Mind Blown.

Apparently the people over at Spotify are doing more that just giving their listeners good music at a cheap rate, they are also conducting surveys to draw conclusions about music and it's relationship to 'getting down in funky town,' if you will.

While this is no concert review, I couldn't help but share the ties between music, romance and the freaky-deak.

Make your way over to HuffPo at:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/25/better-than-sex_n_2017605.html?utm_hp_ref=women&ir=Women

Feast your eyes and ears on the results. I, for one, am shocked at the findings.

The first CD I ever owned, in 4th grade circa 1994, was Meatloaf's!! It's all making so much sense now...

Peace, love and music
<3

RockTober.

....see what I did there? ;)

Last night in Saratoga, the elusive Robert DeLong came back to Upstate NY. This was his second visit in less than 2 months. Robert was one of the Pearlpalooza performers, which I so devastatingly missed because of my bout with Lyme's Disease (flipping the bird as I type it). However, this time I was sure not to miss it! Thankfully, I ordered my ticket in advance, as Putnam Den was packed with fans. The turn out for a Wednesday night was unreal and made for an even better experience.

I used the descriptor elusive, because before EQX dropped his hit, 'Global Concepts,' I never heard of him. His inactivity on iTunes and Spotify also make it hard to come across his music. Determined to find more songs, I scoured the interwebz and found most of his jams on Soundcloud.com and his website, Robertdelong.com. His website also allows you to sign up for free music via email which makes it a lot easier when you're in the mood to listen to him.

Alas, what RD lacks in presence on the most popular music downloading sites he makes up for in performance.

Pairing rock and roll beats with electronic, dance/dub bass drops, he proves that it's quite the perfect marraige. This combination can be quoted perfectly with the Paula Abdul song, "Opposites Attract," circa 1988. Hayyy Paula! The catchy music is created right in front of the concert goers eyes, which oozes talent. His lyrics, guitar riffs and badassery (not a word, suck it) on the drums are all recorded on the fly and looped throughout each track while continuously adding more layers. I was in the front for the first half of his performance so I thought the sound at the Den was fine, however after moving to the back for more room to dance, I think the volume could have been louder. That bass though, vibrated to the core ..delicious.

His modesty and humbleness make him attractive to watch, but it's his unique vision that makes you want more . His wifey sets up camp at the back of each venue with a face-painting stand. Fans line up for decorative, glow in the dark designs to pay their respect to his "movement." Robert DeLongs insignia is a big, orange 'X.' He marks his presence everywhere and after researching what it means, I found out that the inspiration behind the simple "X," actually packs a powerful punch.... and I quote, "Truth Movement, the year of the 201X, the esoteric sciences of psychic symmetry." ....riddle me THAT.

Sammy!

Robert just signed with Glassnote Records, a label that also houses Two Door Cinema Club, Temper Trap and Mumford & Sons, to name a few. RD has paired with many of these bands to record dubby remixes that are soothing yet funky to listen to. Robert has been performing since 2010 but still has yet to have his album drop. Fans patiently wait and I predict when his album does release it will be huge for this Seattle native.

Tracks to peep on SoundCloud include: "Sun," "Globle Concepts," "Happy," and "Big Broom."

While I'm not quite tech-savvy enough to link my Instagram (linniep)  or Facebook (Lindsay Kate) to this blog, I invite you to make your way to my pages to view some pics of the show.

Florence and the Machine - September 2012

“I want my music to sound like throwing yourself out of a tree, or off a tall building, or as if you’re being sucked down into the ocean and you can’t breathe,” says Florence Welch. “It’s something overwhelming and all-encompassing that fills you up, and you’re either going to explode with it, or you’re just going to disappear.”

I honestly don't know how to start this post about Florence and the Machine. I was going to allow the performance to sink in a bit more and share later in the week, but I have so much elation and emotion ruminating that if I wait I may explode! I feel, at best, this post will be more catharsis than a review.

First off, for the record, I do not believe in magic. I think it's creepy, for lack of a better term. I never saw Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and those of the like because wizards scare me, casting spells will forever remind me of Voodoo, and even though I admired most every Disney movie; I had more of an affinity to the love story behind each rather than the underlying magical themes. So, with that said, to describe last night ...it was MAGICAL. Florence was bewitching. A Good Witch, like the Glenda of the UK. The magic combined with The Law of Attraction made for a stunning evening, one which I will gladly keep in my heart forever.

