I can't help it

I saw my last Duke Spirit show of the year (at least I think it will be the last one) last night at the 40 Watt in Athens. They were brilliant as always. And for it being a rainy Saturday night during Thanksgiving weekend, there was a pretty good turn out. In addition to all of the gems they usually play, they also played "Echo Song" which is a b-side from Neptune (only way us US kids can get it is on import). You can listen to it on their MySpace page.

Besides putting out great records, The Duke Spirit also put on a great live show. Liela's voice is flawless and their sound is solid. I admire their endurance. They've been touring practically non stop since February and I've yet to see a mediocre performance out of them. They give 100% every time.

I also appreciate that they're so grateful to crazy fans like me who have seen them loads of times. They're such sweet people and I hope the rest of this year and next are extremely good to them. They deserve it.




More photos here.

I also took a few pictures of Eulogies, one of the opening bands. Check them out, they were really good.

The Duke Spirit is playing Matt Pinfield's Holiday Extravaganza show for 101.9 RXP on the 9th (a few other bands are playing including the Ting Tings) but it's sold out so I can't go. Bummers :( The station is giving away tickets to the show so maybe I'll try my luck there. If you'd like to enter the contest sign up here. The band is also playing David Letterman Letterman on December 8th

For those of you who don't live in NY, 101.9 RXP is a relatively new station. I believe that 101.9 was previously a smooth jazz station. It became The New York Rock Experience in February of this year.

Being from Atlanta, I grew up listening to 99x. Sitting in my room on Saturday mornings and listening to the countdown; laughing uncontroably to "The Morning X with Barnes, Leslie and Jimmy"; "The House of Retro Pleasure" (aka "Duplex of Retro Pleasure" aka "The Retroplex") with Steve Craig where I heard Echo and the Bunnymen for the first time. Thanks to 99x, my friend Stephanie won front row seats to see The Smashing Pumpkins at the Fox Theater, which was pretty major for a pair of 16 year old girls that were in love with them. I loved their Live X CDs, how they'd throw out shirts into the crowd during local shows and all the rad stuff that I got with my Freeloaders card.

As we all know, people don't listen to radio as much as they used to, thanks to internet radio, satellite radio, downloading, mp3 blogs, and a whole heap of other things. And unfortunately, 99x suffered from that. On January 25, 2008 99x stopped broadcasting on 99.7. They last song that was played was Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)". While 99x now exist solely on the internet, it's not the same. When I came home in April and realized that I could no longer hear Steve Craig's voice at 1 in the afternoon talking about a great Altered Images song, I was crushed. Listening to The Retroplex was always one of my favorite things about coming home.

Former 99x DJ Sean Demery wrote an amazing post about the history of the station in his blog back in January. It was really interesting reading about how the station came to be and how it evolved, becoming probably the best rock station in the south.

In June of this year, Leslie Fram became the Program Director at 101.9 RXP. She also co-hosts the Morning Drive with Matt Pinfield. Leslie is kind of a legend in Atlanta and a lot of people credit her with giving them their start in music, whether it be supporting their band when others wouldn't or giving them a shot in radio. RXP has the potential to be a great station and it will certainly grow and prosper under Leslie's guidance. Steve Craig, another 99x alum also accepted a position at RXP. He's currently the midday host.

RXP promises not to rely on corporate playlists. I often wonder if bands I listen to would break out and become huge if they were only getting airplay on major radio stations. It's really hard to say. But if RXP truly does intend on playing good, new music, things may just change. I guess only time will tell. But it seems as though they're intent on doing things differently. And hopefully, that will make all the difference.

There's a world outside your window

They've been playing Holiday music on most stations for the past two weeks now, which is kind of annoying considering it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But there's one song that I don't mind hearing at this time of year.

Blue star, shine your light

When I was in college, I met a really cool girl named Melina. Melina and I shared a mutual friend, Elena. Elena and I went to the same high school and Melina had gone to school with Elena's sister. Elena was a year ahead of me in school but it just so happened that we ended up at the same college and living in the same dorm. Even though Melina and I both knew Elena, we probably wouldn't have become good friends had I not taped pictures of one of my favorite bands to my dormroom door. That band was the Deftones. Turned out Melina was a big Deftones fan as well and after meeting her, I had someone to share my 'tones obsession with.

I have so many great Deftones memories from over the years including the first time I saw them at Ozzfest in 1999; the time I caught Abe's drum stick when he threw them up into the air at their Tabernacle show in 2000; the time Melina and I bought tickets off a classmate for the sold out Big Day Out concert, praying that we'd get to hear "Back to School" live for the first time (which we did); the time we FINALLY heard "The Chauffeur" live after begging them forever to play it live; and the time we got to hang out with them one awesome night in Fort Mill South Carolina, making us the happiest girls ever in life.

