Tamborines, Confetti, Treadmills

Part 2: OK GO at Chop Suey
Second concert of the day (March 28). After Brand New/Jesse & Vinnie I went up a few blocks to Chop Suey to see OK Go. It seems almost too perfect that Brand New scheduled a show the same day I was already going to one. Not only that, but it was early enough in the day that I was able to go to both shows.
There was a slight hitch in what I thought was my perfect plan. I thought doors for OK Go opened at 7 and I got up there after Brand New at 7. I thought I would be able to go right in, but as it turns out, doors didn't open until 8 (well more like 8:15) so I froze in the cold for an hour. But the wait was worth it because I got right up front between Damien's mike and Andy's mike (I've never been on Andy's side of the stage). Chop Suey is so tiny--I was surprised the boys were playing there.
The first opening band, IO Echo was alright. The singer was a little spastic but her voice seemed decent. The second band was dreadful. Jaguar Love--I'd never heard of them. But I was not impressed. They sold themselves as dance rockish but it was just noise. The band got the crowd pretty worked up...why I'm not really sure. They ended their set by leaping into the crowd which dissolved into chaos real quick, I almost got hit in the head with a guitar as the guitar player got pushed back onto the stage and fell. Sadly I think Damien likes them...poor boy has bad taste in music...I caught him watching the final shit show from the stage wings and he seemed to be enjoying it.
Finally the band everyone came to see took the stage. They were looking dashing, as usual, in their suits--which is a slight change--usually Damien just wears a paisley button-up with dress pants and a tie. I was sad to see they retired the Million Ways dance. But when they played Here It Goes Again, the screen behind them displayed paisley with little spinning treadmills. They probably killed a small forest to provide all the confetti throughout the show. It was so cool, it rained confetti multiple times throughout the show. It seemed like this time there were more "hardcore" fans. I put it in quotes, because the last time I saw them it didn't feel the same. But nonetheless the put on a great show. Damien is a sarcastic asshole (self admitted). They played some new songs that will be on the album and they sound great. Can't wait for the album. They played an entire song with just handbells (the hardcore kind churches use....Damien gave us a nice story about the church as a segway). There were cameras placed throughout the stage focused on the band....Damien had one on his mic...which was sort of creepy. As all concerts do, this one ended too soon! I didn't wait around to say hi, which I sort of wish I had, but I was exhausted and I'm met them all before. I hope the album is released soon and they come back to make us all dance and throw confetti!

Rain, Forgotten Lyrics, Acoustic Guitars

Part 1: Brand New aka Jesse and Vinnie
Thank you Infinite Productions!!!! The boys and my old internship put on a surprise show yesterday (March 28 @ Neumos) I was lucky enough to find out the night before. I just had to go obviously! I love Brand New and to be able to see them in a smaller venue acoustic is a chance that should never be passed up. I knew I had to get there early to ensure I got a ticket, because hello its Brand New, that shit sells out fast!
I got to Neumos around 1:15, there were a few people already standing there. The info on the show said tickets would be sold when the door opened at 4. However, the few of us that were standing there were taken pity on and we got tickets early. So by 1:30 I had my ticket. I had nothing else to do but wait. Two and a half hours in the rain is boring and cold but I knew it would be worth it. We got inside and I was second row in front of dear Jesse. I was excited because I hadn't seen him since the summer during my internship.
The boys took the stage around 5:15 and were super funny. I thought Jesse was laid back at the solo show over the summer, but this was even better. He forgot the lyrics a couple times and Vinnie struggled to remember his part. "I feel like this is my first show" Vinnie said. But it was fun. They laughed it off, although Jessie apologized profusely after the third song he messed up on. It was Brand New in a way I haven't ever seen them. They weren't taking anything super seriously and because we were having a good time no matter what, they were too. They played a few new songs, including one jesse played at the solo show and a song vinnie wrote. About halfway through vinnie left the stage and jesse played solo for the rest of the show. We got some classics like Moshi Moshi and Jude Law and Soco Amaretto Lime.
Unfortunately it ended too soon! But jesse promised the whole band would be back. I would have loved to wait around and see the boys again (although I doubt Jesse would have remembered me), but I had to shoot up the hill to Chop Suey to see OK Go (to be discussed in Part 2).

My ears are still ringing

Yesterday I did the best thing ever!! I saw Brand New (okay just Jessie and Vinnie, but half of the band) play an acoustic show then I went and saw OK Go!! I've been to all-day concerts, but never two concerts in one day. It was an experience, not one I'd ever trade. I love Brand New more then anything so getting to see them again (I just saw Jessie this summer) was fantastic. Plus OK Go always puts on a good show, so that was fun too. I'll be posting pictures and reviews/critiques/my thoughts/whatever from both shows later today!

Pretty Woman

I love that movie, probably one of my favorites. I want (as I'm sure every girl does) some handsome gentleman to come sweep me off my feet. I pretend to be all cynical and independent--not saying I need someone in my life, but I'm a sucker of a little romance. I act like I think that kind of stuff is stupid, because honestly a lot of it is. But some of the little things are cute.
Usually I hate romance movies, but I can always watch Pretty Woman without getting that icky, downer, I'm never gonna have that, kind of feeling. Its romantic without being over the top. Plus Richard Gere is very very attractive in his smooth businessman character.

Sometimes People Surprise You

And you know what....its nice when they do!.....

And sometimes it's the same old thing.....