Raisins, Whiskey, & Salsa

It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:34:00 +0000

I think the new Florence and the Machine album, Ceremonials, is fantastic, particularly the first single "Shake it Out" which, if you're looking for a new song to add to your running mix, look no further. Load it in your queue, turn it up, and press play.

And I've been a fool and I've been blind

I can never leave the past behind

I can see no way, I can see no way

I'm always dragging that horse around

All of his questions, such a mournful sound

Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground

Cause I like to keep my issues drawn

It's always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, Shake it out

Shake it out, Shake it out

Oh oh oh!

Shake it out, Shake it out

Oh oh oh!

It's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So, shake him off!

And I am done with my graceless heart

so tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart

'Cause I like to keep my issues drawn

it's always darkest before the dawn

Enjoy:

Whiskey River Take My Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:07:00 +0000

Tonight marks a special occasion.

It is, if my memory serves me correctly, the sixth time I will get to see Willie Nelson in concert, and the fourth time at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO.

My relationship with Willie began in September 2001, when I was in graduate school and lived in Indiana. I went to FarmAid with a few friends, wore my hair in the obligatory Willie braids, donned my cowboy hat, and was first impressed and enamored by that dear Red-Headed Stranger who is so well known, such a part of American culture, who it could be said, embodies Americana itself.

I saw Willie again the following year, at an indoor venue while living in Bloomington, Indiana. Around the same time I was introduced to his lovely tune “I’m My Own Grandpa” by my friends Michelle and Scott, long time Willie fans. My appreciation for him and his great songs only grew from there.

Willie 2010 @ Red Rocks with son Lucas

Fast forward a few years to fall of 2006 to my next experience seeing Willie perform, at Red Rocks. I was with my older brother Bryan (who lives in Texas and has also been lucky enough to see Willie multiple times), my then-roommate Laura, my friend Bridget and Bridget’s sister and dad. We tailgated and ended up sitting around 15 rows back. By then I owned a stand-up pair of red, thrift store cowboy boots and felt I like I played the part better than ever as a solid Willie fan. My memories from this show include a lot of fist-pumping and wooing, and I think it was the first time I fell in love with the song “Me and Paul.”

My next opportunity to see Willie was with my friend Kate 2007, again at Red Rocks. It involved more tailgating beforehand, making friends through sharing food with random strangers, dancing way too hard, and ending the night with biscuits and gravy at the Denver Diner. I like to think we did Willie proud with that choice. I remember being stage right then, and loving every minute of it.

2006 crew at Willie @ Red Rocks

Then last Labor Day weekend, I convinced one of my best friends, Tiffanie, to drive out from Des Moines to see Willie with me; it was her first time, making it all the better. Our pre-show antics involved NEgra Modelos and Doritos (and a dear lesson learned about not bringing Doritos to a Red Rocks show; the young kids assume you have something else available, too). My Denver (now Dallas) friends Joe and Marisa joined us, and again I was up close—center, stage leftish. Perhaps my favorite part though, was after the show when the bass player from Willie Nelson’s son’s band (Lucas Nelson and the Promise of the Real) ended up beside us as we stood to file out. I turned to him and told him I had seen them perform earlier in the summer at Bender’s in Denver, to a crowd of perhaps 20 people (that being a generous estimate). His response was to hug me, and exclaim “Yes! You were crazy-dancing! I remember you!”

I can’t help but grinning every time I think about that.

(The ride home was also memorable and hilarious, for different reasons, but you’ll have to find me for more of that story.)

A few months ago, my dad called me, I think on a Thursday. “Want to come home on Sunday?” he inquired. Not such an easy task I explained, with a pretty vast distance separating Denver South Dakota. Turned out he had won free Willie tickets through the AM radio station. Luckily my younger brother Mark was able to attend, so we kept it in the family, much like Willie does, performing with his son and his beloved Little Sister.

So tonight, as I pull on those same red boots, braid my hair, and fill up my flask, I salute that old cowboy who has never let me down or ceased to impress me. After all, I'm just a good-hearted woman in love with a good-timing man. And if you’re at Red Rocks tonight, wondering who’s belting out those lyrics to “Whiskey River”, it’d be best to put your money on me.

Tiff and I @ Red Rocks for Willie (2010)

Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Sun, 01 May 2011 14:09:00 +0000

It's a bit of a pity my blog has fallen into a state of neglect since November. Rest assured though, many adventures have been had since then--Colombia in November; yurting and cross country skiing in Minnesota in January; lots of downhill skiing in February and March (and friends and family from South Dakota coming to visit for said skiing); in April, a half marathon, and then a week later, a road trip to New Mexico and Texas with great friends; and of course, I've been lucky to see tons and tons of great live music the past 6 months!

