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Augustana

Robert — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:27:23 +0000

Continuing my series of posts about artists who I like and enjoy comes Augustana. The band, which comes out of San Diego is considered the American version of Coldplay, but I like them a lot better than Coldplay. Chris Martin, the pretentious ass, has a whiny voice compared to Dan Layus, the lead singer for Augustana. I'm going through a down period in my life right now and they help. First releasing an EP named Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays as a debut album. They then reached critical success with their single Boston from their second album. Their third album was the one that caught my eye though. Can't Love, Can't Hurt was a pure joy to listen to. With such songs as I Still Ain't Over You and Where Love Went Wrong Augustana seems to hit a stride that I love. The lyrical deepness combined with just great melody makes the third album the one I suggest.

erry's top 27 cHaRt (24 June 2008)

erryprasetyo — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:31:31 +0000

welcome back to erry's top 27 chaRt, sorry for the late posting, but here is the chart for this week

(2) Pork and Beans - Weezer
(1) Sweet and Low - Augustana
(6) If I Never See Your Face Again (feat. Rihanna) - Maroon 5
(3) Dear God - Avenged Sevenfold (A7x)
(7) Viva La Vida - Coldplay
(4) No Air (feat. Chris Brown) - Jordin Sparks
(10) I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry
(14) Forever - Chris Brown
(12) Car Crash - Matt Nathanson
(13) Labels or Love - Fergie
(5) The City is At War - Cobra Starship
(19) Bye Bye - Mariah Carey
(16) Like You'll Never See Me Again - Alicia Keys
(23) Check Yes Juliette - We the Kings
(21) Heartbreak Makes Me A Dancer - Sophie Ellis Bextor
(8 ) Leavin - Jesse McCartney
(24) This is Home - Switchfoot
(22) When I Grow Up - Pussycat Dolls
(25) Summertime - New Kids on the Block
(SounDebut) She Said - The Day
(11) Lucky (feat. Colby Caillat) - Jason Mraz
(17) Mercy - Duffy
(SounDebut) In Love with A Girl - Gavin de Graw
(SounDebut) That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings
(SounDebut) The Call - Regina Spektor
(SounDebut) Just for Tonight - One Night Only
(18 ) What You Got (feat. Akon) - Colbi O'Donnis

UNDERChaRt

Here I Am - Leona Lewis
Cry For You - September
Ten Thousands Nights - Alphabeat
Singin in the Rain - Mint Royale
Denial - Sugababes

This Week's No. 1 --> Pork and Beans - Weezer

BRAVO pour WEEZER.... i like this band since their very first album... and they still got the beat!!!! I LOVE WEEZER so much.... and i dont want to comment anything.... this song's just so weezer and so i love it..

This Week's SOUNDebut

She Said - The Dey --> This trio has a very freat lyrics on she said. And i like the voice of the lead vocal, it makes me think of my Mom, and very touching. This song's really goes to all the mommy in the world.
In Love with A Gril - Gavin de Graw
That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings --> WOw... this duo has a catchy beat song, with simple lyrics, its just makes me want to move... What a catchy song. I Love the Ting Tings.
The Call - Regina Spektor --> I Like the movies (Narnia : The Prince of Caspian) and this song has a very strong lyrics... :) and btw, i missed Spektor way far from Infidelity.
Just for Tonight - One Night Only --> Seems like listening the Killers in British version :)

Augustana Heritage & Midsommars comes to an end..........

Juliana — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:47:51 +0000

Augustana Heritage & Midsommars comes to an end..........

Jun 22, '08 2:20 PM
for everyone

Namndag: Paula, Paulina

Thought for today:

“And she finally stopped playing their song, when she realized she was dancing alone.”

For more Midsommardagen photos, here are some a good friend took. They are great. He is so much better than I am!!!

I started the day going to church at the College for the Augustana Heritage convention. What a huge crowd. The minister gave a wonderful sermon about how are church needs to change in order to grow. We need to learn to accept & live with people of all cultures & beliefs. We are all alike & have the same wants & needs no matter what colour their skin or church they go to. And we need to accept those from the GLBT community. I am sure many in the audience were shocked at his message, but if we do not change, we will die. My own church is losing many members as are other area churches.

I then went to eat at the college caf with Paul & Sally, cousin Phyllis from Washington DC, & friend Lloyd, minister from California. I rarely get to see enough of Lloyd so having a meal with him was really special. The caf put on quite a feast. I ate too much.

