on a star stream, headed for a snow dream

In addition to my hike, I've also been feeling recharged as a result of discovering music...some old, some new. My present most favorite song on earth is Sorcerer by Stevie Nicks. It is so GOOD. The song was released on an album of hers that came out in 2001 called Trouble in Shangri-La. I discovered it after hearing it on a Stevie compilation I received for Christmas last year (from my husband - nailed it) called Crystal Visions. Aside from one or two songs, this collection of Stevie Nicks' songs is top notch. And although I received it for Christmas, it was somewhat lost until recently, but now it is found and I listen to it every day. The particular song "Sorcerer" dates back to her Buckingham-Nicks era (yes please) and was recorded as a demo. It was considered for some Fleetwood Mac projects, 1979 Tusk in particular, but never made it onto anything official until twenty-two years later, which also happens to be my favorite number. This song went particularly well with our voyage to Vermont, as one of my favorite lines is "who found lady from the mountain". Click here to watch the official video.

a summer filled with song, rhythm, and melody

New York City is exciting and wonderful for many reasons, and I wanted to share my latest discovery with you today - the City Parks Foundation SummerStage. What began in 1986 as one free concert in Central Park, has escalated to a summer music festival that takes place from May to October and encompasses over sixty five concerts that span over fifteen genres - and all but five shows are completely FREE. The concerts take place on both weekdays and weekends and I am kicking myself for not taking this more seriously in past years. Why on earth have I been spending all of my time and energy visiting people who never (or rarely) visit us when there is so much going on right in our backyard?! 

While the summer weekend concerts don't necessarily excite me because I heart the beach, there are a number of shows during the week that sound totally awesome. The nerd in me wants to start organizing a spreadsheet this very instant, but instead I am going to take a deep breath, relax, and revisit the schedule sometime this weekend. My heart hurts a little because one of my absolute favorite bands happens to be playing for FREE on a weekend and I already have plans (so, so, so sad - I would have totally traded in a beach day without an ounce of hesitation for that one), but I guess I need to turn my frown upside down and be happy I have the opportunity to see two hundred other artists. While I am sure at times the shows sound a bit like a fund drive, I am willing to grin and bear it. In my opinion, especially as a fundraising professional, they should. A lot of work goes into putting on events and having over sixty five in a span of five months is no small feat. I also already feel like I am contributing because I just bought tickets to one of the ticketed events - First Aid Kit - and I am so excited! Click here to see the schedule.

everything I did, I did for you...and we love it all

My sister's photo! There he is!!!!

My sister and I attended a concert last night at Carnegie Hall and it was not just any concert - it was a tribute to the music of David Byrne and the Talking Heads. It. Was. Amazing. I initially bought two tickets (for my husband and I), but he was in Austin, Texas yesterday and not New York City because of work. My sister ended up being able to work from home yesterday & today and was more than happy to be my date, and since she was already down visiting over the weekend, it couldn't have have worked out more perfectly. 

Background: For the last ten years a man called Michael Dorf has been organizing fundraisers that salute the music of a famous musician (Joni, Bob, Bruce, Neil, Prince, Paul, R.E.M, and Stones to name a few). This year's fundraiser beneficiaries were four groups who work to provide music education in disadvantaged public schools (Midori & Friends, the Center for Arts Education, Little Kids Rock, and Church Street School for Music & Art). 

I want to write about the entire show, but I don't love writing overly long posts and I plan on inserting a link at the end with a Rolling Stone article that explains everything. I will however, mention my favorites and also express how grateful I was to be there, especially because David Byrne himself came out and surprised us!! He just looks like a good time. If I was presented with an opportunity to hang out with anyone famous, it would be him. His music is explosive and fun and I want to listen to it all the time forever - and dance. 

Sharon Jones crushed "Psycho Killer" in the most amazing way possible. Alexis Krauss was someone I had never heard of until last night, but her rendition of "Life During Wartime" was killer. Glen Hansard who I recognized from the Broadway musical Once, belted out "Girlfriend is Better" and thoroughly impressed everyone. Cibo Matto, whom I was most excited to see live, next to David of course (most of the artists end up "crashing" their concert - the only two who haven't in ten years are Prince and Paul Simon), played "I Zimbra" and even had dance moves to match the awesomeness of it all. I was also really looking forward to seeing Thievery Corporation and assumed they would play "Heart's a Lonely Hunter", a collaboration they worked on with David on an album I have probably listened to one gazillion times in life - seeing it live was incredible. The last two artists I want to feature could not be more different - Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Santigold. He played "Houses in Motion" and she played "Burning Down the House" and I absolutely loved both interpretations. It is always nice to see artists play songs you aren't familiar with, but this was opposite...and I wish they could do it all over again. Click here to read the Stones article and here to visit the show's official website.

fresh beats for warmer temps and a healthier lifestyle

Lucius - one fine looking band.

