I first met Katie Chu this past summer while she and I were both interning at The Richards Group in Dallas. I’ll be honest, at first I kinda got this vibe from her that we weren’t going to be the best of friends (perhaps because she was PR and I was Advertising)… but I couldn’t have misjudged anyone more! Katie Chu is without a doubt one of the sweetest girls ever. When I first found out that she sang, I figured, “Uh huh, just another one of those girls who can ’sing’.” but again… I couldn’t have been more wrong. The first time I went to her Myspace and sampled her music, I believe my jaw dropped. She couldn’t just sing, but she was really good! So of course, I HAD to have her on the blog. It took some time for me to actually get it done, and then when I finally did I wasn’t going to post it until I got some pictures from Katie, but sweet girl she’s just super busy, so I raided pictures I had access to and we’ll just have to call it good . On to the interview!

How did you get into music?
“Well, I did musical theater growing up, started writing when I was 14. ’Not Blond Yet‘ was one of my first songs to ever perform.” Chu said the song was inspired a lot by the “plastics” of her high school and dealth with making a statement of having her own identity among a sea of blondes. Not long after that, her mother set her up with a producer in Dallas and she just went from there. She wrote her music by ear and then would sing it to her producer, ”I would sing and he would write the instrumentals. It worked out really well that way.”

Katie with Chace Crawford

Katie finds herself a young woman living two lives seperated by about 1,500 miles, splitting her time between Dallas and Los Angeles. Chu has been living the majority of her time for about four years now. She attends USC and says that she loves it so much in L.A., likening it to “a giant playground.” Chu has taken a bit of a break recently from music, juggling school and traveling between her two homes, but said, “I just started writing again, I did some performances at Key Club and Republics in Hollywood.”

Are you a one woman act, or do you have a band?
“I have a guitar accompaniment usually. I should say I’m working on some new stuff with two guitar guys right now. I’m working with this one guy who goes to USC with me, Burke Mohan, he has some original tunes of his own. A couple weeks ago a production company put a few of my songs into their library.” That library may result in placement for Chu’s music in independent films and reality TV shows and such. “It’s a good way to go if you aren’t with a label.” Chu said.

Where do you tend to play?
“Well, like I mentioned, I’ve played The Key Club which is solely music, more of a lounge. But there is also there’s also The Roxy which is another great venue. And then of course Republics also.”

How would you describe your music?
“I always tell people that it’s pop rock. A mix with piano ballads. Think a cross between Fiona Apple and Ashley Simpson.”

Who are your major inspirations?
“I listen to all genre’s. I love country, rock, I’m a huge fan of Greg Laswell. I’m a lyric nut! It’s the first thing I notice and I think his lyrics are brilliant. When you hear his songs, it takes you to his own story and his place. I think with a lot of lyrics it takes you to your own story.”

You are quite a trendy girl, how would you define your style, and similarly, what are your inspirations for fashion?
“Well I actually really love reading your fashion blog! To describe my look I would say it’s classy mixed with a little edge, but I really like to dress sexy, especially when I go out. I like to show a little skin, but not too risky. Here in LA it’s normally just skanky so I like to bring a little class. I’m also all about the shoes, my mom calls me Katie Shoe. I’m also really in love right now with Ashley Simpson, even though she’s way more punk… I don’t know, I really range some days so I always keep it interesting! I also really love Phillip Lim and I actually like how Jessica Simpson used to dress. After all, they’re from Texas. Kim Kardashian is also another favorite who I think has really great style.”

As far as the future goes; to hear Katie Chu’s music, check out her Myspace page myspace.com/katiechumusicbe on the lookout for new songs and her new website! “I’m also falling back in love with musical theater. I’m thinking about moving to NYC next year and maybe just starting by being a waitress or whatever and just trying out for musicals, but definitely something with music.” This girl is definitely going places, and I feel lucky to call her a friend, so keep a look-out!
-Andrew J

Click Here To Listen

Here are some more of my favorite tracks this year. Part II is intentionally mellow.  I’m depressed or anything.  Tomorrow will be more upbeat.

