Music Monday: fun.

When the fun. CD came out a few years a go I was about to buy it on the band name alone because I thought it would be a CD of fun music. As I thought about it more (and saw some of the people buying it) I thought the bands name might be a more ironic or sarcastic title, especially with that period on the end. I know, I over think things sometimes, especially when I am given ample time and opportunity to do so. I am here today to say that I wish I would have bought that CD, because fun. is a fun band. Ever since we almost saw fun. live I have been listening to their latest album even more than before the festival. I also have recently bought their first one Aim, Ignite and cannot wait to travel tonight while listening to it.

I know that some are loving their mega hit "We Are Young" and some are not big fans (and if you listen to top 40 radio you have to be getting tired of it by now) but the rest of the album I would say is better than this catchy single. The best song has to be the title track on their new album Some Nights. It is upbeat, you can sing along and dance around- great stuff. The 30 sec clip of this song is what made me buy their new CD, and both Cece and I were excited that we at least got to see this song live. In honor of that take a listen to a live version I found, although it was better when we saw it ;)

The whole CD is full of unique tracks that are great for dance parties in your room are a road trip car party. The founder and lead singer, Nate Ruess, has got a great voice behind him and some songwriting skills. My former coworker at Finders was a big fan of his old band The Format and would play one of their CDs all the time when we worked together. I remember liking it but now that I know it was his old band I may need to try and track down a copy. Some of my other song faves include: "One Foot," and "Carry On." I have a feeling they are going to keep getting better and bigger and I am excited for more!

New Releases to Check Out:

• Best Coast - The Only Place (I highly recommend it- great summer album just like the last one!)
• Beach House - Bloom
• Jacob Jeffries Band - Tell Me Secrets
• Ryan Shaw - Real Love
• Santana - Shape Shifter
• Newsies Original Broadway Cast (there has been some confusion on release date but it is awesome!)
• Already came out but still awesome: Rufus Wainwright - Out of the Game

On the Horizon:

• Paul McCartney - Ram remastered special edition
• Regina Spektor - What We Saw From The Cheap Seats
• Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Here
• Yellow Submarine being re-released on DVD (we got so many requests for this at Finders)
• and of course...KIMBRA - VOWS!!! NEXT TUESDAY!! Check out the cool ally dancing below:

Music Monday: Alabama Shakes

I have been hearing hype about Alabama Shakes for at least 6 months now- but after the hype over Lana Del Rey, I was weary. As I kept hearing the last 5 seconds of their first song "Hold On" the negative attitude continued as I did not see what the big deal was. I heard it a few times, then a couple more, then today I listened to the whole CD on NPR. (Once again with an awesome line up of First Listen albums) I have to say- I am loving it. People kept saying they sound like a fresh take on old soul music- more Stax than Motown.Why didn't any of this win me over immediately before even hearing a note?? I blame Lana. (Ugh, video games...) Well I just want to announce I have come to my senses and when the album Boys and Girls comes out on April 10th (same day as the delicious M. Ward) it will most likely find its way into my Record Store Day shopping spree. I leave you with a few bits from this new soul band:

Music Monday: 2 points for NPR!

I took my work iPod home last weekend to update it because it tragically did not have both Florence + the Machine albums on it for some reason. (Background: this is my music only iPod that now does not even hold all my music so I have to start figuring out new ways to get music on there. I started with putting all my playlists on but that does not give me full albums so I now have to check individual artists and albums...a long process. Ugh.) Well this morning I forgot to grab it to bring back so I am without it today. Not a huge deal, I have the internet. So I first go to AOL and Spinners listening party where you can hear full albums before they are released...dud. Not only was there nothing that particularly caught my attention (besides the new Civil Twilight which did sounded pretty good) but I find that Macy Grey has a cover album...and each song I started listening to was worse than the 5 sec I listened to before it. The cover of "Maps" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs should be outlawed.

NPR TO THE RESCUE!!! NPR First Listen saved my morning...and afternoon...and tomorrow morning as they are streaming the new M. Ward (collective sigh) and Of Monsters and Men. They are both great. After my great love of Hold Time, M. Ward had a lot to live up to with his new album in in my opinion - but it sounds like the summer of 2012 to me...because I will be playing it all summer starting now...with breaks for Kimbra of course. Oh, did I mention that Zooey makes an appearance? She does and it is wonderful. I feel like it may already have a spot on my top albums of the year after only one listen. (The Shins Port of Morrow and Kimbra Vows already have spots on lock-down as well.)

Next- My Head is Animal by Of Monsters and Men. If you like "Little Talks" and have been waiting for a U.S. release of their debut album like I have, you will not be disappointed. This album falls under one of my favorite indie categories that I made up: Lots of instruments, Lots of voices. (Another example would be Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros) They have songs that range from fast to slow, powerful to intimate. I am loving it.

M. Ward's A Wasteland Companion will be released April 10th (another RSD purchase for me!) and Of Monsters and Men's debut My Head is Animal will be out April 3rd. Pick em up, listen to them, love them.

I will leave you with Kimbra...just kidding. I will give you a small Kimbra break and leave you with some M.Ward and Zooey goodness, enjoy!

Music Monday: Lots of Random Music Updates

So there is not one thing I am loving right now, but many and here they are:

1. The Shins- Port of Morrow (which you can stream on iTunes till tomorrow or Spinner till probably the end of the week) It sounds great and comes out tomorrow!! I am a huge Shins fan and a confession, may have preordered this CD in February before the spending fast...cheating I know. After the spending fast I will be buying it on LP at Finders. (Lets be honest, after the spending fast I will be spending all day a Finders...oh maybe I will make it Record Store Day!)

