I KNOW SOMEONE WHO COULD SERVE ME LOVE, BUT IT WOULDN'T FILL ME UP

Damien Rice is by far one of my all time favorite singers, undoubtedly because of how talented he is, but mainly because of the connection between most of his songs and a previous relationship I had. There's an incredibly relatable meaning behind most of his songs, and his new one, My Favorite Faded Fantasy is no exception. Can't wait for his new album to come out on November 31.

SHAKIRA'S OFFICIAL 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP SONG HAS BEEN RELEASED

Considering I'm going to the World Cup in Brazil, and I am Colombian, having yet another official FIFA World Cup song by Shakira has got me utterly excited. Let me present you the new WC anthem, Dare (La La La), which was just released earlier this week. I wasn't too big on it the first time I heard it, but it is just a matter of time. Props to the greatest Colombian to ever walk on this planet for her huge success!

FOSTER THE PEOPLE AND THE MAST DO BROOKLYN

Last week I went to the Music Hall of Williamsburg for my first official concert in the beautiful state of New York since I moved here. I have to say, though I definitely miss Japan, I absolutely love the way the audience behaves here! (No pushing, surf crowding, etc). I am very glad to say there could not have been a better way to start my new life here in the US, as I got to see the amazing Foster the People, and even better, had the lovely pleasure of being introduced to a new band from Brooklyn, The Mast. They looked and sounded incredibly good, and put on a wonderful show.

Check out the link below to expand and please your earbuds with UpUpUp. Here's my new obsession: The Mast.

I TURNED MY BACK AND YOU TURNED TO DUST

Everyone that's ever been in love knows that break ups are not fun.
Don't feel like saying much, just posting this song for future references. Been listening to Keaton Henson nonstop since Sunday, I think Sweetheart, What Have You Done To Us might be my favorite song by him (or at least the one that's made me shed the most tears, that is).

ED SHEERAN'S FIRST SHOW IN TOKYO

Soo, this should've been posted almost a year ago (March) but I kind of forgot about it….
Ed Sheeran is probably one of the best live performers I have seen so far (and mind you, that is over 60 in the past two years.) I am so in love with his music, and the fact that he is a little redhead just makes him even more amazing. He is one talented mother fucker!

Many thanks to Ed's manager for making it happen, the show was out of this world!

I'M GONNA WRITE YOU A LETTER, FOR GOOD OR FOR BAD OR FOR BETTER

I've just heard Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes are playing a show here in Tokyo on Thursday, and since I don't know of a single person who knows this band, I figured I might give it a shot and post it on here. You know, they might want to help a sister out, and hook her up with a pass! ;)
Here's their most popular song, Love Letter — perhaps my favorite one as well.

DEVENDRA BANHART AND ANDY CABIC BRING THE MAGIC TO TOKYO

If there is one thing I'll say from Friday night, is that Devendra Banhart is a one-of-a-kind performer. He puts his heart and soul into every single song he sings, and makes sure you leave the venue with a smile on your face. It was so awesome to see both Andy Cabic (otherwise known as Vetiver) and Banhart play together in front of such a small crowd, specially since they hadn't toured together in over 10 years. 

I will tell you this, there was something magical about those 13 lightbulbs, two guitars, and two incredible voices. I truly hope I get to see this again soon.

If you missed the Superb Honey-moon Tour — Devendra Banhart and Vetiver — you can still check it out when they return to Tokyo later this week. Click HERE to see the rest of the dates. 

CARLY RAE JEPSEN IS BIG IN JAPAN

Last week Ms. Carly Rae Jepsen got to spend a total of 60 hours in Japan, where she performed at a few TV shows, then had a 'secret showcase' just a few hours before flying back to the U.S.
It's funny how one song can make you even "big in Japan"! (Yes, there goes a slight reference to Dirt Nasty or Adam Brody's band, which ever you like best.)

Jepsen sang about 5 songs off her new record KISS with her band, then took some time for a little Q&A session in front of about 1000 screaming fans.

I got to spend a few minutes with the lady backstage, and to my surprise, I'm only about a head taller than her! ha

PS. Blame my lack of posts on not having a computer.

