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Shack of Soul… Resolving to Continue the Awesome in 2012
Happy New Year, y’all!! And it wouldn’t a be a new year without some false promises to ourselves aka new year resolutions. In addition to vowing to continue blogging and generally being awesome, LiLi and I both came up with some personal goals, resolutions, things we should stop doing as we march on into the next year.
Amber’s Resolutions
1. Do NOT Word Vom on Marcus
Marcus is coming to the US this year. It’s fact. We know that a list of more tour dates is on the way and I WILL be going and seeing Marcus live. No matter what it takes. Last time (and the time before), I pretty much threw up all kinds of words on him (like Love Shack). I really want to act semi normal this time. I say semi cause I am realistic. The short pants make my head go crazy.
2. See Sam in Concert without Drinking.
This may have been my resolution last year as well. I majorly failed. Of course, I did think I’d have two shots to make it happen since I’ve seen Sam twice a year since 2009. But nope. I had one shot… and I screwed it up. I blame Sam a little. I mean, he did use his drink coupon buy me one of those beers. Then again, when I got the amazing birthday call this year, I realized I am completely unable to form words when I am stone cold sober. Somewhere, I gotta find a happy medium. I’ll just have to practice in advance.
3. Tweet more inappropriate things to Sam.
Clearly this is what is expected of us, per this conversation:
But LiLi is always the super clever one. I need to be more clever and ballsy and dirty. I mean, I need to just come out and say what we are all thinking. It will make for many more fun tweets.
4. Be less shy about my love of Sam and Marcus’ music with people who don’t know.
This one I am actually very serious about. Yes, I blog and tweet about these two guys so one would think I am very open about my love for their music. And I am… online. I’ve always had the interwebs to hide behind. This year I resolve to be more open about it all to people. Real life people, that is. I just get so weird about rejection when it’s something I love. This year… no more.
5. Get an interview with Marcus…. and of course, another one with Sam.
This is the one ground we have not conquered yet. An interview with Marcus. We have been talking about it since 2009. What we would do. What we would ask. What we would wear. And I am not gonna lie… it makes us crazy nervous. The first interview with Sam almost killed us with nerves. Now we are totally professional (ha!) about it and know what to go in expecting. So we’ll go for another one with Sam this year, no problem. But Marcus, we’re gonna get all those first time jitters again, and it is scary and awesome to think about all at the same time. But we WILL do it. Or at least ask his people if we can do it. They may decide we are crazy. Which is understandable.
LiLi’s Resolutions
1. Two Words: ROAD TRIP
Not that Dallas isn’t AWESOME…hello…but the last time that Amber and I took the ol’ Shack on the road we.had.a.blast. Plus it’s fun to meet and interact with other fans from around the country. That being said, in 2012, it’s my goal to pick an out of town show for, you know, whoever might be touring this year and make a weekend out of it.
2. Blog More
This is a huge problem of mine. I usually see a ton of things that I could blog about but then real life swoops in and then 1) I forget what it was I wanted to blog about, 2) remember, then start writing and hate everything I write so I delete it and then 3) forget what it was I wanted to blog about. Well, no more my friends. My goal is to blog over here at least once a week. Even if it is just a picture of Sam wearing the shit out of a suit, with the caption, “here’s a pic of Sam wearing the shit out of a suit.”
3. To not say creepy things to Marcus
::sigh::
You guys. I STILL think about that moment that I leaned over and whispered in Marcus’ ear, “I blogged about you today.” And I STILL cringe. EVERY.TIME. I mean, why didn’t I just say “I collect all my fingernail clippings in a jar?” That would have been LESS creepy. I mean, no wonder he hasn’t come back to America. We ARE creepy and too in your face. This spring When he finally DOES come back, I resolve…no I VOW to just smile and nod and let Amber do all the talking. Wait…on second thought…
4. To interact more
I won’t lie. I am pretty shy in real life– when you first meet me. It mainly has to do with the fact that I am really self-conscious about the things I say (like “I blogged about you today”). I tend to be really awkward and sarcastic and I have a problem with trailing off the ends of my sentences when I am uncomfortable. Usually I just keep my mouth shut and not say too much. But, unfortunately, it makes me come off as cold and like a snob, so I haven’t made the best impression with meeting readers in real life. So this year, I am taking a different tack…I am going to try and talk to people. Be myself and I dunno, maybe smile some?? Whoa, whoa…tap the breaks, I know. But part of the reason I love Sam and Marcus, and by default this blog so much, is the people they have brought into my life, so I should start showing it, yeah?
Man. That was awfully Serious Sam there, no?? Geesh.
