A Bigger Bang -Understatement of the Year

This tour is literally the biggest tour ever:

• Most expensive single-show, non-festival tickets (i paid $114 for standing, totally worth it)
• Largest stage -- nine stories from the ground to the top of the tallest spire of the stage at Zilker Park (the spires hold lights, special effects and a series of skyboxes for $500 a ticket)
• Largest screen -- 2,450 square feet, the largest ever on a concert tour (although Mick's skinny ass still looked skinny).
• Four hundred and seventy pieces of pyrotechnics went off

This is all very fitting for the number one touring band of all time. Yes, gentelemen, you definately got me rockin' (pic above was during the opener, "You Got Me Rockin'").

What can I say about the Stones that hasn't already been said? They are rock legends that are still selling out audiences of 400,000 (even in secondary markets) with the same level of talent, precision and energy as they had 40 years ago. I recall many Austinites who said "I don't want to pay $100+ to see old grandpa's playing guitar." Well, that was definately not the case. It was more like watching the wrinkly-faced version of their 20-yr old selves.

So close! Too bad he couldnt stand still so all my pics are slightly blurry!

MICK: CJ read that Mick requires a personal track be set up behind the stage so he can run around to warm up before getting on stage. Damn, that old man has stamina! And I swear, his hips are still the size of Audrey Hepburn’s waist….SO TINY! Check out his buff arms too! I bet his 1.2 million illegitimate children are proud. And only a legendary sex symbol like Mick Jagger can get away with his wardrobe and dance moves – by today’s standards, he’d be considered the Queen of R ‘n R, not one of the Kings. A sequined red blazer, sequined black T with satin button up over it, fushia T with satin fushia bomber jacket, shag carpet overcoat and matching top hat, white scientist lab coat, etc. And he loves his jazz hands, laser-legs, booty shaking, and shoulder shimmees. How do you not admire that self-confidence? (Chris was definitely taking notes for his upcoming White Sugar performances….I will be his costume mistress making all the sequined shirts.)

Charlie Watts, flanked by the set list

Ron Wood, hey, you're, um, totally rocking my face off right now.

RON and CHARLIE: they look damn good for their age as well. They atleast both dress like most 20 yr old guys I know. I like how they don’t get too crazy…they are the calm presence but both still have plenty of personality. I liked when Mick was introducing the band, Charlie did a little jazz solo for a bit.

Keith Richards still hasnt changed his wardrobe since the 1980s.

KEITH: And the medical-miracle that is Keith Richards, he was still jammin’ out on this guitar. And he even sang, but I don’t encourage it. He is also not a fashion icon at all. I told Jason for their White Sugar cover band he has to get the candy-cane striped scarf, a wig – full with head wrap and tassles, and a really hideous print-jacket. CJ said “who wouldn’t want Keith’s catcher’s mit face? Awww. But the security guard we met at Waterloo on 6th told us that Keith was at Zanzibar earlier in the day, and some girls asked him “are you Keith”, and he responded “no, I’m not him, but I am going to the show.” Stupid girls believed him. His slurry British accent, bad teeth, and distinct face and fashion sense should have given them enough proof.

I asked my group “do you think, if John and George were still alive, would the Beatles still be touring?”. We concluded that probably would not be the case. They’d more likely have a few 1-time reunion shows, but they wouldn’t have gotten back together and toured. So its all that more remarkable that these guys are still a cohesive group, continuing to tour and write music together for 40 years. That’s more successful than most marriages in the US! And U2 is only halfway there!

My top 5 favorite parts of the show:

Honky Tonk Woman – obviously because they were right in front of me! Keith was the most visible for the longest, Mick just kept running around (that’s why all my pics are blurry of him, he can’t stand still!)

Sympathy for the Devil – besides being one of my “never-get-sick-of this-song” songs, they shot the flames at the top of the stage after “hope you guess my name!”, hundreds of yards away (laterally and vertically) but we could still feel the heat on our faces. YIKES! This was when Mick wore the shag carpet ensemble.

Satisfaction – as you can imagine, the sing-along was frighteningly awesome. I still can’t believe I witnessed the #1 Rock and Roll song ever performed by the original artists. Never would have guessed I’d be so lucky. I wish my parents had been able to come.

