I'm on fire!

Guess you could say I’ve gotten my groove back. Or maybe I’m just feeling inspired lately. Probably a little bit of both! I’m back for the second day in a row with a brand new mix. It probably helps that I figured out/realized I can make a post and have it publish later in the day. Now when I’m feeling all inspired I can make a bunch o mixes and ‘save’ them for a later date. Oh how fancy technology can be! Now if only I could figure out why the spell check has given up in Word. So please ignore any misspellings I miss.

So, what’s in this mix? A little of rock and roll, a little blues and maybe a smudge of country. Yes, I do listen to country music. Its pretty far between and a rarity but it happens! So enjoy!!

The Black Keys – “Nova Baby”

Have you heard The Black Keys yet? Their former album ‘Brothers’ was amazing and now they’ve released a new one. Two albums in less than two years is impressive, but two awesome, kick ass albums in that time frame is freaking amazing! “Nova Baby” is my current favorite off of El Camino. The whole CD has a very 70s rock feel to it. With this song I can pictures bored suburban California teens hanging out by someones pool and loading up on sun-in. Do they still make that stuff?

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Goodbye Kiss” “Apologies”

This is where the little bit of country music comes in. I wouldn’t exactly call them a country band but I have heard others. There’s defiantly a twang going on but there's also a whole lotta rock influences there. I, of course, pick two sorts love songs, sorta kiss off songs. One is more up beat and the other is a bit slower. I think they're both great to have playing when you're either debating ending things or just getting over a breakup you know is for the best but you might not exactly want to say goodbye. That type of love song seems to be my favorite. Sometimes you have to ignore your heart and use that big ol brain you got.

The Gossip – “Dimestore Diamond”

Beth Ditto – “Goodnight and Good Morning”

Have you heard of Beth Ditto and The Gossip? You really should give them a listen. Beth is a badass and they make badass music. Their stuff almost has a 70s disco feel with a little bit of 80s new wave mixed in. Think Debbie Harry and Blondie or Pat Benatar with a modern twist. Its good stuff. I like to listen to them while I’m getting ready to go our. Its like a musical boast of confidence.

Florence and the Machine – “Shake it Out”

Flo is everywhere. People love her music and they fact that there’s NO AUTOTUNE! Praise the heavens! I am, of course, a big fan and the new CD is just as great as lungs. Really not too much I can say besides go listen and hope that Flo stops wearing those flowing dresses all the time. I’m not a fan of those. At all.

Coldplay – “Princess of China”

Its Coldpay! It’s Rihanna! All together!

Amy Winehouse – “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”

I’ve sat here for the last minutes trying to think of something smart to say regarding Ms. Winehouse, but I’m drawing a big blank. She left us to early. She had an incredible gift but her demons won in the end. I’m thankful Lioness was released. In a way its her parting gift. This song in particular really showcases how amazing of a voice she truly hard. It’s bittersweet. 

http://www.sendspace.com/file/z86ml3

The mood: Revenge.

So ABC has this wonderful new show Revenge that I’m just plain addicted to. So much so I watched 9 episodes in a day and a half. I tend to overindulge in things I love…. If you havent watched it you should. It’s the perfect nighttime soap opera and has that girl from Everwood. (side note: Everwood was ‘set’ in Colorado) The best part, the show has some kick ass music! I’ve discovered 3 news bands that have a great mellow, haunting vibe to them. Two qualities I’m a big fan of. Take this mix as a little sampling what you might be missing out Wednesday nights.

Little Dragon – “Twice”

They’re from Sweden, you cant go wrong there. “Twice” is from their self-titled debut albumn. The rest of album is a great mixture of blues, pop, and little rock accompanied by Yukimi Nagano soulful voice. Her voice gives me the same feeling hoemade mac and cheese does. So comforting.

Agnes Oble – “Riverside”

I dare you to listen to this song and not feel the little hairs on the back of you neck not jump. This song is creepy but oh so beatiful at the same time.

Angus and Julia Stone – “For You”

I believe this song was played during all the promos for the show? I’m not sure but I love the guitars and how she sings universve. It starts off slow but builds itself into a frenzy.

Gotye – “Somebody I uesd to Know”

This song is not from the show, but it fits in while with the pervious songs. This verse is what hooked me: “Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over/But had me believing it was always something that I'd done/And I don't wanna live that way/Reading into every word you say/You said that you could let it go/And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know”

Get it here: 

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ykux6n

So Sorry!

I might have accidentally forgotten about this little blog, but not anymore! New mixtapes ARE coming soon- like today! I promise! Life got a little busy but I havent stopped listening to music and looking for new songs to fall in love with. 

You tell me that you love me but you never want to see me again

Wow, February is just about over. March has always been one of my favorite months. Normally its the last of winter and signs of spring start popping up all over the place. Even tho winter hasn't hit us that hard where I am and love the more mellow seasons.

So here are the mix of songs I've been listening to to close out this short month.

Bayside- "Winter (Acoustic)"
I love this acoustic CD of Bayside's even if it is 6 years old now. This song in particular is perfect for right now. Changes are about to be happening and I think the lyrics perfectly express that feeling. This song was written as a result of John Beatz's passing and its pretty damn perfect. There is so much raw emotion coming at you. For me this song also represents growing up and dealing with those changes. I walk away from this song knowing no matter what life goes on.

Adele - "Set Fire to the Rain" and "Someone Like You"
SHE IS AMAZING! I could easily go on and on and on and on about how much I love her voice, her music, just her in general. I'll spare you this time. Her latest '21' has just hit stores in North America. I was lucky enough to get a UK copy weeks ago. It's in my car now and has been on repeat since. She is the perfect example of a true talent. No fancy gimmicks needed here. So here are 2 of my favorite songs off of '21'. If you don't truly enjoy them than we cant be friends.

The Black Keys - "Never Gonna Give You Up"
The best way for me to describe The Black Keys is this: picture 60s Motown and the current group of indie/hipsters got together and had a love child this would be it. They're cool, sexy and funky all at the same time. This song is probably the best example. Hell, even my dad would love The Black Keys.

Bedouin Soundclash - "Brutal Hearts"
I came upon this song while watching The Romantics. The movie was pretty horrible, but this song made up for the hour and a half I'll never get back. The song is dark and moody, but Coeur de Pirate's vocals wrap you up in a cozy blackout where you want to spend the rest of the night.

Bossanova - "Blue Bossanova"
Another Pandora find. I play this song when I'm driving down the road with the windows down a bit and the sun shinning. It just makes me feel like a badass. It's just plain cool.

Paper Route - "Second Chances"
"Nothing's good, nothing's right, but I love you."
Picture the sweetest female voice singing that to you. Pretty heartbreakingly beautiful right? This song fits in so well into my anti-love song collection. Ever had one of those relationships that is just so unhealthy and so not good for you, but you cant stop yourself? This song will bring you back to that point. And you're secretly love it. There are so many perfect lyrics throughout the just over 4 minutes of this song.

Unkle Bob- "Swans"
I first heard this song while I was on the treadmill running to Grey's Anatomy. (That show has an awesome soundtrack by the way) Another song for my anti-love collection. Love isn't all hearts, flowers and rainbows. Most of the time its everything you don't want it to be and here's a good example of that.



http://www.sendspace.com/file/ibfpn5

It's a new year, so there's that.

Holly smokes it’s been far too long! It’s not that I’ve been ignoring this blog, I actually think about it quite a bit in my day-to-day life. That probably makes me one of the biggest nerds around, but we’re not here to discuss that today. We're here for the music. I held off anything new since I'm an organizing freak. I wanted to actually upload a mix instead of relying on youtube again. And with a new computer there was formatting, re-organizing, and getting used to working with Mac instead of Windows. All really blah, boring stuff unless you're me and well, you're probably not.
Now I'm heading down a path I wasn't planning on. Let try this again.

Music

I couldn't come with a good enough theme for this mix so I'm just going to go with the playlist it came from. Just about every month i start a new place simply titled the month and year. Sometimes there's an underlying theme other times its just a mix of song i really like at the time. Most of the time its song i just happen to be obsessed at the moment. I get into a couple songs and play the hell out of them for about a month. The good ones go on to be favorites, one I will always listen to and the rest are more one hit wonders. Sometimes you're just in the mood to for something that's not always you're 'type'.I love keeping track this way so i can go back and see what mood I was in for the particular month. some months are more embarrassing than others.

Below is January's play-list broken down into two different mixes. I split it up since half of the songs were more up beat while the others were more down-tempo and somber side.

January One (http://www.sendspace.com/file/f9pzyq)Ingrid Michaelson - Parachute
I consider her the thinking girl's pop artist and this single is by far her popist. kinda sexy too and i have listened to it about 20 times since yesterday. Cheryl Cole from the UK's X-fator has a version of this song herself, but I love Ingrid a thousand times more
Kesha - We R Who We
RI like Kesha, I will admit that, I will not put a dollar sign in her name tho. This is just good fun music. There's not point in analyzing it past that.

Metric - Blindness
If you haven't listened to anything by Metric before, you need to. Or if you watch Grey's you might have heard a bit of one of their songs here and there. It's good guilty stuff that no one should be missing out on. And they're damn good live too.

Fefe Dobson - Stuttering
I like her, she's Canadian and reminds me of myself, personality wise. Fun pop music and you can sing your little heart out to in the car.

Little Boots - Symmetry
If you like Bat for Lashes or Goldfrapp you'll enjoy Little Boots no matter what size shoes you wear.


January Two (http://www.sendspace.com/file/68zs1c)
Citizen Cope - Sideways
1st time i really listened to this song was on a flight bound for Jersey. It was November, cold, and I was feeling homesick for the East Coast. So for me, this isn't just a love song about a person, but a whole way of life, friends, family, and skylines.

Ray LaMontagne - Sarah and Let it be Me
It's Ray LaMontagne! Just fabulous. He's the perfect long drive kind of music. Pretty sure at least one of his songs has been used in a car commercial- its that fitting. Enjoy!

The National - Anyone's Ghost
There is something old school about this band/ this song. I picture a group of grungy, bearded, plaid wearing but attractive guys jamming out in someone's 70s styled basement recording this song on someone cassette player. Sag carpet and lots of cigarette and other plant smoke fill the air. I totally think its hot.

Amy Winehouse - Tears Dry On Their OwnIf you've forgot how amazing Ms. Winehouse's voice is and can only picture her drunken drug fueled ways here's a reminder. Man, I wish she could sober up just enough to record some new stuff. I don't care if she goes on a bender five seconds after its been mixed.

Greg Laswell - Comes and Goes (In Waves)
It's a repeat, but is worth it.

mini update!

It took me nearly two weeks but I finally have all my music organized and ready to go!! I had to uninstall and reinstall itunes three times (!!) before it was working properly. Off topic but, why does itunes take so long to load and open? Do I have too much stuff or is it just out to annoy me? Other than those pesky little problems I've been having lately I do love itunes. For someone who's a nutter about having everything organized just so- that program does make the aspect of my life easier.

Yesterday I realized how much I really do have. (I've crack 100gb!!) I had a moment there were I couldn't figure out what I want to listen to! There's just so many options! I settled on Death Cab since its just so perfect. I also decided that Death Cab For Cutie is MY NUMBER ONE FAVORITE. A big accomplishment for me! I always have a list of like ten bands/artists I consider favorites and now I've settled on one.

I'm sorry to say I wont be sharing any music tonight. I have a couple different things planned, so don't worry! Right now I'm just enjoying having my music back and not being forced to flip through radio stations. I also picked up a bunch of books from the library on Monday, so I've been enjoying my two favorite hobbies. I love nothing more than putting on some relaxing music and curling up with a good book. Since it's finally starting to feel like winter here, that's about all I want to do lately!

I leave you with a question:

What song or artist causes you to automatically change the radio station?

For me it's Creed or Nickleback.

GOOD NEWS!!

I was brave and weathered the Black Friday shopping yesterday. Though I didn't head out till 10 hoping to bypass most of the crowds. That didn't happen, there were TONS of people at Best Buy when I got there. I was even interviewed by the local news! Little shy and awkward me was on TV 3 times Friday! Not that I got to see it- boo work! Why was I at Best Buy with all the crazies you ask?Well,

I FINALLY GOT A NEW HARDDRIVE!!!!!!!!

