take my hand, take my whole life too

i feel the need, the need for speed

i want to see the look on your face when you find out that love is a lie

ain't the only one havin' fun

Every now and then, you come across performances so good and so alive that they explain the evolutionary purpose of music, shows, and beer of course (apparently, more than just a beverage - a good way to pump up the crowd and subsequently get that 'just out of the shower' look. See photos above). Two nights ago was one of those nights. 

Turbo Fruits and Pujol both from Nashville came down to good ol' Laredo with good set-lists and evidently the determination to rock our pants off. In fact, I'm almost certain that had I inappropriately searched their pockets, I would have found a similar "to do" list in every single one with the same number one priority: "Show Laredo a Fucking Amazing Time." 

I'm pretty sure they've all scratched it off the list now. The night was perfection. Nope, wouldn't change a thing. It was the sort of night that assures you the cosmos had something to do with it. The cosmos were somehow responsible for making sure all the ingredients were in order for an awesome time. The music was good, the people had soul, and the dance moves were impeccable. What more could you ask for? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. If you missed it, here's what you should be asking for - a recollection of the night:

your little tina is she still alive?

say you'll be mine. 

redhead senorita

These photos were taken at a shack off of Shiloh. I was very pleased with the outcome. I dedicate these photos to the White Stripes.

Earlier this month the band announced their breakup. I was initially saddened with the news (mostly because I didn't get to see them live), but upon reading their final words my frown turned upside down:

"The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing our experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful."

If only all breakups were that easy and/or put so well. They will play on in my mental jukebox forever.

these walls are paper thin and everyone hears every little sound

And on the last day (on the final glimpse of winter), she wore a leather jacket and her military inspired boots. Saturday was a good day. I got a chance to hang out with my soul mate Ashley (a.k.a. my little mona lisa). We did what girls do best: ate lunch and went shopping. A good day means nothing but good tunes. Hello...hi...Modest Mouse! The following is one of my favorites by them. The amazing lyrics, the song, the truth to everything he says, the catchy riff...it all makes for a fantastic tune. Enjoy:

Top: Zara
Denim: BDG
Boots: Forever 21
Sweater: Silence + Noise

vampire weekend

Red pants, check. Leather jacket, check. Good company, check. Cool ambiance, check. All systems go for a good night...and boy did I have one! There's that sick, embarrassing, "let's pretend this night ever happened drunk" and then, on the far right side of the spectrum, there's the perfect amount of drunk. It's more like border line drunk. You know, the sort that releases your inhibitions but still keeps you very conscious of your actions. Saturday night was one of those 'perfect' nights. One of those nights where the band lets you borrow their equipment for the sake of your blog and a few good laughs. It was the red pants.
I lie. It was the company. It was the british accents. It was the endless shout outs. It was the proclaimed "party table." It was four people who are so comfortable with one another that they forget there's other people in the room - or in this case a bar. We genuinely didn't give a shit, and it was awesome. I'd like to argue that these kids stand a chance. Enjoy the cover and the extra tune:

like mexican dogs nobody gave us names

Where to begin. Okay, I think I've got it. I first heard Cold War Kids through a boy I once dated. Now, I typically try to avoid and reject all music that correlates or reminds me of someone I rather not be reminded of but that still did not keep me from seeing CWK in Austin. On a side note, that awful habit I have of avoiding particular bands or songs, it doesn't make much sense considering my overall jukebox selection changes drastically after a breakup; you know, less of Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and more of You Bloody Motherfucking Asshole by Martha Wainwright or Remember by Devendra Banhart - one of my favorites by the way. So obviously he's in my head, what's the point in avoiding particular bands or songs? There is no point, but I have a niche for bad habits (see picture above of blogger holding cigarettes in one hand and a cough drop in the other).

Anyhow, I was extremely pleased that I made an exception to said awful habit. Now, I've been to my fair share of shows so I know a killer performance when I have the pleasure of seeing it. Wait...pause...I'm not saying what you think I'm saying. They DIDN'T put on a killer show but...BUT...their performance was, for lack of a better word, touching. There was something about the way the members moved to the music, how the guitarist shut his eyes and mouthed every single lyric down to the ones sometimes only the singer knows, how the bassist couldn't stay in one spot because he let the music sort of be the compass of his direction, and especially...it was especially how they were all just so focused on what they were playing. You could just tell that they genuinely enjoyed what it was they were doing and the music they were playing. I went from a girl with a crush to a girl in love that night - in love with CWK.

Young the Giant (the opening act) on the other hand had an abundance of chemistry, and they were a set of good looking musicians with good style (see picture of cool shoes above) and hip shaking tunes that everyone loves to love or sometimes hates to admit they love. They didn't by any means steal the show but they prepped me well enough for what was to come. And so, I hope I've done the same for you. Here are two of my favorites CWK performed and a song I wish they would have. If you're going to pick one, pick the last one. Enjoy:

Dress: Betsey Johnson

Boots: Vince Camuto