Streets of Love – our friend Greta got punched in the face by a middle-aged woman (ironic, no?). The situation was ridiculous. Apparently Greta’s excitement for being at a Stones show (after traveling all the way back from Dubai) was more than this woman could handle. Greta talked back to her and the old lady slugged her, so Greta threw her beer on her. I turned around after someone else’s beer drenched me, just in time to see Chris and CJ all caught up in this group of older women, and they’re all yelling at them “get your drunk asses away from me”. I leaned in yelling “they’re not drunk, they’re getting pushed, just help them regain their balance and we’ll sort this out.” Chris was a great pacifier, and the other women were stunned that their friend lost her cool so badly. The nice lady next me kept leaning over to say “I’m sorry, my friend of 15 years has never lost her temper, EVER”. Obviously she reached her boiling point of repressed anger. The crazy lady kept leaning over to me and Chris jabbing us saying “I’m gonna call a lawyer” (like she has any case…she’s at a Stones show, be glad you’re not getting stabbed, lady), and “that bitch had better get out of of here or I’m gonna rip her fucking head off.” All while her 16 yr old daughter was standing right there….on crutches (I would be humiliated if I were that girl). The blond chick Chris was talking to kept saying “I cant control her”, but Chris told her “well you’d better find a way…our friend has since disappeared so she needs to cool it and stop ruining the show for all of us not involved.” By the encore, the old lady was apologizing so we seemed to be ok for the end of the show.

Brown Sugar – the most over the top closer ever. I’m not even sure how long they stretched that song out. And the fireworks, my god. (see pic below)

Here is the Most Surreal Set list of my lifetime:

You Got me Rockin, Lets Spend the Night, She’s So Cold, Oh No Not You Again, Sway, Bob Wills is Still the King, Streets of Love, Aint too Proud to Beg, Bitch, Tumblin’ Dice, Learning the Game, Little Tia, Under My Thumb, Honky Tonk Woman, Get off of my Cloud, Start Me Up -- ENCORE: Sympathy for the Devil, Jumpin Jack Flash, Satisfaction, Brown Sugar

Would have liked to hear: Gimme Shelter, Street Fighting Man, Paint it Black, Sister Morphine, and Live with Me….but I can’t be that picky!!

End of Brown Sugar...the fireworks show was sick.

The $114 ticket was TOTALLY worth it, and I would pay that much to see them again. But if thats not your style, just wait until the Bigger Bang DVD comes out so you can see the Austin show for only $20.

More Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/megan.elizabeth.peters/RollingStones

Videos:

end of Under My Thumb http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/megschmeg/?action=view&current=RollingStones047.flv

Honky Tonk Woman http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/megschmeg/?action=view&current=RollingStones048.flv

As Chris said....I'm glad this didnt come true..... "If I'm still singing 'Satisfaction' when I'm 40, I'll kill myself." - Mick Jagger, 1972.

I am an American aquarium drinker

Every Wilco album I have has been a gift from my brother, who always said "Meg, I think you'd really like this band". Man, does he know me well! So its fitting that he got my ticket for this show as an early 24th birthday present.

The first time I heard "I am trying to break your heart," track #1 on the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album, I was dumbfounded. I have seen Wilco at ACL Fest in 2002 and 2004 (but I missed last year's amazing Sunday performance while I was camped out up close for Coldplay). I think their shows have gotten significantly better since Jeff Tweedy got sober. And not only do I just love their sound and lyrics, they are one of the best bands to watch as the sun sets. Everytime I hear "Jesus Etc." I remember the colorful sky behind me at the 2004 show.

This weekend was the first time I've seen them at a venue other than Zilker Park....and appropriately at SUNSET Station in San Antonio. ; ) But we should have done some research of this venue before arriving. It seems like a great concept (modeled after Stubbs), but this 19th Century Western themed neighborhood is plopped right in the middle of Ghetto-ville in San Antonio. The security was tight...using the wand metal detectors and confiscating ballpoint pens as potential weapons. I mean, a plastic bic pen? What was I gonna do, grafitti my neighbor's arm? Regardless of the generally peaceful, fun loving audience that attends Wilco shows, this particular neighborhood apparently houses some ruffians that would literally use a Bic pen as a dagger. Glad I heard that AFTER I got back safely to Austin. Elaine however was pissed on the principle of confiscation, so she took her pens back to the car, whereas I told the lady to just pitch it (although I really wanted to tell her where to shove it).