Here's a clip of one of my favorite bands, The Submarines, performing their song "Birds" from their recently released album "Love Notes and Letter Bombs" on April 16 at Independent Records in Denver for Independent Record Store day. They're opening for Brett Dennen on June 8th at the Ogden if you want to check them out (and you're in the area).

sometimes i ask how could it be

someone like you would want someone like me

and i'm here waiting on your love

i've been lying awake at night

listening to the birds singing in the dark

and i'm still waiting on your love

we could be holding on tighter

had to learn to let go as we got higher

oh no oh no don't go

i want to take you home tonight

our love our love our love

hey what if everything's all right

if the morning comes at all

i'll dress you up like you're my paper doll

take you everywhere I go

we won't be afraid to be happy

it's not so easy feeling everything

we were so ready for the fall

if we could only surrender let it in

we'd never have to ask what we were missing

The Cave

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:17:00 +0000

Song of the Day: "The Cave" by Mumford and Sons

I missed these guys when they came through at the end of October to Denver, but I surely won't next time. One of my favorite bands this fall (because that's when I first started listening). It's a great song, and the video will make you want to rent a scoot and drive along the beach!

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

Long Walk to Never

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:36:00 +0000

Song of the Day for Monday, November 8th, 2010: "Long Walk to Never" by Jaymay

Take a listen here.

Tonight I went to the screening of "happythankyoumoreplease" at the Denver Film Fest. I'd been looking forward to seeing this film ever since I discovered Jaymay did most of the soundtrack a month or so ago.

The music and the film did not disappoint. Set in New York, it follows three couples in their mid to late 20s/early 30s who are trying to figure things out with love and their relationships--though that may never be fully realized. After all, optimism is so fucking tiring (sorry, Don't Swear).

It hits on the fact that so many of us, no matter where we are at in life, don't feel ourselves worthy to be loved. This film, however, gives us that permission (and it also won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Fest--we'll see how it fares here, but I wouldn't be surprised if it garners the same honor).

you say you want me but you never came to get me

you never got me, and I hope you don't haunt me

these dreams ever again

Persian Den of Sin

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:19:00 +0000

Song of the Day: "Persian Den of Sin" by Chris Sand AKA The Rappin' Cowboy

On Sunday I went to see the documentary "Roll Out Cowboy" about a rappin' cowboy from western North Dakota. The film was excellent, and not to mention The Sandman Rappin' Cowboy himself made an appearance and performed "Persian Den of Sin." I couldn't find that one online, but the trailer for the film is below. Totally and completely worth going to see if you are fortunate enough to have the chance!

What a Day

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:11:00 +0000

Song of the Day for Saturday, November 6: "What a Day" by Greg Laswell

Go ahead, give it a spin:

I've seen Greg Laswell perform twice this year, once in April at the Walnut Room in Denver with my friend Bridget, and then in Des Moines at the Mews on August 1st with my friend Tiff. Both of them trusted me enough to go to the show with me, and they both enjoyed it (though, they are probably not super fans like me).

Saturday he was playing at the venue near my house, The Bluebird, and I was on the list with a plus one. But I wasn't sure if I could make it, and ended up not, strangely enough, when he was literally in my backyard.

I also saw him--twice Saturday evening--once in my alley at around 5 p.m., and then again an hour later. For some reason, I didn't approach him and talk to him. Perhaps I am not the Super Fan I claim to be, but I didn't do it. And my friends are not sure why, and neither am I.

Maybe it's the fedora, maybe it's his beard, maybe it's that he incorporates Jim Beam in his lyrics, but I totally dig this dude's music, especially this song.

What a day to visit Seattle
What a day for San Francisco
What a day, holy Toledo
What a day to get in the air and go
What a day to give up smoking
What a day to have some Jim Beam
And what day to welcome a baby
to begin breathing

Dog Days Are Over

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:49:00 +0000

Song of the Day for Friday, November 5: "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine

Take a listen:

Friday was a great day. This song is from one of my favorite bands I came across in 2010, Florence and the Machine. Seems like quite the match.

Happiness hit her like a bullet in the head

Struck from a great height by someone who should know better than that

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can you hear the horses?

Because here they come

Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father

Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers

Leave all your loving, your loving behind

You cant carry it with you if you want to survive

I'm So Paid

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 01:27:00 +0000

Song of the Day: "I'm So Paid" by Lil Wayne and Akon

Check it here.

Lil Wayne got out of jail today! This is for him, and because this song used to be my ring tone (naturally, because he and Akon sing it together). After all, even President Clinton wished Lil Weezy well.

Crazy Love

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 01:17:00 +0000

Song of the Day for Wednesday, November 3rd: "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison

Wednesday night the D-Town winos and I had a baby shower via Skype for our fellow Wino, Stacy, who now lives in Boston. Of all the new babies that have arrived this year, her baby is one of the few boys. I wasn't sure what Song of the Day would be best, so I Googled "songs about having a baby" and good 'ol Google generated a result for the 1988 movie "She's Having a Baby". One click to IMDB later, and wallah! This song was on the soundtrack. Seemed all too perfect, as that's just the love you need to bring a child into this crazy world.

