Leftovers

Scroll to Info & Navigation

Tag Results

78 posts tagged music

“So this song was kind of like, ‘Shake yourself out of it, things will be OK.’ [Because] sometimes I have to write songs for myself, reminding me to let it go. But then, the end refrain of ‘What the hell’ is really important as well, because you’ll dance with the devil again at some point, and maybe it will be fun. I’ve heard he does a really good foxtrot.”

- Florence Welch

Jazz Fest 2012

Went to Jazz Fest yesterday.

Holy shiitake.

Let me start from the beginning. I almost had a panic attack that morning because my printer wouldn’t produce my ticket. It had ink, it was plugged in, and everything else seemed to be functioning normally, but the page kept coming out blank! Not good. Hyperventilating I walked over to the Mid-City Library where, after acquiring a library card and PIN, I was finally able to print my ticket. Phew! I was already sweating, so I hopped on the streetcar to City Park. 

However, when I disembarked I realized I didn’t know how to get to the entrance. Embarrassing, I know - I am from here and yet I’d never been to the fairgrounds. Thankfully, the gods of live music festivals saw I was in peril and sent me a guardian angel of sorts. The woman walking in front of me on Esplanade made a friendly comment to me and I used that as an opening to say to her, “I take it you’re going to Jazz Fest?” Not that it was obvious or anything; she just had a folding chair slung over her shoulder and a wide-brimmed hat on. I asked her how to get to the entrance and we began to chat and she was nice enough to let me follow her. We got separated at the gate, but I was thankful to have met her because she was kind and gave me the lowdown. By the time I walked in I felt like a pro.

I headed straight to the Acura Stage to see Hurray for the Riff Raff. Alas, I was later than I hoped, but I did happen to catch their last two songs. By another stroke of luck, my dear friend Stephanie spotted me right away. We embraced and she introduced me to her friend Jasmine from vet school. “We brought study materials,” Stephanie declared happily showing me the plethora of Pathology notes in Jasmine’s backpack. “Nerds,” I retorted. It was kinda smart, actually. We were seeing Glen Hansard and then no one else until Florence + the Machine played about three and a half hours later. I secretly wished I had brought something to do during the downtime. 

The aforementioned performances ended up being two of the best live acts I’ve ever seen. Glen Hansard has an incredible singing voice (and an Irish accent, in case you didn’t know). He is wonderful live, and very funny, too! He sang an Irish song about Lake Pontchartrain that the crowd loved. At the end of his set he asked for a drummer from the crowd to play a Bruce Springsteen song with him (it was just him and his guitar onstage). A random guy working Stage Krewe at Jazz Fest jumped onstage and took command of the drums. His name was Joe it must have been the best day of his life - getting to spontaneously perform at Jazz Fest. Sadly, Glen Hansard’s guitar string broke during the song and he had no replacement, so his set ended early.

Glen Hansard.

As soon as that was over we ate (I got a fried gator po’boy!) and headed over to the Gentilly Stage where Florence + the Machine would be playing in mere hours. We wanted a good spot and even though it was incredibly crowded we got one - right in the center and only two rows away from the barricade. We were stoked. (The only downside was the six foot tall man wearing a hat who was right in front of me. “No way he is a Florence fan,” Stephanie said. Apparently he was because he stayed. Curse him.)

I wanted more food, but my spot was too good to risk moving. Somehow three hours went by quickly - partially thanks to the wonderful musicians who make up Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk - and the appearance of Florence and her incredible band at 5:30 was well worth the wait. Flo (it’s appropriate for me to call her that, right?) was amazing. Like with Glen (he and I are on a first name basis, too*) I was amazed that she sounded so amazing in person, much better than a recording. She is so proper and British and quiet when she speaks, but then she manages to hit these notes that I didn’t even know existed. She looked great, too. As we hoped, she walked onstage wearing what looked like a cross between a wizard’s cloak and synthetic bat wings. Everything about her performance was beautiful. 

Florence in her shiny academic robes. 

We were so close!

Even though I was there for a whole day, I feel like I barely got to experience what Jazz Fest has to offer. I’ll certainly be back next year!

*I wish.

Walking up the hill tonight and you have closed your eyes.
I wish I didn’t have to make all those mistakes and be wise.
Please try to be patient and know that I’m still learning.
I’m sorry that you have to see the strength inside me burning.

Where are you, my angel, now?
Don’t you see me crying?
And I know that you can’t do it all, but you can’t say I’m not trying.
I’m on my knees in front of him, but he doesn’t seem to see me.
With all his troubles on his mind he’s looking right through me.
And I’m letting myself down by satisfying you,
And I wish that you could see I have my troubles, too.

Looking at you sleeping, I’m with the man I know.
And I’m sitting here weeping while the hours pass so slow.
And I know that in the morning I have to let you go.
And you’ll be just a man, one I used to know.
Before these past few days someone I don’t recognize.
This isn’t all my fault.
When will you realize?

Looking at you leaving, I’m looking for a sign. 

Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová - “The Hill”

I saw Glen Hansard at Jazz Fest today (it was amazing - more details to come later). Now I’m listening to the “Once” soundtrack, which I am obsessed with. If you have never listened to it, I feel sorry for your ears. 

Click - Little Boots

Click

Little Boots • Hands

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

I’ve been on a Little Boots kick. Plus, this song accurately describes my current feelings. Don’t you love that?

I thought we had a connection, I thought we had a good thing
I thought I knew direction that we we’re heading in
And I know it is not healthy to sit and fantasize
But I thought we were complete at least on the outside.

I know promises fade away
Have you forgotten yesterday?
I love you anyway, you know.

I thought we clicked like two parts of a puzzle, now I’m all in a muddle
Click like the flick of a switch and now the pieces don’t seem to fit
Click like a second in time like you were reading my mind
Think how we were from the start
And now our halves are falling, falling apart.

I thought you were my religion, you had faith in me
I thought you were a condition that no one else could treat
And I know all your friends say “She’s out of her mind”
And you’re best staying away, you just don’t know what she’ll try.

And now my conscience fades away
A 100 years becomes a day
I love you anyway, you know.

I thought we clicked like two parts of a puzzle, now I’m all in a muddle
Click like the flick of a switch and now the pieces don’t seem to fit
Click like a second in time like you were reading my mind
Think how we were from the start
And now our halves are falling, falling apart.

I thought we had a connection but now I just feel rejection
Thought that was love perfection, things look different in reflection
Thought you were my religion, worshiped everything that you do
Tell me a part of it was true, tell me

We clicked like two parts of a puzzle, now I’m all in a muddle
Click like the flick of a switch and now the pieces don’t seem to fit
Click like a second in time like you were reading my mind
Think how we were from the start
And now our halves are falling, falling apart.

0 plays

actrice:

Song of the Moment: I Like It

By: Foxy Shazam

Last night in New Orleans Louisiana I saw Foxy Shazam. It was a highly entertaining show. I had been introduced to their music via a friend almost a year ago and thought, “Why not convince some friends to see this show?”

What resulted was a performance of pure energy and epic-ness like you couldn’t imagine. Last week I saw another band in New Orleans and they did an outstanding job but watching Foxy Shazam last night reminded me that music is about performance as well. The lead singer was an amazing show pony with singing chops like the best of them. (Oddly enough the producer of the Darkness is the producer of Foxy Shazam. When you listen to the lead singer’s voice you can’t escape the uncanny likeness the two groups share.) Headstand after back flip after shoulder ride just added icing on the cake. Then at the very end he ate 6 whole lit cigarettes. 

And people say Rock N’ Roll is dead. Well baby I got news for you…

Welcome to the Church of Rock N’ Roll. 

Oh man, I forgot he ate six cigarettes at the end! 

Little Boots - "Every Night I Say A Prayer"»

There is a new Little Boots song out and I love it!

Love is darkness blinded by the light
Let it lead you, listen for the cry
I will find you, every time I turn you’re there

I have seen into the future
I want you to take me there
I have seen into the future
Every night I say a prayer
Every night i say a prayer

Hoping for forgiveness
We all make mistakes
I wanna walk beside you
I’ve gotta keep the faith

Now that I found you
Never gonna let you go

I have seen into the future
I want you to take me there
I have seen into the future
Every night I say a prayer
Every night I say a prayer.