Hank 'Hitman' Hart (The GK Tour)

So, basically, this was the best concert I've ever been to. Hands down.

All Time Low (headlining the GK Tour) played at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC last night. For those of you who don't know, the openers were (and in this order) The Friday Night Boys, Hey Monday and We The Kings.

Anyways. The Friday Night Boys were really good. Great way to start off the show.

Wait, before I start, I should probably explain that I had EARLY ENTRANCE (*GASP*)! Basically, because I'm awesome (and paid $25 to join All Time Low's fanclub, The Hustler Club, and I bought my tickets through the club) I was randomly selected for early entrance. I under estemated it at first. Like, I'd much rather get Meet and Greet instead of early entrance.

BOY, WAS I WRONG!

Early Entrance is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. I got in before everyone else (not excluding my fellow Hustlers, holler!), and I was able to stake my spot RIGHT along the baracade. Front row, baby. Unfortunately, I saw that Jack's side was full when I got in, so I immediately went to the free spot on Zack's. Which is completely fine. Hopefully there will be other Early Entrances where I can get on Jack's side. But they move around (I'll get into that later).

Back to the concert.

FNB was great. It was actually their frist time playing at the 9:30 Club, and they said that they're pretty local to it (I don't know, maybe they moved out of Fairfax, VA? Which is like, an hour away. Anyone able to answer that for me?) They're funny enough and their songs got the crowd pumps. It was pretty funny when Andrew's mic stopped working at the beginning of 'Stuttering' (which was their last song). It started working again. It was actually pretty cute. They held their composer. And Andrew Goldstein can rock the gray hair like no one else I know.

They played 'Suicide Sunday' (how fitting, since it was Sunday. :] ), 'Permanent Heartbreak', 'Molly Makeout' (where Alex came out and sang the part that he sings on the album. And did a fantastic job. As always), 'That's What She Said' (one of my favorites) and finally 'Stuttering'.

Next was Hey Monday. Okay, let me just start off by saying that I'm really not a fan. I pretty much stood, rather awkwardly, against the barricade and would pretty much smile when the guitarist and bassist would like, you know, move over to your side and like look at all the people. I mean, they're cute. I'll admit that. But I just don't find anything incredibly unique about them (and don't say 'they have a female vocalist'. They are not the only band out there with a female vocalist. If anything, that is incredibly cookie cutter.). There is one song I like, 'How You Love Me Now'. It's true that Cassadee Pope is gorgeous. I credit her with that. But she's really only helps to make up the 2/5 of the attractivness of that band. Alex Lipshaw (just had to look up his last name...) is the other 1/5 to make up that 2/5. Oh, and I should mention that their drummer wasn't there, so they had their tech filling in.

Hey Monday played (and pretty close to this order, too) 'Homecoming', 'Obviously', 'Josey', 'Candles' and 'How You Love Me Now'.

We The Kings, who I love and were the first band poster to grace my walls (to be completely honest, I've been a fan of them longer than I've been a fan of All Time Low. Shocker, I know... Haha. (I didn't know about ATL then)) Anyways, they killed it as usual. They're really good at getting the crowd completely pumped for ATL, on the terms of getting people to start crowd surfing and moshing (none of which I had to experience. I was pretty sick and almost decided not to go. I am SO happy that I did decide to go). Travis told funny stories. Well, don't know how much of a story it was. More like entertainment.

Travis Clark, the resident red head for We The Kings, goes on to explain that when he was younger, his mother would always tell him to stop practicing with his band so loudly. To which he would reply "Fuck you." This, of course, did not fly. So, and according to Travis, "She grabbed me by my red hair, because it used to be really shaggy then. It was nice. Anyways, she would take me by my red hair and drag me- You guys probably think that my mom is this monster. She isn't, I love her to death, but when she gets angry, she turns into a monster." And then he paused because he lost his train of thought, and says, "Now I forget where I was going with that story. Oh! Basically the only reason we're here where we are today is because of you guys. And if my mom ever tells me to quit my band I can tell her that there are a bunch of people in DC who love me."

How can you not love him? Adorable. Hahaha... For those of you who aren't laughing, I'm just going to say, you had to be there.

We The Kings' set list was 'Heaven Can Wait' (which is one of the songs that is going to be on their new album. They made a music video for it. Good song), 'Secret Valentine' which Hunter opens with asking if we want to hear a song about sexual intercourse. Travis adds, "Well, it's not only a song about sexual intercourse, but it's a song about taking off all your clothes and running around the city. But in your case, running around the venue naked". Then they played 'Skyway Avenue' and Travis played their new song 'She Gets Me High'. This tour is the first time they've played that song. Next was a cover of the Jimmy Eat World song 'The Middle' (Travis: Do you know what time it is? I think it's cover song time!). Rian made a guest appearance and TORE UP the drums. It was wicked. The last song was 'Check Yes Juliet'.

