Support Live Music: Fall 2012.

In an age where iTunes and Pandora and Spotify reign supreme, it's so easy to forget to support live music. But there's just no substitution for it. I could see the same band a hundred times [see the band above*] and each set is its own entity; completely independent from their recorded album.

The beauty of live music is how unpredictable it is: the band tries out a new, unrecorded song for the first time; they decide to play one of their favorite covers [and of course you LOVE that song]; one of their friends from another band is in town and jumps on stage to do an impromptu collaboration; the power kicks out and they decide to play the rest of the night acoustic; the entire show [openers and even some roadies] get on the stage with all their instruments and jam; they play that one song, [and they NEVER play that song] the song that makes your heart ache. You can't get that on the internet. Watching a Youtube video won't suffice; you need to be there.

The mark of a really great show was always measured by how hard my ears were ringing and the bruises I got from being front and center. I might be a little older [and hopefully wiser], but I miss those days of getting knocked around, feeling every fiber of the music in my head and my heart.

So speaking of live music...

It's a good thing I decided to get the fall concert list started early, since there are so many great bands making their way to Atlanta much sooner than I thought. For some of these shows I actually don't know the bands too well, but gave them a preview and they sound promising. Others are a MUST go, so I'll be busy the next few months. I miss the days when I got tickets to shows for free. Gone are the days when I could go to shows three or four nights a week. Now I'll just have to settle for one or two :)

On a more random note: In making this list, I found a band called Snarky Puppy. I'm mentioning them for no other reason than their name is Snarky Puppy. It's the little things. Other gems include: Spanky and the Love Handles and Puffy Areolas. I couldn't make this up if I tried.

'Fall' 2012 Upcoming Shows:

The Dangerous Summer, The Rouge, From Indian Lakes 8/7

mewithoutYou, Kevin Devine, Buried Beds 8/11

The Lumineers, Old Crow Medicine Show 8/25

All Get Out 8/30

The Jesus and Mary Chain 9/6

Yeasayer 9/8

Ocean is Theory 9/7

Built to Spill 9/13

Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics 9/14

Beach House 9/16

There for Tomorrow 9/17