While the Deftones are an incredibly talented band, one of the best things about them has always been their bass player Chi Cheng. I was fortunate to meet Chi on a few different occasions and he was always humble, incredibly kind and really appreciatve of the opportunity to play music for his fans. I remember one particular day in November of 2000 when Melina and I went up to Atlanta for a Deftones show at International Ballroom. Because we were super fans, we arrived at the venue really early (11 am to be exact) so that we could be one of the first people inside when the doors opened later that night. To our surprise, we weren't even the first ones there. A 16 year old kid from Alabama had made it there first. We thought, "Wow, how early did this kid have to get up to drive to Georgia from Alabama to make it there before 11 am?" We knew he had to be a big fan.

The weather was terrible that day. It was cold and rained on and off all day. While Melina and I had hoodies that kept us pretty warm, this 16 year old kid didn't have a jacket or anything and we felt really bad for him.

As the day went on we spotted a few members from the opening bands walking around and chatted and talked with them. But the highlight was definitely when members of the Deftones came out to talk to fans. Now Melina and I used to ask Chi questions on the Deftones messageboard pretty frequently. And somehow, with the hundreds of questions people would ask him, he would always answer ours. When we met him, he remembered the questions that we asked and we thought, "Wow, here's this big rockstar who actually knows who we are." And that felt really cool. Talking to Chi about music, politics and Buddhism, you could tell that he was really well informed about so many things and topics. But what came across the most about Chi that day was his kindness. When he saw that the 16 year old kid who had been waiting there all day was shivering because he didn't have a jacket on, he went onto the bus and gave the kid HIS jacket. I was truly amazed. Most regular people wouldn't have done that much less a rockstar. If we didn't know before, we definitely knew then that Chi wasn't just a rockstar. He was a good person too.

I mention all of this because a few weeks ago on November 3, Chi was involved in a really terrible car accident. His mother, Jeanne, has been updating the Deftones blog with Chi's condition. He's in a coma. While he's stable, his condition is obviously very serious. I pray for him every night. It's so funny how you can feel so connected to a band because of all of the times you've listened to their CD or how many times you've seen them in concert or all of the posters you have of them hanging in your room (I still have a little Deftones corner in my room in Atlanta). However, when you've met them and see what good people they are, it makes it even more difficult to hear when something horrible happens to them.

Luckily for Chi, he has a lot of people pulling for him between his band mates, his family & friends and his millions of fans. I also know that his will is strong and that he will fight to get better. So I ask you, if you pray, pray for Chi. And if you don't pray, send some good thoughts his way. If anyone else were in his position, I know that Chi would gladly do the same.

Melina and Chi in 2000

So caught up in my lone communion

I'm so glad that I decided to get a ticket to see The Duke Spirit at Center Stage last night. As always they put on an incredible show and left me anxiously awaiting their headlining show in Athens next week.

I arrived at the venue probably 5 minutes before 8. The doors opened about 10 minutes later. Once I was inside I remembered that I'd been there before (when it was called Earthlink Live) back in 2002. I saw Kittie, Chimaira, Ill Nino and No One there. Now if you know me, you'll know that every time I've seen Kittie play live, something has happened to me. I always get hurt. This show was no exception. While some kid was crowd surfing, I tried to push him away from me as he was coming and my arm buckled and came out of its socket. Worst. Pain. Ever. It popped back into place after hanging there for a while, but it hurt like hell. Thankfully, I sustained no injuries at last night's show for which I am extremely grateful.

I talked to a very nice security guard while waiting for the show to start. Maybe he felt bad because I was by myself. As it got closer to 9, I got more and more excited of course. The band finally came out a little after 9 to "I Do Believe" and then plunged into "Send A Little Love Token". They're sticking to a set for this tour with Eagles of Death Metal so they played the same songs they played at Music Hall of Williamsburg last Sunday (I saw the setlist). Liela was in great form, very energetic and chatting with the crowd and being her usual charming self. I loved that they played to such an enthusiastic crowd. Sometimes, the crowds in New York just seem so over everything. But Atlanta crowds rarely act like they're too cool to have a good time and I really appreciate that. I'm sure the bands do as well.

Highlights for me were of course "Hello to the Floor," "Dog Roses," "Red Weather" and "Love Is an Unfamiliar Name." It's so good to hear older stuff as you tend to hear less and less of it with the more albums that a band puts out. Of course my favorite song from Neptune, This Ship Was Built to Last, sounded epic and Liela glanced over at me and smiled as I sang along. They closed with "Cuts Across the Land" which is another good oldie and you could tell that they left everyone who hadn't heard them before impressed.

I sat out in the lobby for awhile afterward and watched some of Eagles of Death Metal on the TV screens behind the bar. Then I decided to take off since unlike New York, the trains here stop running around midnight. As I was walking to the train station who should be coming from the other side of the street but Olly Bets, the Duke's drummer. When he crossed over to my side I told him how awesome they were and that this was my 6th time seeing them this year. For those of you keeping score at home I saw them twice in February at Mercury Lounge and Union Hall, twice in April at Bowery Ballroom and the 40 Watt (when they opened for Black Rebel), and once over the summer when they did that instore at the Apple Soho store (see picture)

Anywho, Olly couldn't believe that I'd see them so many times this year but he seemed genuinely appreciative so that was cool. I told him that I was going to their show at 40 Watt next week and I'm so looking forward to it. If you're not doing anything on the 29th, you should definitely go up to Athens and check out the show. It's a headling gig for them so I'm hoping that they'll pull out some gems that I haven't heard live before, like "Scratching Around," "This Heart Is A Lonely Hunter," or "A Wild Hope."

