Wearing The Floor To The Boards Again

My favourite band were back in London this week so of course I was there, along with my friend Ema. It was an acoustic gig and although I missed the electric guitars, drums and cello, I loved how much noise was made with just the three guitars. There wasn't a strict set list for the night, Brandi asked for requests so we heard a few songs from their back catalogue that they don't usually play anymore. I'd never heard Again Today live, so that was a treat for me.

There were a few times when the band would come down from the stage and sing unplugged on top of the big speakers to the crowd, this is always my favourite part, the lady has some serious pipes:

My smile lines are deep this week!

Double Digits

It's Rosie's 10th birthday today! She was so excited that her birthday fell during half term so she wouldn't have to spend it at school... unfortunately it rained all day and her two older brothers are away on an overnight temple trip so she spent most of her time playing Lego and watching her favourite films. My girl's easily pleased!

Rosie was so happy that Brandi Carlile's new album arrived in the post today, she made me update her iPod immediately and proceeded to learn a whole lot of new songs! I am delighted she has her mother's taste in music. (It's a glorious album by the way, you should listen to it too!)

Glitter Balls And Chandeliers

This is the ceiling of Bush Hall in London.  Isn't it beautiful?

I was there Thursday night with James to see the start of Brandi Carlile's solo acoustic tour.  (I fully approve her decision to start it in London!)

Having only seen Brandi play with a full band, I was excited to see such a stripped-down performance.  I wondered how the songs would sound without the twins and their gorgeous harmonies; without the three guitars and cello.  Let me tell you, she was just as brilliant.

Brandi sang old and new songs with a few covers in between.  (Damien Rice's 'Cannonball' was just beautiful.)  My favourite part of the night came during 'Turpentine'.  Usually during this song the crowd are split into three parts to sing harmony, each group following Brandi, Tim or Phil.  You'd think with just Brandi on stage it wouldn't work to attempt this but we sang those harmonies loud and proud with no direction and it was awesome.  It was perfect.  James really enjoyed the evening too, I think he gets my obsession now!

Have a listen to 'Throw It Away':

This cover of Roy Orbison's 'It's Over' is just beautiful:

(By the way, if you think I've been a bit quiet on the blogging front lately it's because blogger hasn't published my last few posts...they're all up now though!)

Making Me Happy Today

Spring is on its way.  The sun has been shining, the blossoms are on the tree in the school playground and there is a smell of freshly cut grass in the air. Bliss.

I've been excited that Brandi Carlile is back in the studio recording the next album, but I won't have to wait too long to hear some new music from the band as today I pre-ordered the live recording of their concerts at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.  Brandi has the kind of voice that somehow sounds even better when you hear it live, I cannot wait to listen to the whole album and hear the familiar songs with new orchestral arrangements... roll on April 26th!

Monday, Monday

This morning I rolled over in bed feeling depressed, the rain free September has gone and it was dark and wet outside. Then I remembered that these two albums are out today and jumped out of bed!

Brandi Carlile, Give Up The Ghost:

Kill it Kid, Kill it Kid:

My Song

I like many artists, but when I first heard Brandi Carlile a couple of years ago she immediately became my favourite and has been played so much at home that Rosie and Noah sing along to all her songs and Ben asks me to choose something else...please! (Ethan has no opinion on the matter.) I went to London on Monday with Asenath to see the band play at Scala, and as we were there early to sort out our tickets we got to have a quick chat with the band before the gig. I really enjoyed the support band Kill It Kid (I have been a fan for a while) they were fabulous. The lead singer is quite young looking (seriously, he could pass for a 12 year old!) but has an amazing deep voice.

Brandi and the band were on form:

In The Beginning...

One of my goals for the New Year was to write more often to my far off friends and family to keep them up to date with our lives and also to find out what was happening in theirs. I soon realised it would be just as easy to do a blog, so here it is. I shall share the things that give me smile lines!

Highlights of 2008:

Most studious Miles: James passed lots of exams relating to his work, one of which only has a 25% pass rate. He also started attending Exeter College a couple of evenings a week to do a management class.

Hardest Part: Noah, our last child to start Pre-School went after Easter break. (I held back from sending him in January!)

Best one-liner: After explaining why Ben couldn’t have his own bedroom and that when I grew up I didn’t either, he replies ‘Mum. In the words of Bob Dylan, the times they are a changin'!’

Best road trip: From Provo to Yellowstone Park. Stunning scenery and there were no kids getting bored!! Best of all, as I couldn’t walk farther than 10 metres without gasping for air, this road trip was perfect. Which leads on to…

Worst 30th birthday ever: After flying out to Utah with James to be with Jay for our 30th, I was ridiculously ill and spent the morning at instacare inhaling drugs and the afternoon/evening passed out in bed. No food either!

Most fun reunion: Our little England BBQ in Provo was so fun, and to be with all my ex-pat friends (and American comrades) for the afternoon was the best!

Most hilarious dancer: Ethan, performing to Christina Aguilera’s Genie in a Bottle for his school pantomime. The concentration and seriousness was enough to get me laughing for all the wrong reasons!

Best love: Noah: ‘Mummy, do you know something? I love you!’ followed by big hugs and kisses.

Passionate about music: I decided to spend time doing things I love, and seeing live music was one of them so I got to see Little Lost David:

Brandi Carlile:

Phil Campbell:

Brandi Carlile again:

Kim Richey:

Most talkative Miles: That would be Rosie hands down. She doesn’t stop. Ever. Even if it’s nonsense or in her sleep!

So, there are some little insights into the life of the Miles’ during 2008. I hope to keep you a little more updated during 2009, although it is now February and I have missed a whole month! This year has been eventful already…we had Ben being knocked off his bike by a car on the way to school (involving police, ambulance and nearly fire brigade!)...Noah discovered that his ears are attached to his head and face...Rosie actually tidied up her bedroom...I learned to play a whole song on my guitar...Ethan survived a fall from the top bunk onto the corner of Noah’s bed without breaking his back…and James willingly watched Enchanted twice!