Some of my favorite childhood memories include dancing around to "Bennie and the Jets" with sunglasses on and being obsessed with the fact that my name was in "Crocodile Rock:" Me and Susie had so much fun. The other day, my mom told me she was about to buy us tickets to see Elton John and then chose to wait...then came back and they were sold out (um, obviously. Who "waits" to buy Elton John tickets???) I was a bit upset as I think my life would be complete if I ever saw Elton in concert. I would proably die, or at least cry a lot (much like Sas did when seeing Celine Dion!). The ex and I were also very obsessed with him and would always have him playing while we cruised around in his car. I even got "this one's for you" inscribed on the back of the ipod I gave him (ironically, the ipod completely died right before the break-up of our relationship). Thankfully, that didn't ruin Elton's music for me. But then, probably nothing would.
And Ryan? Oh Ryan. I can't even talk about that boy without getting giddy. Let's just say, if you're not already listening to him, you need to be. His lyrics. His voice. His harmonica. Everything about his music makes me happy, even when it's so incredibly sad. If I could only listen to one singer for the rest of my life, it would be Ryan Adams, without a second of hesitation. Usually, I'd probably be annoyed to hear someone else singing Elton's music, but Ryan Adams totally does it justice. I didn't want it to end.
Apparently, after Ryan Adams' first album, Heartbreaker, came out, Elton was so moved by it, he basically stalked Ryan down. Imagine?? Imagine having Elton John stalk you, find you, gush about your first ever album, and say, "that album changed my life" about your music? Yup, I'd die (quite literally, considering I don't make music and if I did, it would probably be horrendous and Elton would probably get as far away from me as he could possibly get). The first credit on Elton John's 2001 album, Songs from the West Coast says, "Thank you Ryan Adams for making me do better." My God.
When asked why they are such good friends, Ryan says, "We get along on a lot of different levels. I feel like he has my back. I know I have his." They look SO happy to be playing this show together and are constantly looking over at each other and smiling and laughing.
Watch it. And then watch the other parts (there are 5 in total). "Daniel" is so beautiful. "Firecracker" sounds amazing. "Oh My Sweet Carolina," yess. "Tiny Dancer," duh. And the last song, "Rocket Man," wow. Just everything.
On that note, I am off to listen to more great music at the Shanghai Thrills record release party tonight. So, you should listen to them too.
"I just kind of...care about people who write great music" -Elton John
I hear ya, Elton.
