"Can you really die from a broken heart? Is it true?"

I was just emailed about this band and I like what they stand for, so I figured I'd post about them.

Rudely Interrupted is a 6-piece band from Australia. They create your standard and straightforward energetic rock. It's got a great groove to it. What sets them apart from most other touring acts out there right now is the stunning and admirable amount of strength and courage within the band itself. 5 out of the 6 band members have some form of disability, ranging from blindness and deafness to Asperger's, Autism, and Down Syndrome. I must stress to you that they are far from a novelty act, their material is original and their vocalist Rory had the following to say about the band's mission:"“We want to show the world what we can do given the opportunity. We write our own music about our own experiences. We use our weaknesses as our strengths."

Most recently, they played the United Nations, being the first and only indie rock band to be invited to play. On Wednesday and Saturday, they are playing at Public Assembly in Brooklyn, and Fontana's in Manhattan, respectively. Go check them out and give these peeps, who have played alongside Feist and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, some support. Also, if you feel like checking out their tunage, I highly suggest "Don't Break My Heart."




Rudely Interrupted - Green Lights





Rudely Interrupted - Don't Break My Heart

"Sit tight I know what you are, mad bright but you aint no star..."

Me, I'm a Creator
Thrill is to make it up
The rules I break got me a place
Up on the radar

Sooooo, I've been gone for a long while. I tried to make posts and keep updated and shizzle, but I was too busy being a global adventurer and it just wasn't working out. Now that I'm back from overseas, I'm going to try to post some tracks once in a while in between working, working out, studying, hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and hitting up tons of concerts/doing other fun stuff.

Nothing has really inspired today's entry, so I figured I'd put up a modern classic - Santogold. Everyone has her music, I assume, and I'm by no means being cutting edge, but I felt like hearing Creator, and this is my blog so I can do what I want ;) Enjoy!




Santogold - Creator from the self-titled album Santogold







And just for fun, here's a random video from The Kills because I was totally surprised when their song Cheap and Cheerful was featured on the recent "Lucky Thirteen" episode of House. They really need to get rid of Thirteen and have more Chase and Cameron screentime, darnit.



The Kills - Last Day of Magic

Apologies!

If I have any readers left, I give my deep apologies for my 4 months of absence. I was overseas and returned last month and promise to come back with more musical tracks soon.

So check back soon, I Wake Up Late will be returning to the bloggy public again shortly.

"Don't make me think before I speak..."

Wade Robson, you magnificent twisted bastard. This is the sickest performance I've seen in a while.



The song that he chose for the piece is called "Hi" by the band Psapp.I particularly enjoy the closing lines of the song:

I know what you're thinking
I know how you see me
Although it hurts
You're probably right.




Psapp - Hi from The Only Thing I Ever Wanted






For all those Grey's Anatomy fans out there, apparently Psapp does the title theme to the show. I wouldn't know as I don't watch it. My medical show preference belongs to Scrubs, but hey, you guys had a one up on me for this one. I wish I'd known about Psapp prior to this very moment. In researching a teeny bit about the duo, Psapp, I discovered that they are part of a genre known as "toytronica" in which all the elements that comprise the music consist of toys and toy instruments.

"Please could you stop the noise I'm trying to get some rest..."

If someone were to ask me what one summer concert I would want to go to, I would say Glastonbury without a second thought. The line up features an immense number of artists from a wide variety of musical genres. In fact, here's pdf poster of the full lineup.

And look at some of the previous live performances!

Radiohead - Paranoid Android


Coldplay - Fix You


Bloc Party - Helicopter


Anyway, I cannot make it to Glastonbury this year, yet again. But for those of you who do have a chance to go, let me know how it is. And for all you UK readers out there who don't yet have tickets, not to worry! Not only are tickets still available but there are contest tickets that can be won, including that of the Spot the Bull contest below:

"In your truth, you buried mine..."

So You Think You Can Dance post!

Milwaukee produced the most number of dancers that I really found myself connecting with thus far.