2. The Voice: This is the Voice! (I sing that as I fast-forward through commercials..it is in no way annoying my brother.) I was a fan of the voice last summer because of the coaches, blind auditions, how quickly it moved along, and how they really supported the artists and help them develop their unique style not just assigning them to sing country one week and 80's songs the next. When they announced that it would be back in the spring I thought that I would not watch it because there are so many other things on to watch and I do not want to spend every night in front of the TV. However...after the Superbowl I watched the first episode with my brother, saw this, and set the DVR to record the series. Oh, and I started a Voice fantasy league. (My team is AWESOME!)

3. Kimbra! I know, your are probably thinking "What you like Kimbra? No way." Yes. I LOVE KIMBRA! She is amahzing! Her U.S. album comes out May 22nd and here is one of the new songs that will be on it preformed live at SXSW:

4. SiriusXM - I have been loving SiriusXM a lot lately. Not just for all music no commercials, stations I am interested in, and Live On Broadway with Seth Rudetsky but lately they have been playing a ton of live stuff (like the Shins set at SXSW). Also I love seeing an artist that I knew was going to catch on go from one station to the next. Like Goyte started popping up on  my indie/alternative stations sporadically, then it was on the countdowns, then it moved to Spectrum, then it is on the top40 station and I can say "I told you so-you should hire me for stuff like this!" I will be really sad when my trial expires.

5. New iPad Garage Band App- now I do not own this but I watched the presentation they did, played with it at the Apple store this weekend and when I get an iPad it will be one of the few apps I buy.

6. Nick Drake- Now Nick Drake is not new, he is actually from the 70's but his music is amazing. I first heard his song "Pink Moon" in a car commercial over 10 years ago and with a second song I love on the Garden State Soundtrack I bought two of his CDs. Over the years he has become my go to artist to fall asleep to, read to, listen to when I want to relax or when I am sick (like all last week). He has a third CD and I will be buying it on Record Store Day because I think my other songs are starting to get jealous of the outrageous play count of Bryter Layter, and Pink Moon.

7. Kimbra! I am so dissapointed that I did not go to SXSW this year now because not only was Kimbra there, but she performed like a zillion times. Like a whole set by herself:

and many more shows with a full band and a tambourine which she performs with such dedication that she ends up like this by the end of the week. So to end this post enjoy one of her million SXSW sets:

Music Monday: 2011 Mix

With Lent going on, and me giving up spending, I have not acquired any new music. (Good thing I have a well stocked "store" to shop of CDs that have not been officially added to the organized and awesomely displayed collection) Which means not a lot of new music to talk about. But today I realized I have not posted my 2011 Mix yet!! As you may know I take my mix CDs very seriously. Even the actual CD and packaging are important to me. (See the sweet CDs I used here!) I worked very hard on my 2011 mix and I happen to think it is quite amazing! The year end mix is music that was discovered, enjoyed, or overly played during the year (get ready for an all Kimbra 2012 CD!) and maybe even some songs that remind you of events that happened that year.


So with out further ado here is my 2011 Mix-tape:

1. Oohs and Ahhs - NEEDTOBREATHE
2. Little Secrets - Passion Pit
3. Young at Love and Life - Dominant Legs
4. Lover to Lover - Florence + the Machine
5. Our Deal - Best Coast
6. You Know What I Mean - Cults
7. Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad? - Derek and the Dominoes
8. Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney
9. Pumped Up Kicks (live) - Foster the People
10. Ohh La La - The Faces
11. Big Me - Foo Fighters
12. One Day - Matisyahu
13. WHALE - Yellow Ostrich
14. Up Up Up - GIVERS
15. French Navy - Camera Obscura
16. Sukie in the Graveyard - Belle & Sebastian
17. "Learningalilgivinanlovin" - Gotye
18. Rill Rill - Sleigh Bells
19. Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
20. Warrant - Foster the People
21. Bonus 1: My Man - Glee (even though I have mixed feelings of this show, I had to include some Bway since I went this year and she can kill some Barbara)
22. Bonus 2: Zebra Cover - PS22

There you have it! What do you think? Put these songs together (in this order) and tell me if you like it. I love hearing peoples opinions on my mixes. If you followed my blog you would have expected quite a few of the artists included like Cults, Best Coast, Paul McCartney and PS22. Oh, and the Goyte song was on there way before the Kimbrasposion of 2012. Which speaking of Kimbra...BIG NEWS!! U.S. RELEASE DATE SET FOR KIMBRA'S ALBUM!! MAY 22ND!!! SOOO EXCITED!! Oh, and did I mention I have tickets to see her in June!! (Insert celebratory sounds like Amy Pholer here!) I WILL MEET HER. Check out another song already in the running for my 2012 mix below because once I post this my post on Kimbra will drop off the main page- and that is just not right.

(BTW, the videos have gone from a few thousand views when I first started watching them to millions...not saying I had a huge hand in that, but I like to think I did.)

Music Monday: Lets keep the down under train rollin!

So last time I confessed my obsession with Kimbra, which has not died down at all just become more manageable. This week we will talk about an Aussie artist who has turned many people on to Kimbra because she is features in his first and awesome single: Somebody I Used To Know. (For the record, I knew about him before this song and I found out about Kimbra from my girl Peach) See video below:

 

(Yes, Kimbra has ears)

I was looking forward to his full album release especially when I heard a sneak peak on an Aussie site, then the full stream on NPR. Well the CD was released Tuesday and I have been listening to is all weekend and it is sooo good! He has a little bit of everything on this album, which you know I love variety! He has upbeat songs like "Easy Way Out" (Which has a George Harrison riff to it), "I Feel Better" (probably my favorite right now) and "In Your Light". He slows it down for the song above along, with "Smoke and Mirrors" and even has a tech/experimentalish track "State of the Art". The whole CD has some sounds that throwback to the 80's in a great way but it in NO way sounds dated. 

I would love to see him live but his limited run in the US is SOLD OUT (along with everywhere else in the world) so you can expect to hear a lot more about him as the year goes on and Top 40 radio get a hold of him. All in all it is one great CD and has already earned a spot on my so far all Kimbra end of the year CD! GO BUY IT!!

More Videos below the jump.

