Soothing the Beast

I enjoy seeing the bands I like live.  It gives a good perspective on their talents and how well the songs translate from CD to stage.  No one does stage shows anymore so it really becomes all about the music more than visual entertainment.  Which means the band had better be good.  You don't get to fix anything in the mix.

A couple months ago, I picked up tickets for Flyleaf.  A friend had introduced me to the first CD and I really liked it.  Yes, they are a Christian band but they seem to be on a more secular path through the music business.  No, this is not the first Christian band I've enjoyed.  I list Mortal, Grammatrain, and Rain Children as favorites but haven't really been into that scene in recent years.  Flyleaf impressed me enough to buy tickets and go by myself.  Of course, I don't mind attending events alone.

I really wanted to see the lead singer scream.  She has a beautiful voice and I enjoy her singing but I really like when she just lets loose.  It puts a big stupid grin on my face.  I've made women scream before, for good and bad reasons, but that's not what I'm talking about here.  It adds something primal to the song.  But I don't have to explain why I like it.  Let's just go with that.

The crowd was quite young so I retreated the bar upstairs.  At least everyone up there was over 21.  A very nice couple sat down next to me and we started a conversation.  They are both just getting out of the military and taking time to travel the country they've served.  Meet Billy and Sara.  They are very cool and I wish them a safe journey.  My advice to them - instead of figuring out what you want to be when you grow up, don't bother growing up.

Edit:  I'm paraphrasing Lacey (the singer) - We are all going to die.  This shouldn't be a surprise to you.  What should surprise you is that you are alive.