1. “Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear (Veckatimest)
2. “Daniel” by Bat For Lashes (Two Suns)
3. “Stillness Is The Move” by Dirty Projectors (Bitte Orca)
4. “Chasing Pirates” by Norah Jones (The Fall)
5. “Carol Brown” by Flight Of The Conchords (I Told You I Was Freaky)
6. “Heartbreak Warfare” by John Mayer (Battle Studies)
7. “Human of the Year” by Regina Spektor (Far)
8. “New Ways Of Living” by Lavender Diamond (Score! 20 Years Of Merge Records: The Covers!)
9. “Off I Go” by Greg Laswell
10. “Oliver” by Gemma Hayes (Oliver)
11. “The Party” by St. Vincent (Actor)
12. “The Chain” by Ingrid Michaelson (Everybody)
13. “Hideaway” by Karen O and the Kids (Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack)
14. “The Hazards of Love 4″ by The Decemberists (The Hazards of Love)

Christmas slows everything down. The best mulled wine is always so hot that you have no option other than to pause and literally sip at Christmas. Some of the finest, heartaching Christmas songs are so slow you could steer an overladen sleigh between them and still have some room for that portly chap in the red and white. Maybe it’s the reminiscing of the end of the year or the giddy high, but some of those fine yuletide songs are as solemn as they are slow. And none more so than Little Drummer Boy.

Composed by Katherine K. Davis in 1941, its slow, purposeful march provides an uneasy tension and melancholy, a story of a simple drummer boy who can ill afford the” finest gifts” others bring for the “new born king” and instead plays his simple drum, while “the ox and lamb” keep time. It’s a story that reminds us that Christmas doesn’t have to be maximised, full of nuclear reactor decorations and expensive gifts. The spirit of Christmas is the simplest of things.

Of all the Christmas standards it’s Davis’ evocative ode to minimalism that many artists are drawn to reinterpret. Whether that is through the sensuous, sombreness of Low, Misty Blue’s downtempo Korean pop, Marlene Dietrich’s sultry cabaret or Bing Crosby and David Bowie’s connection of the generations. Yet hardly has it been approached with such intense density as with Lindstrøm’s version, which comes as a bonus disc on the limited edition of Real Life Is No Cool, from Lindstrøm & Christabelle.

Lindstrøm takes that purposeful march and evolves it into a burning, ticking crescendo; 42 minutes 42 seconds of circular motion and cosmic, hypnotic melody. It’s a full 25 minutes before any voices appear – those familiar ‘pa rum pum pum pum’s’ – and when they do they’re slipped into the tune under the ethereal hum of an organ. Lindstrøm’s take on Little Drummer Boy echoes the nature of the Christmas season itself. Slow-burning for maximum enjoyment, while deliciously building to a climax of explosive, thundering drums in the final few minutes.

You can get Lindstrøm and Christabelle’s Real Life Is No Cool from Rough Trade or hear a sample of Little Drummer Boy here. But for Christmas you can have these sublime versions of Little Drummer Boy. All are great, but if you only choose a few start with Misty Blue. Low, Tori Amos, Misty Blue, Jimi Hendrix, Sufjan Stevens and Bing & Dave also crucially let the song swim through them.

There’s a Johnny Cash version out there as well which I’d love to have if you’ve got it.

Little Drummer Boy – Low

Little Drummer Boy – Deerhoof

Little Drummer Boy – Tori Amos

Little Drummer Boy – Misty Blue

Little Drummer Boy – Bright Eyes

Little Drummer Boy – Jim Hendrix

Little Drummer Boy – Greg Laswell

Little Drummer Boy – Sufjan Stevens

Little Drummer Boy – Dandy Warhols

Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie

Little Drummer Boy – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Little Drummer Boy – Josepth Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts

Little Drummer Boy battles a robot (without Yoshima) (Music by Low)

Tori Amos – Little Drummer Boy

Misty Blue – 여름 궁전 (Not Christmas, but still incredible)

this man’s voice is…….enchanting. i never get tired of listening to his music. which is an accomplishment, because i get bored with music really fast. his music makes me want to travel. every song brings with it the urge to get on a plane and go somewhere i have never been and experience life. it’s inspiring.

what inspires you?

