I hardly know where to begin describing the background leading up to the amazing events of last night. Over the past year and a half, life has dealt me many blows. I lost my father and both of my grandmothers in less than a year. I had never experienced the death of someone so close before, and to be blitzed by three in close succession proved trying on my sanity and health. It has taken a lot to be able to keep my head afloat, and I have had to rely greatly on my family and my fiancé to keep it together.

Music has been a source of release for me for a long time. Often it has proved vital to my experiences and the past year and a half has been no exception. In January, I became aware of Annie after seeing her top Pitchfork’s list of best singles of 2004. Intrigued, I did a little research and discovered how Annie had overcome death as well. Right then I knew I had to find her album. Within weeks I tracked down a copy of Anniemal and was stunned. Not only had she mustered the courage to release an album after the death of her boyfriend/collaborator, she somehow managed to forge a positive outlook. Instead of wallowing in despair, she actually paid tribute to her lost loved one while sounding hopeful and optimistic. The album soon thereafter became my mantra, and its inspiration helped to guide me through the maelstrom of grief.

Another major component of my musical upbringing has been my love of the piano. I have worked out my anxiety and stress on the piano year in and year out, figuring out how to play my favorite songs. I find great solace and comfort in the process. Over the past several months, I’ve tinkered around with several different Annie songs (“Come Together,” “Anniemal”, “No Easy Love”, “The Greatest Hit”) but have only managed to complete “Heartbeat” in a satisfactory manner. It took a day or so to polish it, but I was pleased with the result and have played it often since to alleviate stress. I mentioned it to Annie in her forum (can you believe she answers fan questions regularly?) and she told me that I should record a copy. I only got around to it a few days ago.

Having become an avid fan, I sought to heighten my love for Annie’s music through a live setting. I was in Australia during her first trek through the U.S., but was thrilled to hear that she would be back in September. However, most of the dates did not fit into my schedule as a teacher. The closest options- Chicago and Toronto- both would require missing school. However, I found a Saturday concert in Philadelphia and jumped at the chance. My plan was to drive 10 hours to Philadelphia for the show and then 10 hours back the following day. Luckily, my brother found a last-minute cheap airplane ticket and it worked out well. The night before I left, I finally recorded my version of “Heartbeat” on the piano in the hope of giving it to Annie as a token of my appreciation for all of her inspiration. So often fans want to take whatever they can from their idols, but I wanted to give something back, regardless of how small.

I flew into Philadelphia filled with wonder and excitement. After a few headaches renting the car and finding the hotel, I wrote a letter of appreciation that I also hoped to give to Annie and ventured forth to the venue. North Star Bar is a small venue- one side is a standard bar equipped with pool tables while the other has a small stage and dance floor and another bar. My serendipitous fortune led me to meet Carolyn, a girl I recognized from Annie’s forum and had chatted with a bit. I was thrilled to see someone “familiar” and we hit it off well, exchanging stories of our Annie initiations and the like. I hadn’t expected to make a friend over the weekend, but I was happy to be wrong. Little did we know what was in store!

Here is a picture of Carolyn and Annie:



Carolyn and I situated ourselves near the entrance to the stage room and were the first ones allowed in. After the obligatory merchandise shopping (I picked up 5 items), we scooted up to the front of the stage, right in the center. Neither of us could contain our excitement and our patience wore thin as the first opening act did not come on until 10:20, over an hour after schedule. Both openers were quite entertaining and humorous- much more than I’ve grown accustomed to expect. Afterward, the stage was set for Annie to rock our worlds…and rock our worlds she did!

Shortly after midnight, Annie came on stage with only 2 other people- one mostly played guitar while the other was principally in charge of percussion and programming. As for the props, only a large “Annie” banner in the backdrop decorated the stage. This would be no show of gimmicks. This would be a show of raw energy and passion.

