Ok, my 6 month hiatus was a little ridiculous…

Here’s a little video clip of the young Stevie Wonder…. this song has such a sweet essence to it, it’s a great pick me up for the day! Shout out to my friend Lauren for posting this on Facebook…

I’m not a big fan of Starbucks’ compilation CD’s, and not the biggest fan of Valentine’s Day either (it’s one of those holidays that’s great when you’re in a couple, and crappy when you’re not!), but the “Sweetheart” CD has some amazing songs on it, including this one.  I never knew what an amazing voice Katy Perry has; the songs on her album certainly don’t showcase it to its fullest!  This quasi-acoustic version of Sam Sparro’s “Black and Gold” is just killer, and has given me a newfound respect for both Ms. Perry and also the song, which still pumps even minus the original disco-licious beats.   Enjoy!

Katy Perry - Black and Gold

2008, at least for me, was a pretty dismal year for music… I just couldn’t find a lot of inspired stuff.  So here’s my list - but I’m gonna write a better one, my all time top 10 songs (or more) in the next couple of days to cheer myself up…

• 8. Sam Sparro: Black and Gold - because campy and gorgeous gay boys are always fun!
• 7. Hercules and Love Affair: Blind - see #8 and add a couple of transgender chicks in for good measure.
• 6. Tracey Thorn: Grand Canyon - not technically a single, I don’t think, but freaking gorgeous nonetheless, and features the lyric of the year:  “Look at this hole inside your heart, no one could ever fill, it’s like the Grand Canyon”.
• 5. Tiger Lou: So Demure - I love Scandinavian pop with an aching passion.  Except ABBA!  Except ABBA!  Really.
• 4. Paramore: That’s What You Get - I totally want to be Hayley Williams when I grow up (but that would only work if I were Benjamin Button, because she is like, 12, and I am like, ancient.)!
• 3. Brandy: Shattered Heart - another non-single, and just made it!  I love Brandy!  Love her love her love her!  The off-tempo syncopation makes this song extra amazing.
• 2. The Script: Before The Worst - how many friends did I piss off by playing this song on repeat in my car for weeks on end?  All 3 of them, of course!
• 1. Missy Higgins: Where I Stood - For anyone who knows me, the obvious choice.  The realest song of the year.  I actually believe that she believes what she sings, which is more than can be said for just about anyone else in the (commercial) music biz.

One of my favorite random Scandinavian bands, Tiger Lou, just came out with a new album, A Partial Print, and I love it already.  But I’m most fond of the first song I ever heard from them - it’s a sweet, jangly song about Europe, and hot summer days, and cute boys… what’s not to love?  Although it IS weird that it’s a guy that sings it…

Tiger Lou - Oh Horatio

It appears to have gotten a little more uplifting in the second segment.  I’m not as miserable as I was when I started it!

Feedback welcomed…

It’s just about 2 minutes for now, I’m imagining at least one or two more sections…

In an attempt to take myself MUCH less seriously, I offer you this juicy tidbit of something that is completely antithetical to the deep emotional expression I profess to inspire through my blog (ouch. Even that sentence illustrates my ridiculous posturing!)… well, I suppose it depends on your definition!  Not for the easily offended, but way too funny to be truly offensive.

Enjoy!

Flight of the Conchords - Business Time

I was feeling really sad today about how I’ve treated someone in my life - indeed, ALL people, but the dichotomy of this event in particular really illuminated my transgressions.  I felt very moved and started to write a song out of it, so here’s just the rough first little snippet…It has no name yet, either.

So I just love Ray Lamontagne’s new song, “You Are The Best Thing” - it’s sweet and uplifting and just full of love and joy.  He’s got this neat vintage sound, too, if you’ve heard any of this other tunes.  A couple of days ago I was listening to Charlie Gillett’s “World of Music” show on my BBC Sirius station and heard a Jimmy Lewis song called “The Girls From Texas” from the late 60’s that reminded me so much of Ray’s vibe, so I thought I’d post both so you could listen for yourself… And DEFINITELY check out Charlie Gillett, his show has opened my eyes to so much music I never would have heard anywhere else, from places all around the world… amazing.

BBC’s Listening Center - Charlie Gillett (hear the most recent show here!)
Charlie Gillett’s Web Site

Ray Lamontagne - You Are The Best Thing

Jimmy Lewis - The Girls From Texas

I’ve been featuring songs, but this entire album is worthy of mention.  I find Sinead to be one of the most emotionally charged and expressive artists of this generation, and this album - her first, from 1987 - is the one that, to me, demonstrates that quality the most. While in some of the songs she takes on the persona of others (like in “Jackie”, where she narrates the story of a sailor gone to sea - from the wife’s perspective) or is a mere observer, she is just as passionate when perceiving others as she is when she is retelling a personal story.  This album, too, runs the gamut from grieving to angry to elated to flirtatious…Below are a few samples of my favorites.  But seriously, go buy it.  You won’t regret it.

Troy

Just Like U Said It Would B

Drink Before The War

I’m testing out my posting abilities from my new shiny white iPhone. And yes, I am well aware that no one else in the world gives a crap, and that this is a totally self-indulgent, uninteresting post. My apologies to all.