Bolt of Blue

I could do a review of the Coldplay show that my hubby and I went to last month. But really, there was not much I could add to the chorus of other fawning reviews out there. Except, I hate seeing bands I love in such huge ass places and if Coldplay is going to do arenas next, count me out. Heck, we were less than 2 feet from Chris when he came running into the audience during the encore and that still didn’t do it for me. It could also have plenty to do with the lame audience where I heard mumbled questions over the use of the imagery behind the band, or so many sitting down during huge portions of the show, or when the noisey openers Black Mountain where on stage and questionable “fans” raced by us in a panic because they thought Coldplay was on stage. Argh.

Instead of whining, I’ll put the shine on OK Go, a kick ass band from Chicago with amazing hooks, clever lyrics, and a good dose of humor and style. I love this band. I can’t get enough. Every time I see them live I fall in love all over. This time, their gig at the Roxy, the place I first witnessed their act opening for the Vines, was their best yet. They sounded fabulous, the new and old songs mixing brilliantly, and most importantly, not only were they having fun, but the entire audience was in on the boundless energy of these 4 guys.

When they finally ended the show with an encore of their dance routine to new single A Million Ways, the entire place was full of laughing, smiles, and happy hearts.

Feeling tired… a little weird too cause this is my last week with my boyfriend before he heads back to Edmonton for his surgery next week. Not enough time… this summer went far too fast.

This past weekend felt really lazy to me… or rather, I was feeling really lazy despite doing all kinds of things like seeing the Vines twice. OK Go were the openers and they rocked. I really enjoyed their sound. I thought to myself on Friday how they seemed to have a kinda ska influenced Phantom Planet sound and then I found out they are going to open up for Phantom Planet on their small East coast tour this September. Rad. They are signed with Capitol and their new CD comes out September 17. Mental note: Need to purchase.

The Vines were good as well… though I think they were much better on Saturday’s night show then Friday’s. The crowd might have had something to do with that since it actually had a pulse on Saturday. God, Friday’s crowd was awful. Just pathetic. It didn’t help that there were so many VIPs. It was obnoxious. Craig went mad towards the end and trashed the drum kit and himself. He did more damage on Saturday… since it was their last two shows on this tour, it seemed appropriate and well, fitting since Craig is so rock star. It was, overall, fun. Even when Craig took off his shirt to reveal his pot belly late into the set on Saturday. I so didn’t need to see his paunch. But whatever, it was great and very much like the first time I saw them… raw, real and weird. I loved it.

My boy is painting today… we did a little preparing yesterday of my spare bedroom. I’ve always had white or neutral walls in my bedroom or in my parent’s house for the most part. But my spare bedroom is going to be this khaki color with a pure white ceiling, door and trim. I think it’s going to work really well. I’m just a little nervous since it’s more striking than say, off-white. And then my bedroom… taking more risk there. Remi is going to start getting it all ready tomorrow and it’s going to be this like dark, bright, rich blue. I have no idea how to describe this color. But it’s really dramatic and strong. The ceiling, door, trim and bathroom will be pure white. I hope I like how it turns out and that I can live with such a strong color in my bedroom but I think I’m going to love it… it’s a needed change from the current white and pink that the previous owners had painted the room.

I got a plant yesterday too. It’s this big beautiful plant. Um. Yeah. I love house plants. I still haven’t moved over my plants from my parent’s house yet because there are boxes everywhere and it’s just not ready for all of them… I have some plants that I’ve had for like 6 years. My mom is like this wizard with plants. She has some that she’s kept going for over 20 years. I’m glad I’ve inherited some of her skills.

Oh, totally forgot one thing. After both Vines shows, Sunset was packed with all kinds of people handing out flyers, CDs and pins… there were Capitol PR packets to self-made CDs. I must plug the Otter Pop boys. They had this cooler set-up right in front of the Roxy, handing out Otter Pops and even opening them for you with a pair of scissors. It was so awesome since the Roxy is like a freaking steam room or something, it gets so unbearably hot. I got one of their CDs that just had info written on it with a Sharpie. And it’s really GOOD. So check them out at ariadecline.com. They are playing August 14th at the Roxy and September 21 at the Whiskey. So support ‘em cause Otter Pops rule!