I could barely contain myself as a lengthy instrumental mounted the tension. There she stood- Annie, the one who had been such a source of hope- no more than 5 feet away. The crowd seemed hyped as well and when they launched into “Always Too Late,” the ravenous party began. Dancing frantically in the front, I exorcised my demons as Annie proceeded to strut her stuff. Such was the format for the evening. The energy level only would continue to rise as she announced that “Chewing Gum” was next. An extended intro incorporating a raucous guitar assault led into a wonderful exhibition of sass. Annie was really in her element with this song, tantalizing us with her swagger. Next up “The Greatest Hit”, presented as an extended outburst that dared us not to move our hips. Me? I could not stop jumping with excitement. My therapy was in the movement as I tapped into a limitless supply of energy. Annie’s vocals soared and I could tell she was pleased with the audience response. She smiled a lot and seemed to feed off of the warm reception. What followed was a new song, “Wedding,” which I had yet to hear. Whirring synth stabs anchored by a chugging beat, the song stands as her most experimental to date, as she recites (not sings) her lyrical seduction. It was apparent that she was really excited about the song, perhaps because it is so different and new. I was bought and sold as she pointed at different audience members as she whispers “I do, I do, I do!”

Things only got crazier as the next song kicked in- “Come Together”. As one of the most inspirational to me, I lost myself in its messages, singing at the top of my already spent lungs. Once that delicious disco beat kicked in, I danced with abandon. They weaved in and out of the verses dexterously and as the song breaks before the final funk vamp, I was giddy. What ensued was more of an extended rhythmic shuffle to my surprise and delight! “Come Together” proved the highlight among highlights in the set for me. The final song of the main set, “Heartbeat” was delivered in its remixed glory. Its emotions swept over me as they always do and the timing of it worked well. I couldn’t handle much more after its grasp subsided.

Physically and emotionally delirious, I could not have dreamed what was to come. I grabbed my piano disc as well as my letter in hopes of giving it to her after the encore. Annie and crew returned for two more songs. The first of these was a sexy, plodding version of “Helpless Fool for Love”. I was right back on board swaying with the beat. Finally, she went out with a bang with the punchy “Me Plus One”. As I looked around, it appeared that the rest of the crowd was dancing feverishly as well. Bedazzled, I kept thinking that the song needs to be issued as a single- its appeal is too broad to be neglected! As she said her goodbyes, I managed to get her attention and was able to give her my disc and letter. It meant a great deal to me to know that she would discover how indelible a mark her music had left on me.

After the show, the crowd petered out and Carolyn and I were left breathless and dripping in sweat. We got some water and chatted with a guy named Jay who came over. After about 10 minutes, we saw the drummer and I thanked him for a great show. The next thing we knew, Annie came out and approached us. I could not have dreamed a better scenario. She took her turns talking to the three of us. We all thanked her for a great show and Jay got an autograph and headed out. That left Carolyn and I to talk with Annie for an hour! I gave her a huge hug and kissed her cheek. I mentioned what was included on the disc and gave her a bit of background information. She seemed touched by the gift as I explained its significance. She listened sincerely to us and was genuinely appreciative as I drowned her in accolades. Carolyn and I each got an item signed as well as a picture with Annie. We talked about an assortment of things- music in general, life experiences, how we discovered her music, Annie Tetris , etc. Annie was incredibly polite, humble and approachable. It was apparent that she wanted to talk to us as much as we wanted to talk to her. When she went to her dressing room, she told us she would come back, and did. It wasn’t an obligatory “chore” for her to meet the fans after. Annie really appreciated us. Near the end of the night, she gave both Carolyn and I a promo copy of her forthcoming DJ Kicks album. It was all too good to be true.

We then had to say our goodbyes and headed to our cars. Carolyn and I could hardly believe our good fortune and wished each other a safe trip home. I’m so thrilled that I was able to experience it all with someone like Carolyn! I proceeded to get lost several times on the way back to the hotel, finding it hard to concentrate as my mind raced with the wonders of the night. God really smiled on me throughout the whole weekend. Every impossible hope I could have mustered became a reality. I left Philadelphia with a renewed sense of self and strength and memories to last a lifetime.

Great thread Ian!!!!!

Dance whore!

j/k

We've had some concert luck, huh? I'm so glad this was as good as could be. I know how much you needed it, especially after the past few weeks. And I'm glad I could help facilitate it, even if only in a small way. I wouldn't be surprised at all if you get contacted to go on tour with her. Honestly. I bet she's gonna want to be adding a keyboard player soon.

Oh and look at what a sweat-drenched beautiful mess y'all are!

Great thread. Thanks for sharing your feelings.

I liked the 'exorcise' by dancing description. I am glad you found ways to channel your emotions.

I got a bit of the same; music means alot to me as well lately.

althom said:

Thanks! I'm still in the afterglow.

GangstaFam said:

I don't know if I could resist the chance to become one of the Anniemals.

