I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not

So, it has been a while since I wrote this thing. I have been way too busy with life and work and honestly haven't had much to write about. I have been sticking to my guns and doing a concert a month, and it has been hard to squeeze in a show with my schedule of athletic events, running Sloan all over, and helping out Kristen as much as possible. Since we are close to the end of the school year, I am starting to be a little less busy than I have been which is great.

It didn't hit me this week, until I was sitting at work and something popped up from Rolling Stone about it being the week that Kurt Cobain committed suicide. I am still blown away that a) someone so talented would do something like that, and b) its been 17 years ago this week. For me it makes me think of what I have done in those 17 years (and how old it makes me feel), and it also makes me wonder if anyone else remembers how important Kurt Cobain and Nirvana was to music.

I was a young kid with a million dreams working my way through a very eye opening first almost second year of college. Of course one of most famous stories I have is the "I will catch them when they come back through" story about Nirvana. One of my friends from back home had an extra ticket to the In Utero tour, and I passed on the extra ticket because I would "catch them when they came back through". Famous last words (pardon the pun) I know, but I did catch them. It was just minus Kurt Cobain and Krist Novaselic, and it was also in the form of the Foo Fighters when they opened up for the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the 2000 Californiacation tour. Although to this day I still regret not taking that ticket to see Nirvana for one last time. To this day I now base my concert decisions on that fateful day, and I try to see any band that could or may break up.

Cobain was just 27 years old, very young. At 27 I just met Kristen and was on my way of starting my life, not finishing it. I couldn't imagine missing everything I have done since turning 27. Did he have his problem? Of course, drugs, depression, anxiety of being famous, he had a ton of problems. To me he helped move music to where it is now, he was the catapult to move music out of the 80's and push it into another whole direction. It seems like over night music when from hairspray and tights, back to loud and rebellious. He single handedly flushed hair metal down the toilet. He let my generation have a voice, granted it was a voice no one was ready for, but a voice for us none the less. It's just amazing just over those 17 years I went from an awkward 18-19 year old to a father with a daughter that at some point will be introduced to Nirvana when she gets older. Like I said, it's sad to see someone so young and talented go so soon.

And the rumor mill begins for the 2011 Austin City Limits Festival

Well kids, very soon the tickets for ACL will go on sale, and I am sure that not only myself but thousands of others will gobble up those three day passes without knowing what bands will be playing. I guess that is the fun of going to a festival is not only seeing some great established acts, but seeing that unknown band or singer before they blow up, for example:

2002-Ryan Adams, Wilco, G. Love, and String Cheese Incident.

2003-Bright Eyes, Drive-By Truckers, Spoon, Ben Harper, Kings of Leon, and Jack Johnson

2004-John Butler Trio, Dashboard Confessional, The killers, Ray Lamontagne

2005- Jet, Arcade Fire, Death Cab for Cutie, The Black Keys, The Decemberists

2006-Muse, Cat Power, Wolf Parade, Nada Surf, Phoenix, The New Pornographers, Gomez, TV on the Radio

2007- LCD Soundsystem, M.I.A., Cold War kids, The National, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Manchester Orchestra

2008- Band of Horses, Silversun Pickups, Vampire Weekend, MGMT, Yeasayer, The Kills

2009- Dr. Dog, Blitzen Trapper, School of Seven Bells, The Low Anthem, Deer Tick, The Henry Clay People, Girl Talk, Mike Posner

2010- Miike Snow, Those darlins, First Aid Kit, Two Door Cinema Club, Local Natives, Blind Pilot

You can see the progression of ACL over the years by the smaller acts that have at this point either became very popular or as of the last two years about to be popular. I guess it will be time for me to give you guys a few rumors and confirmations for this year's festival.

Confirmed/Expected Acts: CeeLo Green, Young the Giant, Hunx and his Punx, Iron and Wine, Ha Ha Tonka

The Rumor Mill: Hayes Carll, Jay Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, My Morning Jacket, Arcade Fire, Animal Collective, Mumford and Sons, MGMT, Wilco, Sublime with Rome, Tame Impala, The Drums, Weezer, R.E.M., Buffalo Springfield, Explosions in the Sky, Odd Future Gang Kill Them All, and the biggest speculation out there for the reason that ACL moved to September is to get RADIOHEAD.

Well so far with the confirmations, I am starting to get a little excited for a CeeLo Green/Gnarls Barkley set, plus I really love Iron and Wine. And if the tweet above is correct, I am so ready to see Radiohead it's not even funny, let's just say something would be crossed off the bucket list by the end of ACL is that is true.

