Real Music for Babies

Within the first two weeks of Little Guy's life my dad says to me, "so what music are you playing for this guy to educate him?" I think, 'Dad, he's less than a month old. I'm not sure he cares as long as it's not scary sounding.' But my dad is a musician with little cognitive flexibility (despite this he is still a killer drummer able to think on his feet and improvise---why can he not do this about how to do laundry and vacuum?!) so the idea of not having music around a child is inconceivable.

The truth is, though, he did a pretty good job with my brother and I. We are both major music nerds in our own right. I can still remember the first rock and roll songs on the first mixed tape he made me (I was three), the first Beatles song I loved, the home-made recording "studio" I made out of Fisher Price tape decks, singing Michael Jackson as my show and tell at school, among a host of other music-themed memories---including a lack of child-specific music. These are all things I want for my son.

My issue, though, is that he sleeps constantly. So I needed to pick out music to play that would not cause nightmares (because he would sleep through it; he would just body jerk at every loud moment) and that I could tolerate hearing over and over and over again (I'm not ready to listen to insert pop art here sings nursery rhymes and lullabyes). Thus, like any good music nerd and former college radio DJ would, I made a mix. Granted my mix is about 8 hours long, but here is a small smattering for those of you who are interested in giving your brain/ear buds a break while soothing and educating your child:

1. Le Tombeau De Couperin - 1. Prélude  - Ravel 

2. Concerto In D Minor For Oboe. Strings I. Andante e spiccato - Alessandro Marcello

3. Jade Visions (Take 2) - Bill Evans Trio

4. Gloria's Step [Take 2] - Bill Evans Trio

5. Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes

6. Mother And Child Reunion - Paul Simon 

7. Wheels - Jamie Cullum

8. Mind Blindness - Dirty On Purpose

9. Eleanor Put Your Boots On - Franz Ferdinand

10. The Next Time Around - Little Joy

11. I'll Follow the Sun - The Beatles

12. Dreams - Fleetwood Mac

13. I Still Care For You - Ray LaMontagne
14. Everything Has Changed - Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran
15. Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis

16. Pink Moon - Nick Drake

17. Those to Come - Shins
18. Aqueous Transmission - Incubus

Celebrate Summer Responsibly and Appropriately

Obviously the above title means that to celebrate summer a new music mix was made. Something Sean and I could listen to while the windows are down and we jet off to beach towns and wineries and wherever else our little hearts desire. Wind blowing, warm weather, and lots of singing at the tops of our lungs.

Only The Good Die Young - Billy Joel
Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
Gloria - U2
Forever And Ever Amen - The Drums
Watch That Man - David Bowie
Jumpin' Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones
Dancing In the Streets - Martha and the Vandellas
Nothing On You - B.o.B f. Bruno Mars
Valerie - Mark Ronson Feat. Amy Winehouse
Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
Cold War - The Morning Benders
Born To Run - Bruce Springsteen
Growing on Me - The Darkness
Open Your Heart - Madonna
Girls Of Prey - Pop Noir
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before - The Smiths
Battery Kinzie - Fleet Foxes
Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears For Fears
Time to Pretend - MGMT
Limelight - Rush

What songs remind you of summer?

Vacation = Time to Chill

I have been a mix making music fiend lately. I don't know if it's because I'm inspired or insanely bored with the music I have. Either way, every occasion seems like a good one to break out a new record or make a new mix. This is one I made last Sunday to chill out and enjoy the nice weather with a beer before going on a night walk.

Carnival  - The Cardigans
Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes
This Magic Moment - The Drifters
Ideal Magnet - Benzos
Monday Monday - The Mamas And The Papas
Wedding Bell Blues - The 5th Dimension
Sweet Thing - Van Morrison
Next Year, Baby - Jamie Cullum
Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse - Minus The Bear
Past The Sleep - Company Of Thieves
With Arms Outstretched - Rilo Kiley
Captain For Dark Mornings - Laura Nyro
How Can I Be Sure - The Rascals
No More I Love You's - Annie Lennox
Human Nature - Michael Jackson
Vagabond - Wolfmother
Masoko Tanga - The Police
Lover, You Should Have Come Over - Jeff Buckley
I Believe (When I Fall in Love it will Be Forever) - Stevie Wonder
Just Like You Said - Seal

My Top 20 Favorite Songs (Right Now)

This ended up being a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. On my second blog, the one that I had from high school through college and was insanely emo on, I used to do this type of entry all the time. Although, in all honesty, the same songs would always make the cut and really only change by a track or two. This time around I tried to dig a little bit deeper and think about songs that 1. I love so much it hurts to listen to and 2. really get me pumped up and going (I usually think "HOLY CRAP LIFE IS AWESOME WITH MUSIC LIKE THIS IN THE WORLD" when listening to them, no matter how slow or sad they might be). This task ended up being ridiculously hard. Hopefully it's a more accurate reflection, though of the music I love...even if I know the moment I publish this the first thought in my head will be, "damnit! I can't believe I forgot to put that song on there!"

1. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles - When this comes on in my car people are not allowed to speak. I'm so not kidding about that.
2. Black Mirror by Arcade Fire - So hard to choose an Arcade Fire song to go on this list, this won just happened to win out by being awesome.
3. Blue Ridge Mountains by Fleet Foxes - I love when this song picks up in the middle during the chorus, and as always their harmonies are amazing.
4. Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky - Favorite classical piece possibly ever, and a family favorite.
5. Gloria by U2 - I LOVE early U2. A dream concert for me would be going back to the early 80s and seeing them before Joshua tree. If only time travel was real.
6. Potato Girl by Our Lady Peace - In high school OLP was my favorite band. Their first 4 records are 90s alt rock gold and this song in particular is magic.
7. Bernadette by Four Tops - This will forever remind me of my dad, dancing with him, and jamming out to the bassline. For a long time I didn't even know the words to this song (which is really rare for me. I know the words to soooo many things) because it was too good.
8. In My Bed by Amy Winehouse - I am a huge Amy Winehouse fan, and I may be one of the only people in the entire world to consistently focus on her music rather than drug use. I love her retro sound mixed with modern day R&B. This is the perfect example of that.
9. Sea and Sand by The Who - "Come sleep on the beach. Keep within my reach. I just want to die with you near. I'm feeling so high with you here. I'm wet and I'm cold, But thank God I ain't old." Enough said.
10. Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys - The quintessential NYer song. Did I mention I'm from New York?
11. Man Ray by Futureheads - Another really tough choice, but I'll go for one of their harder songs because I love the immense sound they create.
12. Time to Pretend by MGMT - Back when I went to school and then worked in NYC it was Spring time and this was a staple on every mix I ever made. Walking through the streets of NY, this is my theme song.
13. I Just Wasn't Made for These Times by The Beach Boys - Maybe, though, this is really my theme song since I know I was born in the wrong decade.
14. 2+2=5 (The Lukewarm.) by Radiohead - One of my favorite bands ever, this song probably sums up all the reasons why I love them.
15. Tom Cat Goodbye by Laura Nyro - THE singer/song writer as far as I'm concerned, and her talents are best on display here.
16. Skating by Vince Guaraldi - I know this is technically a "Christmas song," but it may be my favorite jazz song of all time.
17. America by Simon and Garfunkel - Did I mention I was born in the wrong decade?
18.That's What You Get by Paramore - Secretly, deep down, I'm still an emo kid at heart.
19. Push It by Garbage - Another one of my favorite bands of all time. This song and the album it is from solidified their place in my heart forever.
20. Rolling in the Deep by Adele - I know this is way overplayed, but before then (and after I get over hearing this every hour on the hour), this will still be an amazing song.

Album Review: The Chaos by Futureheads

I don't know if only music nerds have this moment, but have you ever heard a band for the first time and been totally blown away? So blown away that years later, when you continue to be obsessed with the band you still remember that moment. A friend of mine from home LOVED the band Soul Coughing and I remember him saying to me when he introduced me to them, "I am so jealous of you right now. You get to have the experience of listening to this band brand new." The first time I heard The Futureheads was like that for me. I was in my sophomore year of college, fresh off of a summer of an obsession with Franz Ferdinand ("Take me Out" has just come out) and other jingly jangly Brit pop, and I walked into the office of Binghamton University's radio station, WHRW, to hear this song about robots. I remember thinking: "what the hell is this?! It's fucking fantastic!!" I immediately uploaded the record to my computer, grabbed a few pins for my bag, and started a love affair that continues to this day. (As a side note, I really miss being a DJ at WHRW. It was so easy to be introduced to great new music and I got tons of free swag to boot.)

