Butch Walker: Summertime Blues

Well, Eddie Cochran sang it right:  there ain't no cure for the summertime blues...and no Butch Walker on the road.  Making do with clips from Live from Daryl's House.  Just love this one!

Sweethearts

Bibi just can't do the Chicago date on August 1--too little Butch and already been to Chi-town.  Only a few tickets left for the London show, but Bibi is admitting that London is way too far away, even for a chance to see Butch.

Still love ya, Butch!

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.

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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.

Butch Walker in Chicago Set List, redux

Bibi is still processing the kick-ass show last night!

As you can see, feeling kind of shell-shocked by the whole incredible experience.  Butch did wow me--and the entire crowd!  Feeling a bit blue, thinking that now Bibi will have to wait for the tour Butch alluded to, maybe beginning in February of the new year.  At least, that will be when the album will come out.  Bibi has a tough time with waiting patiently for anything and now that she's realized the dream of seeing Butch live, well really, it will feel like an interminable sit in the bus station before she sees Butch again. 

Working on the set list; here's most of it:

ATL
Passed Your Place, Saw Your Car
Going Back Going Home
Pretty Melody
Dublin Crow
The Closest Thing
The Weight of Her
She Likes Hairbands
Race Cars and Goth Rock
Synthesizers (YES--he played mandolin!!!)
Summer of '89
3 Kids in Brooklyn
Sucker Punch

It was all Bibi could do to write halfway legibly--the paws, the paws--in the dark, too, jumping around, the drinks, singing, etc.  So will continue to work on this.  Amazingly, for Bibi, my opinion of some of the cuts increased dramatically upon hearing the selections live.  He also included a couple of new songs, sounded promising for the whole album.  (I know I left a couple of songs out--didn't get to write them down, but will get back to y'all with those.)  Butch is such a story teller.  A good amount of the joy engendered during the show IS Butch telling the back stories on the songs--such an endearing quality he has!  Funny, funny, funny, too!

Will say that Butch talked up his guitar ability, which is outstanding.  Will discuss this aspect of his presentation later/again.  He was truly impressive.  Hope to hear/enjoy this aspect of his talents even more on the upcoming tour.

BTW--although I tell everyone that Butch is NOT just another pretty face, DAMN, he was hot!  Not just Bibi--a huge number of us were swooning.  Couldn't get enough of looking at him.  And, of course, listening to him.

Love you, Butch!  Thanks again for bringing Bibi to Chicago!

Butch Walker: Say It Isn't So and Drinking With Strangers in Paris

As the faithful know, Bibi LOVES Live From Daryl's House, Episode 54.  Episode 54



It brought about a seismic change in Bibi's already full life, introducing her to the great, the wonderful Butch Walker.  My favorite cut from that show is Say It Isn't So. Posted this so many times, here it is again.

 Once Bibi heard this, life changed!

I know set lists for performances are set in stone in advance of shows--at least that's how AC/DC and Bruce do it--but SO hope Butch will include it on December 30. 

Just so you get an even better taste of Episode 54, here's one of Bibi's other faves, Bodegas and Blood. 

Butch n Daryl's band rock it!

Of course, every song Butch does on the show is also one of my favorites:  Sweethearts, Mixtape, Closest Thing, Why Was It So Easy...so, there it is.  You may ask, what was the reason for this post?  While Bibi is not prepared to go into the existential why of blog posts at this time, today, the reason is that I had a chance to talk Butch up to someone who immediately got on the web to look Butch up!!!  So exciting when you get through to someone!!  Once I'd talked to D for awhile, thought, why don't I listen to Say It Isn't So and once I did that, well, slippery slope. Had to watch the other songs, too.  As a special treat (Bibi loves cat treats and this clip is a really great treat for you) here's the opening of Episode 54.  How Bibi met Butch the first time!!!!!!  You get a feel for Butch the person, what's important to him as an artist, a shortened form of what you would read in his book, Drinking With Strangers.  A very good read!  Plan to re-read it before the trip.  Why doesn't the book have an index?  Needs one.  AC/DC's Maximum Rock & Roll has one, although it could be better.

Introducing: Butch Walker


If you began reading these posts after my AC/DC phase, you (regrettably) don't know that during slow times within AC/DC's last tour, Bibi would fill in the gaps by blogging about individual AC/DC albums, songs, why they were great and should be in the rock pantheon of all time.  Wondered if I might do that about Butch Walker's music before December 30.  It's almost here (Bon Scott scream!) and even though Christmas is already exciting, knowing that I'll get to see Butch so soon, well, the excitement around Bibi is just palpable.  Feel like there's a slight buzz in the air around me, the sky is bluer, the air crisper.  Or maybe it's the cold front that came in last night, hard to distinguish.  Tough to concentrate on the day-to-day since I have the Chicago guidebook and see that the few days Bibi has up there are too short to fit everything in. 

Just so you know:  there will be no time for "hoping to spot Butch somewhere in Chicago" as occurred in Paris with AC/DC.  Bibi did enjoy meeting the fans outside AC/DC's hotel and Bibi was richly rewarded for sitting around in the bar, since I got to talk to Brian and Cliff--such sweeties--but really, Paris deserved more of Bibi out and about instead of hanging in a really expensive bar.  I read in one of Butch's tweets about an elite, pricey bar in Nashville.  Ha, ha, ha.  What a bunch of fiscal lightweights!  If they thought that place was rich for their (financial) blood, they would never be able to drink in Paris. 

Oh, and btw, the Ernest Hemingway house was sold this year to private owners. 

Bibi is checking now to see if visits are still allowed.  It could work out that I'll only get to take a picture of the residence and maybe think of a way to bring a dirt sample back to the ex.  Bit of a family story:  the ex always wanted to visit Graceland; Elvis was his hero.  The only time his family went to Memphis, though, Graceland was closed for the day.  So, the ex gathered some dirt from the property and kept it for years.  That is now lost to the ages, so I thought I would bring some dirt back from the Hemingway (also one of his heroes) house for him.  Bibi's thoughtful like that.

We'll see.