Thursday, December 18, 2008

props to Obama and The White Stripes

So I'm going to visit politics again. I really want to address this article about gay leaders being angry with Obama for choosing evangelist Rick Warren to lead the invocation at his inauguration.

Here's how I am looking at the situation. Say, for instance, Obama had chosen a super liberal pro-homosexual-agenda pastor to lead the invocation. I don't doubt that people from the religious right would be talking about how terrible of a decision that would be, and they would be labeled as bigoted and closed-minded (probably rightly so). How is this not the same situation, the groups just reversed?? Rick Warren may hold beliefs about homosexuality that many do not agree with, but that doesn't make him any less worthy of making an appearance at an inauguration that is supposed to mark change and promote the coming together of America. It seems like we always hear about one side of closed-mindedness, but not when it's coming from the minority group involved. Why is it always assumed that Christians are judgmental and hateful towards the LGBT community? I know we haven't made the best reputation for ourselves, but lumping all of us in the same category of discriminatory bigots doesn't do anything for compromise. Just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean I'm not able to still respect them and their differing opinions. And on that note, I don't assume that everyone in the LGBT community feels the same way about Obama's choice.

I always enjoy reading comments from readers at the end of news articles, and here are a couple from that article that I completely agreed with:
"So, because Pastor Warren doesn't endorse gay marriage, he somehow becomes unfit to offer the invocation? That doesn't really seem all that tolerant of different points-of-view now does it? Imposing a "party line" isn't exactly going to win over anyone on the fence on any issue; rather, it simply alinates everyone who might share other views and essentially says, "my way or the highway." That's a sure-fired way to make sure nothing you support goes anywhere."
-Mike

"Solmonese (one of the gay leaders involved) wants to be inclusive as long as he likes who is included. Just because people that disagree with you are at Obama's enormous table, doesn't preclude you from being an equally valuable guest. Human Rights are not the exclusive territory of any minority."
-Oddball (their username I presume)

That pretty much sums up my feelings on the situation, and we'll end it there. Although I might not be in line with all of Obama's ideas, I sincerely do hope his presidency is successful in bringing together people with different views and beliefs.

In lighter news, I am on a White Stripes kick. Jack White is a genius. So just fyi, here's a list of some of my all-time favorite Stripes songs:
1. Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
2. I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart
3. Ball and Biscuit
4. There's No Home For You Here
5. My Doorbell

Any readers care to share your favorites (coughcoughCarey I know you're a fancoughcough)?

Most of those are pre-Get Behind Me Satan era, because I didn't really get into that album or Icky Thump. There are many more favorites as well, the list is interchangeable based on my moods.

other random things worth mentioning:
I've decided that "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany is one of my favorite 80's songs. I have video blackmail of a certain best friend of mine clogging to that song circa 1991 in a metallic purple outfit. awesomeness.

Well, Christmas is just around the corner now! I feel that my 40-hour work week has impeded by ability to fully enjoy the season. Thanks a lot Real World. But I hope you all enjoy your holidays. :)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

middle of the week nothingness

blaaah. Nothing too exciting this week. Just enjoying the most recent Killers album, Day & Age...good stuff. The single "Human" is good but definitely not the only good one on the cd. "Spaceman," and "Losing Touch" are two of my faves. I didn't ever get into Hot Fuss but I loved (and still love) Sam's Town. The latter being another one of those few albums where I actually like every single song, hands down. I think they are a creative band, you don't really hear anything like them. And I like Brandon Flower's voice. Speaking of that- at the Mates of State concert, a band called The Winter Sounds played and the lead singer's voice kind of made me think of The Killers. I haven't really listened to them since the concert because, low and behold, I can't remember what songs they played at the concert. None of their songs on itunes sound like what they played. ugghh hate it when that happens. But they were good and I plan on making a trek back to Greenville if they play there again. I am living in the WRONG TOWN. Shelby=complete lack of taste in anything good.

BUT that brings me to the Mates of State concert...it was totally great. I, of course, love their music in general but the organ sounds really great in concert. I guess it just has a loud, full sound that you can't really get out of car speakers or ipod player speakers. But I guess it's a well known fact that you can't capture the awesomeness of bands on a record. Live just equals awesome (as long as the band is actually good). I also loved that my MOM loved the concert. haha. She ended up going with me and really liked it. She's a music teacher so obviously she already has an appreciation for music in general, but I wasn't sure if she would actually like it. But she did. I'm glad I had the opportunity to expose her to fabulous music she wouldn't otherwise have ever really listened to. :)

In other randomness, I'm getting more and more into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Karen O (lead singer) just embodies the term "kick-ass." There just aren't a lot of those kinds of female lead singers. Not ones who have the energy like she does. One of the things she is known for are the outlandish outfits she wears on stage, which I think is awesome. I mean, if I were a rock star, I think I'd wear completely crazy glittery nonsensical clothes too. Because rock stars can do whatever the f$#@ they want and get away with it...and I would take full advantage of that in the crazy-clothes-wearing department. Besides Karen O, the drummer and guitar player are both really talented. Or at least I think so. Need a gift idea for me? Any of their cd's. In cd format, because itunes isn't cutting it.

