Truth

I think most people feel this way.

Hope everyone has a good afternoon, I'm heading out to enjoy the weather.

Phish on Jeopardy

This is the second time this has happened in less than a year. 

Super Bowl Time

I will make this post simple and easy. This Sunday is the Super Bowl. This is my feelings towards this game.

1. I do not care who wins, I'm actually rooting for a hole to open up on the 50 and for both teams to fall in. To have to watch either one bring home a championship will be heart breaking. 

2. It gives me another opportunity to see where my Jets have just failed this past season.

3. Madonna's half time show I'm sure will be fantastic (in the most sarcastic tone possible)

4. What I am looking forward to if I actually watch. I guess the only thing that could even be somewhat entertaining (even though they have failed to do so in the last few years). Commercials.

Here are a sneak peek of two of them. One from Seinfeld and one with Matthew Broderick. 

Lost George Harrison

Anytime there is lost Beatles footage I'm always interested in hearing it. Little did I know that I would stumble across a missing guitar solo from one of my favorite songs. "Here Comes the Sun" is a great song. It has the ability to instantly put you in a good mood and makes even the gloomiest of days feel brighter. 

Here is the lost guitar solo from Harrison himself. 

The Great Divide - Willie Nelson

Now let me first say this. I'm not the biggest Willie Nelson fan, but every once in a while I hear a song that I really fall in love with. Over the weekend I went out and bought some music. That is right, went to the store and bought some actual cds. One of them being the "Bridge School Benefit", which I've written about here before. Check that out HERE. 

Well the cds I got are full of acoustic performances from the last 25 years of benefit concerts. All acoustic, all beautiful. One song in particular is this next one by Willie Nelson. Its as simple as a song gets, exactly why I love it so much. Just Willie, his guitar and a beautifully written song!

Enjoy.

New Jack White

Almost a year to the day after announcing that his band The White Stripes were splitting up Jack White drops the news of a new solo album, set to be released on April 23rd. He says this about the new album. 

"I've put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas."

Here is the first single off of the album "Love Interruption". Personally I like it. There is a lot of blues and country influence on the song, and it gives it that old dirty gritty feel. 

Tuesday

Well hello there. Sorry I completely missed yesterday, things were just too busy here at work to even find the time to log on for just a few minutes. Yet today I have a little bit more time to be here so I can at least do a post or two. 

Side note: It is going to be close to 70 here today and tomorrow here in Richmond. I'm seriously contemplating calling in sick tomorrow and going somewhere fun. It won't happen but it should. I should go take advantage of this weather before it turns cold again. I'll keep you posted. 

For now enjoy Grace Potter and "Ragged Company". Love this song. A little more of the country side of this band, but I don't hold that against them too much. he. he.

Sarah Burke Tribute

"The brave do not live forever and the cautious do not live at all"

Great tribute to a skier who left this earth last week after a tragic accident in mid December. Last night at the x-games a place where she made her mark known, family and friends gathered to honor this great athlete. She would have been defending her gold medal at this years games. 

Burke was among the most popular and accomplished free-skiers in the history of the sport, she won six X games gold medals. Before that, she spend most of her time lobbying to have female skiers including in the Winter X Games and also played a crucial role in getting half-pipe skiing added to the Winter Olympics. The sport is set to debut in 2014 in Russia where Burke would have been the gold medal favorite. 

The world lost a good one. Watch the video, its a great tribute. 

Earth Wind and Fire!

Work became a little bit more busy than I originally expected today. Been giving tours for the better part of the last hour and a half. Yet now they are over I can go back to enjoying my Friday. 

Here is one of my favorite songs of all time. I dare you not to tap your foot... dare you!!

Its Friday!

Well, it looks like we made it through yet another week. I'm especially glad it is Friday because the work week has been entirely too long for me. Even though its not officially over until after my event tomorrow, the event is out of the office and won't be too bad so today I celebrate. 

No matter what happens this weekend it will be great. I don't really care if I do nothing at all except tend this work event, watch some movies, sleep, eat and drink a beer or two. It will be the weekend and that is really all that will matter. 

