The Butch Walker Ameliorative Effect--Proof Positive

Now that I have your attention (ha, ha), Bibi will once again tout the fabulously positive Butch Walker Ameliorative Effect.  You might say:  proof, please.  OK.  The "year" for Bibi and her fellow staff members begins at the end of August.  Although the fog of memory makes it less than pristinely clear, it seems that Bibi watched Episode 54 of Live From Daryl's House in mid or end of August.  While in many respects the flow of life did not change for Bibi, some did, in a significant way, from that point in time.  She began blogging about the wondrous Butch Walker and keeping track of the views of Say It Isn't So from that episode of LFDH at the end of August.  Began buying his cds, his dvd, his book with no thought of:  should I listen to Butch on YouTube or buy just a few mp3s before investing in him so heavily? For Bibi to invest in anything from a fiscal or emotional pov is a huge, involved decision process with lots and lots of research, time spent thinking about it, weighing the pros and cons, and FINALLY deciding yes or no.  When it came to Butch Walker, though, almost immediately, snagged a stock of blank cds to make mixtape cds to distribute to (even vaguely) interested parties, started mentioning Butch on Facebook.  Sure, there was some backlash, accusations of deserting Angus, etc., but Bibi was totally ensorcellee (enchanted, bewitched).  Started listening to Say It Isn't So (here's your chance to do so) 
The Butch version of Say It Isn't So: fab-u-lous!

daily, or more, along with Butch's cds and the BW Mixtapes.  What Bibi noted and passed on was that listening to Butch Walker music was a wonderfully effective way to get past negatives--people, situations, unavoidable tasks, that energy draining ennui--throughout the day.  You feel better, you're singing along, whatever you're working on is more fun, more satisfying and your output is just so much better.

Bibi's job is not so bad as "working at American Apparel, selling women's clothes to guys," but it could rank right up there.  The point is, Bibi's work performance is evaluated annually and review time was this past week.  Bibi's eval always comes out ok, pretty good and the number assigned to that performance is well within the keeper range.  This year, the number for this year's eval was significantly higher than last year's!  What other explanation could there be besides the Butch Walker Ameliorative Effect? 

Oh, Butch!  If you only knew how valuable you and your music are!  Thanks again, guy, for being such a great talent and being there!

Love you!

 

Butch Walker Withdrawal and Renewal

Finally re-energized after the mercifully short period of lowdown blues that slammed into Bibi the week after seeing Butch perform three times in five days.

But, like the Rolling Stones say, that's all over now; the blues, that is.  Bibi keeps remembering:  man, what a roller coaster rush that week was!   Did spend a short time in the dumps thinking about not being able to speak when Butch signed the motorcycle magazine,

but finally told myself:  whatever!  You did speak when you (finally) met Angus and think about how great and memorable that was for both of you.  LOL

What does Bibi owe the renewed enrgy to?  She's gotten to do some things she loves to do.  Like, talk about: 

• Butch Walker,
• the wonderful "Week of 3 Shows (March 11-15)",
• Butch Walker's music, his voice, his rock star qualities,
• the set lists in Dallas and in Austin at SXSW,
• SXSW 2013 as one of the best Spring Breaks ever.  Right up there with the Spring Break in Paris with my favorite person on earth.
• the development, reveal, and gifting to a select few of the new and best ever, Butch Walker Mixtape IX*

One might ask:  did/does Bibi ever experience a sense of surfeit of Butch Walker?  What a question!  With only one response:  NO!  Really, how could that be possible?  It's not like Butch has shows every day, has frequent mentions on the web, tv or radio.  Even his tweets have become few and not so frequent.  (This is something Bibi actually thinks is good, or at least okay.  Could mean that Butch is too busy working on the upcoming album to be tweeting about the weather where he is, his latest stop at Starbucks, his current favorite cat video.)  A key element for the fan-star set up to exist successfully requires a scarcity on the part of the star. It's basic economics:  if the commodity is scarce, or rare, the consumer wants more of it, waits for it with great anticipation and is willing to pay when it becomes available.  Butch Walker fans are just lucky that he doesn't make us pay high prices to see him; just requires us to wait, wait, wait....  From a marketing standpoint, "[he knows] how hard it is to be the easiest thing to love" and that fans are willing to wait as well as willing to continue as fans.  Butch is definitely worth it!

Bibi doesn't understand how she could have thought that she might not follow the summer tour.  Cats!  Who can understand their labyrinthine thought processes?  (woohoo--check out the big brain on Bibi!)  Sure, she can't be stalker-like about it, make the entire tour, but hopefully some short stints on both coasts.  Bibi realizes there's no chance Butch will come back to Texas and that's fine.  Who wants to go to Amarillo or Corpus Christi during the summer?  Can't imagine that Butch's management team has stats that would back up a tour schedule so bizarre as that. 

Anyway, Bibi has a renewed sense of purpose:  let as many as possible know about Butch Walker, his music, his talents.  Have already given out three copies of BWM IX, made a new supply of the BW cards.  Going to a possibly cool party on Saturday; hoping to let new people know about the one, the only, the truly remarkable and talented, Butch Walker.  I know.  How could it be a cool party if Bibi's invited?  Ha, ha, ha.

Love you, Butch!

