4.30.2005

not Bryan

...as the title of this post hints- please don't confuse the details of what i'm discussing with anyone by the name of BRYAN. the guys name is RYAN ADAMS, not the dude who had that lovesong type hit back in the early nineties.

so... with that little bit of housekeeping out of the way... here goes!

this past wednesday evening, emily and i had the unbelievable opportunity to attend a ryan adams concert in northampton at the renowned calvin theatre! we're both huge fans of this dude, and neither of us had seen him live, so we were surely excited for this event. it's always fun to see live music with my lovely girlfriend- both of us appreciate the talent and hard work that goes into good music, and ryan adams is at the top of both of our lists!

a rainy, dreary night was cast upon the "happy valley" as this area is affectionately known by locals. to the two of us, this was pure bliss- a perfect backdrop to an exciting evening like this- we both love rain, and almost prefer it to the "nice" days...
...anyway, not to get off topic...

opening adams' set was
rachael yamagata, a singer/ songwriter that creates emotionally charged, from the heart songs, with a beautiful and ranging voice that captivates all within earshot. emily's is in love with her live voice, which was markedly different from that which she displays on the album. this was an awesome set, from a purely talented artist who knows what she wants and does it well.
next was mr. adams- a quiet, unassuming entrance to the stage that triggered a roaring ovation from the crowd. boy were we excited- this was going to be huge! not only were we excited to hear him live, but also to hear the new tunes (new album, Cold Roses due out tuesday may 3) as well as to witness the manner in which ryan interacts with the crowd and just his general stage demeanor and delivery in general.

this isn't a review- i'm not
that talented, (haha) so i'll skip the arduous process that is better off left for the critics.
what we were mostly impressed by was the complete change in the "old" songs. every song that was previously released on an album was played completely differently than was recorded for the album- this was sweet, we enjoyed it thoroughly. it makes sense for all involved- ryan and his band (the cardinals) don't get sick of playing the same straightforward songs every night, and we the fans get to hear something fresh and unique. to be honest, if we wanted to hear the songs as we knew them, we could pop in the disc at home or in the car... this was a cool move by the band. most of the stuff they played was new, which has us amped for the album next tuesday- can't wait!
unfortunately we had to leave a bit early-> sleepy-head me had to get some sleep; for that 3:43 rise and shine comes so soon- eh, that is my life in the summertime! all in all, we had a superb time. both the opener as well as the headliner was worth the price and time and effort we put in- that's all ya can ask from a live gig! we'll go again, for sure. one of the funniest things all night was what we called, "the mob boss and his wife". there was this guy a few rows ahead of us that looked very italian and "mob worthy"! his wife and he were apparently and obviously drunk and were dancing and groovin' all over the place. they were a littled miffed at the intermission that ryan was playing things so differently from the albums, and continued to say, "come on, play us some tunes we know.... it's good and all, but play us just a tune we know" to the people behind them. as em and i both uttered to eachother, luckily we were a few rows back, otherwise we would have been in their line of fire! great night, great music, great date, aaaaaand it rained! can't ask for much better than that right...!?

'til
next...

not Bryan

...as the title of this post hints- please don't confuse the details of what i'm discussing with anyone by the name of BRYAN. the guys name is RYAN ADAMS, not the dude who had that lovesong type hit back in the early nineties.

so... with that little bit of housekeeping out of the way... here goes!

this past wednesday evening, emily and i had the unbelievable opportunity to attend a ryan adams concert in northampton at the renowned calvin theatre! we're both huge fans of this dude, and neither of us had seen him live, so we were surely excited for this event. it's always fun to see live music with my lovely girlfriend- both of us appreciate the talent and hard work that goes into good music, and ryan adams is at the top of both of our lists!

a rainy, dreary night was cast upon the "happy valley" as this area is affectionately known by locals. to the two of us, this was pure bliss- a perfect backdrop to an exciting evening like this- we both love rain, and almost prefer it to the "nice" days...
...anyway, not to get off topic...

