"... just trying to remind you that it's just about the fun."

Josephine Collective, a band I knew little about until tonight, played at Pop's with a handful of local bands who I will get to later. I had seen them before, but this time they were completely different. They sounded amazing. They were extremely hilarious. Entertaining galore. Plus their vocalist/bassist vomited everywhere towards the end of the set and that's awesome. Their other vocalist/gymnast did an array of impressive backflips and handstands. It was a sight to be seen. As of right now they're going to be the best performance of 2009, we'll have to see how they stand up to acts such as Pierce the Veil and Cute Is What We Aim For which are both coming up here very shortly.

There were five local bands that played as well:

A Night Well Spent: Very talented, and very similar to Josephine Collective. Check them out.

Fight! Fight! Fight!: I would recommend to fans of Paramore or Cute Is What We Aim For, they are really dance-y and their lyrics are very... catchy.

Make Me, Break Me: For the secret metal-head.

Hereafterthis: Melodic alternative, I can't really put my hand on who to compare them to right now so just check them out yourself.

Also, Four Stars 'Til Famous: Does anyone remember Centerpointe circa 2006/7, that is what they remind me of. Check 'em out.

On a side note, I suggest Big D and the Kids Table.

I really love those guys, and ska in general.

Do it,

I'm coming down, me bring up

Take it off.
Let's just touch.


Metro Station, TYGA, Cash Cash, and The White Tie Affair - October 18, 2008

Wow, I never thought that I would be able to say that Metro Station is a band that I would travel for. But tonight made me think otherwise. All the bands that played were fun. The night started off with Cash Cash. They were really high energy and their songs were very catchy. However, they seem as if they just wanted to show up Metro Station. They played an acoustic set after the show and were kind of rude about it, actually. They're some cuties though, and I'd see them again. The White Tie Affair was really nice, but they suck. TYGA, loves of my life. They turned a Lil' Wayne song into a song about how he's voting for Obama. Genius.
Now, for Metro Station. I went into the show half-heartedly, not knowing what to expect. They were absolutely amazing. I think I may have sprained my ankle, but it was worth it. Ahhhhhhhh. Trace seems to be a diva, but Mason Musso and I will be married. After the show they surprisingly came out to meet everyone. And I do respect them for taking the time to meet everyone who was waiting. Granted they didn't allow pictures. But Trace said he loved me, Mason gives really good hugs and has really nice shoes, their drummer took one of my cigarettes and is Asian, and finally their keyboardist has thee lamest autograph ever.

Overall, amazing night.
Let's do it again sometime, Metro Station.

We've got a little catching up to do.

I've been to quite a few shows since the last entry, and I don't exactly remember a lot of them very well, but here we go.

Nov. 13, 2007- Hanson at Pop's.

All that really needs to be said is, Taylor Hanson may have the best head of hair to ever grow on this earth. Also, even though I only went for the always popular "Mmm Bop" I had a really great time. They've grown up so much from their pop days, can you believe Zach is like 23 now? Both Isaac and Taylor have kids. It's insane. But their sound now is a less pop Maroon 5 if you can picture it. They've got a lot of jazz influence in their sound, and the piano in every song is amazing. Seriously, check out their new stuff it's good. Oh, they opening band was like this country boy band. It was decent, but strange.

Nov. 17, 2007- Valencia, The Audition, All Time Low, and Boys Like Girls.

Oh my, bad haircuts and outfits gallore. I only went because my boys in The Audition were playing, and I like Valencia, and All Time Low is growing on me. But by the end of the night I swear I wanted to stab everyone in the eye. I'm sorry, but when bands like Valencia are playing I think that I should be able to breathe. Honestly, it was rediculous. Valencia put on a real good show, playing all my favorites and bringing a lot of energy to the stage. The Audition really upset me, they played two new songs which just sound odd to me. They aren't what I'm used to hearing from The Audition. And on top of that their set list was just insane, upset much. Plus, Joe Audition failed to make an appearance after the show and he normally always does. Tisk tisk. So after that I was done with this admitted twelve year old's elbow in my neck and not being able to breathe a Boys Like Girls show, so I left the floor. All Time Low sounded great. I seriously wanted to vomit the entire time BLG was on.

Nov. 23, 2007- Autopsy of an Arsonist, Beyond the Fatal Shore, This Hollywood Machine, Salt The Wound.

AOAA, basically horrible riffs and decent vocals. I won't put myself through one of their performances again. Beyond the Fatal Shore actually sounded really good, but that may be thanks to Sam for turning down their vocalist's mic so he couldn't be heard over their amazing music. They honestly have such a good sound, but they need a new vocalist because this kid they've got now has no business in grindcore. This Hollywood Machine was an upset as usual. Salt the Would was br00t4l, and I loved it. They are probably one of the best grindcore bands I've heard, the vocals are spot on.

Nov. 27, 2007- Pierce The Veil, Vanna, Four Year Strong, and From First to Last in KC.

