Top Ten Tunes For Making An Escape

Hey Everyone!

To all the students out there, I hope you had a good (and maybe even school productive- HA!) slack week. I know I did just that, slacked off. It was nice not having a paper due or a class to run to. Got a few shifts in at work, managed to save up a few bucks which is never a bad thing. Though I have to say, maybe I would have been better off spending that cash and hitting a beach somewhere... Its been far too long since I felt the sun shine on my back, the cool ocean waves against my skin, and the warm sand between my toes! But alas, I digress. Sadly, the beach will likely evade me for a while longer I suspect.

On the topic of vacations- have you ever felt the urge to just escape? To just run as far as your feet can take you, as long as that adrenaline keeps pumping- To just keep going until your lungs give out? Sometimes we all need to get away, to just pick up and start fresh somewhere new. Thats how I'm feeling right now.

I wish I werent in class til April... and I wish I didnt have to immediately start working to pay my rent. If I had the chance, I'd pick up and head to Quebec for a week or two with nothing but a backpack... stay in hostels, walk through the old city, sip coffee in little cafes to stay warm. I just need to get out of here and have some time to think, you know?

I know that was a long rant, but its just the best way to explain this top ten list. Sometimes we cant take those vacations, and there is something that stops us from running. As much as we dream about it, real life has a tendency to get in the way. So when you cant make a physical escape, sometimes a mental escape can be just as good for the mind, body, and soul. If your brain needs a vacation like mine, I suggest the following. These ten tracks, a hot cup of tea and your favorite book. If you're really into it, put on a slideshow of beach pictures and crank up the heat!

In no specific order...

10) The Great Escape by Boys Like Girls

9) All At Sea by Jamie Cullum

8) Island In The Sun by Weezer

7) Holiday From Real by Jacks Mannequin

6) Gone (Going) by Jack Johnson

5) One Love by Bob Marley

4) Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz

3) Paradise City by Guns N Roses

2) Half Way Around The World by Oasis

1) Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

I think that I might take my own advice later tonight, after class. Grab some hot coffee, plug this list into my ipod and get these essays off my back. Its sounding like the perfect plan for me tonight.

How about you? Need an escape? Tell me about it! I'd love to hear from you

Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show

Tell All Your Friends... It's On Vinyl!

Hey Everyone!

Quick note today for all you Taking Back Sunday fans with record players (or a desire to collect memorabilia!) The band's 2002 debut album Tell All Your Friends is being issued on pink vinyl through Interpunk.Com! I'm excited... that was and still is such a great album. For the low cost of $10.50 USD +s/h you can own this album on a fantastic format. Personally, I love vinyl so I'm fairly sure I will be placing an order. Preorder is available now HERE on the website!

Pink Vinyl??? I'm Sold!

Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show

Martin Johnson of Boys Like Girls Jumped

Hey Everyone!

Fans of the pop rock group, Boys Like Girls, are taking over twitter with well wishes for the lead vocalist after he was jumped in Glasgow. After performing at the G2, the singer (Martin Johnson) was apparently jumped and beaten quite badly. He took to his twitter, posting pictures and briefly discussing the events... I mean, there is only so much you can say in 140 characters or less- right? Below are the twitter messages and links to some of the photos... please be advised that the pictures are quite graphic and may be disturbing (aka there is quite a bit of blood!)

Photo cred: Me! Warped Tour 2007

"Wanna see a mother****** jumped? Look at this. **** you." (7:04pm 2/19/10)
PHOTO HERE

"ps I'm fine" (7:38pm 2/19/10)

"cleaning up a bit. trying my best to smile but it hurts. hospitals in scotland aren't my favorite" (8:10pm 2/19/10)
PHOTO HERE

"to those who are obviously slow-- no, my band members did not beat me up. they were actually doing their best to rip people off me" (10:16pm 2/19/10)

"we are just doing our best to make light of and sprinkle a bit of humor on top of a shitty situation" (10:17pm 2/19/10)

Poor Martin, though reports say he is doing much better! Cant say I'm a huge fan of the group... they've got a few catchy tunes but nothing incredible in my mind. But point remains- No one deserves to get jumped and beaten up!

What do you think? Share your thoughts!

Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show

New Vampire Weekend Video: Giving Up The Gun

Hey Everyone!

"You remind me of a few of my famous friends..." (P!ATD) Thats something that indie rockers Vampire Weekend might say these days. Especially in relation to their latest video release, which will impress even the biggest name droppers! Seems like everyone is getting into these guys! Check out the video here and see who you can spot!

So who did you catch? To list a few- Jake Gyllenhaal, Joe Jonas, Lil John and RZA of the Wu Tang Clan. Got a little bit of everything in there. Pretty impressive if I say so myself. A couple big names for sure. That definitely cant hurt your career! Not to mention, the tennis themed video is set somewhere that may look oddly familiar... cant figure out where you've seen it before? Check THIS out and you'll remember!

