Long Is The Day

I have a ton of catching up to do, but I wanted to post this video. I drove to Boise yesterday to see this girl (Brandi Carlile, not the little girl in pink) perform and she was absolutely incredible. One of the best shows I've ever seen. I could tell she was a very down-to-earth girl, but things like this just make me like her even more.


-Brandi Carlile-

This Could Be A Brand New Start

I know it's been forever since I've blogged and I'm not even on a technology hiatus. I guess I don't really have a good excuse since there's been plenty to blog about. I mean, I even bought an amazing porch swing that has yet to make an appearance here. I feel like a purchase that officially takes you out of the "I can fit my entire life in a Honda Civic and go anywhere" category is worthy of a blog post. But let's face it, I hardly fit into that category before. But I digress.

For Mother's Day the siblings put me in charge of the flowers since I'm the only local to our now Utahan parents. I meant to go to a florist to get a beautiful pre-made arrangement, but instead bought several bouquets and arranged them myself. Maybe I'll quit marketing and take up a new career as a floral artist.
On Friday evening Spencer and I hiked to the Living Room. It's a fairly simple hike to an overlook where furniture has been cleverly constructed out of flagstone. We brought a picnic along, watched the sunset from our "loveseat" and met a laser-chasing dog named Deuce.
Last week we got to see Damien Rice perform at the McKay Events Center in Orem. It was the third time I've seen Mr. Rice perform and this was by far the best. Despite the moderately large venue, he was able to create an intimate concert experience that was heartbreakingly beautiful. Despite his folksy Irish roots, Damien knows how to rock -- I particularly liked the rap solo by his unassuming cellist Vyvienne Long.
Oh, and I can't forget the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point two weeks ago.
Yeah, so things are good.

-The Postal Service-

Shut Your Eyes and Sing to Me

Last night I saw who had easily become one of my favorite groups during my European excursion: Snow Patrol. I knew about them long before I moved to Belgium, but I definitely connected with their music in a new way while I was there. Especially this last album. It seems rare these days to find a group that sounds as good (or if you're lucky, better) live, and not just in the studio. Snow Patrol did not disappoint; they proved to be one such band. I got some clear images, but I liked the Giacometti feel of this one. They played lots of favorites, although I'll admit it's hard to tell some of their songs apart. It's easy to criticize them for sounding alike on so many tracks. But just try getting through a few lines of "You Could Be Happy" and you'll see that their genius is cleverly disguised. They rocked the night away, surprisingly one of my favorites was Set Fire To The Third Bar. Don't get me wrong, I love the song was just surprised at how well it was performed by the girl they brought out of the audience to join Gary. Overall, a great night.

-Snow Patrol-

The Sadness

I have no idea how it happened. I have had it on my concert calendar for months. I was more prepared for this show than any I attended this summer. I have had at least one of his albums on constant rotation, and after I got over my skepticism about the price, I finally decided that yes, Ryan Adams would be one concert I would attend in while in Europe. So you can imagine my dismay when I went to buy tickets for the show and found that it actually happened two weeks ago. Don't worry, Ryan. Maybe I'll catch you in America some time.

-Ryan Adams-

Do You Brush Your Teeth Before You Kiss?

On Saturday I came extremely close to having a devastating night without Damien Rice. I was lucky enough to have Kellen to go with at the last minute and we had a fabulous time. We took the LIRR (Long Island Railroad) out to Jones Beach Theatre and watched two of the most passionate performers I've ever seen. The only disappointment was that Damien didn't sing Cannonball or Blower's Daughter or Lonelily... but he did sing quite a few songs that I was unfamiliar with and fell in love with at first listen. His lyrics are so passionately heartbreaking. I think there's a little part of each of us that can relate completely. The venue was amazing. The water surrounds the entire stage and then the stadium comes out onto the land. It's a pretty sweet setup.

Fiona was a nut. She flailed her arms and legs like Elaine from Seinfeld and sat/laid on the stage during different parts of the performance filled with emotion. After the concert we went to Tom's Restaurant - of Seinfeld - and got some grub. I got home around 3:30. I'm still a little tired.


-Damien Rice-