And I think I mentioned in my previous post that I was going to see Twilight...total disappointment. I mean, I did my best to go in without high expectations, but for real it was bad. The soundtrack is probably the only good thing about it (and I'm not really crazy excited about it either). I'll leave it at that.

I suppose I'll end this with a list of songs I'm most likely listening to in my car this week, just fyi.
1. "Spaceman" -The Killers
2. "Sweet Talk" -The Killers
3. "I'm With You" -The Stills
4. "These Days" -Mates of State
5. "Y Control" (Live at the Fillmore) -Yeah Yeah Yeahs
6. "How to Be Dead" -Snow Patrol
7. "The Old Apartment" -Barenaked Ladies
8. "Bette Davis Eyes" -Kim Carnes
9. "Maps" (Live at the Belfast Empire) -Duke Special (sidenote: This is a really great cover of one of my favorites from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. This guy has a thick Irish accent that's almost humorous in the song, but his piano interpretation of it is really pretty.)
10. "When I Was Dreaming" -Tori Amos

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Mates of State, Santogold, and more.


Goods - Mates of State



Featured above is one of my favorite songs by Mates of State, who I will be going to see in concert on Friday!!!! SO EXCITED to finally be seeing them live. I've loved their music for quite a while, they are seriously one of the few bands I can listen to over and over and it just never gets old. And I've probably said this before, but their music totally puts me in a good mood. It's all upbeat and happy sounding, which is something you don't find much of nowadays. And I find their whole husband-and-wife-touring-together-with-two-toddlers story completely inspiring (you can read more about that on their blog). It's pretty awesome that they make such good music with an organ and drums...totally unique sound, and I love the harmonies they put together. I have several live videos of them on my youtube channel that are definitely worth checking out. :] And in honor of my upcoming MOS concert experience, here are my current ten favorite songs- a mix of new ones and old ones:

1. Think Long
2. Like U Crazy
3. Open Book
4. Punchlines
5. Proofs
6. Gotta Get A Problem
7. Great Dane
8. My Only Offer
9. Running Out
10. The Re-Arranger

You can probably listen to a couple of those on their myspace, and of course you can find them on itunes.

I am still loving Santogold right now (I unfortunately missed the tour that featured her AND Mates of State). Her entire self-titled album is so great. I can't get enough of singers/songwriters who have their own styles...seems they are few and far between these days. "Lights Out" and "L.E.S. Artistes" are my two favorite tracks right now. awesomeness. I also saw the Sex and the City movie this weekend- loved it and I'm enjoying the soundtrack (Fergie's "Labels or Love" has pretty much been dominating car stereo this week). That's kind of old news but I just got around to seeing the movie.

On to other things. Pink's "So What" is growing on me. I really don't understand, because I hated it when it first came out. I really do believe that songs you listen to repeatedly, for whatever reason, eventually grow on you somehow. That song is on the radio ALL THE TIME. Maybe it's some kind of subconscious white flag...like you can't get away from the song, so your brain figures you might as well start liking it. One song that I do not like and hope that I don't start liking is "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce. Like seriously...I think that dead horse has been beaten one too many times. Supposedly even Ciara stole the idea for her song ("Like a Boy") from someone, but whatever, let's get past this whole writing-songs-about-being-the-opposite-sex. Although I never hear many songs from the opposite perspective. Point is, it's getting old. I don't care what you would or wouldn't do if you were a boy because, well, you're not so it doesn't matter!!! And this whole Beyonce alter-ego thing..."Sasha Fierce"...I mean, seriously? Seriously. Sasha Fierce. I can't not laugh at that.

I'm going to see Twilight tomorrow night at midnight (a decision I think I may regret on Friday morning)! YAY!!!! I've been wanting to listen to the soundtrack but I haven't really had time. Any soundtrack that includes bands like Muse, Collective Soul, and Iron & Wine can't be bad. I heard a clip of Rob Pattinson's song (Rob Pattinson plays the main character in the movie, for all you non-Twilighters) and it sounded good I think. I didn't really picture his voice sounding like it did in the song, doesn't really sound like a British person's voice if that makes any sense.

Also, I am enjoying all the Christmas music. I've decided that it is not too early. When November 28th rolls around, you only have 27 days left to celebrate Christmas and that comes and goes way too fast. I'm an advocate of celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas together. I was happy when Wham!'s "Last Christmas" popped up on my ipod today. :]

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

real men

If you know me, you know I am a huge fan of Tori Amos. That's an understatement. Anyway, her album entitled Strange Little Girls was released in 2001 and consisted entirely of cover songs originally recorded by male artists...so the album was more or less her musical take (as a female) on each song that had been written by a man. And of course it's a brilliant album, as all of her albums are. I really love all the songs from the SLG album, but the song "Real Men" (originally recorded by Joe Jackson) fell through the cracks and I just recently listened to it all the way through. I love it, the lyrics (which I have posted below) are just really thought provoking. It seems like, among Christians especially, everyone is always trying to define what a "real man" is...seems like there's so much confusion, so many labels that society has created. I could probably write a fifty page paper on this thanks to the Gender & Society class I took in college. But it's a good song for however you choose to take it, and you can find it on itunes. The video is a live performance of the song by Tori on the Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.




