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.

R.I.P.

So. My external hard drive died a couple weeks ago. To say the least, I'm heartbroken. Nearly 100 gigs of music just gone, like that. There may have been a few tears shed, not gonna lie. I'm probably being a tiny bit dramatic, but thats just how obsessed I am when it comes to music. In general I'm not having the best of luck as far as my computer goes. It seems as if my laptop is on the verge of crapping out too. (knock on wood) Lucky for me I getting a shiny new macbook for my birthday!

Of course, I'm still listening to music daily. Pandora has been very helpful and my town has a somewhat decent alternative rock radio station. I still wanted to share with those of you out there in blog land my current favorites or new stuff I've come across. But until I either get the data recovered from the hard drive (which is kind of costly and isn't guaranteed to work) or get my new laptop and able to redownload some of my collection, I wont be able to upload music for a bit. Next best thing is youtube.com. So watch some videos with me, you might find something you like.

Oh and I'm not responsible for anything of these videos. Some are official videos of the artist and some are made by fans. I prefer the ones with lyrics included since I like to read along.

Jason Walker - "Down"

I came across this song thanks to Pandora. The 1st version had a girl singing a couple of verses. Had a Damien Rice vibe to it. I'll be honest and say I didn't look that hard for that version. Apparently this song was also feature on that Vampire Diaries show that I've never watched. There's only room for True Blood in my heart. The song stands on it's own. There's something hauntingly beautiful about the whole vibe of this song. If you pay attention to the lyrics you'll get a great view of my current mindset. Sometimes life can be a little discouraging.

Katy Perry - "Teenage Dream"

I've been listening to this song on repeat the last couple of days. I've probably hate it next week. It's just a fun pop song. Slightly thoughtful but a bit fluff at the same time. Katy Perry has become my current love to hate artist. I go back and forth enjoying her or being annoyed by her. The video for California Girls really annoyed me, but we've not here to talk about that. The whole "skin tight jean" bit cracks me up. It's just plain fun.

John Mayer - "Edge of Desire"

Yes, John Mayer seems like he's a giant toolbag, but I really do love his music. This song in particle would be the perfect musical backdrop for a situation I was in. I think so anyway. Besides Mayer gained some points by streaming his concert from Red Rocks live and FREE for anyone with a computer. Not many people have done that. I got to spend 2 hours Weds. night watching in my favorite pjs and getting a little girlie weepy that tends to happen at his concerts. And, dude can play the guitar and his collection is sick. "there I just said it I'm scared you'll forget about me"

Erin McCarley - "Pony"

It's Okay. Sometimes you need a little reminder. This song is kind peppy and super cute. I would call it a pop song, but it's what more pop songs should be. Empowering instead of just being superficial. I have not problems admitting to enjoying the heck out of it unlike some others i equally enjoy.

Earth, Wind & Fire - "September"

Yes, this song is probably older than I am. Earth Wind and Fire is one of my Dad's all time favorites. I grew up listening to all the stuff. Vinyl, cassette tape, or CD my Dad has it all. A couple of weeks ago I got to see them live and for FREE. (I'm huge into free stuff) My dad played a huge part in my going. Since he lives across the country it was my duty to be there. I had a blast! No joke. I was shaking my groove thing with people of all ages. Couples old enough to be my parents or even grandparents and surprisingly and also amazingly there were so many people from my own generation! Common fellows who grew up listening right along with their parents. I was spooked myself by how many of their songs I knew by heart. Out of their hour and a half set there were only two songs I didn't know every single word. Even though only three of the original band members still tour they put on an amazing so. Great crowd interaction, the bassist had some kick ass fringe pants, and oh my god could these guys hit some high notes. I thought the slightly younger group of guys in front were going to wet their pants every time a crazy high note was hit. I really can't say enough what a great time I had. I think I might have to start seeing "older" acts more often. Touring and putting out music for 20+ years really makes you an expert.

Remember when?

I like pop music. Probably more than I like to admit and hopefully there is no photo evidence of my room in middle school. Back in 1997 I wanted to be Robyn. This was almost 2 years before Britney Spears danced down a hallway. Surprisingly enough my dad got me her CD for Christmas. (My dad doesn’t pick out presents, he gives cold hard cash) I literally played that CD over and over again that I ended up buy another copy come spring break. I loved her voice, the fact that she was Swedish and had cool short blonde hair, and all her songs spoke to 13 year old me.

Than she disappeared.

It happens quite a bit. European artist come to the United States hoping to make a big splash. Sometimes they do sometimes it’s just a little disturbance. Lucky for me, Robyn has been making music- in Europe of course. Lately I’ve been listening to her last couple of CDs. More club style dance music. I’m enjoying it all greatly and cant wait for her newest release later this year.

Tracks:

• Do You Know (What it Takes) (Robyn is Here 1997)
• Be Mine (Robyn 2007)
• With Every Heartbeat (Robyn 2007)
• Handle Me (Robyn 2007)
• Hang With Me – Acoustic (Body Talk part one)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/x8l1tz

Current Obsessions

I’ve been watching far too much television lately that music has taken a backseat. Its not that I’m not listening to music, but has become more of a background noise than its normally force of nature. Since I’ve been slacking on this here blog for about a month now, and some well meaning people have been complaining (you got you shout out Bigs), I figure it was time for some new blood. (True Blood is back!!!) There’s really no rhyme or reason or even a common threat between the following songs. Well, unless you count me just liking them more than others today.


Charlotte Sometimes
Track: “Bad Bad World”
Album: Sideways EP

One of my favorite female artists! It also doesn’t hurt she from Jersey. I wish she was bigger right now, she really is very talented. I was first turned on to her from VH1 of all things. They just to have “You Oughta Know” segments where they would showcase smaller musical acts. Whoever was in charge of picking what was showcased did an amazing job. I’m not even sure if VH1 plays music anymore. I only watch the T.O. Show. But back to Charlotte; this song is from her new EP which she was letting people download for free! I really want to get a hardcopy since the cover art is amazing. She’s just all around amazing. Great voice, lyrics, and point of view. I would compare her to Kate Nash, but with a little more soul. Wow that sounds lame, but I’m not so great at making comparisons.


John Mayer
Track: “Assassin”
Album: Battle Studies

Let me start by saying this: John Mayer is a lot like Kanye West. Neither should give interviews nor talk about anything besides their own music in public. With that said, Mayer, like Kanye, makes high quality music. I’ve liked Mayer since he released his first CD, I’ve even paid good money to see him perform live. He makes mellow, sometimes sappy music that favor well with frat guys who need something to play while they try to get laid. I love it of course, the music not the frat guys. Here’s my favorite song off his latest album. I imagine it playing in the background of some smoked filled room while two insanely attractive people drink dirty martinis.


Regina Spektor
Track: “Eet” “Blue Lips”
Album: Far

Regina is somber, thoughtful and usually accompanied by a piano. She has one of those voices I wish I had. There’s so much heart and soul in every word so sings. It’s heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. I find myself listening to her stuff when I’m stressed or worried and need to center myself.


Goldfrapp
Track: “Shiny and Warm” “I Wanna Life”
Album: Head First

I’m not sure who exactly suggested Goldfrapp to me, but it was a while ago. I didn’t pay much attention, but someone (I can remember who sais this) told me there recent album was damn good and I’d be stupid not to give it a listen pronto. I did and I realized why Goldfrapp was suggested to me in the first place. They’ve got an almost 80s electronic vibe. I could picture any their songs playing during the prom scene in Sixteen Candles. I love that movie and I’m loving this new album.


http://www.sendspace.com/file/j330bk

Sh*t on the Radio…

I rarely listen to the radio on my own accord. I do pay attention to the billboard charts just to see what’s popular, but while I was away I spent a LOT of time listening to the radio. I could make the argument that the radio sucks and most popular music is over produced and, well crap. There aren’t enough hours in the day for that, but I did come up with a list of songs that you can hear on the radio right now that I think they’re pretty awesome. I normally have low standards for local radio stations so forever me is half of this is crap. J

Drake - (4 songs)

85% the time I couldn’t care less about hip hop. I think the majority of it is stupid, the language is horrible, and the use of my least favorite word is prevalent. With all that said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Drake or JIMMMMMMMMY as I like to yell on a regular base. Who know the kid from a Canadian teen drama would have the music industry on its ear? So what if he uses his Blackberry to free style, its 2010, I know 10 year olds with Blackberries. I love what he has to say and how he says it. Dude sings his own hooks and does a damn good job.

Eminem feat Rihanna -“Love the Way you Lie”

Eminem falls into the 85% of hip hop I don’t listen to, but I do respect what he does. Even though his style of music isn’t always what I would listen to he does the angry, from a poor background, I cant handle my fame thing very well. Now this song is pretty damn depressing when you take the time to listen to the lyrics, but that’s what so amazing. I’m sure everyone has been in some sort of unhealthy relationship. Beside I think Rihanna kicks ass.

La Roux – Bulletproof

Fun lyrics, has the 80s vibe to it, a great girl inspiring song. Just an all around perfect summer jam.

Travis McCoy and Bruno Mars – Billionaire

Another fun summer song. Who wouldn’t want to be a billionaire? I’d be content with being a thousandaire. I’m also a sucker for any song that can name drop Oprah and not sounds like a douche.

Usher – OMG

If you want to feel like you at the Jersey Shore on a muggy hot Friday night play this song. It’s a perfect club song and you can easily pump your fist to it. Trust me, as someone who has a little Jersey girl inside and who was just at the shore, I did my fair share of fist pumping. Never did run into Pauly D or the Situation.

the mix

good news!!

i'll be uploading some music later today! i was on a 'vacation' for the last month and didn't bring my laptop or harddrive. that's what happens when you only expect to be gone for a week and a half! but now my love and i are back together and the ideas are flying! check back later today!

