This Week in Music: 7/29/13


So the YouTube video I picked for the Pine Hill Haints shows them making music with a guitar (normal), a snare drum (still normal), a washboard and a washtub bass ("Mama, when I grow up I wanna play a washboard!" True aspiration). They are surprisingly good and contemporary. They had a song on Hart of Dixie (does that show still come on? I dunno.) called Walkin' Talkin' Deadman. I have to include this song too! Click here for a listen!

This week I plan on going to Music City Roots (because it's cheap and I wanna see John & Jacob and The Pine Hill Haints) and to Grimey's to see The Wild Feathers perform in-store.  I am also OBSESSED with I'm Alive by Michael Franti & Spearhead, such a happy perfect song for summer. I am not ashamed to say that it has played on a loop more than twice. I will definitely be DVR'ing that on Tuesday or maybe even watching it live. *gasp* 

Just in case you don't know who Booker T Jones is, lemme tell ya. His song, Green Onions, has probably been in every movie ever made since 1962 (okay, okay exaggeration... but it's alot). You may not know the guy, but you know the song. You have to know the song. If not, please tell me because that means you don't like music or movies and we can't be friends (kidding, of course. Love you all!). Click here to hear it.   

(Click on the artist/band names for a YouTube video.)

July 29 - Monday

Phillip Phillips - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

July 30 - Tuesday
TV
Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Late Show with David Letterman *
Booker T Jones - Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Milo Greene - Last Call with Carson Daly

July 31 - Wednesday
TV
Kopecky Family Band - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
ONLINE AND IN NASHVILLE
MUSIC CITY ROOTS: John and Jacob, Honey Island Swamp Band, The Pine Hill Haints, and Kansas Bible Company   (you can LiveStream this here.  To physically attend tickets are only $10 or $5 for students)

August 1 - Thursday
nada thing I am interested in...

August 2 - Friday
TV
Jason Isbell - The Late Show with David Letterman
IN NASHVILLE
The McCrary Sisters with Keb' Mo' - The Franklin Theatre

August 3 - Saturday
IN NASHVILLE
The Wild Feathers - Grimey's New & Preloved Music *
Old Crow Medicine Show - The Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel

August 4 - Sunday
Holly Williams - Southern Living Idea House at The Fontanel

*My favs out of the bunch!


What are you most looking forward to this week? Did I leave anything out?

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Randomness: Personal Accomplishment


Finally!  I did it! After months and months, I joined a gym. The YMCA to be exact. I have the water bottle and everything. How hard is it to join a gym, right? Apparently, for me, it was so hard that it took 20 months. Yes, I said 20 months.  That is how long it has been on my To-Do list.  Regardless, I am proud of myself for doing something that I have been putting off for so long. PLUS, I have already been three times and man, am I sore! My husband was concerned that I wouldn't use it... to that I say "Pfftt!"   

Don't worry... this will not become a fitness blog, but my hope is you will see a gradual change in me. 

Is there anything that you have been putting off for, like, forever? Do it this week and tell me about it. Or don't and tell me about it anyway. 

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This Week in Music: 7/22/13


This week is not overwhelmingly exciting, but that makes it easy for me to decide who to see and where to go.  I am particularly excited to go to Music City Roots and see The Oh Hello's. I am curious to see if they are better in person than on their album. Non-music related, but this weekend will be spent (and I do mean spent) at the monthly Nashville Flea Market. I love that place! 


(Click on the artist/band names for a YouTube video.)

July 23 - Tuesday
TV
Jason Isbell - The Late Show with David Letterman
Tift Merritt - Last Call with Carson Daly

July 24 - Wednesday
TV
Bastille - The Conan Show 
ONLINE AND IN NASHVILLE
MUSIC CITY ROOTS:  Claire Lynch, The Oh Hellos*, Red June, The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, and Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes  (you can LiveStream this here.  To physically attend tickets are only $10 or $5 for students)

July 25 - Thursday
TV
Court Yard Hounds - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Phillip Phillips - ELLEN*
IN NASHVILLE
Nashville Dancin' featuring Edwin McCain, The Kicks, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, and Modoc - Riverfront Park

July 26 - Friday
TV
Kacey Musgraves - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Tift Merritt - Last Call with Carson Daly
Blind Pilot - ELLEN
IN NASHVILLE
Andy Davis - 3rd and Lindsley (I went to college with him AND he's really good!)

