Does Anyone Care What Anyone Says in Rock'N'Roll?

I don't know what universal law requires that cool things come in these mega bursts of activity- the rule of 3? Maybe, I don't know. A prime working example...

This past Tuesday I received a package in the mail containing the much anticipated BP Fallon Live in Texas cd. Always love new tunes, always love BP- into the player it went.

Perfection.

BP in Blue, Original Photo of BP Fallon by Christopher Durst

I've previously mentioned I was a participant in the Pledge Music campaign to help BP and the Bandits bring their Still Legal project to life on vinyl back in 2013.

As familiar with that as I am, I have only seen BP Live & In Person in a few brief SXSW appearances, usually with the ever-so-talented Ghost Wolves occupying Bandits' roles. This live compilation, recorded at ABGB in Austin, TX, provides a perfect counterpart to what I have seared in my brain.

In BP's world, Bandits vary. At this performance he is accompanied by Danny B Harvey, Joe King Carrasco and (one of my favorite modern day songwriters, poets and performers) Aaron Lee Tasjan.

Kicked off with a lively intro by Joe King Carrasco himself, BP rightfully takes his place on the stage to deliver his astute commentary 'Fame #9'. Originally released by Third Man Records- it was the labels first foray into spoken word Green Series- this is perhaps one of the strongest versions of this song I have heard to date. Tasjan's eloquent guitar picking only serves to emphasize the the sonnetteer nature of this tune, transitioning fluidly into (b-side) 'I Believe in Elvis Presley'.

As they launch into 'The War to Fight for Love', I found myself getting caught up in the swirling sounds of peace and love- loaves and fishes baby. 'You think it's crazy... I don't care, I'm as fucked up as anyone else. You think it's pipe dreams... I don't care, I've as much luck as anyone else'... Words to fucking live by.

Roll up, roll up, roll up.

Click photo to link to 'The War to Fight for Love' Official Video

Still Legal was delivered to my doorstep at a time in life when I was caught up in the midst of questioning 'big picture' things, as one does. 'Increasingly Often' is a tune that particularly struck a chord with me, and is one I continue to fall back on in times of 'what the fuck am I doing????' to help right myself. There's something about being aware enough of your space in this world, and the time you may or may not have left- what will you do with it? Everyone of us should be thinking about it more than we are and doing something awesome about it every day. 

Intro'd in this set by spoken word, 'Time is an Accordian', he's playing the old fool. Tasjan sublimely lives up to his melodic role in this, and BP's delivery is so true to his nature and aura, it's utterly heartwarming and, yes, a bit tear-inducing. 'Every moment is nearer to the end... not in a bad way, yes in a sad way. It's just that time does not go on forever. Bless us who are still alive and bless us who are still in heaven! I'm simply very grateful you are here'.

Me too Beep.

Photo by Brian Birzer, courtesy of KUTX

From one song that makes you think to another, 'I'm Still Legal' follows up. Co-written with The Ghost Wolves, one of the best bands operating out of Austin right now, their gritty sound provides perfect backdrop for this commentary on gun ownership. An interesting choice of message to deliver in a state known for it's relatively large number of gun owners, it seemed to go over pretty well. Of course, this is Austin we're talking about... 'it's crazy crazy'.

And now we're back to the party with a fun little number, and relevant observation in this day and age, 'Does Anyone Care What Anyone Says in Rock'N'Roll'. My guess is not many, but if you can get them to listen, that's half your battle fought.

Ending on a high note and closing out their set is an uber-extended romping rendition of Van Morrison's 'Gloria' mixed with stories and background only BP Fallon could provide making it 'Van AND Gloria'. G-L-O-R-I-A!

BP Fallon Live in Texas will officially be released this coming Tuesday February 17th. C.D. limit of 700.


Wake up to Wednesday...
Goal?
Kills tickets.
On pre-sale at 10am.

SUCCESS! Stoked beyond measure for THIS, my first time to see The Kills. Looking forward to an amazing time at the Ogden, a legendary Denver venue that holds maybe 1600 people.

