So, it’s not that I wouldn’t go if I was given the opportunity. And it’s not that I don’t think there are a handful of extremely talented artists participating, because of course all of that is true.
HOWEVER…with that said…I have minimal desire to attend ACL.
GASP, I know.
There’s just something about all the hype that comes with large music festivals like that. And maybe I am being a music snob. However, I think perhaps I am a bit jaded toward music that has become popular these days as in my opinion, much of it is not real music.
Music is played by a musician. A musician is someone who understands and appreciates music, who has put time in and is doing things for the right reasons – for the love of music…not for the fame and/or fortune. And with that said, I think the same goes for the fans of the musicians…fans say just as much about musicians as the musicians do. Without going into detail, let’s just say that I’m pretty sure my taste in music is not the same as the taste of those people you find down on dirty 6th. Capiche?
That and the huge crowds kill me. I think it’s this whole “sheeple” thing I am thoroughly against. I’d rather go see a completely unknown but completely talented musician in a hole in the wall venue. Now, that’s more my scene.
So with that said…I went and saw Jamie Cullum perform last week at Stubb’s!
The opening girl for Jamie Cullum did a good job…at making Jamie Cullum appear even more talented than he already is. (I’m probably going to hell for the previous sentence).
I always say that if you say a critique, there has to be a reason. So here we go: There was nothing special about her. Nothing stood out. She wasn’t an amazing artist. She wasn’t an amazing musician. Her style was the same as everyone else who is trying to be different. She didn’t attempt to connect with the crowd…it was about her strumming the same 3 chords on the guitar, while trying to be cute + charm the crowd with her accent, see-through shirt, and pleather pants, rather than the music and/or experience. (and no, this is not jealously haha believe me, I do not aspire to be like the previous description). The best way I could describe her would be: if Macy Gray and Avril Lavigne were to have an Australian love child.
(If I wasn’t going to hell after the comment 2 paragraphs up, I’m pretty sure I have a 1 way, direct flight there now).
Anyway, before that happens, let me talk about the love of my life, I mean, Jamie Cullum.
I must thank my bff Tia for introducing me to Jamie Cullum. How did it happen? you might ask. Well, I got an iPod in 2005, 1 day before we left for the Vienna trip. I didn’t have time to load all my music onto my computer/ipod, so we just plugged my iPod into Tia’s computer and I took all of her music for the trip. Over the next few weeks in Germany, Austria + Italy, I ate, breathed and drank Jamie Cullum. (and Gavin DeGraw, I can’t lie.) (=
I think “All At Sea” was the first Jamie Cullum song I ever heard. Either that, or it was the first song I played on repeat 437 times.
You know what the best thing is? Listening to an artist for years, finally hearing them live in concert…and realizing they are even BETTER live that recorded. Such a freaking good feeling to know that your favorite musician is legit:
Have I mentioned that I love covers? Welp, Jamie Cullum…good job because you owned this…way better than Rihanna did. Jamie 1, Rihanna 0.
Another thing I love about Jamie Cullum?? He’s a REAL MUSICIAN. You can’t learn skillz like this overnight. Check out this jam:
Oh Jamie, you’re so funny! Changing the words from ‘Mary’ to ‘Jamie’. 5 more points to Jamie…and 10 more for getting the audience involved in the show!
So, I like this next song. Obvi. But what I liked most was his intro to it. He gave a brief back story to explain why he wrote it – talked about how he used to be a scrawny kid in Wiltshire, England…and that no girls liked him, yadda yadda. He thought if he learned guitar girls would like him…yadda yadda…somehow connected to photographs and kinda vicariously living through others as he was kinda like a nobody growing up, ppl still think he’s a dork/nerd, etc. …you know, a story to pull on the heart strings a bit. So then he started to play the following song.
HOWEVER, I wanted to say…ummm wait, hold the phone Jamie Cullum…you forgot to mention the fact that you are MARRIED TO A MODEL! I think your life is ok now! (= ANYWAY…enjoy this song, it’s a good one!
Such a lovely song. And what’s even more lovely? The fact that this was at an outdoor venue…probably lower 80s, warm Texas breeze…ah.
