Big Surrender

Big Surrender: Debut CD (Big Surrender)

So I just came back from California - was great to spend a few weeks visiting friends and interviewing for some jobs/residencies during my break from school/rotations.  I met this band (Big Surrender) through a friend of mine... so I went to their shows while I was out west.  I originally met Ryan (from Big Surrender) when he was in Waking Ashland, and this is his new band which was formed in Lawrence, Kansas.  Here are lyrics to a few of their songs, of which I will have to find some videos for your enjoyment soon.  Their CD is out right now on iTunes and they're also touring so you should try to catch them if they come to a city near you.    They are quite lovely and as such put on a lovely show :) 

Falling Over
Almost told you how I drove to see you,
But had to turn away, For fear of losing you
Against my choosing

I buckled in the wake
To take some time away
And be good to myself

So make it easy on me, 'Cause my arms are weak
From lifting you up from the depths of the sea

I'm falling, over and over
Falling, over and over the edge
Just to lift you up again

Called from far away
But overwhelmed by what you wanted me to say
So when you're missing him, remember how this all began

You faked it from the start
To tear this world apart
Regret the day I tried

So make it easy on me, 'Cause my arms are weak
From lifting you up from the depths of the sea

I'm falling, over and over
Falling, over and over the edge
Just to lift you up

Again, you want to fall in love like it's easy
But the push, the pull, will leave you all alone.

So be good to me, my arms are weak
From lifting you up from the depths of the sea

I'm falling, over and over
Falling, over and over
Falling, over and over
Falling, over and over the edge

Just to lift you up, 
Again.

My Love
I found no record of the path you took
And at the turning point, began to look back
I stuck it out for as long as I could
And waited longer than anyone should

And oh, my love, make it easy to let go
And oh, my love make it easy

You kept me waiting for a reason to stay
When subtle comforts were the easier way out

And oh, my love, make it easy to let go
And oh, my love, make it easy
And oh, my love, make it easy to let go
And oh, my love, make it easy

We were singin’ the same song
But forgot the words and had to hum along
Now you’re long gone but comin’ on strong

And oh, my love, make it easy to let go
And oh, my love make it easy
And oh, my love, make it easy to let go
And oh, my love make it easy

Sherwood: Gentleman of Promise

Sherwood

They are only one of the coolest bands I've discovered since living in Boston.  A fortuitous twist of fate a few years back landed me at a show about an hour away from Boston, slightly dive-y but a great night of music nonetheless.  They have a brilliant live show and really beautifully made albums.  Especially because I appreciate beautiful album artwork (!) What a genuinely great first album and rocking second one-both albums boasting tight instrumentals, harmonies, lyrics, catchy synth hooks, all of the above.  I can't wait to see what's ahead for this great band, based out of San Luis Obispo, CA.  They make me happy!  This song, "Gentleman of Promise" is one of my favourites from their first album. Go. Get. It. 

(sorry, no video today)

Gentleman of Promise

I've written letters to you on whitest paper,
But they all return to me a pale brown,
And I've tried to stand up to it,
But it all seemed kinda useless,
So I'm writing you this letter from the ground,

And if you see a gentleman of promise,
Stealing looks at you from there across the room,
And if your tired heart, it dances from exchanging second glances,
Don't hesitate to steal your glances too,

And I wanted to wait till the sun won't appear,
Making flowers and placing them over our ears,
But you are what you are, and I'm not very far along,

But something tells me there will come a time,
Tired of that back and forth affair that we've been through,
Thinking more than once it may be time for something new,
Suddenly you'll see him standing there across the room,
Staring at you,

And I wanted to wait till the sun won't appear,
Making flowers and placing them over our ears,
But you are what you are, and I'm not very far along,
And I'm not very far along,

And if your tired heart, it dances,
From exchanging second glances,
Please don't hesitate to put this letter down