On a side note, I'm a little freaked out on how warm its been here in Richmond the last few weeks. I mean it is January and yesterday I went for a run outside... in shorts. There is something very odd about that. I keep wanting to wear sweaters and layer up but by the end of the day its sunny and warm. Now I'm not saying that I want it to snow for the next two months, but a little bit of winter will not hurt anybody. I mean if we don't get any we will be eaten alive by bugs this summer, trust me. 

Okay thats my global warming rant of the day. You all can go back to enjoying your Fridays. I have about 4 or 5 more hours here until Im free. yay.

New Video: Lisa Hannigan

Back in September I wrote about Lisa Hannigan and how I was super stoked to discover her music. Read article HERE. Well I'm happy to announce today that she has released a new music video (warning anyone with motion sickness do not watch). It was filmed in one take on a roller coaster. Yup you read that right... My favorite part, her laugh at the end when she realizes she pulled it off.

Flights Booked!

Flights are booked. End of March I'm headed west to California for one of my best friends wedding. Super excited that I get to share this experience with so many of my friends. Wouldn't miss it for the world... 

Tonight

Whats on the deck for tonight? Its pretty simple. Working until about 7 or so, then off to dollar tacos with the best friend, then home to finish a music mix, watch some jersey shore and head off to bed. Pretty easy and simple if I do say so myself. 

I love doing music mixes for people especially on their request. I love seeing the different music people are into and it always opens my mind to new and exciting things. For example, the mix I'm finishing tonight has a great cover of "Jolene" by the White Stripes. I'm shocked that I hadn't seen it before, but better late then never right?

Have a good evening everybody... guess what? Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!

Miles Davis Stamp!

About damn time... More than 20 years after his death, jazz legend Miles Davis is being honored by the US Postal Service with his very own stamp. Good job to everyone involved in this decision!

Inspiring

Talk about an inspiration. What Congresswoman Gabby Giffords has been though in the last year has been nothing short of a miracle. She stepped down this week to focus on her recovery, and I wish her the absolute best. What a woman... 

"I'm getting better. Every day, my spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country. Thank you very much."

Radiohead - High and Dry

Last night I got the opportunity to watch the movie 50/50. It was a pretty fantastic well done picture. The acting is great, the music is great the message is guess what? Great. On the downside it was quite sad and made all these crazy thoughts swim around my head for the next 12 hours but I think all and all it was well worth the watch. 

About half way through the movie we were hit with this song from Radiohead. Its an old one but a good one. 

Hope you are off to a good Thursday. I'm pretty slammed here at the jobby job so I'll try and get on here but no promises. 

Coldplay - Everythings Not Lost

I was talking about Coldplay the other night and it inspired me to go back and listen to the very first album that I heard from them. Its the one album of theirs that I can actually say that I liked. There are a few songs off the second on that I like, but after that they seemed to take a turn into left field. I blame Gweneth Paltrow. 

Anyways here is the last track off of that first album Parachutes it is called "Everything's Not Lost".

"When I counted up my demons

Saw there was one for every day

With the good ones on my shoulder

I drove the other ones away..."

Observation

It is never okay if you are above the age of 50 (or above the age of 15 for that matter) to be blasting Miley Cyrus in an office setting. Never okay.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo "Immigrant Song"

I have yet to see this movie (will most likely wait until it comes out on DVD) but from what I have heard the movie starts off with this amazing cover of "Immigrant Song" by Karen O with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. After finding it and taking a listen I must agree. This is a great way to start off an action packed movie. Trent is killing it these days with the soundtracks. Who would have thought??

Found You Carly Smithson!

I don't know if you all remember this girl from American Idol a few years back. She was easily one of my favorites to ever go on the show and I still believe she got kicked out way too early. Waaaay too early. I mean did you see her perform? Need a reminder?

Okay now that rant is over. Moving forward. I was stumbling around youtube this morning in search of a song and I found her singing with her new band We Are The Fallen. And while its not exactly my type of music I was happy to see that she has landed on her feet and is still singing. Way to go girl

Liked This

Was pretty impressed what our President had to say last night at the State of the Union. I wasn't going to watch it but then decided that it would be a good idea. Glad I did. I don't usually talk politics on this blog and I promise that I won't start now. Just an observation of my evening last night. 

My favorite sentence: "As long as I'm President, I will work with anyone in this chamber to build on this momentum. But I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first place."