So we finally get into the "safe zone", only to find that the restaurant inside the fence was booked for a private party. WTH? great planning. So we had no options but to go to the shoddy tent by the gate for sausage or brisket po-boys or a turkey leg. I could only fathom putting the brisket in my mouth, so of course that's what they ran out of. I said "can I just get the bread then?" And surprisingly, the rough meat head guy gave it to me for free. So with this roll of bread being the only thing in my stomach since noon, I immediately felt the effects of my first rum and coke. Atleast drunkenness could temporarily distract me from my hunger pangs.

Since we didnt encounter much traffic on I-35, we had a lot of time to kill before the band started. But we were chatting at the bar and inside the after-party room, so I didnt pay attention to the openers, therefore I have no comment on them, sorry.

As for this Wilco show.....it was my favorite set list of all time. Compare my wish-list to the actual set:

Mine (no particular order): Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm Trying to break your heart, Reservations, California Stars, Shot in the Arm, War on War, Theologins, Hummingbird, Muzzle of Bees, Company in my Back, Jesus Etc, Handshake Drugs, I'm the man who loves you, Kamera, Wishful Thinking, Hell is Chrome, Outta Mind,

Actual:
1. Hell Is Chrome 2. A Shot In The Arm 3. Handshake Drugs 4. (new song) Impossible Germany 5. I Am Trying To Break Your Heart 6. Muzzle Of Bees 7. Company In My Back 8. Sunken Treasure 9. Forget The Flowers 10. Airline To Heaven 11. At Least That's What You Said 12. Jesus, Etc. 13. Walken 14. Theologians 15. I'm The Man Who Loves You

Encore 1: 16. Hummingbird 17. California Stars 18. War On War 19. The Late Greats

Encore 2:20. Misunderstood 21. Heavy Metal Drummer 22. (new song) Let's Not Get Carried Away 23. Kingpin

Cj and I had been saying it would be cool if they played Heavy Metal Drummer, but during the 1st encore, i wasnt feeling the vibe. I said, "unless they come out again, which is unlikely, i dont think they'll play it." But when they had a 2nd encore and Drummer did come on, I was separated from the group, so I texted CJ "HMD!!" and he responded "fuck yeah!". Great end to the night. Then we had to drive home to the safety of ATX (and Elaine had to be at the airport in 5 hrs, glad I wasnt her).

I HIGHLY recommend WILCO to everyone.

5 for 5 : ACL Festival

Although I respect CJ's blog against the ridiculousness of ACL Fest, I'm still devoted to it every year. I honestly don't know how my body doesn't hate me and just shut down completely... I barely eat, walk a thousand miles in 90+ degree heat, and drink beer for 3 straight days.
This year I was annoyed at how difficult the schedule made it to camp out at one stage all day, but I guess I have to appreciate that it got me to see more music throughout the day (granted I'm paying the price today). Rather than sit through breaks, I would walk to another stage, so I saw approx. 20 bands in 3 days.

Some of the incredible shows I saw:
(1) The Flaming Lips: highest level of showmanship on stage. Wayne crawls out into the audience via a massive bubble, confetti everywhere during every song, dancing Santa's, and inflatable aliens and astronauts. Plus the great music!



(2) Muse: definately redeemed my May 2005 concert experience. What an intense show...the album comes close but isnt quite the same as seeing their energy live. I felt like the soundwaves were going to make my chest burst open!

(3) Thievery Corporation: loved it, even though I was sober. Just simply badass and makes me want to get more of their music....most people just knew the Garden State song, but they have alot more than that. Plus it made me want to be a bellydancer!

(4) Tom Petty: the sing alongs to every song were amazing...especially Free Falling. sad he got interrupted by the rain, but the show picked up right where it left off.

(5) Kings of Leon: rocked out hard and made me wanna dance. Kway and I had a great view on the hill.

(6) Raconteurs: rocked out, but wished I had been in a better spot. Hopefully they come back to ATX again soon. It still motivated me to buy their album.

(7) The Shins: I think our position in the audience ruined this show for us, because once we started to bail, they started to sound awesome. boo.

(8) KT Tunstall: although i was on the street making my way in, i still thoroughly enjoyed hearing my favorite song, Miniature Disasters. and she did an interesting take on her single Black Horse and a Cherry Tree.