Music for the past month:

Well it's time for what I have been listening to either old or new, but I guess since it's the end of March I might as well just throw everything together, for an end of the month album list. Hopefully you check these bands out that I throw out, some you might like and others you might hate, but they great bands to me, I will take it easy and give you t0 bands/albums to listen too now.

1. Odd Future Wolf Gang kill Them All- this is a hip-hop group out of LA that has 12 members in OFWGKTA. Each member has put out his own albums over the past two years. Most of them are skaters in LA and have been featured in Thrasher magazine at some point. This group is a very acquired taste for most, but they are the next big thing in Hip-Hop.(Here is the link to their site, PARENTAL ADVISORY, go at your own risk http://oddfuture.com/)
   

   
    

2. Peter, Bjorn, and John-Gimmie Some- Just got the album over the weekend and after the first listen, I really like this third album Swedish indie band. They will be in Austin and Dallas in June.
   
3. Big K.R.I.T.- Return of 4Eva- This is his second mixtape that I have downloaded and if there is a next big hip-hop star that is coming up, I feel that Big K.R.I.T. is it. I have listened to this album a few times since getting it, and I love it.
   
4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart-Belong- This is their second album, and I was sort of a fan of their first album, but then going into a recording studio and refining their sound made this album so much better than their first.
   
5. Wiz Khalifa-Rolling Papers- I am a big fan of his single "Black and Yellow". His first studio released album is good, but if I had to choose between him and KRIT, I still go KRIT.
   
6. Paper Tongues-self Titled- I have been a little reluctant of getting this album. To me some of the singles I have heard were a little too popish for me. After listening to this album, I will be interested to see what they can do for a sophomore follow up.
   
7. Jessica Lea Mayfield-With Blasphemy So Heartfelt- This is her first album that she released, she is currently working on her studio album with Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys. Her first album is good, and she has an amazing voice, I am very excited to see what she does with Auerbach from the Black Keys.
   
8. J Macias-Several Shades of Why- I love Dinosaur Jr. and I love this solo album from J. Go get this album.
   
9. Das Racist-Sit Down, Man- This is another Hip-Hop act, and they are quickly moving up to as Rolling Stone put it "25 Best New Bands in the World", which is a big thing. This is their 2010 mixtape they put out, and I really enjoy listening to it.
   
10. The Joy Formidable-The Big Roar- This is a three piece indie band from England. This is their first album they have released and from what I have heard a really great band live at SXSW. I would suggest getting this album.

Crazy Vivid Dreams

The title of this blog should sum everything up. I have been having the most vivid, detailed, oddly specific, and a detailed dream the past few days. It's almost been like I am in a movie and when I wake up early in the morning I try to rush back to sleep to find out what happens. I know it is a strange way to start off my blog (that I still suck at), but I feel I should leave a pad and pen at the side of my nightstand to write this dream down, because there is a heck of a love story of sorts going on in my dreams at night. With that odd way to start off this whole blog thing, I now get back to reality to write a little, if anything crazy happens in my dream I will be sure to let you know.

So after about two weeks of anticipation I finally got my ticket to the Weezer concert in June. This is probably one of my top 10 bands that I love, and on top of that they are going to play my most favorite album the Blue album from first song to last song and then play some greatest hits after. That has the potential to be an amazing concert. So I have that and I really can't wait to see the Decemberists next month, I am really excited about this one as well. Of course both shows are in Austin and both are at the famous Stubb's, and both shows are sold out. I am mostly excited because it is a smaller venue that you get to see two really great bands live.

So I have been a little bummed the past week, I love my job and I love baseball, but sometimes it sucks when such an amazing event like SXSW is the same week as the most busiest month of the year for me. I have counted it up and so far I am on my 15^th straight day of work due to 15 games of baseball scheduled for this month. You may think I am crazy, but this is still easier than working in Minor League Baseball. Well I was bummed to find out that I missed shows by The Strokes, Odd Future, Kanye West and Jay-Z, Bon Iver, Yuck, Sharon Van Etten, Big K.R.I.T., Dinosaur Pile-Up, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Fences, The head and the Heart, Queens of the Stone age, The Joy Formidable, Jeff The Brotherhood, and Gayngs. So needless to say there were a lot of bands there I really wanted to see. Hopefully some of those bands might make it back for ACL in September.

I have been listening to a ton of new music, one the albums I couldn't wait to hear came out Tuesday, of course that is The Strokes new album. Plus Sloan has been keeping me busy with her turning 8 this past week, and she is becoming quite the fashion eye when it comes to her clothes. She seems very trendy for her age and definitely has her own style. I think it's great that she is confident enough to dress how she wants. I do have to say she is growing up too fast, but I do have a blast with her when we are together hanging out.

