Music Marathon Weekend

             So I'm 3/4 of the way through my music marathon weekend and let me tell you, it has been AMAZING. I started out on Friday with Middle Brother at Lupo's. They just put out an album last Tuesday and this was only their 3rd show together on the tour. I was exhausted and they were hitting the stage pretty late but as soon as they did I got my second wind. Someone managed to catch a great video of their first song, "Blue Eyes." The guys were joined on stage by members of all 3 of their bands. It was super fun to watch them all jamming up there together. I wish I had a picture of one of their guests, Jonny Corndawg, because he was wearing the most amazing sweater I have ever seen. I think he hopped out of his time machine from 1970 and jumped right on stage. Now that I've looked at his website, I'm pretty sure he crafted the sweater himself. He apparently does leatherwork & airbrush work. Damn. I will find a picture of it. I promise.


          On Saturday, I was a little bummed out because I had to go to this library show in Pepperell, MA all by myself. Google maps directed me to the wrong Main Street but I still managed to make it there before Hotels & Highways started playing. I would've hated to be the one who comes late to a quiet show at a library. I am SO glad I made it. Hotels & Highways is like a perfect love story. They've all known each other for years but never thought about starting a band together. Eventually, things just fell into place and they realized they were meant to be. The chemistry between them is clearly evident when they play. Lisa Piccirillo's voice blew me away on "Work It Out." I'm not gonna lie. I totally have a crush on her...and Syd...and Patrick Thomas. Can I date Hotels & Highways? Is that possible? I got chills when they dimmed the lights and started playing "Night Song." It was one of those songs that didn't even need words it was so good. Because they have all been doing the solo thing for so long, not one of them is afraid to take the mic and tell stories to keep us entertained. I find that really important when seeing a band live in a small room for the first time. If they go from song to song without any banter, I get bored. I like hearing what they have to say in between. This show was a little different because it was in such a small space, they kind of had a Q&A session halfway through the set. Because it was a family friendly show, Syd switched up the lyrics for "Nothing Hurts Like Nothing" to "No one in this town could give a hoot." They closed their set with a cover of Ryan Adams' "To Be Young" and I must've really shown my excitement because Syd totally called me out on it after. It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday night....especially since I was home and in bed by 11 even with a 1hr+ ride home. I think the whole show was recorded and I've been trying to track it down with no luck yet. If I find it, I will definitely give you guys a heads up because you need to hear it. Pick up Lost River on Tuesday. You won't be disappointed.

This video isn't from the show on Saturday but it will do.




            So as if these 2 shows weren't enough, I got to see the one and only Matt Nathanson last night at URI. He is probably my favorite live act. I call it an act because he doesn't just play music, he also makes me laugh uncontrollably. He played a perfect mix of old and new stuff including "To The Beat Of Our Noisy Hearts", "All We Are", "Faster", "Pretty the World" and "Sad Songs." He even played "Laid" and "Starfish and Coffee" which are always fun sing-alongs. He played for almost 2 hours and I could've stayed for another 2 because I was so entertained. I managed to get a pretty good video of a new song "Kept" on my phone. I was up in the balcony so you can't really see much, but the audio isn't bad.




For the encore, Matt & Aaron did a great cover of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" because according to them, Metal is a dying genre. Then, of course he had to appease the crowds with "Come On Get Higher" as the finale. That song is the reason why a lot of those kids were there, but definitely not the reason why they'll keep coming back for more. I can't wait to get my hands on his album this summer because I know with a new album there will be a tour to go along with it.

Up next: Tony Lucca at The Middle East tonight.