Fiona Apple at the Chicago Theater

Okay so I was a bit distracted but Fiona Apple's show 7/10/12 was in a few words: dynamic, raw, and exposed.

When I read the interview Fiona did with Spin (mentioned a few posts ago) I felt like I knew her, but I wondered how this energy and persona would translate on stage, would she be manic? sullen? controlled? contrived? would the performance be genius? Would she play any of her old songs or would she be one of those ''I'm moving on'' artists?

I couldn't take my eyes off of her she seemed to transform into a different persona with each song, so unpredictable from her vocal choices from a whisper to an animalistic growl and ethereal dance moves. to the variety of songs on the setlist. See below compliments of Setlistfm

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/fiona-apple/2012/chicago-theatre-chicago-il-3bdf405c.html




 Fiona's tiny but definitely toned and fit physique it was hard to imagine such a big voice coming from such a small person. I couldn't wait to see what she would do next.

Her songs are definitely emotional and her lyrics leave her exposed from her own personal flaws maybe a bit impulsive or self distructive or feeling of isolation or the highs and lows of a relationship. I can relate most to the song ''Daredevil'' how people can be the source of their own undoing and as much as they try to avoid a wreck something inside just refuses to walk the other way. She phrases things poetically, and eloquently that it leads me to believe that even if she didn't choose the path of a singer her words could've easily translated into another medium that demands attention.


Fiona is a performer that feeds off of her emotions. From pounding the piano keys in a fit of rage, to simply standing alone a the microphone cooing. The audience can tell that the song lyrics are of her own and they have very real and deep meaning to her. She's constantly in the moment taking herself back to the time in which the words were written with little regard to any distractions around her.

Especially on ''Anything We Want'' Get Gone''


Her execution of ''Extraordinary Machine'' was playful and charming in contrast with her angst and rage fans fell in love with her many different personas. Her fans are absolutely enamored of her not a whole song could go by without multiple chants of encouragement from the crowd. I do know some of her lyrics but the crowd as a whole sang along with every line. I'm lucky to be included with such dedicated fans and to share in the many joys and sorrows, and the different sides of the most dynamic and touching performer I've ever seen.

Well done Fiona. Easily best performance I've seen since Bon Iver in January :)

A little bit of everything

Xaphoon Jones did a remix of the Weeknd Ellie Goulding that I loved! and now he's done it again with my favorite songs Atlas Genius ''Trojans'' http://neongoldrecords.blogspot.com/

New Band Papa '' Aint it So''
http://youtu.be/dW-C9WZnZ9c

Favorite new artist: Lianne La Havas (saw her when she opened for Bon Iver) & Prince is a big fan so I guess it confirmed,she's the real deal

http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=8229


My new theme song compliments of Marina & the Diamonds

http://nylonmag.com/nylonblogs/blog/2012/07/09/first-look-marina-the-diamonds-heartbreaker/

Next up.. reporting on Grafitti6 album I haven't listened to the whole thing but I'm a fan its smooth and catchy good summer music!

Fiona Apple tomorrow! So excited!!

Happy Independence Day!

So lucky and happy that I live in the country I do, but I'm definitely appreciative of all the new people I've met  all over the world through this blog and music applications.

My buddy and I are working on a collaboration playlist so very much looking forward to sharing it.

 To hold everyone over until then here is a mashup of what I've been listening to lately. (You need to have spotify to open). I can't take full credit for all of this alot of it was sent to me by various music fans. So thank you guys! You haven't let me down yet!

Starred

Upcoming shows:

Fiona Apple @ Chicago Theater 7/10

 Best Coast July 27th at the Vic

the Drive Soundtrack Tour feat College & Annorak @ Lincoln Hall 7/28

Attendance for me is still pending on the last two but I do want to go! (Just hoping for weather under 100 degrees if this is what it's going to be like for Lolla. I'm going to need some serious training/adjustment.)

Sweltering Heat Requires some ''Feel Good'' music

Don't you agree?