(9) Nada Surf: I love the bassist. always a good time, but my girls weren't digging it so it made me wish I was at Secret Machines.

(10) Ben Kweller: his songs were great, but when the poor guy had to shove a tampon in his nose to keep more blood from streaking across his guitar and piano keys, we knew it was time for him to get off stage. He ended up getting a blood transfusion after losing so much blood!


(11) Calexico: way less chill and more entertaining than I expected.

(12) Cat Power: her voice reminds me of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald. she seems a little crazy and did some weird dance moves...but I guess knowing that she has stage fright issues, that explains alot about her stage presence.

Other shows I saw: John Mayer, a little Willie Nelson, a little of Ben Harper, Jose Gonzales, Ween, New Pornographers, Ray Lamontagne.

What I'm sad I missed: Secret Machines, WMMF, Paolo Nutini, Iron & Wine, Explosions in the Sky, The Long Winters, Pheonix, Nickel Creek, Gnarls Barkley, Tragically Hip, Sun Volt.

Hopefully some of them will make it onto the dvd. The rest of my pictures are at http://picasaweb.google.com/megan.elizabeth.peters/september2006.

Get Yer Ya Ya's Out with Sticky Fingers

Rolling Stones Hoot Night at Ruta Maya 8/12/06

I just saw Mick Jagger this weekend!!

Alright, not the real one (although he'll be here in October), but my brother embodied the true spirit of the charismatic frontman like I never knew he could. Saturday was the Rolling Stones Hoot Night, and Household Names definately stole the show. Although other bands such as Nathan Singleton, Jane Bond, and Zykos did a commendable job making RS songs their own, Household Names did "Live with Me" and "Loving Cup" in true cover-band style. Besides sounding amazing (!!) they got the crowd on their feet and really into the show. Here are some pics to give you a little taste...

Mick taking the mic

About to get the crowd on their feet

CJ, the sweaty monkey as always

OW! Sexy boys

Jason, Chris, Eric and CJ

And here are 2 short little clips of the show...wishing now my camera hadn't been so full...

With alcohol....best show ever?

Bun, I went to a show of mostly under-agers and you weren’t there! Strange! But luckily I had Kway by my side as we watched Augustana rock out for a room full of kids with X’s on their hands.

The atmosphere of the show reminded me a lot of The Fray and Rooney – I felt like an old lady drinking off to the side and being totally chill. It’s become rare when I go to shows and not drink – does that make me an alcoholic? Ah well. Kway went in determined to wash away her bad day with a minimum of 5 beers, making me the DD. Well after our first “Dos Equis” (that tasted a lot like flat Bud Light with a lime) we decided to stick with rum and cokes. And whew, were those strong! I had one of those and Kway had something like 4!! So she was being totally ridiculous and cracking me up. Even after the show, she just HAD to cap it all off with a red snapper for the drive home – so being a good DD, I went and took a shot with her at the Aquarium! But don’t worry, I'm responsible and had stopped drinking a long time before so it didn’t affect me.

Spitefully drinking our rum and cokes around all the minors.

As for the show, Augustana is a new favorite of mine this year. Not like I’m going to lump them with “best bands ever”, but they do get a lot of exposure on multiple playlists on my iPod. They opened with my favorite song, “Stars and Boulevards”. Then the entire rest of the show, some guy kept yelling “PLAY BOSTON!” This is a big pet peeve of mine – when the audience only knows the band’s one single and that’s all they want to hear. I don’t understand why they’d pay $16 to see just one song? But whatever, their choice. Since I don’t have their entire album, this was a great way for me to learn their other songs. I can’t help but like a band that incorporates elements of Wilco, Keane, Travis, Jimmy Eat World, Ryan Adams, Goo Goo Dolls, and the Fray.

Finally playing "Boston" during the encore.

The band members generated a lot of comments between Kway and me. The lead singer even admitted that we did not want to know the last time he washed his hair (pretty gross); the bassist looked like a Native American woman with his long shiny dark hair and soft facial features; the poor drummer apparently was sick and had to take a break at the end of the set because he had to go to the bathroom – he had a trash can next to his kit the entire show; and the lead guitarist physically resembled my brother, played the mandolin and was also named Chris – kind freaked me out!

So overall…great show and good times with Kway. Glad we got a second chance to catch them live. Songs to check out: “Boston”, “Stars and Boulevards”, “Sunday Best”, “Shut Up”.

