Contrary to many people, I did not discover Kate Voegele from One Tree Hill. Funny since that's how I found Tyler Hilton, my Music Monday selection two weeks ago.  No, I first heard Kate on tour with Josh Kelley.  I adore Josh Kelley and a friend and I saw him in concert at Jake's in Bloomington around 2006.  It was before Kate's debut album, Don't Look Away was released in 2007.  She and another singer, Alexa Wilkinson, opened for Josh Kelley.  The best part of the concert was that it was tiny.  Jake's is a bar, not a huge auditorium.  I think there were less than 50 people at the concert.  Alexa played, Kate played, and then Josh took the stage for an acoustic set.  I loved all three performers.  B and I immediately bought both Kate and Alexa's cds.  Kate's was only a three song demo, but it was amazing.  My favorite song, and subsequently favorite song when the album debuted, was Chicago.  The song speaks to anyone who has been through a break-up (classic song writing material).  My favorite part is the imagery with cigarette.  The pain is very raw, but now she's moving on and on a train to Chicago!!!  I love the rawness on the demo, but the cd version isn't bad either.  Bonus points for the title, one of my favorite cities! Kate just released a new cd (her third full length!) called A Fine Mess.  It's good.  Not as great at the first cd, but I have been listening it nonstop for about a week.  Pick it up!

Lyrics:

I've never known you But I'm no stranger to this feeling I know it's over but the hurts not What do you call it? What do you call it when broken hearts are not done healing You threw down your cigarette but it's still hot Well I've learned to lie And here's what I've got

Chorus: Well didn't I think you would always love me And didn't I want you to take care of me baby Well that ain't happenin' No no no Wouldn't I love just to rise above this You gotta believe I have suffered enough to be free So I'm officially leavin' With just a kiss on the cheek and I'm gone. I'll be up at 7 o'clock whoa oh oh whoa oh oh 7 o'clock to Chicago Whoa oh whoa oh

It's never easy Breakin' this old addiction I've got the reasons But no rational And I wanna hate you cause you don't give me no conviction Your betrayal oughta make this break down no trouble at all So let the rubble fall Cause I'm running off

Chorus

I'll be on the 7 o'clock to Chicago I ain't got no second thoughtsBecause I know I'm on my way to the topOn my way

Chorus

All the live versions really, really suck, so I had to go with just the song...

As an extra, find a version of her singing "Hallelujah."  Love it!!! Not the best video and sound quality, but best I could find.

And a cover of Muse's "Starlight"!!!