Have a great Wednesday.

Real Talk

I just ripped a hole straight through my jeans here at work because of a rogue nail coming out the bottom of my desk (yay non profits and their donated 30 year old furniture). So with that I'm kind of giving up on the rest of the day. I still have to hang out here until about 6:30 when these volunteers show up but that doesn't mean I can't look at fun images and quotes because if you don't know by now that, that is one of my favorite things to do. 

Have a good evening my friends!

Punk Goes Acoustic

Just came across this album and I kind of love it. They take a whole bunch of punk songs and give the artists a chance to make acoustic versions. I think its genius. 

Enjoy a few of these... 

Life by Marilyn Monroe

I'm super pissed that I missed My Week with Marilyn while it was in movie theater. It is now at the top of my list for pre-order when the DVD comes out. Not only do I love Michelle Williams and think she is fabulous in almost everything she does... I think Marilyn is quite special too.

"This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, its a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything- they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them- actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're going to fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about". 

-Marilyn Monroe 

Grey or Blue by Jaymay

Told you that last post wasn't going to be it. Didn't think I'd be back with her so soon did you? Well I said I've been listening to a lot of her lately so why not right?

Here is another song called "Grey or Blue" and again, I just love it. Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday. Mine is shaping up to be just lovely. Spent an hour outside at lunch laying down on the Capitol lawn (another perk of working downtown) its just beautiful outside today and I'm loving every second.

Now for the music.

"I know the shape of your hands because I watch them when you talk

And I know the shape of your body cause I watch it when you walk

And I want to know it all but I'm giving you the lead

So go on, go on and take it, don't fake it, shake it". 

New Favorite: Jaymay

Meet Jaymay. Also known to her inner circle as Jamie Serman, an artist that has been called the "darling of the New York City anti-folk scene". I found her music after watching a movie last week and falling in love with the soundtrack (movie name: HappyThankYouMorePlease). I finally got around to finding the soundtrack this weekend and I was quite surprised with what I found. While there is no official soundtrack for this indie movie, in the credits were listed 14 of Jaymay's songs. Yup thats basically the entire movie. I quickly went and purchased her last three albums and it has been a simple love ever since. 

Enjoy my favorite live version of "One May Die So Lonely". It won't be the last I write about her. Trust.

Yosemite HD

This is one of the more beautiful videos I've ever seen. Its Yosemite in all its glory. Enjoy. 

(Promise slowly getting back to music, been a tad busy)

Yosemite HD from Project Yosemite on Vimeo.

No Time

Sorry for the extreme lack of posts today but I'm just way too busy at work to stop and breathe let alone write on here. Promise to make it up to you tomorrow. 

For now a picture I saw over the weekend that made me laugh. Actually two. 

Enjoy and Happy Monday!

Quiet Company "You Me and the Boatman"

Just found this band while stumbling around the NPR website. Don't know much about them yet but they hail from Texas and this next song is pretty fantastic. 

"So lover won't you stay with me, till the boatman comes...

Because I don't care about the past or future, when this existence is probably all we have. 

And so the lives we make are all that matter

so lets live to love and love to live."

If I Had It All

"Remembering times much younger than me now

When my breath was light

When the world raised me up kind

And here mother comforts child

Every moment was waking up

But now I've grown tired...out"

Easily one of my favorite Dave Matthews songs. Just a great one to listen to.

Jesus - Brand New

You know when you listen to a song and the more and more you hear it the more and more it grows on you, and the next thing you know you are listening to it in between every other song you are listening to. Well that is happening with the next song. Off of a request, I put it on a mix cd and has been listening to it ever since. 

Its a pretty sad song, but I love it. 

R.I.P. Etta James

This is easily the saddest post I have written in a while. One of my favorite soul singers, Etta James, died this morning at the age of 73. 

Throughout her long storied career, James overcame a heroin addiction, opened for the rolling stones, won six Grammys and was voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite her many ups and downs including a number of health problems, she always maintained a sunny optimistic attitude. She will always be remembered as an icon of mid century soul. RIP Ms. James. 

"You can't fake this music. You might be a great singer or a great musician but in the need, that's got nothing to do with it. It's how you connect to the songs and to the history behind them."

