I have a soft spot for traditional Americana music especially when it comes from Willie Watson.
Keep It Clean
The Hills of Mexico
We're All In This Together
Showing posts with label Music Monday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music Monday. Show all posts
20 January 2014
13 January 2014
Music Monday: Larkin Poe
I feel like this may be a repeat, but I've been revisiting my Larkin Poe cds quite a bit lately and constantly hitting repeat when Word From the Wise comes up.
06 January 2014
Music Monday: Say Something
I've talked about it here on the blog a number of times, how a quote or a song or whatever hits you at just the perfect time. It leaves you obsessing about it and what it says. I think in this case, I listened to the song about a dozen times while putting this post together.
That is how I feel about A Great Big World's song Say Something. This almost 4 minute song sums up how I've been feeling the last....well......let's say it's been awhile. And at times the chorus feels a little like a punch to the gut:
Say something I'm giving up on you
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
Anywhere I would have followed you
Say something I'm giving up on you
But that's what the music is for. To remind you that sometimes you need to feel something, even when you don't want to.
That is how I feel about A Great Big World's song Say Something. This almost 4 minute song sums up how I've been feeling the last....well......let's say it's been awhile. And at times the chorus feels a little like a punch to the gut:
Say something I'm giving up on you
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
Anywhere I would have followed you
Say something I'm giving up on you
But that's what the music is for. To remind you that sometimes you need to feel something, even when you don't want to.
02 December 2013
Music Monday: Saints of Valory
I'm not typically a fan of covers. It is one of the reasons I dislike shows like American Idol, The Voice, etc. I don't want to know how well folks can sing other peoples songs. I want to know how well they sing their own songs. Music snobbery at its finest.
But best of all I'm going to throw all of the above out the window for today's Music Monday post.
I saw Saints of Valory this summer when they opened for Michael Franti & Spearhead in Grand Rapids. There were quite a bit of fun live and were a great primer for Spearhead. I dug their set so much, I ended up downloading their newest ep, Possibilities before leaving the venue.
They didn't do this version of Lorde's song "Royals" at the show I was at, but it's a great version of the song. I actually think I might this better than the original.
But best of all I'm going to throw all of the above out the window for today's Music Monday post.
I saw Saints of Valory this summer when they opened for Michael Franti & Spearhead in Grand Rapids. There were quite a bit of fun live and were a great primer for Spearhead. I dug their set so much, I ended up downloading their newest ep, Possibilities before leaving the venue.
They didn't do this version of Lorde's song "Royals" at the show I was at, but it's a great version of the song. I actually think I might this better than the original.
25 November 2013
Music Monday: John Mayer
Question: What happens when you totally forget you have tickets to see you favorite musician?
Answer: You look at your calendar at work trying to figure out why I've put down that you are out of the office a noon on a Wednesday.
This is what happened when I was sorting things out at work for the week of Thanksgiving. Some how it had totally slipped my mind that I'd be seeing John Mayer in GR this week. It's either a sign that I am losing my mind or that I have to much going on right now to keep anything straight.
I'm going with the second option.
Since I've featured him quite heavily on the blog, I'm going something a little different. One of my absolute favorite songs that Mayer has done is Stitched Up which he recorded with Herbie Hancock for Hancock's album Possibilities. It's really fun watching the process they go through writing and recording the tune.
I'd highly suggest picking up a copy of the album or watching the whole documentary. It's really amazing stuff.
Answer: You look at your calendar at work trying to figure out why I've put down that you are out of the office a noon on a Wednesday.
This is what happened when I was sorting things out at work for the week of Thanksgiving. Some how it had totally slipped my mind that I'd be seeing John Mayer in GR this week. It's either a sign that I am losing my mind or that I have to much going on right now to keep anything straight.
I'm going with the second option.
Since I've featured him quite heavily on the blog, I'm going something a little different. One of my absolute favorite songs that Mayer has done is Stitched Up which he recorded with Herbie Hancock for Hancock's album Possibilities. It's really fun watching the process they go through writing and recording the tune.
I'd highly suggest picking up a copy of the album or watching the whole documentary. It's really amazing stuff.