Pictures care of Karen Way.

Petey and the Horses

After this week, the guys at the Parish will start to recognize me.

Sunday I went with Chris, Bernie, and Brian #2 to see Band of Horses. The openers were good, but as Chris put it, "it's like Sleepytime tea." So we left to get drinks at the Driskill for a bit. We only missed the first two songs of BoH. The show was great, I really like their sound. Of course, everyone freaked out during "the Funeral" because its the only song most people know -- they do only have one album. I enjoyed the rest of their show, but I was pretty exhausted from the weekend so we didnt stay for the entire encore. Stupid work at 8am.

And the lead singer very much resembled Kyle Melgaard.

Then Wendesday was Pete Yorn's acoustic show. Last time he was in Austin was 2003 and he played Stubb's outside -- and Chris unknowingly met him in the bathroom moments before he got on stage. This year, we got to the Parish just as he was strapping on his guitar. The thing with Pete Yorn is his albums can get annoying if you listen to them too often, but I love seeing him live. Those songs just sound a million times better!! And I do forget how many good songs he has. (maybe thats why his last studio album was called "Day I Forgot" !!) He started out playing all alone, but then brought out guys to play the keyboard, bass and drums. (Chris fell in love with Pete's $4000 keyboard.) And apparently my boys had actually spent an hour learning 5 of Pete's songs so they could go up on stage during the encore -- too bad all 5 songs were played during the first set!!!

Where I ended up standing for most of the show made it enjoyable and miserable at the same time. I had a good vantage point of Pete and the other guys, but i was right at the aisle to the bathroom so I kept getting bumped. I guess I'm not intimidating enough, otherwise people would push me around so much. And the fat guy next to me was definately taking up more than his fair share of space. He seemed to think it was appropriate to put his ass into my hip for the 10 mins while he was guarding his friends' spots. I held my f***ing ground though and he eventually took his fat ass elsewhere.


We didnt go talk to Pete after the show, because we couldn't stop mocking him for when he stopped listening to the tune of his voice during "Come Back Home" in the encore -- sounded like a 13yr old boy at his bar mitzvah. But he did warn us that might happen before the song started. The moment I liked the most was during "Closet" when the crowd starting singing the chorus before he was ready but they just kept going...he turned to the bass player twice to say "this is so cool". He really loved the thrill of being on stage, and that is what makes me love going to live shows.

The Fray

YEAH DENVER!!! My birthplace homeboys put on a fun show in my childhood hometown this weekend (if you dont know me that well, that translates to: the Fray, who are from Denver, CO, played a show in Houston, TX Saturday 5/13/06).

I went with my girls, Bun and Jack. We felt kinda old considering most of the audience hadn't been to college yet and we'd already graduated. But it was better than the Rooney show in 2004 -- Lauren and I were practically the only non-parents with 21+ wristbands and a beer in hand. Rather than immerse ourselves in the kiddie crowd, we hung out in the back which turned out to be a great spot for us elders -- it wasnt so loud that we regretted forgetting earplugs, less clausterphobic, and gave us space to see over other people's heads. But the kids really boosted the energy of the show (although their sing-alongs did kind of drown out Isaac's vocals).

Unfortunately, with such a limited catalog the show did not last long (1 hr including encore). But they hit the highlights of their album -- "How to Save a Life" and "Over My Head". Poor Bun never got a copy of the album before the show so she only knew the one radio hit. But I think she still enjoyed herself (even though I kept stepping on her foot -- sorry dude!)

And the venue, the Meridian, was a new experience. Its right across the highway from the GRB Convention Center in Chinatown. Its in a building that was obviously some sort of oriental business/restaurant because the exterior architechture had not changed much (but no, Kim Son has not left -- its still down the street a bit). But this place was pretty sweet -- had one room thats a bar/lounge area with pool tables and what I would call "bed booths"; then the big concert room, which i would compare to Austin's La Zona Rosa (but with a more logical layout); and apparently there was a dance room somewhere else but we never stumbled upon it. And I must say the bathroom was pretty nice for a place like this -- it had 10 stalls and Method soap. girls appreciate that! I wish the Meridian was around when I was in high school in Houston (although Chinatown is a bit sketchy, my parents still might not have let me go there anyways).

