“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” Expressed so eloquently by Victor Hugo, music is the release from and inspiration for life’s experiences.
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| Photo Cred: Mest Official Site |
“Best concert of my life” – I have never spoken or written these words and now they describe absolute fact. For those who have read my MXPX concert review, or even prior posts where I speak of those who influenced my passion for music, know that I am the biggest fan of the band Mest. This past Friday I attended my tenth or so concert of theirs and honestly think of it as a life event considering my experience. Continue reading
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| Photo Cred: Joe McCabe |
“When was it that you lost your youth or traded it for something more for them to use so jaded…In case you’re wondering, I’m singing about going up, about giving in.” Sifting through some of my favorite Alkaline Trio songs to open this post with, “Mr. Chainsaw” is awarded for its irony and poetry. Not to mention the screaming resemblance to my life right now. Continue reading
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| Photo Cred: Jim Brock |
“You’re damn right, I’ve got the blues. From my head down to my shoes. I can’t win ’cause I don’t have a thing to lose.” Although this was not the opening song from Buddy Guy’s performance at the City Grove of Anaheim, the lyric stands true to the legend and reflects the atmosphere that night. Sometimes the most impressive live shows are experienced when you have never heard a single tune and hold virtually no expectations.
My dad called me up one day asking if I would be interested in going to a concert with him. Of course I asked who it might be and he mentioned blues music marvel Buddy Guy was in town playing with Jonny Lang. Shamefully I knew neither of these names but it didn’t matter, I close to never turn down a show. The headliner’s introduction instilled immediate respect for his talent, even though I was a virgin listener at this point. “Please welcome six-time Grammy award winner and Rock and Roll hall of fame artist Buddy Guy!” Alright you have my attention, simply amazing.
Buddy Guy and Quinn Sullivan (Photo Cred: Erik Kabik)
Born on July 30, 1936 Buddy Guy is one of the most critically acclaimed American Blues artists in the world. He is accredited for pioneering his home town’s Chicago blues style that influenced some of the most notable musicians of his day including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. During his show in Anaheim he primarily stuck to his typical electric guitar and vocals but has historically developed an eclectic skill set with instruments such as the harmonica, drums, piano, bass and saxophone. His five-piece band that accompanied him on stage took the background groove, oftentimes swaying in unison as Buddy jammed on.
He entered with a classic chilled-out mood, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, backwards messenger cap and casual slacks. His first guitar accented his unique personality with its white and blue polka dotted face. He dove into the famed Muddy Waters’ “Hoochie Coochie Man,” which I soon learned was the perfect song for this “76 years young” ladies man, who can easily captivate anyone with his charm. I found it impossible to not smile as he cruised through each chord. Other songs of his set included “Someone else is steppin in,” “Feels Like Rain,” and “I Just Wanna Make Love.” All were clear call outs to his charismatic confidence.
Half way through his set he did something remarkable. Buddy Guy brought to the stage a thirteen year old kid named Quinn Sullivan to play beside him. From the second he began to sing, the entire audience was mesmerized, myself included. If I had no sight or knowledge of his age, I would never had guessed a sound so bold could come out of such a young spirit. He sang to his heritage with the song “Blues Child” and the inspiration for his music that brought him there with “Buddy’s Blues.” I have to believe that this kid’s future is bright, with his genre’s idol fully behind him, helping to fuel his flame.
Backtracking to the opening act of the show, Jonny Lang made me tremendously appreciative of modern day blues. He began with the song “Don’t Stop (For Anything),” speaking to my passion for travel I could feel the emotion depicted in each lyric. “I was meant to roll like a freight train, Gonna fly like a jet plane, Comin’ back like a boomerang, I don’t stop for anything.” He listens to the voice inside and calls to the strength that drives every person to trek forward. His voice was incredibly soulful with a raspy, yet comforting tone that balanced with the high notes of his guitar. At one point his intrinsic melodic aptitude melded with the notes made by each string, where the echo matched so perfectly it was difficult to tell where the voice ended and the electric pulse began.
Jonny Lang (Photo Cred: Jim Brock)
As I learned more about Jonny Lang, the North Dakota native, I found that he grew up in a highly musical household where nearly every member of his family sang. His first orientation to blues came when his father took him to see a friend’s group by the name of the Bad Medicine Blues Band that inspired Jonny to pick up his first guitar. He went on to follow along Buddy Lang’s footsteps in part by grabbing his own Grammy Award for “Turn Around,” which he played as the third song of his set at the Grove. I love quirky unrecognized facts about artists, one of which for Jonny is that he made a short cameo appearance in the film Blues Brothers 2000 as a janitor, a modern day addition to one of mine and my father’s favorite classics.