Music Mondays: Kimbra, beacause I am obsessed

So I was going to wait until she actually had an album out in the US, or at least a release date. But I cannot wait. I am obsessed with Kimbra. My favorite musical act to come out of New Zealand EVER! (Sorry Flight of the Conchords) So lets start here with her first single:

Wasn't that great? Of course. Now on to the next video that I really want itunes to release because I will buy it. (A first for me) It is so colorful and fun and I watch it no less then 10x a day:

Was that not fun?? Ah, I love it!! I discovered Kimbra from the little girl I stalk online (in a non creepy way) seen here in her Cameo Lover dress. Oh she is so cute. (Check out her adorable love of dance here) Anyway, Kimbra is amazing and I have been watching all of her videos online non-stop. (Yes I watch this one with Goyte too, he is also awesome.) I like her so much that I was considering ordering the $35 import version of her CD/DVD because I didn't know if I could wait until the U.S. release. (Although I can now that I found this album stream! And heard there would be new tracks on the US version.)

Well I hope you like this post of me basically saying I am obsessed with Kimbra and the cute dancing Australian girl over and over. The countdown for Kimbra's American release (with new tracks!) starts now....but officially once a release date is announced. Until then listen to this over and over until there is nothing in your head all day and night except it and "Cameo Lover"...like I did.

Music Monday: MLK Day

Today is one of my favorite national holidays: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday celebration! So in honor of today, listen to his most famous speech (that makes me cry everytime) and a few songs from the start of my new MLK Day Playlist:

• Patty Griffin- Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)
• Seal- A Change is Gonna Come
• Cat Stevens- Peace Train
• Aretha Franklin- Respect
• Miri Ben-Ari- Symphony of Brotherhood
• Stevie Wonder- Higher Ground
• Queen Latifah- I Know Where I've Been
• Creedence Clearwater Revival- Up Around the Bend
• Jackie Wilson- (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher

Music Monday: My Rules for Mix CDs

I love making playlists- I have a lot of them, and I am really good at it. I love doing playlists for the decades, times of year, different moods, themes or for events. My playlists however have a tendency to be quite long, because, well, I have a lot of music. My 90's playlist is over 300 songs now. (And it is not full CDs released in the 90s- just popular singles of the time, that I also like) Making a mix CD is a completely different task from playlists because there is a limit on time/space and it is usually listened to straight through. I take a lot of pride in my mix CDs and will spend hours perfecting them. I have many rules, or guidelines, when making a mix CD that I will share with you today so get out your notebooks.

 "The making of a great compilation tape, like breaking up, is hard to do and takes ages longer than it might seem. You gotta kick off with a killer, to grab attention. Then you got to take it up a notch, but you don't wanna blow your wad, so then you got to cool it off a notch. There are a lot of rules."

There are two main parts to consider when making a mix CD: Song Selection, and Order. First we will cover the all important "What do I put on this?" What you put on the CD will mainly be determined by your theme or goal. Go through your music and decide what would work best on your CD using the stuff you really like and not choosing too many songs just based on title. (A stumbling block for many a themed CDs) Here are some of the "guidelines" I follow when choosing music for my year end CD:

•  Every good CD has a theme, idea, goal, common musical concept or sound. Keep this in mind as you start perusing your music.
• Choose a wide variety of music. Either different genres, old and new artists, fast and slow etc.
• If the CD is for someone specific keep them in mind and try to introduce them to music you think they would like while throwing in a few songs you know they like.
• Keep the single count low. I try not to choose to many singles because one on my goals with most CDs I make is to expose people to new music and if I choose a non single their chances of hearing more from each artist is higher.
• Choose only one (or in special cases 2) songs from an artist. This goes along with trying to expose people to new things so I do not fill it with the same 3 artists, but also goes along with variety and not wanting the CD to sound like a best of. Now, if you are doing a CD to show your friend how awesome the Beatles are- then you might want to put more than 2 Beatles songs on it. (But I would also recommend putting some covers on it to break it up.)
• Have a few songs you want on there but are willing to cut if space does not allow. (I like to get as much as I can on each CD so I will try to burn and if is says it won't fit I delete one of those songs and try again until I get it)

The second part of a mix CD that I think is important is the order of the tracks. Flow is important to a CD, at least to me and a small minority of others. I realized that I cared a lot about this as I watched High Fidelity, and I now try to follow the first 3 track rule with every mix I do. Once I have songs chosen, usually many more than will fit, I start to narrow it down by ordering the ones I know for sure are going on. I start to chunk songs together (a skill that came in handy for the DM line dance) which means figuring out 3-4 songs that go good together in a certain order. Then I arrange those chunks and add in a few more outliers. **Note when chunking: do not just put all the slow songs together, or club songs together etc.. You want the CD to have ups and downs not first have fast second half downers. VARIETY!!** After you have it arranged you listen to it- adjust it- listen to it- rearrange it- listen to it- and adjust again till I have something I am happy with. This can be a long process, especially since I like to step away for a while and come back a few times.

Once you got it- burn a trial CD to listen to in your car so you can make sure it is just the way you want it and that the volume levels are not all over the place. (This is becoming more a\of an issue as artists are releasing louder and louder CDs and non remastered stuff can be so quiet.) Is it amazing? Then you are done- great job! Now just distribute to your friends or family, or to your own car and enjoy!!

And remember sometimes the rules are meant to be broken.

Music Monday: New Christmas Classics

Last week I mentioned a few of my favorite classic Christmas albums. Today here are some of the "New Classics" you should check out!