Harvest is in full swing. Have not talked to Willie to see how the wheat is. It looked really good though. Not sure who all is helping. I know at least we have one helper. How I worry.

The weather is hot but not horrid. It is 93F now. But there is a possibility of severe weather with hail later. I did not hear that but Sally did. Will keep my fingers crossed.

So, Midsommars came to an end last nite & the Augustana group goes home to all parts of the US & Canada. It has been a glorious weekend. I have enjoyed all I was a part of. Going to 4 church services on 3 different days has made a change in me. I have done much thinking on my own church & my Swedish roots from Värmland to Lindsborg. And my life must change now.

The 4th and last church service is today at 4pm. It is entirely in Swedish. Bishop Hagberg will give the sermon. He is a great speaker & it will be a good message.

Gått för dagen. Kanske.

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch!

Tags: augustana, midsommar, sverige, väder, paul, sally, lloyd, harvest, skörd, kyrka, familjen, gay

Midsummer & summer solstice

Juliana — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 06:08:42 +0000

Midsummer & summer solstice

Jun 21, '08 12:05 AM
for everyone

Namndag: Alf, Alvar

Thought for today:

“And she finally stopped playing their song, when she realized she was dancing alone.”

Saturday is the summer solstice. Finally. Now the days get shorter & each day means one less day of heat & humidity. And my graphic should say Glad Midsommarsdagen but too late now!!!

Tonite I went the college for concert & church service at the Augustana Heritage convention with Elly, Lou, Sallu. & cousin Phyllis. Our local men's choir sang first. Wow!!! They sang all 5 verses of TRYGGARE KAN INGEN VARA in Swedish. I only know the first. I taped it. Then we had a church service from our old black Augustana hymnal. Oh, my. They can take backk our present hymanl & bring back the Augustana hymnal. And then whole synod too while they are at it. It was a nice evening.

Tomorrow I am too busy to blog till late. At the park all day for Midsommars. Our swedish group has a booth. It is a living room & we are to talk to people in swedish. Ha. Invite them in. Offer them coffee.

I have a borrowed swedish costume -- folkdräkt. It is far from authentic & really not even close to what folkdräkt look like, but.............it is all I have. It fits. I will die in the heat. I have material for a winter costume but not made. Can use the same for summer IF I get the material. IF.

Harvest has started for real. Our nephew who lives next to us was cutting. Our other neighbours were talking about starting & another neighbour did start. WE, of course, are still working on machinery. Like he did not know it was getting close??? Same thing every year.

Had some faxing to do for Bill. He sounded more normal on the phone. I am not talking about harvest. He knows his father has no clue how to communicate. He could let us know his intentions. I am out of the loop. They can sort it out. I do not want to be in the middle. I get too stressed & upset.

Gått för dagen. Kanske.

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch!

Tags: skörd, bill, willie, augustana, elly, sally, familjen, midsommar, fax, summersolstice

Glad Midsommarsafton

Juliana — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:52:45 +0000

Glad Midsommarsafton

Jun 20, '08 3:16 PM
for everyone

Today is Midsummer's Eve. For once, the Midsommars celebration will actually be on the correct day. that is special.

This morning was my Swedish group. We did not get people from the Augustana convention. I was a little sad. But we did have the bishop from Karlstad Sverige & his wife. Their photo is posted here today. Names are Bishop Esbon & Kathrine Hagberg. The program was to have been our 99 year old minister. He did not show. I asked Pr. Hagberg to tell a little of himself. He spoke for 45 min. Wow!!! He was our program. We all asked him questions. He is so very nice & humourous. And he spoke to us in God's language, better known as Swedish. I understood parts of it. It was such an honour to have them. And I am honoured that I was in charge.

I was at the church by 830am. I never knew there was an actual 830am!! I had the coffee perking by 9am. There were 2 vases of flowers leftover from a coffee last nite. I borrowed them. Made our food buffet look very festive. I had planned on cleaning up alone, but I was pleasantly surprised when the 2 hosts --- Ione & Leroy --- plus my cousin Kathryn helped. It went very fast. I am thankful for them.

We got good news about my cousin who we thought had a brain tumour. He son is a cardiac surgeon in Kansas City. He ordered that her MRI results be sent to one of his colleagues. They think she may have had a small stroke. Not a good thing, but much better than a brain tumour. She is having tests today & more in a couple of weeks.