His background includes not only blues but also gospel, which was evidently portrayed in his songs “The Great Day” and “Angel of Mercy.” I can honestly say that I loved nearly every one of his songs. Other tracks included “A Quitter Never Wins,” “Red Light,” and “Livin’ For The City.” He finished with an acoustic version of his popular song “Lie To Me” then brought in the rest of his band for the first finale.
I must admit that this was one of the most groundbreaking concerts that I have ever attended. Although I pride myself as a music enthusiast with a breadth of genre affiliations, there are shows that make me realize just how narrow my scope can be. I thank the artists that comprise them for shattering my unknown silence to introduce me to new waves.
This entire experience gave me the appreciation for generational welding. I stood in awe of the legendary Buddy Guy, to whom my dad was there to see, while I connected primarily with my fellow generation Y member Jonny Lang, who had a mere four years on me. Then we were introduced to the next generation of blues through Quinn Sullivan, a different perspective to the age-old category of music. In the end, watching them all jam together for the final song was truly a unique perspective for everyone at the Grove. No matter the magnetic pull, the most significant mark of respect for the scene was the pure love for the Blues and the inspiration that each performer shared with one another.
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| MXPX |
“To have people sing along and enjoy what we do, to share that joy together, I don’t even call you fans I call you friends…” MXPX opened their 20th anniversary tour with one of the most compelling, and to me cathartic, video intros that I have ever witnessed. They connected deeply with one of the most dedicated fan bases in punk rock music. The opening song of the show was from the band’s 2005 album Panic, “I heard that sound” with its home in the local LBC, expressing the frustration of love lost that echoes beyond the present. Continue reading
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| Mat Kearney (Photo by Joe Lemke) |
“Do you ever think about me, do you ever call my name, ask me now I’ll give you the reasons my love will not fade, through the fire and rain.” The opening song of Mat Kearney’s concert at my favorite local music landmark speaks to the strength and tenderness of the relationships we all secretly hope for in life. Even the most bitter of hearts can’t deny a longing for this balance. This is the magic of Mat’s reach, his voice is bold with a calming sense of peace. Mix that with poet-rap lyrics and a catchy back beat and you’ll start swaying and tapping along with the tunes that will echo for far longer than a seventeen song set.
The playlist highlighted songs from three of Mat Kearney’s four albums released over the past six years. After beginning with his 2009 City of Black and White, he broke into a lineup from his latest 2011 and tour headline Young Love with “Young Dumb and In Love,” “Count on Me” and “Down.” The evolution of his writing and composition is evident for the familiar fans while he is able to thread together the same alternative-folk culture that he has traditionally embodied. Mat swiftly switched back to the classics with popular hits from 2009. Black and White held heavy influence on the show with only a few appearances from his breakthrough 2006 album Nothing Left to Lose, which wrapped up the main set with “All I need” and the radio reaching “Undeniable.” He even threw in an unreleased song titled “Chicago” and rocked a remix of pop hits from Usher and Nicky Minaj.
My Friend Devin and I Enjoying the Show
As fans we often make sacrifices to simply be in the presence of our most respected musicians. On more than one occasion I have driven in access of an hour on a work or school night just to feel the pulse of a live show. Some might say that The Coach House is an odd venue for a concert. When normally general admission tickets print on them “standing room only,” the concert hall is quite the opposite with “sitting room only,” on long picnic style benches that have the potential of giving you a kink in your neck depending on your orientation. You really have to like your neighbor, its a good thing I did, in fact I was there partially for him, Mat is one of my friend Devin’s favorite artists. I love almost any live performance but a concert is so much more memorable with good company. Despite the hall’s seemingly challenging layout, as a local it holds a point of historic pride in my heart, and its intimate setting can make you feel so much closer to the artist than any standard venue.
Mat connected with his fans and dropped down from the stage to perform from our vantage, handing out pats, fives and hugs as he sang on. I love moments like this when the artist revs the crowds energy. It makes me think of every artist that used to be a fan staring up at the ones that inspired them to pursue their passion. Being a fan, whether it be of an idol, sports team, musician or otherwise, hits you on a deep emotional level. In concept it is a perfect relationship, love without complication, existing in the purest form of mutual adoration, and in the realm of music, the added benefit of allowing every human sentiment to be expressed. Unlike reality where relationships can fail when words are neglected or find themselves to be inadequate, leaving the air between empty with a deafening silence.
