Tag Archives: Best Band Shirt Contest

Nov22

Best Band Shirt Contest Results

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I know I said 7ish for the results.  But, in my defense, I had to print some business cards, wash my hair and watch TV.  Vital things, people.  Oh, and if you haven’t listened to “Hello Sadness” by Los Campesinos! yet…do it.  For real.  This album is rocking my world AND I’M ONLY ON THE THIRD SONG.  Don’t worry, chicks.  An album review will be forthcoming.

But, before I get to excited talking about Los Campesinos! and my desire to stalk them and squeal like a little girl when I meet them, let’s get back to the contest.

The contest has come full circle (please hear that last sentence in a Darth Vader voice…it’s necessary).  And there is, as it turns out, a decisive winner.  But first, the up-runners:

 

Tying for 5th place:

Sleigh Bells and Linkin Park.

The Sleigh Bells shirt, entered by Jimmy Proszeck:

“I chose it because I think music should reflect pop culture, even if it feeds on itself, which actually happens a lot.  So I chose the Sleigh Bells jersey because it parodies the old Chicago Bulls jersey basketball legend Michael Jordan wore.”

Oddly enough, I picked the shirt for the poll for the same reason that Jimmy picked it.  I liked the throwback to Jordan’s jersey.

The Linkin Park shirt was entered by Ashley Gatlin, but she was unavailable for comment (Note: I love saying that.  Unfortunately, she left her phone in Chicago in an attempt to evade my desperate attempts to reach her.  I find this rude and shall immortalize that rudeness here.  The perfect revenge!).

I picked the shirt because I loved the little video game-esque people on it.  Made me giggle.

In 4th place:

Mister Heavenly.

The Mister Heavenly shirt, entered by Nicole Montgomery:

“The pineapple skinned Noriega, cause he had the nickname Pineapple…face?  Something like that.  For his acne scars.  So, clever, clever shirt.”

I picked it because I thought it looked fun.  After reading what Nicole sent me, I realized that I picked it for all the wrong reasons.  I have been put ever so in my place.

In 3rd place:

Tommy & The High Pilots.

The Tommy & The High Pilots shirt, entered by Brett Zeiler:

“[I picked it] because I knew you liked the shirt and it would give me the best odds of making it to the final poll.”

Yeah.  He pandered.  Did it work?  Yeah.  But only because the shirt is really sweet.  Oh, and have I mentioned that I’m going to a Tommy & The High Pilots concert this Friday?  I have?  Well, just thought I’d remind you.

And now.  The moment most of you probably didn’t bother reading through the post to see…the runner-up is:

Regina Spektor.

The Regina Spektor shirt, entered by Katie Rauhoff:

“1. The shirt “name” is “No Surprises”
2. The proceeds of the shirt go to help Doctors Without Borders. Regina Spektor sold it at a Haiti Relief concert and continues to sell it for the cause of helping the good doctors.AND
3. The person with an unusual head is reading a book. YAY reading!
PS-The name is also a Radiohead song, “No Surprises” I like that it combines two musical talents.”

I loved this shirt.  I mean, who sees shirts like that ever?  Also, it was a refreshing change from some of the more bandcentric shirts on the poll.  Of course, knowing that the shirt was named for a Radiohead song makes the winner that more fortuitous…

In 1st Place:

Radiohead.

Radiohead Shirt, taken by Sherrie G., available at her Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/people/optionthis/

The Radiohead shirt, entered by James Strickland:

“I picked [it] because it was a) clever, what with it being a cover for a body, (b) being rainbow tape for the In Rainbows shirt and (c) the running computer HTML language love affair.”

Have to admit, this was my favorite shirt on the poll, so I’m delighted that you all voted in accordance with my wishes.  I mean, it’s SO clever.  And adorable.  I would wear that shirt.  In fact, I’m currently lusting after it.

Congratulations, James!  You win the $10 iTunes gift card!  Huzzah!

And with that, I wish you a good evening.  And take heart, lovelies.  There will be another contest announced soon.  I have too much fun with these.

Oh, wait!  One more thing.  Did I tell you about the Tommy & The High Pilots concert happening this week in St. Louis.  Yeah.  IN YOUR FACE (unless you made the right decision and are going…then you’re cool and we’ll hang out later).  G’night!

 

Nov20

Ha Ha Tonka Tickets

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Dearies.  This past week has been an exciting one, and this next one will be even better.

Last week, I received these beauties:

Ha Ha Tonka Tickets

Oh, this is going to be the sweetest concert ever.  Tommy & the High Pilots plus Ha Ha Tonka makes for an awesome evening.  I don’t even know what to do with myself, other than to make a playlist, lose myself in it and wait, rather impatiently, for Friday.