Four full length albums in (with a 5th acapella record that will be released in a few weeks), The Futureheads have never disappointed me. It's pretty rare for me to be able to say "I love everything this band has ever put out" (give or take a few songs. I think the only other artists I can say that about are The Beatles, Arcade Fire, Doves, and Garbage. Maybe The Like too (who funny enough toured with The Futureheads on their last US tour), but they have 2 records so that doesn't really count in my book. At any rate, The Futureheads have consistently released great music and are a fantastic band to boot. All four members sing, so their harmonies are spectacular, and are talented musicians. For fast driving, peppy, rock music that sounds a little bit like The Clash meets The Beach Boys with some post-punk influences, this is your band.

All of that being said, I have to admit that it took me awhile to get into The Chaos. At the time I purchases several other albums that ended up taking higher priority on my listening list. I think this combined with the fact that several of the early tracks are very strong while some of the later songs didn't catch my interest right away, led me to shelve the record for awhile. Then a few weeks ago I got a really strong hankering to listen to something upbeat and new. I pulled this out of my music cabinet and immediately thought, "why did I not get into this earlier?" I think sometimes you need to be in the right frame of mine to accept new music and I was in more of an etherial music mood when I tried to listen to this the first time around so I didn't give it a fair chance. Right now I'm back into my happy rock phase, so I've listened to The Chaos at least once a day, every day, for the last two weeks. My roommate must love me.

The Chaos is everything that I've come to expect from The Futureheads. Poppy post-punk with great harmonies, clever lyrics, and moments of serious social commentary when appropriate. I remember reading an interview Alex Kapranos of Frank Ferdinand gave years ago where he said that he really admired how The Beatles, and John Lennon in particular, wrote really sad songs that sounded very happy. "Take Me Out" was written in that vein, and I think The Futureheads do that a lot as well. The single has a bit of that going on, as do other songs throughout their catalog as well. Maybe that's another reason why I like this band so much? I like to be fooled. Haha. At any rate, I've talked enough about how awesome this band is as a whole, so I hope that speaks for itself and you check them out. I'll let the music speak for itself.

Standout Tracks: Struck Dumb, Dart at the Map

Is this a sign I am getting old?

Maybe it is, but I went to a barbeque on Saturday afternoon and came back exhausted. Maybe this is also because I ate a TON of food and have had naps every day for the last two weeks besides Saturday, but when I got home I just wanted to chill out on my bed with the animals. Snuggle parties such as this one are pretty common these days. As a side note I am so thrilled that Batman has finally wised up and joined the "we love Charlie" club. Since moving he has been extra snuggly, sleeps with us every night, and I've even caught him rubbing up against Charlie every once in awhile. It only took 11 months!

So getting back to the point, after coming home I wanted nothing more than to sit in my room with the animals and just screw around on Facebook and the internet in general. Sometimes it's nice to be calm. My evening consisted of Mahjong and coffee cake, and this mix that I'm about to share with you. I'll be honest, I didn't really make it. I have pre-made mixes of "happy" music. Or calm, or angry. Stuff that's good for cleaning, working out, cooking, etc. They generally have 100 songs on them and get shuffled. Usually the calm one gets played on planes, or on a Saturday night when I want to vegetate and act like a hermit. And if I must say, the first 15 songs on this shuffle were golden.

Classical Gas - Eric Clapton
Fairy Tale Song (Cade) - Milton Nascimento
Popstars - Rooney
The District Sleeps Alone Tonight - The Postal Service
Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - She & Him
I'll Follow the Sun - The Beatles
Coney Island - Death Cab For Cutie
She's A Rainbow - The Rolling Stones
Modern Girls and Old Fashioned Men - The Strokes
Black Mirror - Arcade Fire
Sky Stars Falling - Doves
Party Girl - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
the Wonderful Future - Our Lady Peace
He Doesnt Know Why - Fleet Foxes
Sense - Pete Yorn

I miss cable TV.

Sometimes I really miss having cable TV. I've survived without it for about a year and a half now. It's really easy to catch up on shows these days. I can read recaps for things I want to follow but don't necessarily feel like watching (House), or have the time to (General Hospital), and between Hulu and different pirating websites it's pretty easy to watch new episodes of shows within 24 hours and be perfectly content (Once Upon a Time, Glee, New Girl, and Downton Abbey). And Netflix has also been really awesome in introducing me to tons of new shows (Mad Men and Doctor Who) during those hours when I'm bored and searching for a way to fill in the Saturday afternoons I'd usually spend watching Food Network.

But then there's things like the Grammy's. And I spend a good two hours doing Google searches and refreshing every 60 seconds to see if there are videos of Adele's comeback performance, Katy Perry's new song, and Paul McCartney and Company doing half of the B side of Abbey Road.