Odd Pairing

Nothing to say about the pairing of Cameron Diaz and P. Diddy than... um... well... I got nothing. 

It just seems odd. Thats all. 

Carry on. 

Happy Birthday Janis Joplin!

Happy Birthday Janis Joplin! 

"Don't compromise yourself; its all you've got" 

Born in a small refinery town in Texas Janis Joplin was first polished her talent in small blues clubs and coffeehouses in San Fran and Venice Beach. It was at these places her signature bottle of Southern Comfort became her trademark. She formed Big Brother and the Holding Company who wowed audiences at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. A year later she broke out into a solo career which lead her to her first hit "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder). She sadly died of a heroin overdose beforeher album Pearl was released, containing the Joplin classics "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Mercedes Benz". 

I love me some Janis Joplin. I think her voice is amazing and well, she wasn't afraid to be who she was going to be. 

"All my life I just wanted to be a beatnik. Meet all the heavies, get stoned, get laid, have a good time. That's all I ever wanted. Except I knew I had a good voice and I could always get a couple beers off of it. All of a sudden someone threw me in this rock 'n' roll band. They three these musicians at me, man, and the sound was coming from behind. The bass was charging me. And I decided then and there that was it. I never wanted to do anything else. It was better than it had been with any man, you know. Maybe that's the trouble."

Ellie Goulding Covers Rihanna

I was very suprised to hear Ellie Goulding I wrote about her last year (read it here), she was one of my favorite new artists of 2011. I'm really glad to see that she is doing well here in America. She has a weird little voice and you either love it or hate it. I love it. Its just simple and pure. 

Take a look at her cover of Rihanna's "Only Girl" she manages to take a trashy song and make it sound quite good. Bravo. 

Is it 4pm yet?

Shins Are Back!

Pretty excited about this news right here. After about a five year break, The Shins are back with some new music and I must admit I am loving this new one called "Simple Song". If this is how the new album Port of Morrow will sound, I can't wait!

Rumor!

Could this be happening yet again? Rumor mill is running wild today with word that Phish is going to play three nights in Atlantic City in June. Uh-oh. No idea if I will make the trip yet, and all I'll say is last time they did this it got pretty out of control. 

Read about my adventures here:

Night One

Night Two

Night Three

Good Morning

Hope everyone has a great day today!!

12 Artists Who Tanked On SNL

Last night I spent some time discussing the train wreck I watched on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. I was quickly reminded that there was no way she was the worst well because "we will always have Ashlee Simpson". So with that I did some research today and found a great article over at AOL that basically names them. The 12 artists who just tanked while trying to do their thing on the SNL stage and the impact it had on their careers. The list brought up some memories... and no they are not great memories. Full article HERE. Also do yourself a favor (because I won't post them here) but youtube some of these performances for a good laugh.

12. Sinead O'Conner 

Following an acapella version of Bob Marleys "War" the outspoken singer tore up a photo of the Pope while declaring "Fight the real enemy". SNL promptly banned her from SNL and replaced the live version with one previously recorded in rehearsal. 

11. Ke$ha 

For her SNL debut she wore an American Flag cape and danced with a bunch of space people. During her second song she and her band became Day-Glo natives of some sort. Neither did much to distract from her shaky vocal adventures. Many consider her to be one of the worst musical guests of all time. 

10.  Cyprus Hill

The hip-hop crew trashed their gear and DJ Muggs smoked a joint during their performance. SNL banned the group on the spot for their antics. 

9. Coldplay

Chris Martin tried his best during the performance of 'Viva La Vida' everything he had but his awkward dance moves were almost as bad as his messed up vocals. For their second song 'Yellow' his voice gave out during the second note and the song ended up sounding like a death rattle by the time the chorus came in. This obviously had little effect on their careers or the selling of that album. 

8. The Go-Gos

The girl group's lackluster, sloopy and according to singer Carlisle's recent autobiography coke-fuled renditions of "Our Lips are Sealed" and "We Got The Beat" were among the worst in Go-Go's history.

7. Frank Zappa

Zappa was actually a pretty decent musical guest, but he was a shamelessly abysmal host. The cast didn't respond well to his off-kilter sense of humor, his mugging for the camera or his blatant use of cue cards... they even turned their back to him as the singer signed off for the night. Burrrrrn. Zappa was quickly banned from the set. 

