Thank you, Mr Butch Walker...

..... for helping to restore my faith in music.

I've listened to Butch on cds and records and cassettes and 8 tracks for about 3 1/2 years. I thought I was satisified with that level of involvement- listening to his easily relatable words, bouncing around to his guitar solos, etc. I thought I was fine.

I've heard from many friends how seeing him in concert is almost like a religious experience of sorts- including one of our favorite TOL bloggers, Ms Cabo. I didn't disbelieve them, but I just never made it a priority to see him when he came to town, so it just never happened.

I went last night to the Blender to see him. And my musical life will never be the same again.

he was supposed to be on from 9:45-11. the musical awakening had him onstage for almost 2 hours.

He comes out, sits down at the piano, and just starts singing 'ATL'. Everyone in the room- which was made of 99% people who were older than Suz and I- just shut up. And listened. What a concept!! What a radical concept at a show.. to actually LISTEN. I tore myself away from Butch long enough to look around and noticed everyone's mouths just slightly open, gaping at this crazy musical genius that was before us. Radical.

He then launched into songs on the geeeetar, just himself onstage. Everyone listened to the verses and then sang along to the choruses.

He made banter during the set, keeping us entertained when he wasn't blowing our minds with his near-perfect voice or intense-yet-delicate piano playing, with his fingers flying everywhere but his gaze stone-cold to the audience.

I'm fortunate to go to a lot of shows, some better than others, given my location. I usually come out of them going, 'wow that was so good!!' (ie: Hanson, etc). This one was... different. My friend and I left going, 'he literally almost changed our perception on music, restored our faith, etc'. It was one of those rare times when even if you didn't know the song, you hung on every word that he said and every note that he hit. It was as if you just knew that they were so important to listen to.

I feel somewhat bad for the act that has to follow him in my life... Kings of Leon and We Are Scientists should do a somewhat adequate job this weekend. Lets hope.