Finally came All Time Low. Their show was nothing short of extraordinary. Alex later tweeted that this is the longest set they've ever done (15 songs) and they did a really great job at keeping the energy up. Well, they've always been good at that, so I don't know what I'm talking about...

They opened with 'Lost In Stereo', and went straight into 'Stella' and then 'Break Your Little Heart'. Then they made fun of the Jonas Brothers, and then Justin Beiber. Jack would like to see Justin Beiber and Miley Cyrus in a fight. The ATL guys also claim that Justin Beiber hates them. Their retort was "Who wouldn't like us!? We're the coolest guys out there!" (Thank you, Jack.)

Next few songs were 'Six Feet Under The Stars', 'The Party Song' and 'Shameless'.

After 'Shameless', one of the techs came out to fix Jack's monitor, which is in his back pocket. Jack being Jack says, "Colussy, what are you doing to my butthole? My butt-butt?" Quque weird looks from Alex. The tech leaves and Jack says, "In all of my 21 years, my mom has always called me Butt-Butt." Alex laughs and replies, "I remember. Remember when we came home and your mom was mastru- vaccuming?" Jack gets slightly upset (actually) and says "Dude! My dad's here! Don't say that!" Alex laughs and Jack starts yelling for his dad so he can show his face. Alex has to help Jack find his dad ('Turn your head and look up, Jack."), and then Jack classically tells his dad that a girl in the crowd is giving birth and his dad needs to help her ("My dad delivers babies for a living"). Alex goes, "Yep, her water just broke."

Next few songs were 'Poppin'' and 'Jasey Rae'. After that Alex is reminded of this email that was sent to their management the night prior (after the New Jersey show). In true fashion, he makes Matt run and go get it so he can read it. Alex gets the email and before he starts reading it he says, "This is from Hank Hart." Then Zack (yes, Zack Merrick. He speaks!) says, "Hank 'Hitman' Hart. Look at the bottom." Alex laughs and says, "Yeah, you're right. This is my favorite part. It says, 'Respectfully yours, Hank 'Hitman' Hart'." (Jack: "He's going to kill us.") Then Alex goes on to read the letter (forgive me, I cannot remember every part of it. But this is the gist. Anything outside of the apostrophes is Alex's input) "'To whom this may concern, I am 57 years old and have been to hundreds of concerts in my life time,' Yeah, obviously. 'I am the Facebook admistrator for the Country Rock group The Outlaws,' Wow, that sounds bad ass 'and I write the Amazon.com Night and Day review.' That's bullshit. 'I took my daughter and her friend to your band's concert. Before ever hearing the band live, I had heard a few of their songs and thought they were catchy.' Okay, you obviously hadn't been listening to very many of our songs, because I'm pretty sure one of our songs is about a one night stand and I say CASUAL FUCK. 'But when I came to the concert, I was appauled with your singer's frequent use of the f-word and him asking for oral sex from a band assistant. And then elluded to the size of his genitalia' Okay, first of all, I probably asked Danny to suck my dick, or something like that. Second of all, to any of you parents who are going to complain about our rudeness, just know that I'm going to take my guitar and wail it at all of your faces. I kid, I kid. Oh, and then he starts to get angry about the things we said about Jersey. Like, the fact that we said that Jersey girls are easy. That's because that's common fact, people! And it's not my fault that that river under that bridge smells like diapers!" Alex scans a little further, "Oh, and here's my favorite part, 'Most of the attendees of the concert were underage and female', Dude, it's an all ages show. Anyone can come." Alex finishes the letter. "Anyways, to all you parents, before you send our management an angry email, just know that if you do, I'm going to print it out, read it on stage and make fun of you."

I hope that was entertaining enough for you. Haha... I really think Alex needs to make that letter public domain. It was pretty hilarious. Jack was nearly on the floor because he was laughing so hard. It was pretty rediculous.

After that little comic sketch, Alex asked to slow it down with 'Remembering Sunday' and 'Therapy'. Cassadee sang Juliet Simms part, and Alex killed it on 'Therapy'. I mean, killed it.