After group, I got a text from Joshua so I met him & my friend Charlotte for lunch. So much nicer than eating alone. My waiter friend still remembers the Swedish I have taught him. And I try an occasional Spanish word. We had a fun lunch & then I had groceries to buy.

Tonite is a concert. I look forward to it.

Our weather is very nice Midsommars weather today. There are some bad storms way to the west. Hope they stay there. It is like a daily event now.

Willie & a helper are working on machinery today. I am sorry that Bill is not here. And I am worried to death about why he is not.

Tags: sverige, svg, midsommar, familjen, josh, charlotte, augustin, augustana, väder, willie, bill

Stress again

Juliana — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:21:31 +0000

Stress again

Jun 20, '08 12:41 AM
for everyone

Namndag: Linda

Thought for today:

“And she finally stopped playing their song, when she realized she was dancing alone.”

Tonite I went the college for kind of church service at the Augustana Heritage convention. It was about the background of my church & the Swedes who started it & the college. We did lots of singing. My friends Gem & Joshua were part of the musicians. I saw my friend from Sweden who is here with the Karlstad bishop. It was a wonderful nite.

At the convention is a distant cousin of Willie's, Helene. Their great grandmothers were sisters. We have never met but have emailed. But tonite I found her!! She is very nice. Probably too busy for us to spend much time together though. She will come here again on her own time.

Lately things have not felt right. Bill got ill so I understand that. But he still is extra quiet & not talkative at all. And when I asked him tonite if he was taking off for harvest like he always has he said no. So did he & his father have a fight but kept it from me? Did I do something to upset him? Or Jenn? I just cannot imagine harvest with hardly any help. I am scared Bill will never come back here. And why would he. We are too dysfunctional.

Bill not helping has really thrown me for a loop. My stress is back, worse than it was. My head is buzzing. I hardly dared to check my blood pressure but I thought I better. It is up but not scary high. And almost time to take my meds. What else can go wrong this week? I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. And with harvest, it certainly will.

Better head for bed & hope I can sleep. Doubt I will.

Gått för dagen. Kanske.

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch!

Tags: harvest, bill, willie, jenn, helene, augustana, gem, josh, stress

erry's top 27 chaRt 17 June 2008

erryprasetyo — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:31:34 +0000

This is now the time for this week's TOP 27 Chart....

17 June 08 TOP 27 ChaRt

(3) Sweet and Low - Augustana
(6) Pork and Beans - Weezer
(1) Dear God - Avenged Sevenfold
(8 ) No Air (feat. Chris Brown) - Jordin Sparks
(10) The City is at War - Cobra Starship
(11) If I Never See Your Face Again (feat. Rihanna) - Maroon 5
(13) Viva La Vida - Coldplay
(4) Leavin - Jesse McCartney
(5) 4 minutes (feat. JT and Timbaland) - Madonna
(17) I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
(7) Lucky (feat. Colbie Caillat) - Jason Mraz
(18 ) Car Crash - Matt Nathanson
(21) Labels or Love - Fergie
(26) Forever - Chris Brown
(12) It's Not My Time - 3 Doors Down
(23) Like You'll Never See Me Again - Alicia Keys
(9) Mercy - Duffy
(15) What You Got (feat. Akon) - Colbi O'Donnis
(SounDebut) Bye Bye - Mariah Carey
(16) Dreaming with a Broken Heart - John Mayer
(SounDebut) Heartbreak Make Me a Dancer - Sophie Ellis Bextor
(SounDebut) When I Grow Up - Pussycat Dolls
(SounDebut) Check Yes Juliette - We the Kings
(SounDebut) This is Home - Switchfoot
(SounDebut) Summertime - New Kids on the Block
(22) Never Too Late - 3 Days Grace
(25) American Boy (feat. Kanye West) - Estelle

Bubbling Under Chart :

She Said - The Dey
Here I Am - Leona Lewis
Just for Tonight - One Night Only
Love No - The Teenagers
Fast Car (feat. Paul Simon) - Wyclef Jean
Time to Let Go - Marcos Hernandez

This Week Number 1

Sweet and Low - Augustana

I really loooovveeee his voice... I already liked this band from their single Boston, but in Sweet and Low, they take it to next level!!! (actually, i just dont like the fact that there's another band that could take Avenged Sevenfold's place at number 1 on my chart). But what could i say, sorry Avenged, but i do admit that Avenged Sevenfold way more gorgeous than Augustana.