opening adams' set was rachael yamagata, a singer/ songwriter that creates emotionally charged, from the heart songs, with a beautiful and ranging voice that captivates all within earshot. emily's is in love with her live voice, which was markedly different from that which she displays on the album. this was an awesome set, from a purely talented artist who knows what she wants and does it well.
next was mr. adams- a quiet, unassuming entrance to the stage that triggered a roaring ovation from the crowd. boy were we excited- this was going to be huge! not only were we excited to hear him live, but also to hear the new tunes (new album, Cold Roses due out tuesday may 3) as well as to witness the manner in which ryan interacts with the crowd and just his general stage demeanor and delivery in general.

this isn't a review- i'm not that talented, (haha) so i'll skip the arduous process that is better off left for the critics.
what we were mostly impressed by was the complete change in the "old" songs. every song that was previously released on an album was played completely differently than was recorded for the album- this was sweet, we enjoyed it thoroughly. it makes sense for all involved- ryan and his band (the cardinals) don't get sick of playing the same straightforward songs every night, and we the fans get to hear something fresh and unique. to be honest, if we wanted to hear the songs as we knew them, we could pop in the disc at home or in the car... this was a cool move by the band. most of the stuff they played was new, which has us amped for the album next tuesday- can't wait! unfortunately we had to leave a bit early-> sleepy-head me had to get some sleep; for that 3:43 rise and shine comes so soon- eh, that is my life in the summertime! all in all, we had a superb time. both the opener as well as the headliner was worth the price and time and effort we put in- that's all ya can ask from a live gig! we'll go again, for sure. one of the funniest things all night was what we called, "the mob boss and his wife". there was this guy a few rows ahead of us that looked very italian and "mob worthy"! his wife and he were apparently and obviously drunk and were dancing and groovin' all over the place. they were a littled miffed at the intermission that ryan was playing things so differently from the albums, and continued to say, "come on, play us some tunes we know.... it's good and all, but play us just a tune we know" to the people behind them. as em and i both uttered to eachother, luckily we were a few rows back, otherwise we would have been in their line of fire! great night, great music, great date, aaaaaand it rained! can't ask for much better than that right...!?

'til next...

4.23.2005

I'm an Uncle!

Yep, that's the truth... my brother and his girlfriend had their first child last week! I'm so excited, proud, and honored to welcome Aidan Norman Streeter to this family and to the world- April 14, 2005! Congratulations Jeff and Holly! As my brother put it, "he has always loved the name Aidan, and when he told Holly of it she fell in love with it as well". He (and they) then wished to offer Norman as Aidan's middle name, in memory of our father who passed away many years ago. How cool is that, a unique, stylish, meaningful name offered to their first born- I'm ecstatic!
Emily and I had the privilege to see baby Aidan a few days ago, and I must say that it was one of the best, most memorable, emotional days in my entire life. I have to stop and think... my brother- a father; me- an uncle... wow, this is cool. My family (Jeff and I specifically) has had so many "subtractions" from it over the years (namely our father) that it is so reassuring and comforting to welcome an "addition" to our name. It feels good.
Although only visiting with baby Aidan, Holly, and Jeff for a few hours, it became clear to both Emily and myself that Aidan is and will be in good hands- Jeff seemed a natural at fatherhood- so proud and happy as a Father and of his son. I've seen this from Jeff for many years, in the way he interacts with Sean and my other brother Eric (as well as other kids). He has such a simple, organic, caring connection with children that this is only a natural progression for him. Holly seems to have a motherly knack and feel for it all already, and I'm sure the both of them will only find this experience more and more rewarding as they travel it's path...
My mother has often stated that she's eager and excited to become a Grandmother... and although my step-sister had her own baby last fall, this was the real event my Mom had been coveting. I'm so happy for my Mom, as she's always been a wonderful mother and friend to each of her children... and "Grandmotherhood" has shown and will prove to be only another venue for her to share he gift as a caring, nurturing, goodhearted person! Her smile alone on Thurday was indicative of her happiness!
Through all of this I feel an added closeness to my brother, Holly, and my parents. I'm not exactly sure why I feel like this, but I do know one thing... it feels wonderful!
I love all of my family- congratulations Jeff, Holly, Aidan, Sean, Mom, Gary, and Emily- I love you!


I'm going to try and attach some images... hope they work!! He's just so darn cute!


go here
http://community.webshots.com/user/mstreeter9

I'm an Uncle!