take your mind back
I don't know when
sometime when it always seemed to be just us and them
girls that wore pink
boys that wore blue
boys that always grew up better men
than me and you

what's a man now
what's a man mean
is he rough or is he rugged
cultural and clean
now it's all changed
it's got to change more
we think it's getting better
but nobody's really sure

and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are

see the nice boys
dancing in pairs
golden earring, golden tan
blow-wave in the hair
sure they're all straight, straight as a line
all the guys are macho
see their leather shine

you don't want to sound dumb
don't want to offend
so don't call me a faggot
not unless you are a friend
then if you're tall
handsome and strong
you can wear the uniform and i could play along

and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are

time to get scared
time to change plan
don't know how to treat a lady
don't know how to be a man
time to admit
what you call defeat
'cause there's women running past you now
and you just drag your feet

man makes a gun
man goes to war
man can kill and man can drink
and man can take a whore
kill all the blacks
kill all the reds
if there's war between the sexes
then there'll be no people left

and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are
and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are
and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

opinions, opinions

Sidenote about this post: I wrote most of this way before today (and had it saved as a draft), so keep in mind I did not write this post-election except for the last couple sentences.

So, since my degree is in political science, we'll visit that realm for a while. Especially since this whole election thing has been going on. I suppose I can go there. I don't really like discussing politics actually...mostly because I have developed a strong distaste for how people approach it. I mean, it's great to have beliefs and strong convictions, but those always seem to overshadow peoples' ability to discuss and debate intelligently. If that made any sense. And that's why we never get anywhere. It's like people don't know how to take a step back and look at things from both perspectives. All people want to do is bash the opposing view and automatically label it as ignorant or unintelligent. I can honestly say that I always try to respect anyone who has different views than me, and I always try to remember that just because we have a difference in opinion doesn't mean that either side is less intelligent. Just because candidates have two different ways of handling issues doesn't mean that one is less intelligent than the other. I find it kind of ironic that we preach tolerance and acceptance all the time but can't get through an election without throwing around completely mind-numbing bs in all directions that displays anything BUT tolerance and acceptance of differing opinions. That was a really long run on sentence. Anyway, it's completely ridiculous, and I suppose it's why I have always been uninterested in the election side of politics. Furthermore, I think I have a very strong case in saying that people should be ashamed of themselves in regards to the treatment of Sarah Palin. Neither McCain, Obama, or Biden experienced anything like the biased, unfounded attacks that Sarah Palin weathered. See, here's my thing. If you think that she is completely wrong in her views, that is great, we're supposed to disagree with each other. But respectfully disagreeing with someone and just completely (and ignorantly) attacking them are two different things. I'm glad I can honestly say that I respected all the candidates in this election and will continue to respect the winners. Is that what you can say? I hope so.

In other news, Santogold is awesome. Check her out on iTunes. I'm planning to go see Mates of State on Nov. 21st at the Handlebar in Greenville, SC. SO EXCITED. And the Holiday season is upon us! Time to pull out Sarah McLachalan's album Wintersong...one of my favorites by far. LOVE IT! the end. :)

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

new music tuesdaaaaay

So I'm really excited about this week's new music!! Lots of good stuff.

Sarah McLachlan released Closer - The Best of Sarah McLachlan, finally a studio compilation of some of her best songs. It goes as far back as "Vox," her first single that was released in 1988, and the second disc includes some of her more recent hits as well as several brand new songs. Up until now I think she had only released live compilations and remix albums but not a studio collection. I enjoy her live stuff but I'm glad I'll finally be able to get a greatest hits cd with the original versions of the songs.

On the flipside of that, Matthew Good released Live at Massey Hall and I am very stoked about this. It includes older-ish and newer-ish songs, including "Load Me Up" and "Apparations," and basically every other song of his that I like. I had heard a live version of "Strange Days" and loved it (you can probably find it on youtube), and so now live versions of all my other favorite songs are together on one album. yay.

Another one of my favorite artists came out with a new album today - Rachael Yamagata! I loved her album Happenstance but that was released in 2004 so I'm excited that she finally has a new one out. It's called Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart and anyone who enjoys chill music should give this a listen. Rachael Yamagata is a fantastic singer/songwriter. I don't think their music sounds the same...but her style kind of reminds me of Damien Rice. Moving on.

Also on the radar, The Streets (composed of hip-hop/rap artist Mike Skinner) new album called Everything is Borrowed. I'm loving the title track off the album- I actually heard a clip of it on the UK iTunes store a couple weeks ago, and now it's out on the US store. I don't exactly know why his music appeals to me because it's not really like any other music I listen to...but I heard the song called "It's Too Late" in the coffee shop at ASU one time and I've been hooked since. In the words of someone's review of the new album on iTunes, "he has some really dope beats and excellent lyrics." I would agree with that and say it's worth checking out for sure.