I Will Follow You Into The Dark

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:40:00 +0000

Song of the Day: "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie

My Arabic tutor's mom passed away yesterday after over a year battle with cancer, and a long-time close friend of my parents' passed away today after fighting ALS (Lou Gehrig's) Disease for four years.

Death Cab for Cutie isn't a favorite band of mine, but this song is beautiful.

Love of mine
Some day you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark

No blinding light
Or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark

If heaven and hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

The Gambler

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:08:00 +0000

Song of the Day: "The Gambler" by fun.

Check it here. It's Number 9.

Yesterday I got some fantastic news from my dear friend Libby: her and her boyfriend Tom got engaged! As in, to be married! I'm ecstatic for them. Sometimes it amazes me, in this world, that two people can find each other who are a perfect fit. But they've done it, and it's awesome (and inspiring for those of us navigating the dating waters!)

I noticed today that Tom posted a link to this song on Lib's facebook (oh, technology age, I adore you). I haven't seen fun in person (yet) but I have heard that they are, well, fun! And this song is super sweet. If you dare, take a listen.

I swear when I grow up, I won't just buy you a rose.
I will buy the flower shop, and you will never be lonely.
Even if the sun stops waking up over the fields
I will not leave, I will not leave 'till it's our time.
So just take my hand, you know that I will never leave your side.

God's Gonna Cut You Down

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:43:00 +0000

Song of the day for Sunday, October 31st: "God's Gonna Cut You Down" by Johnny Cash

Check it here.

Yesterday, after a bit too much party on Halloween Eve, I went to the movies to see "Social Network" and "The Hereafter". Prior to the screening of "Social Network," the preview for "True Grit" aired, which is the latest effort from the Coen Brothers, and will star Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, and Matt Damon. During the preview, they played the Johnny Cash version of "God's Gonna Cut You Down" (and my fave version of the tune). It's also the song my favorite Rockies pitcher, Joe Beimel, walks out to before he takes the mound. Here's a photo of me meeting him on August 28th. Joe may have never called me after I gave him my business card, but it's still a great song.

Feel Good, Inc.

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:40:00 +0000

Song of the Day: Feel Good, Inc. by Gorillaz

In honor of the Denver Gorilla Run this morning, what's better than a little Gorillaz to start the day? Nothin'.

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:15:00 +0000

Song of the Day for Friday, October 29, 2010: Yesterday's Blues by Ryan Bingham

Find more artists like Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses at Myspace Music

I shook the hand of a weeping sparrow
And heard the most beautiful tune
Laid myself down upon a field of flowers
And searched through my dreams to find you
And lost all of yesterday’s blues.

Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 03:31:00 +0000

Song of the Day: "Colorado" by Paper Bird

Check it here.

It's been a day of unintended reflection on why myself and so many of my comrades love Colorado so much; for some, they love it here more than anyone, or anything, else. What better way to signify this than a song by Denver's own Paper Bird? (Well, it could only be better if Paper Bird referenced the BEARDS of the mountain men in their song, too. See lyrics below).

Take a listen, and if you're not living here, come out for a visit; after all it's not just ski season upon us, but beard season, and the season for which people linger longer and drinks are filled fuller and fires are lit brighter. We may miss summer, and long for spring, but the fall and winter are welcome friends we missed without fulling knowing they had gone.

Key Lyrics:

Miner's gold and mountain men
Is the best way for us to begin
To describe the greatest state we love so well.
Where rivers flow, huge pine trees and
Mountains as far as you can see when
You get here we all know you're gonna yell!

Colorado, colorado! escape the city in
The rocky mountain way,
Come on down, we'll take you to
Colorado, Colorado, Colorado

Closer to the Edge

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:31:00 +0000

Song of the Day: "Closer to the Edge" by 30 Seconds to Mars

I don't have cable at home. There are many (good) reasons that I don't, the foremost of which is that I love TV shows, and am already an expert at wasting time. However, now that it's growing colder I go to the gym in the mornings, and they have VH1 there. Thus, my first exposure to "Closer to the Edge" and its video. I don't know if I have ever listened to a 30 Seconds to Mars song all the way through before (I didn't like their early stuff) but Jared Leto sports a hot pink mohawk in this video; he's a man after my own heart. At any rate, the song made me run faster this morning, and I like that the video follows their tour. Go ahead, rock it out, even if you wouldn't admit you like them out loud.