Next they played a medeley of songs from their older albums (mainly the EP), and then 'Weightless'. In true All Time Low fashion, and being the huge teases they each are, they leave the stage leaving you wanting more. Don't worry, you'll get more. :]

They come back and play three more songs. 'Too Much', 'Damned If I Do Ya, Damned If I Don't', and they wrap things up with (and I've noticed they do this at most of their shows) 'Dear Maria (Count Me In)'.

All in all, it was the best show I've ever been to. Out of all the concerts I've been to, and out of all the concerts I've been to at the 9:30 Club.

Even if you don't hear your favorite song at this concert (which I'd be hard pressed if you don't. They pretty much play everything), don't get too bummed out too fast. They really put on a great show. And I have no way of knowing that this is their set list for every show. (I probably should have put a spoiler alert. But I don't really know if you can spoil a concert. Please don't get angry at me...). Every concert is unique. They're going to tell different jokes at each one. And I can guarentee that, knowing those boys... Hahaha.

With every All Time Low concert I go to (it's been five so far. That was my fifth), I'm reminded of why they are in fact my favorite band. I'm not sure how else to phrase my ultimate admiration for them, except I'm still completely entertained.

If a show near you isn't sold out yet, and you don't have tickets, I highly suggest going.

Anyways. Love you all.

UPDATE:
Here is the actual video link for the letter. My rendition is definitly NOT up to par. Please enjoy this. :]



-Amanda

This is the Red Line to: A really bad music video.

So, this is rare. Well, rare in the sense that I'm pretty much going to rag on a band that I used to be completely obsessed with.

Some how I came across Metro Station's buzznet page (I think I was looking at other pages and one link lead to another) and I was looking at pictures of the new 'Kelsey' video. My frist thought was "Wait, didn't they already make a video for Kelsey?" Yes, they did. But it was absolute shit. I mean it. The fact that it was low budget is VERY obvious.

Anyways, I wanted to actually see if they had the video posted, and voila! It was released yesterday. So I watch.

It stated off fine. The scenes change with the beat of the intro, and soon you see the guys and whatever. My first thought was, "Oh, wonderful. Another Trace centered video. Great." I mean after Control (where he is making out with every other girl), then Wish We Were Older (Okay, can I say CREEPY! I mean, I don't have pictures of Jack Barakat from All Time Low taped to my mirror, no matter how attractive I think he is) and Seventeen Forever (And more importantly, how the entire cast of Hannah Montana was in that one.), what was I honestly supposed to think? Frankly, I was sort of refreshed to see Mason was catching a break.

Anyways... It's a masquerade ball and the guys are there (of course! I mean, Why not?...) and Mason catches the eye of this blonde girl in the gold dress who, (Dun, dun, dun) already has a boyfriend.

For some reason or another, Trace seems to tell Mason to go ahead and go for the chick with the boyfriend... Okay...

So the music video goes on. There are girls, dancing, more girls, Trace looking rediculous and some bad acting. We see the girl again, she's looking extremely bored (Director: "We'll give you another grand if you can look even more uninterested!") with her boyfriend/date and then she runs into a few friends. I guess something about the chick having friends makes the guys storm off... Okay...

The friends put a blindfold on the chick in gold, she laughs as they spin her around. Yadda yadda yadda. She bumps into Mason, where she takes off the blindfold, sees Mason and then gives him a kiss before grabbing him and taking him with her. (I think we call that cheating?)

A few lyrics and a completely cheesy running through the hall shot of them later, they are soon outside in some back alley (we can assume) making out. Like, I don't know if anyone else caught it, but Mason's lips are completely swollen! The shot is dark, but his lips are really red when he pulls away.

And, oh yeah, he pulls away because said boyfriend walks in on this (it baffles me when the girl is shocked. I mean, are you serious?) make out session. (This was really soft core porn. Mason was kissing, I guess we can say Kelsey's, neck!)

Kelsey and Boyfriend have a small tift. Then Mason comes in after Kelsey leaves and Boyfriend wasn't to have Mason's head for dinner (frankly, I don't blame him. Mason knew what he was doing). And to be honest, Boyfriend could have HAD Mason's head for dinner. Mason pushes through and follows Kelsey to the grand stairs or whatever.

And this is where I become utterly lost.

Mason is trying to reason with Kelsey, who is sobbing and "not letting him in" (Hahaha. See, it's part of the song. 'You never, ever let me in'? Haha... Get it...?). And then Boyfriend shows up and Kelsey goes back to him! I mean, why the hell were you making out with Mason if you are literally running back to Boyfriend? You don't look incredibly bright to begin with, but really?

