Life....and Death

Unfortunately, my life has been touched by several loved ones who have taken their life recently.  Its one of the things that goes with coming from a state with a high suicide rate and well...just living in this cruel world.  A few weeks ago, a friend I grew up with took his own life.  This morning, an old favorite single, Rhett Miller's song, "The Believer, (For Elliott Smith) popped into my head."  Elliot Smith was another favorite singer who took his own life. Rhett's tribute to his friend is poignant, if you listen closely.

YouTube Video of the Day: Elvis singing "How Great thou art" and Elvis's father at the end.

For this Sunday morning I leave you "How Great thou Art" by Elvis.  This video was released shortly after his death and is worth watching....Elvis's father's appreciation for the fans at the end is touching.

Song of the Day: Arrested Rose

This morning I woke up with a song from the Gypsy Soundtrack in my head, or more specifically, Buster Bluth Buster Bluth dancing to (Ethel Merman's version if I remember right) "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy.  I've always been a fan of Gypsy since I was a kid, and the selection of this song for the character of Buster was brilliant.  Anyway, I can't find the (hilarious--and poignant) dance Buster does to the song, but here's Ethel singing "Rose's Turn" from Broadway.

New

Like most people of a certain age, I've been a fan of the Beatles as long as I can remember, and specifically Paul McCartney (the cute Beatle, as my mom always calls him) post Beatles for many years.  Oh sure, Paul has written a few goose-eggs, but so has Bob Dylan (most of the 80's).  Anyway, Paul's new album is one of his strongest efforts in years and the first single off the album, New, is a song most people will enjoy.  Below is the lyrics video for the song.  About 3/4 of the way through the video is a shot of Paul laying a guitar pick on Elvis's grave.  My brother and I happened to be in Memphis the same day Paul visited Graceland (I really wanted to go to the concert that night but we didn't have time).  The bottom video is Paul singing "New" acoustically and demonstrates that Paul McCartney is still "the cute Beatle."

Quote of the Day

"What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody Knows, but maybe that's just what you are."

---Patty Griffin

Review: Crazy Heart

Sometimes redemption doesn't turn out the way you want it, but it doesn't make it less sweet.

I finally watched "Crazy Heart" last week, and it's a movie that actually exceeded my fairly high expectations. The story is about an alcoholic country singer/songwriter who gets a second shot at life.

Although the supporting acting is all solid, Jeff Bridges astounds in this role. Reportedly, he was told to be the "6th Highwayman" and he evokes memories of both Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Playing a drunk suits "The Dude," and Bridges is completely available as an alcoholic who still has a way with women. The film ultimately is a character study, with the supporting actors acting as foils for Bridges.

A film about a singer-songwriter wouldn't be complete without music, and the music in "Crazy Heart" is stellar. From Colin Farrell as a believable country artist (Ferrell could have easily been a Nashville star) to Jeff Bridges singing exactly like you think he might. The movie would fall flat if the songs themselves were lousy, but most of them are solid and a couple are even memorable ("Fallin' Feels like Flyin'" and "The Weary Kind"). Ryan Bingham (the composer for many of the movie's songs) is one to watch.

Although the film is gritty, it's one I'd recommend.

Ryan Bingham performing "The Weary Kind"

Cheap Music?

When buying music, I prefer cd's to buying mp3's online. However, Amazon has a new promotion of 50 albums a month for $5 each that's a cheap way to expand a music catalog. The 50 CD's aren't the bottom of the bargain bin. There's no Weird Al Greatest Hits Volume four here. No, rather there's a pretty diverse of new stuff, classics that range from Nat King Cole to Yo Gabba Gabba! There's Bowie, the latest Jay-Z Album and even a decent selection of recent Indy Rock Albums. Some of my recommendations are:

Cash: The Best of the Sun Years
If you don't own any Johnny Cash, the most influential and groundbreaking music of his career happened while he recorded at Sun Records. This album has 25 singles (25 singles for 5 bucks!) and covers the classics as well as lesser known music. Here's a 23 year old Johnny Cash singing one of my favorite songs from the Sun Years:


Blitzen Trappers "Furr"
One of my favorite albums from 2008 is Blitzen Trappers, "Furr." Many of the tracks on this Indy-Rock album would be at home on a '70s folk-rock album. Here's Blitzen Trappers performing the title track on Conan:


The Gaslight Anthem:"The '59 Sound"
I adore this album. I've been listening to it regularly for a year, and it's still one of my "go to" albums. The Gaslight Anthem is from Jersey-and sound like the progeny of Springsteen, but it totally works for them. If you haven't heard this album yet, check it out!



Amazon's Promotion

Other album highlights are:
The Heartless Bastards "The Mountain"-Perhaps the Bastards weakest album, however it still showcases the lead singers incredible rock god voice
The Crane Wife by the Decemberists is a classic

Song of the Week: Gillian was a Horse by Damien Jurado

Sharon and Rhett.....Best Two Days Ever?

A while ago I was listening to NPR and happened upon a piece about Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Teri Gross from Fresh Air interviewed Sharon and one of the guys from the band, and I found myself more or less riveted. After listening to the band described as "1969 Soul," hearing a couple of singles and even seeing the cover of the album, I was sold. This band I had to see. Well, they are playing at the Black Cat on the 17th of January and you bet I have tickets. Their music is definitely 60's and early '70s soul and yet sounds fresh and retro at the same time. Anyway, enough of me. Let Sharon sway you:



Here's the video of 100 Days, 100 Nights. If it sounds a little like Amy Winehouse, well this band backed Amy on a couple of singles from the "Back to Black" album.
Fresh Air Interview

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings "You're Gonna Get It" MP3

As I bought the Sharon Jones tickets I stumbled across concert gold: Rhett Miller, almost too pretty to look at, was playing the next night. I missed seeing him the last time or so when he was in town, Kelli waxes poetic about him fairly often, and well--I need some eye candy and some good tunes so I ended up getting tickets for that too.

Rhett, the lead singer for the Old '97s is an easy listen to (did I mention he's easy on the eyes) and here's the Believer (The song is about Elliott Smith and his suicide).

Rhett Miller "The Believer" MP3

See, Pretty!

Stuck on This

This morning I woke up with the Little Willie's cover of Town Van Zandt's "No place to Fall" in my head. While the album is pretty good, and Norah Jones shines on several songs, this one, where she sings backing vocals is the gem. So enjoy. And yes, this falls in the "Country" genre. Even if you hate country, take a few seconds and download this lil' number.


The Little Willies-No Place to Fall

The Neil Niche

Almost every week you hear about the new Dylan whether the genre of music is folk, alt-country, rock or even rap (Dylan rapping, huh). But, when was the last time you heard of the next Neil Diamond?

Although Josh Ritter has been called Dylan-like, Dylanesque or the new Dylan in almost every review of Ritter I've read, I've yet to read a Neil Diamond comparison. I was a little surprised to hear this gem on "Hello Starling." While Josh Ritter is more than Neil Diamond impressions, this song indicates he should definitely revisit this little niche he's created for himself from time to time. Check out the song below:

Man Burning-Josh Ritter

Spotlight Music:

Album Reviews:
So, 2007 isn't disappointing in the world of music at all. In fact, I've been just enjoying all the new albums and some new groups and have neglected to writing about them.
Anyway, here's some reviews of a few bands...I'll probably elaborate more about these albums, but not right now.

Wilco: "Sky Blue Sky" I agree its Wilco's most accessible album of this decade. A little more uneven than his last three albums, but there's still gems to be found. The intro to the first album? This Dylan fan loves it.

Ryan Adams "Easy Tiger," Still am in love with the album name. The unevenness of all of his albums kills me. That being said, there's several songs on this album that floor me---and "Halloween Head" is great. Still not the masterpiece album this guy has the talent to put out...but I'm optimistic that he will.

White Stripes "Icky Thump"--This one has grown on me a lot. Love it-love the whole album--and the "weirdness" isn't a put off at all.

Rufus Wainwright "Release the Stars," Personally, I think its one of his three best albums. Ever. Its right up there with "Want Two" and "Poses."

Hairspray
I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Musicals have been a "love" of mine since I was a little kid. This one was just a fun show. Dialog was corny/witty and fun. This movie better get an oscar nom for costume--there were at least four or five dresses I was lusting after. My girl Queen Latifah shined as always. John Travolta was distracting until halfway through. Watching him dance with Walken? Highlight of the film. Walken was awesome as always. Walken dancing? We didn't get enough! Michelle Pfeiffer was perfect as the villain, but I would've like to hear more Baltimore accents. The actual storyline is more than a thin veneer to hang songs on it. The theme of the show is a powerful one. Anyway, it was great to see kids who weren't 25-35 playing the teenagers. The guy who played Seaweed? Hottest guy on the screen. Anyway, the girl who played Nicki Turnblad was infectious.



The Wait Won't kill you, The Excitement Might Though

Spotlight Music

Paul McCartney



The song is alright, but this video is kind of sweet. Check it out! (and there's a little treat for BBC Office fans).


Rufus Wainwright



Early 2002 one of my roommates had a Rufus Wainwright album. From the first verse of "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk," I was hooked. Since then, although he's not one of my top favorites, I've followed his career and music. A few years ago, I saw him perform with Ben Folds and wasn't all that impressed. However, a few months later I saw him in a smaller venue and it was perfect. Anyway, check out the video--check out the new album. If I get a chance, I'll review it in the next week or two.


Joni Mitchell/Johnny Cash



Sound sucks, but its pretty cool.

Spotlight Music

White Stripes

The single Icky Thump was released at midnight and I told myself I wasn't going to get it--um yeah, that lasted until about 8:15 (I get to work about 8:00). Anyway, its awesome, its thumpy and there's some lyrics that crack me up. In honor of the release, here's their coca cola commercial (I had the song, but hadn't seen the commercial), and a few other odds and ends.


Coke Commercial




One of my fave Stripes Songs

Buy it on Itunes, but here's the xm radio ripoff:
Icky Thump White Stripes mp3



Tracy Morgan
Um yeah, I think 30 Rock may be true to life



Johan



Oceans

Spotlight Music

What if........

you were stuck in the middle of nepal for the rest of your life and had a choice of listening to only one of the three below. Who would you pick?

(Ashlee Simpson)

Who Would You Rather kiss?

or

Spotlight Music

White Stripes
Or as I like to call them now, Elvis and Meg.

Kaiser Chiefs

On Saturday night Rob and I went to see a 3 band show at the 930. The coolest part? The doors opened at 10:00 and the first band started at 10:30. The Walkmen started their set at 11:30 and the Kaiser Chiefs didn't get on until a little after midnight. Yeah, I didn't get home until 2:30 or so. Best Easter Sunday ever. Anyway, the first band was The Annuals. They have some bugs to work out, but they had a good sound. The only real complaint was that you couldn't hear the lyrics over the music. I think we'll hear more from this band in coming years. The Walkmen were the second band. I was looking forward to them, as I've been a casual fan since they put out their first album way back when but I was kind of disappointed. They just didn't sound that great. The Kaiser Chiefs sounded tight though. They are definitely one of those bands where there's one musician that's leading them all--in this band's case its their drummer. The songs sound better live than they do on their albums and they were high energy. At one point the lead singer crowd surfed to the bar--asked the bar tender for a rum and coke I believe, took a couple of sips and then surfed back. They played a good mix from their two albums and it was great. We saw them a few years ago at the Patriot Center and that was memorable. I think they've polished their act since then.

Maria Taylor

Conor Oberst and I have a love-hate relationship (he's not aware of it or me, of course. I adore this album by Maria Taylor that he was involved with. As far as Bright Eyes go, I like a lot of the stuff, but I tire of it fast. He's listed as 67 on the top 100 living songwriters--and for a 27 year old guy, that's not bad. He's talented--and I think he hasn't come close to hitting his peak, I'm just not as big of fan of his stuff as I am of other musicians. However, at the same time; this album by Maria Taylor is great. Solid from the first track to the last--its a pleasant mixture of styles that really works. Check it out!

A Good Start Lynn Teeter Flower Maria Taylor MP3

Spotlight Music

Yeah, there's three subjects in this music I thought I'd never blog about(Bo Bice, Christian Rock, Phantom of the Opera). ever. However, since its Easter weekend, forgive me for this discretion.

Blades of Glory
I caught Blades of Glory last weekend with several friends. It's been a long time since I've laughed so hard at a movie so dumb. I never thought I'd say it, but Jon Heder is pretty. Just as long as he doesn't talk so much (He should never make a . Oh, and there's the best kiss ever in this movie. You know, there's few comics that make really unlikeable characters endearing. Will is one of them. And like Amelia, I have a crush on Will. It's true.


Yes, its Bo Bice. Yes, the song sucks--but Will and Heder actually make it worth it. Almost.






To purge Bo Bice from your ears, here's a little Will singing Phantom of the Opera on Letterman.



Okay, if you're like me--you kind of pretty much hate Phantom (I'm a big musicals fan--just not this one); so here's a little "afternoon delight" with the guys--from what's perhaps Will's best "intelligent stupid" comedy yet.



Amelia, I hope these feed your crush.


Christian Rock Concert.
I never thought I'd ever say these words, but I fell a little in love last night at a Christian Rock Concert. Twice. Okay, let me back up. I've never been one for Christian rock or even Christian contemporary music (including LDS contemporary music except for the Gladys Knight gospel stuff and maybe the first album of one other artist). About 3 weeks ago Boo invited me to go see Jars of Clay. I thought, what the heck, that sounds interesting--their first album was alright. I downloaded some of there albums and listed to Good Monsters first and thought--hey this doesn't suck, its actually decent. And then I listened to The Eleventh Hour and forced my way through 3 songs. I was hoping they played mostly their oldest stuff and Good Monster (which they did).
Anyway, we got to the show and the first band, Burlap to Cashmere, was two guys with acoustic guitars. They said they were both Greeks from Brooklyn, and there music was heavily influenced by their heritage. Imagine a heavily greek song with lyrics straight out of the New Testament? The music rocked, the two together (even though the NT is originally Greek) was bizarre. They had a song called, "Instructions on leaving Earth," that I was really hoping was about astronauts--or was at least a little ironic--but um, all it was a scripture stating that Jesus was our Savior. After the first show I was a little scared for the rest of the show.

The second act was, "Need to Breathe," and although their name reeks of, um emo-christian rock, they were good musicians. AND, their music wasn't all about God, and Jesus Christ. Their lead singer? Totally cute. I found myself really enjoying myself and digging the lead singer (the one in the leather jacket).

Then came Jars of Clay. Their music was good, and they put on a good show. Their lead singer sounds better live than he does on the albums--although when he sang the slow songs--his movements were a little weird. The lead guitarist? My second crush of the night. Short, slight, longish hair, and the moves (the one in the green jacket in the pickle picture)? It was Sherpa eyecandy the whole time they were on. Boo had a thing for the other guitarist so it was totally cool. However, the crowd was interesting. Both Boo and I felt like outsiders (even though we are both Christians--the Evangelical scene is foreign to us). It was a little like being in a foreign country. During one of the slow songs there was a guy standing up the whole time (everyone was seated) with his eyes on the sealing and he was swaying. I noticed a few people doing the head raised to the ceiling with the arms up and both palms facing outside. I'd have to say, I've never seen that at a concert. Ever. But then there was several things I'd never seen at a concert. It was definitely a new experience--and one that I think allows me to understand the evangelical Christian set a little more. Anyway, it was a great time. Thanks again Boo!

Foo Fighters

I've been in love with Dave Grohl and the Foo for more than a decade but early last year, I experienced a bit of a burnout. I felt over the Foo Fighters, and was really hoping that when Dylan was touring with various rock bands (Foo, Raconteurs, and Kings of Leon) he wasn't touring with the Foo, but the Raconteurs when he hit the DC area. Well, I got my wish, and I really hadn't thought a whole lot about Dave and the guys (or listened to him) until I noticed that Heather over on I am Fuel, You are Friends, had a dvd audio rip of the Foo's Hyde Park DVD show. I listened, and it all came back. I'm no longer over Foo. I sent it to Kelli and she responded back saying, " Dave is mine - you can have Taylor. Wait a minute, I want Taylor. Wait - I want them both. You can have Brendon Benson." Um yeah, I've got a nice friend. She won't even "give me" the hottest drummer in rock. Anyway, If it strikes your fancy, check it out. (the audio files? total language warning).

http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/2007/03/foo-fighters-take-hyde-park-by-brute.html

Oh, and its a little sad that it was a guy who recognized Taylor Hawkin's backside. He's the blonde thats second in line in the pic of the Foo on this post.

Spotlight Music

Carol Burnett etc

One of my favorite things to do on Youtube is to enter the name of a favorite comedian/actor/actress/singer (especially if they've been around for a while) and see what I come up. Tonight I did Carol Burnett, a favorite since I was a small child. Enjoy.



Carol Burnett and the incomparable Sammy Davis Jr. singing "every showtune ever"



Carol and Dolly....it doesn't get better than that. The way Dolly feels about Carol? The way I feel about both of them.

Boyfriend Rove



So, my boyfriend Karl Rove was spotlighted at the Annual Correspondents Dinner and he dances...seriously, you have to check this out no matter if you share my love for him or well, think he's Satan....check it out.

Here's another view of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln5RD9BhcCo

Ted Leo

I didn't get a chance to see Ted Leo perform at the 930 club on Thursday. I had tickets (I was able to sell mine) but my lungs had different ideas. I bought his new album about a week ago, and its good--but he should've pared it down from 15 songs to 10. Sometimes more isn't better. Quite a few songs are great--personally, I adore angry, political punk music and Ted fits that description most of the time.

Ted Leo Sons of Cain MP3

Spotlight Music

The Electric Slide

So, the creator of the electric slide was featured on Morning Edition last month. He's considering a suit to protect the artistic integrity of the dance. I think I listened to this story at least twice. If you want to smile and shake your head--just check it out. A favorite highlight is when the interviewer from Morning Edition is asking an attorney about the prospects of the suit.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7492263


Indigo Girls
I've been a fan of the Indigo Girls for 12 or 13 years now. 3 of my 4 roommates (the other has no music taste--oh wait, she ends up "stealing" most of my stuff) are fans and two even sing a nice duet of "power of two." Its lovely. Anyway, the Girls put out their best album in at least 10 years last year and it gets pretty heavy play at my house.
Talk of the Nation on NPR (I'm npr heavy today, what can I say?) interviewed Amy and Emily yesterday, the Girls performed three songs off their latest album and then answered questions from listeners. The questions seriously rock---especially the first one. Oh, and two of the Talk of the Nation staffers collaborated on a silly lil' blog that'll make you laugh if you even like the girls one bit.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9009196
http://www.npr.org/blogs/talk/2007/03/girls_indigo_and_otherwise_1.html


Pistol Pete



Yeah, this is really about basketball..and the music in the background sucks (I hate that Green Day song thats mixed with Oasis)--but these clips of Pete Maravich are must see--even if you can barely tolerate basketball. Stick with it at least to see him demonstrate the wrist pass. My jaw dropped a little during many of the highlights--I'm sure yours will too.

Spotlight Music

Brendan Benson

By late last year, it was apparent that this year was going to be a crazy-good year for rock-indy-alternative-folk (what have you) music. Then a few weeks ago the Stripes announced that they'd have a new album out, probably by summer. Predictably, my boyfriend Brendan Benson announced a new album and a demo to download. Although several music bloggers have said its a departure from his usual stuff. However, I think its not too different from a couple of tracks on "Alternative to Love." Either way, new Brendan? Cool!

Brendan Benson Feel Like Taking You Home mp3

The Worst Covers Ever

Heather over on I am Fuel you are friends has a link to cracked.com's list of what they think are the worst covers ever. Although I've only heard a few of these covers(thank goodness), just imagining these artists perform these classics in my head make me giggle. A lot. Enjoy.

20. "You Shook Me All Night Long" — Celine Dion and Anastasia

19. "Downtown Train" — Rod Stewart

18. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" — Guns N Roses

17. "Demolition Man" — Manfred Mann

16. "American Pie" — Madonna

15. "My Generation" — Hilary Duff

14. "It's My Life" — No Doubt

13. "Video Killed The Radio Star" — The Presidents of the United States of America

12. "Walk this Way" — Macy Gray

11. "Another Brick in the Wall" — Korn

10. "I'm A Believer" — Smash Mouth

09. "Satisfaction" — Britney Spears

08. "Sweet Child O Mine" — Sheryl Crow

07. "Big Yellow Taxi" — Counting Crows

06. "911 Is a Joke" — Duran Duran

05. "Anarchy in the UK" — Motley Crue

04. "Behind Blue Eyes" — Limp Bizkit

03. "Feel Like Making Love" — Kid Rock

02. "Dock of the Bay" — Michael Bolton

01. "And It Stoned Me" — Bob Dylan

I totally agree with #7--a big misstep in a guilty pleasure of mine, "Two Weeks Notice." I'd also like to add Celine Dion singing "Bohemian Rhapsody." I heard it on the Strip a few years ago across the street from Caesers. *shudder* Bob making the list at #1? Not really surprised. Love me my Dylan, but have you heard some of his covers? Some are awesome....some....not so much.

Gram Parsons

I've been a fan of the late Gram Parsons for a long time although I wasn't really aware of his influence on country/alt-country/Ryan Adams(well, I knew he must have influenced Adams as soon as I really sat down and listened to Gram)/, his legacy or his extremely awesome nudie suit (see above) until a couple of years ago. Gram, dead at the age of 26 in 1973 of a drug overdose was a part of the Byrds (after Crosby left), the Flying Burrito Brothers and then performed solo (but dueted with Emmylou Harris after he "found" her in 1971--"her song Boulder to Birmingham is about Gram). There's a legend that he arranged "Honky Tonk Woman" for the Stones but that's never been confirmed. Anyway, if you get a chance check out some of Gram's stuff-there's a chance you probably have anyway.