Phish

That’s from the Jeffery Lewis song “I Saw a Hippy Girl on 8th Avenue”. But just because most hippies have successfully made the transition into the 21st century isn’t a reason to shun Phish. As you might guess, there are plenty of great reasons to catch them while they’re in the area. Starting tonight through Friday they’ll be at Madison Square Garden, so you can just hop on down to midtown for what’s going to be a great show. They just put out a new album – “Joy” this year, which was a first for them in five years. And in part of the buzz-making process they played a full-length acoustic set a month ago at Festival 8. So anything will be possible at these upcoming shows.

Tim Reynolds

Also, tomorrow night you can catch another fantastic show – Tim Reynolds at the Blender Theater at Gramercy. Tim, as you know, is good friends with Dave Matthews since they met at a bar in 1987 and most recently played Electric guitar on Dave’s “Big Whiskey and the Gru Grux King” which came out earlier this year. Tim will be performing with appearing with the other two members of the Tim Reynolds Three (TR3). It’s going to be awesome, and what’s more – we’re giving away tickets to the show! Sign up in the lab soon!

Jumping ahead two days we come to a band that I’m very excited about and frustrated at the same time. Excited, because they put on an incredible live show, and frustrated, since I’m not going to be able to go. I’m talking about The Cat Empire, who are coming to the Nokia Theater on the 5th. If you haven’t heard of The Cat Empire, they’re a Aussie rock band out of Melbourne, that’s got a great world sound to their music. The last time they were in NYC was three years ago, where they opened for the Brazilian Girls at a free Summerstage show in Central Park.

Felix Reibl, right, and Harry Angstrom, left of The Cat Empire

But they’re back now, one album later, with the devilishly handsome Felix Reibl leading the vocals. Following close behind is Harry Angstrom, who’s voice can be heard on about half of the band’s new tracks. Harry backs up his powerful tenor voice with a blazing trumpet that cuts through the rest of the music. And he scats to boot. Of all the shows in NYC this month, this is the one I wish I could go to the most. So please, if you can, check it out for me and let me know how it was.

Good friend of the station Derek Trucks will be playing with his band down at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at NYU on the tenth, with a follow up performance the next day at the Paramount Theater in Peekskill. Audiences at both shows will be treated to a performance by Shannon McNally as well, the singer/songwriter from Long Island.

Matthew Paul Miller a.k.a. Matisyahu

Now in the realm of Zion-reggae, December means Hanukkah time, and when Hanukkah rolls around, things come in eights. White Plains’ own Matisyahu knows this and that’s why he’s got eight shows this month – a climactic end to his appropriately named Festival of Lights tour, which has been ongoing since the release of his latest album “Light” in August. The 10th, 12th, 13th, and 14th you can catch the bearded bard at Webster Hall, and the 16th, 17th, 19th and 20th he’ll be at The Music Hall of Williamsburg. Each show will be with a different local artist ranging from indie singer Kevin Devine to dub rock group Dub Trio – both from Brooklyn. Check online to try and win free tickets from The Peak!

December gets rounded out with two great female performers – Ingrid Michaelson and Dar Williams. Michaelson will be performing a sold-out show at City Winery on the 21st, a Monday, as she settles down in New York for the holidays. She’s just come off of a host of shows abroad with fellow musician Greg Laswell in Europe. Hopefully you snagged tickets for that show.

Dar Williams

And Dar Williams will be playing at Southpaw Entertainment and Music in Brooklyn on the 27th. Support this Mt. Kisco singer by seeing her live in her home state. Plus Vanguard Records is offering a free holiday sampler of some of their singer/songwriters. She is giving away one of her songs, It’s Alright, which was the first cut off her 2008 album “Promised Land”. Incidentally, Greg Laswell is on the album as well, with his cover of Kristen Hersh’s “Your Ghost”.

So big things, as always, happening in New York’s backyard. Check them out – and if you feel like there’s a great concert or event going on that I should be talking about, feel free to leave me a comment.

So happy holidays – and make sure to see some great concerts so you’ll have plenty of conversation material to fall back on at that awkward holiday work party.

————————-

PEAK KEYWORD: SMORGASBORD

A song for China Man…

“Sweet Dream” by Greg Laswell

If I could write out my own dream

For the next time that I sleep

You’d be the first one that I see

And I the last one that you keep

And the dream would go on and on

While we sway against all things thrown our way

And the morning would be so cruel

When it came with sunshine and warmth to blame

For announcing the end of my sweet dream

For announcing the end of my sweet dream.

