Where the hell did all the music go? When did music suddenly become a theatrical display of shock value shiz? Though right now, Christina Aguilera is my "girl crush" (sorry Alicia!), when it comes down to it, my favorite style of music is any singer-songwriter. Artists like Bebo Norman, Ray Lamontange, Damien Rice, Plumb, Lauryn Hill, Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones, Alanis Morrisette, Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox, Marc Broussard, Cary Brothers, The Ting Tings and Sam Sparro to name a few. They don't focus on the shock value, the fashion, the stage props, etc. They are 100% focused on what they are best at: singing the music that they've written. I've seen most of these artists live and there is just no comparison to a big pop concert. I prefer the smaller venues, the ones with the concrete floors where 60 people are crammed into a small space, and no matter where you stand, you are in great eyesight of the artist performing (unless you're standing directly behind my 6'4" ass, sorry!). It's when you go to one of these smaller venues, the artist can pull you into their world, tell you the story they've written and why. I've seen more than 200 lives shows in my life so far, and it is definitely my drug of choice. Live music. There is nothing else on this earth like it that can get me that high. Music is what makes the world go 'round.
I've listened to this Leela James song "Music" almost 5 times in the past half hour, because I can't get enough of the soulfullness of the song. And the R&B vibe is just perfect for this (L A Z Y) Friday (I am definitely anxious for the 3 day weekend that lies ahead of me!). The video which is a collaboration of years of soul music, is so well done. It really expresses what Leela is singing about. Where did all the music go? Lauryn Hill, please make a comeback - if anyone can bring music back to its roots, its you!
I've got the last two albums of Katie Melua, the Georgian (and I mean the country, not the state!) singer who did a sultry, jazzy version of The Cure's"Just Like Heaven." And now another! Her fourth studio album is getting mixed reviews, as it has a bit more electronic, synth and pop sounds to it. What's so wrong with an artist branching out a bit? I think overall, the album is great and at least 4 out of 5 stars. You can download "The House" album on Legalsounds.com available today for just $1.08! And her video for "The Flood" (her first single) is below- definitely an interesting one. She reminds me of Natalie Imbrugliain this one.
This is the second single from Lights from her self titled debut album. I can't quite put my finger on it.. but she is very reminiscent of other pop singers from the early 90's that tried experimenting with synth and keyboards, but failed miserably. She actually achieved a synth-pop sound and I dig it. I just read that her legal name is "Lights" (the 23 year old hailing from Canada actually changed it from Valerie Anne Poxietner) and she's touring with Owl City. Her sound is said to be influence by the likes of Abba, Bjork & Phil Collins. She definitely fits into the realm of Wonky Pop (the musical genre) and that's why her latest video "Second Go" is the Thirsty Thursday video of the day. I want a room where everything is white and I can go crazy and paint everything. Actually, what I'd really like is one of those rooms that you can break everything in sight. That would be a major stress reliever! Who needs a drink?
I think Chunk is hungry today... it could be the rain that got him going, but today's shuffle from my 21,000 iTunes library (and growing everyday) is none other than G. Love & Special Sauce's "Who's Got the Weed" from their "Superhero Brother" album (circa 2008). I may not dable in the ganja stuff, but it seems fitting for various reasons on this rainy day in San Francisco. With it being so available (just hop on a muni, sit in the park for a few minutes or turn to your neighbor) and the legalization of marijuna to be on the ballot this coming November, the Pennsylvanian band would fit right in with the SF scene.
Here's "Who's Got the Weed" and one of my other favorites from G Love, "Wiggle Worm."
Xtina definitely did not disappoint tonight on the finale of American Idol. I could care less who won- I just wanted to see her. Her standing ovation for "You Lost Me" (written by the great Sia) was well deserved. This performance proves what Christina Aguilera is best at: singing. Well done girl, well done.
There's nothing like a good mashup to get over the hump of the week, especially before a holiday weekend. I am definitely counting down the hours until Friday hits so I can jump in my car, race home and sit my ass in front of the TV and catch up on my DVR of Real Housewives and Glee. I MEAN... so I can go on holiday, hiking and BBQing all weekend...... yup, I can be a loser at times.
