Music Monday: James Vincent McMorrow

"Cavalier"


"Gold"


"Follow You Down to the Red Oak Tree"


"Wicked Game" (Chris Isaak Cover)


"If I Had a Boat" (Live)


I first discovered James Vincent McMorrow a number of years ago from an Irish pen-pal. Yes, I am one of the few people in the world who still has pen-pals. After hearing "Follow You Down To The Red Oak Tree", I was instantly hooked. A couple summers ago, I finally had the pleasure of hearing him live- & for free (thank you Allegheny County Parks)! It was an unforgettable summer night under the stars with a bottle of wine, one of my dearest friends and the beautiful music of McMorrow.

James Vincent McMorrow is a singer from Dublin, Ireland. His latest album, Post Tropical, can be purchased here. Be sure to check out the last few tracks. After "Cavalier", they're among my favorite!

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Flashback Friday

Since today is Friday the 13th, I thought I'd select a song that I loved when I was... you guessed it, 13-years-old. Actually, this is a song that I admittedly still love. I feel as though David Gray is one of those "guilty pleasure" musicians. I'm sure many people feel that his music is on the sissy side but I happen to love his voice and appreciate his sentimental lyrics. I would have went to his concert when he was last in Pittsburgh but tickets were ridiculously overpriced. Apparently, when you listen to the adult easy listening crooners, the price you pay for a show is equivalent to the salaries of their upper middle class fanbase.

"Babylon" by David Gray, 1999.
*There is a live recording out there where you can really hear the crowd singing at the end, but I sadly couldn't find the video. I really love that version.

Ray LaMontagne

I finally saw Ray LaMontagne last night at Stage AE here in Pittsburgh! I've been a fan for years. Hands down, Ray has the most phenomenal voice I have ever heard! He sounds exactly the same, if not better, live. He opened with "Burn". Words can't begin to describe the beauty of this song. I'm still in awe of his talent.



Of course, "Jolene" is another favorite.



And "Empty" is also great.

My Morning Jacket

So tonight, I finally made it to the (somewhat) new Stage AE for a live show. I broke my AE cherry with one of my favorite bands, My Morning Jacket! The weather was perfect (especially for Pittsburgh), the drinks were superb (Killian's Irish Red for me), and the music was amazing! It was one of the best nights of my Summer :) The only thing I would have changed is MMJ playing my favorite song, "Golden". That was left off the set list but there will be other shows. On the bright side, I think I have a new favorite concert venue in the city. I can't wait to go back next month for Ray LaMontagne and Pretty Lights!





Small world... the lead singer of My Morning Jacket said he used to live in my neighborhood (North Side- specifically the Mexican War Streets). Always a connection to the 'Burgh in some form or another. He also commented on how beautiful the city is and how the inclines are "one of the coolest fucking things I've seen in the world." Amen.

PS: To the random guy who talked to me when I was attempting to take pictures of the moon/sky/PPG Place while waiting in line for beer... I would. Your face and smile was worth looking past your shoes ;)




Now Playing: "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Flashback Friday

"Crash Into Me" by Dave Matthews Band (1997)

I compare my love for Dave Matthews Band to UGG boots. I don't care how many suburban douche bags are wearing them, I liked them first and will continue to sport them long after they are deemed uncool (sidenote: As far as either go, I think that happened a few years ago, anyway).

I've liked DMB since I heard "Crash Into Me" on the radio in 1997. I was on the way home from the mall with my parents. I distinctly remember where we were and telling my Dad to turn the volume up. I thought the lyrics were so beautiful and the way Dave sang was purely sexy. It instantly became one of my favorite songs of all time.

My interest in DMB grew in unison with my penchant for file sharing sites like Napster and Morpheus. (Calm down. I bought the CDs as well.) Dave was one of my favorite bands in grade school and high school. So many of his songs take me back to parties, concerts or drives to and from school. Today, I've somewhat outgrown it but just as my UGGs might be worn out, they'll both be there for me when I need something warm and comfortable.

Sweet like candy to my soul
Sweet you rock and sweet you roll
Lost for you, I'm so lost for you...


*I like this extended, live version! "...Down in Dixie Land"

Flashback Friday

Earlier this week, I was fortunate enough to catch a Portugal. The Man show. I saw them in March 2010 and it turned out to be one of my favorites of the year. This time did not disappoint. I LOVE their sound. It's unique, soulful and beautiful. Portugal. The Man's shows are a euphoric experience. I highly recommend checking them out when they come to your area. This band is not very well-known yet. If you haven't given their music a shot, you are doing yourself a major disservice. This week's flashback Friday is the first song I recall hearing from Portugal. The Man. It has since become one of my favorite songs of all time. The lyrics, the voice, the music- beautiful. Their new album, In The Mountain In the Cloud will be out this summer.

we are all just lovers
born of earth and light like all these others

if you're talking to the moon
the moon might sing about the universe
shouting out I don't need, I don't need time

"The Sun" by Portugal. The Man