• Harry Connick Jr.- When My Heart Finds Christmas. This it Harry's first Christmas album from 1993- and it is one of my most played albums each year. Ah, I love his voice. On this album he has some great original songs, unique arrangements and an upbeat band. If you like fun crooner-esque Christmas music this is the album for you. (and once you fall in love with it go and pick up his other two Christmas albums!) 
• Chicago- 25. I went to see a Doobie Brothers/Chicago concert with my family a few summers ago. Dobbie Brothers were awesome...but I was highly disappointing with Chicago. I realized why on the way home- I am not a huge fan of their normal music. But I do LOVE their Christmas album!! (Which in July they played NONE of...booo) This album is filled with horn filled re-imaginations of Christmas classics. Even if you are not a huge fan of the smooth rock stylings of "Just You 'n' Me" or "You're the Inspiration" but like Christmas music- don't worry, this is for you too.
• Ready for a shocker... Clint Black- Looking for Christmas. What!?!? I know. My dad picked this one up and I thought is was going to be like the Allen Jackson one- banned to his car because we all refuse to listen to it. However, surprisingly we all loved this one. The whole CD is original songs about what to get your spouse for Christmas, how Christmas goes by so fast, and how a little boy keeps getting Santa to come back. Be warned: it is still country, but somehow this really country CD has found its way to our family's regular rotation during the holidays. 
• Kirk Franklin and the Family-Christmas. Just in case you forget the reason behind the season, Kirk and his amazingly talented choir are here to remind you. They make every song their own. It has the slow ballads that can bring tears to your eyes along with the upbeat songs that in true gospel fashion just don't end. I am not going to say this is for everyone (my best friend hates it) but it is for anyone with any musical taste or true appreciation for art ;)
• Finally, of course, you know its all coming...it became a classic the year it came out...and now people are covering it like the world is going to end next year...Mariah Carey- Merry Christmas. It is a great CD. Even though I have heard 50 new versions of her original song "All I want for Christmas is You" this year alone, hers never gets old. (along with this one, which is the first time I can remember anyone attempting it) Oh, did I mention her liberal use of choirs, ah I love that. If you do not own this, just let me know I have extra. I think I have bought this one about 6 times.

Some ones I thing are on their way to becoming classics are Straight No Chaser, Christina Aguilera, and Sarah Mclachlan. Next year this list will include Michael Buble and She & Him...my friends and all my parent's friends are loving these two, they will be around and on regular rotation for years to come.

Last but not least I wanted to sing the praises of the Christmas CD(s) I have been listening to most this year. You might not hear these on the radio (ever) or convince your family to adopt them into their 100 disc player devoted solely to Christmas music, but I LOVE 'em and have been listening to these almost exclusively this year!! That would be Sufian Stevens- Songs For Christmas. This box set that originally started as a project to help him get into the spirit and as a gift for his friends and family for the holidays, are 5 eps of amazing Christmas tunes. I really believe that these have something for everybody if you give them a chance. I love the beautiful arrangements with a multitude of instruments but also the simple piano ones just as much. His voice is so peaceful and his originals at times hilarious but always fun and inventive. If you do not already own these you are in luck because the price has dropped from "box set price" to that of a single album with its increase of availability and popularity.

Here is a sample, I hope you enjoy it! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Music Monday: Classics

Like I have said many times before I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! So here are some of my favorite classic Christmas albums you should check out:

• Bing Crosby- White Christmas (the one w/a white background and he has a santa hat on) This album features the awesome Andrews sisters singing with the crooner on my favorite version of "Jingle Bells" and the best version of "Mele Kalikimaka" there is. Then you have his version of "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" (which makes me sing "gather round" in the deepest voice I have when I hear any version of the song) and of course- White Christmas!! This is a must have for the holidays and you kind find it a million places for $6 or less.
• Brenda Lee- Jingle Bell Rock This is one of my dad's favorite so I grew up listening to this one. (along with Johnny Mathis one where he is holding skis, Perry Como, Elvis, and the next one on this list) This includes the most recognized versions of "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree," along with songs I have never heard covered like "The Angel and the Little Blue Bell" "Strawberry Snow" and "Christmas will Be Just Another Lonely Day." (you should see my moves to that last one!) Brenda Lee's voice is great and the song choice is unlike any other- definitely check this one out.
• The Letterman- For Christmas This Year. Wow, what an great Christmas record! These guys can harmonize and sing so peacefully...it is beautiful. Their arrangements and songs are starting to pop up on newer Christmas albums a lot more (like "Christmas Waltz") but the originals are still the best. You know this album is good too when they have not released it on CD since the 80's and it sells used for over $400! Yes, they have other Christmas albums, but this one is by far the best...thank goodness my dad held on to his and I finally found a computer that could read it to copy. However- if you are in a hankering for some sweet sounds of Christmas but don't have the $400, you are in luck- it is now available for download!!
• Amy Grant- A Christmas Album. This is the most recent of my "classic" albums, released in 1983, but it is a staple of my holiday season every year. When I left for college this is the first Christmas CD I bought to start my own collection and this is also usually the one that tempts me and I end up listening to WAY before November. It is just so nice, and awesome, and fun, and awesome. The songs all go so well together (I actually used to think they were all the same song in the middle) and it is perfect for a nice Christmas nap, or to lull you to sleep as you dream of snow.

There are a few records to check out this holiday season and I hope they enhance yourenjoyment of this Christmas season!! If not maybe this will:

I used to perform this "with" my brother all the time, he hated it. He would

complain that he "did not wear dresses" and that he "was not a girl" but I think he 

was just being a joykill. This is also the only time I was allowed to hit him- my parents would just laugh.