5. There isn’t a five
I just wanted to have five because Amber has five. And we are competitive chicks by nature. Although, when it comes to drinking she wins. When it comes to photoshopping embarrassing manip pics of us…I WIN. OOOO….wait….there IS a 5!! MORE MANIPS IN 2012! It shall be done!
Alright, now here is everyone else’s goal. When you see us at a show and LiLi is whispering in Marcus’ ear or I am drinking a beer the size of my head, you come over and remind us of these. Nicely, of course. We will reward you with hugs.
So, any new year’s resolutions for you gals (and guys?) this year? Let us know in the comments. We LOVE hearing from you!
Sam Plays in London, and I am JEALOUS!
I am jealous. I mean, crazy jealous. So jealous that I actually decided to write a blog post in order to share with you all my jealous feelings in an acceptable outlet. Plus, I really miss blogging here and I need to get better about it.
Why am I jealous, you may be asking? Obviously it is because of Sam. And partly Marcus. But mainly Sam.
You see, Sam finally performed in London last night. (We made a deal with the London girls a long time ago that we would send Sam if they would send Marcus. We did our part. Still waiting on them to fulfill theirs. Greedy girls.)
And let me go ahead and state the obvious for you all… Sam killed it. I know, you already knew that.
One of our fave people ever, katieh101, was at the show and in true Katie fashion, she videoed the entire show, making it easy for all of us poor saps here in the states to enjoy Sam from far away. All of the vids are here, but I’ve gotta share with you my faves! (UPDATE! We had 4 more videos sent to us from Lynnee08! You can watch them here.)
I don’t know what I love more, the song or the AMAZING word vom (Or perhaps Sam’s Spew? Heh, see what I did there?), before the song. Really people. This is gold. GOLD.
I like Sam’s originals. But he can roll out a few good covers as well. This one here, yep, it’s one of my faves. You know how I love me a good, sappy love song.
OF COURSE, this happened and it was amazing. All it did was make me realize how I didn’t truly appreciate the one time I saw these two on stage before. I didn’t realize what I had then. Treasure this moment those of you who were there, cause these 2 on stage together is such a super rare, super awesome experience!
AND, I need to make a comment on something else. I can’t let this opportunity pass me by.
You may remember LiLi and I not giving the blazer the true appreciation it deserves. We are casual girls. T-shirts, jeans and hats (especially hats) are all we need to make us happy. Yesterday, as promised by Sam via Twitter, he rolled out the blazer again.
And I have to say… Sam, you are doing it right. You made this t-shirt and jeans girl love the blazer again. Maybe it was just the absence that made my heart grow fonder.
‘I Was Broken’ Video — First, We Fangirl. Then, We Get Serious.
The Video
Our Initial Reactions
(via gchat, cause that’s how we roll)
Amber: what is happening??
LiLi: i was broken vid
posted
and Stewie is in it
Amber: SHUT UP!
LiLi: NO
I LOVE IT
Amber: OMG!
LiLi: BEST.DAY.EVER
Amber: I am DYING!
LiLi: i have been waiting to watch
so we can together
on gchat
DUH
and then post it
Amber: oop
LiLi: NO
Amber: let me stop it then
LiLi: i was like, STOP
i watched the first like 20 secs
Amber: i am ready whenever you are
LiLi: k
one sec
lemme shut my door
Amber: oh good idea
i shut mine too
this is serious bidness
LiLi: FO REALS
Amber: let’s do this?
LiLi: YES
ready?
Amber: yep
LiLi: k
go
Amber: i am so excited!
LiLi: there he is!
all up close
Amber: hey there marcus
LiLi: Like he is singing to me
Amber: all black and white
gritty
hot
LiLi: oheytherestew
Amber: hey there
LiLi: omg
i am dying already
i lvoe this
Amber: me too
this version
LiLi: and by lvoe i mean LOVE
Amber: gah
i just can’t even function
goosebumps ya’ll
LiLi: srsly
Amber: GOOSEBUMPS
LiLi: i’m getting the quivs
or that
Amber: he looks all emotional
LiLi: and there it is
Amber: it’s making me emotional
LiLi: srsly
Amber: YES!
LiLi: i might have tears
Like tiny ones
pooling
Amber: shut up
me too
LiLi: in the corners of my eyes
maybe
um
she looks gorge
there
i said it
Amber: she really does
the whole simplicity of the video works well with her
LiLi: SHUT UP
Amber: and him
LiLi: it restarted on me
where are you at?
Amber: NO
LiLi: yes
effing school computer
Amber: 2:56
i paused
LiLi: k
one sec
wait
i am looking at her back again
heh
she’s so purty
Amber: hahahahahaha
LiLi: ok
Amber: go?
LiLi: yes!
Amber: i’m sorry
LiLi: OH.MY.GAWD.
Amber: for this song and the emotion
kristen was kind of perfect
i mean is
LiLi: uh…YEAH
Amber: i just can’t
LiLi: srsly
Amber: i love this
LiLi: i.cannot.
Amber: oh
LiLi: i need this again
Amber: that last look
my heart
YES!!
LiLi: srsly
Amber: all day long
LiLi: i am going to start it one more time
and maybe stop staring at Kristen
Amber: oh hell
LiLi: i am going to try and focus on marcus for a min
i know
Amber: damn movie trailer is right after
LiLi: fo reals
uh
look at the sidebar
Amber: damn you msn
LiLi: HELLO
Amber: this is NOT TWILIGHT
LiLi: fo reals
but hey
what are they gonna do
they aren’t stoopid
Amber: oh i know
i don’t blame them
LiLi: okay
watching again
day-um marcus
Amber: i’m already a min in on this bad boy again
LiLi: stop singing to me
Amber: for real
LiLi: i get it
you love me
whatevs
Amber: his eyes are cutting right through me
TO MY SOUL!!
LiLi: BWAHAHAAHAHAHA
oh you
Amber: love me through it
LiLi: i will
i have no choice
i kid
kinda
Amber: 2:25
dear lord
LiLi: k
waiting
Amber: he does this head shake thing
LiLi: im at 1:50
Amber: i just can’t even with marcus
LiLi: gah
marcus
you are a genius
Amber: um
LiLi: in more ways that one
Amber: i like that shirt stew is wearing
i want it
LiLi: srsly
i want her hair
THE HEAD SHAKE
saw it
dammit
Amber: YES!
did you see it??
LiLi: athlete is in here
one sec
i am pausing
Amber: i’m not
but i was at the end
and marcus was giving me that look
that said, you better not pause me!
LiLi: LOL
these damn athletes
and their injuries
don’t they KNOW i have shizz to do
don’t you know this is really pissing some peeps off
confession: i kinda love it
Amber: me too
get over it people
LiLi: fo reals
but i am biased
i love everyone
except jason segal
but that’s a given
Amber: hahahahahahaha!
du
i mean
duh
i posted a tweet
fangirling
i had too
LiLi: srsly
uh
cause we are
Amber’s Final Thoughts
So, I’ve officially watched the video a few hundred times and I got to tell you people, it is brill. I kind of compared it in my mind to the Shadows of the City and, comparitively, this one is just phenomenal. It’s beauty lies in it’s simplicity. Whoa, that was really poingent for me. What I really mean, is the beauty lies in the fact that Marcus appears to be singing directly to me the entire time and he is giving good “eff me” eyes. Yeah. I said it. He is.
But in all seriousness, the black and white and the gritty feel is perfectly suited with this song. And the song? I remember when I fell in love with Marcus back in Dallas and he sang this song on stage and it was just amazing. He’s reworked it a little bit and it’s like the song grew up and became even better. Plus now with this version, I can’t quit listening to people bitch about how we fangirled in Dallas and ruined the video for this song. For the millionth time, I am sorry people. Yes, I am screaming in the background and if you’d have been there, you would have too. SO THERE!
And I have to talk about the fact that Kristen Stewart is in this video. Because it’s kind of like ignoring the elephant in the room if I don’t. People, srsly. Get over it. She is an actress. She is in a movie that has a very rapid fanbase. But that doesn’t mean it should ruin anything she touches. And honestly, look at the style of the video. Stew is PERFECT! She just fits perfectly. If you hate the video just because of her, well, then I feel sorry for you cause you are missing out on something truly fantastic. Had he got a girl off the street you would be singing his praises and talking about how beautiful this video is. I guess I get it in a way. I mean, if Snooki showed up in a video with Sam, I would be irate!
Phew. Rant over. Sorry for that, and if you completely disagree with me, that is fine. That is the beauty of it all. We can have differing opinions and talk and discuss it all out in the comments. Either way, my final word is… I LOVE THIS VIDEO! And duh, I love Marcus and I swear if he doesn’t plan that US tour soon…. ::shakes fist::
LiLi’s Final Answer:
ditto.
to what Amber said.
