Amanda Bynes vs Rihanna?

Now if you would have asked me 5 years ago what old school Nickelodeon star had probably made it the best in the industry it would have been Amanda Bynes. 

Oh how the good have fallen.... hard. 

Not even going to try and go into thinking what Amanda is going through right now but she is about half way into a full blown Britney Spears type meltdown. 

Her latest escapade? Blasting Rihanna...

Not cool Amanda not cool.

I did although love Rihannas response. A simple tweet stating: "This is what happens when you cancel intervention".

I hope Amanda gets the help she needs. Fast.

Introducing Laura Marling.... Again.

October 2011. That was the first time I had heard a Laura Marling song and I instantly fell in love. It only took the world about a year and a half to catch on. Today I logged into one of my favorite websites to read the headline:

"Even If You Don't Like Folk Music... You Need To Hear This Album"

And yup you guessed it the persons album is the new Laura Marling album. It is amazing. Follow the link above to read all about it and listen to some of the new songs off of it. And trust me remember the name Laura Marling... its her year. Finally!

Ultimate Dance Compilation

This is a great video that combines the new Daft Punk song "Get Lucky" with some of the best dance moves on television and the movies. 

Rolling Stone Wine Club

If I drank wine I bet you this would be a pretty cool thing to have/collect. 

Right now they are featuring the following award-winning wines:

-Grateful Dead Red Wine Blend

-The Rolling Stones Merlot

-Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon

-The Police Synchronicity Red Blend

-Woodstock Chardonnay

'The Voice' Eliminations

Well last night America failed me yet again. I don't know why I feel invested in shows that don't care about me but yet again my hopes that America would actually choose a talented winner of 'The Voice' were ended in one elimination. My two favorite singers (probably the best in the competition) Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons were eliminated from the show leaving mostly country artists on Team Blake to battle it out.

I know that this country loves its country music but if you were to say that that girl Holly or the terrible duo of the Swan Brothers were better then Judith or Sarah, you need to clean your ears out.

These girls basically slayed the entire competition only to get voted out of the Top 8. 

I should have known after who they picked for winners the last two seasons (anyone remember them or hear from them since? Because I haven't). This show can not pick a good winner, never has, never will.

And with that I'm done watching for the Season and probably for the duration of this show. 

I know I sound bitter but I am. :) Aren't I allowed to be?

Moving on to bigger and better things hope everyone's Wednesday is off to a good start.

New Kelly Clarkson

Sorry about today I had high hopes but work in the end has kicked my butt. Hopefully I will have more time and more to say tomorrow. For now here is a new video from Kelly Clarkson 'People Like Us'. 

Tuesday.

Hello and welcome to yet another week here. I can not believe this time next week we will be sitting in the month of June, unbelievable how fast this year is going by. I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend, I have delayed my holiday weekend until this weekend where I leave Thursday to make another trip back north. Should hopefully be easy with very little traffic either way, keep your fingers crossed.

I'm pretty slammed here at work today, have a big meeting at 10 and then have to run an errand at lunch followed up by a late volunteer event tonight. Should be exhausting but the day should fly by... I hope.

Here is something to tie you over until I get back later.

New Drew Kennedy! Yay! He sits in with A Southern Gospel Revival and together they pretty much create magic. Just sit back and enjoy.

Fail. Fail. Fail.

Geez I am losing grip on my television watching. A few months ago I canceled my Showtime subscription when they announced the end of Dexter. I can watch those episodes online but I thought that was the only show left on the network. I WAS WRONG.

I missed the final four episodes of one of my favorites The Big C and I can't believe myself. If you have not seen this show it stars Laura Linney as a mother who is battling a rare form of cancer. Its dramatic, hilarious and everything you could want from a 30 min a week show. The acting is some of the best I've seen and I was under the impression that they would not be bringing it back after season 3. 

Here is a blog I wrote about the music on the show a few years back. The video is no longer available but I'll post it below. What a show... what a show.

Finding and watching the final four episodes has been added to my list to do this weekend.

Watching this final scene from Season 1 makes me cry every single time.

Story of My Twenties

Wow these are so true.

"Independent living is... eating out. Because you can't cook anything above instant noodles"

"Independent living is having to face your fears..."

