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Fun vibe last night at Lincoln Hall. I was up front and just about center surrounded by hardcore fans, most of whom had seen the band no less than an average of a dozen times each. I shook it like a Polaroid picture and was just about soaked in Craig Finn spit and sweat. Mission. Accomplished.
I recently asked friends in the music business and beyond to list the 10 pieces of music that made their year. Today, my buddy (and partner in shenanigans) The Naughty Librarian’s gives us her list.
This is one of the few SFW images I got after searching for The Naughty Librarian
Ok, had to switch it up a bit cause I’d never get my top 10 written up so here’s my submission. Sorry I strayed from assignment! (Ed. Note: HISSSSSSS!!)
A few 2010 memories that make me giddy-
Imogen Heap made a dream come true when she played a second show in Chicago at the Riviera Theatre on May 23, 2010 in support of her 2009 album, Ellipse. My disappointment at missing the Thanksgiving 2009 show had me researching plane tickets to Europe before she added a second leg to the US tour. Pure talent, Imogen performed a near flawless interactive show. Following Imogen on Twitter and Facebook taught me just how much of her work she performs, produces and creates. Her efforts to audition strings players in every city to support her as well as mixing live versions of songs to donate to local charities from each city were inspired.
Josh Rouse – Swooning my socks off in the front row at Josh Rouse, Lincoln Hall, 5/27/2010. Josh’s newest influences: his adopted home of Valencia, Spain, his new wife Paz Suay and their new baby are producing amazing creative results, as evident by the new style of his album ‘El Turista’ A little spicy, a little shake your ass and some of the requisite schmaltz, this album ensures Josh has staying power. Even if my heart will always be ‘Under Cold Blue Stars’ I’ll always show up early for Josh.
Tired Pony- I counted down to the September 2010 release date for the album ‘The Place We Ran From’ for months and I was not disappointed. The video for Dead American Writers starring Joseph Gilgun was released on You Tube and I am obsessed with its simplicity and awkward sexiness.
The Hold Steady – October 1, 2010, Vic Theatre. The MeanBee and I attended this show and tucked ourselves into comfy but chilly seats in the balcony at the Vic where we were immediately blown away by The Hold Steady. After nearly being put to sleep by the opening band Wintersleep Craig Finn and Co. put on the most exciting and energetic show I’ve seen live in years. The electricity was inspiring and we intend to go back for an encore at the end of December, this time on the floor wearing our dancing shoes.
Sufjan Stevens – Remember the time you almost sold your furniture to afford tickets to the Sufjan Stevens show/artistic performance at the Chicago Theatre, October 15, 2010, then you left before the encore where he played your favorite songs from the album ‘Illinois’? Ok, maybe not ALL great memories. (Ed. Note: This mess still cracks me up. If it didn’t, I’d cry. Yes, I was there. Shut up.)
The Naughty Librarian is my favorite ho on the music stroll. She’s a nerd wrangler by day and by night Mean Little Bumble Bee’s true blue concert date. She’s witty and full of sass. I’d hit it. You can find her musings on Tumblr.
