This past Tuesday I flew up to Indianapolis to stay with my sister for a couple days. It was very wonderful to see her again, even though she just came down to visit a few weeks ago....Wednesday was Aaron's birthday so we did the whole gift thing. It was a good time. But Wednesday carried more promises to be fun than just a single birthday: Valerie was turning sixteen AND I was going to see The Elms! And that is exactly what I did.

Wednesday afternoon we found ourselves watching Kung Pow....So, the movie ends, I try to take a little nap before I have to get ready to go to the show, and Valerie and her mother are, what? An hour earlier than expected? Yes. Turns out the show started at 6:30 PM rather than 7:00 PM and they wanted to have enough time to find this place. I jump in the shower and get ready as quickly as I can - and off we go.

We decide that It's only necessary we eat at Steak 'N Shake. I had a lovely burger with cheese fries. Teeee. But time is moving, and we must get on to the show.

We arrive at the venue with just enough room open for us in front. In fact, it was in OUR spot (near WTD). Turns out all of us (Jen, Becky, Val, her mom, me) stand in the same spot every show no matter who we're with. How quaint. And who appears? Liz from the Buzzing! I hadn't even seen her reply to know that she was going so I really had no idea who she was at first. It was lovely to meet her. She's a very nice girl.

While we wait in our spot, we conclude that Valerie should definitely add a song to the set list..."Don't Ever Let Me See You Cry." Now, now, I know you're saying, "What the daughterty?! What song is that?!" It's a Just Visiting song. Very, very long. I think they recorded it when Owen was....17? 18? Possibly. Either way, It's really old. It didn't happen. However, Owen said he might be able to pull off a "Star is Fading" sometime in the future. That would be nice.

And so it begins! The Elms start off with She's Cold. One of the newest live additions - It's a pretty young song. I look forward to it being on their next record. It's a really cool bluesy tune. You'll dig it.

The rest of the set list is as follows:

Lifeboat
Who Got the Meaning?
Speaking in Tongues
Black Peach (new)
Daydream Believer (Monkees cover)
Burn & Shine
Come Down to the Water (new)
You Saved Me
Smile At Life Again (skipped)
Come to Me
My Generation (Who cover)
Hey, Hey.

It was my third or fourth time hearing Black Peach - You know, the song that greatly influenced "BlackPeachTree" which makes a ton of sense, yes? My first time hearing She's Cold and Come Down to the Water. They're awesome! Come Down to the Water has a very soulful vibe and has a lot of gospel influence. Very catchy.

Thom played his new Telecaster (a '73 Deluxe) and I approve. *wink* It happens to sound really lovely. Although, not as "big" sounding or as tough as the Les Paul....It's a different guitar. Tele's also have that twangy tone that you don't get with anything else. I like that. It sounded good on Hey, hey.

After the show, we hung out for a little while and I chatted with all of the guys. Nathan is very nice - I think they already look like a band. Their vibe is common. He's doing just fine with the transition. He plays more aggressively...It sounds good, really. His favorite kind of chapstick is vanilla, by the way. Ha ha.

For all of you wondering, Owen said he really has no idea when another album will be out, otherwise he'd tell me. I have a feeling that will be the same answer you get for a while...So maybe now you won't need to ask as much. It will come when it comes.

The time comes to head on out. The guys are packing up, everyone is leaving...I smell Applebee's in the near future. Like, really near...10 minutes near. "But, I thought you went to Steak 'N Shake!" Have you ever just gone somewhere for dessert? Well, you should. Especially Applebee's. I had the Maple Butter Blondie and coffee. It was really good. Then they had to take me back to Rebecca's house. I was starting to feel bad anyway...stuffy nose, etc. I'm worse today. But, even though I was ready to be back so I could get in bed...lol....It was sad to see them go. Maybe I'll get to come back and visit soon.