Lucky

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:41:00 +0000

Song of the Day: Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Cailat

This song is almost even too cheesy for me, but since I spent most of my evening catching up on past "Glee" episodes I missed, and this was a duet in one of them, it was meant to be. Plus, I have fond memories of spending 4th of July 2009 in a small, neighborhood bar in Amsterdam with a handful of locals and the owner, one of which was a man with long dreads who went behind the bar to play this on the stereo, repeatedly, and sing it to his lady. It was cute, I must admit, and thus, I also must share it here.

You and I

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:31:00 +0000

Song of the Day for Monday, October 25th: "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson

Last night, I drove to Boulder and met my friends Allison and Acey and their 10 year old daughter Julia at the Boulder Theater for the Ingrid Michaelson concert. Ju had been bummed out last year when we went to see Ingrid and she didn't get to go, so this time was for her.

Some friends of mine don't like Ingrid's music because they say it's too simple, too cheesy, too cute. Once you go to a show though, you won't be disappointed--it's part comedy act, part great musical performance, part feeling like you're hanging with a friend. In short, delightful.

By far the best part though was belting out the tunes with Julia; absolutely adorable.

And because this weekend also involved talk of spooning, I leave you with these lyrics from "You and I":

Well you might be a bit confused
And you might be a little bit bruised
But baby how we spoon like no one else
So I will help you read those books
If you will soothe my worried looks
And we will put the lonesome on the shelf

Lets get rich and buy our parents homes in the south of France
Lets get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance
Lets get rich and build a house on a mountain making everybody look like ants
From way up there, you and I, you and I

Home

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:56:00 +0000

Song of the Day for Sunday, October 24th: "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Yesterday I spent the entire day with six delightful friends, eating, drinking, watching, laughing, and dance-partying. It is so rare to have a day like that, where no one is rushing off to go anywhere--everyone is just there, content with hanging out, contributing to the happiness.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are a relatively new band in my orbit, but this song is great, and corresponds perfectly with yesterday; sometimes Home is just where ever I'm with you.

Check it here on Daytrotter.

Key lyrics:
Alabama Arkansas I sure Love my Ma and Pa
But not the way that I do Love you

Well, Holy Moly Me oh My
You're the apple of my eye
Girl I never loved one like you

Man o Man you're my best friend I scream it to the nothingness
that we got everything we need

Hot and Heavy pumpkin pie
Chocolate candy Jesus Christ
Aint nothin' please me more than you

Home, yeah we are Home
Home is Whenever I'm with you
Home, yes we are Home
Home is wherever I'm with you

Lalalala Take me Home
Mama I'm Coming Home

I follow you into the park, thru the jungle thru the dark
Girl I never loved one like you

Moats and boats and Waterfalls, Alleyways and payphone calls
I sure been everywhere with you

Laugh until we think we'll die, barefoot on a summer night
never could be sweeter than with you

Happy Hippo

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:38:00 +0000

Song of the Day: Happy Hippopotamus by the amazingly awesome Minneapolis band Cloud Cult

In honor of the 6th Annul HippoPUBamus!

Check it below, and maybe see you out at the crawl tonight!

Hashing Undead

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:10:00 +0000

Some things are too fun to pass up.

This includes running through the streets of downtown Denver with the Denver Hash House Harriers while dressed up as Zombies.

Running. Fake Blood. Beer. General mayhem. Braaaaiiiins.

Check out the full coverage here.

And the photo slideshow here.

Add it to the long, long, list of the many reasons I love Denver.

Whistle for the Choir

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:04:00 +0000

Song of the Day: "Whistle for the Choir" by The Fratellis

The Fratellis are not only the bad-guy family from the classic film "Goonies"--they're also a Scottish Alt Rock band, and a fairly recent discovery for me.

Click above to see it acoustically, but definitely check out the full band version.

Key lyrics:

So if you're lonely why'd you say your not lonely
Oh you're a silly girl, I know I hurt it so
It's just like you to come
And go

you know me

no you don't even know me
Your so sweet to try, oh my, you caught my eye
A girl like you's just irresistible

Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:11:00 +0000

Song of the Day: Happy by Never Shout Never

Check it here.

This tune came up on my Regina Spektor Pandora station this morning.

Best lines:
I'm happy knowing that you are mine
The grass is greener on the other side
The more I think, the more I wish
That we could lay here for hours and just reminisce
On the good, the bad, the ugly
The smiles, the laughs, the funny

Some day, I shall dance ridiculously in my kitchen with someone I would play this for, or them for me.

Today, I am the queen of delightful cheesiness. I wish I had some Tillamook Extra Sharp White Cheddar right now.

Enjoy the cheese-tastic-ness!

Gray or Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Fo Shizzle Bizzle) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Song of the Day: Jaymay, Gray or Blue

Click here to see (lyrics included)

Best line: "I can't keep staring at your mouth without wonderin' how it tastes"

Enjoy!