*She Likes Hair Bands Bodegas and Blood
Summer of '89
Sweethearts
Day Drunk
Synthesizers
The Closest Thing to You
Bullet Belt
Sucker Punched
Mixtape
Race Cars and Goth Rock
The Weight of Her
Here Comes the...
Ponce de Leon Ave.
Oooh...Aaah...
Hot Girls in Good Moods
Bethamphetamine (Pretty Pretty)
When Canyons Ruled the City
Maybe It's Just Me
Pretty Melody
The 3 Kids in Brooklyn

Butch Walker: Antici---Pation! Dallas! SXSW!

Bibi is such a fan!  It's daunting for a fan, thinking that one truly fine day, they would get to meet the star-object and ask all kinds of questions.  Of course, the chance doesn't offer itself frequently, and let's try to fondly remember the time Bibi did meet Angus.  Try to remember it fondly, although it was a complete disaster for Bibi.  She came away knowing that Angus saw her as a complete fan--weirdo variety.  He's probably met a lot of those.  BUT, Angus was ever so polite (throught the cloud of cigarette smoke) and that counts for something.  My friends never tire of asking for a re-telling of this ignominious episode of Bibi's life.

For the fan, lots of land mines in approaching their star.  The momentous moment (great syntax!) will be unexpected, actually being in their presence will be overwhelming and breath taking, rational thought evaporates, no matter how many times you've practiced.  You do know your precious seconds with the star are so very limited and you must ask/say something profound, witty, insightful, and memorable.  A lot to process for anyone, but particularly difficult for someone who finds themselves within the aura of greatness tht surrounds the star.  All this and total sensory overload was at play when Bibi met Angus and would be if she had the gob-smacking luck to run into Butch. 

• Does Butch own a polo-type shirt? 
• What hopeless and heart wrenching yearning he expresses in Race Cars and Goth Rock:  wake up and lose yourself in me....
• Is there a perfect sequence of songs for a Butch Walker Mixtape?  Bibi is up to version VI (or is it VII?) and it's not exactly right yet.
• Is that a Pure Prairie League reminiscence in RCAGR?
• Upon reflection, I may have heard My Way in the murky past.  Not sure I would have liked that era of Butch's music.
• What about Maybe It's Just Me and Brandy?  Just love that song,but who wouldn't?
• Who decided the set list on episode 54 of Live From Daryl's House, besides Why Was It So Easy?
• Petty Fest outings:  is the performer rush different from playing your own songs?  Satisfaction level?  Analogous to producing for others vs producing and performing your own songs?   
   Does Butch have favorite Butch Walker songs?  One from each album?

While fans have many questions on the important and the inane, the star has to deal with the fan situation in general.  How could one ever satisfy the fan hunger for information or access?  No way to do it.  So a precarious balance is set between the two, including boundaries.  Bibi has tickets to see Butch on Monday in Dallas and great hopes to see him in Austin on Thursday and Friday.  We will see how it goes.  Could impact the summer tour plans for Bibi significantly.  Or not.

Love ya, Butch!

Bass Lines--Way Underrated, Like Butch Walker

Bibi knows the allure of the lead guitar player--e.g., ANGUS YOUNG, lead guitar player par excellence--but what would the band's sound be without the bass guitar player?  Let's face it:  we say we love Angus, for example, but true fans love the work that the artist has produced.  For AC/DC, that work includes all the band members.  We love the sound of it, the words (even if we can't actually understand what the words are), the attitude expressed, the entirety of the song/songs.  Bibi focuses on Angus, as AC/DC intends, but it's the whole AC/DC package that Bibi is enthralled by.  Everybody knows that one of AC/DC's strengths is the tight, rock solid, killer rhythm section, led by Malcolm Young, reinforced by Phil Rudd on drums and as Bibi once said to AC/DC's bass player, Cliff Williams, with his irreplaceable bass line.  Actually, Bibi referred to one of Angus's primo show-off songs, Let There Be Rock, and giving Angus his due, said to Cliff that the song would not be as great as it is without Cliff in the mix. 

  There was a 92 decibel rocking band



http://youtu.be/DNZXjPES7Cs

Of course, there's no way a living human being will not be totally overcome by Angus in this song. He's so un-fucking-believable in this one. (Don't get Bibi started: Angus is ALWAYS un-fucking-believable, this is just one of the best songs EVER!)


Cliff seemed pleased to be acknowledged.  But, each time I've met Cliff, he's been such a sweetie, so his reaction was completely in sync with what I had come to expect from him.

What brought this to mind today?  Was thinking about the Blues Brothers; watched it again the other night.  What a movie!  Action/adventure, finding your path tale, musical, they just don't make 'em the way they used to.  sigh  Bibi was in Chicago in late December and really liked it.  Thought of the almost end of the movie which took place at Richard Daley Plaza.

Of course, there's this number. 

 Bend over, let me see you shake your tail feather!

With Donald "The Duck" Dunn playing bass, never fails to get Bibi moving.
  Of course, SO many scenes in The Blues Brothers are so memorable, like Bibi said:  they just don't make 'em like they used to.

And I hope you ALL know:  Butch is a fucking awesome bass player!  We know it's true because, well, we LOVE BUTCH and his music.  AND, he said it on Twitter.  Who could ask for more in terms of validity?   In the meantime, "do the twist, do the fly, do the swim, and do the bird..."   Have a fab, wonderful, dancing around day!!!

