Butch Walker: Prayers Answered

Just being dramatic--pretty sure Butch doesn't believe in prayers (read his book) and we really don't want to get into Bibi's track record with successful prayers--but wanted to make the point:  BUTCH FUCKING WALKER IS COMING TO TEXAS!!!!  And not just SXSW (March 14-15).  He'll be in Dallas on March 11.  What a Spring Break for Bibi!!!  Here's what Butch tweeted earlier today:

alright alright alright… i’ve had it. i can’t sit still and i need to play a few shows to wet my lips for summer touring. so how’s about we all saddle up and go play Austin, Tx for the SXSW Music Fest? i think what we will do is play a few shows on the way out there to warm up for y’all… here’s what i was thinking:


3/8/13 - Nashville, TN @ High Watt (Tickets - on sale 2/1 10am CST)

3/9/13 - Little Rock, AR @ Rev Room (Tickets - on sale 2/1)

3/11/13 - Dallas, TX @ The Kessler Theatre (Tickets - on sale 2/1)

THEN, we will be doing the following shows at SXSW in Austin:

3/14/13 - Austin TX @ Central Presbyterian (SXSW)

3/15/13 - Austin, TX @ Vice Bar (SXSW)

then it’s back to the studio to put the finishing touches up on a new record for y’all. what do ya say? wanna come have some fun with us?
I love you.
-Butch

Such wonderful news--tough to think, talk coherently after I read this!  Don't think anyone at work noticed my difficulties, though.  That's the kind of place it is sometimes.  Oooohoooo--what can I say, I come from race cars and pop rocks  Not to be too stream of consciousness about it, really WHAT CAN I SAY??  Just never thought Butch would be somewhere so close to Bibi, geographically, unless Bibi first traveled to some faraway place.  Thank you SO much, Butch!  His timing of coming to Texas reminds Bibi of ...playing Spring Break parties in the red neck sand.  And who couldn't love his closing "I love you.  -Butch"  How this guy doesn't have the music-listening world eating out of his hand, er, buying his albums, cds, mp3s, book, etc., I do not know.

Already emailed The Kessler in Dallas, asking about ticket prices.  Hope to get room reservations done by tonight.

Unfuckingbelievable!!! 

Love YOU, Butch!

Butch Walker: Such a Pretty Melody

Bibi's readers know how much she LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Say It Isn't So from episode 54 of Live From Daryl's House--had to listen to it this morning to resolve some Monday family blues.  It worked, too! 

Since December 30, though, have been experiencing a huge crush on Pretty Melody.  "Oh baby we don't have to be like the rest of them....there's not a single part of me that would ever let you go.....ooooooh, oooooooh....." 

Got I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart the other day, so discovering that part of Butch's work.  Very, very interesting to Bibi.  It's Butch, but a different shade of Butch from the other albums.  Not sure how much I liked it at first, but you know how it is with Butch:  just listen, pay attention, let the words and melody flow over you.

One of my fan-tasies runs like this:  what if, I got to meet Butch and had the opportunity to get his autograph on Drinking With Strangers?   ha, ha, ha on the readers--they were thinking:  okay, a fantasy involving Butch, HOT!  Well, maybe, er, sure, just LOOK at these pictures

Butch Walker channeling hot male model

Butch Walker, spokesperson of the year for whatever--I will buy it!



Lost in thought about ... who cares?


but not for sharing on the world wide web. Please.  On this blog, the R rating is due to use of foul language, okay?  Anyway, in Bibi's fantasies, as it's playing out, I'm wearing whatever I'm wearing at the moment, so for this one at this moment, asking for the autograph in my office clothes.  Including the Ralph Lauren pumps.  Kinda funny.  Under what circumstances would Bibi be standing around Butch in her office-appropriate attire?  He'd actually be on this campus?  Happened right after work?  OMG! But anyway, in the book signing fantasy, the really big question is, what would I ask him to write?  My best ideas are lyrics from his songs, but there are so many great ones, tough.  And, admit it, a lot of the lyrics from Pretty Melody would raise eyebrows (and scorch 'em off) when you showed off the autograph.  Dilemna.