I tend to be more motivated about life when I have a few fresh jams to listen to. I re-listened to my Shazam queue last Friday night when I was home sitting in front of the fireplace with my husband. I ended up getting rid of most of the songs and questioned what I was thinking when I recorded the artist and title. Thankfully, I knocked it out of the park with three of the songs and purchased them yesterday. Normally I purchase single songs, but buying two of the three albums seemed like a better idea because of the price (< $10). In this day and age, I say if you can get a song for $.99 or $1.29 vs. an entire album for $7.99, buy the album! The three songs are below and I ended up buying Father John Misty and Lucius. Happy listening!

Father John Misty - Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)

Lucius - Turn It Around

Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

  

a little bit of music and a lot of sisterly love

The Annie Moses Band.

I spent Valentine's Day with my sister on Cape Cod and we decided to see a performance by the Cape Cod Symphony called Rhapsody in Bluegrass. They performed with the Annie Moses Band under the direction of Jung-Ho Pak, the symphony's Artistic Director and Conductor. He was pretty darn funny and could definitely make it in the world of comedy if anything ever goes awry with music. Although my sister and I grew up seeing orchestras and symphonies with our parents and grandparents, we didn't really know what we were getting ourselves into. We were definitely the youngest ones there and our seats ended up getting upgraded as a result of the concert being rescheduled due to an impending blizzard. We were supposed to attend the Sunday after Valentine's Day, but since it was changed to Monday afternoon and I had a five-hour drive back to New Jersey, my sister called and requested a ticket transfer to the show on actual Valentine's Day. 

The Annie Moses Group is comprised of an overly wholesome and cheerful family. (It got a little sickening at times, but their abundance of musical talent kept us from actually vomiting.) The father played piano, the six children (complete with one sister-in-law) played harp, keyboard, mandolin, string guitar, violin, viola, and electric guitar, in addition to singing. Their musical backgrounds are more than impressive and we were truly blown away. Bluegrass holds a special place in my heart; I was able to get my fill while attending school in Colorado and was quickly reminded at how talented the musicians have to be. Bluegrass is technical and very fast-paced at times, which requires a deep knowledge of music and highly, highly skilled musicians. We really enjoyed ourselves and I was happy we made the decision to go. To learn more, click on the Cape Cod Symphony or the Annie Moses Band.   

yeah in the magic, if you knew who you are

The modern soul musical collaborative Jungle has been rocking my world for months. (I stole that description from Wikipedia.) I cannot believe I have not written about it until now. I want everyone I know to PLEASE listen to it, learn the music, and get ready to dance if we are hanging out. All I want to do is a have a few glasses of wine and bop around to it. The best songs from their self-titled album are Accelerate, Crumbler, Son of a Gun, Lemonade Lake, and Platoon. Platoon was the song that led me to discover the band, but Accelerate has become my most favorite jam. Click here to listen to it and find time to listen to the others. This music is GOOD. You need it in your life. Please trust. I promise you won't be able to stay still.

cheesy jokes from the other night, laugh a little

These are the cheese jokes Johanna (from First Aid Kit) told during their show on Friday. She mentioned how silence makes her uncomfortable, so she started telling jokes while her sister Klara tunes her guitar. 

This has nothing to do with the
jokes. I just want a cheese plate.

Question: What kind of cheese is not yours?
Answer: Nacho cheese.

Question: Which cheese would you use to get a bear out of a cave? 
Answer: Camembert.

Question: What was left after the French cheese factory exploded?
Answer: De-Brie.

Question: What did the cheese say when he looked in the mirror?
Answer:  Halloumi.