A few more ideas of some great classics:

• Johnny Mathis- Merry Christmas (the one with the skis!!)
• Herb Alpert- Christmas Album (Recently remastered- what! what!)
• Time-Life Treasury of Christmas (original circa 1986, to make sure check for The Night Before Christmas)
• Vince Guaraldi Trio- A Charlie Brown Christmas (again check the cover- it is the one with a tree with Snoopy on top. Recently remastered-get excited!!)
• Dean Martin- Seasons Greetings (he was in the Rat Pack for a reason)

I could not help myself. Note: White Christmas soundtrack not availible- and never was, and 

never will be- unless you are a tech savvy do-it-yourselfer! ;)

Music Monday: Florence + the Machine

This is going to be short and to the point: Florence + the Machine is awesome. If you do not own Lungs...where have you been? And if you have not picked up the new album Ceremonials that came out Nov. 1st you need to put that on your to do list for the day. Florence's songs are full of grand orchestrations, yet can be simple at the same time. She knows how to build songs SO WELL like on her first single from the new album "What the Water Gave Me." If there is an artist whose music was meant for dance productions on a stage fit for a permanent Cirque show, it would be her. Yet, if you have ever watched her perform, you know that just 2 instruments and her behind a mic can have the same impact...it is pretty amazing. The songs I am really enjoying right now are "Lover to Lover," "Breaking Down" and "Shake it Up." So in short, go buy this album (deluxe edition preferred) and enjoy.

 By far, this was the best part of the Grammys this year feat. Florence.

Music Monday: New Christmas

Last week I picked up some new Christmas albums, finally got my preorder and made it to November 1st before listening to Christmas music!! (Oh, and last night was the first time I watched White Christmas this year!! A personal best since it usually gets pulled out year round) I am still trying to take it slow and not go into full 24hour Christmas mode until after Thanksgining. This means I listened to some Christmas music here and there with the bulk being  non-Chrsitmas music like the amazing new Florence + the Machine album!!

The first new Christmas CD was of course She & Him. I liked it a lot. They had some good song choices with quite a few classic Christmas songs that usually get passed by and some of the popular favorites, all done in true She & Him style. I have not listened to it that much yet (trying to ease into crazy Christmas mode remember) but I am really enjoying hearing M. Ward sing more! The only disappointment that has come so far it in "Baby, Its Cold Outside." It is not because I do not like thier version- I like how they have switched up the roles and keep it a little more upbeat- but because I was really looking forward to the Elf version with M.Ward instead of Lean Redbone. It was a personal dream of mine that I must give up on. All in all- go pick it up because it is great and has adorable packaging.

The second album is Michael Buble's simply named Christmas. And surprise, surprise...it is awesome. There are 16 songs of Buble doing his thing, so how can in not be awesome? He covers my favorite version of "Jingle Bells" (the Bing Crosby/Andrews Sisters one) with the Puppini Sisters and it is great. Many of the versions he chooses to model his after were unexpected in such a good way. Another example, the Drifters version of "White Christmas" (my second favorite version, the first being Bing's of course) with Shania Twain. In conclusion this is another must own- and a great choice for everyone in the family.

I hope everyone is having a great November and here is a little She & Him/Conan here for your Christmas celebrations!

Other New Christmas albums to check out (although I am not endorsing yet):

• Justin Beiber- Under the Mistletoe
• Carole King- A Christmas Carole
• tobyMac- Christmas in Diverse City
• Jersey Boys- Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas
• Paul Anka- Songs of December
• Vanessa Peters- The Christmas We Hoped For
• This Warm December, A Brushfire Holiday 2
• Glee Christmas Volume 2
• Scott Weiland- The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
• David Crowder Band- Oh for Joy
• The yet unnamed Christmas albums from Rascal Flatts and Rufus Wainwright...oh wait that is only in my dreams...

Music Monday: Finders Haul

I keep a  list of CDs I want in my e-mail so I can access it anywhere and if printed would be a few pages long. Once I get some thing I highlight it and then eventually delete it. That list will always be long, very long, but the list of CDs I want NOW is usually much shorter. Like one CD that I cannot get out of my head and maybe one more that comes out soon that I am pumped for and playing out their singles online. This past week that list started to grow to 6 or 7 and I decided it was time to use up all of those credit card rewards I had sitting there and go to Finders. Here is what I got:

Pretty awesome huh? I got to keep adding stuff, and adding stuff, and then with the coupons they are giving out I got to add a few more! Sweet. I haven't had a music haul like this since I left Finders and went CRAZY. (That was much much larger but since then it has been purchasing 1-3 here and there) I got almost every CD on my immediate obsession list and quite a few that have been on the longer list for a few years. The first CD I listened to in the car was Foster the People, and in case you haven't heard them yet, they are great.

On a related note- I left thinking "with all this new music I don't feel tempted to listed to Christmas Music AT ALL. I could probably make it to December!" And then today this showed up in my inbox. Yeah thats right, a preview track for She & Him's Christmas Album. I still like The Letterman's version of this song a lot more but this has not dampened my excitement for this album at all- it just made me want to listen to Letterman's Christmas CD. Aww dang.



New Releases for tomorrow some may be interested in:

• Paul Simon- Songwriter- this is a collection of songs chosen by Paul who has always considered himself a songwriter first, and I would consider him a pretty amazing one at that. AOL creatively put "Sounds like: Simon and Garfunkel" No really?
• Marketa Irglova- Anar- She is the girl from Once and Swell Season. Should be pretty nice.
• William Shatner- Seeking Major Tom- I have no clue what this is but I thought you should know that William Shatner has a CD out called Seeking Major Tom...maybe it will be all Bowie covers? Who knows.
• Ryan Adams Ashes & Fire
• Mayer Hawthorne- How Do You Do- YAY! If this is anything like his last one it is some great, full and fun music...get excited!
• Evanescence- Evanescence

Music Monday...thoughts

Here are my thoughts on music right now: I have no chance to meet my yearly goal of Thanksgiving. I don't think I will be able to last until November...before Christmas music is in regular rotation. She & Him's Christmas album is out Oct 25th (we'll see if that doesn't get pushed up to the 24th...) and also that week Michael Buble's "Christmas" comes out too. Yeah that is what I said...no chance. Oh, and also my whole iPod went on shuffle this week and I got really excited when some Christmas songs started...I skipped them...but that will not last long. The only hope is new music releases non-Christmas to distract me, such as the new Florence and the Machine out November 1st!!

