Well, you know us. We are far from it (except when we get all Serious Sam on y’all. but we give you fair warning of that.). LiLi and I decided rather then writing a concert review of the Sam/Marcus/Jack show we  went to last week, that we’d go up in the trust tree and chat it out. And chat it out we did. So much so, that when it was all said and done, I had 13 pages of dialogue. All of it… GOLD! I couldn’t cut anything if I wanted to.

So, after some discussion, we decided to divide it all up. A four part series…. like a miniseries or  Lifetime movie. But with less of Jennifer Love-Hewitt’s boobs and more of LiLi’s (i hear there is a pic floating around).

And now introducing part one….

Our First Time with Jack

we could be sister wives, no?? #normal

I think that title is appropriate. It says it all. Although you really want to read on for not only our first meeting, but also where we discuss naked LiLi, full frontal hugs and my affinity for white v-neck tees. Now, up in the trust tree we all go…

LiLi: where should we start??

Amber: we will start from the beginning

where i waved at sam like some sort of maniac when we got to the venue

LiLi: uh yeah

start there

with your creepy ability to sense when english people are around

Amber: it’s a gift

LiLi: which is better than where i would start

with that kick ass bean burger i ate

anyhoo

yes

we waved

and i saw my first glimpse of jack

Amber: gah

LiLi: i was like OMG

THERE HE IS

HE IS REAL

Amber: we won’t say that after we got in the venue and went and creepily peered out the window

nope

no

it all happened at once

LiLi: lol

Amber: we saw sam, and then hair, and then jack attached to the hair

LiLi: uh, you all did

i went to the bar

and eyed up that tall bartendar

he was nice

Amber: i kept trying to get tall bartender, and then creepy bearded bartender kept coming over

i wanted to tell him no

you cannot help me

LiLi: oooo

Amber: but that guy can

LiLi: i liked the bearded guy

cause he had sleeves

Amber: you and your tats

which had a massive unveiling that night

LiLi: ugh

i know

i felt naked

NO ONE sees those

Amber: it was awesome

your first meeting with jack and you felt naked

amazing

i love how nervous we were in approaching him

will he think we are crazy twitter stalkers?

i mean, we are, but we don’t want anyone to THINK that

LiLi: i know

i was like DON’T TELL HIM WHO WE ARE

and then i told him

Amber: i was like TELL HIM

TELL HIM

and then we got hugs

LiLi: i saw a quick flash of fear

like he didn’t know which way this meeting could go

Amber: so i regret nothing

LiLi: yes

i regret NOTHING

we got hugs amber

HUGS

from JACK

Amber: any meeting that ends in hugs is a good meeting

LiLi: full frontal hugs

Amber: GAH

we didn’t even have to creepily ask for them

LiLi: i know!

Amber: not that i was above doing that

LiLi: WIN

Amber: this is soooooo going on our facebook timeline

the first time we full frontal hugged jack

i like saying first, cause it puts it out there that we expect more

LiLi: YES

that’s not creepy at all

That's right Jack. Tune that guitar. Tune it like there is no tomorrow!

we expect MORE body contact with you jack

in the future

so prepare yourself

Amber: duh

also, i don’t know if you noticed this

but after the show, he had on a white vneck

LiLi: are you serious?

Amber: YES

LiLi: i mean

that i didn’t notice?

it was hard NOT to with you hot whispering into my ear

WHITE V NECK LILI

WHITE V NECK

Amber: well, you know what those shirts do for me

LiLi: yes

i do

and now so do my ears

Amber: lol

Now, for those of you who are all “what is with all the Jack love?” (Sam), I want to say first of all, we can’t know you if you if you don’t love Jack. There. We said it. We love him like whoa and you should too. Secondly, the other 3 parts of this series are pretty much all Sam and Marcus shenanigans. So there. We just couldn’t NOT have a Jack post. Not after all of our love was pretty much confirmed through full frontal hugs.

So, with the Marcus/Sam tour on the horizon, this led me to think of some very important questions for both Sam AND Marcus (and Jack) that I need to have answered before we all see each other again.

1. What are the travel arrangements? Will Marcus and Sam cuddle in the back of a Toyota Prius, or can we expect the return of the RV? Or maybe a sweet van with a tv and video games like Marcus had in his tour video? Which leads to question 2…

2. Will there be a tour video? Because let’s be honest, this is too epic of a time not to capture it on film. I mean, I can only imagine all the man hugs that will take place that I just do not want to miss. Also, please give all of us fair warning while sober that such a video is being made. That’s all I need is to show up drunk on video. Again.

3. What will Sam wear? At one time, we expressed our not so fondness for the blazer, and the next tour it went away. (Coinciendce? We don’t think so.) Then for the London shows, the blazer was reborn, and it was a beautiful moment. I really can’t decide what I’d like at all now. All I know is I will be there with my Project Runway hat on.