The link… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0u_1MAygU0

Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 song “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” has inspired a lot of covers. After The Show has compiled 8 different versions of the song, starting with the original:

Cyndi Lauper:

Miley Cyrus:

The Killers:

Ben Gibbard:

Greg Laswell:

The Ordinary Boys:

Robots in Disguise:

Emily Deschanel on Fox’s Bones:

It only seems right that I start this blog with the man who was the inspiration behind the name. Greg Laswell’s “How The Day Sounds” from the album Three Flights from Alto Nido. Awesome song, great album. Perfect for cleaning your casa, singing in your bedroom mirror or starting a blog about music…

Myspace

Twitter

I like him. Some friends and I went to his concert in September, when he stole my pen.

He’s amazing live. And totally lusty. How he’s rocking my world right now:

“What A Day”

“How The Day Sounds”

If I hadn’t already committed to preying upon considerably younger men for the next one-and-a-half to two years, and if Mr. Laswell were not dating someone seriously enough to relocate from California to New York City, I would stalk him.

He’s safe for now.

I’m a little behind on this one but it’s still new and a dandy none the less. Greg Laswell released his short and sweet Covers EP on October 6th. Laswell is a southern Cal native with a small town, woodsy cabin kind of sound that reminds me of a mix between Amos Lee and Mat Kearney. Laswell has quickly risen towards the top of the singer/songwriter genre since the release of Three Flights from Alto Nido in August of 2008. Covers has a rainy day sound with an optimistic up-beat tempo. It’s a solid 5 track lineup top to bottom with Your Ghost (below) leading the pack.

I’m so sorry for sloppily avoiding you for the last few days (especially since Steve is out of town this week and without internet).  No excuse could pardon the infraction (not even the fact that I’ve been working hard all week and getting up at 4am (actually, 3am tomorrow).  I just hope that breaking you off with a nice, eclectic trio of tunes will help ease the pain.  One more day until the end of the work week is cause for celebration, and I’ve got an action-packed weekend filled with family activities.  Tomorrow I’m going to cheer on my youngest sister in a big high school varsity volleyball rivalry match-up.  If you’re in the bay area, roll out to CPS at 5pm tomorrow and help me watch the Jayhawks pound the Cougars.  Then on Sunday I will be rolling to my other sister’s newish house for a family dinner with the Holland/Phillips clan.  I haven’t seen Meryl and Chris’ place yet so I’m very excited!  But now, on to the music!  first up, a little song Ronin and I were curious about after hearing it in the newest commercial for the new season of “Friday Night Lights.”  I haven’t watched it in a few seasons, but I used to really like the show, so I may try to see how things have developed.  jam one: Greg Laswell – Come Undone.  Enjoy….

I’ve been saving this next one near the top of my queue for some time now.  Our boy Wes loves these dudes.  Classic early nineties R&B, jam two: Ready For The World – Love You Down.  A rare repeat appearance for a group on this series.  Enjoy….

This next song is a version of a Bob Marley jam that a debate buddy of mine recommended as superior to Bob’s version.  You be the judge.  Jam three – Jacob Miller – Burning and Looting.  Enjoy….

L’appuntamento con la playlist del lunedì

• Joss Stone – Stalemate (feat. Jamie Hartman)
• Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension
• Westlife - What About Now
• Michael Bublé – Cry Me A River
• Rihanna - Russian Roulette
• Greg Laswell - Your Ghost
• OneRepublic – Secrets
• Chris Brown – Crawl
• Whitney Houston – Million Dollar Bill
• Backstreet Boys – Bigger

L’appuntamento con la playlist del lunedì

• Joss Stone – Stalemate (feat. Jamie Hartman)
• Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension
• Westlife - What About Now
• Michael Bublé – Cry Me A River
• Rihanna - Russian Roulette
• Greg Laswell - Your Ghost
• OneRepublic – Secrets
• Chris Brown – Crawl
• Whitney Houston – Million Dollar Bill
• Backstreet Boys – Bigger

We wake in the morning hoping for some semblance of meaning in our lives.  The day begins as any other and much like days before.  Since this day is so like others, we assume that there can be no other frame of reference and that the monotony of our life will continue each day as we seek out some form of recognition in this world.  We seek in this life someone to comfort us and tell us its all going to be okay.