Question: Which cheese would you use to disguise a horse?
Answer: Mascarpone.

being sweetly rewarded for growing some balls

I was on a total roller coaster last Friday. As you probably know I really like plans, like almost more than ice cream. I had two tickets to First Aid Kit (I bought in July) and of course my husband got called for a job out of town. I reached out to a few of my personal favs to see if they could join me, but it was last minute and no one could make it. I wasn't completely opposed to going to the show myself, I just didn't want to tackle the late night commute all by my lonesome - sometimes I get lazy about it and overwhelmed. I posted the tickets on Ticketmaster for sale (face value of course), which is an amazing feature and super easy to use. One ticket got purchased and the other just sat. And it sat, and then it sat some more. I decided to put a listing on Craig's List and two hours before the end of my day, someone emailed me who seemed like they really wanted to buy it. Well, I waited and waited for a definite response and it never came. It was the furthest thing from plans on earth. Throughout the day I was super into going, then I talked myself out of it, then I wanted to go, then I just wanted to get home and get into bed, and then I had to make the decision to eat the ticket and run for the ferry, or put on my big girl pants and deal. I am beyond grateful I found the strength - it was amazing. They are beautiful, they have the most refreshing voices on the planet, and I enjoyed the show more than words can describe. They told jokes about cheese and sang all my favorite songs. What could be better? I didn't even have to leave early to catch the bus home - they ended at a reasonable hour and I was able to embark on a leisurely walk to beautiful Port Authority (gross) after they finished. If you have the chance GO see them, even if you have to go by yourself. It is worth it beyond words. (I will post the cheese jokes tomorrow.)  

you'll never get away from the sound

My photo from the show. You
can see Stevie if you look closely.

I saw the best concert of my entire life this past weekend - Fleetwood Mac at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. It was incredible - each song was more enjoyable than the next. They played a twenty-five song set with two encores. If they weren't playing the same show every night, I would be going on tour. (I would also need to win the lottery.) I was aware I knew a lot of Fleetwood Mac songs, but didn't think I would know all but one. I love concerts like that. As exciting as it is to see the premiere of a dance piece, I feel very differently about seeing live music I have never heard before. I am a dancer at shows and I want to be able to bop and shake and know what I am moving to. 

Stevie Nicks was obviously my favorite. She had the best outfits and even did a few of her trademark spins. I was most impressed with the guitar work of Lindsey Buckingham. He rips HARD - there is no other way to describe it. Mick Fleetwood won my award for best pants - he actually had knickers on. I wish I could hang out with the band members. They all were so grateful and kind. Their backdrops were beautiful, colorful, and full of nature. I only cried twice because things got a little emotional for me during Never Going Back Again and Silver Springs. The rest of the time I was dancing and smiling and grooving. I want more. I love them. 

a band that is making me happy

I mean, I want to hang out with them. Don't you?

I have become obsessed with a band. Their name is First Aid Kit and I want to listen to them on repeat forever. I just bought tickets for one of their shows this fall and I can hardly contain myself. The have the voices of angels (seriously) and a look about them that is beautiful and mystical. My favorite song at the moment is Stay Gold. It is soothing and harmonious, yet strong and powerful. I love it and hope you do too. I love finding music that gets me excited. My life feels so much more complete when I do. Click here to listen, but I think you should spend all day listening to their other songs too.

how could I know I was lost without you

Such a great part of the movie.
I really want to watch it now.

I had a moment on the ferry last night that made me think of the movie Pretty Woman. No, I was not dressed up like a hooker, coming home from a long night at the Blue Banana; I had an event at work and had to stay in the city until ten o'clock. I ride the ferry now on a daily basis, so hearing the men make the daily announcements is not really any kind of surprise. However, last night the guy talking sounded exactly like the pilot on the plane Edward and Vivian take to the opera. He says, "well, it should be a pretty smooth flight, Mr. Lewis. The weather is clear all the way up to San Francisco. We should be there in about 50-minutes". The scenes surrounding the trip to the opera are accompanied by the song "Fallen" by Lauren Wood and when I heard the pilot/captain voice it instantly started playing in my head. It is one of the sweetest songs I have ever heard. Talk about one-liners:

• You're a dream coming true
• I can't believe how I have fallen for you
• You should know you are life in my veins
• ...and the sweetest line in the universe (in my opinion):  How could I know I was lost without you

Why don't more people use this song as their wedding song? I want to get married again and play this on repeat for hours. It is SO romantic. Although you don't hear the entire song, you can hear the pilot talking at 1:03 on this YouTube video. Click here to listen.

my heart, my soul, my love, is that the goal

Disclaimer: This is going to be one of those very detailed posts that contains a lot of specifics and may need to be read twice. Sorry, but I want to tell my full story. 

Who are these handsome black men on my blog today, you ask? Why, it is Kool and the Gang. It took me YEARS to find a song they sing, but I finally found it a few weeks ago and I love it. (Duh I knew I would, that's why I was looking for it.)  I initially must have heard the song on one of the wonderful radio stations of western Massachusetts - most likely 96.5 TIC FM, but I thought it was more of a Rock 102.1 Springfield's classic rock anthem (way off). Needless to say, I had the rhythm in my head from childhood, but unfortunately not the lyrics.