How's a music nerd supposed to survive without cable on a night like this?

When friends ask you to make you a mix...

One of my best friends of all time, Jen, and I have a relationship that is based on music. When we were 10 we met during flute lessons at school and we were stand partners in one ensemble or another all the way through senior year of high school. We suffered through our awkward phases on stage front in center of our middle school concert band and forged a really close bond by the time senior year came around sitting in the back of the high school's orchestra chatting about boys and life. Around that time we also started driving to the mall and aimlessly wandering around nice neighborhoods afterwards until the wee hours of the morning. I always supplied the tunes and Jen was always impressed with my knowledge of artists.

Once we went away to college we kept up our music traditions by talking about what my school's radio station was getting in the new bin (I was a DJ there) and I often made mixes for Jen. Once in awhile I'll still get requests. "You need to make me a mix! I'm dying for some good music and you have such great taste!" This week one such request arrived and of course I complied (within a few hours) because what music nerd doesn't like to make mixes for people? Anything to show off what we're listening to and rearrange the songs perfectly to suck people in and tap their feet to the beat.

And just in case you were wondering, here's what I came up with this time:

When I'm With You by Best Coast
Book Of Stories by The Drums
Bang Bang Bang by Mark Ronson And The Business Intl Featuring Q-Tip
Secret Lover by THAT WORK
Indestructible by Robyn
Cough Syrup by Young The Giant
Them Kids by Sam Roberts
It's A Lie by Fiction Plane
Hearts And Bones by Paul Simon
Carnival by The Cardigans
Goin' Out Of My Head by Little Anthony & The Imperials
Ferry 'cross The Mersey by Gerry & The Pacemakers
Past The Sleep by Company Of Thieves
West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
Fantasy by Earth Wind & Fire
Blue Ridge Mountains by Fleet Foxes

Please Watch this Video

(and fall in love with this song)



I am obsessed.

Unfortunately I don't know much more about the New York based That Work (the band featured in this video). All I can do is Google and hope more information springs up the longer I wait.

Album Review: Torches by Foster the People

I think by now just about everyone has heard "Pumped Up Kicks" on the radio and "Don't Stop" in that car commercial on TV. No matter what you can't get away from this band and "Pumped Up Kicks" is probably one of the most overplayed songs on the radio from the last 6 months. That being said, I almost didn't even bother giving this album a listen to because I am so sick of that song. But then a coworker at Anthropologie played a few songs off the album in the stock room one morning and I was hooked. The album was added to my "must buys" the next time I splurged on music. Come Cyber Monday Amazon took a lot of my money, this album obviously being one of my purchases.

Over the last few months I've been really into dancey pop-rock and rock with a soul/funk twist on it. Torches by Foster the People met those requirements. A little bit poppier than the electronic heavy Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix that was released a few years ago so more of the album is accessible, but otherwise the two bands sound extremely similar down to the high-pitched female-range male lead singers. At any rate this is definitely the album to get you in a good mood on a Saturday night or a sunny Spring morning and several of the songs would be great for a party or work out mix. Hipster, music nerd, wannabe, or not this a great happy album that just about anyone can appreciate.

Standout Tracks: I Would Do Anything for You & Houdini

Best things about 2011

Seems like everyone is doing one of those "best of" lists so I figured I'd throw one together too. This, though, is not a best of one kind of thing list but more of a best of my entire year list.

Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes - A mixture of Simon and Garfunkle, CSNY, and the Beach Boys, Fleet Foxes has become one of my favorite bands ever. I absolutely loved their first album and scooped up their second the moment it was released. As far as I'm concerned it's a neo-folk classic. The songs have amazing harmonies that all pull from influences of the 60s. A great chill-out album, if you're into music at all you will not be disappointed. I saw them live in the Spring and the music translated perfectly. These guys are extremely talented musicians and I can't wait to see what they do in the future.


Rolling in the Deep by Adele - I know every other person on Earth is talking about Adele right now. She has single handedly kept the music business alive this year and given people hope that there is real talent still out that to be appreciated by the masses. With a song like this one, though, how could you not love this girl? A powerful song about being scorned by an ex-lover, the driving beat and vocals are infectious. And she looks like something from another, more glamorous era! I love that she tries to look as fabulous as she sounds. I hope she wins every Grammy she's nominated for.