Off to a book reading and signing now.  Not Butch (sigh).  Michael Chabon, though, almost as good, right?

We will see.

Love ya, Butch!

Zero Dark Thirty and Beasts of the Southern Wild

Zero Dark Thirty was a good movie--engrossing, exciting, good casting AND way too long.  It's refusal to take a stand on some moral issues:  torturing war prisoners, killing men and women suspected of harboring Osama bin Laden, making no attempt to capture bin Laden alive adds to its being a less than great movie, although it is a thought-provoking one.  (Liked The Hurt Locker way better.  It presented its case in a more succinct, focused way and gave the audience a clear idea of what the filmmaker thought about the concepts presented.)  Using the Jessica Chastain character as a stand-in for the number of individuals it took to gather and crystallize the information gathered into intelligence that could be used to search and find bin Laden did help to keep the movie from being longer and becoming tedious, and she's a good actor.  Bibi thought her guarded, unrevealing demeanor was effective in expressing the film's basic attitude:  here's what happened, how it happened--not adding a moral to it.  That's up to the viewer.  Also, could be that the blankness that character is effusing might be a stand-in for the general American public:  we don't know what to think about this (war) mess.  Kathryn Bigelow may have a strong sense of the brutality and pointlessness of torture as a means of eliciting information, she might have a strong dislike for the entire war on terrorism as it has played out, but for some reason, she's timid in expressing that outrage in this movie.  The last 20-30 minutes are the best part, the set up and carrying out of the raid. So, good, but not great.  B+ ish

Bibi has known for awhile is that she is almost completely assimilated into middle class life.  That has its good and bad aspects:  good in that I can afford to live in a way I find acceptable, pleasant, actually very good in most ways and am not a burden to anyone.  Bad because my life is in many ways so sheltered and narrow, I don't appreciate the value that others place on their different lifestyles or lifestyles choices.  Beasts of the Southern Wild gives a glimpse of a different way of living, freely accepted and desired by the people living it, mostly from the point of view of a six year old girl.  She's adorable, of course, as children in movies often are:  lovely, a wide-eyed seeker of warmth, love, meaning, making what she can of it, a marshland fauve. The community, the Bathtub, is on the edge of Louisiana levee life, a collection of misfits from civilization, who care for each other in a loose-knit, communal way, each person left to make their own decisions about their lives within the group.  Lots of drinking, eating, not taking baths, good times. We watch Hush Puppy explore her natural, if litter-strewn world, caring for pets and/or chickens and pigs.  She's fascinated by their heartbeats, attentively listening to them, a place of quiet assurance in her sometimes chaotic family setting.  There's no mother, although her father is mostly there, a committed drinker and forager who daily gives Hush Puppy lessons in self-reliance (she lives in a separate shack from her father) and the idea of personal strength required for living ("no crying" is a community slogan).  When a hurricane destroys the fragile community, Hush Puppy and her father struggle to find their scattered friends and rebuild, firm in their refusal to join civilization and the comforts it offers.

The movie is in color, but there are often some very effective gray/white scenes that made me wonder later, was the movie in color?  These scenes give palpable, sometimes terrifying life to Hush Puppy's take on the community teacher's explanation about cave men and the menacing, hugely malevolent aurochs who  destroyed as many big, strong cavemen as they could.  Hush Puppy equates the dangers in her life that could rip away her father, the community around her, maybe overwhelm her as snorting, snuffling, brutish aurochs, constantly on the prowl, looking for the weak to prey on.  

Loved this movie.  It has no chance against the heavy hitters like Lincoln and Zero Dark Thirty, Argo or  Django Unchained (like Quentin's movie has any chance at all.  Talk about a group of people who are the epitome of middle class--the voters in the Academy).  A

 

