Catching Up - Part Deux: Walk This Way

After we got back from Nashville, Fayetteville was undergoing its annual transformation into Wal-Mart Shareholders World Headquarters, an event people travel from all over to come to, and one that always brings in a lot of traffic and some great music acts.  We've had Jimmy Buffett and Carrie Underwood.  But this year, it was just a little different.

Aerosmith came to town.

As you might know, I am a bit of an Aerosmith fan.  Ryan and I had tickets to go see them a few years ago for my first ever Aerosmith concert, but Steven decided to be an idiot and fall off the stage before we could see him.  So this time, Mr. Tyler came to me via Wal-Mart shareholders.

I couldn't believe my luck.  The only issue was that I am not actually a Wal-Mart shareholder.  I had a job offer from Wal-Mart right after college, but I turned them down.  I had not once regretted that decision until the day I found out ST and company were coming to town.  I was a pouty mess the entire day of the concert, and then I decided to work late just to dull the pain.  I got a phone call from Ryan that went something like this:

Ryan:  "How late are you going to work?"

Moi:  "I don't know, Ryan, as long as it takes."

Ryan:  "Well, I guess I'll take some other girl to see Aerosmith tonight."

Moi:  Silence.

Ryan:  "Hello?"

Moi:  "Are you being serious?"

Ryan:  "Yeah."

Moi:  "I'll be right there."

How happy is that face?

Cheap Trick opened, which was an okay show.  I only knew 3 or 4 of the songs, but I think I enjoyed it.  I don't really remember.  I was just too nervous for Aerosmith.  Finally, at around 9pm, the stage rotated.

And not long after that, out he came.

They only played for about an hour and a half, but it was the most entertaining concert I've ever been to.  I sang every song at the top of my lungs (sorry neighbors) and screamed at pretty much everything Steven said.  I wish they had played longer, I wish our seats had been closer, and I wish that I were on tour with ST right now, but all things considered, it was a near-perfect night.  I finally got to see Aerosmith in concert and it was in Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

I just have to think he knew he owed me.

So Hot in Herre

This weekend I did something I said I'd never ever do again.  I went to Riverfest in Little Rock.  After Hank Williams circa 2005 or so, I said I'd never again darken downtown Little Rock at 9PM on Memorial Day weekend just to see a concert.  The cigarettes, drunk people with their kids, and walking just aren't worth any artist who decides to come.

And then, Nelly came.

Oh yes.  My favorite artist in 8th grade (and every grade since then) signed up to come throw down in the Rock town.  I was in a dilemma.  And I broke my pact.  I had to go back.  I had to see Mr. Derrty Entertainment himself.  I wanted to ride wit him.  I had to batter up and practice my country grammar.  I wanted to see his grill, what, his grill in person.  And no, I didn't wear Air Force Ones, but I wanted to.  Because I am #1.  And I think that's the last of the song title references.

Nelly put on a super show.  I've said it to a few of you, but honestly, I didn't expect much.  Rap concerts are touch and go.  I saw Snoop Dogg (from just a few rows back) this year and he was awesome.  I really didn't think I'd get two good rap concerts in a year.  But Nelly can entertain!!  And knowing every single song he sang helped a lot too.  I think I screamed over him half the time.

And how cool am I?  I went with my siblings and my mom.  Seemed like the best way to spend Riverfest, having beer slung on you and seeing people with their newborns at a Nelly concert - with my own mom screaming "Girl, I think my butt gettin' big!"

My Top Ten Songs...right now

Though I am in no way muscially gifted, I am deeply in love with music.  If I lost my iPod, I think I would fall off the face of the earth.  And so, I believe I will list my top ten favorite songs right now.  I get on kicks and listen to certain types of music for periods of time, especially as they relate to my life at that point in time.  So at any given time this list fluxuates.  Some of these rotate off, some are permanent fixtures.  You get the idea.   I'll include some of the lyrics I like in each song - I'm ALL about lyrics.

10. More Than a Memory - Garth Brooks I stumbled upon the video for this song a few years ago flipping channels. Garth Brooks is always so good, and this is him at his best. "You're talking out loud, but nobody's there. You look like hell and you just don't care. Drinking more than you ever drank, sinking down lower than you ever sank."

9. Me and Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin This is one of the permanent ones. Written by one of the most gifted songwriters alive - Kris Kristofferson - and performed by everyone from Waylon to Janis...this song is a classic about rambling hippies and love lost. "Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose. And nothin' don't mean nothin', hon, if it ain't free."

8. Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers Oh how I adore RHCP - and not just because Anthony Kiedis is a babe (okay, I am realizing I have a thing for rock stars. This would have been good to know several years ago). I think this song embodies who I wish I could be sometimes - a rebellious, free spirit. "She's a lover, baby and a fighter. Should have seen it coming when it got a little brighter. With a name like Dani California, day was gonna come when I was gonna mourn ya.

7. A Pirate Looks at Forty - Jimmy Buffett Really a great great Jimmy Buffett song - enough of that beachy vibe to make me wish I was back in Destin, but not so much fluff that the meaning is lost. "Yes I am a pirate, two hundred years too late. The cannons don't thunder there's nothing to plunder, I'm an over forty victim of fate."

6. Life Goes On - 2Pac My favorite rapper of all time in one of his best performances. 2Pac was a lyricist and poet like no rapper before him and no rapper since. And he's not dead, I swear. "Though memories fade, I got your name tatted on my arm so we both ball til my dying days." I am so hood.

5. Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith There's absolutely nothing in this world like the raw 70s rock that permeates from Sweet E. I feel like I'm at a concert every time I hear it. "Talkin' bout things and nobody cares. Wearin' out things that nobody wears."

4. Revelry - King of Leon I don't think this band can do much wrong in my eyes. My sister introduced them to me about a year ago, and it's been a love affair ever since. "In the dark of the night I could hear you calling my name. With the hardest of hearts I still feel full of pain. So I drink and I smoke and I ask if you're ever around. Even though it was me who drove us right in the ground."

3. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs A little out of character for your girl, but roll with me. I love the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and this song is one of their best, although Runaway is a close second. "Pack up, I'm straight. Enough, oh stay stay stay. Wait, they don't love you like I love you."

2. Beast of Burden - Rolling Stones No list of music I love would be complete without this gem. Nobody does it like the Stones. I remember my parents dancing around the living room to this song when I was little. It has taken me about 10 years of listening to this song to truly appreciate it. "There's one thing, baby, I don't understand. You keep on telling me I ain't your kind of man. Ain't I rough enough? Ain't I tough enough? Ain't I rich enough to love you right?" Yes, Mick Jagger, you are.

1. Crazy - Aerosmith You didn't think you'd get out of my top 10 with just one Aerosmith song did you? This one is my all time favorite. Love, love, love. "Girl, you've been givin' me that line so many times it kind gets like feeling bad looks good."

What are you listening to these days?  Would any of these make your list?

Steven and Lauren: A Short History

Well, I'm one purchase away from declaring the master bathroom done.  Scream at Ryan to let me go buy one more measly thing, and then you'll get to see it.  Until then...

I have to tell you I'm now addicted to American Idol.  I've never really been a huge Idol person.  I've always watched the auditions for a little humor and then moved on with my life.  And then...

Image via www.sexysteventyler.com.  And no, I'm not kidding, it's a real site.

Oh yes.  My longtime one-sided love interest joined the show.  Gawd.  Please excuse me while I drool.  Is there anything hotter than a grungy, androgynous mega-rockstar?  Eyeliner?  Leopard print?  Leather?  Count me in.

I've been an Aerosmith fan since I was far too young to be one.  My dad had the red Greatest Hits album in his truck and I listened to Sweet Emotion and Walk This Way like it was my job.  However, at thirteen, I picked up the Nine Lives album, saw this man on the back cover, and never looked back.

Image found here

Oh how I love me some Steven Tyler.  And I don't mean love him like you do - like oh he's so great, blah blah.  I mean LOVE.  Like watched Wayne's World 2 more than I care to admit just to see him in 2 minutes of it. Like buy every song he's ever done backup vocals in on iTunes.  Like he has a place of honor in my closet in the form of a framed picture.  Like considered spending $1200 for a backstage pass to meet him.  

We've had our rough patches.  His recent fall from the stage and subsequent rehab stay did not sit well with me.  I even stopped listening to Aerosmith for a few months.  But I think it's safe to say it's back on.

I was a little worried that he was too kooky and off the wall to translate well to national TV on a mostly pop music, family-friendly show.  But early reviews are in, and the public seems to appreciate him.  You can't deny how insanely talented he is.  The man has music in his bones.  His father was actually a classical musician, and in the early days of Aerosmith, he tuned all of the instruments and gave his bandmates lessons on their instruments.  (Source - the Aerosmith autobiography, Walk This Way, which I've read about 5 times).

I so enjoy watching him truly appreciate the music on Idol.  It's refreshing that they finally have a true blue musician critiquing people.  You can tell he feels the music.  I could go on about the man, but I've probably already told you more than you ever want to know.  I am going to put one more pic in though.  Because it's my blog and I can if I want.

Judge if you must. Stone. Cold. Fox.

Nothin' But a Good Time

Oh my.  It has been a little while since I  have updated.  I have to apologize - life has been busy.  Alli started dance class, we started back to Wednesday night church, football season is in full swing, and I've been to see Bret Michaels in concert.

Yes, you heard that right.  Bret Michaels of Poison and trashy television came to play at the AMP in Fayetteville last Thursday night.  Clearly being one of Bret's fans since forever (before the first season of Rock of Love, I'll have you know), I knew I was going.  And since Bret is a lot more mainstream now, I figured let's invite some of my awesome girlfriends/co-workers for a Girls Night Out!  We went to Shogun before for some good eating, and then we headed down the hill to see our (my) Brettie poo.

It was an awesome show, even for a non-Bret fan.  He played every great Poison song, from opening with "Talk Dirty to Me" and closing with "Fallen Angel."  And yes, friends, he did play "Unskinny Bop," "Look What the Cat Dragged In," "Every  Rose Has Its Thorn", and "Something to Believe In."  I don't think I sat still the entire time.  I sang at the top of my lungs!

I did get a VIP pass from a new and newly-ex friend.  But no matter how much sweet talking the girls and I did, we couldn't get back to meet Bret.  Maybe next summer...he swore about 10x he was coming back. I hope to add more pics later - clearly I didn't take any, so I'll have to get them from the ladies who accompanied me. 

BRET!!!!!!!!!!!!! (to the right side of the pic)

Yes, I got new cowboy boots special for the event...worth it