Let's see, other releases that I'm not going to elaborate on too much...
Newsboys (Live) - Houston We Are GO ...if that's up your alley. Not really my cup of tea anymore, but for all of you out there who <3 contemporary Christian music, I'm sure you will enjoy this as it includes some of my personal youth group favorites "Shine," and "Entertaining Angels."

The Sippy Cups - One Day Soon - EP. Ok actually I have no clue what or who this is (other than it's obviously children's music). I just saw it listed on iTunes and I have to say that if I ever made children's music, THAT would have been the name I'd have chosen for my band. awesome.

And last, but certainly not least:
Tori Amos - Live at Montreaux 1991/1992. SO excited about this. All of Tori's music is equally amazing because every album has its own sound and meaning. However, personally, my favorites come from her early years (the Little Earthquakes era). At that point in time, Tori in concert consisted only of her and the piano, which I love...I would venture to say that sometimes songs are way more meaningful without a full band. Anyway, I'm totally disappointed this one isn't on iTunes but oh well.

that's all for today and hopefully I won't go bankrupt buying all this new music.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

randomness for this week

Ben Folds new album entitled Way to Normal was released today and I'm sure it's great. Ben Folds doesn't put out music that isn't awesome. AND one of the songs features Regina Spektor. Such a great combination. Can't wait to listen to more of it. Anberlin also released an album, I'm not sure what to expect there- I don't really understand why "Feel Good Drag" was re-released on the album. I liked Cities a lot...so I don't know if this new one will be quite as impressive.

Ok so, the Kings of Leon album...just keeps getting better. It came out last week and I've had more time to listen to all the songs and they are ALL great. It is so rare for me to find an album that I actually like every song from. My favorites right now are "I Want You," and "Manhattan," and "Notion." I would LOVE to see them in Atlanta in November, but I doubt I will pull that off. Why can't they just come to Charlotte?


I've also been listening to some older favorites recently, a couple of them being songs by Milla Jovovich. You probably know her better as a model and/or actress. I've always seen her mostly do modeling for L'Oreal, but she's done a lot of acting too. If you've seen The Fifth Element, she plays Leeloo. Anyway. She also has a good voice, which is surprising because usually I would say that models/actresses need to stick with their respective careers and stay away from attempts at making albums. But I think Milla's attempt turned out semi-successful. She obviously didn't have much mainstream success, and most of you probably still have no idea who she is. Her sound is kind of quirky, but I definitely think she has a pretty voice. The songs I like are "Gentleman Who Fell," and "It's Your Life"...you can check them out on itunes. In an interview, she described the album as "a mix between Kate Bush, Sinead O'Connor, This Mortal Coil, and the Cocteau Twins.
" I love Kate Bush and the Cocteau Twins, and like Sinead O'Connor a lot...so I suppose that explains why I like her sound.

Anyone remember the song "Kiss the Rain" by Billie Myers? It came out in 1997-ish I think and was on the radio quite a bit...a pretty typical cheesy pop song. It popped up on my ipod a couple weeks ago and I've been listening to it fairly frequently since then. I don't really like her voice, but somehow it sounds good for the song. I liked it in the seventh grade for whatever reason and I still like it!

In other randomness, Halloween is getting closer and I am so excited! I love decorating for the fall season. :) yay pumpkins!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

new love.

Kings of Leon!!!

I stumbled across them on the United Kingdom iTunes store, and I am loving their music. Something I like to do every now and then is search around the iTunes stores of other countries. If you're on iTunes, there's a little place at the bottom of the main screen that tells you which store you're at (i.e. "United States") and you can choose to go to a different one. I always find it interesting to look at what songs/artists are popular in other countries...there are albums that have been released over there that haven't been here, that kind of thing. And personally, I think the United States is lacking in the ability to appreciate good music (for the most part). Back to Kings of Leon- I had heard of them, but not heard any of their music. I'm glad that the UK seemingly has an appreciation for good southern rock. Well, Kings of Leon is at least southern rock-ish (the UK store classifies them as "American Southern Rock")...I might not entirely classify them as that. Alternative/southern rock. Whatever. I like that half the band is from Tennessee. My favorite songs by them right now are "Fans," and "Sex On Fire." The latter is only released as a single right now but will be on their album that's set to be released on Sept. 23rd...this Tuesday! sweet. I really love the lead singer's voice, too. All the songs on their myspace page are good and they have some good live videos on youtube that are worth watching.

Speaking of youtube, I have a channel that I save all my favorite videos on and you can check them out at www.youtube.com/aubsmiles03.

So I also saw on iTunes that Jessica Simpson has gone country...bahahahaha. I am not a fan of Jessica Simpson. I always feel like her vocal chords have to be in agony when she is singing, it sounds like it takes so much work for her to wail the way she does. It's like...just quit while you're ahead. I'm aware there are some very talented country musicians, so I'm not saying this is the case all the time. but sometimes it seems like the country music genre is a popular back up plan for when artists aren't received well anywhere else. Country or children's music. Haha. I guess it's just the way everyone tries to dabble in everything else, which is fine I suppose. Country music artists try to go pop, vice versa, they all cover each others' songs, yada yada yada. I digress.

Well, to end this, here's my "recently downloaded" playlist for the week...fyi. :)

1. "Fans" by Kings of Leon (love this one!)
2. "Second Chance" by Shinedown
3. "Flying High" by Jem
4. "Swingset Chain" by Loquat
5. "Rise Above This" by Seether
6. "Take On Me" by a-ha ...I've been watching too much "I Love the 80's" on vh1, and I was surprisingly lacking this song on my ipod 80's playlist
7. "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town" by Pearl Jam
8. "Finding Me" by Vertical Horizon
9. "My Name is Trouble" by Nightmare of You
10. "Better Than Me" by Hinder
11. "Rattlesnakes" by Tori Amos
12. "Wreckage" by Ben Jelen

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Twilight and good covers!

So, I trust that over the last month or so you all have started reading the wonderful series that is the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. Best books EVER. Well, for those of you who aren't reading the series, this will be meaningless to you. Not entirely meaningless, so keep reading. I recently downloaded Charlotte Martin's album entitled Reproductions and it is fantastic. "Reproductions" meaning all the songs are covers. Really good covers. One of my favorites is "Bizarre Love Triangle" (originally performed by New Order- think 80's), and it totally belongs on the soundtrack for the first Twilight movie. Hands down. I think it would be more fitting if it were the Charlotte Martin version...only because the mood is a little different sounding because she slows it down a lot. Beyond things relating to the Twilight series- she also covered a Kate Bush song!!! I love Kate Bush. My current favorites from the album are (original artist's name is in parentheses):

1. "Bizarre Love Triangle" (New Order)
2. "Cloudbusting" (Kate Bush)
3. "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter In a Small Town," which, I had absolutely no idea was originally done by Pearl Jam until just now
4. "Song to the Siren" (Tim Buckley)

I'm sure I will eventually love every song once I listen to them all thoroughly. I've been a fan of Charlotte Martin for quite a while, most her songs are piano-heavy which I love.

other random songs that I am liking right now:
"In Your Atmosphere" -John Mayer, from his Live in LA album
the entire Rearrange Us album by Mates of State
"My Love for You is Real" -Ryan Adams

Friday, July 18, 2008

more from the little black box of magic

I realized this morning while listening to my ipod (which is referred to by many as the "little black box of magic") that I neglected to mention an artist I am really loving right now...Matthew Good. And it's definitely worth mentioning. "Load Me Up" was the first song I heard by him (or technically the Matthew Good Band). I guess that song came out my freshmen year of high school which would be 1999, gah I'm old! I saw the video for the song on MTV and I've liked the song ever since then.
I can't really remember what prompted me to listen to more of his stuff, but not too long ago I dowloaded his greatest hits cd called In a Coma (it also includes songs from the Matthew Good Band days) and I listen to it all the time. I really like his lyrics and sound, he's one of those artists who sings like they are genuinely putting emotion into what they are singing. Enough of my amateur analyzation though. "Load Me Up," "Apparitions," "Strange Days," and "Indestructible" are probably my top four favorite songs. but I could definitely listen to the greatest hits cd the whole way through and like every one. He's an artist I would say is certainly worth checking out.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

just some current faves!

As you can see (or hear, rather) I have updated my music player to the right. If it bothers you, you can just hit stop...but you will be missing out on the awesomeness that is spinning on my ipod right now.

On the music front this week, I recently bought Greg Laswell's full album entitled Three Flights From Alto Nido and I LOVE it. You can go to his myspace to listen to some of the songs, and I highly recommend that you do! His rendition of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is one of my favorites. I am also liking Katy Perry's cd...the album has other good songs on it besides "I Kissed a Girl." I heard an interview with Katy Perry on one of the radio morning shows I listen to, and she was asked how she felt about the fact that young girls are listening to that song. Her response was "you know, it's whatever...if parents don't want their kids listening to it, that's fine and they can go on letting their kids listen to "Lollipop" by Lil Wayne and not think anything of it." Touche! I thought that was a good response. You know there are people out there who are appalled at her song but jam out to whatever sexually charged and explicit rap song is playing next. Ironically, Perry's debut album was a gospel album which is something I find humorous. But I digress. Her new cd is what I would consider "fun." Just kind of fun to listen to when you're in the car running errands or whatever. She also does a good cover of "Your Love" (originally done by The Outfield), and I love that song so she wins points there. Between listening to Greg Laswell and Katy Perry, not much else is new. I'm trying to get into Coldplay's new album, but I can't seem to get past "Viva La Vida." I just listen to it repeatedly and then move on to the next artist. I need to just put on the cd and let it play through. Let's see...what else...I really love "Whatever It Takes" by Lifehouse. I mean, I like the song but I think a lot of why I like it is because of the subject matter. He's singing about how he is willing to do whatever it takes (hence the title) to keep a relationship together, and unfortunately I don't think many people care enough to put forth effort into staying together anymore if it requires anything that would mean they would have to not be selfish. That was a long sentence. haha! But anyway, I guess the song is kind of refreshing, sad and romantic all at the same time and I like it.