New Releases for tomorrow:

• Feist- Metals
• Indigo Girls- Beauty Queen Sister
• Jack's Mannequin- People & Things
• Mutemath- Odd Soul
• Joshua Radin- The Rock and the Tide Acoustic Session

p.s. Check out this track by Vampire Weekend's Rostam: Wood (Here's hoping a full album is in the works!)

p.s.s. I may have already preordered the red vinyl of She & Him's album...with the mittens. But no, I did not preorder the CD...that way I can buy it sooner...who knows how long their free preorder shipping will take? I know, I am slightly obsessed. (Dang...I might not even make it to October 25th...I wanna listen to The Letterman right now...)

Music Monday: Wedding Edition

This past weekend I have the privilege of being in one amazing wedding! My two friends got married in one grand, epic, legendary wedding!!!! I had an awesome time and am still feeling the effects of a four day wedding blitz. (I can barely lift my arms right now.)

In honor of their marriage I made them a little mix CD to help them in this new stage of their relationship. So below is my Baby Makin Mix especially for the newlyweds.

1. Let's Get it On- Marvin Gaye (This is the quintessential first song to any CD of this nature.)
2. Can't Get Enough of Your Love- Barry White
3. My Love- Justin Timberlake (The Bride loves this song)
4. Giving Him Something He Can Feel- Ev Vogue
5. I Wanna Sex You Up- Color Me Badd (pretty self explanatory why this is on here)
6. Red Light Special- TLC
7. I'll Make Love to You- Boys II Men (Because what would any love makin CD be with out Boys II Men??)
8. Rock the Boat- Aaliah (So yeah, the 90's R&B scene is the best to pull from....lots of options as you can see.)
9. Sexual Healing- Marvin Gaye (I was asked a few times if there was any Marvin Gaye on this CD. My answer: "Of Course! He is on there twice!")
10. A Natural Women- Aretha Franklin
11. I Only Have Eyes for You- The Flamingos (Because you need some romance on these CDs too)
12. Turn Me On- Norah Jones
13. Put Your Head on My Shoulder- Michael Buble (they are Buble fans...aren't we all?)
14. These Arms of Mine- Otis Reddin (He is right after Marvin and Boys II Men as a must have)
15. At Last- Etta James (Not only a great love song but the Brides favorite)
16. Hold On- Michael Buble (Their first dance...great choice)
17. I Just Had Sex- The Lonley Island feat. Akon (Not only because of the title but also because it was an ongoing joke that we were going to have this played at different times the day after the wedding...we are so funny!)

So there is my CD just for the newlyweds. Maybe, if you are lucky (and I know you) you will get a personalized one on your wedding day too! (although the first song is not changing!)


Tommorrow's New Music:

• Dominant Legs- Invitation: I have been waiting for a full length or a least nationally distributed CD from them and am so excited there will be one tomorrow! It sounds pretty awesome and a little 80's reminicent, which I love, so go and check them out!
• Blink-182- Neighborhoods 
• Matthew Sweet- Modern Art: Sadly no Hoffs on this one :(
• Wilco- The Whole Love
• Chickenfoot- Chickenfoot III: A lot of guys like this band....a lot.

Music Monday: Best Coast

So I may be a little late to the Best Coast party, but I am here now so get excited!

I first learned about them right before their album was released because as I had said before- I used to work and the most amazing record store ever. (that is right Media Play, take that) However before I heard their music or knew anything about them I did not like them. Someone that irks me the wrong way highly recommended them to me so I was done with them before anything ever started. You know how that goes right? At least it is a common occurrence for me..judging things based on my feelings toward something else? Like I never have seen Armageddon because I liked Deep Impact so much? (I tend to be a very loyal fan and defend things even when they are not being attacked) Or being an *Nsync hater because they copied Backstreet Boys? (I later redacted that statement once No Strings Attached came out)

Anyway, months ago I came across "Boyfriend" online somewhere and became a little obsessed. It was catchy and fun. (and we all know my affinity for female vocalists) I played the heck out of it but still maintained they had to be crap other than this song. Then a few of the stars I love came together and again I had to eat my words. Drew Barrymore directed a video starring one of my top 5 favorite young actors Chloe Moretz (aka Hit Girl) to the Best Coast song "Our Deal" and once again I was obsessed. I watched it daily waiting for the extended version that had more of their music in it. After a few weeks of this I decided that it was time to swollow my pride, admit that my judgement was wrong and go to Finders and buy the album. It was worth it.

Overall best coast is a great album.They have a little bit of the Ramones attitude of the hit and run songs with most of their songs averaging about 2 min long. My new favorite song is "Crazy for You" and I sing it in my car all the time. The CD has not even made it to my computer yet because it is always on in the car...maybe I should do that tonight because then I could listen to it at work?? Anyway... Best Coast. Great album. Go buy it. (Even if someone with a snooty attitude likes it too)


Tomorrow's New Releases: (and there are so many! Who is excited that the lackluster summer of music is over and fall is here with the colder temps and about 100 new releases a week! ME! ME!)

• NeedtoBreathe- The Reckoning: I am a fan of this band since I saw them live in Chicago about 2 albums ago. This new one is sounding great and I cannot wait to go get it!
• E Family- Now & Forever: the incredibly talented Escovedos (which includes Shelia E.) have joined together to form a family super band. I am excited to hear how this one turns out with guests like Raphael Saadiq, E. W. & F., Israel Houston and Joss Stone.
• Tony Bennett- Duets II: This may be a pretty popular release from the guy who "loves things that are great!" Includes duets with Norah Jones, Aretha Franklin, Buble, Groban and Amy Winehouse. 
• The list goes on...Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Demi Lovato, Gavin Degraw, Tori Amos, Jens Lekman (don't get TOO excited it is only an EP), Pearl Jam, ANR, Blessed Feathers, Rachel Taylor Brown, and the list keeps going...and going...and  going... YAY for fall!!
  

Music Monday:

What a horrible Monday I am having. Tonight may be a Mary Poppins night...

