Lollapalooza 2010

Yesterday marked the end of this year's 3-day music extravaganza known as Lollapalooza.  I'm still recovering from my Lolla-hangover, but I'm still feeling a high from all of the amazing music I heard over the weekend.

The main entrance to the festival.

Friday, I arrived in the late afternoon after working for the longest 7 hours of my life.  I started the day checking out The Black Keys, who put on a solid show.  I really like their bluesy style, which is right up my alley.  I stopped over by Jamie Lidell's concert for a few tunes, but didn't stay long so I could stake out my spot for the big show of the evening...Lady Gaga.  I never expected to be so excited to see her in concert, but the show was incredible.  It started off a bit slow since she took a little too much time with her personal monologues.  After the first act was over, the rest of the show was a whirlwind of dancing, singing, and craziness that only Lady Gaga can pull off.  I say act because the concert was in 3 acts, plus the encore.  It literally was a theatrical experience.  She ended the show with "Bad Romance" which definitely was the highlight of the evening.

Emily, me, and our new friend from D.C., Ann Marie, while we

wait for Phoenix to start.  It was crowded!

Day 2 was marked with a great mix of bands.  I stared the day seeing Dragonette, who I had read was must-see in the RedEye on Friday.  They were right!  This band put on a great show, and since there were on a smaller stage, I was able to get really close.  Click here to listen to some of the music.  After catching a few songs from Stars, I headed over to see Dan Black with Emily and Mike (two of my Lolla buddies :) ).  I had never heard of him before, but he was amazing!  I didn't stop moving the whole time he was on stage.  Click here for more of his music.  The next highlight of the day was Metric.  The lead singer of this band had so much energy!  She definitely worked the crowd despite the heat and humidity and her energy was contagious!  It definitely got us all ready for what was to come later.  Click here to listen (my favorite is "Help I'm Alive").  The best act of the day (and probably of the whole weekend) was Phoenix.  We were about 50 feet from the stage, and boy did we work to get that spot!  We sat for over an hour waiting for Phoenix so we could be moderately close.  Their show was incredible.  The band was clearly grateful and humbled by the amount of people who came to see them....and they put on an amazing concert to show their appreciation.  Click here to have a listen to some of their songs.

Sitting in the shade with Kristen.

Lollapalooza is definitely a marathon, and by day 3, we were all feeling tired and achey from all the dancing, standing, and jumping from the days before.  I started the day seeing Yeasayer.  Besides hearing that my friend, Kristen, really liked them, I had no idea what to expect.  I ended up loving them though!  They have a electro, rock style with some tribal beats mixed in....a unique style for sure.  Please click here to check them out.  You won't regret it!  After a disappointing set by MGMT, I decided to head over to The National.  I also was not familiar with this band, but heard that most of my Lolla buddies loved them, so I figured they were worth checking out.  After attempting to get up front by Emily and Mike, I decided being 15 feet away from the stage was close enough...and boy was it!  The lead singer of The National started out completely mellow, but ended the show by crowd surfing, climbing the barriers, and screaming at the tops of his lungs.  It was a totally amped up show!    Click here to hear some of their music. 

After a lot of debate, I decided to end Lollapalooza by seeing Arcade Fire, and this proved to be an excellent choice.  Their music has so much depth, especially since they had 9 band members on stage!  It was evident that the audience was truly moved by their music and lyrics.  It was a great way to end the 3-Day weekend.  Click here for some of their songs.

It was an exhausting, exciting, and exhilerating weekend.  It was something I will never forget...until next year comes around, of course :)

I'm thankful for...
111) My music loving friends who like going to concerts with me
112) $3 slices of Lou Malnoti's pizza
113) Sundresses on hot days
114) The kind of music that makes it impossible not to dance along
115) The music scene in Chicago

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

New Music: Outer Reaches

It's been a while since I've posted anything music related.  With Lollapalooza coming up, I'm sure I'll have tons of new bands to report on after the 3-day music festival.  I'll be sure to keep you all posted on my findings.

There is one new band on the horizon that I'm very proud to introduce...Outer Reaches.  This is my younger brother's band that he formed with one of his good friends.  They are extremely talented.  Both of these guys are responsible for the vocals, guitar, piano, drums...everything.   It's amazing to hear what only two people can produce, and it was all done from their homes.  Their first cd has been released, and it's an awesome first time effort for these two young guys.  I'm excited to see what they will come up with in the future!

Please check out their myspace page by clicking here

Please click here to view their fan page on facebook.

Enjoy!