Circa Green

"I can't be honest with even myself
did you ever wish you were somebody else?"

This past week one of my favorite bands, Circa Survive, realized their third album. This is a band I’ve seen four times and would gladly pay to see them another thousand times. I point this out because there are some bands that I absolutely love but have never seen live. There’s away the possibility that they will suck live. I don’t like to pay to be disappointed when I could have easily stayed home and listened to the CD. I love love love Anthony Green’s voice. Yes, its a few octaves higher than my own, but his vocals just strike a cord with me. You can literally feel the emotion coming through your speakers. He’s just as amazing live and in person. Beside they’re from Philly and I love just about everything to come out of that city. (But not Kobe Bryant- but that’s a long story)

So here’s a couple of songs from their three albums and a couple tracks from Anthony Green’s (lead singer) solo projects/random demos.

The mix:

Juturna

- “Holding Someone’s Hair Back”

- “Stop the Car”

On Letting Go

- “Living Together”

- “In the Morning and Amazing”

- “The difference Between Medicine and Poison is the Dose”

Blue Sky Noise

- “I Felt Free”

- “Spirit of the Stairwell”

- “Get Out”

Solo stuff

- “Plays Pretty For Baby”

- "Dear Child (I’ve Been Trying to Reach You)"

http://www.sendspace.com/file/v12nir

I’m Back and I Bring You Rainy Days

I’ve slacked off long enough so I’m going to make this short and sweet. No real comments or explanations for why I picked a certain songs, if you have a question, leave a comment! It’s been raining like the world is ending in this part of the US. So with out further a due here are some of my favorite raining day songs:

Nick Drake – “One of These Things”
Elliot Smith – “Miss Misery”
The Shins – “New Slang”
Radiohead – “Reckoner”
The Hush Sound – “You Are My Home”
Frou Frou – “Let Go”

Enjoy!
http://www.sendspace.com/file/2jarpg

I’m already putting together another mix for later this week. Yea! For planning a head!

lame i know

I've been busy, out of town and about a thousand other lame excuses. It happens. I'm thinking Friday will be a good day for some music.

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March Music Madness!

I was original thinking I would update every Monday since that’s when I finally got my act together last week. I still plan on doing that but I figured I would also do an end of the month kind of thing. Share the songs that made my month. I tend to make a new playlist in my itunes every month anyway. I’m THAT annoyingly organized when it come to my tunes. It was a great strain on my emotional state to narrow this list down from 35 songs. Every song of my collection is like my child. You’re just not supposed to play favorites with your kids! (I’m my mom’s favorite haha) I did my best to leave some out.

The mix:

1. Florence and the Machine.

I really got into this lovely lady this month. Still love the track “Comsic Love” but I finally gave the rest of her CD a shot.

Tracks: “Howl” “Dogs Days Are Over” “Hurricane Drunk” “You’ve got the live”

2. Regina Spektor – “Eet”

Thanks to Pandora on my sweet ne blackberry phone I hear this song just about every time I’m pulling in the work. Some how its very fitting.
3. “The How to Make it in America” Mix tape

Such a fun new show about my favorite place in the world, NYC and featuring the very handsome Brian GreenBerg.

Tracks: Aloe Blacc – “I Need a Dollar” (my current ringtone) Nipsey Hussle Feat. KC – “Husslas State of Mind” Duck Sauce – “anyway”.
4. Drake and Lykke Li – “Little Bit”

Enclosed are both Li’s original and Drake’s remix of it.
5. Sia.

Another female artist I was all about in March. Her voice is soulful and oh so haunting. She defiantly doesn’t fit the picture I have in my head, but that doesn’t stop me for singing along. Great mellow music to unwind to.

Tracks: “Little Black Sandals” “Breathe Me” “Day Too Soon”
6. Phoenix – “Rome”

“is he teasing with underage” best line ever! An all around solid band to come out recently, just hipster enough. Ha!
7. Lykke Li

She’s been feature in a couple of British TV shows I watch. Takes me back to my rave days, and not in a bad way

Tracks: “ Until We Bleed” “Let it Fall”

8. Metric

Another thanks to Pandora radio, this time for introducing me to the peppy little band. Their CD Fantasis we always remind me of the Sookie Stackhouse books. It was always playing in the background while I was enjoying a world were vampires, elves, and werewolves were real. And really “who would you rather be? The Beatles or the Rollingstones?”

Tracks: “Gimme Sympathy” “I’m Alive”
9. Ingrid Michaelson

Her music and twitter make me smile daily.

Tracks: “Maybe” “Starting Now”
10. The XX – “Stars”
The song, this CD, this band is what I consider sex music. After listen to this song just try to tell me you don’t feel something in you baby making parts.

And here's the links to pick all the up: http://www.sendspace.com/file/lv8zlc

*natters