Butch Walker: Guest on LFDH and Rock Star at The Double Door in Chicago

As my vast, devoted following knows, Bibi LOVES Episode 54 of Live From Daryl's House, her introduction to the great, the wonderful, the truly under-recognized, Butch Walker.  After Daryl gives a short, intriguing lead-in for Butch, we meet Butch, who introduces himself, giving us an idea what he's about. 

I remember thinking:  hmmm, this guy seems nice enough, a bit self-effacing, pretty low-key, laid back.  Wonder how he'll do up against  Daryl's band?  He proceeded to rock it with Bodegas and Blood first on the set list--on mandolin, no less--having a ball, singing back and forth with Daryl and the guys, confidence and performance full out.  Aaaahhh, the beginning for me with Butch. 

And then he did Sweethearts!  Oh, dear! 

Butch singing Bibi's favorite: Sweethearts

Maybe I knew then that a new world had opened for Bibi or maybe I didn't realize it until a few hours later when I was still watching YouTube videos of Butch, taking in as much as possible about this fantastic performer.

Thing is, now, having seen Butch live, I'm amazed at the different sides of Butch--the sweet, almost diffident singer on LFDH--and the rock star on glorious display at the Double Door on December 30. 

Butch Walker: You're SUCH a pretty melody!

I suppose many performers have multi-faceted personalities that they reveal at different times.  Let's take Angus Young as an example.  Apparently, he's quite shy in regular life, unassuming, sitting around drinking cups of tea and smoking Benson & Hedges cigarettes.  Onstage, though, OMG--total fucking wild man on guitar!  Running all over the stage, killing it for two solid hours, driving the audience insane with those riffs, so familiar and such an intense rush of unbelievable energy, excitement, intensity.  Sigh. 

Focus, Bibi...Butch Walker, Butch Walker, you were writing about Butch Walker.  Right.  For Butch, these differences manifest themselves so dramatically, really cool that these two disparate views of him both appeal to Bibi.  You HAVE to see Butch live, really!  His records are fantastic and if you haven't watched episode 54 of Live from Daryl's House, what have you been doing?  GREAT showcase for Butch and then, take any opportunity you can, get out of the house, get yourself downtown and shake it all out at a Butch Walker show.  INTENSE!

Love you, Butch!

Butch Walker and the Looming Fiscal Cliffs--no not really!

Haven't had time or energy to talk about Butch in the last few days.  What with work, life, and the looming fiscal cliffs facing America, the air is filled with dread, right? . . . although, like all of Butch's fans, that doesn't mean I don't think about him throughout the day.  Especially about seeing him in Chicago in December (Bon Scott scream here, but only on the inside.  I'm in a public place.).  If other fans are like me--and why wouldn't we basically all be the same?--you spend some time watching for tweets, checking for anything new on butchwalker.com, are there any YouTube videos of Butch we haven't seen (see below), and what about that Calvin Klein ad from back in the day?  Is that really Butch Walker?  Guess we've all done things in our past that we wonder about later.  Not apologetically, necessarily; we just wonder about how/why we did them.  What we fans do know is that over time, Butch has inhabited many personae (ooooh, there's that big brain on Bibi, again).  Just look at his hair through the years, listen to his albums, the interviews some lucky, lucky few were able to score, to get a multi-faceted picture of THE Butch Walker.  Sometimes, in my more idle moments, I wonder if I would have liked Butch through all his versions since I'm so picky about tiny little things in general.  Slippery slope there.  Like the fiscal cliffs, maybe.  It must be very frustrating to be an economist listening to the inanities coming out of non-economist legislators' mouths and outright dodos talking economics.  Glad I'm not them and please, Mr. POTUS, don't bring Larry Summers back (that guy! what a jerk) to muck up the waters more than they are.  Looked at from that vantage point, guess waiting for Butch to make a concert appearance is relatively anxiety-free.

Last weekend, got a chance to talk Butch up to some new people.  Well, new people in terms of their connaissance de Butch Walker.  Some of them have known me for dog years and they're French.  Gave them copies of The Butch Walker Mixtape IV.3, talked about Chicago in December (woo hoo!), got suggestions on which smart phone to buy.  They're on the upper end of the economic scale so of course they said the iPhone. Unequivocally, they love their iPhones 4.  They like me, so they were very indulgent about this Butch Walker phase, listened with interest about how it has evolved, what Butch is all about.  Guess that's why I like them, too, right?  They've been with me since before the AC/DC-Angus phase.  Marc has a special place in my rocker heart since he's my Paris AC/DC concert buddy as well as my entree to the guys' hotel.  I will always and forever love him for that.  Plus, I like these people so much, I not only drank (and drank) Champagne and had a couple of shots of bourbon with them to celebrate Marc's birthday.  They only buy the good stuff, so it's not so bad as having to share Andre with people at the usual parties.  So, it was a very pleasant time, indeed.  Hope they follow through and really listen to the BWM IV.3 (includes Freak of the Week).

Recently, Butch suffered what could have been a career-shattering blow to the face from one of his band mates.  Chipped tooth!  In the LA culture, devastating.  Butch really suffers for his art!




I guess the moustache is coming along...okay?  Thought/hoped there might be then and now moustache photos on Movember, but not so far.  If he were to do that, would it mean more donations?  Think about it, Butch.