Also, don’t forget to vote for the best band shirt.  The poll closes at 6 on Tuesday.  Let your voice and your good taste in shirts be heard!

And that’s really all I wanted to tell you this evening.  Just so you know that my Friday will be better than yours.  Unless you’re going to the concert.  Then I’ll see you there, and we’ll rock it.

Nov14

Best Quotes From Songs – The Love Edition

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I don’t want to get mushy on you all, but there are some quotes about love from songs that I go gaga over.  And you’re going to hear all about my favorites.  Not because you should.  Not even because I want you to.  It’s because you NEED to.  I’m looking out for you.  You’re welcome.  And there are seven because I felt like it.  Have recommendations?  I’ll consider them.

So.  Running in at number 7…

7. “Pink Squares” by I Was A Cub Scout

“Oh, oh, oh, am I in trouble? / Darling, I apologize. / I need you more than anything / Please come back with me tonight. / Oh, oh, oh, am I in trouble? / Darling, I apologize. / I need you more than anything / Please don’t ever leave my side.”

To me, this is a perfect example of a love song.  It’s wonderful.  The thought is so simple, but so right.  A couple has a disagreement and the person that (presumably) started it is trying to make sure the disagreement doesn’t end things for them.  Like I said, it’s simple but seems right.

6. “Lonely Place” by Tommy & The High Pilots

“Oh, and just like me / She wants a family / Create us some energy / Out of the blue. / That we’ll do. / Oh, and maybe she’s someone I’ve made up / And maybe she’s somebody true / But I won’t rest until I know you.”

I adore this song so much.  And I love this thought: maybe you haven’t found the perfect person, but that shouldn’t stop you from looking for them.  I find this song wistful and hopeful and, like I said, I adore it.

5. “King of Carrot Flowers Part. 1″ by Neutral Milk Hotel

“And this is the room one afternoon I knew I could love you / And from above you how I sank into your soul / Into that secret place where no one dares to go.”

This is my favorite Neutral Milk Hotel song, and it’s probably because of this stanza.  I’m not sure if it requires an explanation.  It’s just lovely.

4. “Rise To Me” by The Decemberists

“My darling, my sweetheart, I am in your sway / Two cold climes, come spring time / So let me hear you say / My love / I am gonna stand my ground.”

I love The Decemberists way too much to not include them in this list.  Particularly when this song has such powerful worlds.  I can’t help but be moved when he says “my darling, my sweetheart, I am in your sway.”  It’s beautiful.

3. “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab For Cutie

“If heaven and hell decide / That they both are satisfied / Illuminate the nos on their vacancy signs / If there’s no one beside you / When your soul embarks / Then I’ll follow you into the dark.”

I think this song has become a classic, and rightfully so.  I mean, how wonderfully romantic/soulful/EVERYTHING is it to tell someone that you’d follow them into the dark.  That they wouldn’t be left alone.  EVER.  I think the simple melody underscores the sheer power of the lyrics.

2. “Anything For You” by Ludo

“I’d give up anything. / Anything for you. / I’d give it all. / All of this is true. / But the best story that I could ever tell / Is the one where I am growing old with you. / All I’ve ever wanted, see, was to tell you honestly / I’d do anything for you. / I’d do absolutely anything for you.”

This might be my favorite concept for a love song ever.  The person singing is describing all of these ridiculous, absurd scenarios, then saying that “the best story that I could ever tell is the one where I am growing old with you.”  You get the honesty of the feelings from the lies he tells.

AND, number one!

1. “Slow Hands” by Interpol

“But I am married to your charms and grace / I just go crazy like the good old days / You make me want to pick up a guitar / And celebrate the myriad ways that I love you.”

This quote is brilliant and wonderful and fantastic.  That last line.  How does it not conjure up warm, fuzzy feelings?  ”Celebrate the myriad ways that I love you.”  I’m convinced that if you tell your significant other this, they will swoon.  Better if you serenade them (but only if you can sing).

And that’s that, lovelies.  Just a few thoughts for you all on this absurdly warm evening (for real, it’s November, weather).  Of course, I have a few closing statements:

  1. “Hello Sadness” by Los Campesinos! is available in the US tomorrow.  I highly recommend buying it, listening to it, and falling as in love with that band as I am.
  2. How excited are you for the Ha Ha Tonka/Tommy & the High Pilots concert in a couple of weeks?
  3. Have you submitted shirts for the Best Band Shirts contest?  IT’S GONNA BE GREAT. ENTER NOW.