Okay, four and a half hour drives with grumpy people are not very fun. Then mapquest gives us the wrong directions, but luckily I figured my way to this random saloon. Which by the way there are like four on the one street, no joke. So we show up, Kansas City is made up of twelve year olds or at least kids that act twelve. I've never been so appreciate of the St. Louis scene ever in my life after standing in that line for two and a half hours with those kids. So the show finally starts and Pierce the Veil put on a great show as always, they sound so great all the time. Vanna was boring, and Vic from PTV agreed. Four Year Strong reminded me of So They Say. From First to Last sounds better without Sonny. Matt Good still needs some practice at being front man, he was so shy. But he pulled it off well. While my boy Travis was hillarious. I've never forget their dialogue about PTV's merch guy, crackheads, and menthol cigarettes. The drive home was so intense, I think Mandi is the only person I could have done that with.

Nov. 30, 2007- Disturbing Lou, Dead City Dregs, Brain Failure, Whole Wheat Bread, and Big D and the Kids Table.

Dec. 7, 2007- Straylight Run, The Color Fred, Dear & the Headlights, Casino, and some local band.

So we got there a little late because I got so mixed up going to the Creepy from 40 east. So we show up and some local band is playing, they were awful. Good thing we only had to through like 10 minutes of it. Next was Casino? I think that's it. They were really good, tiring, but good. The melodies were just so soothing. Next was Dear & the Headlights who I have to say I LOVE. They were so much fun and sounded so original. His voice is absolutely gorgeous. I think I smiled throughout the whole set. The Color Fred was good, I like him much better in this band than TBS. Finally Straylight. They were so much better than the last time I saw them. They played a lot off of their new album, but they also played a lot of old stuff that I had forgotten about like "For The Best". Then John came back out for an encore and played "Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway)". I wanted to cry.

Sunday November 11th, 2007 also could be called the day Spitalfield last played in St. Louis (or Sauget). It wasn't a sad night though, parts were, but for the most part it was a party. So, supposedly Spitalfield was going to play an acoustic set before the show for those who had preordered tickets. I showed up roughly two hours early with a ticket in hand hoping that they would still let me into the acoustic set, no. The ticket sales were so low they had just decided to cancel it. So I show up and there's about twenty other people there and no one else really starts showing up until around six, six-thirty. I knew Spitalfield wasn't that big, but c'mon. Almost ten years as a band, that's probably what upset me the most. So they open the doors at seven, and after dealing with Ben having to pee every five minutes and just being creepy, I was ready to go inside. They only have the side stage open, and I'm pretty happy about it. This means I can sit during most of the bands and still see them fine. The first band was Catch The Light, never heard of them before. The go on stage and they're all cute and talkative with the crowd. Thir songs were halfway decent. I'd see them again. Next was The Graduate, who always puts on a good show. Their sound is so complete, and they actually bring that sound to the stage. It's a show I definately suggest for everyone to see for themselves. Next was Ludo, who played acoustic. Strange. I had my money on the guitars saying, "No, we can 't do this," then walking off stage. Despite the fact that it was extremely awkward, it was amazing. Sitting down they still brought the energy of an electric show, I think it's just their personalities. I bought a Ludo toothbrush. After them was The Forecast, who I'm not a real big fan of, but I really do like a couple of their songs. I used to listen to them without knowing who it was, I seem to do that a lot. But I just couldn't get into their show, maybe it was the killer headache I had all night. Their bassist, however, amazing. Most girl bassist just kind of stand there and look awkward, she rocked it. Props mystery girl in The Forecast. Finally, time had come for Spitalfield. (Which the correct pronunciation is SPIT-alfield, not SPITE-alfield.) A lot of people left before they played, another upset. But I was okay with it that just meant less space between me and those sweet boys of Spitalfield. They played songs from throughout their history and I feel it was a pretty nice set, with the exception of the missing Van Buren. Anyway, there were some pretty sweet drunk kids standing next to me starting a dance party during every song, and during the breaks too. I loved them. Spitalfield loved them too I do believe. Even though I know that was my last time ever seeing them, it still feels great. It was a great show, and the kids in the crowd were great, and I don't know. It was just a good show, and nothing's going to change that. After they played two encores, I mosied my way over to the amazing Mark Rose. That's right, he's amazing. Talked to him for a quick minute, took a picutre, then decided I must go see his solo act in Chicago sometime. So he told me to add him on MySpace, and that's exactly what I did. One huge paragraph. Yeahhhhh!

That's it.
Listen to "Van Buren" by Spitalfield.

We'll call this, "Halloween"

Friday, October 26th, 2007 there was this pretty neat show in Belleville, and thanks to the magical pockets of Auggie, I was able to go inside this one. It sucks being broke. Anyways, it was a Halloween show and each band that played covered a bigger band. I thought it was a neat idea, it made sense and it was fun. My favorite of the evening was Butt Nugget, although I personally hate them. They covered the Misfits, and went all out. They painted their faces to match the Misfits' skull, had the whole crowd into, acted like hardasses, and believed they were the Misfits. It made me smile. My second favorite of the night was some band I hadn't seen before, and I don't think they ever said it. They covered Fugazi. Talk about relaxing, Fugazi is amazing and they played it right on. How To Steat and Cheal covered Anti-Flag, it was a lot of fun. You could tell that Auggie didn't really listen to Anti-Flag, I'm sure it was all Nick Schmidt's idea. They still played a solid set Plus they incorporated the horns into Anti-Flag which made me smile considering horns are what get me Give me anything with a good trumpet in it, oh yeah. I didn't really watch anyone else play. I heard someone play when we first got there, but I don't remember who it was. Stiff Kittens played, but I had no idea who they were covering. All-in-all, it was a decent time. On a side note. Before the show me and Mandi walked around downtown Belleville. They were having this trick-or-treat thing with the shops. Seeing all the little kids dressed up was so cute, I love little kids.
Next show? I think Dance Gavin Dance. If not, Spitalfield.

Amanda Gelso says you should go check out Propagandhi.

But can you swing dance?

I'll cover UnderOATH briefly. Showed up late due to my mother's birthday and the Spaghetti Factory's slow service. Walked up to the door as soon as Maylene finished "Caution, Dangerous Curves Ahead," which is my absolute favorite song by them. Sat on the balcony, we had an okay view. Poison The Well was... lame and boring. Every Time I Die was exactly how I imagined. They were fun, they played well, and they were wasted. ETID really did make my night. I met Jordan, he was super nice. UnderOATH really did put on a good show, they sounded great. However, their performance lacked passion and so did Spencer. It made me really upset, but I knew it was going to happen. All in all the night was a bust. I'm over it.

Now for Chiodos. The crowd, insane. The bands, amazing. The day leading up to the show, br00t4l. So my day starts off with a headache, great. Next thing I know I can't get ahold of my bestfriend who has my ticket along with Mandi's. Hmph. Getting a little bit angry. Give up on that around 2:30 and decide just to buy my ticket. Go get Mandi, I need gas so I stop by the gas station you know. Who knew getting gas was a half and hour experience. I thought pumping gas was supposed to take like five minutes, not in Fairmont. The pump I was at was broken or something, and they didn't care to post it. I was enraged by this point. I finally get my gas after having to deal with two different idiots. and we're on the road. We show up at Pop's and the box office isn't open yet. Then after waiting for three hours and dealing with a mess of different people, most of them extremely annoying, we go inside.
I had decided on staying on the floor, after about three minutes I changed my mind. I knew it was going to be ridiculous. So, I go up to the balcony. I hated half the people I was around, but hey it's a show, it's expected. First band is The Devil Wears Prada, they set the show off right. I had never really given them a chance considering a few of the kids that I don't have any respect for, worship them. They proved me an idiot. TDWP was my number two of the night, and that's saying something since they were the only band I hadn't listened to before. Following up was SKSK, pft. They played two old songs, and of course they closed with My Darkest Hour. I was disappointed. Emery was okay, they didn't play the one song I like. Their performance was good though. Chiodos gets a seperate paragraph.
By this point in the show I was very upset. To the point where I wanted to leave, but I had to give my boys in Chiodos a chance; hoping they wouldn't leave an impression similar to that of UnderOATH. They didn't. Craig Owens brought a smile to my face unlike anything else has in a long time. When he spoke, his words were true. When he sang, it was with passion. The whole band had an energy about them that was amazing. Add that to the fact that they played an equal amount of new and old songs, along with an acoustic set. I mean c'mon, they brought it and they brought it big. I just wish it could have lasted longer. I would have stayed there all night if they would have kept playing. I haven't been to a show that inspirational since last school year. Knowing that they are as big as they are and that they're still that real, wow. Also, the crowd was so active. Having that much crowd response to a cd you released two months ago is an amazing feat. Then to not let it go to your head, astounding. I'm still in awe, I'm going to be thinking about this show for a long time. Not only becuase it was amaizng, but also because it gave me a lot of time to think and lots to think about. I think I want to be a psychiatrist, or something like that. Really.

Amanda Gelso.

My last three blog titles have started with B. :)
Go listen to "Paper Rock Sisscors" by JamisonParker.
Then maybe check out I Am The Universe.

Belleville's growing on me.

On Friday I went to Belleville for a show at the Broadway Center of Arts (a really neat venue if you get a chance to go) featuring Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship, Hood Kicks, Stiff Kittens, and the Daydream Astronauts. I didn't watch most of the bands, actually I sat outside and listened to everyone except Stiff Kittens and Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship, for them I was inside dancing. Superfun makes my life, there's no doubt about it, even if he wouldn't play HorseBANG! I also am starting to like Hood Kicks, who is somewhat like Superfun but his music is more 80's. He's extremely nice and wears the sweetest clothes. Check him out, he plays in Belleville a lot. Also, Pat Cadaver played in between bands. Pat Cadaver plays his acoustic guitar and sings songs about pogo punks and ska fags unit! He's funny, and makes me smile. I don't know, it was just a really relaxing night exception of a few grumpy friends and a douchebag. I'm slowly starting to get comfortable with these Belleville kids, they play good tunes and know how to have fun.

Amanda Gelso.

I'm not excited about the new Saw movie.