Also, saw a funny video of someone playing Let It Be in the background with Butch saying let it be in the right places in the song.  Honestly, what fans think is entertaining.  I thought it was very entertaining.

Butch hangs out in a musical bar

Have to say--again--Butch is really easy to look at.  And he's so camera-ready!  It  just loves him!  To our benefit.  Thanks, Butch!

Win a Red Vinyl Edition of AC/DC's New Live LP!

Hadn't been to acdc.com in awhile--the site is not well-managed and whoever is purportedly in charge of it and takes our $40/year doesn't care--but have always enjoyed (most) of the fans who post comments.  Met a few--like all rabid, er, devoted fans, well, there's a continuum of crazy for the band, right?  I'm sure that to some, I may seem over the crazy end for Butch Walker, but I'm told that I was that way about AC/DC in the early days, back in 2008-9.  Makes me a bit sad--you mean I won't always feel this strongly about Butch Walker?  I still think that if AC/DC were touring, my enthusiasm and interest would be back up there.  Plus, that's what being a fan is all about:  fervor and single-minded devotion.  I could go on and on....Maybe next time.

Anyway, one of the fans on acdc.com let us know about a contest to win a red vinyl 3-disc set of Live from River Plate.  I put in my entry, which requires you to reveal your fave live song by AC/DC.  (sarcastic snort here)  Right, give me a break!  But, I said Whole Lotta Rosie.  If you've seen 'em live, you know that AC/DC's entire show is a total energy overload--the only let up in the sustained adrenalin rush that re-charges again and again each time the guys whack us black n blue with each mega-rockin' classic is when they play one of the new songs--but Whole Lotta Rosie, as they say, has it all.  The lyrics, sleazy and oh so Bon Scott, hammed up by Brian, Angus at his half-dressed, guitar god BEST (it's played after The Jack so he's down to his school boy shorts)--his riffs are UNBELIEVABLE.  The exchange between Malcolm and Angus kills.  The rhythm section is just jackhammerin' it throughout.  There is nothing to rival Malcolm, Phil and Cliff backing Angus.  Ahh, the good times. 


Can't wait to see you again, Angus!

If you want to enter, go here:  http://www.spin.com/articles/acdc-live-river-plate-new-album-best-concerts-contest

AC/DC News from Malcolm!

Have taken some flak from the fb friends for taking up with Butch Walker and my quick n dirty response has been that Angus Young isn't touring, with small chance of a soon-to-be-announced tour.  A few weeks ago, Brian Johnson made news by saying that the guys were busy working and in the next year or so, could hit the Highwy to Hell again.  In the meantime, I had discovered Butch Walker, but was really counting on that upcoming AC/DC tour.  Butch is truly great, but the blog name says it all:  Bibi loves Angus.  So, sad to read the Malcolm update to the Brian news today: 

"He confirmed they’re working on a potential follow-up to 2008′s Black Ice. But he warned fans are in for a longer wait than expected, after singer Brian Johnson suggested there would be new material next year.

Young explained: “You know what Brian’s like. He just says things and then walks away. It’ll be a little while – a year or two anyway.  I’ve been doing some jamming on some song ideas but I do that all the time, as do the rest of the band. We are still working. But we had a long rest between Stiff Upper Lip and Black Ice, so I think we need a couple of years to recuperate and work on it a bit more.”

He added it’s unlikely any world tour in support of a future release will grow to the scale of the AC/DC Black Ice trek, which lasted almost two years and sold nearly five million tickets.  His son Ross pitched in: “It would probably be a bit less, a year or 18 months. That was very long last time.”

Glad to see that Ross is around as a spokesperson for his dad--he seemed like a nice guy when I met him in Amsterdam AND he took the picture of Angus n me--but the news is (big sigh) so disappointing.  The wait (ing) to see AC/DC, like Tom Petty says, is the hardest part.  It's really great that none of AC/DC are the kind of guys we'll snicker about in the TMZ news, but not having any news from them  does make the last time I saw them--June 18, 2010--seem like a  r e a l l y  long time ago.
There should be a font that signifies great sadness, tinged with regret, that could express how I feel about this right now.   I know, what a drama queen.  Malcolm did say they're working; a very positive sign, although it brings to mind that it was years between Stiff Upper Lip and Black Ice.  We will see.  We will see. 

Miss you, Angus!!!

Thunderstruck--over Angus's hair

Just saw a couple of videos from the Bucharest show on Sunday....whoa! Angus came back with really red hair, pretty long, too. Of course, he looked great. Hope I get to see him close up in Paris to check it out.

Drove up to Austin and back with AC/DC loud n clear all the way. Would have been a great trip just because of the music!

Bibi's Back, yeah I'm back

It's been a long, if not restful hiatus, but it's only a month before Bibi goes to Paris to see Angus on stage AGAIN!!! Hopefully the weather is better in Paris than here. Of course, everything is better in Paris than it is anywhere in the world, so moot point. Just so excited to think I'll be in the most wonderful city in the world A-N-D I get to see AC/DC. Already know I won't get to see Raymond and fam (unless I win the lotto before I get there) which is bit of a downer. On the positive side, though, Bibi will be in PARIS!!!!

Haven't seen Iron Man 2 yet. Knowing that only Shoot to Thrill and H2H are in the movie makes it less of a must-see, but hope to see it before I leave. The important thing is that Bibi has both the Collector's Edition and the plain vanilla version of the Ironman 2 soundtrack/dvd set. Which one will go to Paris for the boys' autographs? can't wait, can't wait, can't wait to see Angus again....