Butch Walker Mixtape V.2

Although Bibi still has a few copies of the BWM II and/or II.2 and IV.3, the BWDDC (Butch Walker at the  Double Door in Chicago) cd is now available.  Late this week, introduced Butch's music to a new possibility, M.  She seemed open to listening and let her know there were Butch Walker cds, BTW II.2 and IV.3, versions with or without the f and the s words.  If Bibi were in a more reflective mood, she'd riff off George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, John Lennon, etc., about the power of some words....Luckily for the faithful It's been such a good week, I won't make them suffer through such a jejeune, and ultimately pointless exercise.  (but what about making the readers suffer through the use of words like jejeune?)  However, the conversation with M did guide Bibi to the realization that from a marketing standpoint, a new "meet Butch Walker" in a cd kind of way was needed.  Here it is:

Butch Walker Mixtape V.2

Maybe It's Just Me  
Mixtape                   
Don't Move         
Race Cars and Goth Rock
Bethamphetamine (Pretty Pretty)
The Weight of Her
Here Comes the…
Ponce de Leon Ave.
Ships in a Bottle
Passed Your Place, Saw Your Car
Sweethearts
Synthesizers
The Closest Thing to You
Pretty Melody

Some of the thought process behind the setlist:  so impressed with the Chicago Double Door show, I now love Pretty Melody--always liked the video--so had to include it with these other faves.  

I got some words you need to hear

I'm coming around to ATL, Closer to the Truth and Further From the Sky, and The 3 Kids in Brooklyn but not there yet, so didn't include them.  This version doesn't rock as much as Bibi would prefer, but as a sampler, really like it.  Plus, that s and f word thing--this selection doesn't have that element.  Have started giving it out; waiting to hear feedback.

Love you, Butch!

The Butch Walker Ameliorative Effect Works!

You know all those miracle diets and cures that are too good to be true?  Well, Bibi is here to tell you, the Butch Walker Ameliorative Effect works and not just for me.  I had been talking about Butch to a fellow staffer, gave him the BWMT II.2 (I think--have to start keeping better records on that) last week.  Today, he made a special effort to let Bibi know that he LOVED the cd!

Bibi about halfway up the Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan

He'd had a tough morning, lots of drama before he even made the drive to work.  Put the BWMT II.2 in the cd player in the car and by cut 7 (The Weight of Her), he felt SO MUCH BETTER!  I could have told him this would be true.  And why not?  He'd already heard

Mixtape (Butch--I will always love this song, even if you no longer sing it in your shows)
Bodegas and Blood (if this one doesn't perk you up, check your pulse.  You may be in more serious trouble than you realize)
Sweethearts (just want to squeal--this one is SO great!)
Day Drunk (raucous, rocking bar singalong here--millions of snapshots shoot through my brain....goodbyyyyyyyye)
Synthesizers ((I can stay out ALL night, like Sacajawea in a paint fight--OOOH!)
Closest Thing to You (Butch at his romantic best, best, best:  Cause I see your face when they turn out my light.  His voice--OMG!)

Very gratifying to Bibi that someone else feels the so positive effect of Butch's voice and songs.  After G told me this, I was energized for the rest of the morning.  And then, for lunch, had to share with y'all.

Highly recommend listening to Butch Walker to make your afternoon go WAY better.

Love ya, Butch!  Thanks for being there!

Butch Walker, MLK Day and Livin' La Vida TexMex

Oh, what would a day be without Butch Walker? 

Lucky for Bibi, don't have to know or find out.  Just feel sorry for those unfortunates who are consigned to a dreary life of Top 40 radio and/or other music environments sans Butch.  Thought about this a few times during the MLK weekend.  It was convertible top down weather in Houston and one of the downsides is hearing other drivers' lame music selections while at stop lights.  Poor things; so deluded. Have great hopes that the new album, accompanying tour and appearing at SxSW will change at least some of this bereft state for some/many.
Bibi spent most of the weekend working on the nest, getting almost all of the Christmas decorations put back in storage, rearranging the abode back to its everyday state, including the new calendars.  Not entirely satisfied with the selection this year, but there it is.  Too bad Bibi didn't get any time in the Robie House gift store in Chicago; probably could have picked up a cool one.  And although the Art Institute was world class, by the time Bibi reached the gift shop, she was totally over being there and had to escape as fast as possible.  Bibi did send in a wistful request to Butch's merch group that there be Butch Walker calendars in the future.  I know, I know.  A whiff of selling out, so probably a no go.  Not asking that Butch actually pose for calendar pictures--bet he'd make the most of it, though, joking around, giving up the BEST glamour shots, but I know there are plenty of stills from performances, the recording studio, some pics that Butch has shared with us on Twitter or his website.  Think about it, please.  Of course, there's probably something Bibi could do on this on her own, so will check it out and let you know. 

