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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

then there was some foodstuffs. i was betty, amber was britney, natch:

 then there was some buzzed audioboo-ing:

more pregaming:

then this happened. we might’ve fangirled:

then we girlcrushed HARD on Holly for a bit:

and then Sam and The Men played:

there might’ve been dancing involved:

then this happened:

and this:

and finally THIS. Yes, I, LiLi got drunk:

it happened. it was epic. and then i passed out and tried to forget that i do-si-do-ed.

the end.

and in case you missed it– yup, amber and i got to sit down with Sam for a few minutes before his show. we’re going through the audio and hope to post it soon, aka within the month. as far as the show goes…we shall have more tomorrow.

Can you get your butt to Dallas? Did you hear the code word? Then enter now and see Sam on us!

Already bought your tickets for Dallas? Why not enter and take some friends or family who have not yet experienced the “eff me” eyes.

Even if you don’t win the tickets, EVERYONE in Dallas is still a WINNER!

You all win special time with Drunk LiLi and hopefully ::fingers crossed:: Sober Amber. Okay, probs Buzzed Amber. And, that’s not all…. we will also throw in…. hugs. That’s RIGHT! You ALL win hugs from both myself and LiLi!! There are no losers in this game. Oh no.

Will you be in Dallas? We want to hear so we can prep our hugging arms! Seeing Sam somewhere else? Let us know where and we will virtually hug you.

Comments are right over there. ————————————————–>

Oh and I guess it might be helpful to have an end date on this bad boy, sooooo….

All entries MUST be received by May 19 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. The winner will be notified on May 20 by email as well as a super awesome post on  so everyone can congratulate you!

presents

Holly Conlan

Since you are ALL going to see Sam Bradley on his Minor Tour, those of you in the U.S. need to get familiar with another name… Holly Conlan. And let me tell you, you are going to want to get there early to see her because she is pretty much amazeballs. Srsly.

Here is her bio from Shore Fire Media:

Los Angeles native Holly Conlan has carved out a distinct niche in Hollywood’s expansive music community. Her musical journey from a child pawing her father’s grand piano, to classical composition student, to surefooted indie-pop artist has led to the sort of burgeoning career that few independent artists enjoy.

A 2008 release of the Bird EP saw Holly’s first national exposure, with the languid piano and soaring cellos of “Winter” and the upbeat smirk of “OK” appearing in hit shows like One Tree Hill, 90210, Drop Dead Diva, Ghost Whisperer, The Ex List, and Privileged. That Summer, “You Are Goodbye” was awarded the coveted iTunes Single of the Week spot– its heartbreaking lyric and haunting production garnering a slew of new fans. Soon the film world took notice, and Conlan was offered a spot on the soundtrack of Love and Other Impossible Pursuits starring Natalie Portman. Radio play followed in a nod from KCRW (Top Tune – “OK”) and her addition to their 2009 pledge-drive giveaway package.

With the support of LA’s famed Hotel Cafe, Holly has been lucky to share the stage with a number of notable performers including Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, Katy Perry, and Butch Walker. As part of 2008′s Hotel Cafe Tour, she traded sets with the likes of Ingrid Michaelson, Meiko, and Erin McCarley. Plus, her addition of “I’ll be Home for Christmas” to their holiday compilation, Winter Songs, rounded out the Sony/Epic release.

2009 saw the independent release of her newest LP, Fascinator. A culmination of more than a year’s work, the thirteen song offering retains the piano driven spirit of the Bird EP but delves deeper into instrumentation and arrangement, with lyrics that hypnotize. Produced by Al Sgro (Meiko, Gary Jules) and mixed by Darrel Thorp (Beck, Radiohead), Fascinator’s mature realization is proof that Holly Conlan’s journey is far from over.

Here is a taste of Holly AND you can get this song on her website for free!

Not only does Holly have “You and Me” as a free download on her site, you ALSO get a free coupon code for Toms when you sign up for the newsletter. Free music and a deal on shoes? Win-win, my friends.