Chunk has truffled shuffled my iTunes and today's shuffle of the day is the MTV mashup "Sex Kiss Machine" (ie, the mashup of Prince's "Kiss" and James Brown's "Sex Machine.") Happy Hump Day!
Big hair, big clothes, big boots... Dr. Martens, guy-liner and Aquanet. These all share one commonality: Robert Smith of The Cure. Founded in the late 70's in West Sussex England, Smith remained to be the only constant member of one of the most successful Alternative Rock bands in the world. The band has been estimated to sell more than 27 MILLION records by 2004 and have released 13 studio albums and over 30 singles to hit the radio.
A couple years ago, I had the privilege to see The Cure live in concert in Philadelphia with my dear friend Marbeth (we are constantly obsessing over music and a great friend!). The Cure played for nearly 3 hours before we had both had enough and set out to venture back to Connecticut. When we left, they were still playing. I am not sure what keeps Robert Smith going but more power to him. I definitely don't have that sort of stamina to stand on a stage in 9" heeled Dr. Martens, dripping guy-liner and sweating through my pleather pants.
"Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" has some of the biggest hits from The Cure of their entire rock career. "Why Can't I Be You?" and "Just Like Heaven" are two of their biggest hits ever to hit American radio waves and set them on top of the charts. "Just Like Heaven" (in my opinion) is one of the more challenging covers to do successfully. It has been recorded in Spanish, German and French and covered by artists such as Katie Meula, Charlotte Martin, AFI and Goldfinger (to name a few). Most covers have not been released on the artists' albums however, many of them can be found on YouTube. 2008 Live version of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" is below along with one of my favorites, Charlotte Martin.
Xtina, whoever your internet leak team is, we want to thank them. Because your new album is total killer. I don't care what any of the critics say. It is exactly what early critics on said it would be - the album to set a new standard for Pop music everywhere. If you can get your hands on the leaked deluxe edition, leave your comments about what you think of her new stuff!
In other related news, Ms. Aguilera has cancelled her upcoming summer tour for "Bionic" saying that she "needs more time to prepare." According to Pop Crunch, her tour may not even kick off until 2011! Shit, maybe they will postpone her album release date yet again (thank God I already have it). (I am waiting for a bitter-sweet apology to appear on her website.) I would be pissed but I was unable to score great seats for this tour. I honestly think some of the venues she chose were really pathetic (ie. a lot of amphitheaters). Christina needs to be in big music venues, sold out shows. Do what you gotta do Xtina, and we will catch you soon.
For those of you who still want a taste of her live, she is still set to perform on American Idol tomorrow night (at least for now, she hasn't cancelled that).
I wasn't able to get the computer in time to meet Thirsty Thursday's video of the day... however, I've got my lean pocket and lean cuisine here at work and re-discovered one of my ultimate favorite videos from the great Xtina. With her tour just around the corner, many critics continue to compare her to Lady Gaga. Guess what world? Xtina was here first! Do you forget so soon? Yes, Lady Gaga is on top and she's all about shock value. Well, I've got news for you... Xtina may have some shock value in there, but her voice is always going to be stronger. Keep fightin' Xtina. See you in San Jose!
The diva, big hipped woman Beyonce is said to be on a break for the year yet she seems to keep releasing material and even music videos. Here is her alternate version to the song "Halo." It's a much darker version then the sittiongonthecouchandcuddling original, but good none-the-less. I actually like this song a lot. Except when she replaces "baby" with "Michael." No thanks.
I apologize, my blog followers, for not posting any music these past few days. I've been working 12 hour days, working on a photoshoot for my full time job (no, this isn't my full time job, what do you think I am, some sort of music fanatic loser? maybe!). All apologies aside, here is a band I have been obsessing over the past couple of weeks.
Hailing from Norway, Donkeyboy has a catchy, Pop sound for those of you who dig The Fray,OneRepublic and MGMT (their freshman album). Their "Ambitions" has had over a million and half views, though my favorite single is "Caught In A Life." Check them out below!