AC/DC Shoots to Thrill in Ironman 2

As positive an outlook as Bibi strives to maintain, it was getting difficult with Angus and the boys not on tour. Yes, I will admit that it's really great to be back home after the walkabout, although I'm still on a bulking up meal plan to regain all the lost weight. But all us hardcore Angus fans know that we need a steady infusion of AC/DC news to really feel all is right and harmonious in the world. Now that the tour will commence again down under in NZ and Australia later this week, I was feeling less deprived when, so cool, I saw the news about the new video and the upcoming soundtrack for Ironman 2. A 15-song soundtrack, not just a couple of tunes in the movie, alright! This kitten doesn't agree with all the negative feedback from some acdc.com fans about there being no new songs on the soundtrack. Really, just to hear Angus's oh so killer SG in Shoot to Thrill, Rock n Roll Damnation, If You Want Blood, Thunderstruck, Let There be Rock (and the concert is not three songs away from over), and all the other classic songs...can't wait! Like I've already said, hope the movie lives up to the music. And the video---Bon Scott scream here! Shot in Buenos Aires in December, interspersed with clips from the movie, fantastic! Angus looked f a b u l o u s ! ! ! Brought back some great concert memories, for sure.

Not to worry, Bibi is BACK!!

Not in black, but I'm back! After a 17-day walkabout, Hendrix (my best bud in the 'hood, he's an orange tabby) convinced me that I should return to the relative comfort I had become accustomed to. He agreed that I was well within my rights to be angrrrrry... after all, a totally foreign (Persian), huge, cat had invaded my home. Sure, Percy acted all cute and playful and whatever, but I wasn't buying it. He left his fur everywhere, threw up on the new Chrismas tree skirt--twice--and didn't even offer to share his special food with me, although he did eat my food whenever he wanted. Took it as long as I could and Christmas night, without even opening my presents, I left. Almost right away, I knew it was a mistake, but I wasn't coming back until I was sure Percy was gone. So, let's just say, life on the outside leaves a lot to be desired for a delicate, admittedly high maintenance, very lovely feline like myself. On the somewhat plus side, I did drop a few pounds, maybe too many, but lots of efforts are being made right now to make me feel better. All new bedding for the big bed has been bought and almost all of Percy's smell is gone now. Also, lots of new toys have appeared, the other bedroom has been rearranged to accommodate me with lots of soffffffftttt pillows, and some new food choices have appeared. I am glad I'm back, especially to take over the blog; she really didn't do a very good job at all in keeping it up for me.

We've also talked about the hoped-for trip to Paris to see AC/DC on June 18 and it looks like an added stop in London could be thrown in as long as the tax refund measures up. So, paws super-crossed. OOOOHHHH, just thinking about the possibility of seeing Angus again really makes me feel better! I've been assured that it looks really possible for the trip. Of course, will keep y'all posted!

Angus Young, check your surroundings: Bibi is Missing

Alert to Bibi's followers: this post is written by the person who buys Bibi's food and provides her with a sumptuous lifestyle to which, I thought, she had become accustomed to the point of never leaving it. On Christmas night after protracted and heated discussion over seeing AC/DC in Paris in June 2010, Bibi ran out the back door, notwithstanding anticipated cold weather mixed with rain. (Bibi was born in the late spring and has never been in the cold, so I'm worried.) Signage has been put up in the neighborhood and an online lost pet service has been contacted. A couple of neighbors have reported sightings, so I'm encouraged that Bibi is lurking about, not yet having convinced anyone to fund a trip to Australia to meet Angus. I realize she's annoyed about the continued reluctance to promise a trip to Paris to see Angus and company, but just so you see it from my side: do you have any idea how expensive it is to send Bibi on the road? She's a bit of a diva at home and as a traveler, well, let's just say she doesn't travel light.

I will sub for Bibi in her absence, although I know my insights won't be as profound, witty or incisive. Her consuming love for Angus continues unabated, I'm sure, and she wouldn't want any AC/DC news to be left unnoted. Luckily, since the guys are on hiatus before the Australia/New Zealand shows in late January 2010, there may not be much that Bibi misses before her fervently hoped-for return. I know she would appreciate your wishes for a quick return, too.

AC/DC in Europe in Spring/Summer 2010!!

Bibi got her seemingly most unattainable dreamy wish this year: SHE MET ANGUS, rock god extraordinaire, she stood next to greatness for a few incredible moments. And sure, she was virtually incoherent, as could be expected in such empyrean company. But, maybe she can make a bold recovery because, YES, AC/DC will be in Europe in May and June, specifically Paris on June 18. So, the new year's resolution is set: save live crazy to get the funds to make this new dream come true. Stay tuned, Bibi watchers! She will keep you in the know.

Gracias, Mexico! Angus and Company were incredible!