July 27 - Saturday

July 28 - Sunday


*My favs out of the bunch!


What are you most looking forward to this week? Did I leave anything out?
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Changes to the BLAWG

The intention for this blog was never for it to be strictly a music blog. However, music dominates much of my life so you get lots of music posts. I want to start incorporating other aspects of my life into the blog, especially more style posts. In order to not isolate my male followers (or anyone else that may not care) I am going to CLEARLY title each post, such as:

STYLE: Dress Like Brandi Carlile
GIRLY: My New Haircut

and so on... My hope is that this will help you to skip the posts you are not interested in, but keep coming back for the ones you are.


PLUS, CONGRATS TO CODY SMITH for winning the giveaway!  She has chosen to use lyrics from The Lumineers in the custom artwork.  

"I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart"

I love The Lumineers, so I am really excited about her selection. When I finish hers then I will post a picture of how it turned out. 

If you entered and you didn't win then I am offering a discount on custom artwork (8.5" x 11"). Only $75 for anyone who entered!  If you did NOT enter, then that's okay. You get a discount too! $100 for only of my readers! The discount is good until August 31st then the price goes back to $125-$150 (dependent on the request). If you would like to take advantage of this (or have questions) then please email me at bluejeansandmelodies at gmail dot com. 

Would you like more style posts? Would you like the blog to be a bit more personal? or should I strictly stick to the music? Feedback is definitely welcomed because this place is for YOU!!!

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This Week In Music - 7/15/13


The Wild Feathers this Sunday at 3rd & Lindsley! Nashville peeps, who's going? (see what I said about The Wild Feathers here)

There is a good artist on TV every night this week. DVR get ready!

Just a reminder, the giveaway including $25 Etsy Giftcard and customized artwork by me ENDS in one day and five hours (midnight on Tuesday EST). Click here to enter.

Today you guys get a double post, just because I am so excited! The Americana Music Association announced their final line up for their festival in September. Click here!


(Click on the artist/band names for a YouTube video.)


July 15 - Monday
Johnnyswim - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno **

July 16 - Tuesday
NEW RELEASES
Patrick Sweany - Close to the Floor
Robert Randolph - Lickety Split
TV
Pokey LaFarge - The Late Show with David Letterman
IN NASHVILLE
Patrick Sweany - Grimey's New & Preloved Music

July 17 - Wednesday
TV
Court Yard Hounds - The Late Show with David Letterman

ONLINE AND IN NASHVILLE
MUSIC CITY ROOTS:  Susan Werner, Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplin, Randall Bramblett, James Wallace & the Naked Light, and Strung Like A Horse  (you can LiveStream this here.  To physically attend tickets are only $10 or $5 for students)

July 18 - Thursday
TV
Cold War Kids - The Late Show with David Letterman
Robert Randolph and The Family Band - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
IN NASHVILLE
July 19 - Friday
TV
Dawes - The Late Show with David Letterman

July 20 - Saturday

July 21 - Sunday
IN NASHVILLE
The Wild Feathers - 3rd and Lindsley
Sing-a-Long GREASE! - Franklin Theatre (I am actually pretty tempted by this. I have the album on vinyl and everything. Shh! Don't tell!)


*My favs out of the bunch!


What are you most looking forward to this week? Did I leave anything out?

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Americana Music Festival FULL Line Up Announced!