This Week's SounDebuts

I have six SounDebuts this weeks, so i don't want to comment about it (i'm in a rush right now). But I'm sure that Mariah Carey's Bye Bye are the best SounDebut this week.

Swedish music & friends

Juliana — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00:29 +0000

Swedish music & friends

Namndag: Axel, Axelina

Thought for today:

One kind word can warm three winter months. - Japanese proverb

We were in a severe storm watch from 9am on sunday through 10am monday. That is 25 hours. Surely that is a record. We got nothing but a black sky & a sprinkle of rain. I am not complaining.

I had a hair app't this afternoon. I was trying to have my back shorter than the sides but I did not like it on me. Got it evened out. Thinking of taking out the blond streaks & just do very dark red & lighter red streaks. Maybe next time. We must have talked more than usual because my app't took longer than usual.

The other day I had a invitation from my friend & Swedish teacher Charlotte to come to the Messiah Church tonite. She is giving a program on Swedish folk/church music. Helping her is my friend Josh on the organ. Tonite another friend Carl video taped it. There were around 8-10 of us invited. I have no idea why I was asked or why any of the others were asked, but I enjoyed every minute. She sang some very very old folk songs that she said she could imagine singing in the forest in Sweden. (she is from Sweden. Her brother sings in the Real Group) They were so awesome. They touched something very deep within me that I am sure is from my ancestors. I had very clear visions of the forest of Hälsingland.

This Swedish music program is part of a convention that is here this week. It is a meeting of the Augustana Synod. That was the original Lutheran synod here. Wish it was still here. I cannot afford to attend the meetings during the day, they are too expensive, so it was nice to see one. There are things at nite that are free I will attend.

A piece of trivia. The oldest living pastor ordained in the Augustana Synod lives in Lindsborg, formed my Swedish club, & will be 100 yrs. old this november. It is an honour to know him. And during the Augustana time, Kansas was in charge of all Oklahoma & Texas. Now we are nothing of any importance at all.

After the music program Josh asked me to go with him to supper. We met his friend John at Jalisco's. I had already eaten so I just had a coke. But the company was great! We had a lot of laughs. Even John gave me a hug so I must be ok with him. Do not know him well.

I totally forgot there is a docent meeting tomorrow nite. And I am in charge. What a doofus I am!!! I have quickly called everyone. Did the schedule for the next 3 months so it is ready to hand out.

My friend John was out of town all weekend so he had no clue that WE are doing an art sale in november. He was as excited as I am. I can hardly wait to get started. I had thought of doing one on my own, but not brave enough. But having the Raymer behind it to foot the bills, supply the space, etc. is awesome.

Gått för dagen. Kanske.

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch!

"He tortured me with his awfulness..."

knitternatter — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:01 +0000

My family is currently re-watching the season 4 finale of The Office, and that is one of my favorite quotes from that episode. And my vest has tortured me with its awfulness today. I haven't been feeling well today, I think I have a cold, and because of said cold I had a lot of trouble focusing on counting today. I knit the "straps" of the vest today and had to tink SEVERAL times because I screwed up the waffle stitch or the decreases. It was rough. I'm really hoping that this cold will go away soon. I'm not a fan of being sick ever, let alone in the summer in the middle of a heat wave. After the disasters of knitting, I went to dinner with my friend Liz tonight. This is liz and me trying to look intimidating at a sorority powder-puff game:

We do look intimidating, don't we? Anyway, I always enjoy spending time with Liz. She's a very cheery person. She recently moved to Raleigh and it's been fun showing her around. We had dinner in Brier Creek and just talked for a while. Liz is not a knitter, nor do I think she has any desire to be, but she is one of the rare non-knitters who is always polite about listening to me talk about my projects and is very encouraging of my projects. I really appreciate that. Most of my friends just roll their eyes and call me a grand-ma.

In music news, i have recently learned of the band Augustana and have been listening to them non-stop. I am obsessed with their song "Boston." You should check it out.

Boston by Augustana

peanutbutterflycookies — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:07:28 +0000

In the light of the sun, is there anyone? Oh it has begun...
Oh dear you look so lost, eyes are red and tears are shed,
This world you must've crossed... you said...You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
She said
You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains... oh yeah,

Essential yet appealed, carry all your thoughts across
An open field,
When flowers gaze at you... they're not the only ones who cry
When they see you
You said...