Have started making copies of the much-vaunted BWMT comprised of the December 30 setlist.  Have to tell you, TOTALLY GREAT!  He had an excellent (if somewhat short IMHO) group of songs and hearing them again, brings back some joyful and fantastic memories of that fateful night.  The etched in my memory banks first time I saw Butch live.  Sigh.....

Butch tweeted that he'd been in the studio all day.  Such sweet music news to a fan's ears.  Maybe he's working on someone else's stuff--saw something on the web about Butch working with Panic!at the Disco in the studio, scheduled for January.  Or, he could be finishing up the new album (fervent fan hope, hope, hope).  Maybe a week ago, he tweeted something in reference to SxSW about big news soon--tour dates, album release date, WHAT???  Butch Walker calendars maybe?

Monday afternoon I fought my way across town--who were all those people and why were they on the freeway?--to my favorite taqueria, Del Sol.  I love the boho area of Houston I live in, but really, there are no taquerias close by; guess that's a downside of gentrification onset.  The Taqueria del Sol not only has great Tex-Mex, including menudo, it has an eclectic selection on the jukebox.  Of course Mexican music of all kinds, trad, norteno, nuevo wavo, some old rock, some country and NO BUTCH WALKER.  Most if not all of The Spade could easily fit into the mix.  Don't know how juke box inclusions are made, but probably demand-driven in some way--sounds like another research project for Bibi. 

One of the things I like about diners or taquerias is the background music.  Makes a tasty meal that much better.  And, having a day off--thanks, MLK--and a good meal along with great music, superb!  Or would have been, if Butch were singing in the background.  Everyone in the place would have had their day vastly improved, as well.  (This isn't just about Bibi feeling good.)  With such a remarkable talent, singing, songwriting, making music with really good musicians, how is any of this a negative?  Butch's inviting voice, eager and assured delivery, outstanding guitar playing--rocks it with the best of 'em--the hit-home expressive lyrics, outstanding production values that give his songs an irrepressible immediacy that demand you play them again and again.  Who wouldn't notice him? Sometimes, I think maybe all that Butch puts out there is too much for the undiscerning and un-curious American listening public.  Look at who's considered popular now--how can it be they're popular?  Are their voices great?  Their songs?  Honestly, no.  But the listeners aren't demanding and don't really want anything that might make them think about life, stuff that happens, shared experiences.  Which Butch does have in his songs.
Bibi will keep pondering on this....after all, think of all those whose lives are a bit less happy, more dreary since they don't know Butch Walker's music.  How to get more Butch out to them?

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  Rock on!

Butch Walker: He's the Best for a Monday Morning

Yes, it's agreed by all who matter--these are some cool guys I met in front of AC/DC's hotel in Paris, Manu, Didier and Robert--and I think they would go along with Bibi:  there is nothing finer in Carolina (or Texas) on a grey and dreary Monday that is also the first class day (yikes!  what a stomach-churning combo!) than listening to Butch Walker to make the day somewhat less foreboding.  Just hearing:   And I don't want to remember, but I don't want to forget, That no one will believe me if I say:  So honey don't you call now, don't pick up the phone now, don't you know we're better off this way? mellows me out.  That lovely, lovely voice, the Todd Rundgren vibe in the words...we can be in love for just one day...so I met you by the bathroom to escape....Aaaaahhhh! 

Sometimes, listening to Butch sing, Bibi thinks that Butch so loves to hear his voice.  Not saying it in a "he's so full of himself" way.  What a gift he has!  Not just the sound/texture/shading of his voice, but the lyrics he writes, the phrasing he uses.  (sigh) AND, he's sharing it with us, his lucky, lucky fans!!!

Here's Butch reportedly singing Ponce de Leon Ave. sometime in the past.