The full list of performers have been announced! How exciting! This year is going to be even better than last year.  The Americana Music Festival & Conference will be held in Nashville, TN from September 18 - 22nd.  The Honors & Awards show is on September 18th with showcases afterwards and then there will be shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.  The only part that stinks (like at most festivals) is that you have to choose between performances.  When the schedule is released then I will post which shows I am choosing to see. Until then I will asterisk the ones that I HOPE to see!


The Americana Music Association created a great Spotify list including the performers.  It is great to discover new artists that you just may HAVE to check out in September. Click here to listen.

Americana Music Festival & Conference Showcase Performing Artist List
Alanna Royale*
Amanda Shires
American Aquarium
Amy Speace
Andrew Combs
Andrew Leahey & the Homestead
Aoife O'Donovan
Ashley Monroe
Austin Lucas
Band of Heathens*
Bear's Den
Ben Miller Band*
Bhi Bhiman
Billy Bragg
Black Prairie*
Bobby Rush
Bottle Rockets
Brian Wright
Chelsea Crowell
Claire Lynch
Daniel Romano
Darrell Scott & Tim O'Brien
Dash Rip Rock
David Bromberg
Delbert McClinton
Della Mae*
Donna the Buffalo
Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors
DUGAS*
Elephant Revival 
Farewell Drifters*
Field Report*
Frank Fairfield
Hillbilly Killers
Holly Williams
Houndmouth*
Howe Gelb
Howlin' Brothers*
Hurray for the Riff Raff*
JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound* (I keep meaning to blog about his latest music video starring Aubrey Plaza of Parks & Rec and Jake Johnson of New Girl. Not only is it a great song, but I love both of those actors. Check it out here.)
JD McPherson
Joe Fletcher & the Wrong Reasons
Joe Nolan
John Fullbright** (He is a MUST SEE!)
Jonny Fritz
Josh Rouse
Joy Kills Sorrow*
Judah & the Lion
Justin Townes Earle
Kim Richey
Kruger Brothers
Laura Cantrell
Lera Lynn
Levi Lowrey
Lindi Ortega
Lisa Marie Presley
Luella & the Sun*
Mandolin Orange
Matt Mays
Max Gomez*
McCrary Sisters (go just to see the tambourine solo!)
Melody Pool
Mustered Courage*
My Darling Clementine
Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers*
Nikki Lane
Noah Gundersen*
Nora Jane Struthers*
North Mississippi Allstars
NQ Arbuckle
Old Man Luedecke
Over The Rhine
Parker Millsap*
Patrick Sweany
Paul Kelly
Peter Bruntnell
Phil Madeira
Pokey LaFarge
Randall Bramlett
Rayland Baxter
Richard Thompson
Rosanne Cash
Rose Cousins
Sam Doores, Riley Downing & the Tumbleweeds
Samantha Crain
Shakey Graves*
Shannon McNally
Shel
Shooter Jennings
Sons of Fathers
Spirit Family Reunion*
St. Paul and the Broken Bones
Steelism
Steep Canyon Rangers*
Stewart Mann & the Statesboro Revue
Sturgill Simpson*
Susan Cowsill
The Bushwackers
The Del-Lords
The Devil Makes Three*
The Greencards
The Infamous Stringdusters*
The Lone Bellow* (saw them before, but would love to see them again!)
The Lost Brothers
The Stray Birds
The Westbound Rangers
The White Buffalo*
Tim Easton
Tommy Malone
Treetop Flyers
Two Man Gentleman Band
Uncle Lucius
Water Liars
Wheeler Brothers*
Willie Sugarcaps
Willy Mason
Wood Brothers*

So I am really, really disappointed that Shovels & Rope is not included on this list especially since they have four award nominations. They did play the festival last year, but I missed it. I might go cry about it... Plus, I was hoping that Great Peacock would get their shot this year. Oh well, there is always next year. 