The encore was a trilogy of songs from Young Love. Mat came back on stage without his band, standing in the spotlight with nothing but a guitar. We did our formal introductions – Mat: “Hey everyone I’m Mat Kearney, that’s pronounced ‘CAR-ney’ not ‘KER-ney.'” Me: “What? Really? I feel really lame right now realizing I have been saying your name wrong this whole time!”…horrible…(Sorry Mat!). Devin may have been right on that one, but we’re even since I win on the proper spelling with one T!
Mat Kearney Rocking with the Crowd at The Coach House
With our greetings commenced, he continued on and exposed himself in his re-opener with the acoustic piece “Rochester,” telling the life of his father and honoring the affinity that inspired his music and helped him to build his incredible character. Shifting from this special moment, his band swarmed back on stage and played the opening keys of “Ships in the Night,” a clear fan favorite. The bright pulsating back lights seemed to charge the crowd’s growing excitement. Then came an eruption of soul when track one “Hey Mama” served as the finale for the show. Even the narrow walkways between benches couldn’t stop us from dancing.
Mat’s penetrating vocals and poet-rap flair distinguishes his eclectic talent and I can say with confidence that he does not disappoint in a live performance. I trust it will stand out in my event listing for years. That’s another element of music that I love, its an immortal art, no matter what happens to the artist in time, music is forever. As such, I close my reflections with the lyrics from one of my favorite Kearney songs “Closer to Love,” singing to this legacy, “If every building falls, and all the stars fade, we’ll still be signing this song, the one they can’t take away.”
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| Colbie Caillat (Photo Cred Darren Lee) |
“I don’t care what they say, Cause I have seen when we run we make it rain, there’s nothing better than this, I’ll keep wanting you for just one more kiss.” Colbie Caillat drew the curtain beautifully with the song “Make it Rain” from her new album All of You, which was released only five days after her performance at the House of Blues in Anaheim on August 7th, 2011. It was an elegant and impressionable opening to the show.
Colbie has one of the most pure voices in the acoustic genre. Her beach-inspired, casual style, which every Southern California girl can relate to, compliments her tropical vibes. Simply hearing her words and chords draws you to a vacation fantasy of fine sand, palm trees and an endless blue sea horizon. She can call out to the king of reggae with natural ease and sing to hundreds of fans as if the stage is nothing more than an intimate camp fire serenade among friends.
The lineup was a balanced list of songs pulled from each of her three main albums released over the past five years. She floated through “The Little Things,” and “Realize” off of 2007’s Coco, then invited us to softly sing along to such songs as “Begin Again,” “I Never Told You,” and Oxygen” from her Breakthrough collection.
As usual I started this blog entry soon after the concert, and finished it months later. The challenges of life can consume you, making time accelerate and stop in a series of violent motions. My adoration for most of Colbie’s sweet melodies hit the recently fortified walls of my broken heart with a thud. A feeling, which at the time I was unaware, that I would return to a fifth and sixth time over in the time to come. The raw lyrics and notes echoed in my racing mind and my best friend was by my side singing and swaying trying to get me to sing along. I did my best to refuse to avoid feeling, but leave it to Colbie’s cover of Jason Mraz’s “Lucky” to make me shed a single tear wishing that one day I would find the best friend to fall in love with.
After those melodramatic, possibly pathetic, yet true moments, the irony continued during the encore with a hybrid song: part “Breakeven” by The Script and part “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. It was the perfect storm at the time for an emotional breakdown but I held my ground, relying on pride to carry me through. What I loved most about this part of the show was the creative expression and tribute to her fellow musicians. It proves that no matter how big a star, the appreciation for music continues to develop and inspire true talent.
Colbie finished her final set with a taste of the new and the old, illustrating just how far she has come since she came to the scene. “Brighter Than The Sun” pulls her further into the pop realm, but she remembers her foundation as the sun kissed acoustic guitarist with one of her first hits “Bubbly.” The lyrics speak to my connection and love for music, “it starts in my soul”, and always take this wherever I go.
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| Gin Blossoms (Photo Cred: Mike Pont/Getty Images) |
“I know we’re headed somewhere I can see how far we’ve come.” The simple phrase from the opening song, “Follow You Down” takes another meaning once you surpass the two-decade mark of making music. I’ve mentioned before the impact a single song can have on one’s memory in my post about Something Corporate, but what about a single band? The Gin Blossoms represent nostalgia for my innocence, discovery of music, and looking up to my brother who introduced me to early favorite artists.
