Old School Still Rocks

I'm way excited... Sugar Ray is touring! And they are coming to The House of Blues in Dallas on August 23rd! I'm so there.

People give me a hard time for being a Sugar Ray fan in year 2009, but that's because they don't know my story behind why I'm a fan. (And maybe it's also because they don't appreciate the great sounds of the 90s.) The reason for my fandom is nothing too personal to share, but it is "personal" in a sense. It's also silly and cheesy, which honestly might be why I'll refrain from sharing it on here. (It would really make for a boring story... I promise.)

Sugar Ray's sound incorporates sugary-sweet pop arrangements with subtle alternative rock infusions. They remind me of summer. They're up-beat and easy on the ears. Perfect for a day at the beach or a drive with the windows down. They just released their new album entitled Music for Cougars. I'm interested to know just what type of cougar they are referring to...
Their last album came out 6 years ago! I'm always interested in knowing the story behind why bands split up/take a break then decide to get back together. I like to think that in Sugar Ray's case it's because they knew they had a fan out there named Kate who was really wanting them to come back around. I must find a way to express my gratitude... maybe I'll throw a sleazy pair of undies on stage at the concert. (Heh heh... no.) My 17-dollar ticket and singing along should do just fine.

Aimee Allen and Fastball will be performing with them as well. Aimee is a funky, tatted-up chick with a pretty unique sound and, according to my sister, an interesting story. Supposedly, an attack by several gang members outside her recording studio late one night caused Aimee to slip into a post-traumatic spiral, which eventually became the influential catalyst that has brought her music- and her spirits- to higher ground today. I haven't listened to much of her stuff yet, but I think she might become one of the few female artists I like. Fastball, formed out of Austin, TX, might ring a bell when you hear the lyrics "where were they going without ever knowing the way." This one-hit-wonder seemed to crank through many pop radio stations in the mid- to late-nineties, but for many listeners (myself included) the band's name just didn't stick in our mental rolodex.

Anywho, besides that... I've discovered the electric tranquility of Owl City and got a free download of their song "Fireflies" from iTunes. Cute and corny lyrics, but definitely catchy! Also, my Dad gave me his iPod Shuffle since I lost my iPod. Although it doesn't hold nearly as many songs as I have downloaded, I'm thankful to have it serving as my interim music buddy.

Expect a detailed review of Sugar Ray, Fastball, and Aimee Allen on Monday, August 24th!

For Music Mondays,
Kate