Well I guess it's time to catch up on what I am listening to for the past few weeks. Some are old, and it shows how lazy I am at writing this blog, and some are new.

Maximum Balloon-Self Titled

This is the solo debut of David Andrew Sitek from TV on the Radio. I have been listening to this album for a while now and it was on the Rolling Stone's list of the 30 best albums of 2010. I am a big fan of TV on the Radio so I was interested in listening to his solo project. On top of being in two bands he is also an accomplished producer for other bands. You can tell his roots with TV on the Radio in this album, but it is a very catch album that reminds me of catch electronica or indie-pop. It has an 80's feel to the album. It is a great album that everyone should pick up. Check out the song Groove Me or Absence of Light.

Superchunk-Majesty Shredding

Superchunk has been around since the early 90's and has put out albums all the way to 2001 and then took a bit of a break until releasing Majesty Shredding. I have always liked Superchunk and have listened to them, but only had a few albums back in college (until they got stolen at one of our many house parties). Their newest album was well received by critics and fans alike. This album was also on Rolling Stone's 30 best of 2010. I am really starting to like these bands from the 90's coming back with some new music to let everyone know they are still alive and putting out amazing music. The whole album is great and is something you should pick up. Check out the song Rosemarie.

Teenage Fanclub-Shadows

Here is another band from the 90's that is putting out a new album this past year. I guess I needed to catch up with my last few albums of 2010 before I get into 2011. I would have to say Teenage Fanclub is closer to Dinosaur Jr (one of my favorite bands of all-time). They were lumped into the Alternative Rock genre in the 90's but I would have to say they are all over the place when it comes to their music. I really love this album , and I love their album Bandwagonesque, which is on many lists as one of the top albums to own. Check out the song Sometimes I don't need to believe in anything.

Austin City Limits Lineup Wish list

As summer approaches and the anticipation of Austin City Limits tickets and their line-up looms the next month. I have to say the concert scene in Austin and surrounding cities are looking promising. I am however keeping up with my new year's resolution and I have bought tickets for The Decembrists in April, and so far the show I can wait to see is Weezer in June, which they are playing the Blue album in its entirety.

I have been waiting to see if the rumor mill starts up with the ACL line-up, and as of yet I have heard nothing and it's been very quiet for that matter. Of course you have the outlandish rumors of David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, etc. but those are just unrealistic. Taking a look at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Sasquatch and some other festivals you have to think a few of those bands will make the festival circuit this summer.

With that said here is my wishlist/possible bands that we could see at ACL for 2011. I will start off with the bands and end with the possible headliners.

Ryan Bingham, Band of Heathens, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Crystal castles, Cut Copy, The Hold Steady , Interpol, Klaxons, Sleigh Bells, The Drums, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Titus Andronicus, The New Pornographers, The Tallest Man on Earth, Wiz Khalifa, Broken Social Scene, Freelance Whales, Scissor Sisters, Best Coast, Fistful of Mercy, Foster the People, Neon Trees, Iron and Wine, Bassnectar, Tokyo Police Club, Girl Talk, Wavves, Cold War Kids, Wolf Parade, Young The Giant, Das Racist, J. Macias/Dinosaur Jr, Cotton Jones, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Florence + The Machine, Steve Earle, Fleet Foxes, Fiona Apple, White Lies, and Sharon Jones and the Dapkings. (I am sure my list will grow by the time they announce the line-up, but this would be my wishlist/possible bands to play at ACL in 2011)

Now on to the possible headliners for this year, with this year being the 10 year anniversary I know that one of the main stages will have Willie Nelson at some point, if they don't I might be a little disappointed with ACL for not having the person that played the first ever Austin City Limits TV show not play at the 10 year anniversary of their festival. Now I weigh more of what big bands have albums coming out over the spring and summer to headline at ACL. So with that said here is a list of my possible headliners for this year.

Arcade Fire, Willie Nelson, Mumford & Sons, Kanye West, Bright Eyes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters, Death Cab for Cutie, Wilco, The Decemberists, R.E.M., Soundgarden, Radiohead, Lady Gaga (it kills me to put this, but we all know it could happen, we did get the Eagles last year), My Morning Jacket, Phoenix, and Snoop Dogg. Of course this is just my wishlist/possible headliners for this year, but we can all admit these are all good possibilities. If I go with a huge Sunday closer I am putting my guess with a band like Radiohead. For years people have wanted them at ACL and this year looks like the best to get those crazy Brits over here to party with everyone in Texas. Let's keep our fingers crossed this happens.

