When Rats Get In The Way of Music...Also My Sleep

I'd like to tell you the story of a girl who wanted to be the best music blogger she could be, except her wireless went out and then her home was aggressively invaded by rats, and somewhere in the midst of avenging her apartment, cleaning up vermin feces (which are EVERYWHERE) and trying to make the wireless work (which the rats didn't even bother to help with), she forgot to tell you about all the the outstanding music happening right now, the tenth Dave Matthews Band concert she went to, how she can't stop listening to The Lumineers new album, or how she already has a countdown on her wall to ACL because seriously, have ya'll SEEN that lineup??

This is outdated. I have killed 15. Also, this is actually on my cupboard.

I am that girl. I have killed 15 rats (on my own) and was recently offered a job by the exterminator, who has been out to my apartment three times now and we are like family. I didn't take the job, despite his pleading. I would never work with family. Many have asked why I don't just pack up and move. They make a very good case, but I love my apartment and do not believe in surrendering to such vile creatures. I also saw The Avengers recently and what would that movie have been if they were all, "Meh, we'll just go to a new city." NEVER SURRENDER!

It seems like the rats are under control and out of my apartment, I figured out how to make my wireless work, finally slept and I am back to tell you all about everything I am obsessing over in the music world.

For starters, tomorrow night I will be heading to the Foster the People/ The Kooks/ Kimbra show out at The Backyard. Will it probably be me and a bunch of annoying teenagers? No doubt. Do I care? Not in the slightest. My love for Foster the People is well known, Kimbra was absolutely stellar during SXSW and The Kooks are super fun. Maybe I'll even be lucky enough to accidentally stalk FTP like last time, which I swear, was a total accident.

Expect lots of posts this week, tumblr updates, and maybe I'll even throw in a fun playlist as a peace offering for my absence.


Sometimes I write for QRO Magazine. My latest review was for the Tune-Yards show last week at ACL Live.

Tune-Yards Review

I also write another blog that's entirely frivolous and without much purpose or point. I've even been known to write about what I eat for breakfast. Fair warning.

 Accidentaleuphoria.com

Dave Matthews Band

I always say that Dave Matthews Band was the first concert I ever went to. That's a lie. It was actually Raffi and I was four and he played Baby Beluga and it was awesome. But the first major arena concert that didn't involve childhood delights was Dave and it was the night before I graduated from High School and it forever changed my life.

I have seen him 8 more times since, each transformative in the way that Dave concerts always are for me. There has always been something about his ability to weave melodies, and expand on them during live performances and turn them into something brand new.

This weekend I am venturing up to Dallas for my tenth Dave show. I am so excited I might burst from every seam. Expect a gushing post upon my return.

Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 years of Amnesty International

I am often referencing the role Bob Dylan played in my childhood. He was a poet who's lyrics spoke to a generation desperate for a voice. He certainly spoke to my father who will still sit with his guitar, strumming and nasaling up his voice. "Once upon a time you dress so fine..."My fathers was not the only generation Dylan spoke to. His songs are timeless. He is one of the most covered artists of all time.

This month, Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International was released. It is a 4-cd compilation of Bob Dylan covers and all procedes go to Amnesty International. Artists range from favorites of mine like Carolina Chocolate Drops, Johnny Cash, Maroon 5 and Adele. It includes older live recordings like my all time favorite Dave Matthews Band version of All Along The Watchtower. The line-up is diverse as a wide range of artists take Dylan in great musical directions. Of course there are exceptions like the inclusion of Miley Cyrus (who doesn't sound the worst she's ever sounded), which I could have done without, but it is a solid album of timeless music.

Happy Birthday Dave Matthews!

We all have music has saved us at one point or another throughout our lives. Dave Matthews Band has  done that for me time and time again.  In honor of Dave's birthday today, here is a clip of a classic. This song is always great. Happy Birthday, Dave!