I am now the proud owner of the Western Digital My Passport Essential SE 1TB portable harddrive. That's not a plug or any kind of promotion I'm just really excited. I have a new toy!! Where this baby lacks in psychical size (its about as big as my hand!) it makes up in storage space!

It's he a cutie? I've named him Fred and I know we've become fast friends!

Yes, I realize I might sound a little odd, but when you think about it, this is normal

behavior for me. I love music so much that you could call it an addiction and since I have an older laptop I was never able to store my massive collection on my laptop. I've had to rely on some sort of external storage unit. Ipods, harddrive, etc. But now I have Fred and he's already working on replacing everything that I lost.

See!

He's a busy little bee! I've even got a spreadsheet of all my missing music so I know exactly what I'm missing. That's the highlighted window in the back. This time around I'm going to organize the crap out of my music.

You know how people always say its the little things that bring the most happiness? Well this is by far the biggest little thing to happen to me in a while. I really am ridiculously excited!!

My Hometown. Part One

I grew up with the Air Force. I've moved around a bit. I consider many places, states, and countries 'home'. I always consider music to be my hometown. Music has been the biggest constant of my life. I may more around, change and grow as a person but music will always be there for me. Sure, there is music that comes and goes. Its not easy to stay the exact same, do and act the same way your whole life. But as often as my music choices change there will always be bands and artist that stand the test of time. They might not be on my top ten favorite of all time list, but it something I know I’ll always be willing to listen to.

Below are a few songs that will always has a place in my heart. Just like how my many hometowns will always be a part of who I am.

Snow Patrol (“You're All That I Have”, “Run”, “Ways and Means)

I loved listening to this band while I would be hauled up in the library studying like a crazy person. They have a nice mix of up-tempo songs as well as tearjerkers. Keeps the brain's wave flowing with out over loading the system.

Jimmy Eat World (“23”, “Kill”, For Me This is Heaven”)

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned J.E.W. Before. This is a special band since not only are the one of the “hometowns” but they are also one of my all time favorites. They're song 23 was my life that year of my life (and maybe still a little bit true today). 23 is perfectly heartbreaking. Funny, most of their songs that I love are kinda painful love songs, but things never seen to work out the way they should. That there is my life in a nut shell.

The Weakerthans (“Aside” “Left and Leaving”)

I first time I heard The Weakerthans was on a mix tape (an actual casset tape) that my friend James had made for me since my little Nissan only had a crappy tape player. I always thought of the tape as my “late night driving with the windows rolled down” soundtrack. I drove around a lot when I was in high school. It was really the only place I had too quite and privacy. I normally drove by myself and late at night and in suburban Colorado there are not many people out late at night. All these songs remind me of the sense of freedom and pure relaxation all my late night driving trips left me with.

*Gas was a lot cheaper when I was 16!

We don't need no stinking words!

Or badges if you've been lucky enough to have watched the awesomeness that is Troop Beverly Hills. And if you haven't you are missing out on a true 80s gem that well leave you craving cookies.

Pushing all that aside, today I'd like to focus on an aspect of music that might not always be in the forefront. The instrumental. Lyrics can make or break a song so easily for me. Simply put, they are my favorite part of a song. I like having something to sing along to and since I'm a huge fan of over analyze every little thing, lyrics only add to my crazy! Lately I’ve found myself favoring instruments or as I like to call them: songs that are just too cool for words. By cool, I don’t mean the popular kids in your local high school cafeteria but cool as in relaxed, peaceful, that moment of the day right before the sun reacts the horizon and the world is lush and green with a thing layer of dew covering all the vegetation. That kind of cool.

Explosions in the Sky –“The Only Moment We Were Alone' and 'Your Hand in Mine' (the Friday Night Lights theme song)

There was once a wonderful football focused book called FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS that would go on to be reincarnated in not only a book but ONE OF THE BEST TV SHOWS OF ALL TIME! (its that good, seriously) The movie soundtrack set the tone for the tv show's soundtrack and all that would not be possible without this groovy instrumental rock band from Texas. Every track breaks your heart a little with each listen. Its the music I want playing softly in the background of all my most emotional and passionate moments. There's almost a small town on the plains, I'm about to break out of and take over the world vibe. Its all just so inspiring. Listen to either of these song and tell my you don't feel something nagging at you butt.