Kourtni Lind, Evan Kasprzak (the kid who did the Gene Kelly number), and Cooper Zamorano - the Travis Wall duplicate. Although in previous episodes, I found myself really enjoying Thayne Jasperson as well (I suppose these names show that my allegiance this year seems to be with jazz and contemporary dancers). I hope at least those four make it to the top 20.

Personality and fluidity were paramount to me, as well as the precision in the execution of movement.

This is going to be a great season, but thus far, I haven't really been invested in the contestants yet. In previous seasons, I found myself rooting for Donyelle, Benji, Travis, Danny, Lacey, Neil, Nick, etc from the moment they auditioned. I guess you could say that I'm rooting for the above people, and that they're excellent, but in previous years, the aforementioned list of dancers just had that extra something that made them standout from the getgo and you knew they'd be in it til the end. Also, in previous years I've been able to pick the top 2-4 from the first audition day, and I don't see that skill continuing this year.

Travis Wall makes a pretty (albeit somewhat agressive!) girl, lol.

Anyway, the song Kourtni danced to last night was:




Ani DiFranco - Parameters from Knuckle Down








And here's a clip of one of my Top 20 hopefuls - Cooper Zamorano, dancing to a song by Craig Lyons.

Craig Lyons will be an artist to watch. 3 of his songs have found their way into contemporary auditions, and even one partnered dance. He is a singer-songwriter with a guitar focus. The sound is passionate, and slow, but not heavy like Ray LaMontagne's, or softly restrained like Damien Rice. I'd say maybe he's comparable to Matt Nathanson, but Craig Lyon's voice is more well defined and doesn't have that Jason Mrazzy upswing that Nathanson usually does with some of his words and choruses. Obviously, I've been trying to fit Craig Lyons in to some sort of category, and with some sort of name, but labels don't matter. What it comes down to is that he's good. And you should listen to him.

Craig Lyons - In Your Eyes - danced by Cooper Zamorano

"That girl wanna give it up, watch her..."

This past week was chock full of So You Think You Can Dance as both days the program aired 2 hour double episodes. The standout performance for me this past week was that of identical twin brothers, Anthony and Antwain Hart. When Anthony didn't make it due to a performance that underestimated the judge's needs, Antwain went on to deliver an excellent routine and then highlighted his twin's skills during the question period. He even said that he thought his brother was the stronger, cleaner dancer and should be there instead of him. When Nigel asked them to dance together just to see what they were capable of, they really shined, and both later made it to Vegas.

It was a very sentimental moment, but not overly cheesy.

Good job, guys!

They danced their duo routine to:





Twista feat. Pharrell - Give it Up from Adrenaline Rush 2007







And here's Twista's candy colorful video:

"You're a breath of fresh air to me..."

Because I love So You Think You Can Dance so much, every week I'm going to try and put up a song I enjoy that was featured in that week's episode. So You Think You Can Dance makes some great (and some not so great) musical choices, but best of all, reminds me of songs that I've liked in the past and had forgotten about or highlights new songs.

Though she didn't really stand out to me this opening week, someone did audition to The Time is Now by Moloko (aka Roisin Murphy), and I personally think that is an excellent song to use to make a danceable first impression. It transcends the boundaries of pop and has a jazzier funkier twist than most, in addition to having the strange Roisin Murphy influence that is always present. That girl wound up getting a ticket to Vegas.

Moloko - The Time is Now from Things to Make and Do

Another fun song that is featured as part of montages on So You Think You Can Dance is Sonny J's Can't Stop Moving. I think this represents the show quite well in atmosphere, energy, and lyrics.

"I'll miss you more than anyone in my life..."

Congrats to Bruce and Nick! These two friends of mine have just moved into their first Manhattan apartment. It should be a fantastic time for them - of settling in, and exploration, and living in and loving a city so grand.

And they're only 5 blocks away from another friend. Fun!

You know, sometimes... okay, more often than I would like to admit, when I am in the city, I cannot wait to leave. Though so much time has passed, (and in alternate meaning than the original intent), I must cite that familiarity breeds contempt. I've shifted my hangouts to a more downtown feel, and while I do adore my friends, it is not so secretly hard to be in some of the same places as not so long ago. To even have a frame of reference. So much so that if right at this moment, I'd gotten into Cornell, NYU, and UMDNJ for medical school, I'd most likely pick UMDNJ and just be done with the whole idea of everything across the river. And I still might regardless of the hypothetical scenario.