And really? Sam? You are not fooling anyone. We see what you are doing touring with all these hot babes. And for that we say, kudos Sam. Kudos.

Find Holly all over the interwebs below:

Website
Facebook
Youtube
Myspace
Twitter

AND, if you haven’t bought your tickets yet for the tour, while you are getting the major side-eye from us, you need to go check the tour dates and get on it.

What do y’all think? Tell us in the comments! We love to hear from you!!

————————————————>

Amber’s Fave Live Performance

This may have been the hardest for me. One, I have not been to a bad Sam Bradley show yet, nor have I hated anything he has done on stage. And two, to pick just one song (and actually find a video for it) is the hardest thing ever. There are some songs I’ve liked, but couldn’t find videos for. And I can’t do video on my own. No way. The alcohol just does not allow me to hold a camera steady. Shocking, I know.

So when I talked to LiLi, I told her probably one of my fave shows was the last one I saw. Maybe cause it’s fresh on the mind or maybe because the album was just out and we got some new tunes. Who knows? LiLi can’t help cause she wasn’t there. (I know. We are still sad about that.)

The funny thing is… my fave song of the night was the last song Sam played, and the first song I ever heard by Sam. Maybe it’s cheesy and cliché , but this song still gets me. Every time. Even more so now because I think Sam plays it better then he did way back in the infant stages of my Sam love.

P.S. I’m pretty sure I can hear myself talking at the beginning, which always freaks me out especially when I have no idea who is recording. 

Yes, the talking is so annoying. It always is. But c’mon. Does this song not just hit you in the gut? Does it not leave you just wishing for more? I mean, as the last song of the night, I was just drained following it. I love the emotions I feel when I hear it.

Maybe that is just me. And that’s cool. But damn y’all, I don’t think I’ll ever get over this song or this performance. Sam sets a new bar for me each time he performs. It really does get better every time. Which is why I love Sam, even with all the shitty jokes.

LiLi’s Fave Song Live

You know it’s funny– Amber and I met through Sam’s music first. And then as time went on (and we started to talk about other things) we realized that we do in fact share the same brain. Most of the time. Usually, we finish each other sentences and thoughts and then laugh about how much we think alike. But despite our common bond of music, there is one divide in our relationship. One that parts us like the Red Sea…

Amber likes ballads while I like fast songs.

::gasp::

I know. It’s like we are the Capulets and the Montagues. And yet, despite our differences, she is still my non-sexual lesbian life partner.

I tell you this to show that while we both heart Sam like WHOA, we see him in two totally different ways. And our favorite live performances couldn’t be more opposite. While she is drawn to his ballads, as you can see above, I am more into his faster music. Like “Derek”. I remember clearly hearing it live for the first time, that very first time we ever saw Sam in concert at Poor Davids. The whole show has a special place in my heart for many reasons, so naturally, when Amber and I decided Day 3 was going to be “favorite song live” I knew immediately it had to be this song from that night.

For me, when I see an artist or band live for the first time, no matter how much I may love their album or single, I am always wary of their live performance. What if it doesn’t translate well on stage? What if without all the studio “help” it just isn’t the same?

I usually spend the first show completely still, absorbing it all, waiting until I am at home to process it all. Every once in a while though, I will be at a show and there will be a song or a moment from the artist where I am like, “YES” and then I am in it. I feel a connection to the music and the artist and once that is established I am a fan forever.

And, that my friends is what happened when I heard “Derek” that night back in August of 2009. That was the moment that I became a Sam fan. So, without further a do….please take a trip down memory lane with me. And love this song as much as I do.

Video Source

Sorry to get all Serious Sam around here today…but sometimes we just gotta show our other side. That despite all the jokes and shenanigans we really are fans of the music first and foremost. Without it we wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t be posting/tweeting/telling our friends and family about Sam and The Men.

Can we all hug now?

Now, what about you? What’s your fave song to hear live?