"Independent living is... eating breakfast three times a day on a bed in front of the television"

Christina Perri New Album Soon!

I was excited when I read the news this morning that as I type this my girl Christina Perri is in London at the Abbey Road studios recording her new album.

If it is half the album the last one is its sure to be spectacular.

Love everything about this artist.

"I have died every day waiting for you, darling don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years... and will for a thousand more"

(I swear if this wasn't used in the Twilight films it would be my wedding song)

Regrets Doubled

This is the set-list from Wednesday nights Josh Ritter show. Of course he played all my favorites including Change of Time, The Curse and New Lover.

Not fair. Not fair. NOT FAIR.

Next time I tell myself I want to do something, I better do it or I will be regretting it just like I regret missing this show.

Ahhh! New Grace Potter Music Video!!

Ahhhh! That is the sound of me freaking out, slamming my office door and watching the new Grace Potter video for "The Lion, The Beast The Beat"

The video is shot at her concerts across the country and perfectly sums up what it is like seeing this amazing performer live.

Note to self Billboard Music Awards: If you want a great LIVE performer next year book her now!

Lost Finale (3 Years Later)

"See You In Another Life Brother"

Its hard to believe that it was 3 years ago tomorrow when my favorite show came to a close. I still find myself wishing it never ended, watching old re-runs and remembering what an amazing thought provoking show it was. 

If you want to read my post from that day: Major spoiler alert do not read or watch if you are ever planning on watching this series.

Follow This Link (I went in deep)

For everyone else this is how they wrapped up what I believe is the best drama to ever hit the small screen. This final scene still sends chills up my spine.

The more I think about it the more I think that I may start from the beginning again this weekend. (Yes in case you didn't notice yet I'm that much of a dork)

I Miss You LOST!!

The Office Mega Blooper Reel

Its been one week since the series finale and I'm still mourning the loss of this great show. So what have I decided to do today? Well thats obvious, watch a 2 hour blooper reel from the shows 9 seasons. Yup. This is happening.

"You're evil like a hobbit"

Heads California, Tails Carolina

Okay everyone brace yourselves I'm about to talk country music. *Gasp* I know. As I have been recently been explained I don't think that I ever got a proper introduction to this genre. This is not surprising coming from NJ but as a lover of all music I can't not give credit where credit is due. So here I am giving country music a chance... I'm starting off with a song that was covered on The Voice this week. 

Remember the name Danielle Bradbery because I'm pretty sure regardless of the outcome of this competition she will have music executives knocking down her door. She is a self taught country singer who learned how to sing along side her radio at the age of 12. She now is only 16. Yes that is 4 short years and she is incredible. Now for the song, "Heads California, Tails Carolina" was originally a JD Messina song and it is perfect for her voice. I absolutely love it and haven't gotten it out of my head all week. 

Take a peek. I did and its changing my perspective on all things country. 

(And don't you worry Dad I will not be wearing a cowboy hat and moving to Nashville anytime soon)

Congrats Carole King

Last night the legendary singer/songwriter Carole King made history again when she became the first woman ever to win the Gerswhin Prize for Popular Song, which is given by the President and Library of Congress each year. She will join the ranks of Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon who have won in previous years. Songs like "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman", "So Far Away" and "You've Got A Friend" have made her craft timeless and wonderful. 

In an interview with the AP she stated "It is yet another of the many important messages to young woman that women matter, women make a difference."

Congrats Carole on this well deserved award.

Springsteen Trailer

I can't believe we actually made it to Friday. This week was long, tough and I'm certainly glad it is over. Now it is on to Memorial Day Weekend in the city! I'm hoping for some river time, maybe another Squirrels game, hanging out, good sleep you know everything a holiday weekend should be (except I have to work Monday...boo). 

Lets start today off with a high note. Here is the new trailer for "Springsteen & I". The movie will examine the singers loyal relationship with his fans and I will be first one on line to see it.

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

I know I really shouldn't rush through this weekend (because I really am looking forward to it). Buuuuut when Sunday comes I will be super excited because I get to binge on Arrested Development!

Lets take a look back at all the 'Chicken Dances' shall we?

