Day 142: Guster Intro

On Day 142, I had the pleasure of introducing Mark to Guster--one of my favorite late high school/college bands. He, probably like you, hadn't heard of them before, but upon attending the concert is an insta-fan. There's nothing not to like about them. They're songs are all upbeat and happy, and there is a theme of bongos and banjos, but since they're a more Northeastern band it doesn't come off even the slightest bit low brow.

If you are a Guster fan, I have to say it was like a "Best of" concert. They played every song I've ever loved, including but not limited to "Ramona," "Homecoming King," "Barrel of a Gun," "Airport Song," "Satellite," and my perennial favorite, "Two Points for Honesty."

OH, and an acoustic rendition of "Jesus on the Radio."

And, if I'm going for accuracy over ethics in reporting my New Things, I also used another girl's credit card to buy myself a drink. See, her friend wanted a Coke, and she wanted a beer, and instead of going to the bar themselves, she recruited me (en route) to get her drinks. Now, in order not to waste my time or the time of the bartender, I just charged my drink on the tab too.

It was a Skymiles card. I bet I did her a favor. Mark thinks it was expected. I'll take all the justification that I can.

Now for pictures:

A viking helmet--why not?

Narcissists

Jesus on the Radio acoustic encore

The girl on the far right is the one whose card I used. Oops?

Day 87: Hard Rock Holidays/Finding my Religion

Hey readers! Question: Have I really done this for 87 days now? Dang. And you people keep reading? I'm a lucky duck :)

Anyhoo...

On Day 87, I had the pleasure of attending a Trans Siberian Orchestra concert. This heavy metal group specializes in power chord Christmas music and rock operas, and has been touring for almost two decades now. They're most famous for their rock version of Carol of the Bells.

This video will give you an idea of the concert and probably the most amped-up Christmas song ever.



These titans of Christmas belt out classic and original jams, swinging their long hair, inserting 80's metal power chords at every possible turn, backed up by scantily-clad singing ladies. It's truly something to behold. You can't appreciate Christmas music until you hear the words "baby Jesus" sung throughout a drum solo with the passion of Bon Jovi in "Wanted, Dead or Alive." Believe it.

It's delightfully, blissfully cheesy, and I can't get enough. Honestly. A tip of the hat and a standing ovation to the men and women who incorporate a legitimate orchestra with a V-shaped guitar, the guys who can still get away with shaking long hair to a non-traditional Christmas narrative, and the only people I ever want to see say "Merry, Merry Christmas" complete with pyrotechnics and lasers.

While venturing through this production, I found myself thinking increasingly of the Christmas story and all, thinking that maybe, in this arena, I found my Christians. The kind of people who enjoy the slight buzz of a Yuengling with their Christams jams. Those unafraid to bring their kids to this "family friendly" but indubitably entertaining show. Those who enjoy an, um, artistic interpretation of the holidays.

I'll keep thinking on that. But as for TSO, rock on my friends, rock on.