I'm thankful for...
96) Outlet malls...the deals are so good!
97) Relaxing weekends at the beach
98) The coffee maker at my new office.  The coffee is incredible.
99) Really good books that I can't put down.
100) My cat, Babs (short for Barbara Pageaus Davis)

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 06-14-10

This week's artist isn't someone new or super trendy, but is what I like to call and oldie but goody.  When I think of summer, I always think of John Mellencamp.  I've loved his music ever since I was a kid.  I saw him in concert when I was 16, and it is still one of the top 5 concerts I've ever attended.  So, here are a few tunes from one of my all time favorites, John Mellencamp:

1. Pink Houses
2. Small Town
3. Hurts So Good
4. Jack and Diane
5. Lonely Ol' Night

Don't you just want to hop in a pick-up truck and go for a ride in the country?  Then, finish it off with a picnic under the stars.  Maybe I'll add that to my summer to do list...

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 06-07-10

Ginny Owens is this week's artist for Music Monday.  Her music and lyrics are moving, heartfelt, and encouraging.  Ginny lost her eyesight at the age of 3; however, her love for music and beautiful voice were the things that continued to give her hope and kept her working through the challenges that faced her.

My favorite song of her's is "If You Want Me To".  It has an encouraging message about continuing to push through life's trials and tribulations.

Thankfully, you can listen to a live version of the song on Ginny's website.  Please take the time to listen by clicking here.  If you like it as much as I do, you can purchase her music here.

Ginny Owens - If You Want Me To

The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

ya oh oh no


So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley If You want me to

I'm thankful for...
36) Encouraging text messages on Monday mornings
37) Running into old friends
38) Scrambled eggs with hashbrowns and ketchup
39) Outdoor summer fests
40) Having a fun weekend planned when it's only Monday

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 05-24-10

Rather than featuring another one of my favorite artists, I'd like to highlight the charitable efforts of one of my favorites, who I happenned to highlight in last week's Music Monday...

I saw Imogen Heap in concert for the second time last night, and the show was incredible.  She played a lot of songs that she didn't play the last time I heard her, including the song "Let Go" (click here to listen), which she originally sang when she was a part of the talented duo called Frou Frou.

At one point in the show, Imogen did a completely on-the-spot improvised piece.  She had the audience vote with applause for the key and tempo of the song, and then she just let her creativity flow for about 5 minutes.  The best thing is that Imogen's goal is to sell each improvised song on her website and donate the proceeds from each song to a local charity for each city on the tour.

Please take the time to go on Imogen Heap's website by clicking here and downloading one of her impovised pieces for your chosen city.  So far, songs for Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL are on their way to being uploaded.

Also, please take the time to visity the website for the local charity Imogen picked for Chicago, Cease Fire.  This is a charity dedicated to eliminating the violence within the city....and after the sad reports from the weekend, we definitely need the help.

Thank you, Imogen Heap, for your creativity and for using your musical talent to make a difference in this world.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 05-17-10

This coming weekend I am seeing one of my favorite artists for a second time, Imogen Heap.  I saw her last fall, and needless to say, I was blown away.  I'm heading to her concert with a few of my favorites.  It's bound to be a great show! 

If you haven't heard her before, please take a few minutes to listen to a some of my favorites:

1. Goodnight and Go
2. Hide and Seek
3. First Train Home

If you like what you hear, you can check out her website here (it's one of the best websites I've ever seen), or purchase her music here.

Music is one thing that makes life sweet.  Enjoy!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 03-11-10

Hello everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful week.  I'm back from my European vacation.  I was so sad to leave, but I'm really glad to be home all at the same time.  I promise to post pictures from my adventures later in the week.

For my post-trip Music Monday, I want to feature the band that opened for Owl City at their concert on Friday Aptil 30th.  The band was called Lights.  It's always a treat when the opening band is as good, or better, than the band you came to see.  Although Owl City put on an amazing show, Lights did a great job of getting the crowd ready for the big show.  I love the lyrics to their songs, and the conbination of the backbground beats and the lead singers voice are perfect.  I bought Lights' first album before my trip, and I've been listenig to it non-stop all week. 

The lead singer, Valerie Anne Poxleitner, plays the keytar, too, which is pretty awesome.

You can listen to samples of their songs and buy the album here.


Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 04-26-10

This week the concerts continue with the Owl City show on Friday April 30th.  Owl City is probably my favorite artist that I've stumbled upon in the last year, and I couldn't be more excited to see him in concert.  His songs have great lyrics and you can't help but feel happy when you listen to his music.  Click here to read an interesting interview with Owl City's front man and creator, Adam Young.  He's also playing at the Riviera Theatre, which is a venue I've been wanting to check out for a long time...and I'm being joined by a few of my favorites, too!

Lucky for us, Owl City has some songs from his latest album streaming on his website.  Please click here to listen.

Enjoy!


Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

P.S. If any of you have some music recommendations, I would love to hear them.  Leave a comment below.  Thanks!

Music Monday 04-19-10

This week's artist is a new and up and coming singer songwriter, Andrew Ripp. He opened for Dave Barnes last night. I always feel so lucky whenever the opening act is as good, if not better, than the artist I'm actually there to see. Andrew Ripp left a big impression on me and my concert buddies for the night, Courtney and Jason (thanks for going with me!). His song's lyrics are relevant, meaningful, and poignant, and his voice is incredible.  Please have a listen to one of my favorite songs that he played.

Andrew Ripp - It's All Good

Fifty miles to Chicago, there's no fight

She don't care if I'm wrong or right
Hittin' songs on the freedom shelter well I
I don't know if I can reach her cuz
She loves, she loves like a marigold
Never feelin' like I'm growin' old
Come on, come on you give me peace of mind
Every day and all the time

It's all good when you think about it
Well you can laugh about it
It's all good, It's all good

I fell in love with the daughter of Daniel
She took me up to the peak of an aireole
I ain't holdin' on to nothing or no one
When freedom rings with the song made for everyone
But she loves, she loves like a marigold
Never feelin' like I'm growin' old
Come on, come on you give me peace of mind
Every day and all the time

It's all good when you think about it
Well you can laugh about it
It's all good, It's all good

Ooh knock me down, and mama get back up
I feel my heart beatin' with your love
Sunny days, rainy nights
I know and you know and we know
Baby it's alright, it's alright

Fifty miles to Chicago, there's no fight
She don't care if I'm wrong or right
Hittin' songs on the freedom shelter well I
I don't know if I can reach her cuz
She loves, she loves like a marigold
Never thinkin', never feelin' like I'm growin' old
Come on, come on you give me peace of mind
Every day and all the time

It's all good when you think about it
Well you can laugh about it
It's all good, It's all good (x3)


Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 04-12-10

Well, it's official.  Spring is here!  After a couple weekends of sunshine and warmish weather, Chicagoans are coming out of hibernation.  In case you aren't in the mood yet, here's a little mix to help put that extra skip in your step:

1) Mungo Jerry - In The Summertime
2) Johnny Nash - I Can See Clearly Now
3) The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
4) Curtis King - Sweet Home Chicago
5) Nick Gilder - Hot Child in the City


Enjoy!





Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 04-05-10

Over the weekend I was lucky to see Passion Pit in concert.  They are currently in the middle of their first tour as a headliner, so this was probably the first and last time that I'll ever get to see them in a small venue and standing about 10 feet away from the stage.  They put on a really great show, and ended with my favorite song titled Sleepyhead.  Please have a listen...

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead







Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 03-29-10

This week's song is by an artist recommended to me by one of my favorites, Courtney.  It doesn't need much explanation.  The lyrics are beautiful and the song is simply...sweet.  I hope to be singing it to someone someday...

Dave Barnes - God Gave Me You

I’ve been a walking heartache
I’ve made a mess of me

The person that I’ve been lately
Ain’t who I wanna be


But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you


God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you


There’s more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You’ll always be love’s great martyr
Ill be the flattered fool
& I need you


God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you


On my own I’m only
Half of what I could be
I can’t do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I could baby, never undo


God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you, gave me you.
Gave me you.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 03-22-10

Welcome to spring everyone!  This week's Music Monday song pick is about finding yourself again and about renewal...a lot like this wonderful season that is coming upon us.  Please have a listen and read along because the message is powerful, positive and hopeful.

Eric Benet - Be Myself Again

I've been away too long awhile

I lost my rhythm, I forgot my style
Too complicated for this simple man
But now I understand
Like a circle peg in a square hole
I tried to push it but it wouldn't go
It didn't kill me so my strength increased
And now i finally see

I found a love that was gone deep inside of me
I found a man who was lost and i set him free
I thought that the pain was never gonna end
But now i can be myself again

I had the best the world could offer for sho'
But peace of mind is much more precious than gold
I was in place where truth was hard to find
But it's all revealed in time

Stick out my chest and hold my head up high
Forgot how it felt to feel so good inside
A fool would gain the world just to lose himself
Now i'm gonna be true to no one else

I gotta light in my eyes for the world to see
Thank God the music's back inside of me
It was a long hard road to be a better man
But now i can be myself again
I feel the roll of thunder in my bones
I hold my head up high everywhere that i go
And the gift of life i truly understand
'Cause i can be myself again

No there ain't no wound that love can't heal for sho'
And if you lose yourself the Lord will guide you home
This i know
Well i found a joy and serenity
Won't let nobody tell me something's wrong with me
Gotta big love inside and I'm 'mo set it free
And be myself again

I found a love that was gone deep inside of me
I found a man who was lost and i set him free
I thought that the pain was never gonna end
But now i can be myself again
I feel the roll of thunder in my bones
I hold my head up high everywhere that i go
And the gift of life i truly understand
And i can be myself again
I said i can be myself again
I know i can be myself again
I can be myself again

 
Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 03-15-10

This week's song is by a new artist who I've recently discovered.  Thanks to a recommendation from my good friend, Courtney, I've added Amos Lee to my list of favorites. 