We come back to familiar places and things in hopes of finding that happy place once again.  The ones we knew as children when fairy tales were as true as the person that told them to you.  The images blur as we grow older and the lines are not as distinguished as we once knew.  We hold on to the memory of a lost love in hopes that that memory will comfort us until that next one comes along.  We lose the things that matter and keep the things that destruct our mental fiber.

Wake up zealous again with a new song in your heart.  Wipe the sleep from your eyes and embrace the most gentle of delicate days that lays before you.  What is your passion and what new gifts will the universe bring to you on this day?  Will you tuck that gift under your pillow or disregard it as you have done in the past so many times before?  With your body and mind, its good to see this new day once more, for i know not where or what this gift I have been given will give to me.  I see the trees differently on this day and hear the birds sing a new song and the sun is shining just a bit brighter on this day.

Your life is what you make it.  Your demons are the ones you have chosen to hold on to and keep you from those childhood memories.  Keep your faith  in whatever it is you believe in.  Love the beauty of who you are and keep giving a damn about the things that matter.  Make sure that the life you leave behind, leaves a mark on those who come behind you.  Inspire all those around you and most of all be happy because you are beautiful.

For this week’s Musical Monday, I’ve chosen a song I first heard on Grey’s Anatomy . . . it’s a beautiful song called Your Ghost that was originally written by Kristin Hersh, but this cover is by Greg Laswell.  I kinda like his version better.

Given my last post regarding the Tantallon Castle ghost, this song is a fitting follow-up!

Enjoy and if you want to link up with your Musical Monday choice, head on over to Diane’s and join in!

If I walk down this hallway, tonight,
It’s too quiet,
So I Pad through the dark
and call you on the phone
Push your old numbers
and let your house ring
til I wake you ghost.
Let him walk down your hallway
it’s not this quiet
slide down your receiver
sprint across the wire
follow my number
slide into my hand.

It’s the blaze across your nightgown
it’s the phone’s ring.

I think last night
you were driving circles around me.

I can’t drink this coffee
til I put you in my closet
let him shoot me down
let him call me off
I take it from his whisper
you’re not that tough.

Så nettopp nyeste episode av Grey’s Anatomy, der var denne sangen med. Aldri hørt den før, men likte den med en gang. Det er visst Kristin Hersh som har originalen, men jeg synes denne versjonen var bedre. Herlig stemme på han Laswell.

Greg Holden @ Martini Ranch

We loved Greg’s set. Like his digital recordings, we found his vocals to be clear and strong. He can really belt out his self written lyrics and strums the guitar just as boldly as he sings. It was evident from the start that Greg had a knack for pleasing the girls and, at one point, in the set, one of the girls yelled out from the small but sold out show, ” I want to kiss you”, to which Greg quickly responded, “how old are you”? After all it was an all age venue with a divider between the two, we were on the side that served the “adult beverages”. Of Greg’s setlist, we loved the his song/performance of “The Art of Falling”, “The Chase”, “Thinking of You” (great sing along with this one), and “Serendipity”, although truthfully, we are hard pressed not to like them all.

Greg Holden charming the fans

Greg Holden’s entire set was full of audience interaction which included a few sing-alongs. Greg was very entertaining and it was, as when we first heard him, an eye opening act for many who asked who he was after his set finished. The crowd was obviously pleasingly surprised by Ingrid’s new discovery.

However strong Greg’s set appeared, it was not without some blemish. He mentioned he was out the night before after his gig in Tucson taking advantage of the $1 vodkas and it was apparent he was a bit hung over from the previous night. He also could add some polish to his stage presence, he did not move from the microphone. As well, he would do best to shed the flannel shirt. Scanning Greg’s tweets during the week, he tweeted, “Urban Outfitters just got rid of my need for a new shirt ” Saturday. (day after the show) Apparently he got the message. Thanks Urban Outfitters! To Greg’s credit he spent the entire evening after his set at the Merch table greeting and meeting everyone and making himself 100 percent accessible to his fans.

Recommended.