So I met Joe. I met freaking Joe McIntyre. Finally. After all these years. I was so nervous. I was shaking all over but managed to talk to him pretty calmly. Told him right off how this was a long time in coming as I shook his hand. It was completely crazy when I bent down to tell him my name… he was inches away and we looked each other straight in the eyes for a long couple of seconds. Unreal. He has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. We posed for a picture together but I was shaking so much I couldn’t hold my smile so I’ll probably look like an idiot. What else is new? Then when I went to kiss him on the cheek, he moved in more than I was expecting for this weird kinda hug and I ended up lightly kissing his ear. Oops…

The show at the Roxy was splendid. I had so much fun. Saw Donnie Wahlberg come out of his limo before the show. He was looking great. And it was cool he was there for Joe like that. Very cool. Uncool was seeing Amaya from the Real World Hawaii trying to get into the backstage area. She is so yucky. I don’t think she managed to get in but oh well. Also saw Dawson’s mom. That was randomly funny.

Ok so it’s this Saturday that I’m going to be trying to get Radiohead tickets. After seeing Missing Persons, we are heading over to the Hollywood Bowl and hopefully we will get some decent seats.

Seeing Missing Persons tomorrow night as well as Friday night. It will be good to see Warren again although maybe a little strange at first. And then next week, we are going to try… no we ARE going to see Phantom Planet at the Troubadour. I’ve come to realize I am a Phantom Planet band-aid. I’m not ashamed. I love them.

I can breathe a bit easier now… except I’m so excited I feel like I’m a little kid that’s just been given candy. I got my Joe tickets. Was able to get them over the phone. YEAH! You cannot understand how excited I am. It’s not like I haven’t seen him before but this is the Roxy!! A kick-ass small venue where I could get close enough to touch the man and satisfy the 13 year old girl that’s still inside my heart. I might sound a little off the rocker but whatever. That’s me.

Joe McIntyre is coming to the Roxy July 12. I HAVE to get tickets. I just HAVE to. AHHHHHHHHHH!

And Coldplay is doing a surprise show this Sunday at the Wiltern. Tickets go on sale Sunday morning. I just found out and I really want to try and go.

I’m so tired I don’t know what I’m doing writing in this instead of passing out in my comfy bed.

I saw Phantom Planet last night. I took some awesome photos I need to scan and share. I had two moments with Sam (my fave). They were wonderful. It was so freaking hot in the Roxy though. There was no air at all. I don’t know how Eddie and I managed to have so much energy. We were rocking out the whole time even though 99% of the crowd was like barely able to move.

It was a pretty insane night. The Lakers won so after we got out of the Roxy, Sunset was packed with cars and people honking their horns and waving flags acting like morons. So Eddie and I proceeded to wave our Phantom Planet t-shirts and scream out Phantom Planet rules to all the cars that drove by and then later as we tried to drive to the Knitting Factory, we blared Duran Duran and were screaming out Duran Duran and various members names. This rad couple walking along Sunset saw us and totally cheered us on when they got what we were doing. It was such a blast.

So we also got into what was supposed to be a private party at the Knitting Factory (it ended up being pretty easy to get ourselves in) and saw Travis perform later that night. I’m not really a fan of Travis because I’m not that familiar with their work but it was fun. Had a moment with Dougie. He is very cool.

Aside from seeing Travis and the cuties from Phantom Planet (again, must mention that Sam rocks!), we saw Selma Blair (Jason’s girl), a random dude from 2gether, Ben Stiller and the Hanson boys. Missed Heath Ledger but he was there at the Travis show. So was the lead singer of Remy Zero and probably tons of other people but we were on the floor not in the VIP balcony of course. What a night!

Made it home to watch my tape of Jay Leno. Jude Law gave me a shock with his new hair (or lack of). Of course, he pulls it off and was dashing, charming and oh so sweet. Need to find out when the premiere is for A.I. The premiere for Fast and the Furious is Monday. I think I will try to go to see Paul Walker walk in. Of course, I’m jealous my co-worker is going to attend the premiere. He thinks I should try and sneak in… um, we’ll see.

Oh, saw Moulin Rouge on Wed. with my parents. My fourth time. It was so magical yet again. Cried more than the first 3 times put together. God that movie rocks!

Ok, sleep, I need sleep. But since I think I’m an insominac, I will probably stay up way too late and watch Roswell episodes on tape. The joy!