Midnight in Paris - Set in both modern day and 1920s Paris, this movie is part fantasy part coming of age film. The main character, a writer, has to chose between his current life and one which he has always dreamed of. A scenario sometimes we are confronted with, the character's choice is somewhat unexpected but still reflects who he is as a person and who he wants to be. Shot beautifully, this may be my favorite Woody Allen film (not that I've seen all of them, but I've definitely seen a ton). And Owen Wilson is the perfect replacement for Woody Allen starring in his own films. He plays the awkward, slightly neurotic character perfectly and he's much better looking too.

Once Upon a Time - If you are not watching this show yet, let me ask you a question. Is there something wrong with you? This show is amazing. While I do admit that it inherently appeals to girls more because of the fairy tale theme, it truly has something for everyone. Action, swords, spells, romance, drama, mystery, awesome costumes, death, you name it. Brought to you by some of the people who were behind LOST, this is LOST-light. Told with a series of present-day and flashback scenes, you only get part of the story and are constantly left wanting more without the confusing randomness of polar-bears on a tropical island. Definitely my new favorite TV show.

Quandry Wine by Trefethen - Not that I know a lot about wine (I've been to Napa a handful of times now, so I'm really only at the novice level. I can really only tell you what I like and don't like), but this wine is delicious. I'm not sure where you can buy this besides at the winery or the website, but for lovers of sweet, crisp, light white wine this is a must. Better than Reisling as it doesn't taste as sugary, it's my go-to when I want to crack open a bottle for dinner or just to relax. I've gotten several bottles so far and will probably buy more until it is sold out (it's a limited edition vintage). Then I'll go back to Trefethen to find a new favorite, as I've never had something I didn't like there.

Charlie - How could I not include this little guy on the list? Granted it took me months to house train him, he has chewed tons of my stuff including a brand new Blackberry, and made the cats lives hell for awhile, but he eventually won us all over. Loyal, loving, and attached at my hip he may be the only dog I will ever truly love. I call him cat dog because he loves to sleep and his temperament matches Lulu's; I think he thinks he's really a cat (even though the real cats know better). He's definitely an integral part of the farm and provides everyone with hours of entertainment and affection. We've had our bumps in the road, but at this point I'm not sure what I would do without him...maybe have cleaner carpets?

Friends - Ok, so I know I said this on Thanksgiving, but really, 2011 will go down as the year of the friends for me. Last winter I made my goal for the quarter to make some friends and be a more social person. I started going out to anything and everything the kids in my class put together and in the process met some awesome people and have found a ton of best friends. We do things like:


Go bowling wearing dumb tshirts.


Celebgrate my birthday 80s style.


Get wasted in Vegas 6 hours after we're done with finals.


Buy my brother shots for his 21st birthday.


Pretend we're an episode of the Jersey Shore.


Put up with each other when we're cranky, smelly, and gross after walking around during 90 degree weather. These two put up with me for a lot of other reasons too, they're definitely my favs.

2011 was pretty good, but I'm sure 2012 will be even better!

Album Review: Frank by Amy Winehouse

I know lately the whole world has been about Amy Winehouse's untimely passing. And I also know that no one was really surprised. As a long time drug user who dangled on the edge of an abyss for years, it was just a matter of time. More of a when, than an if. But for some of us, even though who were expecting this, it was still a blow. I've been a huge fan of Amy's since her last album came out. So much of a fan that I bought her first album as well. And when I heard that she had a short tour in Europe this summer, I hoped that it meant that she was going to start promoting a new album. I needed new Amy. But obviously none of that was meant to be. Maybe by Christmas (considering how fame-hungry her dad seems to be), we'll get a compilation or unfinished songs. But who knows. In the meantime, if you're hungry for more and you haven't checked out Frank I highly recommend it.

Already knowing the direction Amy went in with her follow up record, Frank seems like a more than adequate predecessor. Lots of raw talent, not overproduced, but Amy still clearly knew what she wanted and the direction she wanted to go in. It has the retro feel to it like Back to Black. A little bit of R&B, a little bit of pop, a little bit of jazz. The first few songs are more uptempo, even a bit angry, but as the disc progresses it mellows out and feels a little bit like a lounge record. At first that drove me nuts because I wanted more funky stuff like the first few tracks, but over time it grew on me. Lately I've been alternating this disc with Lauren Hill's Miseducation and it's a great companion.

Standout Tracks: Stronger than Me, Know You Now, & (There Is) No Greater Love

Summer Time Tunes

I know for some people (my brother included), the summer time means music festivals. Sweating, mud, and band after band of sonic bliss. I don't think I'll be going to any festivals, but I did start off my summer with an outdoor concert (and I've got a couple more left-yay summer tours). I saw Florence + The Machine with my friend Brandi. She was spectacular and even played a few new songs. Very excited for that album to come out.

