Diggy

Hannah and I saw David Gray again last night. He's still one of the best live singers I've witnessed, if not the best...I think I heard maybe 2 flat notes the whole night and his voice just doesn't stop. Don't be too concerned about the fact that I have a David Gray label on my blog, I just kind of love him eternally. He is currently in a very low-key phase apparently and sadly we did miss his old drummer Clune. And his theremin.

Not sure how he shakes his head so much without fainting. Maybe that's why he fired his drummer...the beat was just too rockin'.

So it wasn't as good as the '06 tour but still good. I realized that I hadn't been to a concert since 2008, when Matt and I saw Ben Folds, Alison Krauss/Robert Plant, and Neil Diamond all in the same (very) pregnant summer. Not sure why the pregnancy connection... maybe it's like nesting, like get all my Wild Partying out of the way while I can. But it's much more comfortable to attend concerts in a non-pregnant state. Anyway we've still never made it to Radiohead. Maybe Thommy will make his way back out here soon.

All in all it was a fun night to spend with my sister. Thanks Hanner.

Me as Moab.

Have I blogged enough about David Gray? What, I haven't? New album y'all. (thanks Nicole for the heads up!)


David Gray, bless his raspy, angry, poetic, lovely soul, provided the soundtrack to my formative years. And in that vein, as a young mother of two I only recently realized that the upward climb of my formative years are behind me. It was probably when I decided earlier this year to get rid of half of my clothes. I successfully did so, because I realized I hated half of them. Then a visual came to mind.

Allow me to explain my outward life to you as though it were the choppy red mountains of southern Utah: I am reaching a style plateau in life. Although I think I catch on to some trends--though definitely not enough for a person who works at a fashion magazine--I am still wearing the same style of clothes I wore in my "single married" days (married but no kids) and still listening to much of the same music, because, as depressing as that is, who has time for these things. I am trapped in my pointed pumps, Hail to the Thief era, circa early-to-mid oughts. (is that what we call this decade that is almost over?)

I am bracing myself to catapult from this plateau because I am ready to be a hot mom who is not stuck in the year I got married, yet not trying too hard to be current for my age (rompers anyone?), and embrace the approaching fourth decade of my life. Is this why I am obsessed with getting new couches?

Also, I realized that during my time in said plateau, I have completely stopped listening to the radio or watching TV or seeing new movies, my hair has darkened to the point where you really might call it mouse-colored, and also I have developed somewhat of a Maryland accent?? Explain all of this to me. I still have 4 years left until I turn 30, that should count for something but I am feeling old all of a sudden.



(me actually in Moab! perfect for my metaphor. 2006. Bono shades.)

So, I think I want to stop buying cheap clothes that I hate a year later, and also stop relying on my sister and husband to find new music for me. But at the same time I can't turn my back on a classic. I have a tendency to gush whenever I talk about David Gray. Therefore, he deserves his own label on my blog. I'm just trying to prove how serious I am about DG, folks. Diggy for short--it's my own nickname for him that I just made up.

Rather than saying, "Eliza, you're not old and you don't wear fashions from 2004" which is the polite thing to say and I thank you for the sentiment, I am curious: how does a person--other than a person who embraces the Timeless persona, dressing like Audrey Hepburn all the time and only listening to opera--maybe I should look into that option actually--keep up with new clothes and music when the person has little time or money? Is plain old interest enough motivation? Perhaps do I need a guru? Food for thought. Go ahead, be my guru.

Please forgive me if I act a little strange.

Remember how much I love David Gray? Remember how he is my favorite singer?

Maybe you didn't know.

Hannah and I went to a DG concert 3 years ago and I am still reeling from it. Admittedly it has taken on somewhat of a mythic aura in my memory.

Theo recently has learned how to dance, and I am pleased to report that he gets super excited and dancy when "Please Forgive Me" comes on in the car.

Who wouldn't, right?



By the way, despite the fact that David Gray's videos are ridiculously cheesy, I love the fact that Clune (his drummer) is in this video, because the drumming pretty much makes the song.

Here is an even cheesier one, which also features Clune.



If you're not enamored yet, but you do have an affinity for vampire love books, I've heard it rumored that "Please Forgive Me" is on the Twilight soundtrack. If that doesn't spread the David Gray gospel among the ladies, I don't know what will.

Oh, Satchel

Get Fuzzy is up there with Toothpaste for Dinner, David Gray, girlie country music, Hawaiian pizza, and Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie in the ranks of Things I Like that Matt Doesn't So Much Like but Tolerates to Some Extent in the Name of Love.

I think we all have a little Satchel in us. A little Bucky, a little Rob...I have a lot of favorite Get Fuzzys but I find this one especially relevant. If you don't see why I like it so much, then I guess you can count yourself blessed!

Guilty feet have got no rhythm.

Old news but...I love this version of this song.

If you haven't gathered, I am a fan of George Michael songs. If only Ben and Rufus had a saxophonist.

It's also in my sidebar playlist if you have the patience to scroll through.

Matt and I saw Ben Folds/Guster/Rufus Wainwright at Wolf Trap when we lived in Virginia 4 years ago (yikes), wherein Ben and Rufus performed this lil' number. Rufus Wainwright has an amazing voice, by the way. It was one of the best shows I've ever been to. The best being David Gray '06...ahhh...

I haven't been to a concert in So Long. I think in fact that the last one I went to might even have been David Gray. Actually I think it was Belle and Sebastian. Also '06.

Maybe this is sad, but I think the next "show" we see will be the U2 3D movie. Not that going to see the movie in itself is sad--it's supposed to be great--but just sad that we never go to concerts anymore.

Anyway, hope you like the song.

A Song for You

I'm kind of a fan of this song lately ("Last Request" by Paolo Nutini).



I heard it on Scrubs a few weeks ago. It's a tad boring, and yet I still really like it. It's better than his current single on the radio, that's for sure.

I like this version better than the studio one. Plus the music video for the studio one is kind of creepy.

And that's all I have to say . . . about that.

Here's a better one.



I'm slightly obsessed with David Gray, and also YouTube.

My Tuesday Night Enfant

Gush/





So, H & I went to the David Gray show last night, and it was exquisite.

Sublime, really.

The man has some serious pipes. And lots of crazy instruments to go along with them.

Initially I was less than impressed with his latest album, Life in Slow Motion, but it sounded much better live. "Lately" was an especially gorgeous selection.

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Setlist:

From Life in Slow Motion: Alibi, Lately, Hospital Food, The One I Love, Slow Motion, Ain't No Love, Now and Always, Nos Da Cariad, and I think From Here You Can Almost See the Sea.

From A New Day at Midnight: Long Distance Call, Freedom

From White Ladder: Sail Away, Please Forgive Me, Silver Lining, This Year's Love, my favorite WL tune My Oh My, and to everyone's surprise, Babylon! I was glad he played it, because despite the unfortunate fact that it is the only David Gray song many people know, it is still a fabulous song.

From A Century Ends: Shine

New song: Alive

Cover (Tim Buckley): Song to the Siren
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I was enraptured by "Song to the Siren." The entire room sat slack-jawed and still. It was one of the most beautiful performances I've ever heard. I can't even explain how much I loved it.

All in all it was a fantastic show. It started off a little slow as it seemed he was only going to play Life in Slow Motion songs (with a little "Sail Away" thrown in...guh). It was interesting; he was so low-key but was able to sort of reel us all in. He was affable, but didn't even talk, hardly: just a straight set of song after song with lots of mid-song instrument-switching.

I'll let Hannah discuss the drummer, and suffice it to say here that if at any time I was too caught up in the David Gray experience, I could peek over at the drummer's antics and have a little giggle.

Other non-music-related details: everyone wore black suits, except the lone lady cellist in her checkered gown, and the strange and tipsy drummer in his open red Hawaiian shirt and white chinos. The lighting and other visual stuff was great and blended well with the music. The venue was cozy (Kingsbury Hall) and the audience was pretty low-key as well, with the occasional "I'm lettin' loose!" crazy dancer.

The set was so fabulous, I wasn't even sad that he didn't play anything from Flesh, one of my fave albums of all time and the source of gems like "New Horizon," "The Light," "Lullaby," and "Coming Down."

I was sad, however, when the show ended. He didn't disappoint with an encore of 5 or 6 songs, among which were a solo acoustic "Shine," an ethereal "Song to the Siren," and a jamming "Babylon." I could have sat there all night and just watched and listened. I was also sad that Matt was not there to witness the loveliness with us, but I was glad Hannah and I could have a little moment.

Hannah and I agreed: DG's voice = beauty.

= Love, embodied.

/gush

Every Ghetto, Every City and Suburban Place I've Been Makes Me Recall My Days in the New Jerusalem

OR...
Please Forgive Me if I Act a Little Strange, for I Know Not What I Do.

OR...
Putting Flesh on the Bones of My Dreams.

OR...

In approximately 12 weeks, I will be Done with school, for awhile anyway.

Approximately 12 weeks AGO, Hannah and I were watching Bono sing his little Irish heart out in his little black platform boots.

In approximately 12 months, I will be in a different city, different state, doing something other than what I'm doing now, heaven help us all.

Approximately 12 months AGO, I was doing exactly what I'm doing now, only without the reality of 12 weeks staring me in the face.

In approximately 12 years...don't want to think about that.

Approximately 12 years AGO...don't want to think about that either.

Tomorrow, Hannah and I will be watching David Gray sing his little Welsh heart out; probably no platform boots will be involved. Not that I'd judge if there were. Because I wouldn't.

Today, I love my life.

We're Gonna Go Where We Can Shine

I have a hard time understanding how anyone can _not_ love David Gray's music...although I know it's possible, for I live with one of those people.

Kingsbury Hall, March 14th. Hannah's in. Anyone else up for it?

I know, I know...hardly anyone who reads this, probably, due to musical taste or geographic location or somesuch. However...you can at least shoutout and say, "I love David Gray too!" or "I will repent immediately and begin listening NOW."

I'll even send you some CDs or e-mail you some 'Tunes if that's what it takes, as long as you promise to love him.

Song of the hour: Shine - David Gray

Musik

I seem to be capable of exceedingly long-winded posts.

Hannah: Yeah, I'm not the biggest Wilco fan. But Matt likes them, so I'm trying to like them. And I have seen the buildings featured on the cover of "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." IN PERSON! They're in Chicago. Our trolley driver pointed them out. Apparently she's a Wilco fan as well.

Katie: Don't you just love David Gray? I haven't heard his latest album, or a lot of his earlier ones, but I have "White Ladder," "Flesh" and a collection of EPs from 92-94. Definitely great music for any occasion, emotion or mood. The melodies and the lyrics are both great. "This Year's Love" makes me want to cry. And I still like "Babylon II," even though it was probably overplayed when "White Ladder" came out. But it's just so catchy!

I also like the Betty Ford song. "We're Not Right," I think it's called. Also a crier. And..."Please Forgive Me." And..."Flesh." And..."The Light." And...I could go on forever. I miss my CDs!

Falling Free

All of my senses overthrown
by the might of your skin -
and the lamplight on your cheekbone
drawing me further in.
No sentence I can speak
for the wonder so unique,
breaking like a wave upon the shore.
 
Mercy me! I'm falling free
since you opened up the door.
 
See how the sky is made of sapphire,
the colours flowing through our hands -
The moon is fire in your hair,
a million miles beyond what science understands.
Smell that mountain heather -
I don't remember ever feeling like this before.
 
Mercy me! I'm falling free
since you opened up the door.
 
If every windowpane should shatter,
if every wall should fall apart,
Well it might hurt a bit, but would it matter
with this diamond in my heart?
 
No need to nail it to the ground -
no need to smother it with sense.
Just listen to the rhythm of your heart that pounds,
and trust it all to chance,
Cause we're standing face to face
with the angel of grace,
and don't it just taste so pure!
 
Mercy me! I'm falling free
since you opened up the door.
 
-David Gray

I miss my David Gray CDs.  I left them in Utah.
 
Never again will I make such a mistake!

I'm craving guacamole.  Or hummus.  Or perhaps something with seven layers... Sadly, all I have here with me is a Tupperware container, containing approximately 6 grapes.  Doesn't exactly do the trick when you want the fatty salty beany dip.

With crispy homemade tortilla chips...oh man.