Author: Amanda

Valentine’s Day Playlist- The Cycles of Love: Loneliness

Posted on by Amanda

I honor of the upcoming holiday I have tried to boycott and have never seemed to enjoy, I thought it fitting to create a playlist for Valentines Day. There is a catch however. In true Amanda style, I’ve decided to arrange the playlist according to the cycles of love that every person experiences and will be realeasing a new one up to V-Day. On top of that, is a song for each category of listener; local music, top 40, alternative radio, soundtrack, and miscellaneous. I’m throughly happy to be doing this V-Day playlist with newbie LMN author Marissa Mortati. If it wasn’t for her help and contributions, this list would not be possible.

Now, if you’re anything like me (which you probably aren’t) or any other human, the cycle of love tends to start with loneliness. If we are never alone we can never truly appreciate the love we will have in our life. But with loneliness comes the bitter taste of self-loathing, depression, and an all around not feeling good about one’s self. Bummer dude. Hopefully these songs will help you to feel not alone in your loneliness! Cheers mate.

 

Woe Is Me

Local Music: Boston- Augustana 

It’s not often that a local band you are familiar with has their lyrics sung by the lead in a tv show like The Big Bang Theory as a demonstration of raw emotional emoness. However, that lucky commendation goes to the song Boston by Augustana. I love Augustana. I love the piano coupled with his melancholy vocals.  I love them more when I’m feeling upset, unloved, misunderstood, and beyond repair. Cheery, right?

Top 40: Broadway – Goo Goo Dolls 
Funnily enough, I saw Augustana open for Goo Goo Dolls back in the day so this is a lovely double whammy of memories for me. Anyways, the thing about this song is while it talks about being down, it also discusses a wasted life of a young man. The song may deceive you, making you think you’re about to partake in a happy pop rock song, but Broadway is about a young man without a place in world.  He feels like he’s got no one on his side and self destructs because of it.

 

Alternative Radio: Creep -Radiohead 

If you’ve ever felt like a sniveling little, well, creep you’ve probably blasted this song on your car stereo many times.   The Radiohead anthem is one of those anti hero songs that you can’t help relate to because hey, we all want perfect bodies. It’s dark and brooding and makes us all feel a little more badass.

 

Soundtrack: Part of Your World – The Little Mermaid

You think you’re an outsider? Imagine how a Mermaid feels? That’s right, that’s pretty rough.  Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid expresses just how much one can feel like an outsider looking in this song.  Come on guys! She just wants to fit in!

 

Misc: Somebody to Love – Queen

Freddie Mercury speaks to the romantic in all of us.  Somebody to Love is the perfect depiction of a desire to love someone.  With amazing harmonies and that rock opera style that defines Queen you find yourself singing along happily with a song that is actually quite sad.

 

 

Feeling Frisky? Stay tuned.

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 1/30-2/5

Posted on by Amanda

It’s another day in paradise. The sun is out, it’s warm but not hot, and the birds are making their own chirpy music. Yep, it’s a hard life here in San Diego. After all my outings this past month, I’m taking it easy this week. I found out I’m not 21 anymore and able to be out every night and fully functional the next day. This old girl needs some R&R but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go out this week. We have some great shows including; Atomic Tom at Lestats, The Burning of Rome at Soda Bar, The New Kinetics at Tin Can Alehouse, and Martin Sexton at The Belly Up. Get out there!

 

Monday: Sunbears @ Soda Bar @830 $5

Tuesday: Erm. I got nothing.

Wednesday: Atomic Tom @ Lestats @8
AND: Angels and Airwaves (sold out)

Thursday: The Burning of Rome @ Soda Bar
AND: The New Kinetics @ Tin Can Alehouse @9 $5

Friday: The Jealous Sound @ Soda Bar @830 $10
AND: Mute Math @ 4th & B
AND: Lisa Loeb @ Anthology @730/930 $10-$50
AND: Italian Japanese @ Tin Can Alehouse @9 $5

Saturday: Martin Sexton @ Belly Up @9 $23/$25
AND: Where’s the Band Tour @ House of Blues

Sunday: Cherry Poppin Daddies @ Anthology @8 $10-$40

 

Keep in Mind:

February 6th- Cory Chisel @ Casbah
February 7th- Dr. Dog w/Purling Hiss @Belly Up @9 $18/$20
February 7th- Mattson 2 @ El Dorado
February 7th- The Henry Clay People @ Casbah @9
February 8th- Saint Motel and The Heavy Guilt @ Casbah @9
February 8th- Estelle @ Anthology
February 10th- Young the Giant @ Soma
February 11th- You Me At Six @ Soma @6 $12
February 17th- CAKE @ Belly Up
February 18th- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Anthology
February 19th- Craig Finn @ Casbah @9 $12
February 20th- Get Back Loretta and Wendy Bailey and True Stories @ Casbah
February 22nd- Anya Marina @ Casbah
February 23rd- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up @8 $18
February 23rd- Hot Chelle Rae w/Electric Touch @ House of Blues
February 23rd- Scars on 45 @ Anthology @730
February 24th- The Soft Pack @ Casbah @9
February 25h- Mat Kearney @ House of Blues
February 26th- Cursive @ Casbah @9
February 27th- Foxy Shazaam @ 710 Beach Club
February 29th- Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Valley View Casino Center
March 3rd- Jackie Greene @ Belly Up @9
March 3rd- Alkaline Trio @ House of Blues
March 6th- Flogging Molly @ House of Blues
March 8th- William Fitzsimmons @ Anthology @7
March 8th- The Silent Comedy and Dead Feather Moon @ Belly Up
March 9th- The Stone Foxes @ Casbah @9
March 11th- Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $12
March 11th- Fierce Creatures @ Tin Can Alehouse
March 18th- Puscifer @ California Center for the Arts Escondido
March 20th- Ani DeFranco @ House of Blues
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
March 23rd- The Ting Tings @ House of Blues
April 13th- Coachella Weekend 1
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena
April 20th- Coachella Weekend 2
June 3rd- Mogwai @ Belly Up

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 1/23-1/29

Posted on by Amanda

What a drizzly Monday this has turned out to be! We had some rain Saturday as well and it’s definitely wet outside. I don’t mind this kind of weather every once in awhile but I think if I lived some place like Seattle all I would ever want to do is sleep. I’m poised for a nap right now!

Anyways, despite the wet weather today, the week promises to clear up in time for some excellent shows! It all starts Thursday for Nico Vega and continues Friday with The Howls CD Release show and finishes Saturday with Endoxi and Kevin Martin. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

 

Monday: April Ventura and The Magnolias @ Casbah @9 $5
AND: Wendy Bailey @ Ruby Room @8 $4

Tuesday: Alabama Shakes and Terraplane Sun @ Belly Up @9 $12/$14

Wednesday: Grand Tarantula @ U-31 @9
AND: Olin and The Moon, Maxim Ludwig and the Santa Fe Seven, and Vanaprasta

Thursday: Nico Vega and The Filthy Violets @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
AND: One I Red @ Ruby Room @9 $5

Friday: The Howls, Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels, and Family Wagon @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
AND: Wendy Bailey @ Griffin @9 $7
AND: A Scribe Amidst The Lions @ Soda Bar @830 $7

Saturday: Endoxi and Kevin Martin @ Griffin @830 $8
AND: New Mexico @ Soda Bar @830 $7
AND: Joel Eckles @ Lestats @8
AND: Nada Surf, The Soft Pack, Cuckoo Chaos, and Republic of Letters @ 4th & B $20/$30

Sunday: Rest!

 

Keep in Mind:

February 2nd- The Burning of Rome @ Soda Bar
February 2nd- The New Kinetics @ Tin Can Alehouse
February 3rd- Mute Math @ 4th & B
February 4th- Where’s the Band Tour @ House of Blues
February 4th- Marton Sexton @ Belly Up
February 7th- Dr. Dog w/Purling Hiss @Belly Up @9 $18/$20
February 7th- Mattson 2 @ El Dorado
February 7th- The Henry Clay People @ Casbah @9
February 8th- Saint Motel and The Heavy Guilt @ Casbah @9
February 10th- Young the Giant @ Soma
February 11th- You Me At Six @ Soma @6 $12
February 17th- CAKE @ Belly Up
February 19th- Craig Finn @ Casbah @9 $12
February 20th- Get Back Loretta and Wendy Bailey and True Stories @ Casbah
February 22nd- Anya Marina @ Casbah
February 23rd- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up @8 $18
February 23rd- Hot Chelle Rae w/Electric Touch @ House of Blues
February 23rd- Scars on 45 @ Anthology @730
February 24th- The Soft Pack @ Casbah @9
February 25h- Mat Kearney @ House of Blues
February 26th- Cursive @ Casbah @9
February 29th- Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Valley View Casino Center
March 3rd- Jackie Greene @ Belly Up @9
March 6th- Flogging Molly @ House of Blues
March 8th- William Fitzsimmons @ Anthology @7
March 8th- The Silent Comedy and Dead Feather Moon @ Belly Up
March 9th- The Stone Foxes @ Casbah @9
March 11th- Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $12
March 11th- Fierce Creatures @ Tin Can Alehouse
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
March 23rd- The Ting Tings @ House of Blues
April 13th- Coachella Weekend 1
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena
April 20th- Coachella Weekend 2

Amanda’s Top Ten Musical Experiences (The Finale!)

Posted on by Amanda

It’s long overdue but at last I’m bringing this thing to a close. Without further ado, my top 2.

 

2. The Silent Comedy/Saint Motel/Tranfer

I realize this is like cheating by having 3 bands listed without a discernable event that brings the three together. Well, the fact of the matter is, The Silent Comedy is at the center of this love triangle and if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t include the others. This past summer The Silent Comedy embarked on their Summer Sweat Tour with Saint Motel which had numerous highlights from a show at the Casbah to playing LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) which culminated in a residency at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Vegas. Vegas with the boys was a highlight for me because it was like a mini sin filled vacation surrounded by (almost) everyone you know and love. It was lovely. On the flip side, Transfer and The Silent Comedy are like two peas who have outgrown their pod. I first knew of Transfer because of The Silent Comedy and I know people who are vice versa. Transfer and The Silent Comedy have put on some epic shows this year but perhaps the mist epic of all was New Years Eve at the Lafayette Hotel here in San Diego. It was almost like Vegas but had way more bands and more friendly faces. It was definitely the best New Years Eve experience I’ve ever had! As a side note, I’ve had some wonderful video experiences with The Silent Comedy this year from shooting video of them to being in a video with them. Many cherished memories.

 

1. William Beckett

I’m not really sure to begin my story of my love for William Beckett. It’s a love I’m not entirely proud of, mostly because his fans are either teenagers/early twenty somethings or those crazy moms that like bands who go to rock shows and embarrass their kids. Nevertheless, my love for this particular artist came from a random chance discovery of his (now broken up) band The Academy Is… I’m not sure if it was a music or the lyrics that caught me first but the thing I have loved and always admired about William was his writing. I was hoping to go see The Academy Is… a few times on their tour this year when news broke that they had parted ways. I was devastated. My first band love had broken up and though I had been to many of their shows, I felt I could have done more. After all, Kristen and I galavanted around the east coast last year to see them, surely there was more I could have done. But then, magic happened. William announced he was coming to LA to open for the sold out Dear Jack benefit on 11/11/11. I immediately got on Craigslist and found a ticket. What a magical show it was! Between Mr. Beckett playing acoustic (which I had never seen) he played rare TAI songs, covers, and even a few of his new solo tunes. I was in heaven! What made the night even better was getting my favorite lyrics from The Phrase that Pays written down by his hand on a piece of paper. My life was complete!! Only, not quite. William announced he was playing a holiday show in Chicago and I knew I couldn’t miss it. I flew out to Chicago and was there for 3 days and 2 nights to catch this acoustic holiday show which featured, Jennifer Hall, Bonaventure, Into It. Over It., and William Beckett. It was a wonderful adventure where I got to meet other fans, chat with William about a mutual love for Nashville, and just enjoy life. It was whimsical and it’s why he is my number 1 for 2011.

 

Amanda’s Top Ten Musical Experiences (cont.)

Posted on by Amanda

I bet you thought I forgot all about this! Well, the truth of the matter is… I haven’t been home to write and when I am home, I’m sleeping. I’ve been out making new musical experiences for 2012! As such I’m giving you three more of my top musical experiences and I promise the top 2 won’t be far behind.