Sunday, November 12, a night to go down in history! AC/DC (and for me, Angus in particular) rocked us all at the Foro Sol. Like the recent Gibson guitar blast says: "No-one wallops out the massive bone-crunching tone like Angus Young on his GibsonSG." And I mean he totally wipes away any doubts when he whips into whichever song they decide to play. Just to let you take a breath, no changes to the set list. Who cares???? The crowd was completely into it, young and older alike. I saw 8 year olds and some well into AC/DC's age range. Met some Mexican fans sitting around me--really cool people. The stadium looked over 3/4 full and no one let up in shouting, singing, screaming for the entire thing. No one in my vicinity sat down for any of it--it would have been emotionally impossible to sit down, really. The weather was clear and enjoyably cool. Really great night for a stadium concert. The crowd was lively going into the stadium and clearly, they were totally in adulation of the guys. Brian, once again just ate up the crowd´s reaction, and encouraged us to really let it out vocally. A funny thing happened in one of the later songs (the title will come to me any moment now)...Brian seemed to forget some lyrics, just looked out at us...we were singing anyway, so no big deal. Brian picked it up in the next line and as Angus was walking behind him, he casually, but deliberately bumped his hip into Brian´s backside, kind of like, whatever, dude! Bet they gave Brian hell over that one later. In You Shook Me All Night Long, Brian said ¨Mexican thighs¨which was kind of cool, I thought. The crowd loved it! A bit on the down side, the catwalk, way too long. I thought the stadium set up was not kind to the viewers in the stands either. We were just too far away from the stage. I had binoculars, but really. In Paris I had noted some questionable camera work--blurry, focused on nothing sometimes--but whoever it is--completely got the girl´s boob shot during The Jack. Will it be in the concert dvd? Inquiring minds want to know. Another unexpected quirk: apparently, after an event at that stadium, the officials close the metro and everyone has to find their own way home. Great system! Finally found a taxi that brought me back into town. No band sightings, but okay. I did get to meet them on the previous Sunday, will absolutely never forget meeting them, especially Angus. I just keep thinking that I might never get to see them in concert again and, well, you know....Bibi isn't ready for the dream to be over!

Mexico was wonderful! The history, the people were so friendly, too much to see and experience in five days!

Angus Young: You Shook Me All Night Long, or at least for two hours on November 12

No probs, Madame Angus Young, you know what I mean....AC/DC (and for me, Angus in particular) rocked us all at the Foro del Sol Sunday night. Like the recent Gibson guitar blast says: "No-one wallops out the massive bone-crunching tone like Angus Young on his GibsonSG." And I mean totally wipes away any doubts when he whips into whichever song they decide to play. Just to let you take a breath, no changes to the set list. Who cares???? The crowd was completely into it, young and older alike. I saw 8 year olds and some well into ACDC's age range. Met some Mexican fans sitting around me--really cool people. The stadium looked over 3/4 full and no one let up in shouting, singing, screaming for the entire thing. No one in my vicinity sat down for any of it--it would have been emotionally impossible to sit down, really.

The weather was clear and enjoyably cool. Really great night for a stadium concert. The crowd was really lively going into the stadium and clearly, they were totally in adulation of the guys. Brian, once again just ate up the crowd´s reaction, and encouraged us to really let it out vocally. A funny thing happened in one of the later songs (the title will come to me any moment now)...Brian just didn´t sing one of the lines and looked out at us...we were singing anyway, so no big deal. Brian picked it up in the next line and as Angus was walking behind him as part of the song, he casually, but deliberately bumped his hip into Brian´s backside, kind of like, whatever, dude! Bet they gave Brian hell over that one later.

I was at the guys' hotel on Wednesday night and the fans there told me that although the band had entered the hotel about 6 o'clock, at about 10 o´clock, no one had exited. I did go back after the concert, but it was really late. Apparently, after a concert or event at that stadium, the officials usually close the metro and everyone has to find their own way home. Great system! Finally found a taxi that brought me back into town. Anyway, no sightings, but okay. I did get to meet them on the previous Sunday. I just keep thinking that I might never get to see them again and, well, you know....

Mexico City if a wonderfully impressive place, so full of history, so lively, the people have all been so friendly, open and helpful! Will try to post more soon, but want the internet-verse to know that Bibi has loved it here. The concert was great, but Mexico City has been even better! Thanks, Angus, for giving me the idea to visit!

Bibi Meets Angus Young, finally!

You could say dirty deeds were done dirt cheap on Sunday, November 8, when AC/DC rocked the house down with their high-power, explosive, exhausting show. Well, maybe not dirt cheap, but feeling that surge of anticipation when the house lights went down and you knew that FINALLY AC/DC's long awaited concert was about to begin, whoa, PRICELESS!!! The crowd reaction was intense: devil horns flashing, all our emotion pouring out in shouting, fist pumping, Bon Scott screams, and pure adrenalin. The song list was familiar to Bibi and alright! Angus and Brian were electric--Brian was working the crowd, Angus a whirling, duck walking, guitar god. Of course, the hits got the greatest roars of approval, but around me, no one sat down for the entire concert, there was just too much energy coming from the stage to settle down. It was a raucous, wild time, really loud--as God intended a rock concert to be--completely absorbing, life affirming, rock n roll will NEVER die kind of experience. As each song began, the crowd roar would drown everything out and then as everyone sang along, you could see Brian was eating it up, egging us on to total voice obliteration. By the time Angus blasted into Let There Be Rock, everyone was sweat-drenched, nearing exhaustion, but so ready to rock on with the greatest band on earth.