What does the summer time mean to you? Fun? Heat? As few clothes as possible! Thunderstorms. The Beach. Driving around aimlessly at all hours of the day. BBQing. Camp. Freshly cut grass. Vacations. And in no uncertain terms, some kind of freedom that you don't have the rest of the year. Even when I was working, the summer still mean things would slow down and not be as hectic during the rest of the year. And now, while I will still be taking a class, have a part time job (Anthropologie, score!), and will be spending some time at the school clinic, the amount of work I'll need to do when I get home each day will be far less. No more late nights with my computer tapping away, no more weekends wasted doing work and telling Nick to bug off for awhile, and no more unGodly amounts of reading to do...at least until September.

With all these things in mind, I made a summer time mix to celebrate the new season. Somewhere between laid back relaxation and a dance party, it's what the summer is all about: freedom.

Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
Hounds Of Love - The Futureheads
June Gloom - The Like
Rebel Rebel - David Bowie
LDN - Lily Allen
Horchata - Vampire Weekend
Ten-Twenty-Ten - Generationals
Second Hand News - Fleetwood Mac
Limelight - Rush
Somebody to Love - Jefferson Airplane
Last Goodbye - Jeff Buckley
Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse - Minus The Bear
Shiny Happy People - R.E.M.
Under The Blacklight - Rilo Kiley
12:51 - The Strokes
No Action - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Girls Of Prey - Pop Noir
Pounding - Doves
Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
Follow You Down - Gin Blossoms
You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne

Review - The Duke Spirit

I think ever since I first heard "The Step and the Walk" by the Duke Spirit I have been on a major girl singer craze. My music playlist transformed from heavy guitar guy fronted rock, to female fronted bands of all kinds. Based on this single alone I started a little bit of an obsession with this album and listened to it non-stop for months. Their influences seem to come from all over the place (more 90s rock with a bit of 60s stuff thrown in), but their sound is decidedly British.

I love the lead singer's voice. It's strong, has a little bit of a late 60s earthy vibe to it, but it's powerful. It's perfect for the bluesy dark rock that it fronts. Mix it with the nautical themes (it is named after the Roman God of the sea) and the tracks about heartbreak and love, and I'd say you have a classic on your hands.

I'm still depressed about getting into the band too late to get tickets for their last tour. But this time, tickets will be bought, and concerts will be witnesses! With a new album to be released in the coming months, I'd say it's at the top of my list for most anticipated records out this year...well...maybe tied with the one Garbage is supposedly supposed to come out with.

Standout Tracks: Send A Little Love Token, You Really Wake Up The Love In Me


I think I need to go add this album back into the mix again. This song is too good not to listen to on a regular basis.

Review - Best Coast

What's better for the summer than surfer music? Best Coast's debut album Crazy for You is just that. A mix of low-fi garage rock with California beach music, the album is full of short rockin' tunes that will make you feel like you should be polishing your board and looking for the next big wave. Or if you're not by the beach, like you should be BBQing and cracking open a beer by the pool.

Best Coast is part of the latest wave of low-fi rock that gets it's inspiration from 90s grunge and 60s surfer rock. Except unlike a lot of the bands out there that just throw something together and hope part of it sticks, Best Coast's songs are catchy with just enough fuzz to add an effect rather than completely drown out everything to the point of annoyance. Maybe that's why Best Coast is so well received by fans and critics alike. Half the songs could be singles, and each one in appealing in its own way.

The band comes from LA, and it really shows as the songs drip with what it means to be from California. When I first got the record, every time I popped it in I felt like a real Californian. All I had to do was put on some board shorts and get a tan...although it was winter at the time, and cloudy, and rainy, so that wasn't about to happen, haha. Maybe that's why I think this album is so great for any time. It sounds great for when you want to chill by the pool, but if you want to chill when it's rainy and you want to be lazy it fits that mood too. All in all a really good record that I think anyone who likes rock music can enjoy.

Standout Tracks: Boyfriend, Goodbye, When the Sun don't Shine

Spring Time and Lookin' Fine...

