Margot and the Nuclear So & So's, Cloud Cult, and Ice Palace.

I've put off writing this for a few days. For some reason. I think I can chalk it up to my usual procrastination when it comes to blogging, but one day, the fire will come back!

On the 14th, Tuesday, I made the four and a half hour trip down to Grand Rapids, Michigan with my best friend and mom for the Margot and the Nuclear So & So's show with Cloud Cult, and Ice Palace. UNFORTUNATELY, I don't have any pictures from the event. My camera is mostly unreliable and wouldn't handle live shots very well. So here's the blow-by-blow.

Ice Palace was the first band of the night. If you're a reader, you already know that I really just started getting into this band, but they're very easy to like. What I enjoyed the most about the band was that even though some of their songs were mostly downbeat and laid back songs, there was still the opportune 'rock out' time, where it got very dancey and fun to move to. Complete with a guest appearance from Hubert from Margot and the Nuclear So & So's, Ice Palace had a solid set.

One reason I wish I had a camera for this band was because of the excellent style of their keyboardist/vocalist/trumpeter Amy Hager. Ripped fishnet stockings, colorful sneakers, a burgundy skirt, tank top, and an awesome printed gold scarf. Kind of grungy, but effortlessly cool looking.

Cloud Cult is a band that I have already seen before, so I wasn't too sure if I should've gotten too excited about it. Though as their set went on, I felt bad for thinking that it would be anything less than amazing. Since this band is just as pleasing to the eye as they are to the ears, they practically move mountains when they play. Watching their on-stage artist is just as captivating as the rest of the band. The music was beautiful as always, and I truly can't get over the symphonics they mix in with the rest of the band. I'm glad that my eyes weren't the only not-dry ones in the house, but the quirkiness of the vocalist's sleep mask and the fact that hardly anyone in the band was wearing shoes was enough to make me smile. A+ once again for Cloud Cult.

Margot and the Nuclear So & So's has been my favorite band for a long time now. They've inspired many of my personal writing pieces, so the fact that I was able to finally catch them in Michigan at an All-Ages show had me so stoked. Despite the fact that Richard Edwards seemed to be pretty fact, and that his guitar string broke half way through, it was an amazing set. Personally, I was happy that they played almost all of my favorite songs by them. The occasional dance moves from some of the members was appreciated and amusing. They originally closed with 'As Tall As Cliffs' and my hands stung so bad from the 'clap-clap-clapclapclap' that goes throughout it, but it was perfect in so many ways. It was the last date from that leg of their tours, and every member from every band came out on stage to clap and dance along. Then, they played a much appreciated encore of 'Barfight Revolution.'


What a perfect way to spend my last day of 17. My friend also assured me that it was a great First Concert experience for her. I definitely hope to catch all three of these bands again someday.

-Courtney Kaz.

No Wednesday band recommendations?

It has become a custom now to post some band recommendations for you all on Wednesday afternoon...or the afternoon after, or whatever, since we all know that I'm not the most punctual person on the planet. However, this week, there will definitely not be any band recommendations.

Why?

Tonight, I'm heading out of town for a short amount of time to see Margot and the Nuclear So & So's with Cloud Cult, and Ice Palace. I haven't been to a concert since the summer months, and the fact that I'm seeing three phenomenal bands really boosts the excitement that I'm feeling.

So instead of band recommendations, there will be a concert write up, hopefully by the end of the week. Maybe some pictures?

Oh, and tomorrow I'm finally legal. Eighteen! Scary thought...

Have a good Tuesday/Wednesday!

-Courtney Kaz.

Au Revoir, 2008.

Another year has come and gone. To be honest, 2008 was a really great year for a lot of things. I'm going to break down my favorite things of this year. Here we go!

Biggest accomplishment. Barack Obama being elected as the President of the United States, hands down. I don't think I have ever been so inspired by a politician. Nor have I ever been so proud of our country. I think that this was a huge step in the right direction for us, and of course, 2009 will only get better with this man at the head of our country.

Best new band. Empires. This band has something for everyone: hard rock hits, acoustic ballads, poppy hooks, and sexy and somewhat deranged lyrics. They released their album for free on the internet, which is a plus, and after reading and hearing a few interviews with them, it seems like they've got a good head on their musical shoulders. I expect to see a lot more of them in 2009.

Catchiest artist. Katy Perry. Say what you want about her, but anyone will have to admit to singing 'Ur So Gay' or 'I Kissed A Girl' at least once. At least.

Best movie. The Dark Knight. Cliche answer, I know. It is unfortunate to me that Heath Ledger's best performance had to be one of his last. I'm not a fan of the comic-book-turned-movie films, but this one I got into so easily. And to be honest, I think it's mainly because of Heath.

Best album. This one was a really tough one for me to pick just one. So I'm going to list a few. First would have to be Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger. Andrew McMahon can really do no wrong in my eyes. This album still has the summery and poppy tunes that I love him for, but there is also the sadder songs that could make you cry. Next is Empires - Howl. Other great albums include Margot and the Nuclear So & So's - Not Animal, The Academy Is... - Fast Times at Barrington High, Mason Proper - Olly Oxen Free, Katy Perry - One of the Boys, MGMT - Oracular Spectacular, She & Him - Volume One, Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend.

Favorite TV Show. Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill. Still. Nothing hooks me in more than an over dramatic teen series.

Concert experience of the Year. The Forms, Cloud Cult, and Mason Proper at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sure, Warped Tour was pretty great and I got to see a few awesome bands, but nothing compares to a good Mason Proper show in a smokey bar. It was my third time seeing them, and my first time seeing The Forms and Cloud Cult. The Forms are a really laid back band that I really can't find any good words to describe them with (it's 1:30 in the morning, cut me some slack). Seeing Cloud Cult as well was an experience of it's own. For starters, they have beautiful music, and to go along with touching the ears, they touch the eyes as well with painters on stage. Amazing.

Most overrated phenomenon. Twilight. I can't name a single person right now that I know who has never heard of Twilight. I still can't even take a solid stance on this subject. Yes, I did enjoy the movies, but I can't get into the books. At all. All in favor of Harry Potter Mania again, say I. I!!


Well that is a few of my favorite things of the year. I think I need to start keeping an accurate log of stuff throughout 2009 so my post next year is even better and less cliche than this.

I hope all of you have had an amazing here, and here's to making 2009 even better. Party responsibly, and check back later on in the day for our giant compilation of some really awesome people's Top 5's of 2008 lists.

-Courtney Kaz