Some things are just better done face to face

I have just returned from a James Blunt concert. I don't think I've been this enthusiastic about anything for a long time. And when I say a long time, I mean a long time. I don't think I've leaped with such enthusiasm since 1997 when I first heard Coldplay play in London under a different name. They were my school band! Someone asked someone to ask people to go to this gig and well, I don't need to go into further detail how fantastic they are.

My love for James Blunt is a little different though.... I love Coldplay live and their records are simply sublime. Before this concert, I have listened to James Blunt records (both of them), and while I love his melodies, his harmonies and his chord progressions, I've found the songs and its performance kind of flat. There was no "it" factor. Tonight though, he took my breath away. He is a live performer. There is that rawness in his voice, and he uses less of his falsetto. He sings every bit of emotion, every feeling out of those songs. Before tonight, I hated "Goodbye My Lover". It grated on my nerves... But just sitting there, listening to him play on the piano without any accompaniment from his band... Listening to his voice catching and breaking over the words.... I had to discreetly wipe my tears away. And, those rock ballads that I liked, he did it even better. His interaction with the band, with the audience was awesome. He expanded on some songs, adding verses and instrumental passages befitting of a performance at a stadium. I rocked and swayed with my newly acquainted friends. Thank you MH for inviting me to join you and your music loving friends. It was truly enjoyable to be able to experience an inspiring performance with people who truly appreciate it.

I'm hesitant to listen to James Blunt's records for the moment. I don't want to take anything away from tonight. Some things are better done live. Some things are just better done face to face.