As an 80’s child growing up in the 90’s, I lived when music experienced so many revolutions. From the explosion of polar opposites – pop sensation boy bands and the gritty sounds of grunge – to iconic rap artists that spoke for an entire sociopolitical culture. Among the merging identity of the era’s sound played the Gin Blossoms who comfortably fit in the alternative rock category aside some of my favorite bands: Tonic, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Oasis and the Goo Goo Dolls. Some of these bands reached their peak during the time but continue to make music not for fame but for pure pleasure. Some have faded, while others continue to penetrate mainstream top lists single after single. I’d suggest the Gin Blossoms fall somewhere in between, with loyal followers like myself, and I greatly appreciate their persistent presence in the scene, no matter the scale.
Robin Wilson (Photo Cred: Soundpress.net)
One of my favorite elements to the band’s artistry is the subtle incorporation of the under-appreciated tambourine. The tiny brass symbols of the handheld instrument keep a catchy back beat while harmonizing with the smooth vocals of lead singer Robin Wilson. His stage presence connected him intimately with the adoring audience and he pleased them in return by passing on a number of the musical gadgets. I can’t even tell you how jealous I was for those that received this small token of the band’s legacy. Come on Robin! Pass one to me!
I sang along to every song sitting left of the stage while watching current guitarist Jesse Valenzuela casually strumming along. He seemed to enjoy the cool upstage position out of the main spotlight while in communion with this other band members. You would never guess by just a glance that this chilled out musician was the original vocalist of the band when it was founded in 1987 and the primary writer of many of its hits singles. As with many bands that have survived over 20 years, there have been a few changes in membership, but one indicator of a great group is the ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining the core melodic feeling of its brand. In addition to veterans Jesse and Robin, the current players include original co-founder Bill Leen on bass, guitarist Scott Johnson, and John Richardson on drums.
The set list hit tunes from every album released in their history, with a heavy influence of their latest No Chocolate Cake, released in 2010. I am ashamed to say that I was a year late in discovering the latest tracks from this band that is so embedded in my foundation, but I was completely stoked on the revelation. The song “Don’t Change For Me” beautifully illustrates the class and positivity that the Gin Blossoms have stood for throughout their story. It’s an anthem for personal fulfillment and a representation of the standards that we should all hold to each of our loved ones. Continue on and “Wave Bye Bye” speaks to letting go of that deeply cherished, yet clearly unhealthy relationship that we all have tried to hold onto at one point or another. Pain, development and perseverance are part of the process of coping, while realizing the future can be more powerful than their constraints.
“Lost Horizons, “Found Out About You” and the encore’s finale song “Hey Jealousy” honored the group’s early years. All three songs originally released on its 1989 album Dusted were revived on the breakthrough record New Miserable Experience in 1992. Gin Blossoms’ 2006 record, Major Lodge Victory, made a single song appearance with “Long Time Gone” midway through the performance. They even threw in a cover of Eddie Money’s “Think I’m In Love” as a novelty piece. I couldn’t have expected or even begged for a better set list than was played that night.
Not many concert reviews are ever complete without calling out to the show’s aspiring opening bands. Runner up to my beloved headliner was an Orange County local group called Hollowell. I began to dig their sound almost instantly when lead singer Joseph Denges began to project his strong vocals and reflective lyrics. References to angels hinted to their Christian roots, while provocative phrases forced you to contemplate the number of familiar feelings that we all have faced in our past.
Hollowell certainly settled easily into the Gin Blossoms’ genre, comparable to well known artists such as REM, Tonic and Live. Their website HollowellMusic.com describes the scene the experience the best saying, “the listener sways in the rhythm and groove as the music becomes tangible.” They have been described as being honest, which was confirmed when I introduced myself to their down to earth vocalist and gladly bought their 2011 Pre-Release EP on site. I look forward to hearing of their future success.
The Gin Blossoms concert at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano was one for my personal record books. My dad stood as my company for the night and I’m sure he can attest to my love for the show when the smile never left my face in its entire duration. In parting and sincere gratitude I promise the lyrics right back to the band, “Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down.”
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| Yellowcard |
“Stop, turn, take a look around, At all the lights and sounds, let ’em bring you in. Slow, burn, let it all fade out, and pull the curtain down…” Lights and Sounds is the perfect song by Yellowcard to open their concert set. It embodies the sentiments of all of those who continue to gather to enjoy live music of any kind.