Florence and her machine came to visit Upstate NY on September 16th, 2012 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and it was nothing short of spectacular. Ordering the tickets back in May felt like a decade ago, but it was well worth the wait.

Like every Sunday, I lead my yoga class at Hot Yoga Saratoga. This class, I made a Florence Inspired play list, which included all of my favorites. Some of the other teachers at the studio and myself all had tickets to the show and figured we'd make a whole evening of it. We all took class together, which is rare since our busy schedules usually conflict, but all 5 Bikram Teachers and myself were in the studio at the same time, practicing next to each other. It was a beautiful class too. I really sank into my practice and before I knew it, class was over. I digress...

Donned in gold, sparkles, feathers and Flo inspired attire; we made our way into the venue. My excitement was similar to a 5 year old on Christmas morning.

Since I first heard, 'Dog Days Are Over' I immediately coveted Florence's music. The album, Lungs, consists of so many songs that I've attached to positive and negative memories. When Ceremonials was released it's as if she stole my journal and wrote about my heartache with lovers and family, beautiful love I've experienced and all of life's sublime yet delicate transitions and milestones. Her romanticized lyrics and strong vocals not only pull at your heartstrings but sometimes punch you in the stomach, metaphorically, of course. Florence has a way of captivating the listener in such a way that when her song is playing you can't help but lose your original train of thought or arogantly turn the volume up. For me, her songs take me elsewhere, and as mentioned in the quote above, they oftentimes leave me short of breath. Needless to say, I felt so lucky to be at her show.

Her stage presence was fierce. She had a fearless way of sucking you in. However, she is the opposite of her performance persona. Florence's voice was feminine and humble. She requested the crowd show off their loved ones, friends and family. She also asked each of us to turn to someone unfamiliar and say hello, to create a cohesive bond between concert-goers. I did as requested and sitting behind us was another yoga practitioner! There was no question that Florence's peaceful demeanor transcends off the stage and into the crowd. She is full of love.....she must do yoga. ; )

The "machine" consisted of so many talented people. The harp, the drums, the tambourine are all elements that seem so simple, but visualizing everything together, rather than hearing the songs on my iPod, made for a jaw-dropping experience. Florence's modern movements on stage, bare feet, and her red hair and long limbs wailing about added so much honest drama. Her performance was unique to September 16th, her words, her songs, her laughter was all a once-in-a-life-time event for everyone there last night.

The energy level was high, so high that Florence ran into the crowd and around the orchestra level, and also right in front of our seats! I was able to grab her hand as she skipped by and I was in heaven the rest of the night. I am the epitome of not cool, so touching Florence's hand made me shriek like a 12 year old meeting the Beibs, but WHATEVER, it happened. If you are familiar with the book, The Secret, then you understand what I mean when I say, "I attracted Florence into my life." From the play list, to the admiration, to the clothes we wore, to the crowd I was with...it couldn't have been more perfect.

I could go on and on about this fantastical night, but I'll leave it at that. I believe my mild obsession is healthy. 3 years have passed since the release of her first album and I still listen to her daily. I heard all but one of my favorite songs last night, but she made up for it by grabbing my hand. She is independent, unique and damn creative. She writes her songs from the pit of her stomach and the bottom of her heart, she is a true artist...and those traits are what I admire most.

And although there is so much time to continue to rank my favorite shows, she now hold place number 2, falling right below The Avett Brothers.

Her music is for lovers, for friends, for family and for friends-made-family. I am so thankful that this concert took place, at this exact time in my life. :)

 

The Gaslight Anthem - July 2012

The above quote is from Brian Fallon, albeit that's all he shared, making sure too keep his lips sealed in order to save face about his run-ins with famous people over the past couple of years since Gaslight has made it.

Last night the American boys from Jersey brought down the muhhaah-effin house. Brian Fallon, not only the lead vocalist with heart, but a comedian and inspirational talker? Yes, all true. Fallon shared stories about his encounters with Bossman Springsteen and also reflected on their new album being #1 in various countries in Europe! "Not to sound cheesy," he shared, "but if we can do it, proves anyone can!" As an aspiring rock goddess/journalist-extraordinaire, I got the chills! Here is their tweet from a mere 7 hours ago. Check out the hashtag, love!