You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
She said
You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains... oh yeah,

She said I think I'll go to Boston...
I think I'll start a new life,
I think I'll start it over, where no one knows my name,
I'll get out of California, I'm tired of the weather,
I think I'll get a lover and fly em out to Spain...
I think I'll go to Boston,
I think that I'm just tired
I think I need a new town, to leave this all behind...
I think I need a sunrise, I'm tired of the sunset,
I hear it's nice in the Summer, some snow would be nice... oh yeah,

Boston... where no one knows my name... yeah
Where no one knows my name...
Where no one knows my name...
Yeah Boston...
Where no one knows my name.

Thank You... iTunes

ryan — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:28:29 +0000

So, my very first post was a list of the great music I discovered thanks to Starbucks. Now, for the greatest I've been introduced to via iTunes. I love to click through the section of albums that "people also purchased." Always find some interesting stuff.

Augustana - I love these guys. Hope that I can see them in September with Maroon 5 and Counting Crows

Bell X1 - Apparently this is the remains of a band that Damien Rice was once in.

Ben Taylor - Son of James Taylor (and you can tell)

The Frames - For my money, it just doesn't get any better than The Frames right now.

Heath Brandon - This guy is cool. Very chill, laid back music.

Mickey Harte - I can't find any of his original work, but there is an awesome cover of Running to Stand Still by U2 that he recorded. A must have

Priscilla Ahn - I don't even remember how I stumbled across her, but I'm glad I did.

Rob Blackledge - Like Priscilla, I just stumbled across him. Says he toured with Matt Wertz. Can't argue with that.

Even Better than the Real Thing - These are albums of covers from an Irish radio station featuring Bell X1, The Frames, Mickey Harte, Damien Rice, Glen Hansard and others.

The Wreckers - I knew of the Wreckers, but picked up a lot of their stuff from iTunes. I hear they've disbanded. Sad.

Augustana making the rounds

southiejustinjustinsouth — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:49:12 +0000

Augustana was on Live with Regis and Kelly Monday, and let's just say Reeg and Bimbo were acting especially brain-damaged.

After the performance they go in for the kill.

Reeg says "And this from the guy who failed his music class. Where was that?"

Dan says, "Just a tiny, little school in Illinois."

"You're originally from Illinois?"

"No, I'm from California. The band met in Illinois."

"Right. So you're from Illinois. How does it feel?"

"Well, failing didn't feel so good."

"Now this is one awesome magazine cover." *holds up album cover to the camera*

"It's a CD cover, Reeg." Bimbo corrects him, "We're a little stupid."

"But wouldn't you want to run into these five guys in the woods?"

"I know I would." Bimbo agrees in a creepy voice.

*John laughs at them for being dumb* "What are you scoffing at back there?" Reeg whines. Back there really means "all the way back there" as JV and South are shoved in a corner.

After the break, Reeg introduces their next song "I ain't still ain't over you"

"No, Reeg. It's I Still Ain't Over You."

Dan seemed a little miserable having to tolerate them the entire time. The look on his face screamed "I don't want to talk to you."

Well, you guys were great...

Mimi

Veckans skivtips: Augustana "Can't love, Can't hurt"

thejojos — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:53:24 +0000

En sen kväll för ett par veckor sedan presenterades ett band på Jay Leno; Augustana. Mycket skit har passerat den talkshowen genom åren, och det var med måttligt intresse jag uppfattade första ackorden på läggdagsvolym. Efter ett par takter tittade jag och min flickvän, som halvsov brevid mig, på varandra och kastade oss efter tv-dosan. Ett amerikanskt band som verkligen kunde lira, samt vars sångare inte pressade ner rösten långt bak i halsen á la mamma mu. Yes!

Låten hette "sweet and low" och fastnade genast i nynnarminnet. Lite väl svulstigt arrangerat, men de är ju jänkare, och dessutom aktiva i LA. Enough said.

Hittade dock ett youtubeclip, där sångaren Dan Layus gör en fin unplugged-version av låten tillsammans med sin gitarrist. I övrigt vill jag tillägga att jag föredrar de enklare arrangemangen på plattan framför de fläskiga. Det är antagligen min norrländska vemodsådra som bekänner färg.

Augustana "Sweet and low" vad sägs?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aMUJiOveDGg&feature=relate

/Joel

Läs även andra bloggares åsikter om skivtips, the jojos, augustana, musikblogg

Song Hunt

Mark — Sun, 25 May 2008 16:15:46 +0000

I never realized it's so hard to get my grubby hands on some LFO (Lyte Funky Ones) songs. Yeah, yeah. I know, they're not sharpest rapping tool in the shed. But I won't deny the fact that I enjoyed their debut album, particularly Summer Girls and Girl on TV. And it's quite frustrating that I can't find those songs online at the moment. Well, the free ones at least.

I've managed to nab Callalily's Destination album. Chil asked me to get her a copy of the song Magbalik. She seems to have taken a liking to it.

By the way, I've also managed to get Augustana's latest album Can't Love, Can't Hurt (or is it the other way around, I'm not sure...). I liked their song Hey Now and Sweet and Low. I'm still listening to the rest of the album so next time, I'll mention what other songs from that set I end up liking.

I also nabbed a four song set of Augustana doing live versions of Boston, Wasteland, Stars and Boulevards and some other song that I like listening to but can't seem to remember the title. I was nearly moved to tears with Boston. I just absolutely love that song! This live version is only played with guitars and piano. Loving it big time!

Jeeeeeeezus...

Two more songs I just got were David Cook's cover for Aerosmith's I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing and Carrie Underwood's Jesus Take The Wheel. I know Carrie's song is a bit old but I do love listening to it and while I was at the mall earlier today, it was playing over the PA system and it pretty much got stuck to my head and I was silently singing it. Parrot Syndrome - as I frequently tease Chil with.

Anyone here willing to toss me a copy of Girl on TV in mp3 format?

A Few Updates before I go...

legallyheidi — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:51:33 +0000

So we're leaving bright and early in the AM for Boston...which I am effing stoked about. In the meantime, I'll have a few guest bloggers since I'm hopefully going to be having too much fun to blog.

Tomorrow, Lexi from Tea and Crumpets will be the guest blogger, Saturday will be Jenn from Free and Flawed, Sunday will be Megan from Tea and Cake Time (who I broke my guest blogging cherry with!) and to round up round one of Heidi's travel adventures Guest Blogging series (yes there is a round two next weekend when we're in the 'cutt) is Lacey from Perks of Being a JAP. All of the gals above are AWESOME and you should all go tell them so (if you don't already think so)

Also! Tomorrow, I'll be guest blogging over at The Modern Gal's blog so go over there to check it out!

Saw Augustana at the 9:30 club tonight as a late birthday present from boyfriend. The show? Awesome. Though, I'm not fully sure that Augustana has figured out their stage presence. It was a good show but I've definitely seen better but I also think part of it was the tone of the album which is a lot more...mellow than their first album I think. I love the more acoustic/country-western tones of this album....they also played a Bob Dylan cover..by the end of the show they had definitely gotten more into the groove and were actually...interacting with the audience which is always a plus...especially playing music that borderline would make me want to go lock myself in the bathroom with a bottle of wine, an Elliot Smith album and a few razors. They'll get better. The last time I saw them was in 06 when they opened for Snow Patrol which? Was kick ass. All in all? Definitely a great show and once they get more of a stage presence and figure their shit out? Will be even better. (Though I still believe no band will be as great as Ben Folds in concert...that? Was awesome.)

And fyi - Maxie and Deutlich, I took boyfriend to Duffy's tonight and thought of you both! If you haven't heard their new album "Can't Love, Can't Hurt"? Go check it out - I'm a big fan of "still ain't over you", "Hey Now", and "Sweet and Low" and of course "Boston" from their old album which they played...gah.

I first heard that song a few weeks before boyfriend and I started dating...I was in...not sucha good place relationship wise. I was torn between my feelings for the ex, things were ending with a guy that played mind games with me for about a month (i may or may not have been the epitome of clinginess....but! I learned my lesson) and then? I heard this song...and the lyrics? Though they were about Boston, I interchanged Boston for DC in my mind and voila...my life in lyrics. I do that with a lot of songs but this one? Still reminds me of why I left that city, and at the time? Reminded me what I didn't want to go back to. And that? At that time in 2006...was just what I needed to hear. (then of course boyfriend and I began dating about three weeks later and the rest is history ;) heh)

"....You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
She said You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains... oh yeah, She said I think I'll go to Boston...I think I'll start a new life,
I think I'll start it over, where no one knows my name,
I'll get out of California, I'm tired of the weather,
I think I'll get a lover and fly em out to Spain...
I think I'll go to Boston, I think that I'm just tired
I think I need a new town, to leave this all behind...
I think I need a sunrise, I'm tired of the sunset,
I hear it's nice in the Summer, some snow would be nice... oh yeah,
Boston... where no one knows my name... yeah"

-Augustana "Boston"

And on that note? I need to get to bed to wake up at the ungodly hour of 5am to make an 8:30 flight. Guh. Not happy about that but when you get free tickets? What choice do you have??