18 November 2013
Music Monday: Jason Walker
This series has gone from "Hey! How about I share some of my favorite tunes with ya'll!" to "Hey! Check out this new-to-me-song I just discovered!"
Today's selection came up on Pandora while I was at work this weekend. It would be safe to say I'm in a bit of a melancholy mood and this song fits perfectly.
I also think it's a bit interesting that I heard this song on the same day I read the following quote:
If I'm sincere today, what does it matter if I regret it tomorrow? I'm starting to think the universe is trying to tell me something.
Today's selection came up on Pandora while I was at work this weekend. It would be safe to say I'm in a bit of a melancholy mood and this song fits perfectly.
I also think it's a bit interesting that I heard this song on the same day I read the following quote:
If I'm sincere today, what does it matter if I regret it tomorrow? I'm starting to think the universe is trying to tell me something.
11 November 2013
Music Monday: No One But You
I absolutely cannot study, read, work on homework, etc. without music in the background. It helps me focus on the task at hand. And most of the time I don't even pay any attention to the song that is playing. But sometimes, I'm caught off guard and am forced to stop why I am doing just to listen.
This weekend while working on assignments for my Psych class, I put on one of my favorite playlists from Songza, Conversation Pieces. It's an eclectic mix of all sorts of stuff. Occasionally there is an absolute gem that comes up on this list that I've not previously heard.
That was the case with the song No One But You by Stuart Duncan, Chris Thile, Edgar Mayer, Yo-Yo Ma and Aoife O'Donaovan. This song is a beautiful piece of music. And quite the distraction. I never did manage to get my assignment completed.
This weekend while working on assignments for my Psych class, I put on one of my favorite playlists from Songza, Conversation Pieces. It's an eclectic mix of all sorts of stuff. Occasionally there is an absolute gem that comes up on this list that I've not previously heard.
That was the case with the song No One But You by Stuart Duncan, Chris Thile, Edgar Mayer, Yo-Yo Ma and Aoife O'Donaovan. This song is a beautiful piece of music. And quite the distraction. I never did manage to get my assignment completed.
04 November 2013
Music Monday: I Like You
Oh hey!
Because I've not had his "stuff" on the blog enough lately, it's another Ben Rector song!
Anyone else sensing a pattern here?
Happy Monday, ya'll.
Because I've not had his "stuff" on the blog enough lately, it's another Ben Rector song!
Anyone else sensing a pattern here?
Happy Monday, ya'll.
28 October 2013
Music Monday: Lou Reed
I had something else lined up for today, but then I read this from Rolling Stone:
Lou Reed is among a great number of musicians and band whom I don't remember listening to for the first time. They are part of my history that has just always been there. Because well, the music has always been there.
I do however remember popping in my copy of The Velvet Underground & Nico's cassette tape and melting into the floor while listening to it. I must have been 15, an age when I was starting to really understand and appreciate the power of music. There was something magical about the way the music came out of the speakers. There was a perfection in their imperfections that left me feeling hollow because I felt like I had missing out of the songs for so long.
Perfect Day continues to be one of the most perfect songs (for me) that has even been written. I will be the first to admit that the reason I like the idea of sangria has everything to do with this song.
RIP Mr. Reed. May your music live on in the souls of your fans forever.
Lou Reed has died at age 71: http://t.co/LDr2rv3X0s
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) October 27, 2013
Lou Reed is among a great number of musicians and band whom I don't remember listening to for the first time. They are part of my history that has just always been there. Because well, the music has always been there.
I do however remember popping in my copy of The Velvet Underground & Nico's cassette tape and melting into the floor while listening to it. I must have been 15, an age when I was starting to really understand and appreciate the power of music. There was something magical about the way the music came out of the speakers. There was a perfection in their imperfections that left me feeling hollow because I felt like I had missing out of the songs for so long.
Perfect Day continues to be one of the most perfect songs (for me) that has even been written. I will be the first to admit that the reason I like the idea of sangria has everything to do with this song.
RIP Mr. Reed. May your music live on in the souls of your fans forever.
14 October 2013
07 October 2013
Music Monday: Arlo Guthrie
Greetings fine readers!
First off, I just simply must share I am typing this post from my shiny new MacBook. I must say, it is a brilliant piece of technology and I am very happy to have finally made the leap from a PC to a Mac. I shall never go back.
Now that that little announcement is out of the way, time to get to the reason ya'll clicked on this post. A little music for your Monday!
Friday night my mom, dad and I went to see Arlo Guthrie in concert. It was my second time seeing him perform and just like last time, I was reminded why I love folk music. The stories, the people, the music. It's all amazing and reminds me of being a kid hanging out while my parents had a sing-alongs with their friends.
Here are some of my favorites from Mr. Guthrie. Even though he didn't do the song, I had to include Alice's Restaurant. I wouldn't press play until you have a good 25 minutes or so.
City of New Orleans
Alice's Restaurant
Motorcycle Song
First off, I just simply must share I am typing this post from my shiny new MacBook. I must say, it is a brilliant piece of technology and I am very happy to have finally made the leap from a PC to a Mac. I shall never go back.
Now that that little announcement is out of the way, time to get to the reason ya'll clicked on this post. A little music for your Monday!
Friday night my mom, dad and I went to see Arlo Guthrie in concert. It was my second time seeing him perform and just like last time, I was reminded why I love folk music. The stories, the people, the music. It's all amazing and reminds me of being a kid hanging out while my parents had a sing-alongs with their friends.
Here are some of my favorites from Mr. Guthrie. Even though he didn't do the song, I had to include Alice's Restaurant. I wouldn't press play until you have a good 25 minutes or so.
City of New Orleans
Alice's Restaurant
Motorcycle Song
30 September 2013
Music Monday: Ben Rector
This song randomly came on the 'ole iPod the other day and managed to send me into tears.
I think we all want someone to call our forever love, no matter how many time we try to convince ourselves and others that we don't.
I think we all want someone to call our forever love, no matter how many time we try to convince ourselves and others that we don't.
16 September 2013
Music Monday: Andrew Belle
I need another weekend.
I've spent the last few days bouncing between the hospital, craft store (to buy new drawing supplies) and dithering around the house to keep my distracted while listening to Andrew Belle's new album.
It's how even if for a brief moment, music can make you forget about all the crap that is going on around you.
Belle's new album Black Bear came out in August and is one I have been flip-flopping between Paradise Valley ever since.
Narrowing down a "favorite" song to share on the blog was pretty difficult. There isn't a track on the album that I skip to get to something else--he's that good ya'll.
But this morning when I was listening to it while getting ready for the day, I found myself hitting repeat on the song Wants What It Wants. The lyrics Come if you believe me//Come if you remember the way//If not then I will find you this time//Wishing you had stayed just seemed to hit me something fierce and I've been humming them all morning.
I've spent the last few days bouncing between the hospital, craft store (to buy new drawing supplies) and dithering around the house to keep my distracted while listening to Andrew Belle's new album.
It's how even if for a brief moment, music can make you forget about all the crap that is going on around you.
Belle's new album Black Bear came out in August and is one I have been flip-flopping between Paradise Valley ever since.
Narrowing down a "favorite" song to share on the blog was pretty difficult. There isn't a track on the album that I skip to get to something else--he's that good ya'll.
But this morning when I was listening to it while getting ready for the day, I found myself hitting repeat on the song Wants What It Wants. The lyrics Come if you believe me//Come if you remember the way//If not then I will find you this time//Wishing you had stayed just seemed to hit me something fierce and I've been humming them all morning.
02 September 2013
Music Monday: Ben Taylor
Welp.
I can't remember the last time I struggled to come up with some something for Music Monday.
I guess that is the curse of listening to the same album over and over and over and over and....I think you get the point.
But fear not!
Ben Taylor and his beautiful voice are here to save the day.
Lady Magic
Wicked Ways
Nothing I Can Do
Happy Monday ya'll!
I can't remember the last time I struggled to come up with some something for Music Monday.
I guess that is the curse of listening to the same album over and over and over and over and....I think you get the point.
But fear not!
Ben Taylor and his beautiful voice are here to save the day.