SOME NIGHTS ARE WORTH THE HANGOVER - SUMMER JAM: CALLE 13

My party days are well over, and I'm not a big drinker either, but I can't say no to a good hangout, especially while I'm in this side of the world!
Went to a girl's house last night and all I'll say is: these Colombians sure know how to drink. Mind you we'd had training and a game that day, and then a game today so going big last night wasn't probably the brightest idea, but it was worth it.
Anyhow, they played this song called Muerte en Hawaii ("Death in Hawaii" -pretty nice, huh?) by Calle 13, and I do have to admit it's my new summer jam, even though the song is exactly a year old. Gotta keep up with this music, I'm always a step behind here.

PS- Best line: "Le he dado la vuelta al mundo en menos de un segundo."
                        "I've gone around the world in less than a second."

USWNT LEAVES JAPAN WITH A WIN AGAINST BRAZIL

I went to watch the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) play against Brazil in Japan last week, and I just have to say, there is absolutely no better feeling than seeing my favorite team play right in front of my eyes. Okay I'm lying, there is no better feeling that seeing my favorite team WIN right in front of my eyes. Yes.

Overall, I think the USWNT did a great job, and personally, I think Brazil's defense was nowhere near decent. I'm really liking the way Alex Morgan's been playing this past year, and I definitely think Carli Lloyd is on her own level! Oh boy can she play. Stephanie Cox also took me by surprise; she sure had a great game. I wish I had seen more of Hope Solo in action, but she barely got to touch the ball. 

I was planning on getting a flag and write "Heath" on it with paint, as my favorite player is Tobin Heath, but since the game was changed to four hours earlier due to a typhoon, I had no time to do this, thus had to take the flag by itself. Oh well, next time (I'm really hoping you didn't just sing "There will be no next time" [Eminem] in your head.) Really hoping she gets more time on the field during the Olympics!

So, in honor of their big win, 3-0, let's be honest and say that they really do Run This Town!

Here's a picture of Baby Horse (Morgan) and Abby Wambach.

COBRA STARSHIP DJ SET IN TOKYO

Just a few hours ago, Cobra Starship's Ryland Blackinton and Gabe Saporta hosted a DJ set, where Ryland dj'ed, and Gabriel sang along to a few of their songs. The set was about an hour long, followed by about 20 minutes of questions and answers, and to finish up the night, a mini signing session.
I had the pleasure of staying for a few minutes after the signing session to talk to the guys, and even got to take a picture with them (which then turned into a quite unsuccessful attempt to converse with Gabriel in spanish.)

And here's a blast from the past. This was taken at Fuji Rock Festival '09

HOSTESS CLUB WEEKENDER 2012 - REVIEW

Saturday was the first of two days of the Hostess Club Weekender, and it was a great day full of good music!
Unfortunately, I got there right after Youth Lagoon had finished his set, so when I met him afterwards, I had to tell him to come back to Tokyo as soon as possible. Next in line was Zulu Winter, who were definitely my second favorite after The Horrors. Later on, Wu Lyf took the stage, and was followed by Owen Pallett. Without arguing, Pallett is incredibly talented but it's just not my type of music so I only watched a bit of his set.
And last but not least, The Horrors were the last performance of the night. And let me just tell you what a fucking show that was. The boys had landed in Tokyo 8 hours before their set, after touring Asia non stop for two weeks. Mad props to them for putting a brilliant show, specially Joshua Third, who went absolutely insane playing guitar on the last 10 minutes of their set. (And I won't even get into how he is the most beautiful man that I have seen in my entire life. Yes.)

Youth Lagoon

Zulu Winter

Wu Lyf

The Horrors

PS. One of the guys from The Horros is brothers with the guitarist from The Vaccines! A lot of talent in that family.

PSS. Many thanks to Dave for making this possible!

FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE LIVE TOKYO - REVIEW

I'm so glad I finally get to post this. 
Last month Florence and the Machine had their first ever show in Japan, and of course, I had the pleasure of going to see them.
It's quite a funny story, as they were meant to come to Japan last year, but had to cancel their show due to the amount of tickets they sold (5 [yes, 5]). And less than a year later, they managed to have a sold out gig with 2000 people.
The show started 20 minutes later than scheduled, and that in Japan is almost a crime. I was quite disappointed with the first, and maybe even the second song. I felt like I was watching Lana Del Rey's SNL all over again; A singer with a microphone and barely any movement. But of course, as soon as the first of a few cocktails kicked in, the show took a turn and became one of the best shows that I have ever been to (60+ in 2 years). Also bare in mind, Florence was performing barefoot, and that just made everything even more amazing.
I got to meet her after the show, and she then took the time to meet a few of her fans who had been waiting for her for an hour at a temperature of  1°C. Such a lovely lady!

 

IT'S NOT EVEN MY BIRTHDAY BUT HE WANNA LICK THE ICING OFF

Couldn't post at all last week, as I was on a trip and had no internet on my laptop. But here's a belated birthday song, since my birthday was last tuesday! ha
Who doesn't love Rihanna? Here's Birthday Cake. 

THE VACCINES AND HOWLER DO TOKYO

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the The Vaccines' show, who were joined by Minnesotan band, Howler. Truth is, I basically went to that show to see Howler play Back of Your Neck (which I had previously blogged about) and it was amazing! The Vaccines were also great, although a bit too drunk, but I'd say that made the show even better.

PS- The Vaccines announced at their show last night that they will be returning to Tokyo in August for Summer Sonic 2012. 

UPDATE: As I had previously stated, The Vaccines will be back for Summer Sonic, and now word is Howler will be back for Fuji Rock Festival. I'm very excited for both.

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

It's officially been a year since I started blogging, and it's been so fun! I've had so many amazing people visit my site, including most of the artists featured on this blog, but none of this would've been possible without you all. :)
We are just getting started.

Song: Celebration by Madonna

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB LIVE IN TOKYO

Earlier this week, I got to see one of my favorite indie bands, Bombay Bicycle Club, perform in Tokyo. Playing at the same small venue where Foster the People had a sold out gig the following day, and Metronomy the previous one, BBC didn't stay far behind, and even had miss Pixie Lott singing along.

Although they didn't play what I personally consider two of their best songs, How Are You, and You Already Know, the show was completely amazing! Below is a picture I took during the show, and a great song off their setlist.

And last but not least, here is a picture with the singer of BCC, who by the way, has an incredible fashion sense. (By that I mean what he was wearing on stage).

I just have to say this: With the most amazing music, an unbelievable good looking drummer, and a band member who looks like he could be part of the movie The Outsiders, this band is in another level! 

And a very special thanks to Squib, the lighting designer, for making this happen!

HE COULD CHANGE THE WORLD WITH HIS HANDS BEHIND HIS BACK

My dad bought Adele's 19 album last week, and although I had heard the song Daydreamer a few times before, it never got to me like it does now. The song is so powerful, and in a weird way I feel like I can relate to it.

I ran into Adele at the Miami Heat game a few days ago, and I must admit, she is quite the lady! She was so nice to everyone, and even when her boyfriend was being protective, and said, "Baby, we should go. Let's go baby" as soon as people started to realize who she was, she kindly took pictures with everyone, and signed a few autographs. She didn't have any bodyguards with her, until the Heat security came to escort her out, at the END of the game! Yes, she stayed until the very last minute of it!

...Anyway! getting back to the topic, here's Adele's Daydreamer. 

And here's my picture with Adele, just in case you wanted too see it! ;)

(Not my finest picture, but then again, who looks good next to the beautiful Adele?!)

DJ AM FOREVER

Time really does fly.. It's already been 2 years since the one and only DJ AM passed away.
He is one of the people that I look up to the most; if you haven't seen his TV show Gone Too Far, make sure you watch it and you'll understand why I love that man so much. Gone but never forgotten. RIP.

JAPAN GETS CALIFORNIA DREAMS

Last week, Katy Perry brought her California Dreams Tour (along with DJ Mia Moretti) to Tokyo, Japan. Although I was actually expecting a surprise set by DJ Mia Moretti (which unfortunately, did not happen), the opening act, DJ Skeet Skeet, was amaazing. Every second of the show was crazy, and it just kept getting better and better. I wish I could see it all again!

PS- Skeet Skeet is one of my favorite DJs, and he was one of my first posts ever, so it was crazy to finally see him live.