I have never been able to understand how Mary Beth Maziarz did not become the biggest thing in the world. I was so sure, for so long, that at some point in my life I would be able to claim I heard her first when her songs stumbled onto the radio, or I'd be able to venture out to a show at The Triple Door in Seattle to standing room only. It was one my certainties. But 13 years after first gracing upon her, she is still my little secret.
I love songs like this. It's like we're in on some secret. Powerful in the quiet. This doesn't so much feel like a song, but a journey. This song has haunted me since I first listened to it. And all I have wanted to do is share it. I hope you enjoy.
Sorry I have not been as active as I would like to be on here lately, I would like to give you an excuse about my new schedule at work, or the stormy weather or whatnot, but honestly, I got sucked into a book. Not the most exciting thing ever, I realize, but I'm not a liar.
Anyways, I was not planning on posting anything today, but while doing my weekly internet rounds, I stumbled across some great live and acoustic song in a book store. How awesome is that?! Combining my two favorite things, music and books! Match made in heaven. Thanks Sleepover Shows!
Ivan & Aloysha have been bounced around on this blog for some time now. And for good reason, Tim Wilson may have my favorite voice in the Northwest. And the way the harmonies intermingle with his lead is brilliant. I cannot wait until this band's upcoming full length release finds its way into my collection.
My head is still spinning. I have never been so hung up on a show in my life. And I have been to my fair share of shows. But, now, 9 days later, I am still all about the Noah and Abby Gundersen Show. And now, more importantly, I can get you hung up on it as well. The awesome gents over at This City Rocks are giving you an inside look at this once in a life time show, with some stunning videos.
This show is nearly impossible to overstate, but I tried too in my original post. Here are some of the snippets of what I sputtered.
100 music lovers, truly loving music. Musicians truly giving everything. This was not one of those shows at a clinky bar where the music was just the noise trying penetrated the hum of drunken conversations. This was a show for honest to goodness audiophiles. I have never heard a crowd so quiet, so attentive, so in love with the sounds that were radiating off the stage. I am not sure I have ever experienced anything like it.
I want to preface this by saying that I am a huge fan of Noah Gundersen. However, he was not the star of the show last night. Abby Gundersen stole my heart. Not in the creepy, "I'm a 30 year old fat guy, crushing on the belting beauty" kind of way. Just musically, she simply stole my heart. It took seeing them live to realize, that although Noah is the front man, and deservedly so, Abby is the soul of the group. He writes amazing songs, and can easily bring them to life all on his own, but she makes those same songs stagger, and buckle at the knees.
He can make a crowd rise up, she can make them soar.
They are the perfect pair.
The passion they both played with was unparralled and vibrated throughout the entire building. It was truly an experience that I will not soon forget.
And, now, with the help of This City Rocks, I am so happy to let you in on the secret that was The Big House show.
"Fire"
"Poor Man's Son"
"Ledges" (if this new song is any indication of what is to come, Noah will rule the world)
I know, I know, I know. I have been all about First Aid Kit on this blog lately. But when you have released the best record of 2012 so far, you are bound to get recognized. Granted, its very early in 2012, but that means shit. Both The Civil Wars and Jessica Lea Mayfield released records in February last year, and they both landed themselves on my best albums of the year 2011 list. I have just as high of expectations for The Lion's Roar. It is a choice record, so get used to seeing it on here.
Pent up. Cooped up. Fed up. I have been locked in my home for nearly a week now. On an island apartment surrounded by a frozen ocean. And for some reason, the only thing that makes this isolation bearable is my tunes. Especially Mr. Nico Stai.
So, this lovely song is not at all about actual snow falling. But it's just so beautiful, and simply seemed to fit the mood of the day. Like the world is holding their breath.