Well first up came across this Broken Light via Spotify app they are a band from Indy, think jazzy, feel good, summer fest music with catchy hooks.

http://broken-light.bandcamp.com/

Next up-- Gold Motel a Chicago band with a lovely female vocalist (Cults/Best Coast/disco feel) I would definitely see this hometown band live either at their in-store performance 7/8  http://sakistore.net/ or at Schubas on 7/26
http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=8196

In the esteemed tradition (lately) of reminscing about female 90's rock goddess. I present Liz Phair! (back in one of the most commercially executed tracks I've heard since ''Why Can't I?''

This song will appear on the upcoming soundtrack to ''People Like Us'' (I kind of miss the old Liz though) edgy, envelope pushing, Courtney Love-esque, hot mess Liz.:( However if she actually confirms a Ryan Adams colllaboration track she just might redeem herself :)

http://www.spin.com/#articles/liz-phair-wants-make-down-and-dirty-lp-ryan-adams

Hooray for Integrity, Pure talent, and Basketcases!

Love this band even more now! Hooray for keeping integrity in the music business and not pimping out your songs to everyone/everything with a label

http://pitchfork.com/features/interviews/8831-beach-house/

Speaking of: I recently watched the Foo Fighter's documentary ''"Back & Forth'' so glad that I bought it. I could watch that on repeat. While there was a bit of sketch band member changes over the years. Solid band. and definitely a solid history, and intensifies my respect & love for the band and Dave Grohl. Wish I could make it up to Milwaukee for Summerfest! for their set this Thursday :(

In other news: Fiona Apple live in Chicago July 10th--So psyched!

She's a crazy, lonely, sheltered basketcase and she has fans that adore her just the same-- I would very much like to be her friend!
http://pitchfork.com/features/interviews/8853-fiona-apple/

(did I mention she performed with the Roots on Fallon?) check it out!
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/fiona-apple-let-me-roll-it-61812/1406726/

Favorite songs before leaving the house today:
The Naked And Famous – Girls Like You

The Lumineers – Ho Hey

Interesting reading material/audio/video

Article/ video about new favorite band Daughter

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/sep/29/new-band-daughter


Jack White Audio interview with NPR 'All things Considered''
http://www.npr.org/2012/06/03/154157412/jack-white-on-his-own-tells-other-peoples-stories

If you haven't seen this video it's a must!--Johnny Depp playing guitar with Black Keys at MTV Movie Awards.

http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/6/4/watch-johnny-depp-and-the-black-keys-perform-together-at-mtv.html

In other news Ed Sheeran will be doing a headlining show at the Riv Sept 25th. Presale tix are sold out, but tix go on sale to the public 6/9 at 10am. (Fingers Crossed)  It's an all ages show :(

Rainy day in Chicago--new songs will cheer me up!

It's a rainy Friday in Chicago.  I'm gonna let these songs speak for themselves.
This song has been on my list of favorites for a few weeks by a band called 2:54, you can also download the song for free by clicking on the link below

http://nylonmag.com/nylonblogs/blog/2012/05/10/free-song-the-march-by-254/

Purity Ring (new band) I like it!
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/5/31/watch-purity-ring-belispeak-official-video.html


Singer/Songstress Kina Grannis-- Featured on the Ellen Show & VH1 (you know the girl with the video with the backgrounds entirely made from JellyBeans??) released yet another super creative video!? Why didn't anyone think of it. Instead of the usual peppy, handclapping songs she's known for she takes a stroll down meloncholy lane and I love it! Check out her new video ''Without Me''
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7mAMIcCvAo

Ed Sheeran-- I've posted or liked any song he's released so far and even went so far to download his Thank You EP (to his fans for making his album #1 in the UK charts) His album ''+'' will be released on June 12 here in the US. I was unable to see him in Chicago when he opened for Snow Patrol in April but while he was here he recorded a session and it shows his wide range of talent. It's 11:00 minutes long but if you skip to around 4:30, he does a cool change up.

http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/5/31/watch-ed-sheeran-you-need-me-i-dont-need-you-live-at-the-liv-1.html

Haven't heard this yet, just posting to get your thoughts. Haven't heard from The Darkness in awhile!... What do you think?
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/6/1/watch-the-darkness-every-inch-of-you.html