Overall, I had a good time -- worth the drive.

Household Names cd release party

Cinco de Mayo done right!!

This past Friday (5/5/06), Household Names finally unleashed their second album, "Picture in my Head" with a more-than-Almost Fab fiesta! Sheboygan and Nathan Harlan (formerly of Endochine) opened up the evening at the Parish. I was manning the merch table for the early parts of the evening, but once I had some drinks, I abandoned my duties to schmooze with all the folks. But Kway and Jack did a commendable job filling in for me -- thanks girls.

Overall the show was fantastic -- and being buzzed always helps, right?! I had a great time catching up with my girls, Greg, Clay, Sean, Jenni, Chuck and Suzie Barker, Patrick, Jake, Matt, my dad's coworker all the way from Virginia and everyone else. The highlights of the evening: Jennifer LeDuke struggling to take down the pinata, dancing like Mick Jagger with Greg, chanting "Hey Jude" after they said they were gonna cover the Beatles' "Don't let me down", sliding off the merch bench, Clay in his skinny white pants, and just hanging out with my parents! I hope everyone had a blast like I did and got home before the storms rolled in. Here are some pics:

The band: Chris, Jason, Clay and CJ.

Don't you just love the festive set up?

Yeah, that's my hand with the red hairband. Playing "Don't Let me Down"

Clay became the pinatas.

Me, Kway, Ashley, and Lindsay at the merch table.

I did indeed buy the blue "Asshole James" shirt.

Greg and Meg. This guy is like my second brother (since I've known him as long as I've known my own brother!!) I had blast dancing like Mick Jagger with him.

Ditch Dallas, Greg! Austin is the place to be!

Babies - Kway, Meg, Jack, and Bun. We're all going to LA in September -- woo hoo!

Ash and Me.

My parents are the coolest -- they had a blast rocking out with us!

Franz and DCab in Austin together again

Ok so this is the first tour they've done "together" per say. Last time was ACL Fest where they both played the same weekend, but not on the same day. But who cares, both of these bands come to Austin a lot, and I love them even more for it!

This was the third time for me to see Franz -- and I am sad to say this was not the best of the three. I hate thinking that because it was a great show compared to other artists, but it just feels like each time I see them, I am less impressed. Maybe they have lost their lust for their show -- or maybe I have. The first time I saw them at ACL in 2004 was one of my favorite concerts ever (who cared that I was a mile away in the big crowd). Not since I saw No Doubt in 1997 had I jumped around so much, not giving a shit what I looked like or who I bumped into. Then at 2005 ACL it was cool that I was so close to the stage in the middle for a kick ass view, but I didnt have Linds and Chris with me so it wasnt the same. This show in March 2006 just had me grooving to the beat as I do at every show I see. Nothing different to me, except the guys were wearing cowboy paraphanalia which was amusing. I only really got into "This Fire" since its Kway's favorite song and it was hard not to join in. But overall (not counting Jake), we all felt lukewarm about the show. However, there was one young gentleman who was like me in 2004, not giving a shit about what a fool he looked like. He was thrashing his arms, banging his head, jumping on his friends....he must have been on some drugs because no one around was even remotely close to his enthusiasm. Ah well, atleast he had a good time. Maybe Trent Reznor was right, maybe Franz will be "so 2004" and we'll all eventually be embarrassed we ever liked them. I'll still be proud of the early days, but my love is starting to wear off.

As for Death Cab, I would say Seth Cohen was right in endorsing them. This too, was the third time I have seen them in concert -- however all three shows were within 6 months of each other. ACL fest in Sept 2005, Stubbs in November, and this show at the Backyard in March. Can it get much better? (I had intended to see them at Stubbs in 2004 but for some reason I missed it -- man, what was I thinking?!!) Luckily, they have not ceased to impress me yet. I think as far as being engaged in the performance, I was more entranced by the Nov. Stubbs show -- by then I had collected their earlier albums as well and could truly appreciate their setlist that seemed brand new to me (plus I stood next to the bassist for almost the entire Stars opening set). This one was still fun though. They had a much more extravagent stage set with a big house of cardboard. Looked interesting. I always like when they play "We Laugh Indoors" -- the crowd always gets into the "I love you Gweneviere" chorus.