It's a different look from the one he currently has, but the voice is still as fab as ever!  Of course, the camera adores Butch as much as ever--that hair! those eyes, those cheekbones, that thoroughly adorable nose!--though, emphatically, he's so much more than a pretty face.

Love you, Butch!

Butch Walker: Post-Show Blues

Every day's a Monday now that the show has come and gone, right?  Bibi's been really busy at work and suffering from a diagnosis-proof toothache, living on Advil, and a lack of Butch Walker shows.  Guess, toothache or not, had to unfold this way for the fans lucky enough to see Butch in Chicago.  Like Tom Petty says:  waiting is the hardest part--until the new album hits and the supporting tour.  The BWAE (Butch Walker Ameliorative Effect) has been put to the test all week, helping Bibi through the pain, but really!  Just want it to go away and never come back!

Confession:  haven't been upholding my duties as a fan.  Want to make a new mixtape cd--the songs that Butch sang on December 30 at the Double Door, sans the new ones, of course--and have run out of the Butch cards I give out to those whom I want to become familiar with Butch's work.  Did get more card stock today and think/hope I'll be up to putting together the setlist for the new batch of cds later today.  There's a new indie-looking eatery next to the library and wanted to offer them the BWM II.2 (without the s and f words), but need to make a few more of those, as well.  Geez, really behind in carrying out the fan oath of purpose and obligations!  Did I even remember to pay dues recently? Priorities, Bibi!  lol

Did talk up (through the mist-inducing pain) Butch, the recent show, his talent, his persona on stage to two new people at work--that's when I realized I was out of cards and BWM II.2.  Bibi loves Butch's work and understands about the use of the s/f words--they fit in the flow, meaning of the songs, are not hate-inspired, mongering--but the idea is to introduce Butch to simpatico listeners, not give them the opportunity to get hung up on details. 

My competency with the phone camera at the show was really challenged.  Show pics would make very effective ppt-like effects while I'm talking about Butch.  But, have been able to let folks see photos other people took; some are quite good.  Very appreciative of those.  LOVE this pic someone took on NYE while Butch was singing....you know the song lyrics this gesture fits....tick, tock, tick, tock....ok, Race Cars and Goth Rock. 

Thinking that next time I see Butch, will try to get closer to the front, just for the sake of pictures.  Given different factors, Bibi's strategy had been to leave the struggle, time consumption of being at the front, difficulty of going to the bathroom or getting drinks to others, but re-thinking that.  Not something that ever bothered Bibi at AC/DC concerts--and have the pictures to prove it (ha, ha)--but with Butch playing such small venues, seems absurd not to have great pictures of him performing.  Plus, the camera LOVES Butch and the Internet needs more pictures of him looking totally fab.

Who could argue with that need?

Love you, Butch!

Butch Walker: Suggestions for Tour Dates

Butch tweeted about an upcoming tour for the Flaming Lips and the Black Keys:

4-28 Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center

4-30 Pittsburgh, PA - CONSOL Energy Center

5-02 Atlanta, GA - Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

5-03 Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena

Wouldn't it be cool if Butch played the same cities a day or two before or after these shows?  that way, Bibi would have a chance to see both!

Just saying.

Butch Walker: Highly Anticipated Album of 2013

Like Bibi didn't already know, Butch's upcoming album showed up (first one listed) on a survey of highly anticipated albums for 2013.  Here's an excerpt; the entire article is at http://www.westernherald.com/arts-and-entertainment/a-glance-forward-music-in-2013-kalamazoo-and-beyond/ : 

Editor’s Picks: Most Anticipated Albums


Butch Walker

Butch Walker, though he may not be a familiar name to many college students, is one of the biggest players in today’s pop music. He’s written hits for the pop-princess likes of Avril Lavigne, Pink and Katy Perry, produced records from Dashboard Confessional, Weezer and The Academy Is and even joined Taylor Swift onstage at the Grammy’s a few years ago when she won pretty much every award in sight. But while Walker certainly knows his way around a pop song, his own music has wandered through a dozen different genres, from his early hair-metal days to his tenure as the frontman for nineties one-hit wonders, the Marvelous 3; from the power-pop of his early solo albums to records that mined the history of glam, classic rock, folk, Beatles pop and alt-country. I had the pleasure of seeing Walker in Chicago to ring in the New Year (this side of Bruce Springsteen, there’s not a better live performer working today), and his new songs are sounding great: twangy and sentimental without feeling cheesy, anthemic and sing-along-ready without overreaching. The album should be along in time for spring or summer, so if you discover one artist in 2013, make it this guy.

