onsdag 13 Jan 2010, 10:18
On December 30, 2009 Sleeperstar played to a sold out crowd in the Cambridge Room at the Dallas House of Blues. After three talented openers ( Ryan Edgar, Stars Go Dim, and Jillian Edwards) Sleeperstar finally took the stage. Let me preface this by saying that I'm a fan of music in general, and of live music in particular. I've been to more than my share of concerts spanning multiple musical genres, but I count this particular Sleeperstar show among my personal favorites. The music was spot on, the vocals were spectacular, the energy was contagious, the setlist was flawless, and - best of all - watching the guys, you could tell there was nowhere on the planet they'd rather be at that moment than up on stage.
The Journey ~There's something about a familiar and well loved song that's nothing short of magic. It binds the audience members to one another, to the musicians on stage, and to the rhythm and lyrics saturating the air. By the time the first chorus of "The Journey" was complete, the room full of individuals was gone, replaced by one living unit that cohesively drew upon the music for sustenance. I was ecstatic that they chose to open with this song, partly because it was my own personal introduction to Sleeperstar's recorded music, as well as the opening song to my first ever SS concert, but also because it so perfectly embodies this particular band.The lyrics struck me as ironic while I glanced around the room. "When you see me, will you know me?" All around me people wore expressions that clearly said "Oh, yeah. THIS is why I love this band so much. Now I remember." When you haven't seen their live show in awhile, it's easy to forget just how much passion and talent permeates their performances. "The Journey" was an in your face reminder to all in attendance; a wake up call of sorts that set the mood for the rest of the evening.
Sparks ~ True confessions? I'm obsessed with this song. I've been obsessed with this song since the 'Making the Record' youtube was released this summer with a 30 second preview of "Sparks" at the end. It's one of their most melodically and lyrically sound pieces, but more than that, there's something about this song that just works and feels good. It's a true testament that the audience was held as captive by this song as they were the previous, when "Sparks" isn't on an album yet, and only about a handful of the audience could sing along. I can't wait to get ahold of the recorded version, I already know it's going to be one of my favorites.
Fallback ~ Part of me wished they could perform "Fallback" twice: once the way they did (full band, full energy VIDEO ) and once stripped down to the simple, honest acoustic version they released the mp3 and video for earlier this year. The lyrics of this song are so emotive that it really changes the feel of the song depending on the version: electric is desperate and urgent, acoustic is pleading and earnest. Both are spectacular.
Wherever You Go ~ This is another new song, and was also proof of what a strong fanbase Sleeperstar has already built. WYG isn't on an album yet, and there's nowhere you can download the mp3. If you want to hear this song, you have to stream it from their facebook page. Despite that fact, nearly everyone around me was singing along. Great performance of a great song. I defy you *not* to tap your foot along to the guitar at the beginning. So much fun!
Such Great Heights (The Postal Service Cover) ~ I've seen Sleeperstar do this cover four times, and I'd be glad to see it four hundred more. I love The Postal Service. I love "Such Great Heights." I love Sleeperstar's version of it even more. Also, you have to enjoy the fact that CP is singing about great heights while climbing on amps and stools and anything else he can find. Excellent choice.
Carry You ~ True confessions part 2: this is my favorite Sleeperstar song, and has been since the very first time I heard them play it last April. It's also the song from which the next album title, Just Another Ghost, is derived. I don't remember hearing this before this concert, but there's some sort of electronic rain stick sounding percussion in the background that really, really works for this song. Couple that with the most swoontastic lyrics of any song I've heard in ages, and this is my most wished for track off of the new album. Were I to stumble across a genie that would grant me 3 wishes, the mp3 of "Carry You" would most likely be one of the three! In the way that "The Journey" is the theme song for the novel I was writing when I first stumbled across Sleeperstar's music, "Carry You" is the theme for the one I'm writing now. Absolutely amazing song.
Can't Escape Your Eyes and Only Human ~Two more new songs that I really hope end up on the album. Loved them both!
Losing You (guest appearance by Seth Philpott ) Firstly, I really enjoyed this song. Secondly, I was wickedly amused by the Seth Philpott cameo. For those of you who don't know Seth's music, let me briefly summarize by saying that he is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter. The hilarious part of this is that they called him onstage to play the tambourine. It was sort of like calling an Oscar winning actor onstage and then having them pose with prizes for the studio audience. It made me love Sleeperstar AND Seth more, because despite their talent and how seriously they take their music, they don't take THEMSELVES too seriously.
Empire State of Mind ~ Stop, don't go back to double check. Yeah. You just read that right. Sleeperstar, a melodic indie rock band out of Dallas, Texas really, *actually* did a cover of a Jay-Z & Alicia Keys song. Even more impressive? They rocked the song's face off. That's right, Chris Pearson rapped, and did it very well. Since (although his voice is impressive) he is no Alicia Keys, they called Jillian Edwards, Kelsey Taylor and Chris's little sister Stephenie Pearson (musical talent is clearly genetic, that girl can SING) to the stage to help out. When I try to capture just how into it the audience was, words completely fail me.
Texas Rain (guest guitar solo by Jamey Ice of Green River Ordinance) There wasn't a person in attendance that wasn't singing along to this song. I was surrounded by an ocean of people "oh my, oh my my"ing. The crowd was so focused in on this song after the craziness that was "Empire State of Mind." Watching Nick and Jamey rock out was a rare treat!
Just So You Know ~ The concert high continues! Everyone sang along, everyone danced, and EVERYONE "WHOA OH, OHHHHHH OH"ed along. This whole performance felt like a blur!
Disengage (complete with crowd surfing) ~ There's no song that feels more like a SS concert to me than Disengage. It's fun recorded, but the energy of this song live is unreal. Every single time it comes on my iPod I feel the immediate need to see the Sleeperstar boys play again. Judging by the crowds reaction, I'm not alone in my massive love for seeing this song live. The crowd was dancing and jumping around and - as has been the case at every show I've attended - lead singer Chris Pearson is unable to refrain from climbing all over the stage (at an outdoor festival he scaled the stage scaffolding about 20 feet in the air during this song!) This time, climbing on the set wasn't quite enough, and CROWD SURFING happened at the end of it. Crowd Surfing complete with a breakdown of Vanilla Ice's 'Ice Ice Baby.'
Encore:this was one of the loudest demands for an encore I've heard in a long time!
Bullseye Trigger ~ Never, in the history of the world, has there been a more fun song than "Bullseye Trigger." Never. The band was intense and the crowd was insane!
Everything Must Find Its Place ~ This is another of my personal favorites, and was a fabulous way to end the evening. During EMFIP it's impossible not to remember the talent behind the fun in Sleeperstar's music. Flawless job by all of the guys. By the time this song was over I was already jonesing for my next Sleeperstar concert!
As I said before, this was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Separately Chris Pearson, Jake Lester, Nick Box, Shaun Menary, and Brandon Rosas are clearly talented guys, but collectively, they're a powerhouse. I'll be unbelievably surprised if the world doesn't quickly catch on to the level of awesome that is Sleeperstar. Fans of bands like Parachute, Switchfoot, Hanson, Train, and even Muse should be drawn in to Sleeperstar's sound. My forecast is success.
Sleeperstar Home PageSleeperstar on TwitterSleeperstar's Street Team