Now that I live in the great state of New Jersey I get to listen to another amazing radio station - the Breeze 107.1. I used to frequent a seafood restaurant in the town of Little Silver, and one of the last times I was there the Breeze was on and it was playing this song. I was close to knowing the lyrics (yeah right), but not exact (not even close). I went home to Google it and nothing came up (no shit). I even tried visiting the radio's website, but I was too slow and that part of the playlist was long gone. I tried going through song catalogs of male artists like (get ready for this) Rick Springfield, because again I thought it came from the classic rock station and not the R&B station. Epic fail. I even tried humming it to friends and into song identifying apps on iPhones, but nothing worked.

I went to a nearby beauty store a few weeks ago in my new neighborhood and not only did I find an amazing new fig scented perfume (yum), they were playing the song (miracle)! I ripped my phone out of my pocket, Shazam-ed it, and within a few seconds I was holding onto not only the name of the song, but also the artist. It was Misled by Kool and the Gang (so not Rick Springfield, but because there is some heavy guitar jamming I thought it was more classic rock...oops). I have purchased it since (two versions) and have danced my heart out to it, even when other people are in my home and not dancing (as in I dance, they sit). Once it comes on I cannot stop myself from bopping around - I always put it on repeat and dance until someone tells me to turn it off. The song rips (in a good way, no the best way). Do yourself a favor and listen to it. Click here for the hottest jam in America.

my hot jams were thankfully saved

This star is for my newest
favorite song. It is called
Dark Star.

I cleaned up my Shazam tags a few weeks ago, but still have yet to report on my recently purchased music. Thankfully, I tackled this before my update nightmare and didn't lose my findings. I heard most of this music on the radio, either at home or in the car. Some of it is slow and some of it is fast. I love finding new music. I also joined Sound Cloud by reference of a friend. I don’t have much on there, but am happy to listen to other people’s collections. I hope you enjoy listening to this collection!

 Click here for a slower song by Andy Burrows.

Click here for a dance-ish song by the Foals.

Click here for a classic song by Mary J. Blige.

Click here for my newest favorite song by Polica.

super sweet jams for the weekend

This is the band Warpaint. I figured they were the
least known on the list and wanted to give them a shout
out. This photo is hot too - great colors and pretty girls.

I had time last night to re-listen to a few songs I Shazamed and/or heard somewhere in passing.  I keep a running list of songs (on my iPhone) I like and hear in random places (random places includes and is not limited to; bars, television programs, and people's homes).  I usually let it get to about ten songs, not much longer than that.  Then I visit iTunes, make sure I really like them, and buy them. 

Well people, I really knocked it out of the park with last night’s jams.  I ended up making a playlist with the songs, and although it is a little random, I love it.  I found some really great music and want to share it with you.  I was also nice enough to find the links through Youtube, so you can hear them all instantly (click the artist or titles).  Play these songs now and dance around.  Go on.  Dance.       

1.   Brett Dennen – Can’t Stop Thinking

This is a repeat.  I mentioned it here, but still hadn’t bought it.  Now I own it.

2.   Cut Copy – Saturdays

I think the brother was playing this the last time I went for a visit.

3.   Cut Copy – Blink and You’ll Miss a Revolution

Same explanation as last one, thanks again brother.  This is my more favorite of the two Cut Copy songs.  It is so good.   

4.   First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar

Maybe a bar, maybe on Mob Wives?!?!?  Who knows.  It is very Kristin Hersh-esque.

5.   Foals – Total Life Forever 

No idea.

6.   Hot Chip – Ready for the Floor

Bar in NYC.

7.   Ryan Farish – Come Into My World

Weather Channel – not kidding.

8.   Sufjan Stevens – For the Widowed in Paradise, for the Fatherless in Ypsilanti

Bar in NYC.

9.   Warpaint – Stars

It was the last song on this week’s episode of Revenge and it was a free download on abc.com. 

*Not responsible for anything weird, rude, or offensive in these videos.  I jut wanted you to hear the music.

two very hot jams

Still shot from the Toro y Moi
music video.  It is so fun.
This little guy can sing!

I found both of these songs with an app on my Iphone.  Actually, my sister used one of her apps to find the second one, but you get the gist. 

The first song I heard on a surf video.  It was quite an amazing accompaniment.  The band is The Rapture and the song is How Deep is Your Love.  Click here to listen.  There really isn't a video, but this particular recording sounds great, which was why I included the link.