And finally, out on the town for a night of live music at the Larimer Lounge... with none other than Aaron Lee Tasjan! See what I mean about everything culminating all at once? What are the odds?

Currently on the #GoodLuckTour with The Mastersons, ALT kicks so much ass! You know that anticipation of seeing someone perform that you have really enjoyed listening to? Met... in fact, we could have used an encore because he missed a few I was looking forward to hearing ('My Camera', 'Everything That I Have is Broken' I'm looking in your direction).

Aaron Lee took to the stage and did more with one guitar than some entire bands are able to do with a multitude of instruments. His classic witticisms, as heard in 'American Tan' and 'Living Proof', weaved perfectly with hits 'Don't Walk Away' and 'Taking Drugs and Eating Junk Food' from his most recent EP 'Crooked River Burning'. Fun and thought provoking, he plays some of the prettiest guitar you'll ever hear and completely superseded his role as 'Opening Act'. His upcoming album In the Blazes is currently being mastered and I know he is excited to have it available to the public here in the next few months.

Photo Courtesy of The Mastersons

The Mastersons, another Austin TX duo, rounded out the night. I was not at all familiar with their work so it was a nice introduction. Promoting their upcoming album Good Luck Charm, they played a few numbers old and new. I greatly appreciated their tandem work on electric guitar and fiddle, striking a bit close to home as it were.

Always a treat to see how others get it done. They will be hauling Aaron through a bevy of towns over the next few weeks and I'd highly recommend getting out to see them. Upcoming tour dates are as follows and may also be found on their website and/or facebook page.

2/14 Walla Walla WA, Main Street Studios*
2/15 Seattle WA, The Rendezvous Seattle*
2/17 Portland OR, Mississippi Studios*
2/18 Cottage Grove OR, Axe and Fiddle*
2/19 San Francisco CA, The Chapel* w/ Jonny Two Bags
2/20 Santa Monica CA, McCabe's Guitar Shop*
3/1 Mobile AL, Callaghan's Irish Social Club*
3/4 Gatlinburg TN, Sugarlands Distilling Company*
3/5 Lexington KY, Natasha's Bistro & Bar*
3/6 Nashville TN, City Winery Nashville w/ Steve Earle
3/8 Cleveland OH, The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern*
3/9 New York NY, Rockwood Music Hall*
3/10 Philadelphia PA, World Cafe Live*
3/12 Washington DC, Gypsysally's*
3/13 Ashland VA, Ashland Coffee & Tea*
3/14 Carrboro NC, Cat's Cradle*
3/15 Decatur GA, Eddie's Attic*
3/17-22nd Austin TX, SXSW
*w/ Aaron Lee Tasjan

And finally, what I hope you'll find an anecdotal story based on random observations...
There's a girl who plays locally- Danielle Ate the Sandwich is her guise- she is a one-woman act, complete with ukulele and (what seemed) an overwhelming number of ex-boyfriend stories. Entertaining overall. But over time she has evolved (for us) into a cliched reference for every female-come-ukulele act we run into. Except most of the time they've eaten the Sad-mich, and every song they sing (even if it's purported to be a happy one) just comes off as ridiculously depressing. No wonder he left you! To the lady acts following this model- Please Stop. Insert at least one up tempo song SOMEWHERE in your act, even if it's a cover. No one wants to get up and out of their homes on any given night to come downtown to pay good money and hear you sing nothing but sad, sad songs. They want a drink. They want a good time. They want something they can dance to! Please consider your audience and set list. #itsnotalwaysaboutyou

Are You With Me or Against Me?

If you've been paying attention, you know there's pretty much nothing I love more than 1) traveling 2) concerts and 3) Jack White concerts. So, when a good friend made the offer of a Jack White Madison Square Garden ticket and a bed to crash in if I could just get my ass to NYC, I was all over it. Any true music fan recognizes the pull of that legendary venue and WHAT an opportunity to return to the Big Apple.

