April 18, 2014 The National at the Chicago Theater (Concert #20)



I was invited by Cindy (who I usually introduce as my flower girl but since she is now in her thirties that doesn't seem right so I could just call her my friend but that doesn't seem like enough so I will go with my little sister) and her husband Mark to see The National at the beautiful Chicago Theater. Tonight was the last of four sold out shows here. We had dinner at South Water Kitchen then walked over to the show. Cindy was the only real fan of The National. I knew a few of their songs and I think Mark might have heard Cindy play their songs. Anyway, I think we were unanimous in our dislike for the opening act, Daughter. I always try to catch the opening bands and will be fair in my assessment. They were not my kind of music and they were not good either. The female singer was so quiet you could hardly hear her. The National were very good. I really enjoyed the show. The deep voiced singer was very entertaining and they have quite a few good songs. The fact that most of the crowd sang along to every song always makes me enjoy a show. Plus for the last encore they played an acoustic version of "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" and everyone sang along. I definitely would recommend checking out this band.

1. Sea of Love 
2. I Should Live in Salt 
3. Anyone's Ghost 
4. Baby, We'll Be Fine 
5. Bloodbuzz Ohio 
6. Don't Swallow the Cap 
7. Hard to Find 
8. Afraid of Everyone 
9. Conversation 16 
10. Squalor Victoria 
11. I Need My Girl 
12. This Is the Last Time 
13. Apartment Story 
14. Available 
15. Cardinal Song 
    (as 'Available' outro)
16. Pink Rabbits 
17. Humiliation 
18. Sorrow 
19. Graceless 
20. Mistaken for Strangers 
21. Fake Empire 
22. Encore:
22. All Dolled-Up in Straps 
    ((possible) live debut)
23. Mr. November 
24. Terrible Love 
25. Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks 

April 15, 2014 Goodbye New Orleans

"Man, do you know what it means to miss New Orleans

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans

And miss it each night and day

I know I'm not wrong, this feeling's gettin' stronger

The longer, I stay away

Miss them moss covered vines, the tall sugar pines

Where mockin' birds used to sing

And I'd like to see that lazy Mississippi

Hurryin' into spring

Oh the moonlight on the bayou

A creole tune that fills the air

I dream about Magnolias in bloom

And I'm wishin' I was there

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans

Since that's where you left your heart

And there's something more, I miss the one I care for

More than I miss New Orleans" - written by Eddie Delange & Louis Alter

We had some time to kill before we headed to the airport. So we spent a few hours in the very colorful French Quarter and in beautiful Louis Armstrong Park.

The park's namesake.

These plaques are on the wall at a laundromat. This building once housed a recording studio that helped create the music that became known as rock and roll. If you love music history check out The Cosimo Matassa Story Volumes 1 & 2 at Euclid Records.

April 14, 2014 Biking In New Orleans

Last night I was placing my dinner order at the upstairs bar at Mimi's in the Marigny when I asked a local sitting next to me for some advice on the eclectic menu. He gave me some of his favorites, so I bought him a beer. He thanked me by offering a bike rental at his place on Frenchmen Street. So we spent the day riding bikes through the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. Here's the pictures from our day.

We stopped here to do some Christmas shopping and found some great stuff.

Then we had lunch at The Joint. Since the place was packed, we invited a young couple to join us at our table. We talked about the French Quarter Fest, New Orleans music and food while we enjoyed the BBQ and the company.

We biked along the river...

...then back through the neighborhoods.

I love the colors, the artistic yard work, the wonderful uniqueness and the humor of this city. This Joe's Cozy Corner sign is on the roof of the dog house.  

A late afternoon thunderstorm ended our bike ride. So we continued on foot...

...and spent some quality time in another fantastic record store.

After drying out, we walked back to Bywater for dinner at a place we noticed on our bike ride...

...where we once again enjoyed some really good food.

We relaxed at the house and packed for our trip home while listening to some New Orleans music. It's been a fun week. Thank you New Orleans.