All the 'Arrested Development' "Chicken" Dances from Flavorwire on Vimeo.

Another Fail

I know of many people who went to the Kennedy Center Performing Arts building last night to see Trey Anastasio play with the National Symphony Orchestra. I have been hearing nothing but great things... of course.

One day I'll be able to witness this...One day.

Here is the video of him sitting in with the Atlanta Symphony last year. 

I Failed.

If you were to ask me the last few months what was one thing I wanted to do here in Richmond this spring it was to see Josh Ritter at the Botanical Gardens. Well the show was last night and I wasn't there. Such a fail on my part. Was a little bit too broke to justify a Wednesday night concert so I passed. 

I don't regret many things but I regret missing last night.

Mama Knows Best - Sarah Simmons

Ms. Sarah Simmons stole this weeks show on 'The Voice'. She finally broke out of her shell and let the world know how powerful of a singer she really is. Singing Jesse J's 'Mama Knows Best' she easily flattened the competition. I loved it and so will you.

R.I.P. Music

Paris Hilton has signed a record deal with Little Waynes Cash Money to produce and put out her new album.

This also makes me think if Paris can get a record deal I really do have a shot of singing back up for Gladys Knight one day (My dream in life). Anything is possible!!

Van Halen Guitar Cover

Meet Tina S. She is a ridiculously good guitar player and she can't be over the age of 15. Watch. Now.

My Only Post Today

It doesn't seem right today with all that is going on to be writing about ridiculous things so I will only have one post today and it is to let everyone in my life or reading this know that I love them. The last 24 hours of my life has been a crazy one. Yesterday there were devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma that has left me speechless. The stories coming out of that small town are absolutely incredible and it makes me feel lucky to be alive. This morning I woke up to the news of one of my best friends Dads passing away and then got news that this kid with Cystic Fibrosis that I know has been granted his double lung transplant at Duke University and is on his way into surgery as I type this. 

The world certainly works in mysterious ways. 

Finally if you all do one thing today (besides hugging your loved ones) watch this next video. Its inspirational to know that even in the toughest of times humanity has its way of creating beautiful moments to honor the loving spirit of Mr. Zach Sobiech. If you don't know that name after the video you will. 

So yeah not to get all sappy or anything today but its certainly been a day of reflection and being thankful for what I have in my wonderful life. 

All the best to everyone out there struggling today. My thoughts are with you.

No Place Like The Office

"I wish there was a way you know you were in the good ole days before you actually leave them"

One of my favorite shows The Office wrapped up their 9 season series on Thursday night with what I feel like was a great goodbye. I'm not going to sit here and say this show did not struggle the last few seasons but they did a fantastic job these last few episodes giving the send off the show deserved. (I will still say that season 2 of this show is one of the best comedy seasons in history). 

They gave each character their due and there was even a surprise appearance from Mr. Steve Carrel. I even screamed "Michael!" when he returned; they did a great job fooling us that he wasn't coming back. I watched every single episode of every single season and feel good about saying goodbye to it now. It was also fitting that my little brother was there watching with me on Thursday night since the two of us used to watch the show together all the time or call each other after an episode would air to laugh at the ridiculousness of what just happened. 

I understand that this show was a love it or leave it show. There weren't any in-between fans. But to me it perfectly summed up what it is working in an office with a bunch of ordinary ridiculous people or working for a terrible boss who thinks they are the best. We have all been there. Also finally how can I forget the Jim and Pam storyline. Maybe one of my favorite tv love stories of all time...

So goodbye Office. I will miss our weekly dates on Thursday night but I will take with me Pam's advice.

"Be strong. Trust yourself. Love yourself. Conquer your fears. Just go after what you want. And act fast. Because life just isn't that long."

Anchorman 2 Trailer

Hilarious new trailer for Anchorman 2 premiered over the weekend. Can. Not. Wait.

Goodbye Stefon

This weekend we said goodbye to another season of Saturday Night Live and the departure of Bill Hader and one of my favorite characters of all time Stefon. Take a look at how they said goodbye to the character, it was hilarious, over the top and most of all ridiculous. Just like Stefon. 

Man I'm going to miss Bill. 