NYC from the air, Madison Square Garden in view

While traveling to NY at the end of January had its own Risks (weather, illness, bone seeping COLD), the Reward outweighed them all. Adequately supplied with my outerwear ski gear, hand warmers, multiple fleecy layers, and a stockpile of zinc & vitamin c, I embarked on my #ThirdManAdventures with hope in my heart.

Layers don't fail me now

Reacquainted with friends old and new, the day spent in the cold, cold line passed ever so slowly. We fans who dared to line it grew closer as a group, literally, because by the end we were in tight huddle for warmth! When security finally searched and cleared us for entry, I was happiest of all just to have the feeling return to my fingers. Fun fact: I've never worn ski pants to a concert before. Anywhoo...

Ladies in Waiting

With utmost thanks to my bevy of beautiful friends, I was able to procure a much-coveted rail position. Front & Center. This was how it was going to go down.

That's What's Up, Photo Courtesy of Ivana Powers

Run the Jewels stormed the stage right on time and delivered one hell of an opening set.

The utter joy El-P felt in having his native NYer's dream come true- performing at this venue- was evident and endearing. Hot off their 2014 critically acclaimed return to the rap scene, El-P and Killer Mike spun rhymes so tight you couldn't keep from moving your feet. The surprise appearance of Zach de la Rocha of Rage Against The Machine fame on 'Close Your Eyes (and Count to Fuck) made it clear, this night was not to be fucked with. #LieCheatStealKillWin what? Everybody's doing it!

Curtains drawn. Let's do this.

While many were praying we wouldn't see a repeat of his infamous Radio City Music Hall departure, a (small) part of me was hoping for a blow out rant just so I could feel I'd gotten a true Jack White NY experience (it confuses him you know). The Pandora live stream however pretty much ensured a solid set list, which was delivered with legendary aplomb by the Rock God himself.

Photo Courtesy of David James Swanson

Kicked off by the almost expected 'Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground', the set list was heavy with solo material. 'High Ball Stepper', 'Lazaretto' and 'Temporary Ground' and got our blood properly warmed. Lillie Mae's honeyed vocals bring such a smile to my face- I just love her- such a pixie.

Photo Courtesy of David James Swanson

A performance peppered with classics from his White Stripes/ Raconteurs days, 'Cannon/Broken Boy Soldier' and 'Astro' served as stand outs while the 'Black Math' teaser was almost too much to take. Aural first aid (and as perfect) as they were, I personally could have done without the crowd-pleasing renditions of 'Top Yourself' and 'Steady as She Goes' (not that I don't love them, I've just heard them a ton throughout my years of fan tenure). My hopes for a Slowly-Turning-Into-You-300 MPH-Catch-Hell- Blues remained that, but 'We Are Going to Be Friends' brought me to tears and gave me a quick chance to reflect on how far we've all come since we were once in the Little Room.

Returning from a brief, curtained intermission where I swear they moved some of the equipment closer to the audience (Daru I'm looking in your direction), White and company delivered a blistering 'Black Bat Licorice', bolstered by Q-Tip, that left my jaw on the floor. Tribe Called Quest cover 'Excursions' followed cementing the Third Man's Ode to New York Hip Hop theme of the evening.

Photo Courtesy of David James Swanson

White's latest single 'Would You Fight For My Love' took the night in my opinion. There's just something about Jack, paused from his constantly erupted movements across the stage, taking the time to deliver these particular lyrics. As I, too, seem to constantly find myself questioning why or when it became cool to NOT show enthusiasm for things, this song from the Lazaretto album strikes a chord in my heart. It was also so strange to hear the Fertita change in keys flavor as this was my first post-Ikey Owens show. Made ever-so-special to me by the fact that the video was recorded in Denver's own Cruise Room bar, it was an extremely emotional number to say the least. The rambling melodies of 'Blunderbuss', enhanced by Fats Kaplan's exemplary steel pedal skills, were quite beautiful as well.

Photo Courtesy of David James Swanson

Culminating his (our?) evening with a quick crowd-surfing-esque jaunt, sadness descended upon hearing the oh-so-familiar strums of the now stadium favorite 7NA. It was over all too soon. Another #ThirdManAdventures comes to an end... so glad I had 'nothing better to do'.