4. Is it possible to get a sandwich hug? What I mean is it is mine and LiLi’s dream this tour to be the meat between two slices of Marcus and Sam bread in the sandwich hug of a lifetime. Or just make it one big group hug, with me us in the middle? Will those be an option during the meet and greet? Do I need to buy 2 posters to make it happen?? Will 3 posters guarantee hip to hip hugs?

5. Will Jack be available for a meet and greet? You know how we have professed our love for him over and over, so we need to know… will he join in the big group hug?? Perhaps behind us, homecoming style? Or will he run away when he realizes that we are the overtweeters behind SoS? I mean, we’d be lying if we didn’t say that we are INSANELY excited to meet Jack. I mean, Sam and Marcus are old news now (pfft… as if). Bring on Jack!!

As you can tell, we are pretty damn excited about the new tour. What are the things you are pondering as we get closer to kicking off this thang?? Also, which shows are you going to? Who is joining us in Dallas??

What do you mean you don’t know when the shows are?? You better check Marcus’ Tour and Sam’s Tour Pages pronto and get them tickets!

When you post photos like this, I fall in love with you and Marcus even more.

From the amazing Jack Standen!

I’ve decided that I want to live my life big love style with you, Marcus and LiLi. But only if Marcus promises to wear that big foam thumb all the time. It’s a deal breaker for me.

Love,
Amber

P.S. Dood. Look at me. Blogging and such. The tour is good inspiration. Hopefully we will be doing more!

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!!

————————————————>

Holy blue Marcus picture Batman!

This has to be new, right? If not, well, I’m not sure I can be friends with you anymore since y’all didn’t send it to me. I feel like my life as a Marcus fangirl has been divided in 2… pre-blue picture and post-blue picture. Gah.

So, where did this come from? Well, the people over at For Folk’s Sake rolled 10 questions past Marcus and this pretty little thing was attached.

Let’s talk about the MOST important thing from the article, at least in all the U.S. fans opinions.

We’re doing a stack of dates in April around UK. We’re playing loads of festivals and then hopefully head back to U.S. later in the year.

U.S. tour? Yes please!! It’s been a long time baby. A very long time. I need uninitiated hugs and short pants back in my life STAT!

And if you are wondering, I am totally ignoring the question on that certain movie and U.S. fans, cause honestly, I think that’s one of those answers that just comes out all wrong. I get what he’s trying to say, but some will probs take offense when really, he’s right. There. I said it.

Go and read the whole interview over at For Folk’s Sake. I love all the good press coming out as of late about Marcus and it can only get BETTER as we get closer to the full album release date (rumored for June 13). I should add this, to Marcus or any of the Team Foster peeps, LiLi and I would be happy to review said album before it comes out. Just sayin’.

And don’t forget y’all…. Tumble Down EP is OUT! If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, well, we are going to shame you. SHAME!!!

Here are the links to get on it:

• Download on iTunes (UK)
• Purchase the CD on Amazon (UK), Amazon (US) or Roughtrade
• Purchase the vinyl on Roughtrade

And please join me in laughter as we see Marcus is wearing THE SAME shirt while riding in the tour van today!

Thanks to XMAAS for this gem! Srsly adorbs that boy is!

MARCUS IS JOINING SAM ON THE LAST LEG OF HIS MINOR TOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(No, that is not enough exclamation points to express my joy.)

We have got the dates that Marcus will be there! Click the jump or scroll down to see if your Sam date is one of them!

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!!!!

How much do you hate us right now? Feel free to take that hate to the comments.  ———————->

We will love you through the anger.

Dear Marcus,

Sometimes I like to write letters to you on the blog in hopes you may read them one day. Or maybe Sam will since he’s kind of an internet stalker (as evidenced here) and he’ll copy/paste this into an email to you.

I’ve been noticing a lot of buzz about you lately on the interwebs. The “Marcus Foster” Google Alerts have shot up considerably, and they aren’t even talking about that bad ass football player in Ohio that is sure to go Division 1 in college. It all started when you finally set that date. The date I’ve been waiting for for over a year now. The date of your Tumble Down EP release, which of course we all know is April 4. It’s on my calendar. No, really.

But the amount of buzz about this EP is ridiculous. Bloggers and music peeps are excited. They love that you are on the Communion label (as do we), and you are at the top of Timber and Steel’s list of artists on that label. The girls over at The Ruckus (whom we love) can’t believe how much you’ve grown musically in 2 years. I Like Music says the tracks are rich with languor and melancholic life and it sounds like you’ve been doing this forever. Stereoboard says this EP is hugely-anticipated and you are one of the most exciting singer/songwriters in the UK.