Poor Toots

On Saturday night my friends and I went to Richmonds annual Riverrock festival where we were treated to a great performance by Toots and the Maytals on Saturday night. Unfortunately the show ended in a tragic situation. Now let me say this first, I've been to well over 100 concerts and I have never in my day seen this kind of thing happen.

There we were dancing and singing along to the Reggae legend, we even stayed through the rain and the crowd of about 6-7,000 were having a blast. All of a sudden around 10:15 I see Toots grab his head throw down the microphone and run off stage. What followed was crazy. A cop jumped from the stage and tackled someone in the crowd. 

Reports are surfacing that it was a 19 year old drunk teenage who threw a stolen liquor bottle from the event at the stage and hit Toots in the head. He was rushed to the hospital. The guitarist came out and chastised the kid and apologized that they had to end the show abruptly but Toots was their main concern.

Now as a Richmonder I am embarrassed. We are finally getting some really great acts to these festivals and what do we do? Repay them like this? How awful. I'm embarrassed for our city and feel terrible for the organizers of this event who really put on a fantastic event by the river. 

What An Item

According to Rolling Stone.com a custom made electric guitar played by Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison just sold at an auction for $408,000. It was a custom VOX guitar and was part of the annual Music Icons auction on May 18th in Times Square. 

"The rare offering of a VOX guitar played by both Lennon and Harrison is what rock & roll legends are made of" said the auction house, Juliens Auctions. 

The guitar was mostly used in 1967 for the album Magical Mystery Tour.

Now who is the good person who bought this item for me?? :)

Dear Kanye West

Above you will see that Kanye West debuted his new song "New Slave" on Friday night on 66 buildings across the world (this one is in Brooklyn). Then on Saturday he sang it again on Saturday Night Live. I don't know about anyone else but I am completely over this guy. His music is just not good anymore and really how can we take this man seriously when he is rapping about materialism and race when he is about to wife and have a baby with a Kardashian?? Not possible. 

Less Then One Week!

Oh man I can not wait for this weekend because I'm going on a ridiculous Arrested Development marathon come Sunday. Can not wait for Netflix to premiere the long anticipated return of this amazing show. Creator Mitch Hurwitz sat down with Rolling Stone to talk about how he revived the series. 

Its a great read for all the A.D. fans out there.

CLICK HERE.

Final Thoughts

Here are my final thoughts on the Billboard Music Awards then I'm moving back to the real music. Like Kid Rock I was extremely disappointed at the number of artists who decided to lip sync their performances last night. I mean I get it you are under a lot of pressure and some are putting on some crazy stage performances but that should not keep you from actually singing. You call yourself artists. Act like it. If you need a reminder on how its done just look at Pink from last year. There are no excuses people.

And my final thought is that now that Justin Bieber is making millions can someone buy him a pair of pants that fit? Thank you and goodnight Billboard Music Awards.

Favorite Review of the Day

I'm reading the Daily Beast's Hilarious Recap of the Billboard Music Awards and they have won for best review of the night for Nicki Minaj's performance. 

"On Wednesday Night, Nicki Minaj judged the final two American Idol contestants acting as an expert on who has the vocal prowess needed to be the country's next great musical artist. On Sunday night, she gave Lil Wayne a lap dance while a camera filmed...like up her butt. Talk about range."

Laughing so hard right now.

Oh No Miguel

Well I guess there is even more to report on from the Billboard Music Awards last night even after we turned off the broadcast because our heads hurt and could not watch it anymore. 

The singer Miguel (who I actually do not mind) made a terrible mistake during her performance. He got too excited tried to jump over the entire crowd but missed and literally landed on a girls neck, bodyslamming her into the stage. See the video below (this is with wrestling commentary for the fun of it). He is super apologetic this morning but damn... that sucks.

Billboard Music Awards 2013 (Live Blog)

Well its that time of year again when the ridiculous crazy Billboard Music Awards are on and my brother and I are going to see how much we can actually get through before either falling asleep or just turning off due to terrible performances. I will live blog my/our feelings here, hopefully it will make up for my blog being pretty inactive the last few weeks. I am back. For real now.