We heard the second song in a bar this past weekend.  The bar was called Cask.  The artist is called Toro y Moi and the song is called Still Sound.  Click here to listen.  The video is amazing.  Make sure you have time to watch.

shuffle...it just knows

I have had some pretty terrible shuffles in my iPod owning days, but more often than not, the Shuffle setting seems to take consideration where I am, what I am doing, and what type of music should be playing.  I obviously like all of the music on my iPod (and the majority on my husband’s), but on more than one occasion it has gotten itself into the perfect genre and surprised us with the perfect playlist.  The most memorable ones happened during this past vacation and on a few roadtrips, but we have also experienced it at home during dinner or just sitting around.  I am a fan of Mac products and feel like there is something very special about each and every one, but are they magic?  I almost think they are...   

radiohead in real life

Thom Yorke, please don't
ever stop making music.

Did you really think I was just going to briefly mention that I saw Radiohead and be done with it?  Not a chance.  It was my very first time seeing them and aside from wishing I was front row AND they played 15 Step and House of Cards, nothing could have made it better.  Thom Yorke is amazing and plays all kinds of instruments, in addition to having one of the most hauntingly beautiful voices.  He bops and shimmies and skips around the stage the entire time (unless they are playing a slow song, silly). 

Their stage design was quite impressive, too.  The background was full of tiny lights and there were eight screens that hung directly above the band and moved to different heights and angles with each song.  The proscenium arch (the top area in front) was a row of screens and the projections coincided with the eight singular screens that hung above them.  It was a very well done stage and it gave the fans a clear & close-up view of each band  member.  

I absolutely love the album In Rainbows, so the five songs from that album were my favorites, with Reckoner being my absolute favorite Radiohead song of all-time.  I also love There There and Lotus Flower.  Watch the video to Lotus Flower here.  It is all Thom and he dances around - brilliant. 

The setlist went as follows:  

Bloom, Little by Little, Staircase, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, Morning Mr. Magpie, Meeting in the Aisle, Pyramid Song, Nude, Identikit, Lotus Flower, There There, Feral, Idioteque, The Daily Mail, Bodysnatchers, Reckoner

Encore:  Separator, All I Need, Myxomatosis, Everything In Its Right Place (True Love Waits Intro)

Encore 2:  Give Up the Ghost, Karma Police, Street Spirit (fade out)

newark has never looked so beautiful

The view from my train.

I wish her picture was up on the Prudential Center screen for other reasons, but alas, a star has fallen.  I want to thank Whitney for her sensational music that we are still playing on many occasions to this day, her natural beauty, and for making the Bodyguard.  I love that damn movie.  We spent Sunday morning listening/watching all of her music videos...and yes, I mean all of them.  The viewing didn’t last quite as long as it did for Michael Jackson (over two weeks thanks to a DVD I own called Michael Jackson’s Number Ones – I was a mess and very distraught), but the same sentiments were felt.  My three favorite songs of hers include; So Emotional, It’s Not Right But It’s Okay, and I’m Every Woman.  I, of course enjoy the classics (How Will I Know and I Wanna Dance With Somebody), but that goes without saying – even though I just said it.  R.I.P. Whitney Houston.  I will always love you.

the holiday for hearts

I LOVE this day, but not for the roses or chocolates or greeting cards.  I love it for the hearts!  Hearts are high on my list of favorites and today is their special day. 

Although I did not give out any valentines, I do like the ones pictured because they are felty and simple.  I love the homemade sewing look combined with the stamped messages.  I also like the sayings, which I believe at this point are considered old-fashioned.  Don't conversation hearts say things like "text me" or "tweet me" in this day and age?  I like "be mine" or "be my valentine" or the old classic "happy valentine's day". 

Remember to tell a few people you love them today, but make sure you tell them other days, too.  Although it is great that this holiday celebrates love, in my opinion you should celebrate it every day.  (Okay, no more mushy/cheesy posts about love for at least a little while!  I will try to find other things to write about in the upcoming days.)

another song I like

his album Making Mirrors

I "Shazamed" (Iphone app) a song on the radio the other day and want to share it with you.  It is by a musician that goes by the name of “Gotye”.  Born Wouter De Backer, "Gotye" is an Australian-Belgian multi-instrumental magician and singer-songwriter.

He was born on the 21^st day of March in 1980 – same day of the month and year as me!  The song does not seem to be as happy as the Brett Dennen one I posted a week and a half ago, but I still like it.  It is about two sides of a relationship, after a break up.  (Click here to listen and watch the video.)