So what do you think of their new star studded video? Cool or No? Are they using fame to sell records? Or just having fun? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

New Music Video From Paramore: "The Only Exception"

Hey Everyone!

So this week Paramore finally released the video for their new single... and its well worth the wait for fans! This video and this song are both great, I have to say I cant stop listening to it. Check it out below!

The music video is very well done... I love the progression of time. As Hayley walks through each door, a new scene opens. And then, as she reaches the end, she realizes everything she is letting her fear and stubborn doubt control. As she returns to his arms, its clear that although love is never a guarantee, its sometimes worth taking the risk. Otherwise, you'll never know what you're missing out on.

My only issue? Again, just like the Brick By Boring Brick video... and pretty much every other video they have done, the boys are lost in the back ground. Does anyone care that their drummer Zac isnt even 20 years old yet? I'd say thats pretty impressive! In fact, they all started this really young, including Hayley. As much as she is the front woman and real draw for this band, I just would like to see more of the guys in the video... they tend to be the extras to the main plot and appear for a few minutes of a live performance.

I love the lyrics... there is something so beautifully breath taking about the emotion. In a world where a lot of people question the existence of true love, this song brings a new twist to the idea. There are exceptions to every rule, right? So why not this one? Makes sense to me. "I've got a tight grip on reality, but I cant let go of whats in front of me here, I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up, Leave me with some proof its not a dream... Darling you are the only exception, and I'm on my way to believing" I think this is one of those songs everyone can relate to... we all wonder at one point in time if love is real or just some impossible dream until we meet that one person who makes us see the truth. For that reason, I have this song stuck in my head. A gorgeous little love song... wonder if its about Chad? (of New Found Glory- They're dating in case you didnt know!)

So what do you think of this song? I think it may be time for me to break out my guitar and start teaching myself some chords... been looking for a new distraction anyways, perfect timing!

Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show

Avenged Sevenfold Announce Studio Drummer For New Album!

Hey Everyone!

As I'm sure you're aware, Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed away unexpectedly in late December 2009. As a result, their recording plans took an unplanned hiatus. In a recent statement to fans on the band's official webpage, M.Shadows stated that the band would proceed with the recording process of their new album which they had been writing at the time. He said that it would be important to The Rev, and he wanted to make sure it happened in honor of his wishes. The only question remained- who would drum for A7X? Well, it appears we finally have an answer.

Avenged Sevenfold have asked Jimmy's favorite drummer, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater to take hold of the sticks in the studio, and he has happily agreed. In a statement made over the band's myspace yesterday, the band posted the following message:

"...I want our fans to know that with Jimmy in our hearts, our journey to record has officially began. Jimmy helped leave this world an amazing gift and now it's our job to make sure to deliver that gift to our fans. We asked Jimmy's all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that’s what Jim would have wanted. Its comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev's abilities. Even though it will never be the same without our brother by our side, his essence lives in our hearts and through the music he helped create. He was a legend before any of the success or any of that bullshit and we are fucking excited to lay this down for our fans, and especially for Jimmy."
-Avenged Sevenfold

I think its pretty awesome for Mike to step in like this. This band has been through a very difficult few months and its really great to see the music community come together like this and support fellow acts. Kudos to Mike and best of luck to the boys because this is not going to be an easy time for them.

I'm stoked for this new album, I'm sure it will be brilliant!

Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show

Rock On

Alexisonfire Shut Down Vancouver Olympic Venue

Hey Everyone!

So in wake of Canada hosting this year's winter Olympics, Vancouver has been playing host to a slew of Canadian musicians. Pride has hit the city with a tremendous force and its all been fun at the games until now, when St.Catherine natives and Canadian favorites- Alexisonfire, took the stage.

News reports are flying across the web stating that within seconds of the first track, police were forced to intervene and shut down the concert. Apparently, as soon as the band took the stage, the fans got rowdy and surged forward, breaking the fence and eliminating the space between the stage and the crowd. Eye witness reports are claiming that there was no direct violence apparent in the crowd, no fighting or acts of aggression, but at least 20 people were injured as a result of the pushing.

Alexisonfire apologized to the crowd, having to cancel their performance to prevent any further damage or injury. The boys said there was no way possible to play with the situation- no barrier, injured people and sharp objects on the ground. sadly, some of the audience members did not take it too well and began chanting back in anger... come on guys, you broke the safety barricade, WHAT DID YOU EXPECT? Check out a fan's video below

See people? This is what happens when you get pushy at shows.

Moshing is fun, but keep some level of control to it... this isn't the 1980s anymore

Lets hope no one was seriously hurt and that they return to Vancouver soon

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show