-Okay the awards just started. There has already been a Wayne Newton spotting and they are giving the opening performance to wait for it... Bruno Mars (PC must be stoked. ha). He is out there looking like Michael Jackson in the early 80s in a fly red suit singing a song that I have yet to hear but sure I will hear on the radio tomorrow. At least this guy is singing live and is somewhat talented. Im afraid that I will not be able to say that a lot tonight. Bruno gets a 7 out of 10 and that is because his live band behind him was amazing. 

-Waring. I just saw the lineup and I have never heard of half the performers. This could get interesting.

-Here comes host Tracy Morgan. His suit is ridiculous. He is not being funny. Keep the music coming Tracy. Okay he just made some pretty good Taylor Swift points. Bonus points. Holy crap Wayne Newtons face is not moving. Lay off the botox people!

-Shania Twain is presenting 'Best Rap Album'. Weird choice Billboard. The winner is Nicki Minaj. Considering she was up against such heavy hitters as PSY i'm not surprised but as Rick just laughed 'She is so talent-less'. Truth brother. He also does a pretty great impression of her. Ask him one day.

-Here is a performance from Selena Gomez. I'm going to guess she is lip syncing. Yup. I am correct. Automatically deducted 2 points. She is doing some terrible Bollywood performance. I just don't get it. I'm already over it. 4 out of 10. Gave her two points because I liked her outfit. 

-Next is The Band Perry. They are that country group that sang "If I Die Young" (not a huge fan of that song). This one is a little bit more rocking and I'll give them bonus points because they are all playing live and their lead singer can actually sing. Also good use of lasers. Not their fault this is not my type of music so I give them a solid 7 out of 10. Not bad.

-Here comes Carly Rae Jepson. The 'Call Me Maybe' girl. She is announcing Icona Pop singing my favorite song of the moment. 'I Love It'. I know that this song only has four sentences but I can't help but dance. "I crashed my car into a bridge... I don't care... I love it!" Rick and I are both dancing. I don't really even care that they are lip syncing they still get a 9 out of 10 due to the amazingness of the song.

-Oh snap here is PSY. I thought this guys 5 minutes ran out. He is here to introduce Chris Brown. He automatically automatically gets a 0 out of 10. We are both booing the tv screen. He does not deserve this airplay, not to mention the performance is terrible. Ugh. I won't even waste words on this fool. This is an actual screenshot from his performance. No joke.

-Side note that Orianthi (guitarist) is playing with Chris Brown now. I'm so disappointed in you girl. 

-Avril Lavigne makes her way back to the public eye to give 'Most Downloaded Song'... its so 2013. She actually looks great, now if we can work on her making songs that sound different then every song she has ever made we will make progress. Winner is 'Call Me Maybe' for Carly Rae Jepson. How is that song still getting awards? 

-Not surprised that they got Macklemore and Ryan Lewis to perform their smash hit "Thrift Shop". While I'm so over this song I will give this man credit for doing it all independently on his own accord. Like him or not this is the new way music is going to come at us. Embrace it. FYI His outfit is completely ridiculous. Even with that I give him 8 out of 10 easily.

-Oh nice Kid Rock is here to present. I haven't seen him in a while and even though his music is not in my taste I do have a lot of musical respect for the man. He also just got a 100 out of 10 for the line "Lets give it up for people lip syncing with pre-recorded music". HAHAHA. Winner and still champion. Kid Rock. Who cares if he is so drunk that he can barely stand he is my winner of the night. Laughing so hard right now. He is giving another rap award out, I don't know half the people nominated. Macklemore wins. He thanks 'Goodwill and Valley Village' haha. Loved the entire last 5 minutes of this broadcast.

-Next performance is Taylor Swift. Rick hates her. I love her. We are debating back and forth. Yes of course this performance is one of the most cheesy things I've ever seen but at least she is singing live and looks great. Rex from Entourage is spotted in the audience! ha. Good spot Rick. I give Taylor a solid 7 out of 10. Also bonus points for having the Jabawockeez perform with you. 