The Gaslight Anthem

Handwritten is out NOW in the US and it’s number 1 on iTunes rock chart, let’s do it, let’s go for number 1!!!!!! #followingdreams

Playing  '45' and 'Handwritten' from their new album, Handwritten, released today, along with 'Great Expectations,' and 'Here's Looking At You, Kid' off their 2008 album, The '59 Sound . All those amazing beats that hooked fans in the first place sounded better than ever last night.  The show brought me back to college when I first started listening to them.  Their lyrics all remind me of summer lovin'  and I was blasted back in time when they played, "Old White Lincoln." 

                                              'Like a dream I remember from an easier time..'

Brian, Benny and the two Alex's covered Dave Matthew's, "Crash Into Me"  They played 'Handwritten' for the first time in the states. Casually making history in a strip mall in upstate NY, I'll take it! When they played, "American Slang," I was secretly hoping Bruce would come out of a smoke cloud in the back like he did in New Jersey last year, but I guess he was busy or something?  Instead Brian's stories and impersonation of him sufficed. Fallon's demeanor is so genuine and the passion he has for the music is so apparent. His vocals are an emotional treat and the group dynamic screams, "humble appreciation!" About a third of the crowd last night were fans from Philly and Jersey and after attending my first Gaslight show I can see why their following is so loyal.

I traveled solo to this show. I planted myself fairly close to the stage and held my ground. The show was packed, not as crazy as the Matisyahu/Dirty Heads on Friday, but packed. I was running on 4 hours of sleep from my Sunday-Funday shenanigans, but managed to muster up energy to dance like a rock princess, once the adrenaline kicked in from the vibes of the show I was in heaven.

When I started writing this blog post, only 8 of the 15 songs had downloaded from the new album. Now after first listen, my top picks in no particular order are "Keepsake,"  "Biloxi Parish,"  "45," and "You Got Lucky."  From the buzz it seems "Teenage Rebellion" will be the next single to hit the radio, which is also amazing.  I can't wait to listen to it 107 more times today. I wish I could skip work and drive around with my top down. Soon. : )

On an unrelated note, I breezily walked passed Gavin Rossdale holding his son Kingston, on Broadway in Saratoga Springs yesterday. Gavin is in town opening for Nickelback at SPAC this evening. I think NB should open for Gavin, but that's just my opinion. Gavin, if you saw me too and you're reading this, I love you.

"Play for the lovers." -Another heart-string pullin' tweet from The Gaslight Anthem.

Matisyahu - July 2012

Last night The Dirty Heads and Matisyahu stopped by Northern Lights Upstate Concert Hall, in Clifton Park, NY. 

This was TDH's second visit to upstate NY, and they were even better than the first.  Busting out rhymes from their new album, 'Cabin By the Sea.' Duddy B and Dirty J killed it with their laid-back, SoCal stage presence. Their vocals sounded stronger than last too, however maybe they were just drowned out by the sold out crowd. I have never seen that venue SO crowded, not even for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros! Regardless, they deserved their spot on that broken down stage that upstate NY loves so much. I won't spend too much time blogging about how awesome they are, my love for them, and how they are the perfect summer concert, but I will say, "read my previous blog about them and check out their new album!" Oh to be a surfer girl/yogi living in the California sunshine with Duddy...one day. ;)

Matisyahu graced the stage prior to his set to join TDH's to perform their single together, 'Dance All Night.' We did, until we fell. Sweaty dancing, too. My friend and I maximized every square inch in order to rock out properly. Bang!

For those who don't know Matisyahu, he is reggae/alternative rock musician known for blending his traditional Jewish themes into his music. His story is quite interesting and the timeline of events that lead him to where he is now it fascinating in comparison to the lives of your typical pop/rock star. I'll let you Wiki that on your own and instead I will rip on him for being a TOTAL sell out. Don't get me wrong, his beat-boxing and rhymes were on point. His dance moves were groovy and his stage presence was dead sexy, BUT, he was cleanly shaved and donning faint, blond tints in his hair. This swagger is the COMPLETE opposite of the Matisyahu look we all know and respect. His long beard got the boot about a year ago, claiming his look was more of an "alias." Here is his Twitter post, from 2011, reporting the news:

   "No more Chassidic reggae superstar. Sorry folks, all you get is me...no alias. When I started becoming religious 10 years ago it was a very natural and organic process.  It was my choice.  My journey to discover my roots and explore Jewish spirituality—not through books but through real life.  At a certain point I felt the need to submit to a higher level of religiosity...to move away from my intuition and to accept an ultimate truth.  I felt that in order to become a good person I needed rules—lots of them—or else I would somehow fall apart.  I am reclaiming myself.  Trusting my goodness and my divine mission. Get ready for an amazing year filled with music of rebirth.  And for those concerned with my naked face, don’t worry...you haven’t seen the last of my facial hair."