I think what made this evening great was the gorgeous weather at the Backyard and of course I loved the group I was with for this show. We know how to entertain ourselves once we get some Tecate in hand...."Dino -- Trust, trust", CJ micturating on the wall of the Subway shop because the Backyard has been surrounded by surburban strip centers, the breeze made a shirtless Chris resemble Fabio...I'm just sorry I dont have any pics to share!!

Fiona is finally free to play with Chris the Wannabe Cowboy

No this wasn't quite the Rodeo, Chris Martin, sorry to disappoint, but honestly, yall rocked more than any of the performers coming to Houston next week ever could.


The show at Toyota Center started with Fiona Apple and her musical lunacy. She is one musician that I think her deranged psyche is what has blessed her to make great music. I mean, how can someone feel so much bitterness and hatred if nothing good was to come of it?? So atleast we get to appreciate the music she makes to express it. As soon as I heard that she would be opening this show, I was pumped because her music I knew would be amazing live with a powerful performance. She banged out new and old favorites of mine.


She successfully grabbed everyone's attention opening with "Get Him Back" and "Better Version of Me" from her newest album, Extraordinary Machine. I loved the breaks in both songs. They played "Shadowboxer" at a much slower tempo than the recording that gave it an "aching" quality. She wasn't behind the piano the entire show though, she went up to the front mic for "Criminal" and stayed for a while, so we got to see her crazy dance moves -- one minute she was hopping around like a frog and then was thrashing her arms all over the place -- very intriguing, but not as ridiculous as I had imagined. From her album, When the Pawn..., she busted out "Limp", "Fast as You Can", and my personal favorite, "Paperbag". I'm so glad I got to see her live -- the music and lighting was just as I had imagined it would be (I wish my pics had turned out better though -- but thats what happens when the band wears all black with little back lighting!!)



The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows" came on over the PA as the crowd jumped to its feet to cheer for Coldplay to come out of the shadows. The concert was awesome -- as is every Coldplay show. However, my obsession with the band has gotten the best of me. I was able to predict almost every aspect of the show so nothing was a surprise to me (set list was identical to one I had looked up the day before). That, and I compared it to their 2003 tour and the unforgettable ACL show last fall -- neither were easy to follow up. Even so, I had a blast dancing in our seats, no matter if it pissed off the lame-asses around us who sat most of the time. Especially during "X&Y" and "How you see the world, part II" -- two of my all time favorites of theirs, but since not many people know those tracks they took the chance to have a seat. Not me, I kept standing and dancing and singing like I was the only one in the arena who knew the song -- which I probably was!! I'm always holding my breath that they'll play "Such a Rush" but I doubt that will ever happen for me.

Chris did come out into the crowd during "In My Place" and I wished I had been down a few more rows so I could tag his shoulder again!!

I think we might have gotten a bit short changed on the set list --- other shows on this tour they have been playing more than what we got. My one real surprise was that they stayed up front and performed "Trouble" immediately after "Till Kingdom Come". Good decision, good decision.

And yummy Guy Berryman. What a freakin' badass with his shades on the entire show!! I want to have his little Scottish babies!! (he's so money, I wonder if he knows it?!!)

Set list for Saturday, February 25, 2006 at Toyota Center, Houston, Texas

Square One, Politik, Yellow, Speed Of Sound, God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, X&Y, How You See The World v2, Don't Panic, White Shadows, The Scientist, Til Kingdom Come/Ring Of Fire, Trouble, Clocks, Talk ----- Swallowed In The Sea, In My Place, Fix You

So show No. 4 for me was a success. Can't wait for the next tour...whenever that will be. Maybe in 2009??

Am I wearing a sign that says kick me?

BRRRR!! Only for music will I suffer extreme weather conditions: ACL Fest I waited 7 hrs for a great spot to see (and touch) Chris Martin &Co. in blazing 108 degree heat!!!, the week of Thanksgiving I sat on a frigid sidewalk in midtown Manhattan for 6.5 hours in order to get front row on the ellipse at the U2 Vertigo Tour at Madison Square Garden, and last night I stood outside in 27 degree freezing rain at Emo's to see Nada Surf only to get bruised by the people around me. The show rocked -- rocked way harder than last year's SXSW show at Red Eye. Last year I was front and center right between the lead singer and bass player. But this time I still had a good view of the band (when I wasn't getting knocked over by the obnoxious drunk-asses surrounding me).