In other randomness, "Drugs or Me" by Jimmy Eat World is one of my favorite songs ever. You can listen to it on the player I have on here or you can find it on iTunes. The original version is good but I also love the Styrofoam Remix.

ok that's it for now. :)

Monday, June 30, 2008

Of all places, I would never think that the Cleveland Mall in Shelby would have good music playing over their speakers. But admittedly, it has been my source for almost all my new discoveries over the past few months. I mean, they really play good music! Not just new music, but really good old music (and by "old" I mean early 90's). I'm sure it's some kind of satellite radio station, which reminds me that I need to find out what station it is. but whatever it is, it's good. So anyway. Here is my "list of good songs I've discovered via the Cleveland Mall." Hope you enjoy.

1. "At My Most Beautiful" by R.E.M. - How did I not know this song before now?! It's such a good one. It just makes me smile, and the only qualm I have is that it isn't long enough.

2. "Accept Things" by Dolores O'Riordan - I should already be listening to her solo stuff, as I am huge fan of The Cranberries. I think other singles off this album were promoted more than this one so I'm not sure why it was chosen to be played on the radio but I'm glad it was. If you like her voice, I think you'll like this song.

3. "Here's Where the Story Ends" by The Sundays - Another one I'm thinking how did I miss this before now?? I am a big fan of the Cocteau Twins and iTunes kind of puts them in the same category. so yeah. Really good early 90's stuff that I'm sorry I missed the first go round. I was only five.

4. "If Only" by KT Tunstall - I really like KT Tunstall. And I have the entire album that this song is on...but didn't notice it until I heard it today. Just goes to show, there are probably hundreds of amazing songs hiding on our cd's that we don't ever thoroughly listen to.

There are more, but those are the most recent. In addition to these songs, I have been listening to Mates of State way more than any human being ever should. haha ok, not THAT much, but quite a bit. I know I will probably get tired of it real soon and not listen to them for a good solid few months. but right now I am loving their new cd...it's titled Rearrange Us. In addition to the fact that I just like their sound, I love the story behind them. They are a husband and wife duo, both had normal jobs...she was a teacher and he was a cancer researcher or something like that- but then they just decided they loved being on tour and playing shows everywhere so they quit their jobs and now music is all they do. I just think that is awesome.

On a sidenote before I end this, I added a blog to my list of blogs I read on the right called "Stuff Christians Like" and it is fantastic. I read it every day and always enjoy the posts...they are usually really funny and also very true. So I highly recommend you check it out.
http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com ...and yes, there are three f's in the word "stuff" in the url address.

Happy 4th of July week! :)


Tuesday, May 20, 2008

top fiiiiive!!!!!!!

I think it's time for another top five list!...I should be folding laundry or something but really, who wants to do that? All of the songs this week might not have lengthy explanations but you should listen to all of them anyway. ok here it is:

1. The entire Safetysuit album. I really like this band. My favorite songs thus far are "Annie," and "Something I Said." You can hear both of them on their myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/safetysuit.

2. "Real Love" by Regina Spektor. Originally by John Lennon. She does such a beautiful cover of this song...I've found the sheet music and it looks pretty easy to play so maybe you'll hear me singing it in a coffee shop one day or something. hah! Seriously though, it is such a pretty song and, even better, it's featured on the album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur. Good song, good artist, good cause.

3. "Tracing" by John Mayer. I love his songwriting. I also have full intentions of buying his as/is live album very soon because it sounds reealllly good.

4. "London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do)" by Heather Nova.

5. "Get Better" by Mates of State. If you haven't ever listened to Mates of State, you should. I am a big fan. It's basically a husband and wife duo- he plays the drums, she plays the organ. I know, you're thinking "umm...organ?" but it's a really good sound. And the song "Get Better" actually features the piano instead. Anyway, they are definitely unique. http://www.myspace.com/matesofstate if you're interested!

and that's it. Now that you have my stamp of approval on all these songs, you can go listen to them and soak up the musical goodness. :)

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

blogs, weddings, etc.

Just a note- everyone should take a look at the new blog I listed under my "frequented blogs and sites" list to your right...well, actually I'll just give you the link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/waltrumfelt. Walt Rumfelt's story is pretty amazing, so I encourage you to take a look at his journal. He also spoke at The Foundation last week, and if you go to their blog (that link is also on my list) you can download the testimony that he gave. A short summary- Walt went on a mission trip to Nepal with my church here in Shelby and came back fine, but two weeks later fell ill to some unknown disease (doctors to this day have no idea what it was) and came close to losing his life. It's an amazing story of how God works in our lives and through us even in the most difficult times. I can't really do justice to the story here so I'll let you look into it.