Nothing I Can Do
26 August 2013
Music Monday: Michael Franti & Spearhead
I am super excited about all the positive responses I received here on the blog and also on Twitter about yesterdays post. Unfortunately, I'm feeling a bit like today's post is going to completely contradict everything I wrote. But hopefully I am wrong.
Q: What do you do when one of your favorite bands comes to your (figurative) backyard?
A: Freak out and send an email to your friends asking if they want to take a chance on your musical preferences and join you for the concert.
Remember the other day when I said I didn't write album reviews because I'm not all that good at it? The same goes for reviewing anything and mostly because I don't think about trying to "review" it until well after the event, which is why there aren't many photos other than Michael Franti & Spearhead (holy run-on sentence, Batman). Why I even try I just don't know, but here goes nothing.
**Editors Note**
Please keep in mind that while writing this, I am grinning like a damn FOOL.
Friday night, I, along with a couple of friends headed to the Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival in (obviously) Traverse City. This was the first time I had attended the festival and it was a blast! I am a huge fan of supporting local businesses, breweries and charities--throw in one of my favorite bands and this event was near perfection.
The festival was held at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons which used to be the Old State Hospital. This place is a photographers dream! And yes, someday I will actually get out there with my camera.
We sampled a couple of the breweries and local foods. I opted for the shiitake mushroom pizza which used mushrooms from a farm in my hometown. And I of course had to have an Acoustic Mead while we were there. The Harmonic BzZz is my favorite, but the Cherry BzZz and JazZzBeRi BzZz are really good, too.
Obviously, the highlight of the evening was seeing Michael & Spearhead. This was my sixth show and they did not disappoint! They always put on a high energy show that keeps you jumping and dancing and moving the entire time they are on stage. They played a couple of my favorites and quite a few songs from the newest album, All People. It was an amazing night of live music!
J Boogie!
One of the things I appreciate the most about Michael Franti & Spearhead, is that they are all genuinely nice people. At other shows I have attened, I've played photographer so my friends could say 'hi' to him and thank him for the music. This time around I was extremely fortunate to be able to be the one the say hello and thank them for the incredible music and memories. I was over the moon when we had a chance to shake hands, get a couple hugs and have our pictures taken with them.
Me (looking super sweaty) and Jay
Franti, me and Jen
And because it wouldn't be a Music Monday post without some music, here is one of my favorite songs. Sadly, it's not from Friday night but it's still a great version of All I Want Is You.
Happy Monday, ya'll!
Q: What do you do when one of your favorite bands comes to your (figurative) backyard?
A: Freak out and send an email to your friends asking if they want to take a chance on your musical preferences and join you for the concert.
Remember the other day when I said I didn't write album reviews because I'm not all that good at it? The same goes for reviewing anything and mostly because I don't think about trying to "review" it until well after the event, which is why there aren't many photos other than Michael Franti & Spearhead (holy run-on sentence, Batman). Why I even try I just don't know, but here goes nothing.
**Editors Note**
Please keep in mind that while writing this, I am grinning like a damn FOOL.
Friday night, I, along with a couple of friends headed to the Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival in (obviously) Traverse City. This was the first time I had attended the festival and it was a blast! I am a huge fan of supporting local businesses, breweries and charities--throw in one of my favorite bands and this event was near perfection.
The festival was held at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons which used to be the Old State Hospital. This place is a photographers dream! And yes, someday I will actually get out there with my camera.
The Old State Hospital//Dinner from Seeds: Wood fired shiitake mushroom pizza with an Acoustic Mead//The evenings musical itinerary
We sampled a couple of the breweries and local foods. I opted for the shiitake mushroom pizza which used mushrooms from a farm in my hometown. And I of course had to have an Acoustic Mead while we were there. The Harmonic BzZz is my favorite, but the Cherry BzZz and JazZzBeRi BzZz are really good, too.
Me, Jen and Brittany before the show!
Obviously, the highlight of the evening was seeing Michael & Spearhead. This was my sixth show and they did not disappoint! They always put on a high energy show that keeps you jumping and dancing and moving the entire time they are on stage. They played a couple of my favorites and quite a few songs from the newest album, All People. It was an amazing night of live music!
The man himself, Michael Franti.
Happy Monday, ya'll!