Wherever you are, it seems like the Spring is really starting to peek it's head around the corner. When I went to school and worked in NYC nothing made me happier than a sunny Spring morning (or afternoon) and walking around with some kickass tunes on my Ipod. It became a tradition of sorts to make a new mix every Spring with whatever music put me in as good of a mood as the weather did. I came up with the lamest of names for them too. "Spring has Sprung," "Spring into Summer," and the one where the title of this entry comes from, "Spring Time and Lookin' Fine in NYC." I know, like I said, they were lame. But I was the only one who saw them and it was all about making me smile, so I'm ok with however embarrassing you may think that is. Here's a sample of what one of the mixes has included in the past:

Breakin' Up - Rilo Kiley
Always Where I Need to Be - The Kooks
I want you back - Jackson
When You Were Young - The Killers
Take What You Take - Lily Allen
Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye
Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse
The Tears Of A Clown - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Dancing In the Streets - Martha and the Vandellas
Sweet Darlin' - She & Him
The View - Modest Mouse
Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
I Predict A Riot - Kaiser Chiefs
Kids - MGMT
The Step And The Walk - The Duke Spirit
Uptight (Everythings Alright) - Stevie Wonder
Turn a Square - Shins
Ticket To Ride - The Beatles
Straight Lines - Silverchair
Keep The Car Running - Arcade Fire
Meantime - The Futureheads
Objects Of My Affection - Peter Bjorn and John

What's on there this year? Still a work in progress and the music I've been listening to lately doesn't gel very well together, but here's what I have so far:

Dog Days Are Over - Florence & The Machine
Monster - Lady Gaga
Can't Stop Feeling - Franz Ferdinand
Rolling In the Deep - Adele
Baby You're a Rich Man - The Beatles
West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys
Bang Bang Bang - Mark Ronson And The Business Intl Featuring Q-Tip, MNDR
That's What You Get - Paramore
He's A Rebel - The Crystals
Baby, I Love You - The Ronettes
Big Wave - Jenny & Johnny
Keep The Car Running - Arcade Fire
She's A Rainbow - The Rolling Stones
You Make Loving Fun - Fleetwood Mac

Don't forget about the gift bag giveaway! I'm going to close entries tomorrow at noon. Winner will be announced tomorrow night some time.

Album Review: Ordinary Riches by Company of Thieves

One of my favorite albums last winter/spring was Ordinary Riches by Company of Thieves. I first heard their single, Oscar Wilde, on the radio in New York. Right away that struck a chord with me because it's really hard to discover new music, especially GOOD underground music on the radio in New York City. But the song is so damn catchy, I don't know how anyone could not play it on the radio and not like it in general.



As a whole, Ordinary Riches is a straight up rock record that reminds me a little bit of some of the girl rock bands from the mid 90s. There's no fancy synthezisers, no techno beats, and no over-production. Just heartfelt songs from a four piece band (although at the time there were just 3 band members). The songs deal with topics from the war to relationships and are accessible to everyone regardless of your feelings of both. The music is not pretentious, and that's probably one of the best things about the band. You can like them regardless of the scene you're into, and shouldn't that be what music is all about? Good music for the sake of good music?

Not much more to say about this one, just let the video speak for itself.

Standout Tracks: Pressure, Past the Sleep (so hard to pick just two!)

Listening to lately.

Making mixtapes was one of my favorite past times growing up. There's something very satisfying about planning out each side, the feel, and squeezing it all into 45 minutes X 2. Making mixed CDs is fun too, but there's something lost in the hardness and instant gratification of iTunes and a 70 minute CD. Now, if I could make a mix tape for all of you, here's what I would put on it.

Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) - Arcade Fire
Are You On My Side - Rogue Wave
Geraldine - Glasvegas
My Moon My Man - Feist
Me And The Moon - The Drums
Murder - The Virgins
Breakin' Up - Rilo Kiley
Giving Up The Gun - Vampire Weekend
Hearts And Bones - Paul Simon
There Goes The Fear - Doves
Rolling In the Deep - Adele
Bang Bang Bang - Mark Ronson And The Business International
Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear
Common Reaction - Uh Huh Her
Steppin' Out - Joe Jackson

Jenny and Johnny: I'm Having Fun Now

Some of you might know Jenny Lewis as part of Rilo Kiley, The Postal Service, or from her own solo albums. Now she has added another act to her growing resume, a folk rock duo with her current boy friend, John Rice. According to their website, the first album was written mainly while on tour and was originally supposed to be just a few demos but the creativity flowed like a waterfall and a full album just came out.

