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catching up
Posted on February 12th, 2009 at 2:30pm
As promised, just because I'm now twittering doesn't mean I'll stop blogging. Twittering = fewer words more often; blogging = more words less often. It's all good, as they say. If you want to follow me on twitter, start here: http://twitter.com/curtsmith.
So, the first two shows at The Standard Hollywood are now behind me, I hope those who have been there (hello Eileen, Sheila, Hermest, Justine, to name a few) will agree a good time has been had by all. Some Twitterers (tweeple?) came all the way from Las Vegas to see the show last night - that would be Mike and Danny - and there was even somone there who had been at the NOTP show in Cologne! Anyway, if you took pictures and want to share, you can send them to us at csow (at) curtsmithofficial (dot) com and we'll put them online. We prefer 800x600 (or 600x800) and 72dpi (in other words, web resolution).
There are two shows left, on the 18th and 25th. The room tends to fill up so do call The Standard to book seats if you haven't already. The number is (323) 650-9090 x2921. If they tell you the Cactus Lounge is all booked, that's okay, ask for a seat on the deck which is lovely and you can see and hear just fine from there. And sometimes people cancel at the last minute so you're able to move to a seat in the Lounge after all.
The set list last night was the same as the one Arlene posted for the first week, although I did add Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know" (thank you for the suggestion Yara) to the beginning of the second set. We had literally only rehearsed it moments before, during the break between sets, but as it was fresh in our minds I was prevailed upon by Charlton and Doug to give it a try. It went rather well, if I do say so, and may be a keeper. We got a request for "Snow Hill," but both a shortage of time and the fact we hadn't rehearsed it meant we weren't able to work it in. Maybe next week...
There seems to be quite a buzz about the planned TFF West Coast tour this summer. This is NOT an official announcement, as contracts haven't been signed yet so far as I know and therefore things are subject to change. So with those caveats in mind, here are the likely dates:
July 10 - Seattle, WA
July 11 - Portland, OR
July 14 - Santa Rosa, CA
July 15 - Saratoga, CA
July 17 - Costa Mesa, CA
July 18 - Las Vegas, NV
July 20 - San Diego, CA
We'll probably also play in Vancouver either July 9 OR 12 - not clear yet. When everything is confirmed I'll post the news here. Before you ask - I don't know when the on-sale dates will be, you'll need to contact the respective venues/ticket agencies for information about when and how to get them.
In other news: those of you who frequented my previous website may remember that along with the lyrics, I included short stories about "Perfect Day" and "Halfway Pleased" as well as explanations of the lyrics. They're now rightfully restored to place here, along with the previously unpublished story / explanation for "Coming Out." Just go the pages for those tracks (in the "Music" section), the stories and such are beneath the lyrics if you scroll down.
Bella has been gone at puppy boot camp and will return shortly, more pictures of her once she's back. The house has been very quiet without her, but she was allowed a "home leave" visit the other night and the skills and control she's attained in a very short time away are remarkable.
I'm thrilled as you can imagine that Manchester United are atop the Premier League. I'll be glued to the screen as usual when they play Fulham next Wednesday (luckily, it won't conflict with my show). Hm, perhaps a good reason to rehearse "Snow Hill"...
Until next time.
EZEZ
Papa S.
Comments
Posted by yara on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 23:52.
Yep, Costa Mesa was all ages for sure (That's when I took my then 3 year old and 12 year old). It was also during the OC Fair in 2007. That would make it extra fun Suzanne! And if your husband can do a guy's week off... sounds like a no brainer =) Hope you can get this way for a show! BTW..Costa Mesa is reserved seating so it's safer for kids. Was the Vegas show a GA show or reserved seats last time? Anyone remember?
Yara
Posted by SuzanneOlden on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 17:52.
Hey question for anyone who went to the last Vegas show (Carolyn? Sheila?) or Costa Mesa (Brian?) - were the venues 21+? I still don't know if I can swing this, but the more "reasons" I can have to get there, the better - like, say, taking my daughter on a mother/daughter weekend (since my husband and son are heading to Florida for 8 days). If the dates hold, the best one for me would be a weekend show...
It would be so good, but I'm having so many doubts about getting it past the husband...prayer and positive thinking, prayer and postive thinking...
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Posted by Alissa on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 13:23.
Oooooweeee, Jazz and Ideas/Brian! Playing catch-up myself today, but those intense back-rubs you mentioned yesterday, those intra-muscular ones? HAVE MERCY. I’ll never forget the first one I had, about 10 years ago. I had a tension headache, by far my worst on record. It felt like labor pains were going off in my head - it was AWFUL, so bad that still after a decade I’ve never forgotten it!