Ryan Adams
A few years back, Ryan Adams was one of the most prolific singer/songwriters in the game, saturating his fanbase with solo albums, full-band records, rarity collections and unreleased gems. More than anyone else in the industry, Adams was hearkening back to the days when Bob Dylan and Neil Young (and, to a lesser extent, Bruce Springsteen) would just write and record constantly, putting out a record once a year or more. He’s slowed down a bit recently, but there were rumblings last summer that Adams was in the studio (and with Butch Walker, no less), and a few of his songs just recently graced the soundtrack for the Judd Apatow comedy This Is 40, so hopefully that means the man is gearing up for a return.

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Like that Butch was first on the list (natch!) and that the commentator and I fully agree on Butch's status and readiness for discovery by the music world at large.  I could be mistaken, but I think Ryan Adams was onstage with Butch on the first night of Petty Fest and was the one that more appropriately acknowledged Butch at the end of Breakdown, so Bibi really likes him.  So cool that he was working with Butch in the studio.  

Butch Walker and Revenue Generation, one at a time

Woo hoo!  Was talking to one of the people at the office, D (mentioned him before), who asked me about seeing Butch on December 30.  Giving him a quick rundown on how UNBELIEVABLY FANTASTIC Butch was, trying to express Butch's allure, singing, songwriting, guitar talent, and especially his ability to enthrall the crowd.  If you've seen Butch live, you know what I'm saying.  Anyway, he asked me my favorite album--what a decision!--and I went with The Spade.  It rocks, it rocks, it rocks AND it has Sweethearts and The Closest Thing to You I'm Gonna Find.  While we were on the phone, heard some music from his side and then, D said:  OK, bought the album from ITunes.  SO COOL!  D subscribes to the concept that artists who are really good--Bibi had effectively talked Butch up--deserve to make money from their art.  Bibi feels like a revenue-generating fan (R-GF).  It's a good feeling!

[Whoa, just saw a teaser for a new NBC show and A Man Like That is the music playing over the action!  Hope this means something good for Butch.]

Bibi is still processing the fab, fab time in Chicago.

Well, okay, mostly reviewing the show at the Double Door, especially now that such great pictures and videos have been posted by some of the other fans.  Check out Synthesizers here:

Synthesizers/Eileen

Butch knows how to get the crowd jumping, singing, and, of course, an all out performance from him.

Butch rules!

Btuch Walker at the Double Door, Chicago, December 30, 2012

Once Bibi got to the Double Door, it was clear that strategic maneuvering would be required to get a primo view of Butch.  Actually, everyone was intent on doing the same thing, but were congenial about it.  Ages ranged from 21 to none of your business, but let's say mature, probably late 50's, early 60's.  The audience for Butch dressed to express themselves:  some jeans and t-shirts all over the fashion continuum to sequins/spangles and/or men in suits!  Whatever, everyone was angling to establish a preferred viewing space and a couple of drinks.  There was seating in a small, dark upstairs area; seemed like it would be somewhat obstructed view, so no loss to Bibi not to sit there.  Anyway, who wanted to sit?  Found a place at the bar (on the left side of the room, left side of the stage).  The couple next to Bibi had seen Butch a few times before as had the group of 3 girls on the other side of Bibi; was glad to have them around me for comparison data.

When the lights went down, there was a decided crush toward the stage, so Bibi's bar location really helped. There was a step under the bar which allowed me to be a bit taller than the people in front of us; cool!  Note in case you go to the Double Door:  it's a pretty small place, compared to any bar I've been to in Houston, so you could probably see Butch, even at the back, but Bibi would have been very disappointed to be so far away from the source of all light and life (Butch).