 

5.SXSW- I don’t really know how to describe SXSW to anyone other than calling it a musical orgy of sorts. There is so much to see and do whilst in Austin, Texas that it’s hard to keep your head on straight. Last year was my first year and I hope to be going every year after. The cool thing about SXSW is you really only need money for a place to stay and some food. We never went to any official shows (which is what badges are required for) and we had a hard time keeping up with all the musical options out there. During our time at SXSW we saw; Fierce Creatures, Viva City, Purple Melon, AWOLNATION, Neon Trees, The Head and The Heart, The Kin, Dead Sara, Fitz and The Tantrums, Tailor Made Fable, Keaton Simons, Liam Finn, Atomic Tom, Ivan and Alyosha, Queen Caveat, The Gallery, Sabrosa Purr,  The Greenhornes, The Silent Comedy, Mother Mother, Agnes Obel, Brian Wright, Brooke Fraser, Cary Brothers, Holly Conlan, Jim Bianco, Joey Ryan, Kenneth Pattengale, Laura Jansen, Little Red Radio, OK, The Milk Carton Kids, Deluka, Hugo, Meriwether, My Cousin The Emperor, Sinai, Taylor Locke & The Roughs, The Good Natured, Augustana, Doll and The Kicks, Empires, Lenka, Twin Atlantic, and The Stone Foxes. Well, you get the idea…

 

4. Blink-182- I was never a huge fan of Blink. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t change the radio station when their music came on or anything but nothing about them made me have a burning desire to see them live. In 2011, I saw them not once but twice and they will always have a warm spot in my heart. The first time I saw them was for the Honda Civic Tour. I was working with Kevin and Rebecca Joelson and doing some shooting of the event which means I was in the pit for the first few songs and was able to be side stage for the rest of their set. I was surprised at just how many Blink-182 songs I knew and Rebecca and I sang along from the sidelines. What really blew my brain was when they ‘finished’ their set and this giant rig comes down from the batons where all the lights are. I had been staring at it all night trying to figure out what it was. Well, it was a giant arm with a drum set attached! Travis got on this rig and was taken out over the audience while he played a solo for a few minutes. The rig would tilt down, back up and move around. It was mind blowing!!!! Needless to say, I was a fan after that.

 

3. Bonnaroo- In 2011, Bonnaroo was what Coachella should have been lineup wise. If you’ve ever been to or know about Coachella, think of Bonnaroo as the cooler sister who is both hippie and hip. Bonnarro is also held in a giant field and while it lacks the artistic attractions like the wandering robot and the giant hand that can kill a car, it has yoga and it’s own post office. Bonnaroo also has this giant fountain which I’ve been told gets painted different colors every year but it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat. Coachella doesn’t have that. Granted Coachella is easier to get to, but flying out gave us the chance to hang out in Tennessee and check out Nashville for a day or two. Our highlights from Bonnaroo were already posted on this site but we had a blast watching Eminem, The Head and The Heart, Portugal. The Man, Neon Trees, Kopeckey Family Band, Mumford and Sons, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons, Alberta Cross, The Black Angels, and The Decemberists. Bonnaroo is a new tradition in my book and I can’t wait to see the lineup for 2012!

 

See you soon for my top 2!

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 1/16-1/22

Posted on by Amanda

It’s a gloomy Monday afternoon down here in San Diego but there is no reason to be glum. I would be far more chatty but I’m a tad bit tired after The Silent Comedy/Transfer show last night and we have round 2 tonight! I thought I would get this calendar out early before I forgot so I’m sorry if this is a tad scatterbrained…

Enjoy.

