Stewart Ransom Miller

This photo is from http://flickr.com/photos/alientologist/173539614/sizes/m/.

I went to see Rhett Miller at The Independent on Divis last night. It was a school night. It was worth it, though. The first time I saw The Old 97s was in 2001. Just listening to the songs reminds me of different times in my life--driving in my car, blasting it, singing at the top of my lungs on long drives from Davis to home and back. Staying up late with boys and best friends. Holding on to silly vices. Thinking I was literary. The songs remind me of names, faces, feelings. This man actually saved me when I was in a bad place. I had a bad break up over what I had no idea was (just a summer fling). I would lay awake at night, thinking, (if that phone don't ring one more time) and I began to (wish the worst) for the man that broke my heart. There were times when (the mood walked like ants across our plates), and I knew it was over. I just needed someone to (untie my hands). To show me that it would get better. Well, The Old 97s didn't even do that--they showed me that I wasn't depressed. If THAT beautiful man could be THAT depressed, I had no right to be. My problems seemed quite small compared to him. I was equally distracted by the hip swinging, sweating, spitting, and the thundering train of a band behind him as well. It just made me feel good. It was really a lot like a healing of sorts. Some might say trading one obsession for another. But it got me through. What was different or interesting last night, was that I kind of took stock of how much time had passed and how this soundtrack to my life has been a constant. How the motley crue of diehard fans has changed over the years--I don't mean that they are different people now, I mean that, "Oh, there's crazy dancer girl. She looks different than the last time I saw her. There is tall guy that likes to stand in front. Oh, he has a lady friend now." When you've been to so many shows, these annoying strangers are also comforting at the same time. Then there are the random tools that show up and talk. Double you tee eff? I had to leave before the encore was through. 2001 Lisa would have spat in my face. I've changed, too.