All in all, I am really pleased with the artists that they chose.  There are many new bands that have never played their festival before.  Keepin' it fresh is always good.  The wristbands for the festival are not on sale yet, but a little birdy told me that we should expect them in two week are so. They will be only $50 dollars again. Such a great bargain for four nights of great music! Just remember if you get a wristband instead of a conference registration then registrants get priority entrance to the venues. Next year everyone should buy registrations at the early bird rate because then you would get priority entrance, go the the parties, and get to go to the Honors & Awards show! 

How do you feel about it? Planning on attending? Which artist excites you the most?

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GIRLY: My Hair Debacle (or is it?)

So I told you guys that I was excited about getting my haircut yesterday.  It had not been cut in 8 months (not even a trim) which is terrible I know. I was feeling like a change was in order.  I feel in love with my friend's friend's hair.  She is so cute with her blonde hair, blunt cut bangs and red lips. I wanted to be a copy cat, so I did! 

BEFORE (well... like a year ago. Is is possible for someone to need more selfies?)

AFTER

The people at the salon were really nice and she cut my hair EXACTLY how I asked; however, now I am not sure if I like it. The hubs has decided he does not like the bangs on me which is pretty disappointing. All women want to feel pretty and want to be stunning in their husband's eyes.  I now realize that the lady whose haircut I was copying has a heart shaped face with really distinct cheekbones and beautiful large eyes. In other words, we look nothing alike. 

So, I really need your HELP!  Am I being dramatic and paranoid or do I need to fix it pronto?! If I need to fix it, then HOW? I am so bad with hair... I don't even know what does or would look good on me. Ugh! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

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50th Post Celebratory Giveaway - WIN $25 Etsy Giftcard and Artwork

50th Post Giveaway! 

Most bloggers would say it doesn't even feel like 50 blog posts, but not me.  I am surprised that I am only at 50 posts.  Blogging feels like it is a part of who I am now.  I have made so many new friends and I feel like I have had this blog for years (when it has only been 5 months).  It shocks me that I spent seven months (yes seven... longer than I have had it)  trying to decide if I would create it or not. I should have just jumped in and then deleted it if I didn't like it. If you are debating on whether or not to start a blog... just do it!  Right now!  Well, after you finish reading my post... 

To celebrate, here is my first EVER giveaway post!  I have been wanting to do one for a while, but... I don't know why. I just didn't.  So here it is... I am giving away a $25 Etsy Giftcard and a CUSTOM art piece made by myself.  The artwork will be 8" x 11" (easy to frame) and will be done in ink. You can make it say WHATEVER you want or nothing at all. It takes me around 8 hours to make a custom piece and I charge around $120 - 150 depending on the request (see below for a couple I did for myself).  All you have to do to enter is use Rafflecopter below. You may earn one entry for each "item" you complete and you can tweet about it once per day.  The giveaway will end in one week on July 17th and one winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter! Good luck!


CONGRATULATIONS, CODY SMITH!!!!

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Band to Watch: The Wild Feathers

THE WILD FEATHERS

Every time I hear their song, The Ceiling, it is like I am hearing it for the first time.  It catches my attention every time it comes on the radio and I think "Ooo! I like this song. I wonder who sings it." Then I remember that I have heard it before... Duh! The Wild Feathers!  For a song to catch my attention like that over and over again says a lot.  Next time they catch my attention I am going to make sure I think "Ooo! The Wild Feathers! I love this song!" 

This band is likely to transcend traditional definitions of genre.  They have done shows with ZZ Ward, Delta Rae, Willie Nelson, and even Bob Dylan! The Wild Feathers say they are more likely to simply call themselves American than Americana. “We like folk music, but we’re going to have a distortion pedal on when we do it,” laughs Preston. -- Hmm... they must be a little confused about what Americana music is (just like the rest of the 'regular' world...).  Americana is NOT folk music, however it does include folk music with a contemporary twist (such as a distortion pedal *ah hem*).  One of their recent press releases states, 
"The Wild Feathers are a truly American band: their music takes elements of the best of rock, country, folk and blues music and reshapes it in a way that is both unique and modern."
Unknowingly they have given one of the best definitions of Americana music that I have heard from a band to date. Plus they recorded their album live (meaning with everyone playing at the same time like you would see in concert instead of taking turns) which gives it that raw and real feeling that I love so much! But I understand, like most bands and artists they most likely don't like to actually label their music as a type.  Labels can be limiting.  Plus when people hear Americana they automatically think old.  I am trying to break that correlation because it is definitely not true. (What is Americana? Click here.) Back to the topic at hand... this post is supposed to be about The Wild Feathers not Americana Music. gesh!