In other news, my best friend got married this past weekend! I don't even know if she reads this but I am so happy for her and her new husband! (: yaaaay weddings! I have to mention something I just read in one of Walt Rumfelt's journal entries. He was thanking his wife for all she had done and talking about marriage in general and this is the excerpt I really liked:
"God doesn't see marriage as a contract but a covenant. Tommy Nelson says that when you marry that person, you make them the right person at that moment. In God's economy, there is no turning back once you say I do."
Wow...what would our society be like if people really honored that covenant? It's kind of scary to think about how casually marriage is looked upon now. Really scary, actually. But I especially like the part about "when you marry that person, you make them the right person." It seems like so many times people abandon marriages because they feel they just aren't right for each other anymore, or they don't love each other the way they used to. Commitment is a choice, and I hate how people act like it's something they have no control over. I am thankful that I have two parents to look up to in this department. Are there times my parents didn't think they loved each other anymore? I'm sure. Are there times they felt like the romance was gone? Most definitely. But they make a choice everyday to put in 100% and make things work...and they've come out on the better side. I just pray that my friends who are making that step will find the courage and the strength to stick things out. Anyway, didn't think I'd go off on that tangent but I did.

Onto other things. (: I have liked The Weepies for a while now but their new album was released today, I've downloaded and so far it's great. They have such a good simple sound and I always love their lyrics. um...what else...Alanis Morissette's new single "Underneath" is not too bad either. I'm listening to Lifehouse as we speak and I'm loving the songs they have on their myspace. I've always liked Lifehouse and I definitely love their new stuff. ok that was all really random but that's it for now!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

THE list.

So I think this evening I will post a top five (or however many I decide) list of sorts. I usually go at least a couple weeks listening to a select few songs I've recently discovered and/or rediscovered...and they all automatically have my stamp of approval/recommendation.

the list (in no particular order, except the first one which I really love)
(1) "Steady On" by Shawn Colvin
(2) "Where Is My Mind" by the Pixies
(3) "So Long" by Guster
(4) "Weightless" by Nada Surf
(5) "Without Love" by Donna Lewis
(6) "Talula (The Tornado Mix)" by Tori Amos

also, I am loving this John Mayer song called "Say"...(and my new car, but that's another topic!) I love the lyrics. So here they are.

Take all of your wasted honor,
every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
better put them in quotations

say what you need to say

Walking like a one man army,
fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment,
knowing you'd be better off instead
if you could only

say what you need to say

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You better know that in the end
it's better say too much
than never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
and your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

say what you need to say



Such a good song. I think it's on the soundtrack for The Bucket List, which would seem appropriate. Anyway that's it for tonight! (: Be looking soon for my next post that is almost certainly going to be about one of the best Nickel Creek songs in existence. and maybe another top however many list.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Living Well's the Best Revenge

I am loving this video. R.E.M. freakin rocks. You can also download this on iTunes for free! :D

Monday, March 3, 2008

So...quite possibly one of my favorite songs by The Supremes would have to be "My World is Empty Without You." It is the jam!! haha. I think the bari sax just makes the track. Love it.


Anyway. On a random note, I decorated my first cake tonight! I don't think it was very good...but I tried. I am lacking in the patience department, probably just because of not enough sleep and working all day. And the icing I made was really weird and hard to squeeze out so now my hand hurts real bad! Gah! lol. Either way, I'm hoping maybe later in life I'll have the patience to decorate cakes. I mean, I think it's a lot of fun, but sometimes I just don't think I would ever be able to spend such a long time on all the intricate details of a pretty cake. I think I'm bad about always finding a way to justify paying people for things (i.e. cakes). Maybe crafty things just aren't my kind of hobby.

but listening to music definitely is. (:

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Stand Back

So this next video has to be one of most favorite live performances- Stevie Nicks performing "Stand Back" in 1983 on late night tv. I think her voice sounds really good in this particular performance. I mean- I'm a fan of Stevie Nicks in general, but I don't have a problem admitting that I think her voice tends to be on the very-nasal-sounding side of things. That nasal-sound just isn't as defined in this video and I like that. Also I LOVE this song. Stevie Nicks is freakin awesome. I always love the black flowy outfits with the really big sleeves and platform shoes she wears. I read in some article that she didn't like always being so much shorter than everyone on stage (she's like 5'1) so she always wore really high platform shoes. I can totally identify with that sentiment (not the on-stage part, of course). Anyway, she definitely has a spot on my list of the best female performing artists. If you can get past the cheese-tastic 80's dancing, it's a great video.


I did have the video posted, but it's a little sluggish when I actually post the video, so...you can watch it here!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Saturday, January 19, 2008

sometimes the best are undiscovered

A song called "Polaroid Millennium" by the UK group Sneaker Pimps is quite possibly one of my most favorite songs of all time. Or, well, it would at least make the top 50. I would venture to say it is almost entirely unheard of. I stumbled upon the song after buying the soundtrack to The Saint (good soundtrack and good movie). For some reason, the soundtrack doesn't list Sneaker Pimps as the artist for the song. So I never knew who it was by until I googled the lyrics today. Strange. But anyway. "6 Underground" is a more well-known song by the Sneaker Pimps, and it's also on The Saint soundtrack. Evidently, the Sneaker Pimps album that featured "Polaroid Millennium" never actually released because the record company rejected it...which would explain the lack of popularity. I'm pretty much a sucker for any song that features any form of strings, and this song qualifies. And you are in luck, I have the song here for you to listen to! I might just type all the lyrics out if I'm feeling extra ambitious. I especially like the part when (a little over halfway through) the electric-guitar sound is thrown in.