Monday: The Silent Comedy, Transfer, and Dead Feather Moon @ Casbah @9 $15

Tuesday: Pilots @ Soda Bar @830 $5
AND: The Silent Comedy, Taylor Locke and The Roughs, and Races @ Roxy @8 $12

Wednesday: Olin and the Moon @ The Casbah @9 $8
AND: The New Kinetics @ Bar Pink @9

Thursday: Jamuel Saxon and White Apple Tree @ Casbah @9 $8
AND: John Meeks @ Tin Can Alehouse @930 $5
AND: Grouplove @ Porters Pub @730

Friday: Skyline Union @ Griffin @9 $5
AND: Dashboard Confessional @ House of Blues @7 $25/$38
AND: Gregory Page @ Lestats @8

Saturday: Strangers Family Band @ Casbah @9 $13

Sunday: Wilco and White Denim @ Copley Symphony Hall

 

Keep in Mind:

January 23rd- April Ventura and The Magnolias @ Casbah @9 $5
January 26th- Nico Vega and The Filthy Violets @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
January 27th- The Howls, Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels, and Family Wagon @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
January 28th- Endoxi and Kevin Martin @ Griffin @830 $8
February 2nd- The Burning of Rome @ Soda Bar
February 3rd- Mute Math @ 4th & B
February 4th- Where’s the Band Tour @ House of Blues
February 7th- Dr. Dog w/Purling Hiss @Belly Up @9 $18/$20
February 10th- Young the Giant @ Soma
February 11th- You Me At Six @ Soma @6 $12
February 19th- Craig Finn @ Casbah @9 $12
February 23rd- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up @8 $18
February 23rd- Hot Chelle Rae w/Electric Touch @ House of Blues
February 23rd- Scars on 45 @ Anthology @730
February 24th- The Soft Pack @ Casbah @9
February 25h- Mat Kearney @ House of Blues
February 26th- Cursive @ Casbah @9
February 29th- Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Valley View Casino Center
March 3rd- Jackie Greene @ Belly Up @9
March 6th- Flogging Molly @ House of Blues
March 8th- William Fitzsimmons @ Anthology @7
March 9th- The Stone Foxes @ Casbah @9
March 11th- Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $12
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
March 23rd- The Ting Tings @ House of Blues
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena

Amanda’s Top 10 Musical Experiences (continued)

Posted on by Amanda

The musical journey continues as I continue to reminisce about endeavors of good old 2011. There was so much good music packed into one year but choices must be made (or so I’ve been informed).

 

8. Cage the Elephant– I remember when this band caught some buzz in 2010 and for one reason or another, I was never able to attend a show to see if they lived up to the hype. Thankfully for me, Cage the Elephant played Wrex the Halls this year in San Diego and I happened to be lucky enough to work the show. I was shooting video from the mixer in the middle of the floor and despite my distance, I could feel their energy. The highlight of their set was singer Matthew Shultz’s crowd surfing. He came off the stage into the crowd not once, not twice, but three times! The last time was after the band finished playing and had walked off stage. He looked out into the crowed, shrugged his shoulders as if to say ‘why not?’ and crowd surfed his way off stage.

 

7. Milk Carton Kids and Joe Purdy– At barely a year old, The Milk Carton kids have really started to make a name for themselves. I first saw one half of The Milk Carton Kids when Joey Ryan opened for Carney a few years ago. I was enchanted with him then and soon he was making music with his musical soul mate (or so it seems), Kenneth Pattengale. In 2011, they came through San Diego a few times, one of which was supporting Joe Purdy at The Belly Up. I remember this show specifically because a few friends joined me for the show and one of them was so taken with The Milk Carton Kids and the childhood memories they brought back to her, she started to cry. Joe Purdy was new to me and he did not disappoint! It was a lovely night all around and I’ll hold it fondly in my mind for quite some time.

 

6. North Park Music Thing– Now known as the San Diego Music Thing. I think. It might change it’s name again. All you really need to know is that it is 2 days full of speakers and music. In the morning/afternoon you can find workshops with top dog speakers about anything from touring to selling your music for tv. There is a whole other slew of workshops from basic music industry 101 to the state of radio. The evening is chock full of local acts at local venues. To give you an idea, this year included music from; Nico Vega, Kevin Martin, The Silent Comedy, Andy Clockwise, Endoxi, Youngblood Hawke, White Apple Tree, Grand Tarantula, The New Kinetics, Queen Caveat, Republic of Letters, Saint Motel, Purple Melon, Little Hurricane, Mattson 2, Miss Erika Davies, Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels, The Heavy Guilt, Cuckoo Chaos, The Nervous Wreckords, Writer, Gregory Page, Steve Poltz, Maren Parusel, and Dynamite Walls. And that was in two days!

While Nico Vega isn’t a San Diego band, they were just a few of the guests we had in from LA!