Yep, that's the truth... my brother and his girlfriend had their first child last week! I'm so excited, proud, and honored to welcome Aidan Norman Streeter to this family and to the world- April 14, 2005! Congratulations Jeff and Holly! As my brother put it, "he has always loved the name Aidan, and when he told Holly of it she fell in love with it as well". He (and they) then wished to offer Norman as Aidan's middle name, in memory of our father who passed away many years ago. How cool is that, a unique, stylish, meaningful name offered to their first born- I'm ecstatic!
Emily and I had the privilege to see baby Aidan a few days ago, and I must say that it was one of the best, most memorable, emotional days in my entire life. I have to stop and think... my brother- a father; me- an uncle... wow, this is cool. My family (Jeff and I specifically) has had so many "subtractions" from it over the years (namely our father) that it is so reassuring and comforting to welcome an "addition" to our name. It feels good.
Although only visiting with baby Aidan, Holly, and Jeff for a few hours, it became clear to both Emily and myself that Aidan is and will be in good hands- Jeff seemed a natural at fatherhood- so proud and happy as a Father and of his son. I've seen this from Jeff for many years, in the way he interacts with Sean and my other brother Eric (as well as other kids). He has such a simple, organic, caring connection with children that this is only a natural progression for him. Holly seems to have a motherly knack and feel for it all already, and I'm sure the both of them will only find this experience more and more rewarding as they travel it's path...
My mother has often stated that she's eager and excited to become a Grandmother... and although my step-sister had her own baby last fall, this was the real event my Mom had been coveting. I'm so happy for my Mom, as she's always been a wonderful mother and friend to each of her children... and "Grandmotherhood" has shown and will prove to be only another venue for her to share he gift as a caring, nurturing, goodhearted person! Her smile alone on Thurday was indicative of her happiness!
Through all of this I feel an added closeness to my brother, Holly, and my parents. I'm not exactly sure why I feel like this, but I do know one thing... it feels wonderful!
I love all of my family- congratulations Jeff, Holly, Aidan, Sean, Mom, Gary, and Emily- I love you!


I'm going to try and attach some images... hope they work!! He's just so darn cute!


go here
http://community.webshots.com/user/mstreeter9

4.09.2005

I've got a fever...

I've got a fever... and the only perscription is for a pitch down the pipe! Yes, I typed that correctly- a dual reference to a SNL skit and the new Sox/ Romantic comedy film "Fever Pitch". Saw it last night in the company of my lovely and beautiful girlfriend Emily as well as Chef, Vanessa, and about another million devoted inhabitants of Red Sox nation!

Great movie- period! The starring roles were superbly acted (Barrymore & Fallon), and the supporting role filled by our beloved "Sawx" was a wicked pissah!! This film was so true to life and accurate in terms of it's representation of how this thing called fandom works- not only in terms of the craziness that is being a Red Sox fan but also in terms of how it intertwines and affects the daily lives of so many. I'll admit, I'm a crazy Sox fan... and I don't make any bones about it- I Love This Team!

Well... for any that haven't seen this movie yet, what are you waiting for??! Get out and see it, you'll be glad you did. And for those of us that did... the DVD us gonna be slammin!

Not that this is a review, but if I were to rate this thing I would have to give it
**** out of 5 stars!
Yep, I'm partial and biased... and I don't care!!!

I've got a fever...

I've got a fever... and the only perscription is for a pitch down the pipe! Yes, I typed that correctly- a dual reference to a SNL skit and the new Sox/ Romantic comedy film "Fever Pitch". Saw it last night in the company of my lovely and beautiful girlfriend Emily as well as Chef, Vanessa, and about another million devoted inhabitants of Red Sox nation!

Great movie- period! The starring roles were superbly acted (Barrymore & Fallon), and the supporting role filled by our beloved "Sawx" was a wicked pissah!! This film was so true to life and accurate in terms of it's representation of how this thing called fandom works- not only in terms of the craziness that is being a Red Sox fan but also in terms of how it intertwines and affects the daily lives of so many. I'll admit, I'm a crazy Sox fan... and I don't make any bones about it- I Love This Team!

Well... for any that haven't seen this movie yet, what are you waiting for??! Get out and see it, you'll be glad you did. And for those of us that did... the DVD us gonna be slammin!

Not that this is a review, but if I were to rate this thing I would have to give it **** out of 5 stars!
Yep, I'm partial and biased... and I don't care!!!