One of my favorite songs from his latest album Supply and Demand carries the same title.  The chorus is so simple, yet so true.  I love it.

Amos Lee - Supply Demand

Somethin' gotta give with the way I'm livin'
Seems I'm gettin' down everyday
The more I strive, the less I'm alive
And seems i'm gettin' further away

Oh well all my superstitions
And my crazy suspicions
Of the people that I care about
I've been doin' more screamin'
Than I've been doin' dreamin'
And I think it's time I figure it out

Baby i need a plan
Oh, to understand
That life ain't only supply and demand

I've been goin' joggin' in the park after dark
Draggin' 'round with me my ball and chain
Took southern skies to make me realize
That I'm causin' myself this pain

Well the woman that I'm lovin'
Yeah I'm pushin' and shovin'
Getting further on by the day
And I can't understand
How the heart of this man
Ever let it end up this way

Baby I need a plan
Oh to understand
That life ain't only supply and demand

When the road gets dark and lonesome dear
You can find me here
But honey you don't know where I am
You need a friend, yeah

Life ain't easy
In fact I know it's sleazy
When you're the big man in town
Shakin' religions
And makin' decisions
You never get to slow on down

Well your wife and your baby
You tell them yeah well maybe
“I'll meet y'all at a weekend resort”
But your eyes on the prize
And you can't realize
That your little girl's life's so short

Brother you need a plan
Oh to understand
That life ain't only supply and demand

Yeah sister you need a plan
Oh to understand
That life ain't only supply and demand

Hey, you better figure it out now
You know you ain't comin' back down, yeah
You better figure it out now
You know you ain't comin' back down


Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 03-08-10

This week's Music Monday is dedicated to the band that I will be seeing on Friday night with my brother...Muse.

I was first introduced to Muse when I lived in France during my junior year of school.  I remember watching the music video in the apartment that my roommates and I stayed in during our 5 day trip to Rome, Italy.  I've always had a thing for hard rock...surpirsing, I know.  This song definitely got me the first time I heard it, and it will forever have a place on my iPod's workout mix. 

So, please have a listen:
Muse - Supermassive Black Hole

I'm looking forward to seeing these guys live.  It should be a great show!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

P.S. I realize that I missed Sweet Things Sunday this week.  My apologies!  I was in Champaign, IL all day watching my Illini play basketball.  I hope you all had a great weekend!

Music Monday 03-01-10

For Lent this year, I decided to do makle a promise to devote my time commuting to work for prayer and listening to Christian music.  So far, it has been great!  I've actually begun to look forward to driving in the car, which is amazing after having spent almost 3 years with an hour long drive to and from work.

Since this Music Monday falls in the middle of Lent, it's the perfect time to share one of the songs that I keep replaying over and over on my morning drive.  This song is by an amazing Christian artist named Jeremy Camp.  His story is truly inspiring, and his lyrics get right to the heart of things.  Please read along as you listen.

Jeremy Camp - Take A Little Time

I picture all the things that I have seen,
All the broken hearts and tainted memories,
All I see are, all these needs.
I'm tired of my selfish tragedies.
It's time that we show,
The hope that we all know.


And, take just a little time,
To give your hand,
See the world,
And take just a little time and try to understand,
That there's more going on,
Than what these eyes can see.


I came across this torn down empty street.
How helpless that I felt,
A burning urgency,
And all I see in front of me,
Are all the faces fading from this vacant scene.
It's time that we show,
The hope that we all know.


And take just a little time,
To give your hand,
See the world,
And take just a little time and try to understand,
That there's more going on,
Than what these eyes can see.

I know it all seems complicated,
There's nothing more that could be stated,
Now, is the time to kneel,
Reaching out to what is real,
So many times I've hesitated,
How much I feel my heart is aching, now.
Ohh, now.


And take just a little time,
To give your hand.
Take just a little time,
To give your hand,
See the world,


And take just a little time and try to understand,
That there's more going on,
Than what these eyes can see.

I wish everyone a blessed day and a glorious week.  Only 3 weeks until the first day of spring!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 02-22-10

I realize that Music Monday isn't the most original idea, but Monday seems like a great day to share some of my favorite songs of the moment. I really like alliteration, too. :)

And my life wouldn't be nearly as sweet without the soundtrack that goes along with it....

Here are some of my current (and past) favorites:

Passion Pit - Little Secrets

Owl City - >I'll Meet You There

Carla Bruni - >L'Amour


Live Sweetly :)
Rachel