-Have no idea who these people are on the stage. Also have no idea who they are introducing. Kacey Musgraves? Let me do some research. Please hold. Okay she is a new country artist. A singer-songwriter from Texas. She actually sounds pretty great and mad respect for just getting up there with her guitar. Rick just gave a minus 1 point for her nose ring but I still like her. This is the song she is singing. 8 out of 10. Probably best actual 'performance' of the night.

-Here is Will.I.Am. Talking about Madonna winning the top touring artist prize. I wonder if she will actually show? Nope just a video compilation from her last tour. Disappointing. Oh man she is there.. but seriously what the hell are you wearing!!! Rick calls her overrated, I can't argue with that but I do respect her for how long she has been doing it. She is acting pretty ridiculous up there. I'm over it.

-I have to admit I'm actually embarrassed that I am still watching this 90 min in; didn't think I'd last this long... 

-Another person is on the stage that I don't recognize. She is here to introduce the Bieber. I agree with Rick in the sentiment "He could be my least favorite". Agreed. He is also missing a sleeve of his jacket. What happened Justin? He sounds/looks/acts terrible. Also another lip syncing performance. Kid Rock just took another shot. I give it a 3 out of 10.

-Top Album is next and if Adele doesn't beat out Taylor Swift and One Direction I will turn this off right now! Yup I'm out. Taylor Swift wins and while I won't argue its not a great album it does not beat out Adele. I'm out!! I will say I made it about 30 min longer than I first expected. 

Goodnight. 

Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines (Live)

I've never been a huge fan of Robin Thicke. Not that I didn't like him or his music it just never really came across my radar... until last night. He performed his new single live on the Voice with the help of T.I. and Pharrell Williams and it took everything in me not to get up and dance alone in my living room. 

I have to say that if this is one of those songs that I'm stuck listening to on the radio all summer long then I'm in! Great live performance too, very impressive.

Oh The Voice

I have mentioned on here a few times how much a fan of NBC's show "The Voice" especially their audition rounds. Yet something happens when the show goes into its "Live Shows" that makes me literally fall asleep (I fell asleep during it last night on my couch). I don't know if its the coaches influence on these poor people or the poor choices that goes into the song selection and performances but last night was bad. Even my favorites only had okay performances. The show and contestants better step their game up or they will lose me again during this round. 

Here are the two highlights from last night. Sarah Simmons singing one of my favorite songs "The Story" (still think the Grey's Anatomy version is better but this was very good) and my girl Judith Hill sitting behind a piano and singing "You've Got A Friend". Congrats you two. 

Sara Bareilles Video Premiere

Two of my favorite people, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and Rashida Jones teamed up to make the first music video off of Sara's new album called "Brave". It was Rashida's directorial debut and I must say she did a fantastic job. I also love the concept of the video that you gotta be brave in all phases of your life especially dancing in public. From what I heard most of these dancer are not professionals and were pulled off the streets and given choreography. So I have one last thing to say... hey girls, can we all be friends? That would be awesome.

Natalie Maines Album Review

It is no secret that although I am not the biggest fan and supporter of country music I have always and will always love the Dixie Chicks and their fearless leader Natalie Maines. This is why I have been tracking the progress of her new solo album for what feels like two years and am happy to report that her teaming up with Ben Harper as producer and releasing "Mother" is and will go down as one of the best solo projects ever. I easily give them album a 9 out of 10, and here is why.

It has been ten years since the infamous George Bush quote and seven years since the Dixie Chicks released some new music. Yet Natalie did not let those years pass by without working on something. This new CD "Mother" shows her dedication to not only her voice, but her creative choices and musical tastes. Its no surprise that she turned her back on country music for most of this album, since well they did such a great job turning their back on her ten years ago. This album is full of rock, soulful, and classic tunes. A great departure from her time with the Dixie Chicks. I approve.

Maines has never been a songwriters, in fact its probably what I like about her the most. Her talent is her voice and her creative decisions using her gift so it was no surprise she relied on others for help and/or to cover their work. In doing this she was able to focus on what she wanted to do with the songs and creating new meanings and sound for songs that even the original creators wouldn't have thought of. 

She covers "Mother" by Roger Waters to an amazing degree, as well as "Without You" by Eddie Vedder. In both pieces she is able to create her own story within the songs. Patty Griffin's "Silver Bells" is given a rock spin and the Jayhawks tune of "I'd Run Away" and makes the pop tune a ballad unlike any I've heard. 