I can’t believe it’s been only a year and a half that LiLi and I showed up to a pub in downtown Dallas and got to experience your brilliance in person for the first time. Heck it was your first time in the states. We all had our first times together. That’s not creepy at all to say, is it? Nah.

It’s also been a little over a year since I got that full on, uninitiated hug. And I am so stoked to see that everyone else is starting to recognize and jump on board with LiLi and I on the Camp Foster wagon.

And the songs you picked for this bad boy, seriously, bomb. Shadows Of The City, Tumble Down (a SIX minute version, y’all), Demons and You Send Me? Uh, whoa. You’ve blown me away. Again.

It’s like you are almost there. You are on the cusp of something huge. And I just one more thing before you break out into big time. One teeny tiny favor?

I need just one more hug, of the “uninitiated by me” kind of course. And it really needs to be border line bear hug-y. In fact, one for me and one for LiLi. Cause we decided you give the best ones and we are afraid you are gonna get too big before you make it back to the states for us to get just one more.

Can you do that for us? I’ll promise to be drunk and LiLi will wear her granny panties if it helps.

Love,

Amber xoxo (cause that what I’m supposed to do when I write a note to someone British, right?)

P.S. Oh, and Marcus. Don’t act all shy and adorable like you don’t deserve all these accolades. Cause srsly, you kill me every time when you do that. And you SO deserve every one of them!

P.P.S. Sometimes I fangirl and record it with Audioboo. So when I heard the new Shadows of the City track, I did just that. Enjoy. LiLi told me I sound smexy and sultry. I’m thinking no. I’ll let you decide.

Amber’s Reaction Boo to Sort of New Marcus Song

features

Brooke Fraser

Well, in case you didn’t hear… LiLi and I got sold out on the Sam show in Dallas.  It seemed kind of crazy, until LiLi did some investigation and realized the sold out tickets were most likely Sam’s headlining lady, Brooke Fraser’s fault. We were pretty sure it’s because she’s a babe. But now after EVEN MORE investigation, I’m realizing that the real reason is probably because she is amazeballs!

I present to you… Exhibit A!

Or if you just want the tune minus the video, cause you are at work and watching the vid may make it too obvious that you aren’t really working, here is an mp3 for you!

Brooke Fraser — Something In The Water

Or how about Exhibit B? I love this video!

Crap. Now I’m doubly sad we got sold out on the show because Brooke is the bee’s knees. I want to see her in concert too. Super sad panda.

Here’s a little bit more info on Brooke for you.

New Zealand-born singer and songwriter Brooke Fraser will release her third album, Flags, on October 12 on Wood and Bone Records.  The new record was recorded in Los Angeles at EastWest Studios and was produced by the artist. A full U.S. tour has been announced for November and December.

Flags is a dreamy, alternative-pop collection that showcases her agile soprano, lilting melodies, and knack for telling her stories through the lives of vibrant characters. “I’ve never used as many characters or as much narrative in my songwriting as I have on this record,” Fraser says. The album also features a co-written duet with Aqualung’s Matt Hales, titled “Who Are We Fooling?”

In 2002, when she was 18, Fraser signed with Sony Music and moved to Auckland where she played regularly at local venues while she wrote the songs that would appear on her debut album, What To Do With Daylight. That album, released in New Zealand in 2003, debuted at No. 1 and achieved gold status the same week. It eventually went eight times platinum, selling more than 120,000 copies in New Zealand alone, and remained in the Top 10 on the album charts for more than a year. The album spawned five Top 20 singles and made Fraser a star in her home country, leading to 2004 tours of Australia and New Zealand with John Mayer and David Bowie.

In 2005, Brooke took a trip to Rwanda, 11 years after a genocide that claimed the lives of nearly one million people. During the journey, she met and befriended a number of Rwandans who entrusted their stories to her, including an orphan named Albertine, the namesake of her second album, which was released in the U.S. in May 2008. After being featured on the iTunes homepage as an “Editor’s Choice” selection, Albertine entered the Billboard Top 100 chart and climbed to No. 5 on the digital retailer’s U.S. album chart. Fraser toured the States that fall, winning over audiences with her dry wit and warm stage presence.

So, while you are all clammoring to get to your respective Sam shows (cause you were smart and already bought your tickets while LiLi and I waited an extra day), be sure to stick around and catch Brooke. It will be worth your time!

Catch even more goodies from Brooke Fraser on her Official Webpage, Twitter and, of course, MySpace! And you see she has a new album coming out, right? Don’t miss it!

What is it about a man, his guitar, and a field... ::le sigh::

Andrew Soloman

AND if you can make Andrew’s first show our in sunny California, SAMaM Global is gonna make the pot just a wee bit sweeter for you! The first 20 fans to buy a $5.00 advance ticket get a free autographed “Tides” CD!

Sweet, right? Just email ahartman@samamglobal.com to purchase. Here is the cool flyer and deets for the show: