365 Degrees

[033/365] Revival

 

I've never really understood homes that are usually silent. Growing up, there was almost always music playing  in the background, and as an adult, I've pretty much kept the same protocol.

Music can be a source of motivation or calm. It can reflect my mood, or alter it. In many ways, it's my muse.

Tonight was the opening night of the Railroad Revival Tour -- six cities, three live acts, outdoor venues. The final song of the night, "This Train is Bound for Glory," was performed as a ensemble jam with all three bands. It was, hands down, the most amazing live performance I've ever seen.

 

[031/365] Chk Yourself

You know what's great? 

Short-short wearing, slightly paunchy, middle-aged rockstars who can pack The Independent with an incredibly diverse crowd that knows all the lyrics. 

You know what's greater than that?

Being part of the crowd that knows the lyrics. 

!!! (aka, ChkChkChk)

[024/365] Black Cab Sessions

Know about this? You should.

[009/365] LCD Soundsystem, Forever

Photo courtesy Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

I don't remember when or where I heard my first LCD Soundsystem track--it might actually have been a remix. But once I heard them, I was hooked; in many ways, James Murphy's music has been a backdrop for the past few years of my life.

From the early stuff that I discovered much later ("Losing My Edge") to more recent tracks like "All My Friends" and "I Can Change," these are songs that I've danced to, moped to, and driven really fast to.

This week, LCD play their final five shows. I'm pretty sad to see them go, but also incredibly grateful that I saw them play an amazing set at Treasure Island last year.

It's times like this that I remember why I, a wee thing of 5'4", push my way to the front row to see the bands I love. Thanks for the years of great music, LCD Soundsystem.

[006/365] Raw Soul

Last night, I saw a band, Acá, that I can only describe as ambient, jazzy, futuristic post-rock. Their MySpace page has more about them, along with a few tracks for your listening pleasure.

The sheer passion and rawness emanating from their saxophonist was stunning.