Basically, I thought it was total crap. Not even cute. There isn't anything cute about it. It's your classic music video sinario and it's stupid.

I honestly think that the low budget Kelsey video that I called a piece of shit, because it is, was a lot better. I don't know, that's my opinion. And I hate Mason's hair now.

I cringe when I think about how much I used to be obsessed with Metro Station. They were my first concert (The Really Really Rediculously Good Looking Tour. Cobra Starship with Metro Station, We the Kings and The Cab. It was March of 2008) and I distinctly remember telling my dad on the way home from the 9:30 Club that I was going to marry Trace Cyrus (Oh, how so many things have changes since then...).

I'm not even going to get started on Trace Cyrus. I won't rag on him and connect him to the Cyrus family. I think they're a disaster in themselves. But I think Trace went from looking acceptable to just looking plain rediculous. He used to be cute. He isn't anymore.

When I liked Trace Cyrus:

Trace Cyrus now:

You can't see the little feather he has tattooed to his face (Yes, I did say feather tattooed to his face). But still, thanks, but no thanks...

I do think that Metro Station is some what original as a band. They're catchy and they've mixed rock and electronic well. And they're not bad to see live. But if you miss them at a show, don't kick yourself.

If you want to contact me, my email is on my profile page. But please DO NOT SPAM ME! But, feel free to shoot me an email with band suggestions or anything of that nature!

Much love,
Amanda

The Beginning...

Alright.

*Big exhale*

So, this is basically what I've been telling myself I should do for the past year, except haven't been able to make myself.

Well, better phrasing would probably be, find the esteem to do this.

Anyways, where are my manners?

Welcome to Not Another Fan Girl Opinion.

Hopefully the title says most of what I'm trying. For those who can't figure it out, this is a blog full of my opinions (and those added of others) on music and trends. Except more on the music because I'm not too good with the trends. I wear jeans and t-shirts to school everyday.

My name is Amanda and I'm 16. I'm from Maryland (actually, I live about twenty minutes outside of DC. I am in DC everyday, however, for crew practice. And an hour south of Baltimore. But, aside from the boathouse, Baltimore is a second home.) and I love writting, rowing and music. All three are very important to me, but not necessarily in that order.

Also, I can't play or sing a note of music. Trust me. I've tried. It just... Didn't work out. But I love listening to music. So, for those of you out there (those who are right now thinking "Wait, she doesn't know shit about music...", please, give me another chance. Hopefully I can change your mind).

This blog is either an attempt for me to develop my writing skills, or a way for me to release my slightly unadulterated and definitely uncensored opinions to, well, anyone who wants to listen.

But I hoping for both of those.

I'm going to sound completely cliché by saying that my dream is to one day own my own music magazine. And before that dream comes true, I dream about working at Alternative Press magazine. And if that doesn't sound completely cliché (wait for it...) Mike Shea is an idol of mine. I swear, I still don't believe it when he replies to my tweets on twitter.

And I bet, right about now, you're seeing where the Fan Girl is coming in.

Yeah... But I'm going to ask you this: Please don't walk out just yet. I have more to offer.

So, I'm going to talk a little more about myself.

I have way too many favorite bands to just spit out right now, but I can tell you my Top 5.
1. All Time Low
2. Jack's Mannequin
3. Dixie Chicks
4. Fall Out Boy
5. Green Day

And they aren't necessarily in that order (except for All Time Low. They are my number one, favorite band. I have to repersent my hometown boys. :] )

I feel that since I do have an opinion on music, and that I love to write, that I should start a blog. To be completely honest, my dad suggested it a little over a year ago. And I've never had trouble sharing my opinion with others. Those who have read my music reviews before can vouch for me.

So I better get to how this is going to work.

I'm going to select a band/CD or two to review for a post. You can message me with your thoughts or suggestions. I'd love to here them. And I really mean love. I've grown up around the nation's capital. I love a good debate.

I love going to concerts as frequently as I can too. But don't expect a play by play on each song. I suck when it comes to remembering the order of songs. Walking out, I can barely remember what songs were played. I like to get in the mosh and there isn't much oxygen in there. Therefore, my memory is a little fuzzy when coming out. But I will tell you what I thought of each band live, and then you can tell me what you thought, if you have also seen that band live, or just your reaction to my reaction.

Frankly, I just want all of you to interact with me through my blog. Send me names of bands I should listen to and what to know what I think! Comments, s'il vouz-plaît! (that's French for please... For those who don't know... Not bitches.)

Expect the first official blog this weekend.

Much love.