Began the evening with a meet n greet for some acdc.com folks, an experience in itself. What a great bunch of people!Got to show off my flag, too! I was so happy that Rolan coud go with me--he's a huge acca dacca fan, like me, and we had a great time! The evening did take a slight turn for the worse as I was walking to the car: a *x%$# person came up behind me and stole may devil horns! My voice was gone, of course, so when I yelled at him, couldn't hear me.

Of course, the next part, at AC/DC's hotel, led to almost total recovery really quickly. On Saturday night, David and Vanessa (acdc.com-ers from Denver) and I had met, had dinner at Hard Rock and just happened to visit the bar at a nearby posh hotel. While seated there, with a view to the front entrance, I thought I was imaging things when Phil Rudd walked in and scooted quickly to the elevators. But no, a few minutes later, I recognized two of the security guys from Europe with Brian and Cliff! Cliff and his companion got into the elevator, but Brian spent a few minutes with Vanessa and David. I felt like I needed to hold back, after all, I'd had my moment in Brian's sun in Amsterdam. Vanessa and David were ecstatic and I was feeling pretty good, too! So glad I was there!

After the concert on Sunday, a few of us gathered outside the hotel and YES, YES, YES, finally got to meet .... ANGUS YOUNG, ROCK GUITAR GOD EXTRAORDINAIRE!!!! Got to re-meet Cliff, got his autograph and also, really cool, got to speak to the elusive Phil and got his signature. The smallish crowd (maybe 15 of us) then got the thrill of a lifetime when Malcolm and Angus worked our line, one at each end, so all of us got both autographs and, when requested, photos with each of them! Bibi felt really honored that Ross, Malcolm's son, agreed to take the photo of me and his uncle. I could barely speak and at that, I can't say all of it was coherent. Guess Angus has gotten accustomed to that kind of behavior, though. I know others have mentioned this, but until I experienced it myself, I didn't really feel how Angus and Malcolm are so kind and gentle with the fans, so generous with their time and energy, especially after the incredibly energetic, body-punishing show. It meant so much to me that Angus actually listened to what I was saying and responded, although, of course, I was totally blown away that I was even speaking to him. Also, surprized that next to Angus and Malcolm, Bibi seemed like a giant.

Still processing the whole experience and treasuring my High Voltage cd cover that now bears the autographs of Cliff, Phil, Malcolm and Angus. Unbelievable!

Hope to post tomorrow night from Mexico City....hasta la vista, y'all!

It's All About High Voltage Rock n Roll

Some of Bibi’s favorite things…treats, naps, towels that smell like lavender, Angus Young, especially with really short hair. But, she’s not into housekeeping at all. EXCEPT: blog housekeeping. In this cat-egory, Bibi wants to give a meow-out to two lovely individuals, Denese and Jann. Jann is from down under and shared some great ACCA DACCA stories with Bibi the other day, to the amazement of Denese, who didn’t know of Jann’s AC/DC interest. Jann has even been to an AC/DC concert in Australia! Great talking to you!

Another bit of keeping everything straight: YES, the travel arrangements to Mexico City are complete! Angus, see you there! Bibi is so excited about finally getting back to her roots!

Yes, I know…where is the TDF for the last several days? We won’t even try to rationalize the absence of those critical posts, but now that the Houston concert tickets have been bought, maybe Bibi can settle down a bit—or not! Thing is, been listening to High Voltage again and how to choose? It’s still Bibi’s favorite.

Another way to put it: if I could have only one AC/DC album to explain to someone about AC/DC, right: Let There Be Rock. But, every time I play High Voltage (international release), I can just picture a really hungry, hot, new band that's ready to ROCK the joint down! It was my introduction to The Jack, Live Wire, Can I Sit Next to You Girl, Little Lover and High Voltage and each cut is so raw, so fresh every time I hear it. The level of talent and confidence they display in this first album--incredible! So, it's the second one I would have the uninitiated listen to, althought it’s definitely first in my heart. I’ve already named most of the album’s great songs, but if you haven’t heard it, you won’t realize that TNT and It’s a Long Way to the Top are also on this one. All fantastic, but I’ll focus on the TDF, already noted in a previous post devoted solely to HV: The crowning jewel among these rubies and pearls of rock gemstones is High Voltage. AC/DC is rarely given credit for lyrical styling, but High Voltage is a superb example of Bon Scott’s diamond in the rough, spot on writing gift. The winning hook is setting the song as a series of questions: from family, or (possibly) a girlfriend’s father, and maybe, one day, an interviewer: why I grow my hair, why I’m in a band, why I like to sing, why I like to play. Only one answer, one reason: the band does it for HIGH VOLTAGE ROCK AND ROLL!!! When Bon screams: wine, women and song, jeez, all the rock elements—words, drums, guitars--come together and the power the band generates with their music washes over us mere mortals as we’re swept up in AC/DC’s rhythm and drive into complete abandon to the moment.The free for all feel of the collaboration between words and music so evocatively conjures up the band's--and our--rock n roll dreams and adventures, real or only wished-for, that we’re inexorably sucked into a dizzy, wild tumble of right here, right now lyrics with no subtle meanings to confuse or distract us, scorching, pure guts guitar breaks exquisitely laid over heart pounding drums and aggressively hard as a rock bass and rhythm guitars. Just give yourself up to the sweaty, driving, good-time energy and love it, love it, love it. Whew…anybody for a cigarette? Before listening to High Voltage again…cranked up to eleven….