With the cold weather and and outdoors show I was sure they would play Blizzard of '77 -- and I guess everyone else was hoping they would too -- that was the only thing people were chanting out requests for. They opened with Hi Speed Soul, one of my faves off the "Let Go" album. It was so energetic and fun, a great start. Other favorites they played in the evening - Fruit Fly, Happy Kid, Inside of Love, Blond on Blond. They do a great job balancing the fast and slow songs in their set lists. Fruit Fly stood out to me this time -- its really quiet in the beginning -- they had an a capella sing along for the intro -- then it busts out into the great beat. I love watching Daniel, the bassist on these kinds of songs. He's like Heath Ledger with super long dreads and he's always bouncing to the music and singing with a cigarette hanging on his lip. The epitome of rock star. They also played a lot from the new album "the Weight is a gift", which I don't have yet, but will be getting soon. Great continuation of where Let Go left off.

They are touring with Rogue Wave, a new interest of mine. After seeing they were touring with Nada Surf, I looked into them on iTunes and Myspace and was intrigued. I didnt buy anything bc I wanted to wait until after the show to make sure, but I'm convinced now that its worth it. I felt like I made eye contact with the lead singer 2 or 3 times but I can't be sure of that. He was wearing a hat like Danny from the Real World -- made me giggle. Publish My Love and California were pretty awesome - lucky for you they are both on myspace, so check em out.

Overall great music and great performances -- I just wish I had been standing in a different place to enjoy it more.

My Boys and Milfameewaukus

What a good excuse to go to Houston. The double bill of my brother's band, Household Names, and my other favorite Austin band, What Made Milwaukee Famous, together at the Proletariat in Montrose. KICK ASS! So Kway and Jack accompanied me (and we also got Bun to come along too!). My parents even came out to the show with the Barkers (CJ's parents). And in true family reunion style, Greg, my "other" brother growing up, also came in from Dallas. We all had a ball together.


After hearing the buzz last year at SXSW and then seeing them open for Snow Patrol in April, I have loved the sound of WMMF. I downloaded some songs, and then I realized they were already on my iPod!! Even better. Since their ACL performance aired in November, I have literally been listening to their first/only album in my car on heavy rotation. The first song to get me hooked was "Mercy, Me", but unfortunately they didn't play it Saturday (or it was their first song and I missed it since we got there a bit late). Thats ok though. They still played my other favorite songs "Short on Shields" and "Idecide". As soon as I heard the intro to "Hellodrama!" I ran over to my dad since that is his favorite song of theirs (yeah, thats right, my dad likes cool music too. Although he calls it "the Sharlina song".) I think, Drew, the keyboard player, noticed I was singing along because I caught him making a funny smirk at me. I'll take it! They played a great show and I was proud to introduce their music to my friends and f amily. At the end of the night I talked to John (bassist) and Michael (lead singer). After Jason told Michael that I am HN's barometer for whats good/bad, he said they might call on the "Meg-ometer" for my honest opinions. Hell yeah!!



I am so proud of my boys for the show they put on that night. They said they were nervous but they kicked ass. First show in a while proved to be worth the wait. A little bit of old stuff - great. A little mix with new stuff - AWESOME! Of their new songs, I really like "Latest Success", "Anytime, Mrs. K" and "All to Myself". CD release should be in April they think. Of course, I will be there with bells on. But, poor Chris had technical problems with his microphone -- it just kept swinging around all over the place. It even hit Jason in the arm at one point! Luckily some folks in the front kept getting up and trying to fix it for him and he recovered gracefully. But even with those difficulties, they sounded amazing. And I must say, they are pretty good at the banter inbetween songs.

"GO AARP! OSTEOPOROSIS and TEQUILA SHOTS! Yeah, that's right, I'm talking about my mom." - CJ
"USE YOUR TEETH" - Chris to Jenny

To close out the show, they brought up the WMMF members for a song "they just wrote last week". Nice try. But for never having rehearsed it (and John improvising the bass line) they did a great job playing John Lennon's "Instant Karma". The audience was singing and dancing along. A great way to end the night.

Kway and I went to the after party at Jenny's house -- just to get slobbered and sweated on by CJ. Elaine said "yeah, its kind of embarassing, but still pretty funny". Nice.

All in all, it was totally worth the trip to Houston. I'd do it again if I had the chance.