Now it's time for a few music reviews. I have to admit I am getting a little piled up with all the music I am listening to that is new or old to some, but here are a few that I will get too this week.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals-Self Titled

GPN is a roots rock/soul band from Vermont. This band is definantly going to be getting more popular over the next year. They have been on the rise for the past few years, but their newest album is very good. Grace Potter has a very soulful voice, and they have a great sound. Her sound can win over the biggest music snob and the hardest rocker. She has a great 70's soul sound to her vocals and song writing. Check out the song Paris (ooh la la).

Smith Westerns-Dye it Blonde

This is a band that is getting a lot of attention lately. They will be playing at Stubb's during SXSW, and have supported the likes of MGMT, Florence and the Machine, Belle and Sebastian, Girls, and Passion Pit on tour. So this young band from Chicago has had some help from some great indie bands while coming up. This is their second album, but with some better financial backing to make this album sound more refined than their first one. If I had to describe their sound it would be more of an indie/dream pop sound that is coming out here lately with Real Estate, Wavves, and Best Coast. So far this is one of my favorite albums that has came out this year so far. Check out the song Weekend.

White Lies-Ritual

This is the second album from the alternative band from Ealing, London. I got to see them live at ACL in 2009, and they blew me away live. They were a great live band that day, and I go hooked on their first album To Lose My Life. So I was excited to hear they would be releasing an album this year. The White Lies sound a lot like The Killers and MUSE. They don't have the killer sound like those two bands just yet, but I feel they will. They didn't stray too far from their sound of the first album, but over all this is a good album, not great, but not bad either. The way is sounds is a safe album to not stray too far from what made the first album so good. Check out the songs Strangers and Bigger Than Us.

Avi Buffalo-Self Titled

This is the indie-pop bands first album that they have released. Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg is the lead singer and main song writer for Avi Buffalo. What makes the songs so infections is the lyrics that he gives the songs. They are almost so innocent and sweet that is makes the gushy indie-pop songs long for your long lost innocent sex starved teens. Out of all the genre's of music that is coming out now, the indie-pop scene is one of my favorites. The dreamy melodies and song writing makes you want to move to LA and sit on the beach and listen to it all day. I guess this album is a great album to put on a lazy spring Sunday morning and hang out on the back porch enjoying the sun. Check out the song What's In It For?

Destroyer-Kaputt

This is a Canadian indie rock band that has been around since 1995. Lead singer Dan Bejar has often called their style "European Blues", and is often compared to David Bowie, and there are some influences of Pavement and Guided by Voices is some of their sound. This is the bands ninth studio album that they have released, and this album would fall into the same dreamy indie music that is coming out right now. Dan Bejar has a very mellow way of singing and the melodies accompany him very well. Check out the songs Chinatown and Kaputt.

 

Crazy Last Week

Well, I have been extremely busy at work this past week. ESPN came to town and did College GameDay live from Waco. It's was really cool they came, but it caused a lot undue stress as well. I do love my job, and I am lucky to do what I do though. So as I am writing this, I will have to do two blogs for this week.

It's a new month, and another month for me to see a live show. On top of that it is a very very busy month for me, so squeezing a show in is going to be very difficult. Thank god a good friend of mine is actually putting on a show this month at Beatnix Burger Barn on March 26^th. The Band is called Beat To a Pulp and they are putting on a night of Pink Floyd. If you are a Pink Floyd fan, tickets are on sale now at Beatnix Burger Barn here in Waco. Stop by and pick up some tickets to the show and help out a local business here in Waco.

I don't have much as way of music experiences to write about this week. There is a good month of music that is going to be released this month. Here are a few anticipated releases for the month:

March 1:

Lykke Li- Wounded Rhymes

Beady Eye-Different Gear, Still Speeding

Telekinesis-12 Desperate Straight Lines

March 8:

Lupe Fiasco-Lasers

Raekwon-Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang

R.E.M.-Collapse Into Now

Wye Oak-Civilian

March 15:

J.Macias-Several Shades of Why

March 22:

Green Day- Awesome As F**K (Live)

Soundgarden-Live on I-5

The Strokes- Angels

March 29:

Boxer Rebellion-Cold Still

Florence + The Machine- Between Two Lungs

The Mountain Goats- All Eternals Deck

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Belong

Snoop Dogg- Doggumentary

Wiz Khalifa- Rolling Papers

 

That is a huge laundry list of music, but those are the ones that I can't wait to listen too. Some might even make the list of vinyl that I will buy. So with this short blog, I will put together a better one to post in hopefully a few hours, but knowing me probably a few days.