The stage was dark and then, Butch's unmistakable, ethereal  voice began ATL...omg.   Putting this one first, great strategic move from Butch.  He gave himself a low-key intro (he was at the keyboard) and the following songs steadily built momentum and helped increase fan delirium as the set list revealed itself.  The crowd was already hyped up and opening with this acknowledged Butch and fan fave was a great gambit.  Next, Bibi LOVES Passed Your Place, Saw Your Car and me along with the rest of the crowd literally swooned listening to Butch's total immersion and delivery.  His voice--so true--just caressed this one--what a choice selection!  Bibi could make this the longest blog post ever and go through each song.  She could.  They were all excellent, inclusions, revving up from the Sycamore Meadows selections to the classic singalong, She Likes Hairbands, segue-ing into (maybe my favorite of the night) Race Cars and Goth Rock, two of my fave rockers from the Spade, and then 3 Kids in Brooklyn.  Short break and the guys came back for the real finale, Sucker Punch.   Huge Bon Scott scream here!!!

Tough to declare a favorite cut of the night--Butch is such a showman, a complete stage star--he takes the audience to an incandescent in-the-moment place with each song--full out, killing it on guitar and vocals, incredible.  Suffice it to say that Butch knows his material and its effect on his audience and he played it to the max for us.  The setlist built up the intensity, going from mellow to total over the top rock till you drop.  The entire show was unbelievably charged throughout and by the time we go to what the audience knew was the last song, there was a total Butch Walker fan crazy atmosphere--THANK YOU, BUTCH!!

BTW:  Really, who has the BEST rock star hair on earth??  Only one candidate and the winner is BUTCH WALKER!!  Enjoy it/Butch here during Sucker Punch, the finale of the show:

BEST ROCK STAR HAIR

Here's the set list, not including the three new songs:

ATL
Passed Your Place, Saw Your Car
Going Back Going Home
Closer to the Truth
Pretty Melody
Dublin Crow
The Closest Thing
The Weight of Her
She Likes Hairbands
Race Cars and Goth Rock
Synthesizers
Summer of '89
3 Kids in Brooklyn
Sucker Punch

Butch talked a lot about guitar playing, played some ZZ Top riffs and a song I can't identify, yet.  He didn't have to convince the faithful about his guitar skills--we already knew--but if you had expected merely a  great singer who happens to be drop dead good-looking with a fabulous stage persona, you would have been hugely delighted and greatly impressed to hear Butch's playing.  Butch clearly enjoyed himself, showing off, singing and having his lyrics and tunes sung back at him, jumping all over the stage singing and playing some really great music and, said it before:  damn, he's good-looking!  The three new songs sounded up to Butch's usual high standards, a bit more country-influenced, with some slide guitar thrown in--very cool, very self-assured.  Waiting impatiently for the new album.

Maybe next time Bibi gets to see Butch, she'll know how to work the video in the phone.  Then, the only possible constraint will be getting to/staying near the front of the stage, right?

So, overall, JUST LOVED IT, wanted MORE, MORE, MORE!!!  Can't wait for the tour supporting the new album.

Yes, have to say it:  Love you, Butch!

Butch Walker in Chicago, December 30, 2012, Setlist Update

Happy New Year to all of you!  Had a relatively quiet NYE--what could compare to December 30's Butch Walker show, right? 

Butch in one of his favorite places

Here's a bit of an update for the setlist.  Should have included the three new songs in the list; can't remember exactly where in the show they came in, but they didn't detract from the overall buzz.  And, no, did not take Butch's cue to go to the bathroom during either of the new songs.  He's SO funny! 

Glad he did ATL first and of course, wish he had done Sweethearts.

ATL

Passed Your Place, Saw Your Car

Going Back Going Home

Closer to the Truth

Pretty Melody

Dublin Crow

The Closest Thing

The Weight of Her

She Likes Hairbands

Race Cars and Goth Rock

Synthesizers (YES--he played mandolin!!!) And he included Eileen in the lyrics!

Summer of '89

3 Kids in Brooklyn

Butch talked a lot about guitar playing, played some ZZ Top riffs and a song I can't name, yet

Sucker Punched

Hope to get back online later today; hard to say.