Ingrid engaging the fans from the start

Ingrid Michaelson appeared with a full band unlike most of the performances we have seen of her on late night television and many of her music videos. She was joined by two guitarists, a drummer, and bass player. Ingrid switched throughout her set standing with electric ukulele and sitting behind the keyboards. Ingrid was very engaged with her audience- her personality just overflowed with friendly, witty, and high interaction with her fans in both her intersong dialogue as well as her intrasong comments. For example, the highly tuned in audience, gave out a few “Ooohs and Ahs” when the band began what seemed like the instrumentals to the song, “The Way I Am”, for a good 30 seconds, when suddenly Ingrid slyly brought up the beat by singing a rap song only to switch smoothly back to her popular song again.

Ingrid’s interaction with the band was also very engaging and exciting to watch. Earlier while playing alongside Greg Holden for a song, the band seemed somewhat perfunctory. Now, with Ingrid’s interaction, they came alive. At one point, Ingrid invited Greg Laswell unto the stage for a special “untitled song” duet which Greg wrote for her just recently. Apparently they have been singing this along the current tour (see video below from the NYC below) However, after reviewing the videos from her previous performances with Greg, the one we witnessed was much more intimate.

Ingrid and Greg Laswell duet of new song

Ingrid Michaelson & Greg Laswell performing a duet of a beautiful new untitled song that they co-wrote together a few months back. They looked & performed so well onstage together that you’d think they were a couple???

One of our favorite songs, was Ingrid alone on stage with her ukulele playing a cover of “Creep”. Just incredible, this song really highlights her range in vocals and her amazing ukulele skills.

Due to the nature of the venue, there was no “Green Room” for the band to retreat to after the set so Ingrid, in her own quirky way, announced that they would hide somewhere on stage and if we cheered enough, they would come out from their hiding spots to play an encore. In her words, “If we didn’t cheer for it, it would be pretty damn awkward”. Of course, there was, as expected, quite the cheering, stomping, and wooting for them to return. It was funny watching them try to hide, the drummer simply holding up one of his drumsticks and pretending to hide behind it!

One of the best band interactions ever!

Ingrid, Greg, and Bandmates @ Martini Ranch

The encore was just off the map. Ingrid and the band kicked it up several notches. Ingrid was all over the stage with her tambourine singing and spinning around with the band. You didn’t know where to look but anywhere you did it was all going on. This is one of the rare moments when the setlist and script becomes secondary to the “experience” where music transcends you into its own time and space. Where the “live” experience has no substitutes.

Highly Recommended.

All photos courtesy of Vix at YATM

Ingrid Michaelson’s Myspace

Greg Holden’s Myspace

[ring]
Missing Persons (MP): Hello, Missing Persons.
May: Yes, I’d like to file a report.
MP: Okay, how long has the subject been missing?
May: Um, since Tuesday night, so almost three days.
MP: Where was the last time you saw the subject?
May: Joe’s Pub.
MP: Joe’s Pub?
May: Yes, south of Astor Place, on Lafayette Avenue.
MP: Joe’s Pub.
May: Yes, it was sometime around 9 o’clock at night.
MP: Has the subject tried contacting you?
May: Contacting me?
MP: Phone calls? Emails?
May: What? No.
MP: What does the subject look like?
May: Look like? Uh, slender, clear, about 7 inches long …
MP: Excuse me?
May: It has a fine point, and it writes blue -
MP: Blue? Wait …
May: Yes, blue ink. The brand is Pilot, it has a rubber grip -
MP: This is a missing persons report hotline. What the *&!$ are you talking about?
May: Oh, I’m so sorry, I should have told you at the beginning. I want to report a missing pen.
MP: …
May: So, like I was saying, it also has a plastic cap with one of those tension clips for when you want to clip it on paper or maybe in a shirt pocket -
MP: A missing pen?
May: Well, it’s not necessarily missing, because I know who took it. Hey, are you the same department as kidnapping? Can you transfer me?
MP: You know who took your pen.
May: Yes, Greg Laswell.
MP: Greg Laswell.
May: Yes, do you guys always repeat stuff like that?
MP: So let me get this straight. You’re filing a missing – no, wait – a kidnapping report for a pen?
May: It’s an important pen. My favorite one, actually. I mean, it wasn’t expensive or anything, but I use it for jotting notes. And writing. And crossword puzzles! I loved doing crossword puzzles with that blue pen. Man, I miss it so much!
MP: I can’t believe I’m still on the phone right now …
May: I figured you could help me most out of anyone, because Greg Laswell, his voice, his look are so distinctive. His songs are so wonderful. (Ahem.) And my pen looks so common. I know you guys could track him down.
MP: Are you a big fan of this Greg Laswell?
May: I really love his music. And I did get to speak with him briefly. That was a lot of fun. He shook my hand. And he asked the names of me and my friend.
MP: Describe the circumstances of your meeting.
May: After his concert at Joe’s Pub, he was chatting with fans backstage. I saw his setlist on the stage and my friends gave me the task of having him autograph it. So I took it, and we headed backstage. We waited around and finally made our way to talk with Greg. I told him he gave a great show, then I said I swiped his setlist and asked if he could autograph it. He did, while jokingly calling me a stealer. My friend then chatted him up a bit … then he asked what our names were and we left.
MP: He asked for your names. Seems like a nice guy.
May: He was a really nice guy. You should see him next time he’s in town.
MP: He called, you know. Described a short Asian and a redhead who looked a bit too starstricken.
May: Huh?
MP: He wants his setlist back.
May: No, I don’t believe you …
MP: I needed to keep you on the phone long enough to trace the call. You’re right about the dreamy voice. Did he have a cold? It sounded like he was getting over a cold.
May: Why would he want a setlist with his own autograph on it?
MP: All I know is that he called demanding his setlist. He wants to arrange a trade.
May: A trade?
MP: Your pen, his setlist.
May: Are police coming?
MP: They should arrive shortly.
May: *$#! How is this even happening?
MP: You’re a stealer. You pretty much had this coming. Also, there will be restraining order in effect when he moves to Brooklyn.
May: Wait – what? Is this for real? But what if I don’t want my pen back?
MP: It’s too late. He said he read your tweet.
May: My tweet?
MP: You’re pretty shameless. He also mentioned you and your friend’s names, specifically. Are you May?
May: What?!
MP: The police have notified me they’re at your door.
May: But I’m not even his biggest fan! My redhead friend! I may be the stealer, but she’s the stalker!
MP: You’re throwing Alicia under the bus?
May: Well … maybe? You freaking know our names?! Hey, Greg knows our names. Cool.
MP: Don’t worry, they’re apprehending her, too.
May: Apprehending? I thought we were just arranging a trade?
MP: I’ve just received word this has escalated to a major security threat.
May: Resistance is futile, I suppose. I’ll answer the door. And I’ll get the setlist.
MP: Your cooperation is very much appreciated, ma’am.
[click]

The link… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VagADNMyJuk&feature=related

Greg Laswell- Comes and Goes

This is a song that I’m kind of hesitant to recommend because really I only like parts of it.  It’s kind of like the Kaki King song I highlighted a couple of days ago.  I hate the chorus, but I like the verses A LOT.  So, apparently that’s all it takes to impress me these days.  It’s kind of like my life really.  Sigh.  But, that’s for another day.
This video is kind of fun ’cause it has clips from one of the films that had the most significant impact on me as a person: The Hours.   So, that’s just an added bonus.   But, Greg is someone who I’ve recently developed an admiration towards.  He is soulful and able to communicate his emotions beautifully through words–and that’s a quality I really respect.  That coupled with his kickass voice makes him an easy one to root for.

This one’s for the lonely
The ones that seek and find
Only to be let down
Time after time

This one’s for the torn down
The experts at the fall
Come on friends get up now
You’re not alone at all

And this part was for her
This part was for her
This part was for her
Does she remember?

It comes and goes in waves, i….

This one’s for the faithless
The ones that are surprised
They are only where they are now
Regardless of their fight

This one’s for believing
If only for it’s sake
Come on friends get up now
Love is to be made

And this part was for her
This part was for her
This part was for her
Does she remember?

It comes and goes in waves,
I am only led to wonder why
It comes and goes in waves
I am only led to wonder why
Why I try

This is for the ones who stand
For the ones who try again
For the ones who need a hand
For the ones who think they can

It comes and goes in waves,
I am only led to wonder why
It comes and goes in waves
I am only led to wonder why
Why I try