I took a few pictures at the show and I'm happy to say that a loto f them came out looking great. I think I finally found the perfect "show" setting on my camera, so that's cool.




More photos here.

Don't you think that you'd like to stay with me too

While I got off to a not so great start this morning (I woke up an hour late but still managed to make it to work earlier than most days, go figure!) today was pretty good. Work was fun, I got home around 9, had dinner, watched some tv and imported some CDs into my iTunes. Still need to pick up a few records that have come out in recent weeks and will probably do that on Friday when I'm back home in Atlanta.

So I wish I was one of those girls that could just wear something fabulous every day. But I just don't have the energy. Or don't know how to make it seem effortless. Or just don't try. Usually I can have a cool outfit or good hair. But not both at the same time. There's a girl who post in Newest Wrinkle that can do both. Zana posts pictures of her outfits every now and then and I'm AMAZED at how put together she looks in every single photo. She posted some photos today and everything she's wearing looks fantastic. I'm never sure of when to wear a necklace or not. Or what shoes are best. I've bought a TON of shoes this year (including Jeffery Campbell oxfords, Steve Madden boots (tall and short) and Nine West 4 inch oxfords (in black and brown). But so far I've only worn the tall Steve Madden boots once and the Nine West black oxfords once. What am I saving the rest for?

I know a lot of it has to do with comfort. It's SOO easy to slip on a pair of sneakers and go. But most new shoes hurt, especially if there's a heel or you have wide feet like me. However, I have to remember that my favorite pair of boots (which now have holes in them and need to be taken to the shoe repair shop next to work pronto - they apparently work miracles there) were really uncomfortable at first, too. As were the Urban boots that I've been wearing a lot lately. It's important to break them in first and then you can practically live in them.

Nubby and Gala are two other girls whose styles I admire. Gala actually wrote a post called "What Should I Wear" today which is kind of a funny coincidence. Perhaps it would help me if I took a picture of my outfit every day. Then I'd be forced to put together something worth taking a picture of. Is that the trick? I've gotta find a balance of comfort and style. I'll work on it and get back to you.

In other news, I am SO in love with this song by Cut Off Your Hands called "Oh Girl". This band is from New Zealand and they remind me a lot of The Smiths. Yeah, I said it. They're THAT good. I'm sad that I missed them during CMJ but I'm sure they'll be back in NYC next year

Georgia, take me to the seeeeeaaaaaaaaaa

My room is a mess. I'm trying to start packing for my trip to Atlanta but I can't really find the motivation. I'm just exhausted. I've been tired all day (maybe not enough sleep last night) and never did catch my second or even first wind. Hoping that I'll get a nice nights rest tonight.

I'm missing The Duke Spirit tonight and it's killing me a little inside. They opened for Eagles of Death Metal tonight at Bowery but the show sold out before I could get tickets. While I'll be seeing them twice when I'm back home in Georgia, I always feel odd not seeing them when they play in the city. Like I'm a bad fan or something. They played MHOW last night but as most of you know Brooklyn shows are rough for me unless I have a place nearby to crash afterwards. With as far uptown as I am, train rides too late at night can take FOREVER.

On Friday, I'm seeing Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson at Drunken Unicorn which I'm looking forward to. Seeing The Duke Spirit and Eagles of Death Metal on Saturday at Center Stage. Feel kind of bad that I'm missing Snowden on the 29th at The Earl (The Duke Spirit is headlining a show in Athens at the 40 Watt on that night and I just can't miss a Duke Spirit headlining show as I haven't seen one of those since February) but I will most likely be seeing them on the 3rd at Mercury Lounge anyway, even if I have to go alone.

I finally got to see Rival Schools in the last few weeks. Saw them at the Knitting Factory at the Brooklyn Vegan Showcase during CMJ and then at Mercury Lounge on the 6th. Both shows were amazing and they sound phenominal. I can't wait for the new record. The King Left was one of the openers at the Mercury Lounge show and they were great to watch. They totally rock out and sounded like 1000 times more amazing than when I saw them open for Snowden last year at Maxwell's.


To check out the pictures I took at Knitting Factory, visit my flickr.

I also saw Jaguar Love on Halloween at Mercury Lounge. It was pretty cool seeing J on stage again and he is a maniac on the drums. Also Johnny Whitney's voice is remarkable. I mean, how does he do it? The crowd loved Johnny and the rest of the boys and I was glad that I got to see them play.

Now that it's well past my bedtime, I think I'll hit the sack. I leave you with this fantastic interview with President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle from 60 minutes last night.


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