ALL of it.
i love every second of this vid. AND everyone in it.
i might still be speechless.
but….i have to say this…
to those saying that Marcus is “using” her or the franchise to get ahead or promote his new album, i say, GIVEMEABREAK.
who cares about the whys or hows? can we just enjoy the end product? i mean, i don’t care why she was asked to be in the video. or how it came about. all i know is that it works. for me.
and, let’s just get this out there once and for all. most (notice that i said MOST) of marcus’ fans DID IN FACT find his music because of his connection to Twilight. that’s how i found him. i am not ashamed of that, as i shouldn’t be….but they are two separate things. and i enjoy them both separately. to me, there is no “using” here. an actress was used in this vid because that was the vision either Marcus or the director came up with. it’s the media and fans who are tagging the Twilight connection to this. i mean, i don’t see her running through a fucking meadow chasing a goddamn puma or something. i see a gorgeous vid with two gorgeous people doing their thing.
A little bit more west, then south… Yep, that’s a good place for a tour!
Things are starting to not look so good. My streak may be ending.
I’ve seen Sam on every tour since Summer 2009 and it looks like he will finally be eluding me. And I am one sad panda about this.
How can this NOT exist on the tour? HOW??
I’ve been frantically searching every travel site, working and re-working flight schedules, checking fares and clicking on every flight ‘deal’ that has landed in my inbox the past week to see if I could make it happen. And I am coming to the dreadful conclusion that I don’t think I can.
::sigh::
The worst part? That week is my birthday week. I already have the time taken off. I will basically be sitting on my ass at home with no where to go cause I can’t get to any of these slightly too north and far too east shows. Well I could. If I took a second mortgage out on my home. But I do have my limits.
And really, does Sam even know how to have a tour anymore without seeing me? Drunk Amber has gotta be a highlight of every tour. Am I right?
I know I am not alone in this. I have seen your tweets. You all pretty much begging and doing things like offering your first born child just to get Sam to swing out this general direction. I even made a little map, just in case Sam somehow forgot.
I think we might need a support group or something. I’m pretty much borderline depressed about this. I may turn to drinking. Oh, wait…
Clicky for a clear view of where we need Sam to be!
And, for those of you situated in that red circle, I am happy for you. I really am. I am not at all seething with jealousy with the other blue circle people. NOT.AT.ALL. And I will be much happier with you if you share pics, videos, stories, WHATEVER so I can live through you vicariously.
So, who is with me on the list of sad and depressed? Who’s taking out the 2nd mortgage? Are you a northeasterner who is going to take care of us all? Let us know in the comments.
Don’t know when Sam is on tour? We got you covered on our Tour Dates page.
Sam. In Hawaii. We’re Suspicious.
I have to say, when I heard about Sam going to Hawaii, I was a bit miffed. Way to go and pick a wonderfully beautiful paradise that I can’t afford a plane ticket to Sam. Way. To. Go. But hey, can’t say I blame Sam. If I could go to Hawaii for work, I would do it. In a heartbeat. Hell, I’d ask for a month long residency.
But I digress.
As of today, I now have concerns.
You see, I decided to be the best fangirl I could possibly be and tried to find the link to buy tickets to the Honolulu show since they go on sale today. I wanted to tweet it out there for all you lucky people that can actually make it in hopes that you will be so appreciative of my kind generosity that you buy me a ticket to fly out there. Or at least send me a lei. Everyone likes a good lei.
So where do I go to find said ticket link? My trusty Google search bar. And the first video result for “The Venue Honolulu” is this:
Um, Sam. Let’s talk for a minute.
I get that you love the ladies as obvious by the babes you always seem to be touring with (Brooke Fraser, Holly Conlan and now Jenny Owen Youngs). I don’t blame you. I do my best to surround myself with hot guys as well. Like this.
But inquiring minds want to know… are you playing in a strip club? Like, will ladies be sliding up and down poles while you sing “Woman You Crazy”? Or maybe Mark will show us all what he’s got. I mean, he is single and I can think of no other way to attract a klassy lady. Of course, I already anticipate that we’ll get to see you up there, cause that’s just the kind of guy you are. Duh.
Either way, if there is a pole in your midst and you are feeling amorous, do me a favor? Bring the industrial size can of Lysol and the economy pack of Clorox wipes. I’m sure there is a Sams, Costco, Wal-Mart, SOMETHING where you can get these things.
I’ll even break down and buy a t-shirt if you promise me you will.
And to every one else hitting Honolulu for what is sure to be a fine couple of performances…. bring a video camera. Or else.
P.S. By the way, I got that ticket link for you guys. You can get your tickets right here. Note that the venue is not kid-friendly or dog friendly. Further proof that this place is probably a strip club.
P.P.S. This place has $3.50 martinis ALL DAY LONG! Couple of those and you’d see me on the pole as well. I kid, I kid. Sort of. I better take that t-shirt I’m buying and make me a pair of these, just in case.
P.P.P.S Of course, you should let us know in the comments if you are going so we can hate be jealous of you. As well as harass you for pictures and video later.
Amber
Li Li