6. Brittany Spears

Britney executed her 'Me Against the Music' dance moves well, but failed to bring the same level of precious and enthusiasm to her lip-syncing. At one point, she even appeared to be mouthing the words to Madonna's part in the song. 

5. Laura Branigan

Everything was going so well until the American Euro-pop princess hit the first chorus in her trademark song 'Gloria'. Whether it was nerves or a rumored illness, her usual lovely voice couldn't handle the high notes and the tune quickly devolved into a raspy, half shouted mess. 

4. Kanye West

The usually dynamic Teezy faltered in his third time on SNL with an impassioned but off-key and somewhat ridiculous versions of his autotuned ballads 'Love Lockdown' and 'Heartless'.

3. Lincoln Park

These guys went experimental on the SNL stage with 'When They Come For Me' a percussion heavy collection of spoken words and wailing choruses filmed in black and white. Judging by their faces, the band was clearly impressed with themselves. But the rest of the audience was left a little confused by the spectacle. 

2. Taylor Swift

Taylor's take on 'Love Story' and 'Forever and Always' were not so much complete failures as they were further proof that the pop-country songstress is better suited to records than live performances. Although she talked both songs with adorable enthusiasm, she was often off-key and a little warbly. Again, another example of someone who career was not hurt by this. 

1. Obviously Ashlee Simpson

It was the jig heard 'round the pop culture world. When a mistimed backing track exposed the pop princess as a lip-syncher during her SNL performance. Simpson awkwardly stood on stage for a moment before doing a bizarre dance and running away. In the end during the goodbyes she took the classy route and tried to blame the whole thing on her band. Way to go Simpson. 

So I guess the moral of this post is that there are a lot of other acts that messed up on SNL and there will be a whole lot more in the future. Unfortunately I just don't see much of a future for Lana Del Ray because well, after trying to listen to some of her normal recordings my ears started to bleed. Sorry girl, not for me. 

You Know I'm No Good - Amy Winehouse

This song will never ever get old to me. Ever. Its also the song that I've always said if I was forced to do karaoke or try out for American Idol I'd sing it. Sooooo good. 

"I told you, I was trouble... you know that I'm no good"

R&R Hall of Fame Opens Archives to the Public

Although I'm still disappointed in how they actually pick the artists who actually get in here. Seriously no Stevie Ray Vaughn? But besides what I think, this announcement is pretty neat. 

According to Rolling Stone the famed museum out in Cleveland, Ohio has finally opened its library and archives to the public, granting scholars and fans alike access to items including personal letters penned by Madonna and Aretha Franklin and rare concert footage of the Rolling Stones. The collection which includes over 3,500 books, 1,400 audio recordings and 270 videos is housed in a new four story building located on the Cuyahoga Community College campus in Cleveland, not far from the Rock Hall. 

I know I could waste a few hours in there for sure...

Without You - Lea Michelle

I know that some people may make fun of me for watching Glee.... yet you know what. I don't really care. I guess its all those years of my parents taking me into NYC to see Broadway shows. Watching things where people spontaneously break into song and dance always was enjoyable to me; I guess that is why I continue to watch the show. Not for the pretty dumb story lines but for the music, this show has got some people who can belt one out. (Not surprising most of them come from Broadway)

Okay so moving forward. Last night before I fell asleep I watched the new episode and well the ending song done by Lea Michelle I can easily say I like a whole lot better than the original by Usher. And by a whole lot better... I would like everyone to forget the original and just move forward using this version. Just a suggestion... 

Enjoy it. 

Marco Benevento Solo

Oh Jam Cruise, I will never ever ever... ever go but you do seem like a whole lot of fun. What is a Jam Cruise? Easy... they take a cruise ship, fill it with a bunch of fans, get a whole lot of performers, and set sail. What follows is a week of debauchery, music and sunny weather. Now while the entire scene is just too much for me I do have some friends who go every year and absolutely love it! And after this video I can totally see why. 

On a random afternoon Marco Benevento found a piano in a lobby and sat down for a really fun Phish piano mix. I can only imagine walking down the hallway and finding this. That would be fun. 

Update!