Anyway, because of that I am trying to think of music I can play to cheer me up and make today go by faster...any ideas? Anyone else super excited that the summer of mediocre music releases is over and fall is here where about 50 CD come out a week? I am. (oh and the return of new tv shows...especially comedy....I could use some comedy right now. Parks and Rec anyone?)

So if you are in a Monday Funk here are some of my recommendations for you listening consideration:

If you want calm, commiserating, or melancholy:

• Nick Drake- anything: He is so peaceful yet still a little fun so you are not going to sink deeper into depression.
• Dan in Real Life Soundtrack: Very similar to the above description but a little more quirky and lively.
• Garden State Soundtrack: Your in an off mood, this is the place to go if you want a CD to commiserate with you for a while. (You can include The Shins and even Broken Bells in the mix)
• The Smiths- anything: They are just so good for these moods...they have a little of everything. "Please, Please, Please Let me Get What I Want" is my theme for the day.
• Simon and Garfunkel- again...anything: duh.

If you want up-beat music to take your mind off things or pull you out of your funk:

• Bird and the Bee covering Hall & Oats: Come on what is not fun about that?
• Mathew Sweet and Susana Hoffs Cover CD: They do some great fun covers of songs from the 60's and 70's. I am really hoping that and 80's edition is in the works!
• Hanson - Shout it Out: I know, Hanson? Get over it. This album is pure fun, loaded with horns and I love it.
• Camera Obscura- Let's Get Out of this Country: it is the sound of prettiness. Ah...nice.
• Paul Simon- Graceland: It is fun, happy and just great music.
• ELO: Get your Xanadu on with the ELO greatest hits...although I would suggest this in a mix not straight through...

• My Feeling Good playlist: I know you do not know what is on it, but I do and I like it a lot.

If you want a mix of the two:

• Fleetwood Mac: Almost any of their CDs or hits collections will do, but my go to is of course Rumours.
• Todd Rundgren- Greatest Hits: this is just a fun collection spanning his career and when "Bang the Drum All Day" comes on at work, you'll smile.
• Rufus Wainwright- Want One: Beautiful, rich, passionate and at times epic.
• She and Him- whatever Volume you want: They are awesome!! And already one of my favorite Christmas Albums this year!! (Did you see the promo pic? I LOVE IT! October 25th!! CANNOT WAIT!!)

These are just a few I am thinking of/listening to today. Any suggestions of others? I could use some more. Like any music to make you feel like not everything you do is wrong? Just wonderin.

**UPDATE**
Feeling Good Playlist Below...

Music Monday: Top 10 Fake Bands

Here is my list of my Top 10 Best Fictional Bands of All Time for Music Monday. A common theme is that I own their music, love the show or movie they are in and quote them often. Enjoy.

10. School of Rock (School of Rock)
"No one can stop, the School of Rock!" I love Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack and their band of talented children. Great stage presence, musicianship and songs about getting picked on, paying rent and school. I have seen the "real school" this was "based" on and it was disturbing...I prefer the School of Rock.

Best Song: School of Rock

9. Gemini Twin and 7 Degree Celsius (Saturday Night Live)
I could not decide between these two of who should make it so I put them together. Both of them had ever-changing lineups and great accomplishments from appearing on TRL to Cribs. If you have never seen these I highly recommend you check them out. Gemini Twin is 3 strong women who can sing...vis-ual :) and then we have the second best boy band parody band from the early 2000's complete with a heartthrob and a guy who cannot dance and has kids but trying to pass as 17. Great stuff.

Best Moment: 7 Degree Celsius press conference, Gemini Twin on TRL


8. Robin Sparkles (How I Met Your Mother)
Yes, technically she is not a band. But I love her so much she had to go on here. Who else would tell me to go to the mall..today! (all in a Canadian accent) Her song is great, video awesome and dance moves the best. Her follow up song to gain artistic credibility featured the one and only Dawson, and an even more awesome reoccurring character- the robot.

Best Song: Let's Go to the Mall

7. Mouse Rat (Parks and Recreation)
You might know them as Scarecrow Boat, Everything Rhymes With Orange, Nothing Rhymes With Orange, The Andy Andy Andys, Andy and the D-Bags, or Malice in Chains, but currently they are the number one band in Pawnee, Indiana. They are the ones behind hits like November, Anne and 5,000 Candles in the Wind. Led by their lovable leader Andy, this band is a must see if you are ever visiting the historical Pawnee.

Best Song: The Pit

6. Dingoes Ate My Baby (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Here we have the first fictional band on the list that's music comes from a real band. Four Star Mary is the music behind this Sunnydale band. You might catch them at the Bronze or on campus at UC Sunnydale, but I recommend staying away if there is a full moon.

Best Song: Pain

5. Zach Attack/Hot Sundaes (Saved by the Bell)
What can I say about this amazing band of friends led by the heartthrob Zack Morris? They are great. Casey Kasem even says so! And then the Hot Sundaes! I am so excited! Both great bands from one show that you know has to be pretty sweet since it is still airing everyday.

Best Song: Friends Forever

4. Munchhausen By Proxy (Yes Man)
"Hello James. Penelope, Regina, Phillip, Zachary- we are Munchhausen by Proxy!"
Ah, Zooey Dechenel and some great lyrics about not being a whore, networking and keytars. I know that Yes Man is not considered a huge hit, but I love it! I also love Munchhausen by Proxy....do you think they will ever release a full length album? Here's hoping!

Best Song: Uh Huh (Who are you)

3. Flight of the Conchords (Flight of the Conchords)
This fake/real band walks a fine line to be on this list. Some may say "There were a band before any radio or TV show so they are real" some may say "they are a fake band because they do style parodies!" Either way, I love them. Their show- hilarious. Their songs- hilarious and pretty accurate style homages. Even just looking at the "fake" band in the show: who doesn't want to rock the party? Or tell Bret he has it going on? That is what I thought.