After enduring the opening bands in anticipation of Yellowcard, then walking out on the headliner’s performance for the first time in my music memory, I have to say I wish the line up was organized differently. The opening band, The Summer Set, was a younger bunch with a complete pop-punk sound and an early New Found Glory-esque vocalist. They were followed by Hey Monday, most comparable to Paramore, led by a strong female singer. Unfortunately my personal taste eliminates them from my queues due to my preference for deeper vocals, yet the group seemed to be a crowd pleaser. Although these bands serve their place in the music industry, providing hope for up-and-coming artists, they were simply ornaments that were trying to cling to the true centerpiece of the event.
I was there for Yellowcard, the real headliner in my eyes. They broke into alternative popular culture early when I was in high school. My favorite CD released during this era, in 2001, was One for the Kids, their third release in the bands beginning years. Although they avoided yielding reference to this particular album, they played on to performing a few tunes from their most popular including Lights and Sounds, Ocean Avenue and their most recent, When you’re through with thinking, Say Yes.
I have heard about the incredible stage presence that Yellowcard has when they perform live, but only now do I fully understand. The separating element that the band brings to the music world is the introduction of a violinist into alternative rock. All musicians to me are artists, no matter the instrument. Those who play the more classical forms may think they are limited to performing in grand symphonies in order to gain respect and recognition. Yellowcard shatters that perception and opens the doors to expression, proving that these talents can gain respect as being a part of a music group in the more non-traditional realm.
The band has such lyrical and distinguished ability. The single “Believe” displays all of this and tells us that everything is going to be all right, to “Be Strong, Believe.” I love this because it is such a positive message that was formed in the face of fear. It was a poem to melodies that expressed what it was like for the youth of my generation to live through the attacks of 9/11. It is our responsibility to remember our history and to help those who follow to know the importance of freedom.
As the show continued, Yellowcard introduced tracks from their new album. First up was an acoustic number that was quite catchy called “Hang You Up.” Although I found myself enjoying its raw sound of the song, I can see how during the concert debrief with my fellow fans, some expressed disappointment in its similarity to the commercialized “Hey there Delilah,” by The Plain White T’s. After so much time in the spotlight, there sometimes is a natural progression in a band’s later years to evolve into a more standardized sound. This tendency aside, Yellowcard will always resonate as a musically innovative band that is not afraid of crossing musical boundaries.
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| Something Corporate |
There are tastes that bring you back to a place, smells that bring you back to a season, and songs that bring you back to an era. For me, white wine brings me back to Rome, pumpkin brings me back to fall, and the voice of Andrew McMahon brings me back to high school.
The Something Corporate 10 Year Anniversary tour was one of the most memorable events of my concert loving life. The four piece band opened with the song “21 and Invincible,” singing along with the youthful audience. It was a proclamation of a time of freedom we all have experienced in our lives.
One of the most unique attributes of the performance at the City National Grove of Anaheim was that the band was not accompanied by a single opening act. The attention and hearts of all settled completely on Something Corporate as they ran through a list of 20 songs, most of which found their high life in the early 2000’s. Infamous tunes like “If You C Jordan” and “Punk Rock Princess” blared from the speakers with overwhelming support of the fans that sang along to every word.
My personal favorite was the second in queue, which brought me back to a vivid recollection of one particular moment during my time at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Back then asking girls to dances was a monumental production, and oftentimes could be seen as a competition to win the heart of not only the girl, but the whole school as well. This time it was in the form of a shortened live concert of a boy and his band playing a set of Something Corporate tunes. The last song was “Hurricane” from the band’s biggest hit CD Leaving Through the Window, released in 2002. The cover was a perfect tribute to one of my favorite bands, and to this day, hearing the lyrics instantly brings me back to that moment in time.
Flashback to the present, standing in the pit of the Grove, the concert continued. The set list proceeded through “Cavanaugh Park,” “I Want to Save You,” and “Drunk Girl,” I felt the energy escalate with each familiar phrase. The crowd adored the band and its talented leader as he jammed on the piano, singing with complete passion in his homecoming to Orange County, California.
Aside from the highlighted famous hits of their decade, Something Corporate sprinkled the performance with a few surprises. Selected songs that were scarcely heard were showcased and pulled from hidden tracks, previously unreleased melodies and a single new recording that was featured on their Play in Space: Best Of CD, released earlier this year. These songs included “Wait,” “Watch the Sky,” and finally, the opening of the show’s encore, and favorite among the most devoted fans – “Konstantine.”