just press play :)



Pictures black and white or color
There's a postcard sent from heaven,
says 'make the most of never-never,
horizon starts right here,
the futures always near'
I know
I know this time is borrowed
I try to remember then forget my sorrow

Celluloid, monochrome, or color
Don't want to end in tears
I'll leave before my fear's confirmed,
scared to learn wasted knowledge
Give to the grave
These four walls could last forever
I could never be that clever

Celluloid, monochrome, or color
Don't want to end in tears
There's nothing left to discover
Did I learn to walk too soon
Is there time to turn the screw
Survive destiny, polaroid me
What's left to say about yesterday

I'll leave before my fear's confirmed,
scared to learn wasted knowledge
Give to the grave
These four walls could last forever
I could never be that clever

Sunday, January 13, 2008


So new on the music-to-discuss list is Jose (pronounced "josie") Vanders. I originally discovered her music via perezhilton.com (that's kind of embarassing and I promise I don't visit that site on a regular basis). Then, I started to see these little clips on MTV of a singer followed by the name "Kate Nash" flashing on the screen. I'm pretty sure Kate Nash is Jose Vanders. Actually not, but they sound so alike it isn't even funny. I first thought maybe "Kate Nash" was a show on MTV that Jose Vanders was doing the music for or something, but I looked it up and it turns out Kate Nash is a singer. They both have this ridiculously thick British accent...which might have a lot to do with why I thought they were the same person.

I haven't really heard any of Kate Nash's music other than the MTV clips. However, I do like Jose Vanders. The accent gets annoying after a while, but she has some good songs. I can't say that I like all of the songs I've heard on her myspace, but I really like a couple. The song called "Faces Going Places" is cute, and I very much like "Alberto Morrocco." Her songs are kind of abstract, kind of. You might could say she's a tiny bit Regina Spektor-ish. You can actually listen to "Faces Going Places" here:


Anyway. On the list of things that made my Friday (yesterday): I was at Harris-Teeter on Fri morning, and I was in a ridiculously long line to check out and I only had a couple bottles of water. A cashier opened another register and told *me* that she could ring me up. Well another lady walking up behind me with a cart full of groceries hears the cashier tell ME this, but proceeds to push her cart up to the newly-opened register! I, of course, back down and kind of gesture to the cashier to let the other woman go ahead (even though it was clearly my turn). But the cashier said to the lady "no, I'm sorry ma'am, I told her I would ring her up first so I can't let you cut in...sorry." HAHA! I snickered at her on the inside. It's the little victories in life! Hope you enjoyed that story.

Goodnight!

Monday, January 7, 2008

Foo, Sia, and more.

So I am immensely enjoying the most recent release by a little band known as the Foo Fighters. It came out in September I think...so I'm a little late, but it happens. I heard one song I liked on it and immediately knew the entire album was worth buying. I probably should've known that even without hearing any of the tracks. I don't think they ever disappoint. Anyway, I highly recommend you check it out. You can listen to one of my favorites, "The Pretender," on their myspace. The song I initially loved from the album was "But, Honestly" and so far it is still my favorite. I haven't listened to the album the whole way through yet, so yeah. David Grohl is freakin awesome and so is the band. It's such a relief to buy an album that is completely and totally worth my $9.99. Such a rare delight.

In other randomness, Five Guys (the restaurant) seems to have a decent music playlist. I guess it's a cd or something that's constantly on rotation, but it's good. Today, the song called "Without Love" by Donna Lewis was playing. I'm sure you remember her and her hit song entitled "I Love You Always Forever" circa the sixth grade. "Without Love" is a really good track as well. I mean, who knew she had more than one good song?

On my myspace page, I have a song called "Numb" by Sia playing. Sia is yet another unique sound that has managed to emerge among the commonplace and mundane. You can listen to her music on iTunes, of course, or on her myspace. I don't really know any of the songs on her myspace, but "Breathe Me" is a good one and I think the video is somewhere on there.

So much good music, so little time! Right now I have a queue of songs to buy as I wait for my laptop to be back in commission. The stupid power cord broke. It's my second cord in like sixth months! Toshiba makes a good laptop, but not a good power cord to go with it. I've been listening to Pandora Radio a lot since I'm without iTunes (on my laptop), so I've found plenty of fabulous new songs there. I have a link to Pandora over to the right of this blog, but I'll explain it to you. You go to pandora.com, and enter the name of an artist you really like. Pandora finds songs that (are supposed to) sound very similar to the one you like. I've found that Pandora usually does a really good job. It's a good way to discover new music in the way of what genres/sounds you enjoy. And of course since it isn't music by that same artist, you get a little variation which can lead to new favorites, which can lead to more variations, and so on and so on. Obviously I am entirely too familiar with the process, but I love discovering music.