Chunk had a long weekend, the weather was freezing and he drank a bit too much. Now Monday is here and he's way behind schedule and just choosing his shuffle of the day at 1:30! He's a mess. I may have to trade him in for someone that can handle their liquor, like Chelsea Handler. Now that Chunk got his shiz together, he spun the wheel and chose Jason Mraz's "Hey Love" from his Live & Acoustic album (the first one) as the shuffle of the day. Jason may have hit it big with that chick last year (Colbie Callllllllaattt sp???) but I still dig his voice and his lyrics. Who can turn away from "turn my head and cough" or "if you like the way i'm thinking baby wink at it." This song shows the softer, more emotional (aka gay side) of JM. You may need to crank this up a bit to hear it.
This must be what it's like to be Ke$ha on the daily. Strung out and in love with a nasty, dirty man in the desert. I think this song is quite catchy but this video is pure crap. I expected more from you Ke$ha. Maybe you should've taken a loan from your name and invested it into making a better video. Blacklights, cartoons, kaleidoscope lenses and a desert? P-l-e-a-s-e.
Thanks to a friend's recent recommendation, I checked out Foy Vance. You may have heard his "Homebird" or "Gabriel and the Vagabond" on the 2nd season of Grey's Anatomy. Hailing from Northern Ireland, Foy will capture your attention with his vocals. I'd compare him to the likes of Damien Rice (but not as dark), Ray Lamontange and even Justin Timberlake. There's a lot of soul in Foy and his rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" is phenomenal. It definitely took me by surprise. Take a listen.
Chunk actually had a hand in this in selecting this week's Album You Can't Live Without. (I can't help but think of You Can't Do That On Television every time I type that out...maybe someone will slime me). Anyway... I dig the 90's and once again, the 90's grunge rock comes alive with Nirvana's 26 million copies sold worldwide sophmore album "Nevermind." A lot of people in the industry feel that to date, this is still one of the greatest "alternative rock" albums of all time- and really opened the door for alternative rockers everywhere to make it mainstream. Why the had to put a naked baby on the cover of this album, I will never know. Supposedly this had something to do with Cobain's vision from a show he was watching about women giving birth. I remember the casette tape I stole from my older brother that had the same cover, but with a black sensor bar across the baby's peepee. Awkward much? Despite the odd album cover, still one of the greatest albums of all time. I am sure there are some of you out there who tried recreating this album a time or two while staying at the Best Western with your family. Gotta make use of your pool time. (I can't say that I ever did try it.) If you don't own it, shame on you. If you never heard it, well, you're an idiot (I kid.... not).
Yes, I'd hit that (isn't that how you say it, straight guys?). I have had a girl crush on Alicia Keys since day one. I don't feel as though her latest album "Element of Freedom" has done as well as previous (I may be mistaken on this) but it's damn good. And this is another beautiful song from that album. Not sure why she asked Chad Michael Murray(remember his messy hair on One Tree Hill?) to be her crush, she could've asked me!
Chunk's been taking a rest over the past week (too much shuffling) but is back today with Bebo Norman's "Walk Down This Mountain." Bebo is the Contemporary Christian music hearthrob that sent millions of teenage (and adult) girls everywhere confess their love to him... until he got married a few years back, then it all came crumbling down (sort of). I have been an avid Bebo fan since his very first album, "The Fabric of Verse" from 1996. I have seen Bebo live in concert over 10 times (you'd think I was one of those crazy teenage girls) and he has never disappointed.
His incredible voice and deep lyrics has been keeping me coming back for more, year after year. To date, my favorite albums include "Myself When I Am Real" and "Big Blue Sky." Big Blue Sky has a very personal connection with me and nearly saved my life back in 2000. Listening to his song "Tip of My Heart" while the rain poured down over my 1994 red Plymouth Duster, as I drove out onto the freeway thru the hills of Wisconsin, it got to me. I was at a breaking point in my own life and ready to kiss this world goodbye. I was hoping that during the drive, I would lose control over the car and crash into a freeway embankment or a concrete wall. I just couldn't bare to live another day, with being so unhappy with who I was. This song summed up the very way I was feeling.