I can say personally that there was much anticipation waiting to hear if this song would even make the lineup. It was rumored that Andrew McMahon vowed to never sing it again because he is now happily married and it was originally written for a high school sweetheart who had long since past. Honorable yes, but we are definitely glad he broke his rule just this once since the song was so incredible that every note pulled at our heartstrings. It was the perfect beginning of a magnificent end.
The 10 Year Anniversary Tour of Something Corporate surpassed all expectations. The final two songs, “Ruthless” and “I Woke Up in a Car,” made the audience erupt in praise. As I will soon turn 25, this concert framed a decade of growth in my personal life. I will always take this talented group of artists with me as I continue forth to the next chapter in my life, whatever it may read. I truly thank them for all for the times their music has supported me and played as the soundtrack to my days.
Something Corporate Band Members: Andrew McMahon, vocals/piano; Josh Partington, guitar; Kevin Page, bassist; and Brian Ireland, drummer.
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| New Found Glory (Photo Cred: Alie Krohn) |
“It’s your own life, live it for yourself.” Although these aren’t the first lyrics of the curtain opening song “Better Off Dead” by New Found Glory, they are hidden nuggets found when sifting through the lines. I always love watching shows at the House of Blues in Anaheim, particularly because it is a location at the heart of rock music, and a local home to many of my band familiarities.
New Found Glory is one of those “high school bands” that I recall with the early exploration of self expression. Whatever the sentiments and genre categorization of the band may be through its years, ranging from pop-punk and alternative rock to melodic hardcore (of which the last is a new term to me and I’m still having difficulty understanding), there will always be those songs that take me back to when I was 15 or 16 when the sound of guitars and drums seemed to say everything that I couldn’t. Sometimes the lyrics spoke volumes, sometimes they were, quite honestly, meaningless words thrown together, the spectrum didn’t matter all that much, it was the freedom to interpret that created the impression.
After sitting on the set list for a long while before writing this review, I revisited it in recollection and realized the concert had one unique trait that I have never seen an artist do before. New Found Glory played their entire self-titled album from song one to song twelve during the main showcase. The disc was released at the beginning of high school for me in 2000 yet performed ten years later. Anytime you are familiar with an album you can easily find yourself singing the first line of the next song to come next between the two-second track-breaks. I don’t think I realized it at the time but this is exactly what happened, and the set list followed the progression from start to finish with “Ballad For The Lost Romantics.”
With the full New Found Glory album under wraps, the concert’s six-song encore set had been the longest that I have ever experienced. The band continued with a hodgepodge of songs released between 2002 and 2009. I can’t say I followed along with their career past high school graduation so their newest “Don’t Let Her Pull You Down” from Not Without a Fight, and “Hold My Hand” from Coming Home were new sounds for my orientation. Their fresh and quite younger fan base seemed to rally with them though. In the final minutes, after introducing the band, the headliners closed with their 2002 hit “My Friends Over You” from Sticks and Stones, a relative throwback for the class of 2004.
I don’t normally backtrack in concert reviews, especially when the runner up band is one of my favorites, but I must in this case since I can’t give written authority of the full set list of Saves The Day that night. I’m limited to a frenzied memory of their songs performed since for the most part I was entrenched in singing along to every word completely in the moment. I do remember my excitement that’s for sure, but I can’t tell you the play-by-play.
“This song will become the anthem of your underground…” The first words of the echoing “At Your Funeral” from Saves The Day’s 2001 album Stay What You Are instantly bring me back to nostalgia for my youth. The highlights, or at least the songs that I will forever badly sing/yell along to, included that single along with “Shoulder At The Wheel” from their album in 1999, and my first love of theirs, Through Being Cool.
Thanks to my brother I was always a few years ahead of the trends in relation to my peers. Most of the time I heard the songs bellowing from his stereo years before my friends made the realization of the bands’ presence. I’m not gonnna lie, it made me feel pretty cool back in the day when I was able to say I’ve known them for years! But “I’m through being cool…rather forget the days we spent than try to stay afloat in shallow waters…the world that’s flying by is slick and smooth, big waves of light…last night I dreamt you called from Costa Rica, go see the volcanoes, go see the rainforests, I’ll be fine by myself…” I’ll simple words, but in memory and music they are moments and chords unforgettable. At the risk of sounding cheesy thank you Saves The Day for the many times you saved my day.