You Shook Me All Night Long says it all

Bibi has already praised Highway to Hell for the masterpiece it is and Back in Black has been universally declared one of the greatest albums ever composed. Even if we didn’t know the background of Brian becoming part of AC/DC and helping to create BIB, both as lyricist and lead singer, it’s one unbelievably great album. The fact that with BIB, AC/DC essentially came back from the abyss with songs that so cogently express everything they’re about and their absolute belief in themselves, Back in Black is astounding no matter how many times you listen to it. Brian’s voice complements the killer guitar riffs superbly, combination so incredibly alive, they challenge a listener to take issue with them. It’s like Angus, AC/DC personified, is in your face, saying: what??? The entire band declares: Bon’s not with us, but he will always be part of our music in spirit and with this album, we honor his memory; we will rock till we drop. Repeatedly, throughout the songs, they confirm this, but the last track of the album sums it up: rock n roll ain’t noise pollution/Rock n roll will never die. Purists will go one way or the other depending on their specific tastes, but Bibi says (so listen up) IT’S AC/DC—WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? Bon was a fantastic front man and AC/DC rocked with him. Brian is a great front man and AC/DC rocks with him, plus, we can’t get Bon back. Either one totally expresses AC/DC’s music credo: live hard, rock harder. End of argument, if you insist there is an argument that pits Bon vs Brian.

There are no weak cuts on BIB, although I don’t like a couple of them as much as I like all the others, but what (besides HTH) can compare to a work that includes You Shook Me All Night Long, Shoot to Thrill, Back in Black and Hells Bells, anyway? And, is there a finer natural two-fer in the world than Back in Black and You Shook Me All Night Long (they follow each other on the album)? Okay, there’s the Highway to Hell and Girls Got Rhythm sequence on HTH. For this album, for me, the TDF choice is so undeniable: You Shook Me All Night Long. I’ve actually heard people say: yeah, an AC/DC concert without YSMANL, okay. WHAT IDIOTS!!! Should they even be allowed to speak at all if they’re going to say stupid stuff like this? I don’t think so. What next? No HTH or beer at an AC/DC concert? Dogs and cats living together? Life without convertibles? Cats writing blogs? Men on the moon? Oops, okay, but you get the idea. Jeeeeezzzzz, some people!

The point is, the concept of a rock n roll good life would not exist without the exuberance, the sheer joy of living expressed by YSMANL. The joint threatens to crash down, the fans go even more insane, a roar almost drowns out the moment Angus and the SG give us the unmistakable, sparkling, opening notes. Phil joins in, just beating his drum kit silly, then Brian sings those immortal words: She was a fast machine/She kept her motor clean/She was the best damn woman I had ever seen. Beyond transcendent, to the sublime, and I’ve been there three times. The rest of the song celebrates the classic rock fantasy: guy meets hot girl. What makes this iteration of the fantasy better than most is, of course, AC/DC’s pure rock band talent and their humor, including considerable insight: Taking more than her share/Had me fighting for air/She told me to come but I was already there. Great, great song!

Bibi won’t be giving a blow by blow comparison between HTH and BIB, do it yourself and have a really good time, but try Walk All Over You and Touch Too Much vs What Do You Do for the Money and Giving the Dog a Bone. Excellent! Once you listen, I predict, you have to say that it’s a draw between the two albums. Each stands on its own as a testimony to AC/DC as the greatest rock band in the universe.

Angus Young Outstanding--as usual--on Jailbreak

Okay, okay, Bibi admits taking the weekend off and feeling kitty-blue Monday and Tuesday. Not that she’s stopped listening to AC/DC cds. However, she will point out that she has a very busy schedule: watching myriad specks on the floor or in the air—there are so many of them to observe and contemplate—and that’s not counting the odd sounds Bibi hears that have to be explored, keeping up with Hendrix’s coming and going, food breaks, grooming takes hours of her time, and kitten naps to keep up her strength, well! The day is just sooo full. It’s a wonder Bibi gets any time to herself at all, plus has anyone considered the difficulties Bibi has typing??? Her dainty little paws are just not designed for keyboards.

Watching Angus in the video clips for the new box set has taken a lot of her time, too, she admits it. He’s oh, soooo wonderful to watch in action!

To the task at hand, er, paw, whatever. Today’s selection comes from ’74 Jailbreak. It’s an extended play set, only five songs, released in 1984. The tracks were previously on a couple of AC/DC albums released in Australia. The songs are very raw-sounding, which fits since they were done at the beginning of AC/DC’s career and by 1984, AC/DC was sounding much more polished. I really like them all, especially the cover of Baby, Please Don’t Go, and Soul Stripper has the distinction of Malcolm on lead, he's hot—check both of these out--but my fave is Jailbreak. It was the lead single from AC/DC’s Australian Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976). Already noted, it’s rough and ready, tough and jagged, coldly raw. Bon’s tough guy voice is well-suited to the topic—life in jail or find a way to break out and live outside the cage promised by the court’s sentence. Angus’s self-assured, cocky lead sounds like he’s ready to come and get us, along with the rest of the boys (which they were at this time of their lives), the driving rhythm and drums rocking. Great lyrics, telling us a story, purportedly an acquaintance of Bon’s or maybe just a story, who cares? It sounds like a band ready to rumble and give you grief, if that’s what you want. Total, classic AC/DC! They should rock like this forever if Bibi had her way.