Since we know their album was recorded as they all played together then that is a good indication to how awesome they will be in concert.  The Wild Feathers will be in Nashville on July 21st at 3rd & Lindsley.  It's only $10. Who else is going? Let's meet up!



Their self-titled debut album releases on August 6th.  Get a FREE download of The Ceiling and Backwood Company by clicking here

 

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This Week in Music: 7/8/13


Did everyone have a good Independence Day? It rained here and let up just long enough to see the Nashville firework display.  Yay! Unfortunately I only saw half because the smoke got too thick where I was sitting to see anything. I was disappointed, but glad that I got to even see a little bit. I was surprised how many people showed up despite all the rain. 




This week is going to be kind of slow for me when it comes to music.  I will probably only go see The Wheeler Brothers on Thursday. Their new album, Gold Boots Glitter, is good, but does not grab me like the one before it, Portraits

Other than music, I really just have a lot of work stuff going on. Oh, and I am getting my hair cut on Saturday. This is very exciting because I have been putting it off for 8 months and am in desperate need.  I really hope I like the salon. It was recommended by a friend of a friend... so I don't know. I will let you know how it goes. If I don't like it, will any Nashville peeps recommend a salon or stylist that does great things with straight and way too thick hair?

(Click on the artist/band names for a YouTube video.)

July 9 - Tuesday
TV
Matt Nathanson - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

July 10 - Wednesday
TV
Houndmouth - The Late Show with David Letterman
Andrew Combs in the Round - The Bluebird Cafe

IN NASHVILLE
Malcolm Holcombe - Douglas Corner Cafe

ONLINE AND IN NASHVILLE
MUSIC CITY ROOTS:  New Country Rehab, Amber Digby, Eric Brace & Peter Cooper, and Cereus Bright  (you can LiveStream this here.  To physically attend tickets are only $10 or $5 for students)

July 11 - Thursday
IN NASHVILLE
July 12 - Friday
TV
Passenger - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

IN NASHVILLE

July 13 - Saturday
IN NASHVILLE
nada unless you like Beyonce'

July 14 - Sunday
IN NASHVILLE
Rebirth Brass Band with the Deep Fried Five - 3rd And Lindsley

*My favs out of the bunch!
What are you most looking forward to this week? Did I leave anything out?

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New Single: Deer Tick, The Rock

Full Disclosure here: Since starting this blog, people send me a LOT of music to review with hope of a blog post. I could easily post 2-3 times per day if I posted about everything I receive and I just don't have time for that.  So, I have to be choosy and I WANT to be choosy.  My readers deserve to hear about only the best (or the best to me).  I do not like hurting people's feeling because honestly it is not personal.  My decisions are only a matter of opinion... my opinion... which only counts on my little blog. 

On to the real topic at hand!

DEER TICK - The Rock



Deer Tick has been around a while (since 2006 I think), but I have never really listened to their music (Shhh... don't tell their publicist).  Their fifth album comes out this September called Negativity.  I was told this album is going to deal with some tough subjects such as substance abuse, heart break, a father being sent to prison... A couple of subjects to which I can relate.  Hopefully, the lead singer will work out some of his baggage through this album and maybe I will too.  I haven't heard the new album yet, but if this single is any indication then I am looking forward to it. 

The Rock 
If you don't like the build in the beginning then give it another try and skip to 1:09. It really picks up and they add horns. My favorite instrumental part just might be the piano at the very end of the song. 
What cha think?
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