David Ford Interview Pt. 3, CD Giveaway! Ford Performs at 9:30 Club on 5/22.

mightyme — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:06:45 +0000

This is the final installment of the Why Gentrify?! interview with musician David Ford, who will appear at the 9:30 Club tomorrow, 5/22, with Augustana and the Wild Sweet Orange. This is the last opportunity to post a comment on David Ford to be entered to win his album, "Songs for the Road," for free!

MM: How many times have you been to DC and how did you enjoy playing at the 9:30 Club?

DF: [April's show at the 9:30 Club] was only my second show in DC. I played at the Rock and Roll Hotel. [In 2006], I did a brief tour of the Capitol area. I have a keen interest in politics and would like to see more of DC.

[The 9:30 Club] is a very nice, very good sounding club. When things sound good, you get more confidence. I like it to be cranked and a bit loud.

MightyMe: Tell me more about the single "Go to Hell." What's behind that song?

David Ford: "Go to Hell" is an old song, actually. I wanted to use it as a bridge between my first and second albums. Thematically, it is more with the first album. It's a slip take on wanting a second chance, kind of a lack of forgiveness song. I'm kind of a forgiveness guy, but I think some things can't be forgiven.

MM: Does this song come from experience?

DF: No, I would never be unfair or impolite [to women]. This is my version of a girl power anthem. You know, against some philandering bastard.

MM: Do you ever draw from your personal life and experiences in your songs?

DF: I don't write songs about myself. I like to write from experience but not necessarily my own experience or what I'm going through in the here and now. My life outside of music doesn't get mixed with my life inside of music.

MM: Is there anything else you'd like to tell potential fans and existing fans about your music?

DF: I just encourage them to listen to my music and decide for themselves.

WhyGentrify?! would like to thank David Ford, Amy Funke, and Original Signal Recordings (Independiente) for facilitating the interview.

David Ford Interview Pt. 2, Free CD Giveaway! Performing at 9:30 Club on May 22.

mightyme — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:05:51 +0000

Why Gentrify?! continues with the David Ford interview. Remember, Ford will be appearing at the 9:30 Club on Thursday, May 22 with Augustana and Wild Sweet Orange. Remember to post a comment on any David Ford post to qualify to win his album "Songs for the Road."

MightyMe: How have you grown since your band Easyworld broke up and what's it like being a solo artist, compared to being a member of a band?

David Ford: I learned a lot about mistakes I've made. The [music business] can take the purity out of what you're doing and bastardize it. I didn't necessarily see eye to eye with the group at times. When you find yourself compromising, it's detrimental to the creative process.

MM: I've seen you playing a guitar, piano, drums, bass, accordion, and banjo...when did you learn to play all of these instruments? Are you more of a jack-of-all-trades?

DF: I dabble a lot. I'm more of an enthusiast than an expert. Playing instruments is a hobby.

MM: What is the idea behind these live one-take videos with you playing multiple instruments?

DF: It's something I do in my live shows. It kind of makes the show more interesting. It's difficult to be more entertaining when your playing for an hour on your own. I like to put on a show. It keeps a level of excitement.

We'll wrap things up tomorrow. It will be the last day to qualify for the CD giveaway. The winner will be announced on Thursday.

David Ford Interview Pt. 1, Free CD Giveaway! Performing at 9:30 on May 22 with Augustana.

mightyme — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:59:09 +0000

I was able to do a brief telephone interview with British artist David Ford while he was traveling through Idaho on his way to Salt Lake City. Ford will be performing on Thursday, May 22, at the 9:30 Club with Augustana at 7:30 pm. Please post a comment on any David Ford post appearing on Why Gentrify?! by Wednesday so that you may be entered to win a free copy of Ford's "Songs for the Road" album. The winner will be announced on Thursday.

Interview (Pt. 1: A Song Person, No Holds Barred)

MightyMe: Who is David Ford the artist, for those who aren't familiar with you?

David Ford: Just some fellow who makes songs really. The song part is the most important. I resent the phrase "singer-songwriter" because it presents an image of someone sitting in a chair with a guitar moaning about life's failures. I'm a "song person," no hold barred.

MM: Many of your songs, such as "State of the Union" have really deep, powerful, perhaps political, lyrics...what's behind these lyrics? Why not just write sugary sweet lyrics?