Best Song: This was tough but here is a classic- Most Beautiful Girl in the Room and my fav Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros (feat. the Hiphopopotamus and Rhymenoceros) Oh and I have to give the best band manager ever some love: Leggy Blonde.

2. 2gether (2gether movie and TV series)
If you were not an MTV junkie like I was back in the day then you might have missed the awesomeness that was 2gether. What started as a boy band parody movie turned into a TV series, 2 albums, Making the Video specials and an opening slot on Brittney Spears' tour back in her heyday. They had some classic songs like 5gether, Say it Don't Spray it, Awesome Lover and of course U + Me = Us (Calculus). I still listen to their music...regularly. It was like they were made for me! (2gether fans anyone?) I wish they would put out the series on DVD, I know two people who would be first in line to buy it...at midnight.

Best Song: The Hardest Part of Breaking Up (is Getting Back Your Stuff)

1. The Blues Brothers (SNL and The Blues Brothers movie)
Classic. The Blues Brothers (and their band) are the best. They play good music, really well. They are funny too- which is always a plus with me. I grew up watching their movie (I know it is rated R, but that and Christmas Vacation were always allowed.) The movie revived the careers of legendary artist like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown. Oh and did I mention this movie is a riot of laughter, hilarity and car crashes? Because it is. And the soundtrack- the best.

Best Song: Everybody Needs Somebody To Love


11. Spinal Tap
I know, I know "11? that does not make sense?" They are the best fake band ever. They are so good they go to 11, and rearrange the numbers so 11 is the best. If the question were "Could they be any funnier?" the answer would be "no, there are none more funnier." They have been rocking loudly since the sixties with hits like Listen to the Flower People, All the Way Home, and Tonight I'm going to Rock You Tonight. "This pretentious ponderous collection of religious rock psalms is enough to prompt the question, 'What day did the Lord create Spinal Tap, and couldn't he have rested on that day too?'" The craziest thing is that their music could have easily been huge hits...you may have even heard their songs in commercials. They have even reunited for tours (I saw them!) benefit concerts, DVDs and CDs with ridiculous packaging. Simply put they are Spinal Tap, and they are the best.

David St. Hubbins: We say, "Love your brother." Well...we don't say it really, but...
Nigel Tufnel: We don't literally say it.
David St. Hubbins: No, we don't say it.
Nigel Tufnel: We don't really, literally mean it.
David St. Hubbins: No, we don't believe it either, but...
Nigel Tufnel: But we're not racists.
David St. Hubbins: But that message should be clear, anyway.
Nigel Tufnel: We're anything but racists

Best Song/scene: Stonehenge



So what are your favorites?? Honorable Mentions below the jump!

*This post inspired by the awesome website HelloGiggles...this post, and this one too.

Music Monday: I saw a Beatle!

(Yeah I know it is Tuesday..technical difficulties)

Yeah that's right. I saw Sir Paul McCartney LIVE!! Oh, and it was AMAZING!!!! It was outside and the weather was much nicer (as in not as hot and humid) then the Steely Dan concert a few weeks ago, my seat (that was much closer than I thought) was never in the sun as we waited for dark and I got a pretty cool souvenir t-shirt. As I waited for the show to start my seatmates arrived (the couple sitting next to me because I had an end seat) and they were pretty much clones for my parents and others from their group of friends. The girl (Linda) was nice and they kept offering to buy me drinks and food. They were fun.

I got there at 7:00 and they had a DJ on stage playing music, Paul's music. I have only been to one other concert where the artist played their own music during the preshow wait: Prince. Paul was slightly different in that they were remixes of his songs or the majority were covers done by other artists ranging from Booker T to Willie Nelson. It defiantly reminded you of how much of an impact The Beatles, and Paul specifically, have had on music. The concert started almost on time but for about 25 min. before they have this video going to his music which was fun to watch. Then, he walked out on stage...and didn't leave at all till about 2 1/2 hours later.

He started playing right away and just kept it going. He bantered with the audience but focused on playing as many songs as possible. And he played a little of everything (see set list below the jump) some I could have never seen coming. I have been a fan for a while, watched his concert DVD from 2 years ago, listened to his performances on the radio, watched his countless times on T.V. and heard reviews of this tour. Because of all this, I kind of expected a certain line up of songs- which was partly true, but also not. He has such a HUGE catalog that I guess he could play a different set list every night for a while before repeating...and most of the songs people would recognize. In that respect alone he is an amazing artist. Like I said I was expecting certain songs, and one I really wanted to hear going into it was "Maybe, I'm Amazed". He has rarely performed this song in the last 20 or so years but I though I would have a chance since McCartney was just remastered and reissued. When I heard those first few notes on the piano me, and everyone else there, freaked out. I was amazed. (haha, I crack myself up!) And to make it better he followed that song by throwing on his acoustic guitar and playing "I've Just Seen A Face" which is one I never saw coming- but one of my favorites. (The version from Across the Universe was on my year end cd a few years ago.) FUN SHOW!!!

Another surprise/awesome moment was when he asked us if we would help him sing this next one...met with a resounding scream from the crowd followed by shocked gasps, excited screams and people shooting up from their seats as he started playing "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" (another song from one of my year end CDs). Literally the whole place erupted into singing, dances and ska kicks. It was so cool. I am a fan of what Jimmy Fallon calls "Shared Experiences" and there were a lot of them at this concert that made me so happy and even gave me chills at times. (Example everyone singing "Hey Jude")

One thing that was so awesome to see was how much he LOVES performing, touring, and his fans. You can see that he genuinely appreciates the support and love of the crowd, and he works hard to put on the best show possible for everyone there. (He was even out on the corner earlier in the day signing autographs...I know, I am kicking myself for missing that one) So after 2 1/2 hours of music, followed by 2 encores, fireworks and confetti it was over and I had already decided "Oh I am definitely doing this again" because it is not will I go again but how many times? ("I think we are talking an minimum 8peat.") Anyone with me?

Pics, set list and more below the break!!