It's on the tip of my heart, the words to say
But I fall apart and I walk away There's an angry world pressed against my back
And at every turn I keep looking back
And I know you promise me
Love through eternity
So why can't I just hold on
I want to live, I want to love But I'm afraid my simple faith will never be enough
I want to laugh, I want to be set free
And let you hold all that my soul has deep inside of me
But I don't know where to start
It's on the tip of my heart
So would you take my hand, because I'm sinking in
To this life I've made, but don't understand
The clock moves so slowly, but time goes so fast
In this whirlwind world that will never last
This love you're giving me
It's not just make believe
Help me just to hold one
You open the sky, and open my eyes
And all my fears are scattered away
So I walk in grace, because I've seen your face
You are all that matters to me
So I'm gonna live, I'm gonna love I'm not afraid because your grace will always be enough
I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna be set free
And let you hold all that my soul has deep inside of me
You have shown me where to start
It's on the tip of my heart
This song was a wake up call for me. Everything the world had been telling me, that I wasn't worth it, that I wasn't enough, that I was just mediocre, was a complete lie and I had an entire life ahead of me full of grace and mercy and peace. I am so thankful that I allow music to impact the very depths of my soul on a daily basis. Had I not been so willing to hear what Bebo was singing about, I may not be here today.
I don't want this to be a depressing post or a pity post. I honestly am so happy with my life right now. I'm like a Gummi Bear, dancing here and there and everywhere (anyone get that reference?). Sure, there have been bumps in the road but there are great musicians and artists like Bebo who keep me moving forward with their honest lyrics and deep faith.
Awhile back, I recall reading on the internet buzz that some A-List celebrity was to come out on May 5th. It has been revealed and the celebrity is a lesbian... I don't mean to offend those of you that are familiar with her, but who the hell is Chely Wright? Now that I googled her, I see she is a country singer and quite a beautiful one, with an incredible voice. Nashville has been needing this for a long time and I give her props for being herself. Nashville can't be the most welcoming place for gay country artists, and she's definitely the first. Whether it was a PR move or just her time, I know now who Chely is- do you? I spent some time on YouTube and found some songs I quite enjoyed. She reminds me of the lead singer from Sugarland.
I die. 30 days til Xtina's new album and this shit is off the hook! (Yes, sometimes I say things like a black hipster, though I am quite white). What do you think? Anyone else excited for the new Xtina?? Here's "Wohoo" featuring Nicki Minaj
Katy Perry has teamed up with the same producers and writers as Kesha's "Tik Tok" for her most recent "leak" featuring Snoop Dogg titled "California Gurls." (Yes, GURLS.) The song is catchy and perfect for summer, and will probably make the top 10... though, for originality, I give it a 2. It's too similar to that of "Tik Tok." I expect more from you Max Martin!
Minutes after posting the Solange video, this crap came up on my Google search. Now to be honest, I do like Beyonce, but I can't say that I love her. In fact, besides some of her dance singles, I really can't jump on the Beyonce band wagon. She doesn't have the best voice, style or even dance moves... yet she has become an iconic diva in our great nation (small amounts of vomit in my mouth as I type that). Here is a yet-to-be-released new video and song from Beyonce called "Why Don't You Love Me" where she is dressed as numerous housewives. I really can't help but look at this and think of Tyra Sanchez from RuPaul's Drag Race (Season 2). The resemblance is quite scary!
I think this is what Beyonce may have looked like at her wedding...
I love Solange but honestly, this is just not cute nor quality. Solange, please, I beg you, take some lessons from your sister Beyonce. Learn how to Drop it Like It's Hot so you can be a "Diva" too (sorta).
I can't help it. I think this video is so damn hot, I even got a little bothered. If you haven't watched the latest from Xtina, here it is (full and unedited). Go here for a review of her amazing video (and I really don't give a damn who thinks she ripped off Lady Gaga...she's NOT gaga!). This is also one of my favorite videos of all time now.
There really isn't much I can say about the latest video from the 17 year old, Disney Created Miley Cyrus star. The song is alright, really not that catchy and nothing really new. The video is Miley channeling Britney Spears during her "Toxic" days (but with a 15-foot wingspan). I really can't jump on board with this song. At least for once, Miley is embracing her animal side of things. For a review of her latest video, check out the Washington Post'sperspective.
5/28/2010
Wonky Pop
There's nothing like a good 
