Adventures with Dr. Lady Cutie Troublemaker

Gah! Just put my headphones because they are doing loud behavior therapy with a kid in the next room, and it’s hard to write. I put in my headphones, then realized I had my system muted. Unmuted, and KABOOM!!!!! GAAAAHHHH!!!! 50 Foot Wave sure is loud! When did I turn the volume all the way up? I seriously think I might have damaged my hearing… at least temporarily. I’m like Pete Townsend! Anne will be so impressed! Where’s my amp? I need to throw this file up in the air, catch it, then SMASH! And maybe some onstage – I mean on-desk – explosions.

The song that did it was "Hot Pink, Distorted," about 10 seconds in.

I’ve been burning the candle at both ends this week (professionally and socially), so I don’t have any time to write about the Billy Bragg gig at the Somerville Theatre right now, but I’m hoping I will find some time this weekend. He was, as ever, very much himself:political, self-deprivating, witty, passionate, historical, connected, educational, engaging, current, and clever… all without a hint of pomposity. No seriously!

The opening act was Jill Sobule. She is my new hero! Really clever lyrics, great sense of humor, vocal chops, dynamic, personal, vulnerable, and she sang a number of songs about life post-breakup that really spoke to me. I’m a new fan. I bought a CD of hers after the gig and got to meet her.

On quick share: Jill Sobule sang one song I know my politically-minded, Bush-hating friends will love. It’s called "Put Him in the Hall of Fame." From her web site: George W. Bush’s popularity on the wane, here’s a modest proposal to get him out of a sticky situation and fulfill his dreams at the same time. It’s a win-win; what’s not to love?

Download "Put Him in the Hall of Fame" (I hope hotlinking isn’t a problem. I’m sure once you’ll listen, you’ll want to go see her and buy all her albums! Plus, she’s offering this song for free on her site right now.) 

Hoping to write more about the gig soon… 

I am soooo stoked for two upcoming gigs. Two of my very favorite live acts are coming to town, one week apart. First, the Saw Doctors at the Roxy. I’m excited because I just found out Bostonist will have a contingent there (notice my spastic comment on their site), and I haven’t seen them in a while. Bostonist are nice people, and Kristin’s coming, so it should be fun. Yay!

Then next week is Billy Bragg SOLO (Yay! Sans blokes is kind of rare.) at the Somerville Theatre. I’m bringing along a friend from work who used to be a gig girl until the place sucked the life out of her. She’s leaving my place of employment at the end of the month, so maybe this will welcome her back to a life of happiness and leisure!

Speaking of Billy Bragg, I received such a wonderful surprise in the mail yesterday from an old friend who knew things were a bit rough right now:

"Waiting For My Real Life To Begin" by Colin Hay (formerly of Men At Work)

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I’ll keep checking the horizon
I’ll stand on the bow, feel the waves come crashing
Come crashing down, down, down, on me

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in
But don’t you understand
I already have a plan
I’m waiting for my real life to begin

When I awoke today, suddenly nothing happened
But in my dreams, I slew the dragon
And down this beaten path, and up this cobbled lane
I’m walking in my old footsteps, once again
And you say, just be here now
Forget about the past, your mask is wearing thin
Let me throw one more dice
I know that I can win
I’m waiting for my real life to begin

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I’ll keep checking the horizon
And I’ll check my machine, there’s sure to be that call
It’s gonna happen soon, soon, soon
It’s just that times are lean

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart, let the light shine in
Don’t you understand
I already have a plan
I’m waiting for my real life to begin

—

Get it on iTunes for 99 cents. 

Dear E.J.,

Thank you so much! I love, love, LOVE your voice, and these songs are beautiful. I can’t believe I didn’t spend more time with you in Memphis, and the fact that I only heard you sing once is criminal. I feel honored to know you. What a gift to see these MP3’s here waiting for me. 😀

My day just got a lot better.

Abby

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Previous E.J. posts: Link 1, Link 2