Quick update this morning for ya. Big congratulations to Ben and Tamar who gave birth to Adin Ezra last night around 8pm. So happy for these two and can't wait to meet this little guy the next time I find myself back in NJ. This is the first of one of my really good friends to give birth, and I know its silly but all I can think about today is those days during high school and college where we all used to sit at Ben's house for hours upon hours and laugh at the fact that one day that this was all going to happen... and now its here. Its kind of weird, but thinking about those moments are putting a big smile on my face today.

Welcome to the world Adin. I got some stories for you... ha. 

Come On Little Spitzer!

Sending lots of love to two of my favorite people today. My good friend Ben from high school and his lovely wife Tamar are at the hospital right now awaiting the birth of their first child. 

Can't be more excited for these two! Good luck guys! 

When Did This Happen?

I've discovered that... well... I'm a fan of Bruno Mars. Wait what? How did this actually happen? 

It seems that every song I hear of that he does I end up really enjoying. "Grenade" - check "It Will Rain" - check "Marry You" - check and now "Count on Me". How could you not fall in love with lyrics like these:

"If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea, I'll said the world to find you.

If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see, I'll be the light to guide you."

Happy 70th Champ!

If You Can't Sleep - She & Him

Had a hard time falling asleep last night. Just way too many things on the mind. I put in my trusty headphones plugged in my ipod on shuffle and this song came across as if someone was telling me... "Katie, relax and just fall asleep"

(I don't remember any other songs that came across until about 3:30 in the morning when 2pac came blaring through and woke me up.)

"If you can't sleep, I'll be there in your dreams"

I'll be there in your dreams

If you can't sleep at all

And in your dreams, I'll touch your cheek

And lay my head on your shoulder

Goodbye, shadows

Goodbye, shadows

If you're far away, if you can't see my face

If the world is cold, but the sun shines the same

Shut your eyes, there are bluer skies

For you're embraced in my heart"

This Week In Rock History

Happy Tuesday everybody. Sorry for the late start to the morning but its looking like my work load is going to get pretty crazy here in the next few weeks so I'll try and keep this as up to date as possible. But I'm just giving my three readers a warning in advance. 

Anyways back to the good stuff. The music. This week is a pretty historic week in music history. Too many moments to just choose one... so here it goes.

January 21, 1968" Jimi Hendrix records "All Along the Watchtower"

Known now as the greatest cover in recorded history. Hendrix's take on the Bob Dylan classic was not an easy feat. It was recorded over several days at Olympic Studios in London and word is that the sessions were so long and intense that Hendrix's bassist, Noel Redding quit half way through. 

January 19, 1971: Prosecutors for the Sharon Tate murder trial play the Beatles' White Album in the courtroom to determine if it incited Charles Manson and his followers to violence

Manson prided himself as the leader of the murderous Manson Family cult in the late 1960s. He often told his followers that a race war was underway, and he displayed his proof in an unexpected form: The Beatles White Album. Manson claimed that the album had "spoke" to him, especially the raucous jam "Helter Skelter" and the harmonies of "Piggies". 

January 20, 1982: Ozzy Osbourne bites the head off of a live bat during a concert

At the Des Moines concert, a bat was hurled at Ozzy Osbournes feet where it laid stunned by the bright stage lights. Ozzy thinking it was made of rubber, bit it head off (a move he had perfected with a dove during a record label meeting in 1981) and learned quickly that it was real. He was quickly rushed to the hospital and treated for rabies. 

He described in his memoir, I am Ozzy:

"Immediately, though, something felt wrong. Very wrong. For a start my mouth was instantly full of this warm gloopy liquid, with the worst aftertaste you could ever imagine. I could feel it staining my teeth and running down my chin. Then the head in my mouth twitched. Oh fuck me, I thought. I didn't just go and eat a fucking bat, did I". 

..and there it is your week in music history. Have a good day my friends. 

Morgan Freeman Honored

Last night in one of the classiest moves I've seen, the Golden Globes paid tribute to one of the greatest actors to ever hit the screen. Morgan Freeman. There is not much that can be said about this man that hasn't already been said, but do yourself a favor and watch this movie montage and try and imagine having a career like this. I'm sure he rests easy at night...

(side note: even watching 25 seconds of his work on Million Dollar Baby makes me cry... "People die every day Frankie... if she dies today, you know what her last thought would be? I think I did alright.")

10 Most Anticipated Tours of 2012

Here is Rolling Stone's list of the '10 Most Anticipated Tours of 2012'. Looks pretty promising!

10. The Black Keys

9. Red Hot Chili Peppers

8. Roger Waters 

7. Black Sabbath 

6. Rush

5. The Rolling Stones

4. Radiohead

3. Madonna

2. Van Halen

1. Bruce Springsteen 

Tebowie

Jimmy Fallon does it again. Check out the gem from his show last week. 

"This is Jesus Christ to Tim Tebow please leave me alone

Don't you know my day of rest is Sunday..."

Clock Opera "Once and For All"

Could be one of the better music videos I've ever seen. Just really really well done. Had never heard of this band before today, but I have a feeling I'll spend a good portion of today/tonight trying to figure them out. For now just watch the video and try and take something away from it. 

"Love and life are so fragile and you have to take every single second, grab it all up and don't let any of it get away from you if you can help it. Speak up, reach out. Love."

Dear Hollywood

My two biggest take aways from last nights Golden Globes. 

1. Madonna's trainer needs to chill out her arms are super scary.

2. If I was in Hollywood and I had to come up on the red carpet after Charlize Theron... I would throw up. I love her but she ruins it for everyone, its not really fair.

Happy MLK Day!

Happy Monday and welcome back to the work week. Well welcome back to those of us that work at places that don't actually give today off. To those of you home celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr Day please live it up for the rest of us. Stay in bed an extra hour. Watch those tv shows you miss during the day. Go out and get an extended lunch (maybe even throw a beer in with it). Why not. 

But for serious. Be sure to at least think about MLK, Jr. at least once today. There is a reason we celebrate this man. You all know the story, no need to retell it here. Just enjoy the words and speeches below and be happy that the world saw someone like this man.

"When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am not speaking of that force which is just emotional bosh. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principal of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality." 

"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death." 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence and toughness multiplies toughness in a decending spiral of destruction... The chain reaction of evil -- hate begetting hate, wars producing more wards -- must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation". 

Friday

How can I tell its Friday? I'm doing nothing but looking at ridiculous things. Completely and utterly ridiculous things. Hope your having fun. 

Introspective Panda

Runaway Duckling 

Welcome Back Parks and Recreation

Last night my two favorite comedies came back. Both 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation failed to disappoint. I've said it before and I'll say it again, please watch Parks and Recreation. Its too funny not to.

Example: Ron Swanson vs Computer

Moonrise Kingdom

Yay Wes Anderson is back with a new film! Check out the trailer for Moonrise Kingdom. 

Looks promising. 

Amos Lee - Flower

Have listened a whole lot to Amos Lee in the last week. No real reason behind it, just enjoy his carefree songs. Always nice when you are reading or just hanging out around the house. One of my new favorites, this song called "Flower". 

This video I just found for it is pretty amazing as well.

Best Job Ever?

In reference to the post below. This could be the best job ever. 

Here is Caroll Spinney playing Oscar the Grouch with his Big Bird feet on. 

Worst Job Ever?

Happy Friday. 

(Be happy that you don't have this guys job.)

This Is Impressive

Take the next four minutes of your life and watch the video below of a one man live looped beatbox and guitar cover of  The Pixies "Where Is My Mind". It really jumps off at 2:45. 

Hope everyone has a good evening. Mine will be spent at dollar tacos with some friends and then watching my favorite comedy return to TV. Yaaay 30 Rock. Then tomorrow its Friday!

More Songs from TV

One of the best things about a television show is when they are able to match the dialogue or the scene to a perfect song. It can make or break an entire episode. I have gone into my thoughts about this in length before on this blog so I won't do it again, but when this perfect match happens I often find myself lost in a tv show. (Yes I just said lost in a tv show... it happens people). 

One show that seems to still do this to me after 8 seasons is Greys Anatomy (hold your judgement). Its actually not a terrible show, and the music is some of the best. Its what keeps me taping it every week and saving them until that one afternoon where I can sit on my couch and watch 4 or 5 in a row. Its the best for those kind of days. 

Here is an example of when these two just come together perfectly. Song is 'Black Tables' by Other Lives. And here is a piece of dialogue from the episode its featured in. 

"We all remember the bed time stories of our childhood. The shoe fit Cinderella, the frog was turned into a prince, sleeping beauty was awakened with a kiss. Once upon a time, and then they lived happily ever after. Fairy tales: the stuff of dreams. The problem is, fairy tales don't come true. It's the other stories, the ones that start in dark and stormy nights and end in the unspeakable. Its the nightmares always seem to become the reality."

Golden Globes This Sunday

Well now that my football team is out of contention.. this Sunday night I'll be watching my favorite award show. The Golden Globes! Why is it so good? Well it honors people in both tv and film. And while film (in my opinion) lacked a lot this year, I'm sure it will still be entertaining. 

Ricky Gervais is back, and as usual he will take no prisoners. Take a look at his opening from last year... always nice to watch famous people get made fun of to their faces.

Shut Up And Play The Hits

I can not wait for this documentary to come out!! Can not wait!!!

"On April 22, 2011, LCD Soundsystem played its final show at Madison Square Garden. LCD frontman James Murphy had made the conscious decision to disband one of the most celebrated and influential bands of its generation at the peak of its popularity, ensuring the band would go out on top with the biggest and most ambitious concert of its career. The instantly sold out, near four-hour extravaganza did just that, moving the thousands in attendance to tears of joy and grief, with New York Magazine calling the event "a marvel of pure craft" and TIME magazing lamenting "we may never dance again". "Shut Up and Play the Hits" is both a narrative film documenting this once in a life time performance and an intimate portrait of James Murphy as he navigates the lead-up to the show, the day after, and the personal and professional ramifications of his decision."

I knew many people who made it up to NYC for this show, and like I said before... I can not wait to see this documentary!

50 Rules For Dads With Daughters

I was just extremely bored over my lunch hour and decided to head to the internet for entertainment. What a surprise! In my wandering around I came across a blog post that almost made me cry... almost. It was titled "50 Rules for Dads with Daughters" and while I won't bore you with all 50, I do want to include some here because well they are 100% true. The Dad-Daughter relationship is a special one, one that really can't be explained until you are in that position. I'll tell you, I'm the only girl in my family and I wouldn't change that for the world. The relationship I have with my Dad is a great one. I cherish every moment we have shared from going to football games, to sitting on his couch watching documentaries, to our phone conversations where he politely begs for me to "not do anything stupid". I wouldn't change what we have for the entire world. I would also like to say for the record that besides him teaching me how to change a tire (which I believe nobody in my entire family knows how to do) he has done a wonderful job with this list. 

So enjoy these rules and hope that one day you will be as lucky have one of these relationships. 

(Also here is one of my favorite father-daughter songs by Paul Simon)

50 Rules for Dads with Daughters:

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn't happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other's presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don't just sit idly by while she add years to her...add life to her years.

6.Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl... a girl with a wicked slider.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

12. It's never too early to start teaching her about money. She will probably suck you dry as a teenager... and on her wedding day.

15. Dance with her. Start when she's a little girl or even when she's a baby. Don't wait till her wedding day.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you'll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she's still tiny.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don't be late.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It's good for her soul. It's not bad for yours either.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

48. Ice cream covers a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor. 

First Song from Hunger Games

The only movie that is really on my radar for the next year is "The Hunger Games". Its one of my favorite books and now that the whole trilogy is about to play out on the big screen. For those who haven't heard of these books and need just a quick summary its pretty simple. 

This series of books is about the country of Panam in a post apocalyptic future, here the Capitol reminds the citizens that they are powerful by holding the annual hunger games. The games includes sending one boy and one girl from each one of the 12 districts in to fight to their death. 24 kids go in, one comes out. 

I know it sounds crazy morbid but its actually really well done. I read the first book in about two days, its a true page turner. So as you can imagine, my hope is high for these movies. 

Yesterday I finally heard the first cut from the soundtrack. At first I was a little surprised that they gave a song to Taylor Swift but after listening to the song I was shocked that it was her. She gets help from one of my new favorite bands The Civil Wars and actually has a great song on her hands. Bravo. 

Can't wait for March!