My two favorite tunes from the album are "Free Life" a song written by Dixie Chick writer Dan Wilson and the Jeff Buckley cover of "Lover You Should Have Come Over". Both show her vocal ability is almost unmatched in this style and gives her a range that most emerging artists would die for. Both songs are so good and so raw that they almost move you to tears. 

So yeah as you can tell I love this album and would highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a great album. I will post my two favorite tracks below. Listen, enjoy, and respect what I believe to be one of the better gritty voices of our generation.

Here is a live version of "Lover You Should Have Come Over" on Howard Stern. Its amazing. Seriously how can this get any better.

And finally "Free Life" which includes some of my favorite lyrics:

"Lets fall in love again, with music as our guide

We'll raise our ready hands, and let go for the ride

Down to unknown lands, where lovers meet... and hide

We've got these lives for free

We don't know where they've been

We don't know where they'll go

What you going to spend your free life on?"

Goodbye Stefon

Bill Hader announced this morning that he will be leaving Saturday Night Live at the end of this season (which is Saturday). He has been on the show since 2005 doing some amazing impressions and sketches. My favorite by far is his NYC correspondent gig on Weekend Update at Stefon. 

I'm cheer every single time this character appears. We will miss you Bill!

Here is the best of Stefon:

My Medical Choice

I start today off with something that is not music related but something that is worth its own entry. If you are a woman reading this blog do yourself a favor and follow THIS LINK to read Angelina Jolie's article about her experience with her double mastectomy. 

I have never been a huge fan of Angelina's but I have to say with this editorial she has skyrocketed up my list. I like nothing more than when a person or celebrity with power uses their influence for good. This piece I know will help millions of women around the world. 

I promise I will get off the heavy stuff and move to the light music part of this blog next.

NEW DAFT PUNK

The new Daft Punk album "Random Access Memories" has been leaked online and I have found myself a copy! Can not wait to get home, put on my headphones and get to grooving!

Things are looking up this week already!!

Bucket List Accomplished

Katy Perry scratched one big thing off her bucket list over the weekend when she performed "Beat of Burden" live with the Rolling Stones at their concert. I can't even begin to imagine how surreal that must have been.

Take a look at the behind the scenes video:

Looking Ahead

Just a note to tell you what you can look forward to tomorrow on this blog. 

A full review of Natalie Maines new album "Mother". Its pretty damn spectacular and well deserved of all the high praise its getting. 

Here is a small intro to the album:

Hemlock Grove

I started out a skeptic but I quickly became addicted to the Netflix original series Hemlock Grove over the weekend. Can't stop watching it nor can I wait to get home to watch another episode. So creepy and weird but so addicting...

I Love Kristen Wiig

My girl Kristen Wiig came back and hosted Saturday Night Live this weekend and while the episode wasn't one of its best it was still good to see her back on that stage. 

I always like to remember Kristen with the sendoff she got last year. I will continue to say this is one of the best ways I've ever seen them say goodbye to a cast member.

Follow This Link

My Dream

Arrested Development Trailer

Its almost time! Is everyone ready for the return of the Bluths? I AM.

Here is the newly released trailer.

Gas Pump Karoke

During one of my many nights of non-sleep last week I found myself watching the Tonight Show where I saw this following segment and thought it was hilarious. 

This couple has no shame belting out at a gas pump. I love it!!

I'm Baaaaack.

Hello. Did you miss me? I sure missed myself... 

After a week long absence due to some ridiculous crazy events here at work I've been gone from this blog. I promise you here and now that I am not only back to this blog but I'm back to acting like a normal person not like a crazy chicken with her head cut off. Last week was fun and all (see above photo with Michael Phelps Mom Debbie), but I'm more than happy to put it all behind me. 

This week should be a good one. I'm only working Monday-Thursday then my little brother is coming to Richmond for a much needed visit. Yay. 

As for today we will start with the big news story of the day. Space Oddity from Space. Literally.

Truth

Congrats Trey!

Congrats to Phish frontman Trey Anastasio for getting his first Tony Nomination this week for "Best Original Score" for his play Hands on a Hard Body. 