With that, I say, "bullshit," Matisyahu, aka  Matthew Paul Miller (if that's even your real name.) I think that LA$ is looking pretty nice to a white rapper with blond tips, but that is just my opinion. I also feel this way because of his lack of thanks to my favorite radio station last night. As ya'll know, I'm a huge fan of WEQX The Real Alternative. Although I came across Matisyahu's music on my own, EQX was the station to share most of his collection not just his #1s. EQX was the station that made me enjoy him. Where am I going with this? Last night he made it a point to thank a couple other stations in the capital region and LEFT OUT EQX. What da what??? It was strange, especially because I was expecting Jeff, Amber or Duncan to jump on stage and to my surprise he completely disregarded this awesome INDEPENDENT radio station.
Blond tips, no beard, no respect. Epic disappointment in my eyes.

The music though, the music was fun. He is dang good and no one can take his talent away from him. I'm glad I can tuck that show away in my memory as a super fun, summer dance party!

Matisyahu casually hanging from the celing rafters.

Adam "MCA" Yauch

I haven't seen a smile that pretty in a while.


On May 4th, 2012, ending his long battle with cancer, MCA passed away.  Punky swagger with rock riffs this dude was part of one of the most epic revolutions in music history, bringing that illness to the suburbs of America. Licensed to Ill sold almost 10 million copies back in '86/'87 and still remains one of my most favorite albums. Granted I was only 2 at the time of the release but when I first heard it in 8th grade things got real. I remember my 10th grade boyfriend quoting/rapping 'Paul Revere' and listening to them after school when my parents weren't home.

The Beastie Boys were just inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year and performed without MCA. What timing. I never got to see them live, but MCA will always have a small piece of my heart. <3

Rest peacfully, free tibet and keep it real, dude. xo.

May "Flowers"

The highlight of the month will most definitely be The Behemoth Music Fesitval, right in the heart of Saratoga at The Putnam Den this Friday night, May 4th @ 7pm.  Hosted by my new friend, Shane Frasier, this festival is new and aiming to showcase local as well as national talent. With hopes to put shows on around the country, the creators plan to start locally. Tickets are only $8! EIGHT DOLLARS for 5 talented bands including:

Rawhead
Babe City
Black Ships
Goldtooth
Mr. Complex


Other shows, ripped straight from the EQX wesbite

Santigold - EQX presents Santigold with special guest DJ Playground at Northern Lights in Clifton Park on Saturday, May 12th. 7:30 doors, 9:00 show. Tickets on sale Friday, April 6th at 10am. (5/12/2012 )

Ingrid Michaelson - EQX welcomes Ingrid Michaelson at The Egg in Albany on Monday, May 14. Tickets are on sale now for $25. (5/14/2012 )

Spin Doctors - EQX welcomes the Spin Doctors to Vapor Night Club in Saratoga on Thursday, May 17th. 8pm doors, 9pm show. (5/17/2012 )

Start Making Sense - The ultimate Talking Heads tribute band returns to Jillian's of Albany! $12 in advance, $15 day of show. 8pm. (5/18/2012 )

Rancid - EQX welcomes Rancid to Northern Lights of Clifton Park on Friday, May18th. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Special guests include Brick By Brick, Murderers Row, and Chosen Ones. Tickets are $20 at the door and $22 dollars in advance, going on sale Friday, February 3rd at all ticketmaster locations, the club box office, and Deja Vu. (5/18/2012 )

The Kooks - at Northern Lights in Clifton Park. Wish special guests Around the World and Back, and Royal Teeth. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 day of show. On sale via Ticketmaster, the Northern Lights box office and Deja Vu (on Wolf Rd in Colonie). 7pm doors, 8pm show. (5/27/2012 )


Shows worth traveling for:

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - May 8th/9th @ The Roseland Ballroom, NY, NY @ 9pm.

The Gaslight Anthem - May 16th  @ The Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY. 7pm.

I hope to get to Santigold and The Kooks. See you there!!