DF: What the hell is the point in that? I'd get so bored. I want to write songs that are important to me as a human being, a citizen of the world. I watch TV news channels and find myself tearing my hair out.

["State of the Union"] is a fairly non-specific song. The music business itself can be considered barren wasteland. The song is more about the desperate will of the powerful to maintain their power, a critique of the fundamentals.

----

Please enjoy Ford's live video for "State of the Union" below and come back tomorrow for another interview installment. Remember to enter for the free CD by posting a comment on anything about David Ford (opinions, critiques, praise, crush...whatever)!

Why Gentrify?! CD Giveaway! David Ford’s “Songs For the Road”

mightyme — Fri, 16 May 2008 05:46:28 +0000

Dear appreciated readers, Why Gentrify?! will give one lucky random reader David Ford's "Songs for the Road" album. Between now and next Wednesday (5/21), all readers who post a comment about David Ford on Why Gentrify?! will be entered into the pool; one person will be selected randomly and announced on 5/22. I will be talking more about David Ford, as he is extremely talented and will be performing at the U Street Corridor's very own 9:30 Club next Thursday, May 22 with Augustana. Ford was recently at the 9:30 Club with Sara Bareilles in April. This guy is deep and very gifted. I had the opportunity to interview Ford, so look forward to what he had to say about his music next week. Check out his video for "Go to Hell" which was filmed live and in which he plays all the instruments (no easy feat, and I hear he does it even better live):

Album -- Can't Love, Can't Hurt by Augustana

Patrick — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:10:21 +0000

Augustana's success has been a bit of a late bloomer, as their 2005 album, "All the Stars and Boulevards," didn't garner real national attention until 2007 (hitting the Billboard Top 40 nineteen months after its initial release, propelled by the success of their single, "Boston"). Now with a brighter spotlight on the group (and new guitarist), Augustana fills their new album with a lot of heartfelt, adult alternative songs. Lead singer Dan Layus' fragile voice is what immediately stands out and takes center stage, effectively mixing the pain of an older heart with teenage angst. However, with all of the ballads, the album kind of positions the band as the cool version of Five for Fighting. Check for yourself.

Quarters for the songs: Dust; Fire; Hey Now; Meet You There; Sweet and Low.

Worth listening if you like: Ben Kweller; Coldplay; Turin Brakes; Five for Fighting; Aqualung; Dashboard Confessional; Emerson Hart; Guster; Howie Day; Keane; The Fray; Switchfoot; Liz Phair; Cary Brothers; A Fine Frenzy; OneRepublic.

Augustana

mcquinn — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:56:49 +0000

See my review of Augustana's show at the Avalon in SLC here.

Music: Basilica Block Party Summer 08

annieinmn — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:39:34 +0000

But you don't have to wait any longer! The bands for this summer's Basilica Block Party were announced this week. Check it out below...

July 11th

One Republic, Need to Breathe, Augustana and Dave Barnes

July 12th

Gavin Rossdale, Gin Blossoms, Missy Higgins and Landon Pigg

Tickets go on sale this Saturday. $30 one night, $50 for both nights. VIP tickets start at $125.

Just FYI: The Ticketmaster presale code is: BLOCK

Also, remember to buy your tickets before June 30th to get the cheaper prices!

Anyone else going???

Augustana CD ~ Can't Love, Can't Hurt

dish — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:53:05 +0000

Happy to be back in the states for a couple weeks and tonight I'm feeling so grateful for the abundance and availability (well, compared to where I'm currently living in Sweden) of decent live music here.

Last night we headed out to set our eyes and ears on the San Diego based, Augustana. I'm sure you've heard their song, Boston which sold a million digital copies and was featured on the TV show One Tree Hill or the catchy tune, Stars and Boulevards - both songs from their first album, All the Stars and Boulevards. I adore their sporty heartfelt style - kind of a mix between Keane, Train, and The Fray. Dan Layus' voice is amazing and his soulful breathy vocals sound even more fabulous in person. And being extremely easy on the eyes certainly doesn't hurt either.

The girls and I had a blast hanging out together but unfortunately didn't snap any pix worthy of posting. Here are two versions of Augustana's new single, Sweet and Low, to whet your appetite. Trust me, you'll be humming this one in no time.

Augustana's second CD, Can't Love, Can't Hurt just hit the stores on April 29th. For $9.90, it's seriously worth the dough.