It's going to be fun to see him with the Broadway legends when the show airs in a few months.

Yay

Here is a great photo taken this morning of the final spire for One World Trade Center being raised against the NYC skyline. Glad to see things are going strong with the tower.

Clicking My Heels

You know where I would rather be than dealing with the craziness that is work this week??

Thats right Jazz Fest. Its on my bucket list and one day I will get myself down to New Orleans and join in the fun. 

The Voice Highlights

And just like that half of this years contestants on "The Voice" are gone. This week started the brutal "Knockout" rounds where teammates are pitted against one another, forced to sing one song for their life, and then their coach picks between the two on who will continue to the live shows. 

There were a few surprises that came out of  nowhere this week but for the most part you could easily pick who was going to win each battle from the start. I will still say that I think that team Adam is far superior than anyone else. The talent on his team is unbelievable and in my opinion he will have the two contestants that go to the finals (more on that in a second). 

As for the part that I do not like about this show and his name is Blake Shelton. I get it, the guy is a country artist, he has won this show before and he thinks he knows what he is doing. But I'm sorry but it is not fair of you to pick a country artist over a better artist on your team strictly because 'you want to focus on country'. That is not the name of the show and you sent some people home this week that should still be there. Shame. 

**Rant Over**

Back to the good music. I will say this again that I do think this show will come down to two competitors. Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons. Both showed their power this week with their solo songs. Different styles but both complete knockouts. 

Judith's Battle:

Sarah's Battle (she sings second)

Softball Week 2

Played another round of softball last night. Was joined by my friend Bonnie and we had a great time! I have figured out that maybe the outfield is not the best spot for me but I did make some great connections on the hitting side. We also found out last night that unlike we had first thought we are actually not the worst team in the adult softball league. 

Victory!

Whiggidy Whack - RIP Chris

Anyone who recognized the headline, wore their jeans backwards or listened to music in the 90s heard this kid perform the classic "Jump".

Chris Kelly, one half of the 90s rap duo Kris Kross died last night in an Atlanta Hospital. He was only 34 years young. How he died is unknown at the moment but all signs are pointing sadly to an overdose.

Kelly with the help of Chris Smith shot to stardom in 1992 with the hit "Jump" that spent 8 weeks on top of the Billboard Top 100 charts. They also opened for Michael Jackson that year on his Dangerous World Tour.

Sad news.

Here are my two favorites from the duo. Obviously first "Jump"

And finally the classic "I Missed The Bus"

Whoa Miley

Hello grown up Miley Cyrus. 

Whoa.

Beastie Boys on Being Stupid

Well this is different. Animator Patrick Smith took a 1985 interview with the Beastie Boys and illustrated it. The interview discusses everything from getting arrested on tour to how they like their toast. 

Done for the PBS series "Blank on Blank"

Free Life by Natalie Maines

May 7th can not come soon enough. I have finally taken some time today to stream some of the former frontwoman for the Dixie Chicks Natalie Maines new album and it is pretty amazing. Comprised of all covers or songs written by others, it is quite amazing. The first song "Mother" came out a few months ago and we all knew it was amazing but take the time today and check out "Free Life" originally written and performed by Dan Wilson (who helped her write "Not Ready to Make Nice"). Its an amazing cut off of what is going to be a stellar album.

There is something about Natalie Maines that makes her kind of unforgettable. Maybe it was that she absolutely destroyed country music with her pure greatness. Her voice was incredible and her liberal politics were unapologetic (even if they did get her into some crazy situations). She completely ruled the charts for years and years and I have a feeling that the world will open their arms again and welcome her voice into their stereos. Her new sound still has her country twang but has added a rock sound that started on the "Not Ready to Make Nice" album. 

Everything about this song and new album is going to work in her favor... I just know it.

Lyrics from "Free Life"

'Let's fall in love again with music as our guide

We'll raise our ready hands and let go for the ride

Down into unknown lands where lovers need and hide

We got these lives for free, we don't know where they've been

We don't know where they'll go when we are through with them

A starlight of the sun, the dark side of the moon

What are you going to spend your Free Life on?'