19 August 2013
Music Monday: Call Me the Breeze
I should be sitting down right now, spending time with my book because it is the first day of Bout of Books. But I'm not. Instead I've found about 20 other things that need to be taken care of around the house. It really is a ridiculous example of procrastination.
Tomorrow, John Mayer's new album Paradise Valley is being released which I spent I don't even know how many hours I listening to it when it was available for streaming on iTunes. Needless to say, I am VERY excited about the new tunes. There may even be a post all about the new album tomorrow.
On the album, he did a cover of a JJ Cale tune, Call Me the Breeze. I may be a bit bias in saying so, by Mayer did a great job of honoring Cale's original song. It is definitely one of my favorite tunes on the album.
Tomorrow, John Mayer's new album Paradise Valley is being released which I spent I don't even know how many hours I listening to it when it was available for streaming on iTunes. Needless to say, I am VERY excited about the new tunes. There may even be a post all about the new album tomorrow.
On the album, he did a cover of a JJ Cale tune, Call Me the Breeze. I may be a bit bias in saying so, by Mayer did a great job of honoring Cale's original song. It is definitely one of my favorite tunes on the album.
12 August 2013
Music Monday: Maroon 5
I thought about filling all of your readers this morning with all things Mayer, but instead I will leave you with Love Somebody which has turned into my theme song.
29 July 2013
Music Monday: J. J. Cale
Matt Nathanson summed things up pretty well this weekend when he tweeted:
I don't remember falling in love with J. J. Cale's music. Like most of the musicians I have admired since I was kid, it has felt like their music has always been part of the soundtrack to my life.
I will always regret that I never saw Cale perform live but the beauty of his music is that a piece of him will be around forever.
R.I.P. JJ Cale.
not sure why it's such a bummer when people you don't know, who did shit you love, die. it's a weird deal.
— matt nathanson (@mattnathanson) July 27, 2013
I will always regret that I never saw Cale perform live but the beauty of his music is that a piece of him will be around forever.
Anyway the Wind Blows
Cocaine
After Midnight & Call Me The Breeze
And my personal favorite, It's Easy
R.I.P. JJ Cale.
22 July 2013
Music Monday: Saints of Valory
One of my favorite parts about going to concerts is discovering new bands and/or musicians.
Last week, Saints of Valory opened for Michael Franti & Spearhead in Grand Rapids. By the time their set was done, I had already downloaded their new ep Possibilities and have since bought everything I can get my hands on. This band is good ya'll.
If you have a chance, I highly recommend checking them out if they come to a city near you!
Last week, Saints of Valory opened for Michael Franti & Spearhead in Grand Rapids. By the time their set was done, I had already downloaded their new ep Possibilities and have since bought everything I can get my hands on. This band is good ya'll.
Cover Girl
Kids
Tiny Dancer
15 July 2013
Music Monday: Michael Franti & Spearhead
When was the last time you were actually excited about a Monday?
It's a truly foreign concept to me, but today--I'm excited about today!
Long story short......on Friday a cousin sent me a Facebook message asking if I'd be interested in her extra ticket for the Michael Franti & Spearhead concert on Monday (a.k.a. today). How could I pass up an offer like that?!
So, thanks to an awesome coworker who was willing to switch shifts with me and my fantastic cousin for asking me to join her, today after work I'm off to see one of my favorite bands perform and I can't wait.
If you've never seen Franti in concert or listened to his music, I implore you to do so. I joke a lot that his music is audible sunshine, but it really is. It is impossible to not dance and shake your groove thing with a giant smile while listening to his tunes.
It's a truly foreign concept to me, but today--I'm excited about today!
Long story short......on Friday a cousin sent me a Facebook message asking if I'd be interested in her extra ticket for the Michael Franti & Spearhead concert on Monday (a.k.a. today). How could I pass up an offer like that?!
So, thanks to an awesome coworker who was willing to switch shifts with me and my fantastic cousin for asking me to join her, today after work I'm off to see one of my favorite bands perform and I can't wait.
If you've never seen Franti in concert or listened to his music, I implore you to do so. I joke a lot that his music is audible sunshine, but it really is. It is impossible to not dance and shake your groove thing with a giant smile while listening to his tunes.
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