Well anyway, Excedrines did nothing for me, so one of my co-workers suggested I go to the salon/spa around the corner for a 20 minute massage therapy session. My head hurt so bad, I didn’t want anyone to even touch me, but agreed anyway. OH. MY. LORD. By the time that session was over, after all that massaging from the back of my head to the bottom of my back - all that PAIN WAS GONE. I could not believe it. Now I get it - THIS is what all the fuss is about. I’d never in my life had a tension headache (like this one especially) just DISAPPEAR after a few moments of massage on that chair thingamajig. You know the ones, at about a 45 degree angle, I’m face down, and there’s an opening for your face so your head just drops down and gets all the weight off your shoulders? I will never forget that headache - and the amazing way it finally melted away by a massage therapist. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ~Alissa
PS - Bye Timeless - not sure what happened, but take care love.
Posted by eurydice on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 06:39.
Yeah, I don't hear any cause for concern either. Amen to them sounding fantastic together! I adore Floating Down the River. I listen to it every time I'm having a bad day, and it never fails to cheer me up immensely.
Posted by IdeasAsOpiates on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 00:00.
CSI has used quite a few TFF/Roland songs. Several off of Tomcats have been used in various seasons.
I don't exactly hear Roland's voice decaying much. He's still got a great set of pipes there. I do like it when curt and roland sing together, however - their voices mesh well. If we can get a couple new songs out of em - more the better. Cuz, I really liked floating down the river - and its a shame a song like that wasn't on the regular album release, as that might have actually gotten a bit of airplay.
Posted by yara on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 22:32.
Seems we are all on pins and needles waiting for the finalized details on the TFF tour. I am ready to set up my budget, clear my work schedule, make hotel reservations, get friends lined up to go..etc etc etc. Ahhh, well we just have to wait a little while longer and we'll know exact info! Exciting anticipation.
Curt and Roland, you both sound amazing still or I wouldn't be here getting excited for the next opportunity to hear a live performance! The 2007 Costa Mesa show was 'dreamy'. Wish that I could go to that show over and over again. Just like the Detroit show with Oleta back in 1990. Every new performance is special in its own way and I really really appreciate the new opportunities! I'm just happy at age 41 (almost 42..yikes) that I am still enjoying my (deep rooted) favorite music as much as I do! ** smiling **
Yara
Posted by jazzerholic on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 21:08.
Remember Dennis Miller Live??? Also the reasons why I watched not only he's funny but the ending tune he used is EWTRTW!!! Brings back tons of good memories back in 85!! Boy that was a great time growing up!! =D
Posted by Allison on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 21:02.
Amazing that you should mention TFF on TV shows! Tonight, on Medium, they had "Shout" playing in the background of an '85 flashback scene, a long chunk of it! This isn't the first time they used TFF in their show, either. Last season, in a wonderful episode, they flashback to a young Allison (Patricia Arquette) and EWTRTW is used ("Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House is also used). It's actually one of the reasons why I love this show, they always have great music in their episodes. :)
Posted by eva elena on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 20:33.
Adieu, Timeless! And good luck to you. Also, thank you for bringing the possible vocal fragility of Mr. Orzabal to our attention. All the more reason to take it while we can get it, no?
Now, back to why we're here....Mr. Curt Smith and TFF.
This from the March issue of "Vanity Fair" (Hot Tracks, Lisa Robinson).......
"Some of the best music can be heard on television.....
Both "CSI" and "Without a Trace" have used the beautiful song "Mad World" written by Tears For Fears' Roland Orzabal, sung by Gary Jules and used in the "Donnie Darko" soundtrack."
Ha! If they think Gary did it well, they should have been along for the ride of the 2007 performances. That's when Curt followed Gary, performing that song, and brought down the house. :)
XO, EZ
Posted by SuzanneOlden on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 19:09.
It may or may not be realistic for me and time will tell. I can hope for an east coast swing, but unless the word comes down... let's just say if I can take this chance, I will, IF I can figure out how :)
So Papa Smith, please let us know as soon as you can definite dates - thanks :)
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Posted by Allison on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 17:32.
Well, it is realistic for me, as I'm going. And it's amazing that Roland can even talk after 25 + years of singing his heart out in that huge mighty powerful gorgeous beyond comparison voice of his. Not to mention all that screaming he did on TSOL songs. It's bound to take it's toll. And despite all that wear and tear, God love him, he still sounds great. (Curt sings very softly and gentle, of course his voice would be well intact.) Mr.O may have lost some of that luminous effect he once had, but he is still beyond. Just beyond ! :)
Posted by timelessgirl on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 16:30.