I have to be honest, I love Jenny Lewis but the first time I listened to I'm Having Fun Now I wasn't sure what to think. Many times I listen to an album and it takes me a few times to get into it. Usually I'll focus on a favorite song or two and then expand from there. This was definitely one of those records for me, but after 3 or 4 listens I almost immediately fell in love and for the past month this has been a constant in the CD player in my car. I still really don't like track 5, but other than that, every song is a great pop tune worth of singing along (which I often do as I drive around...and I think the Californians think I'm crazy).

The songs are full of satire and humor (which you would expect from Jenny Lewis at this point--think of her as indie rock's Lily Allen). In the past Jenny has taken shots at politics, materialism, and love and she continues to do that. And the melodies play just like the lyrics. Bouncy, fun, with a bit of nostalgia in the mix.

The key to this album is that it's stripped down and it's real. Jenny and Johnny's voices blend really well together in their harmonies. You can hear all the instruments and the effects serve purpose. It's the way music used to be, before it became over produced and flashy. Folk, rock, pop, and maybe a bit of country. There's a little bit of everything for everyone. It's definitely worth a listen, and while I've never seen them live I've heard the show is amazing too.



Standout Tracks: Switchblade and Big Wave

Some of my Favorite things - Entertainment Edition

Merry Christmas-Eve everyone! Hope you all have a great holiday with your family and friends. In keeping with the Favorite Things themed entries, today's entry is highlighting some of my favorite records and movies.

Albums

Of all time...Neon Bible by Arcade Fire

This changes on a regular basis, but since this album came out it has been the reigning champion. Arcade Fire is a band that is not for everyone. They have their catchy songs and their songs that are a little off the beaten path. To me Neon Bible is their most accessible album, but that's not why I like it. It's my favorite because it flows together well, tells a story, and all the songs on here are solid. Indie rock at it's finest.
Standout Tracks: Keep the Cars Running, No Cars Go

To relax to...New York Tendaberry by Laura Nyro

I think Laura Nyro is one of the most underrated singers of all time. She wrote many hits for so many other people and was never really recognized by fame for her major contributions. Better than Carly Simon. Better than Carol King. Her voice is powerful and her songs are moving and soulful. This album is a tribute to my favorite place on her (and hers), New York City. It's my quintessential rainy day, Fall time, 4 in the afternoon album.
Standout Tracks: Tom Cat Goodbye, Gibsom Street

To get hyped up to...Tonight: Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand

When we have people over I go all out and even when I'm excited to entertain, I need a little something to get me going. So when I know I've got some serious cooking ahead of me I pop this CD and get all revved up. This album by Franz Ferdinand reminds me of everything that was good about the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Dancey synth music with heavy bass and just a tinge of 60s lyricism in there. Usually midway through this album Nick finds his way downstairs and a dance party starts in the kitchen, apron, spatula and all.
Standout Tracks: Ulysses, Can't Stop Feeling

For the Holidays...A Christmas Gift to You by Phil Spector

Psycho killer producer aside, this album is timeless. One of my favorite Christmas songs of all time (Baby Please Come Home by Darlene Love) is on here, and that alone I could listen to over and over again. But you add in the wall of sound as it translates to Christmas songs and I'm a goner. Christmas is about celebrating and being happy, and this album, to me at least, sums up that mood.

To play when company is over...Time Out by Dave Brubeck

This classic album has one of the greatest jazz songs of all time on it (Take Five) and sets the mood for any cocktail hour, dinner party, or Mad Men themed shindig. Not everyone likes jazz, but just about everyone can appreciate this album.

Movies

Of all time...Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Jim Carey and Kate Winslet have their memories erased and some how manage to still be in love at the same time. It's a powerful message about the nature of love and learning from one's mistakes. Maybe not the best movie to watch right after you break up with someone, but anyone who has gone through a rough patch in any relationship can totally relate.

Holiday...Charlie Brown Christmas

This soundtrack is amazing and the story is timeless. It makes me feel like an excited little kid again. Who doesn't like Charlie Brown, Linus, and Snoopy? Need I say more?

To play when boys are over...Tropic Thunder

Nonstop laughter. Poop jokes. Sex jokes. Drug jokes. Action. Stuff blows up. Fake blood and guts. Tom Cruise in a hideous fat suit. Perfect guys movie? Maybe.

To play when girls are over...Pride and Prejudice

Just like the boys moving having all the right stuff, Pride and Prejudice has all the things girls like in a romantic chick flick. Drama, nice clothes, beautiful scenery (both the nature and the actors), British accents, and a schmoopy lovey dovey ending. If you want to watch a movie and feel good about love, this is as good as it gets.