Colbie Caillat

Stubbs 10/22/09

Who knew that Colbie Caillat was good live? I didn't expect it. To be honest, I thought she was just another pretty face, pop artist with a couple of good hits... but she proved me wrong.

Besides having a good voice, she had great stage presence. Telling the audience stories, engaging her band with conversation, and actually being funny - I was pleasantly surprised.

Her newest album, Breakthrough is still reminiscent of loss, love, and budding romance. A classic girly album. To give her some credit though, she adds a beachy feeling. Hawaiian love songs at best.

I sure did enjoy the concert but really nothing beats her opening act, Trevor Hall.

Have you heard of him? I was stunned that I hadn't. South Carolina born and raised, Trevor grew up around music but his sound isn't replication of his father or other musician's he knew. Reggae infused with a delightful, soft, and soulful voice - Trevor is uncommon. I met him after, excited to buy his CD's and get his John Hancock. His self-titled CD is fabulous.

I recommend buying the whole thing.

But if not...

Recommended Tracks:

Unity (featuring Matisyahu)

31 Flavors

Lime Tree

peace,

tess.allen

One Step Closer to Michael Franti

ACL 10/3/09

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD

"Music is the thread that’s gone through my life and given it so much meaning” - Michael Franti

For me, seeing Michael Franti live.. on the front row... on my last day of beautiful ACL weekend was incredible. Incredible doesn't even begin to describe the concert. I was enraptured by his performance. His energy was exhilarating. addictive, and unlike ANY concert I've ever been to. He has this remarkable ability to pull you in, to make you dance, to make you sing louder, and to make you fall in love. Maybe I'm biased though. For several years, I've certainly grown to love Franti. A powerful lyricist, Franti sings about our world today. War, religion, love, and peace. He sings with conviction. You first fall in love with the beat of the songs. A reggae groove with rock vibe makes you dance, shake, and smile. Then you listen to his lyrics. Some are beautiful. Some are haunting. Some make you explore a different realm of your own imagination. A true troubadour, he sings about injustices in our world today. He is one hundred percent honest in his rhymes. What a wonderful thing.

Franti's music has been a staple in my life. I honestly think it should be in every one's. There is a hope in all his music. A hope for there to be a better world. His music is making people come together.

Franti comes blasting on stage, very first song already getting the whole crowd bouncing. We clap, we scream, and we sing. Then he does something.. I didn't expect whatsoever. He comes out into the crowd. Over the railing he climbs to stand next to us and sing in union. His foot tapping in time with mine, I immediately feel a connection with a person I had never met. That's the power of his music. The rest of his show went great. I was reluctant to watch him go at the end. He came out and gave us all hugs, wishing us happiness, giving us his prayers. I was staggered. I couldn't even describe how I felt. There was certainly a euphoric feeling from just watching his show. Simply put: it was beautiful.

For anyone having second thoughts about going to see a show, I pray you go. His shows are not ordinary or regular. His shows are something you have to experience to even understand.

He'll be on tour this year with John Mayer - you should check tour dates to make sure you don't miss this epic combination.

"Life is too short to make just one decision

Music is to large for just one station
Love is to big for just one nation and
God is to big for just one religion."

-East to the West

Still in love...

peace,

tess.allen

GHOSTLAND.

ACL 10/03/09

One of the VERY best. Yes, it's Ghostland Observatory.

Interestingly enough, they don't consider themselves a band, but more of a duo with a promise. A promise to create amazing, soul enriching music that includes their funky beats and love for rock 'n roll. From Austin, Texas (holllaaa!) they have worked countless hours to release two great albums, Papparazzi Lightning and Robotique Majestique.

Front man Aaron Behrens and producer/drummer Thomas Turner are greatly influenced by Daft Punk, Laurent Garnier and Green Velvet. Behrens has even been compared vocally to Freddie Mercury and Prince.

Their sound is a blend of electronics, guitar, drums, and vocals. The beats are contagious and grow into a loud and noisy but so wonderful hubbub of music.

Many of my friends had told me about Ghostland and their amazing live shows which are full of crazy light effects and insane dancing from Behren. Though their excitement was enough to entice me to see a show, they're descriptions couldn't even justify how amazing the show actually was. Extremely exhausted from a whole day at ACL I couldn't believe that my feet continued to function as it was near impossible not to dance during every song. Behren's energy was incredible. I honestly couldn't take my eyes off him as he moved from one end of the stage to the other. His voice was so fresh and unknown, his sound was unlike any other.

As Ghostland Observatory begins to skyrocket to success, as I imagine they will, I don't think their sound will be compared to previous artists but rather other artists will be compared to them.

Get your dancing shoes on.

Recommended Tracks: Sad Sad City, Strange Lover, Piano Man

peace,

tess.allen