GangstaFam said:

In Carolyn's case, most of it is water that the lead rapper of VIP dumped on us.

who's annie?

HamsterHuey said:

Dancing has always been a release for me, but it's rare that it is this essential.

faboo story, and i'm glad you got to meet annie - i know how much her music means to ya. that's very cool.

Moonbeam said:

Is that the name of her band?

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

She's a fabulous Norwegian DJ/dance artist. Her website has some good info.

Here's my review of her album:

In the world of pop music, little is left to the imagination and even less is expected. So often, it is processed within a beat of its life; its plastic production and ostentatious gloss render it soulless and lifeless. Every so often, though, an artist manages to inject personality and humanity into overt pop frilliness. In 2004, Annie indubitably staked her claim as a pop princess that the world, not just her native Norway, could relish.

Throughout the course of Anniemal, her first full-length release, Annie delivers spunk, energy, insouciance, poignance and even a story. The album is prefaced by the irresistible effervescence of "Chewing Gum," whose feathery vocals and synthesized chug make it as intentionally disposable- and addictive- as its title and lyrics dictate. This sets the stage for Annie to open up into the many facets the album has to offer, from the urban snarl of "Always Too Late" to the pure pop glitz of the Kylie-flavored "Me Plus One," whose melody and cocky bass jabs seem destined for greatness.

One of the album's biggest accomplishments is that its heroine retains her approachability in contrast to the grossly overstated and unattainable wealth that plagues the pop milieu. Nowhere is this more evident than on the second single, "My Heartbeat", which succeeds so well that it could serve as a template for the perfect organic pop song. Soft electronic piano is echoed by a persistent, hypnotic bass pulse as Annie hovers above the mix with a vocal that is at once ethereal and vulnerable. Consequently, its appeal is both transcendent and authentically human. Annie does not come off as pop royalty, but rather as a long lost friend.

Despite its variety of textures and styles, the album is able to maintain its identity cohesively. While the title track is a kaleidoscope of saccharine pop, the follow-up "No Easy Love" has such a breezy groove that it recalls Prince and Chic. Elsewhere, the aptly named "Greatest Hit" utilizes the punch of a sample from Madonna's "Everybody" to its fullest. The standout opus "Come Together" is an uplifting call to unity, opening with a stark wafer-thin vocal that launches into a delectable disco bonanza. The album closes with the somber, downbeat "My Best Friend", whose introspective dealings make it the album's most personal track.

Perhaps the most astonishing of all of the album's qualities is its mere existence. Each breath and note contained is underscored by personal tragedy. Her first single, "Greatest Hit" dates to 1999 as a collaboration with her boyfriend. A club hit, it paved the way for their musical union to extend to a full album. However, those plans were derailed by his untimely death from a rare heart disorder at age 23. This knowledge renders songs like "My Heartbeat" and "My Best Friend" even more endearing and the encouragement of "Come Together" and the title track even more inspiring. As such, Anniemal stands tall as both a personal and a musical triumph.

Anxiety said:

I'm still in shock. The fact that she was so receptive to her fans was really endearing.

GangstaFam said:

That's my name for the band.

Moonbeam said:

GangstaFam said:

Well, it's the most obvious one I could come up with!

Here's the cover of the upcoming DJ Kicks album:

... looks like I'm the only one who thought this was a thread about "Annie" ... "the sun'll come out tomorrow, betcha bottom dollar ..."

Reincarnate said:

You're mostly likely to find that Annie when searching for this Annie.

awesome story!!!

thanks for posting!!! Wonderful pics

I have never listened to Annie, but I definitely will check her out.

Moonbeam said:

That looks cool

endorphin74 said:

It was a TOAD celebration.

JonSnow said:

Thanks Jon!

Her album is one of my favorites of the decade for sure.

Check out her website if you are interested.
[Edited 9/26/05 22:20pm]

CinisterCee said:

It's dreamy.

Moonbeam said:

Reincarnate said:

Considering that it was a Moonbeam topic, I assumed that it was Annie Lennox.

Beautiful post, sweetie. It put a smile on my face.

Fantastic story!

I love 'Anniemal', I think it's one of the best albums of this year.
It's a shame it's been almost ignored here in UK. Songs like Chewing Gum, Heartbeat or No Easy Love are just irresistible.

Now I'm very curious to know more about this 'DJ-Kicks' album!!

Great story Moonbeam!

And you look great in that picture! You're beaming!