Pretty Lights - “Finally Moving”

Pretty Lights is much more synthetic than the last group. There's more hip hop style beats and the majority of the “Finally Moving” was composed on a computer. (I'm guessing) Doesn't have the same organic, heartbreaking, bleeding my sole out through my guitar vibe. This song is has more some a joint and dance around your friends basement and of couse there's someone who's brought their glow sticks with them. I like to listen to Pretty Lights riding the subway underneath Manhattan. This song and the random mix of people you'll find on the train just goes together so well.

*yes there are words, but they don't count.

Hammock - “I Can Almost See You”

Iceland. That's what comes to mind when this track starts. Or is it Greenland? Which ever one is the coldest. I picture myself walking across some barren arctic landscape, it's cold but something amazing is just a couple more steps. There might be a baby polar bear off into the distance. Not sure what's waiting just over the horizon but the track makes me believe it must be ridiculously amazing. That's the reaction I get to this track. Anything that can cause such a vivid daydream gets an A+ in my book.

Gotta stay postitive...

I've been in a crap moody lately. I'm trying to be positive and send good vibes out into the universe but its much harder than it sounds. I sat down about a half hour ago all ready to finally update this thing and well, my computer is an asshole. It's a simple as that. I've got my fingers, toes and even legs crossed hoping that I DO get that new MacBook I've been lusting over for my birthday. The Big 27 is coming up in less than a month. Damn, I'm starting to feel old.

Since my laptop is an asshole and my external harddrive is still dead, this will be another one of those youtube video things like last time. Can I stumble off topic a minute and talk about youtube? I'm not really into youtube as a whole. Every so often I've hear about a funny video or since all my music is gone I'll go looking for a song there, but there's like a whole youtube community going on. I just don't get. I think its amazing that youtube personalities are going on to bigger and better things (like Glee) It's all great, but most of it is so over my head. I've never understood the internet fame that happens. Maybe I really am an old fart.

Enough about that here's some songs I've been digging lately.

Neon Trees - Animal

The 1st verse got me hooked ("here we go again, i kinda wanna be more then friends, So take it easy on me, I'm afraid you're never satisfied") and than I play it over and over again. It's a fun song. I listened to it no less than 6 times driving up to Denver with my friend Jeremy. He's pretty picking and was right with me singing at the top of our longs. There's almost the animal like growl to it and than he voice almost breaks during the chores. I think it's sexy.

Mumford and Sons - "Little Lion Man"

So this song might have a little more folk in it than I normally go for, but there's also a bit of thunder going on here. This song has some balls. How often does a guy admit fault? Never I tell you. The chorus is what got me and brought me back for more.

but it was not your fault but mine and it was your heart on the line i really fucked it up this time didn't I, my dear?

Jimmy Eat World - "My Best Theory"

I love Jimmy Eat World. It's as simple as that. Here's their new single which is damn good. It has all the elements that make this band one of my favorites. Starts off slow than works you into a tissy of awesomeness.

30 Seconds to Mars - "This is War"

So Jered Leto, Mister Jordan Catalano himself, has a band. I remember hearing he was in a band years ago but I thought it was one of those actor bands that's more like a hobby. Think Kevin Bacon, Keanu Reeves and Russell Crowe. I guess you could say I was wrong. People seem to actually like 30 seconds to Mars, they even won a VMA, not that that means that much. I like this song, much more than I thought it would like any thing by these eyeliner wearing dudes. It's all very end of the world, big brother, we're going to rebel feel to it and I dig that stuff. 1984 is one of my favorite books ever. I doubt George Orwell would care mush for Jered Leto but that's okay.

Arcade Fire - "Ready to Start"

Arcade Fire is another one of those bands I love and probably always will. This song reminds me of Halloween. I'm really not sure why, it just does. Halloween is my favorite holiday. There's so many good verses and lyrics throughout this whole song its really hard for me to just pick one to quote. Its just plain good that I can't even say much more than that.