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: December 30, Double Door in Chicago

Bibi is just quivering in antici-----pation about the upcoming show!  Think about it: only 2 weeks and I FINALLY will get to see Butch Walker in person, on stage, total fan heaven!  Sure, have to get through the pre-Christmas craziness (for Bibi, the shopping is DONE, c'est fini, over with, finished, nada mas, forget about it, anybody else gets a lotto ticket, period), the Christmas tree is almost a work of art, but it's a work of art in progress until December 24 when SARITA GETS HERE!!!!  This year's tree is huge--at least 2 1/2 feet taller than last year.  It's kind of funny.  Putting the same number of ornaments on the tree as I usually do and the tree looks pretty full, so I wonder how I managed to put all those ornaments on a much smaller tree in the past.  Picking up around the house also a WIP, including updating the curtains in the dining room and my room.  Should go smoothly enough (tip to readers to help you transcend and actually enjoy these necessary, but sometimes tiresome holiday tasks:  listen to Butch Walker music for the relaxing and life enhancing Butch Walker Ameliorative Effect to work its magic.  Has worked for me several times in the recent past, don't see why it won't be a major positive factor now.)  Dentist visit on Wednesday, commencement on Friday and a Winter Solstice party with Stitch n Bitch crowd, visit Jimmy on Saturday--the wreath is ready and I have the ornament for the cemetery tree ready--start baking ginger cookies on the 23rd, wrap 2-3 presents and write 2-3 Christmas cards each day, should all fall into place.  OK, the Christmas cards are a bit later than hoped, but, hey.  Everyone should get their card around December 25.   Thought I could encourage myself on these two areas by making hot chocolate each evening after dinner to sweeten the deal, so to speak. 

Went over the fam's earlier today for homemade menudo--it was EXCELLENT--Nana has not lost her touch and Abel, Lydia (Nana's neighbor) and I decorated the tree.  Abel is such a sweet, cute little kid and he was so happy to be allowed to help us. 

Made me think about the children in Connecticut.  So, so sad.  True to his just-like-you-and-me attitude, Butch has tweeted his shock and disbelief; has been very affected by this unfathomable event.  Bibi was so happy to see a picture of his little boy and Frank the dog on his blog.  Butch seemed very happy, too.

It's that time of year:  thinking about family, loved ones close by, loved ones far away in distance, maybe due to issues from the past.  Maybe we can cover those distances during the upcoming holidays.  Hope the terrible recent events can give us reason to consider how important others are to and for us and maybe, maybe we can grab hold of each other and hold on tight for as long as we can.