was actually in the audience when this song was played. "The Reckoning" was written to be the anthem of this time in my life. I cannot handle the drums and piano sounds right after the first verse. I can't handle any of it really.
Dude can sing. And play the piano. And make my heart flutter. Watch it all the way to the end to get the full musical experience.
"And we are living, living for a moment, a moment. A momentary lapse of love and reason." Nuff said.
Gotta love "Kids" for real. Too good. Too good. And don't mind the weird video...just listen. And I dare you to try not to move and dance around...It's impossible.
Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" has been played out by the radio. But I still love this song...which hasn't really made it to the radio yet. This is another that you can't help but move to. Try it. You'll like it.
I ran yesterday in the 30 degree weather. I basically put everything I had in my closet on my body.
My alma mater UCA was featured in Self magazine for its leading health experts.
Ginuwine's "Pony" was written in 1996. And it's still as crazy good as I remember it. A little old school hip hop for you to enjoy today.
And after I rediscovered my love for 1996 Ginuwine. I found this.
Now this takes me back to 10th grade in my silver Alero bumping up and down Main Street in the Sugtown. #straightgangsta #istillloveit
What songs take you back to the "Golden Years" of high school and/or college?