Hi all, just logging in one last time to say bye bye. I've realized that attending a TFF concert or one of Curt's alone is looking like it will never come to fruition as it does not appear that both or either of them will ever come out east or even sort of close to "out east" and despite all the beautiful soul searching philosophizing about "taking a chance" and "doing something for yourself" and "you only live once" it just doesn't necessarily work for everyone...nice ideas just not realistic. As much as I totally adore Roland I'm not too sure how much longer his voice will "hold out" ( Curt's voice is still amazing) ...even if they did come east in a couple more years. And about Roland and drinking wine? For God's sake, who cares? Let him drink wine if he wants ...and let him eat cake to boot. I'd share a nice glass ( or two) of Chardonnay with him any day. Lastly, the childishness that sometimes rears its nasty head on this website gets old kind of fast. So, I bid you adieu and hope all of you who can get to a TFF concert this summer have a blast.
Posted by MightyAni on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 15:38.
Here's a spunky little article about the relationship between societal shifts and pop music. See how your opinions line up. (No, I don't know who Lady Gaga is, either.)
Anitra
Posted by IdeasAsOpiates on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 13:01.
Hey folks, remember, we are all fans here. Always best to take a deep breath and relax.
Course, Alissa, unless your hubby is a certified massage therapist, I suggest you take advantage of a good massage now and then. (Course, most of those practitioners happen to be women). There is a big diff between that and your standard back massage. I go for deep tissue massages myself (when I decided I can afford it), and it can really free you up.
Posted by jazzerholic on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 12:18.
CURT help!!! Yikes!!! Well you all ladies could clobber me as long as you want when you see me in any of the shows!!! ;D I just can't get over it, this is too much!! I'd rather rub lotion on your back Alissa!! Ha Ha.... LMFAO. Gotta Love LA!! He He!!! =D
Posted by Karen on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 12:11.
Speaking of a TFF experience and bringing along your child(ren) along for the trip. In 2007, I took my daughter to Rouen, France to see TFF perform at NOTP. What an awesome experience for a then 13 year old. We went backstage after the show, took photos, brought out the Sacred Trousers, which by the way have gone to a new home, and talked for a while. She met some great people (fellow TFFers) and experienced France.
My daughter would have had her first TFF experience in the summer of 1993, but I was far too pregnant to go. She'd have to wait 11 years to get her first taste of TFF.
Posted by Alissa on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 08:45.
Just watched the video myself (so if one's looking for views, you just got another :), and Ro is definitely NOT drunk. I’ve seen my share of sloshed - this is certainly not it.
I’m glad he can appreciate a fine wine though! Alcohol is something I’ve never had a taste for, except for Mississippi Mudslides that I enjoy a bit TOO much on occasion - tee hee. So if anyone can distinguish the difference between grocery store boxed wine and a 100 year old bottle of chardonnay, my hats off to you!
And by the way Papa Smith - you and Roland are COMPLETELY HOT on stage!!! TFF must have the best looking frontmen. Ever!
Posted by SuzanneOlden on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 07:57.
Jazz - menopausal??? Now I know you aren't purposefully asking to get clobbered...
Carolyn - to quote you back to you (ok, maybe not quote but paraphrase...) I do enjoy your contributions to discussions, so please do post.
Katy does have a quite sarcastic sense of humor, which usually has me chuckling. I'd ask if we could all just get along, but there are too many very different personalities for that (which is why the discussions are so good) so maybe we can each give all others the benefit of the doubt and go from there.
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Posted by eurydice on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 01:51.
A tour, maybe the possibility of a new album...listen, Brain, I know these are exciting times, but I do need a tiny bit of you back for my grad school auditions. As soon as they are over, you may return to the usual endless loop of songs and the elaborate daydreams I Got Backstage! and Somehow I'm In TFF Now. Just work with me a little here.
Posted by IdeasAsOpiates on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 00:39.
Just to jump in on that Mountain Winery video (and the silly postings being added to youtube on it).
Not sure how people are combining 'Roland can't seem to sit still' and 'he is drunk'. Alcohol does not tend to amp most people up - just saying.
That winery is a beautiful setting, and he gave a funny reference to it. But if I was to guess, I would venture that water, with a side of water, is being consumed on stage, even if he pretended it was wine. After the show was likely a different story, not that I can vouch for that (I'll leave anything of that nature to Gruno).
Personally, I like when Curt and Roland interact with the audience. It shows off their intelligence for one thing, and their sense of humor. I think it also makes the experience more personal for the audience that way, even if the connection is brief.
If I get to go there this time, I will be sure to bring a jacket - that venue cools off quickly.
Recent Posts
| 1 Sep | psych airs tonight! |
| 3 Aug | twitter chat |
| 29 Jul | As promised......... |
| 28 Jul | Updates? I've Got 'Em. |
| 12 Jul | a few things |
Thanks all. Guess I need to wait for definite dates and venues to plan my strategy...here's hoping it all works out!
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden