My Non-Judgemental Music Blog

Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney

2012-02-14T12:04:00.000-05:00

You can't go wrong on a day like today with Paul McCartney... man has written some amazing tunes in his day. My favorite love song of his was off of his solo records "Maybe I'm Amazed", it will always remind me of college. My old roommate Virginia used to sing it all over the House sometimes first thing in the morning.

Anytime I hear this song I always smile.

These Arms of Mine - Otis Redding

2012-02-14T11:53:00.000-05:00

Here is another great one. I love me some Otis Redding and I think that one of his best songs is the love song "These Arms of Mine". What a great one!

"These arms of mine, they are yearning,

Yearning from wanting you.

And if you would let them hold you,

Oh how grateful I will be."

Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes

2012-02-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

Well since it is the day of love I guess I can share with you all some of my all time favorite love songs. Man that sounds so sappy. haha. Yet there are some amazing ones out there. Like "Lovesong"by the Cure, "Lets Stay Together" by Al Green or "With or Without You" by U2. Those are songs that will never ever get old.

One of my all time favorites is the next song, its pretty perfect if I do say so myself. Yes I'm talking about Peter Gabriel and "In Your Eyes". Love it!

Love.

2012-02-14T10:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines Day Everybody!!

I'm pretty busy here at work today so no idea if I'll get a lot of chance to come on here today but I'll try.

Hope everyone has a great day with the ones they love.

Sad

2012-02-13T12:40:00.001-05:00

And in a sad state of affairs "Who Is Paul McCartney?" is a trending topic on twitter. Its official 13 year olds have taken over the planet.

Best Anthem Ever

2012-02-13T12:25:00.000-05:00

It seems all people are talking about today is Whitney Houston and her untimely end. It will most likely continue like this for about another week or so, we will have tv specials, tributes, radio shows the whole nine. Yet there is one thing that everyone including myself agree on. She will always go down as singing the best National Anthem in the history of the song.

Unforgettable.

Touching Tribute

2012-02-13T11:55:00.001-05:00

Now that I have woken up from the fog that was last nights Grammy awards I can look back and say easily these two were the performances of the night. While nobody will sing "I will always love you" better then Whitney herself, Ms. Hudson did a wonderful job under the circumstances.

and finally the lady of the evening. Great to see Adele back in top form, and look how much she is enjoying herself during this performance. What a night. And that is all from Grammy world for me. I'm officially tapped out.

The Grammy's... Here Goes Nothing!

2012-02-12T23:36:00.000-05:00

So here I go, found myself extra motivated tonight and decided that I'm going to recap the Grammy Awards right here as I watch them (or at least until I give up.... because lets be honest here this is my least favorite award show on the planet and I'm an award show junkie). Warning the show is like three hours long so this post can get pretty lengthy. Here we go.

I also will save what I saw on the red carpet for another day but all I'll say is some girl actually had a machine gun glued to her dress. Truth. And below is a picture of Nicki Minaj. No words...

Time to start the show.

- First off is Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen. Got to love Bruce, yet it does hurt not to see Clarence Clemons on the stage, I miss that man. He sounds good, great start to hopefully what will be a painless night.

- Okay, so here comes host LL Cool J. He starts off very somber, wait whats this... he is leading the entire crowd in a prayer for Whitney and her family. Little odd. But carry on. Now he shows a video of Whitney singing "I will always love you". Great song, great performance... I have a feeling we will hear a lot about Ms. Houston tonight.

-LL Cool J shouts out Adele. This should be an amazing night for her. She looks great and its great to see her healthy in the audience.

-He also just called said "Sir OG Paul McCartney".. wow. Why is there a host for this show again?

-Boyfriend Calling: Timeout-

-Okay I'm back.. Bruno Mars is performing. Never heard of the song he is singing, but his dancing is pretty impressive. Standing O from the crowd. Eh, it was just okay in my book.

-Next up Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt are performing a tribute to another great the world lost this year... Etta James. The song... "Sunday Kind of Love" and they are killing it. What a great pairing... Bonnie is so badass and still has got it. Great job girls, this is easily the best of the bunch so far.

-Now they get up to give out the first award which PS I do not put a lot of weight on due to their lack of recognizing the real artists in the music industry and usually giving awards away to undeserving acts.. thats all I'll say. Anyways, I hope Adele and Bon Iver win every single one! Redeem yourself Grammy's... I dare you!

First winner: Pop Song of the Year.... and..... ADELE! Yup knew she would run away with this show tonight. She keeps her thank you short and simple. Should be a good night for her.

-Chris Brown performance up next. Don't know how I really feel about them letting him back to perform only 3 years after he beat the living shit out of Rihanna after a Grammy pre-party. I'm not saying, he doesn't deserve to make music but I don't think you reward him with performances just yet.... anyways, his performance is a whole lot of dancing and lip syncing. Man can move, but I lose respect when you don't sing. Next!

-Back from commercials with Fergie and Mark Anthony. Fergie's dress is see through... really, you need the attention? Also don't they have people to tell them they look awful? They give the award for best rap performance to "Otis" to Jay-Z and Kanye West, neither are here to pick it up. Oh well.

-Reeeeba Mcentire hits the stage and introduces Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldene (?) to sing "Don't You Want to Stay?". Country Kelly Clarkson is sounding pretty great, no surprise there; always nice to see her at these types of functions. I have no idea who this country dude is with her but I'm choosing to ignore is he actually there. Get em Kelly.

-Flash to Lady Gaga in the crowd with a full net mask over her face... sure there will be more on that later. ha.

-Yesssss. Jack Black is on my tv!! He is outside the Staples Center getting ready to introduce Foo Fighters who are playing to the public. I like the Foo Fighters very early stuff, not too much of the later albums but still respectful that they have been in the game this long.

-Dear Grammys? Why do you do this? Why can't you just let people perform by themselves, instead you make artists to do things like what I'm actually seeing on my screen right now. Rihanna and Coldplay mash-up? No thanks. Side note: Rihanna is looking GREAT (totally channeling Tina Turner), I really hope that Chris Brown is somewhere backstage watching this and punching himself...in the face... about 30 times. Also Coldplay was pretty terrible.

-Another shot of the crowd and I spot NY Giants Victor Cruz sitting behind Adele. I know the man just won the Super Bowl and can do a mean salsa dance but really? You really never know what to expect with this show.

-And now I know why, him and fellow Giant Mario Manningham are here to present an award? This just got really weird. Mario take off your sunglasses, you are not that cool. They give out the award for 'Best Rock Performance' to the Foo Fighters. In another example of why these awards stink, this one totally should have been either the Decemberists or Mumford and Sons. That should have been easy, come on people!

-Ryan Seacrest introduces the tribute and reuniting of the band that was actually the first concert I ever saw. Yay Beach Boys!! Maroon 5 starts out the tribute with "Surfer Girl", its actually really good. And I'm not going to lie, Adam Levine is not hard to look at. Not hard at all. Next on the tribute is Foster the People singing one of my favorite Beach Boys tunes "Wouldn't It Be Nice". The guy kind of sounds like a mouse that has been stepped on... oooh that chorus was rough guys. I give you a D for effort. Okay next up is the actual boys themselves... please tell me Stamos is playing with them!?! They come out playing "Good Vibrations"... no Stamos :( and well wow... these guys got OLD. Oh man, Brian Wilson... you are looking rough. I'm going to stay nice and just pretend this didn't happen. eek.

-Oh hey Stevie Wonder! He gives a great shout out to Whitney on his harmonica. He finally gets to why he is here, he introduces the legendary Sir Paul McCartney! So lucky that I got to see this man perform live this year, he is still so impressive! He sings "My Valentine" sounding great he looks even better! Great job Paul. A+

-Common and Taraj P. Henson present the award for "Best R&B Album" to: Chris Brown. He gets on stage and actually thanks the Grammy's for allowing him back on the stage, nice touch... but button your shirt kid. You are at an award show.

-Yay The Civil Awards are on the stage!!! So happy to see them here! They are introducing Taylor Swift with a musical introduction! Great exposure for a well deserved group! Bravo.

-Taylor Swift is now performing her song "Mean". The fact she is playing a banjo is impressive, but the song as a whole is pretty much a snooze. I'm also over her "I"m shocked you all are actually clapping for me" look, girl you have sold millions of albums, people like you. That look is getting annoying... just sayin'

-Its Neil Patrick Harris! Love me some Doogie Houser! He is here to present "Song of the Year" and the winner is: Adele for "Rolling in the Deep". She is pretty stoked and its all well deserved!

- Here comes Katy Perry's performance. Lets see what she has in store. Oooh, she starts off with a song I actually like. "E.T." its a pretty weird set and she is dressed like a really freaky alien but at least there is no whipped cream shooting out of her boobs. Its no secret that I'm not the biggest KP fan but I will say its pretty impressive how many hits she has off of one album. I think she is tied with MJ's Thriller. So there, I'm being nice.

-Next is the country portion of the evening... please hold while I fall asleep on the floor during these awards.

- Why is Gwyneth Paltrow there??? Oh man, I can't believe she gets to introduce Adele. Okay girl, show this crowd how its done. She starts off acapella and is sounding GREAT! I'm going to sit back and enjoy this one... Wow that easily was the performance of the night! She is all smiles and you can tell she is having a great time tonight. She easily gets the biggest ovation of the night so far, they give her a solid two minute cheer, and her reaction is genuine. Take notes Taylor.

-Ugh. More bad country music. Food break! Hold up. They are singing "Like a Rhinestone Cowboy". I'm starting to lose faith in humanity...

- Saving grace: just heard that Bon Iver took down "Best Alternative Album" at the early ceremony. Wish I could have seen that! His show in Richmond this past year was one of my favorites. Another well deserved award.

-Speaking of Bon Iver, here comes the award for Best New Artist! Mr. Tony Bennet is on stage to give the award with Carrie Underwood. Drumroll please.... YES YES! Bon Iver wins it! This is great! He looks genuinely shocked and his speech is pretty great. "I'd like to thank all the nominees all the non-nonimnees that have never been here and never will be here". I'm so happy for him! This is going exactly according to plan.

-Next is the sad in memoriam section here are some notables: Amy Winehouse, Nick Ashford, Heavy D, Nate Dogg and Clarence Clemons.

-And here comes the Whitney tribute. Jennifer Hudson is throwing down on "I Will Always Love You". This girl can sing! This also must have been so tough due both to the circumstances and only with what 24 hour preparation. Impressive Jennifer, not a dry eye in the building.

-Uh oh, next up is the electronica section. And by electronica I mean bad DJ's, auto tuned singers and lots of . I also have no idea who these people are. Next!

-Nicki Minaj's performance is here and I'm kind of scared. It starts off in a confession booth and I'm immediately lost. Is this an exorcism? This is sooooo bad. How is she famous??? Ugh I can think of about 500 other bands that deserve this spot.

-I'm starting to lose it, how much longer is this show.

-Here it goes "Record of the Year" these actually are all good nominees, not only is Adele in it but Bon Iver, Bruno Mars, Mumford and Sons, Katy Perry. And there it is, Adele takes it. So fabulous, she is cleaning house!

-Oh snap they just pulled out the big guns Diana Ross is in the building to present the last one Album of the Year. This should again be no surprise, Adele's album is so far above everyone else in the category its not really a competition. And the Grammy goes to... you guessed it Adele!! I don't know if I've seen anyone clean house like this since Norah Jones. She is pretty overwhelmed as she should be. What a night she had. I can't even begin to imagine.

-Now you didn't think they would let McCartney get out without singing a Beatles song or two did you? Didn't think so. Here comes the finale. Paul is out on his piano to sing one of my favorites Golden Slumbers. He ha brought Springsteen on stage with him and its becoming a mini jam session. "And in the end... the love you take it equal to love you make". What a great song and fantastic way to end the show! Good job Grammys.

-Final Thought: This is the first Grammy's in history I have watched the entire way through. Besides the random country sections and few terrible performances (I'm looking at you Minaj and Coldplay) it wasn't too bad. Glad to see everything worked out for my two favorites going into the night. Hopefully this will give Bon Iver some great exposure and Adele go break up with someone and get us a new album stat. For now enjoy what I'm sure is going to be a huge party somewhere in your honor.

I'm going to bed. PS sorry if this has been a rough read. I did it on the fly with very few edits and I'm just too tired now to go back.

Whitney Houston Died!?!

2012-02-12T20:07:00.001-05:00

Wow. Whitney Houston is dead at the age of 48.

That is kind of insane, not surprised but still its shocking. More details tomorrow.

Truth

2012-02-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

This is the motto of my life these days:

"We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails"

"When The Night Comes" - Dan Auerbach

2012-02-10T15:06:00.001-05:00

Dan Auerbach better known as the guitarist and lead singer for the Black Keys has made my day with this ballad "When the Night Comes". Its taken this very dreary Friday and turned it around for me, crazy how one little song could do that... Really don't know what my life would be without music, sometimes it just has this ability to make me so happy.

Anyways, enjoy this beautiful song...

Friday

2012-02-10T13:15:00.000-05:00

Hey, guess what? It is Friday again.

I don't really have much energy to write today, work has me extremely frustrated and well, the fact that I'm working 12+ hours today is not helping too much. Hopefully I get out of here at a normal time and get a little bit of relaxing done this weekend... (I sure need it).

One other thought about the weekend, Sunday is the Grammy Awards and while I do not watch them (because I think that they are not a great representation of what should be honored in music) I do hope that Adele and Bon Iver wins big. If Bon Iver doesn't win 'Best New Artist' or if Adele doesn't win 'Album of the Year' it will further confirm the awards as a fail for me. So good luck to you both....

Have a great weekend everybody. I think we may get some snow in Richmond... yay.

Illustrated Tweets of the Day

2012-02-09T12:08:00.000-05:00

I found a website called "HelloGiggles" and their recent dedication to illustrating tweets and well I love them. Take a look at a few of them below.... so true!

"My facebook wall is basically just a baby book from people who shouldn't have children"

"Everyone who owns a cat has held them up and sang the Lion King song at least once"

"Every morning when I wake up my first thought is to wonder what I get to eat today"

"I just want to meet someone who knows that back to the future III is clearly the worst one of the trilogy"

"For those who bounce out of bed each morning with a loving zest for life.... everybody hates you"

New M.I.A. "Bad Girl"

2012-02-09T11:58:00.000-05:00

Hi my name is Katie and I'm a fan of M.I.A. Yes thats right. Little old me actually enjoys her 'I don't give a s#&%" style and attitude. She has never once tried to fit into the boxed stereotype and has always danced to the beat of her own drum. Now do I agree 100% with everything she does and says, nope. But that doesn't mean I can't buy her albums and enjoy her music.

Here is a new one called "Bad Girls" from her new album due out later this year. I love it, and from the looks of it I'm not alone. This video below has been played over 7 million times. Damn.

Boys 2 Men Are Coming to Town!

2012-02-09T09:56:00.000-05:00

HaHaHaHa!! Boys II Men are coming to Richmond on June 2nd. Yessss! haha.

I just read online that Boys II Men are heading on a full US tour and what would you know, they are headed here to Richmond to play Browns Island on June 2nd. I may or may not be in attendance, your guess.

Also funny side note the gig before they play in Richmond, they are playing in my hometown of Morristown, NJ. haha. Weird!

Give Me All Your Luvin'

2012-02-09T09:49:00.000-05:00

Dear Madonna. What the heck is up with your new song? "LUV Madonna" really you need people chanting that they love you now? Now I'm not going to lie and tell you the "Give Me All Your Luvin" chorus is not catchy... because it is. But I think you are trying a bit too hard with this video.

Nobody expects you to be a 22 year old pop star. You look great, we all love you anyways, stop trying so hard.

(Also I find it funny that MIA flashed her middle finger in the video below too, really NBC you didn't expect her to do it again at the Super Bowl? ha You all obviously don't know your own talent.)

Happy Thursday!

Adele - Take It All

2012-02-08T15:19:00.000-05:00

I know its been what two weeks since I've last written about Adele. Well don't you worry, her live cd from Albert Hall has yet to leave my cd player in my car and her songs are still blasted through my apartment on a daily basis.

The one I've really loved as of late is her ballad "Take it All". And well its about her ex-boyfriend (obviously) and well if you watch the video below you will here her explain:

"I wrote this about my ex while we were still together.... I got home, played it for him and well things ended quickly after" haha. I wonder why.

"Didn't I give it all, tried my best

Gave you everything I had, everything and no less

Didn't I do it right? Did I let you down?

Maybe you got to used to; by having me around

Still how can you walk away

From all my tears?

It's gonna be an empty road, without me right here

But go on and take it, take it all with you.

Don't look back, at this crumbling fool

Just take it all, with my love

Take it all, with my love

Maybe I should leave, to help you see

Nothing is better than this

And this is everything we need

So is it over? Is this really it?

You've given up so easily, I though you loved me more than this.

(Chorus)

I will change if I must.

Slow it down and bring it home I will adjust

Oh if only, if only you knew,

Everything I do is for you."

Now those are some lyrics. Below is a video of her at the Itunes Festival in 2011.

Wingsuit

2012-02-08T14:24:00.000-05:00

If for some awful reason I was given a week to live. I would go and find these guys and convince them to let me try this. Again, that would be the only way I would be brave enough to do this... but man imagine how much fun this would be!

Wingsuits are absolutely insane... and the people who strap themselves into them and fly at very high speeds right next to mountains well they need to have their heads examined.

But I've watched this video at least 10 times today. And I can only imagine if my little brother were to see it he would have already gotten in his car in search for these guys. Rick no!!!

Need4Speed: Insight from Phoenix Fly on Vimeo.

Truth

2012-02-08T14:10:00.002-05:00

Saw this picture and laughed at really how true it is.

haha

I Love Disney!

2012-02-08T11:48:00.000-05:00

Above you will find a video for a tour through Disneyland in 1957. Its pretty neat to see the set up of the park and all the things that have remained the same over the last 50+ years.

I have a slight love affair with Disney. I was lucky enough as a kid to have parents that thought it was important to expand our imaginations. To let us dream, and let us discover. Many of this was done in our trips to Disney down in Florida. I think I went about three times. Each time either one of my brothers or I were at the perfect age to be blown away. I have a favorite picture of me when I first spot Mickey, the look of happiness on my face is indescribable. I loved everything about that place. And bravo to my parents for making our dreams come true.

I remember one time we went, we always had to leave at like 5am to catch the flight, my mom woke us up early and had my brothers and I keep a look out for the car that was going to take us to the airport. I remember my mom telling me, "now its a small car, and it may miss the house so keep an eye out for it!". With my brothers and I all there staring out the window the next thing that happened blew our minds. A limo pulled into the driveway. A big old limo. Now you have to understand we had never really seen nor had a ride in a limo in our entire life and we all just took off around the House screaming. Vacation was here!

Those are the moments I will always cherish. The moments that my parents made our dreams come true. Did we have everything growing up? Nope. But we did have two parents who worked hard in letting us know that everything is possible if you dare to dream.

And three dreamers were made, nourished and are now out making it in this world.

Moral of this story... I want to go back to Disney.

Mini Rant

2012-02-08T10:18:00.000-05:00

Mini Rant... Ready Go!

Where the hell are all the good movies????

Yes you heard me. I for one love going and wasting $10 bucks a pop at the movies (maybe more if I'm in the mood for popcorn) but there are no good movies out! "Man on a Ledge" Really? Teenage Superheros? Been done before. The only one out that I even have any inclination of watching is Hugo and its made for children.

And speaking of movies, the Oscars are going to suck this year. (I can't believe I just said that) I've been watching this award show every single year that I can remember but this year I can easily say... that it may even be worse then last year! **GASP**

Get it together Hollywood. Stop letting Will Smith remake the Karate Kid with his own children and take some control with what you are letting out to the public. I'm sure there are about a thousand indie films that are amazing and just waiting for the right funding. Go fund those.... no more movies about Dolphins and their struggle to succeed.

Mini rant over!

Thank you and have a good day.

The Voice Recap

2012-02-08T10:05:00.001-05:00

Hello and Happy Wednesday. Sorry that I have been pretty lame this week but work has been ruling my world the last few days and today it is finally time to breath.

Now I'm not going to say that I'm a reality show junkie but there comes a time at night when I'm flipping through channels and well if you can hold my attention for more then a few minutes then I'm sold. This is originally how I got into watching this new show 'The Voice'. I had never heard of it then flipping through the channels I saw these blind auditions and I was sold. Something about a blind audition makes me very happy. These shows can't stack their shows with the types of talent that 'they wan't' (i'm looking at you American Idol and your typecasting) but these blind auditions let people who would have never made it onto these other shows a shot.

Like Juliet Simms. From what I hear she fronts a band called Automatic Loveletter and has been on the Warped Tour before but she has never really made it big. Well I think she has got her shot now! She absolutely killed it the other night with her rendition of one of my favorites 'Oh Darlin'. No surprise that the judges had a big fight over who would coach her...

Enjoy the video below, its pretty bad ass.

Best Interview Ever

2012-02-07T15:36:00.000-05:00

Last night while I was trying to fall asleep I puton the new NBC show "The Voice" and what I saw at the time, I thought had to be a dream. Yet here it is... the next day, and I just remembered the image. I looked it up and I in fact was not dreaming and C. Lo was really holding a cat "Dr. Evil" style during his interviews.

So beyond ridiculous... I have no words.

Odd Pairing

2012-02-07T15:34:00.000-05:00

Here is another odd pairing for you. Liza Minnelli and Jay-Z right after his concert at Carnegie Hall last night.

I can not believe that entire sentence I just wrote was true. Picture proof!

Top 20 Craft Breweries - America Edition

2012-02-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

I pause the daily posting of music for a post on one of the other joys in life. Beer. Now while I'm not the biggest beer snob on the planet, I do only enjoy drinking good beer. Please no Budweiser for me. Every now and again its nice to sit down with a nice good beer and relax.

I just found an article naming the "Top 20 Craft Breweries in the U.S." and found the results quite interesting and thought I would share. I will also now try and track down and try the ones that I have not yet... mission 2012 accepted.

Side note: Craft brewers are breweries that produce 6 million barrels of beer or less annually, they also often use traditional methods to create their malts.

Listed in order, with city of brewery and most popular brand.

20. Great Lakes Brewing - Cleveland, Ohio - Dortmunder Gold

19. Long Trail Brewing - Bridgewater, Vt - Double Bag Ale

18. Abita Brewing - Abita Springs, La - Abita IPA

17. Shipyard Brewing - Portland, Maine - Shipyard Export Ale

16. Alaskan Brewing - Juneau, Alaska - Alaskan Amber

15. Brooklyn Brewery - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Lager

14. Dogfish Head Brewery - Milton, Del - 60 Minute IPA

13. Stone Brewing - Escondido, Calif - Stone IPA

12. Boulevard Brewing - Kansas City, Mo - Single-Wide IPA

11. Lagunitas Brewing - Petaluma, Calif - Lagunitas IPA

10. Harpoon Brewery - Boston, Mass - Harpoon IPA

9. Bell's Brewery - Galesberg, Mich - Bell's Lager

8. Matt's Brewing - Utica, NY - Saranac

7. Deschutes Brewery - Bend, Ore. - Red Chair NWPA

6. Magic Hat Brewery - Burlington, Vt - #9

5. Spoetzl Brewery - Shiner, Tx - Shiner Bock

4. Craft Brew Alliance - Portland, Ore - Red Hook

3. New Belgium Brewing - Fort Collins, Co - Fat Tire

2. Sierra Nevada Brewing - Chico, Calif - S.N. Pale Ale

1. The Boston Beer Company - Jamica Plane, Mass - Samuel Adams

Hello Tuesday!

2012-02-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

Well well well, Tuesday is here and somehow its almost half way over. How exactly did that happen? I was up at the crack of dawn (and by that I mean anytime I have to actually get up before 7am) to go to a Breakfast Fundraiser at the Jefferson here in Richmond. It was to raise money for the VCU Massey Cancer Center. There was a healthy breakfast, a great guest speaker, lots of people that I knew in the room which is always nice all and all a good morning.

Now I'm back at work for a relatively easy day. These next few weeks are a little crazy, I'm working late on most nights and most of my days are filled with crazy meetings for our event coming up next month. So I'll take advantage of days like today when I can.

Hope everyone is having a good day, I'm going to attempt to do a little work and make up for my waste of a day that was yesterday.

As for music here is a good one of the Jack's Mannequin album that came out last September. Enjoy!

"We are just these people running around, and I'm in no hurry to figure it out"

Happy Birthday Bob and Axl

2012-02-06T13:48:00.001-05:00

Crazy day in the world of celebrity birthdays. The two biggest ones are Axl Rose and Bob Marley. Crazy fact.... Axl is 50. That is just scary... I mean that's just weird.

That's about all the energy I have to type today. Back to hiding out in my office hoping that nobody figures out that I'm in here today.... few more hours...

Today is Tough

2012-02-06T12:41:00.000-05:00

Why the day after the Super Bowl is not a national holiday is beyond me. So far I would predict that bout 5 minutes of actual work has been done in the entire office. So far this has been the breakdown:

-30 Minutes of me rubbing it in the person from Boston's face about the loss

-60 Minutes spent on talking about favorite commercials. (Mine is below)

-20 Minutes debating Madonna and the M.I.A. flip off to the camera

-10 Minutes on Gisele

-10 Minutes on Kelly Clarkson

-20 Minutes on actual game talk (which I like many was pretty just disappointed in the lack of actual good football)

-Rest of the day has been spent on what everyone ate

All and all I stand behind the belief that today work should not exist. We are just counting minutes until time is up and we can all go back home, get under covers and go back to sleep.

This week starts tomorrow.

That being said, here is my favorite commercial and my girl Kelly Clarkson killing the national anthem. (In this sentence, killing is a good thing.)

and now Kelly.

Happy Monday!

2012-02-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

I'm about to walk into our weekly staff meeting but before that I need to share with you a picture that has been making me happy all morning long.

hehehehehehe

I'll be back!

Super Bowl in Indy

2012-02-03T14:13:00.000-05:00

This weekend the Super Bowl is headed to Indianapolis. While I've mentioned before that I don't really care about who wins this year, it is pretty cool that it will be at a stadium I was in just a mere two years ago.

My family and I traveled out to Indy to watch the AFC Championship back in 2009. While the city isn't the greatest city I've ever been to, the stadium was pretty impressive (even for a dome, which I believe football should never be played in). I can only imagine how loud its going to be in there, because to this day when the Colts came out for the start of that game it was easily the loudest noise I've ever heard in my life. And I've been to some pretty loud concerts...

It should be fun this weekend to try and spot where our seats were for that fateful game. It will most definitely bring up some good memories of the fun times we had there.

Oh Jets, one day you will actually be playing on this weekend... one day...

Crazy Busy!

2012-02-03T11:51:00.002-05:00

Today is just one of those days where I will have to remind myself to actually slow down and breathe.

Trying to get a lot done before I leave later on this afternoon, so I apologize but no time for blogging today! I'll try and get some in this weekend to make up for it (that is if it rains and if it doesn't stay beautiful outside)

PS Have I mentioned that it is Friday? Yaaay.

Have a fantastic weekend!

U2 - Walk On

2012-02-02T12:29:00.000-05:00

Been a rough day for me so far. Lots of really heavy things going on here at work kind of have made my head spin. All I want to do is for it to be 4pm and I can load myself into my car and get out of here. I know that I will feel much better once that happens... Until then I will try to keep smiling and keep moving this day forward.

Helping with that is U2, this next song stumbled across my pandora a few minutes ago and for a moment I forgot how great it is.

"And if the darkness is to keep us apart

And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off

And if your glass heart should crack

Before the second you turn back

Oh no, be strong

Oh, oh, walk on, walk on,

What you got they can't steal it

No, they can't even feel it

Walk on, walk on

Stay safe tonight"

Ryan Adams Studio Session

2012-02-02T10:55:00.000-05:00

Not a whole lot going to come out of me today here on the blog, I can already feel it.

So take advantage of these good ones while they are here. The next video is a pretty great hour long studio session from over at NPR of Ryan Adams. Its been playing on my computer all morning and I have to admit its pretty amazing. He goes from light songs to heavy songs and gives a lot of energy in between. Worth the listen if you can.

K'Naan is Pissed!

2012-02-02T10:41:00.000-05:00

Funny how these things work out. Just yesterday I wrote about K'Naan's song 'In the Beginning' and then this morning I was reading the news and read an article about how he is pissed because Mitt Romney is touring the country using his song 'Waving Flag'.

In a statement last night, he says that Romney's campaign didn't seek approval to use the song and he would not have granted permission if it had. He wants to make sure that he does not use it again or he will seek legal action.

The song was an international hit for the artist in 2010, and served as the theme for the most recent World Cup.

Amazing Cello Beat-boxing Below!

2012-02-01T14:22:00.000-05:00

This morning it was about 8:15, I was just about ready to leave my apartment and head to work when something caught my ear. On the Today show they were interviewing Kevin Olusola. A 24 year old man who was taking the internet by storm with his unique Cello Beat-boxing skills.

Six hours later and I still can't pick my jaw up off the floor...

K'Naan 'In the Beginning'

2012-02-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

"They say its better to light a candle then to curse the dark"

This next song is one of my favorites off of K'Naan's album, its called "In the Beginning" and from the very first lyrics it is off and running. It doesn't really pause at all except for a few lines in the middle of the song. I highly recommend if you haven't listened to more of this guys music to give him a chance. I've been a fan of his for years...

Start with "ABC's and Waiving Flag"

Iphone 4s

2012-02-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

I knew I was behind on technology when I went home for Christmas to find my Dad and Step Mom both playing 'words with friends' on their new iphones. I almost couldn't believe my eyes. Did they really beat me to it? Am I still trying to make my little android work? What is wrong with this picture??

Last night I corrected these wrongs. I went out and got the new iphone 4s. Most likely the best $200 I will spend this year. Its already up and working way better then my old phone, and I don't even know how to use it!

The personal assistant Siri is amazing. I would be lying to say that I didn't try and ask it a million questions last night.

This little phone is sure to make my life a tad bit easier.

(But really lets be honest on why I really did it. I no longer have to carry my huge ipod around to listen to music. I can load and have 16G worth of music right on my phone. Amazing.)

New Andrew Bird

2012-02-01T11:23:00.000-05:00

The new Andrew Bird album is helping move this day along quite quickly. The music from his highly anticipated new album "Break it Yourself" is more straight forward then his previous albums. I like it a lot. Especially the above song "EyeonEye".

Take a listen, hope you like.

Is it lunch yet?

Young Jon Stewart

2012-02-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

Take a good look at the picture above. You spot someone in the back? Yes thats right... its a very young Jon Stewart!

This picture was taken here in Richmond Virginia in 1982. Then Stewart was a student at the College of William and Mary. He is fighting it out in the pit of a show by The Dead Kennedys and Front Line here at Casablanca.

Side Note

2012-02-01T10:10:00.001-05:00

My office mate is back to her old ways. Today she has blasted Katy Perry's "Firework" about 12 times.

Again, I'm faced with the dilemma of what to do in this situation.

I think I'll last until the 15th time, then its on.....

Soul Train Creator Don Cornelius Found Dead

2012-02-01T09:54:00.000-05:00

Sad sad news in the music world this morning...

Don Cornelius, the man that was behind the classic 1971-2006 dance show Soul Train, was found dead this morning from an apparent suicide in his Sherman Oaks, California home.

He was 75.

I don't know about any of you, but I've spent a lot of time in my day watching soul train dance line videos on youtube. They are the best! Not only is there fantastic music, but the dance moves some of these people had were just incredible (I don't even have to mention the outfits, thats a given).

Thank you Don for giving young people a stage to express themselves in this form at a time where this was virtually unheard of. You will certainly be missed.

Now one of my favorite clips from the show featuring the music of Earth, Wind and Fire!

Truth

2012-01-31T15:29:00.000-05:00

I think most people feel this way.

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

Phish on Jeopardy

2012-01-31T14:35:00.000-05:00

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

Super Bowl Time

2012-01-31T12:03:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-31T11:42:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-31T11:35:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-31T11:27:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-31T10:40:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-27T13:14:00.001-05:00

"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!

2012-01-27T12:37:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-27T11:15:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-26T15:24:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-26T14:21:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-26T11:31:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-26T11:21:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-26T11:06:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-25T13:36:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-25T11:43:00.002-05:00

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"

2012-01-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-25T11:01:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-25T10:47:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-24T15:49:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-24T14:47:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-24T13:39:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-24T11:58:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-24T11:48:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-23T12:39:00.000-05:00

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"

2012-01-20T14:10:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

"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

2012-01-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-20T12:02:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-20T10:53:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-19T13:40:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-19T12:36:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-19T10:35:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a great day today!!

12 Artists Who Tanked On SNL

2012-01-18T15:31:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-18T14:02:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-18T10:33:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-18T10:06:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-17T14:40:00.000-05:00

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?

2012-01-17T14:20:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-17T13:53:00.002-05:00

If You Can't Sleep - She & Him

2012-01-17T12:52:00.000-05:00

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

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

2012-01-17T11:45:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-16T15:45:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-16T13:34:00.000-05:00

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"

2012-01-16T12:31:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-16T10:57:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-16T10:49:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-13T13:56:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-13T13:14:00.002-05:00

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

2012-01-13T12:09:00.002-05:00

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

Looks promising.

Amos Lee - Flower

2012-01-13T11:19:00.000-05:00

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.