Toadies Concert

Last week I went to the Toadies reunion concert with one of my best friends. It was in the middle of downtown Houston in the Verizon Wireless Theater (which is a really cool set up for a concert). There were 2 other bands that played before them trying to make it big. I kinda like the unknown bands because they go out there and play like they have something to prove. Their songs aren't known or as catchy, but they are good performers. Almost like rookies trying to make it in the big leagues.

Anyways....the Toadies finally came out and rocked hard. They opened with "I Come From the Water" and got the crowd stage diving and crowd surfing. Me and J.D. were on the floor about 50 feet in front of the stage so we had to hold our own with all the moshing, pushing and shoving. That's not my thing but I don't mind other people doing it. It makes the concert environment more entertaining and legit. Toadies also sang their big hits "Tyler", "Possum Kingdom", and "Away." If you ever listen to their lyrics, they are a very dark band. That kind of stuff doesn't disturb me like it would others because it's music. And I find their lyrics to be cool.

We did the typical concert-goer stuff. Walked in and surrounded ourselves with people you probably never hang out with, bought a concert t-shirt, hung out around the stage, and talked about which song we think they'll open with. Seeing a band live really makes you appreciate them more. Especially if they are a good "live band." There is such a thing as a good band who just flat out sucks live. However, the Toadies were amazing live.

Music Videos

These are some of the videos I remember watching growing up. They left an impression on me and enhanced my love for music and the meanings of songs. Some are funny, artsy, or just entertaining. Others influenced an entire generation. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Alien Ant Farm - Movies
This is a very clever video portraying scenes from various movies. They came out my freshman year of college and I haven't heard of them since. Oh well.

Nada Surf - Popular
This video dates back to 1996. I was in junior high and I remember me and my best friend watching this video almost every day. I love how you can tell Nada Surf were probably a group of "loners" in high school and they wrote this song to stick it to all the superficial, materialistic people in their class. Now who's popular? (Corny)

Fatboy Slim - Weapon of Choice
I'm a huge fan of Christopher Walken. Here's why.

Aerosmith - Cryin'
I forgot how "romantic" and mushy this video was. And to think I watched it in 5th grade. Alicia Silverstone made her debut in Aerosmith videos. This was before Clueless. You say I'm wrong? "As if." (Gosh I'm bad at ending these).

Smashing Pumpkins - Tonight, Tonight
I don't know why but I absolutely love this video. I think it's the broadway feel it has to it. Yeah I'll admit...I like broadway.

Metallica - The Unforgiven
This is a very insightful video. It shows struggles throughout life, but no triumph (hence "the unforgiven"). Kinda sad.

Metallica - One
A lot of people think Metallica are just a bunch of heavy metal meatheads. Not the case at all. They are highly intelligent, and highly skilled artists who focus most of their songs on war and personal struggles.

Coldplay - The Scientist
I think this video is amazing. The whole video was shot in reverse and has a sad twist at the end.

Guns N' Roses - November Rain
Just an awesome video.

Pearl Jam - Jeremy
The video that shocked the nation. Based on true events, this video influenced schools everywhere.

Imagine That

Right when I give the Rockets praise, they make me look like a genius by losing to the 2 worst teams in the NBA. Not to mention we're about to play Denver and San Antonio, so basically we will lose 5 out of 6 since I posted the T-Mac MVP blog. I knew right when i hit "submit" the crap would hit the fan. I thought the season was over when Yao went out and they surprise the heck out of me by going 18-7 without him. Then I post T-Mac for MVP and they lose 4 out of 5 (although it's not T-Mac's fault). Good thing I'm not a local sports writer.

This is a common theme for me. I avoid drafting my favorite players in fantasy leagues because I want them to have good years. I purposely passed on Lance Berkman last year because I knew if he was on my team he would have the "Ryan Curse." The "Ryan Curse" is when the team or player I go for falls flat on their face. I hardly ever draft Astros or Rockets for my fantasy teams because of this. So I'll end this by saying the Rockets suck. Maybe now they'll start another winning streak. Anything to prove me wrong.

*By the way, I have tried this reverse "rooting-psychology" for teams I hate...it only makes them win more.