What can I say? At times, the ghost of another life haunts me.


Daft Punk - Around the World. This was playing during our Scrabble fun and always reminds me of the classic and brilliant MTV show, Daria.



Here's another good Daft Punk song - Something About Us. This one is lyrically sweet.

"I asked you nicely once but I won't do that again..."

I never thought Keith Murray of the We Are Scientists could get any cuter.












(images courtesy of wearescientists.com)

Then, he became a puppy herder and proved me wrong.

Damn you, Keith Murray! Damn your gorgeous self and your angled flip of hair. And Chris Cain isn't too shabby either, I confess.

In all seriousness, this is the song they're promoting as their next single. Though I have not put up a review of their album, or said much on it either than declaring my undying love for the band and attempting to unravel the missing Michael Tapper mystery, I quite enjoy Brain Thrust Mastery and this song is up there as one of my faves, even though its back beat at times does sound a tad bit reminiscent of Daft Punk's Robot Rock.

We Are Scientists - Chick Lit



In addition, I will be missing out on their 2 upcoming NYC gigs due to my own global adventures. We Are Scientists and I just can't synchronize our schedules it seems. Every time they are within a few miles of me, I am somehow detained. Alas. One day.

Anyway, if anyone hits up their show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on July 31st or Bowery Ballroom August 1st, do let me know how it all went down.


And as a personal note to friends of mine, watch this video and tell me if you think Keith Murray is copying my moves. Really. Towards the end of the song, he bops his head back and forth and then purses his lips a la my head bop and merp face combination. I am clearly reading too far into things, but hey, it's a fun coincidence. Birds of a feather and all...

"Everything will change, but love remains the same..."

Yeah, it's another one of those guilty pleasures (confirmed by the Amazon page for the album, its tags include "Worst of 2008". And speaking of Amazon, the Kindle is back in stock for those who want it). What can I say? I think the song has an honest message, or, if not that, at least a message I believe in.

Half the time the world is ending
Truth is I am done pretending.

I, never thought that I
Had anymore to give
You're pushing me so far
Here I am without you.
Drink, to all that we have lost,
Mistakes we have made.
Everything will change,
But love remains the same.

Besides, I grew up with a Gavin Rossdale crush (who didn't?). Rugged, handsome, British = Yum. And, he and Gwen Stefani make a genuinely gorgeous couple.




Gavin Rossdale - Love Remains the Same from Wanderlust






Oh, also, I noticed that the bandwidth is out for some of the tracks. Not to worry, it will be restored soon! In the meantime, enjoy videos and what you can while I wait for a server reset at File Den. Perhaps I should buy actual server space and stuff like that, anyone have any suggestions/ideas?


In the meantime, here's Justice's video for Stress, which I think is excellent, but reminds me very much of a modern day version of The Destructors by Graham Greene.

"You're the beat that can't stop..."

I have to talk about this video I noticed online.

I think the concept is genius. This band signed with a record label and received $10,000 to do a video. What they chose to do was just go out every Wednesday and Thursday and be in the background of paparazzi celebrity shots, dubbing themselves bandarazzis. They played their music on an old school jambox and just walked around. That is brilliant, low key, and completely hilariously relatable. My favorite moment occurs when Jenna Fischer from The Office is looking out of her car window at the guys. Best of all, this video highlights the laid back and goofy quality of the band. It suits them well. They genuinely look like they're having a blast making it and bouncing around and being silly. In that respect, it's excellent. In terms of being prolific, Bob Dylan they're not, but who cares? It's fun and worth a watch.


A Cursive Memory - Everything

"I don't want to be your friend, I just want to be your lover. No matter how it ends..."

Radiohead - House of Cards on Late Night With Conan O'Brien


There's no guarantee how long this one video will be up. NBC has a knack for finding and pulling everything related to their shows pretty quickly. I have to give them props for quickly and efficiently protecting what's theirs, even if it's at the cost of other people being unable to enjoy it too.

"In every city there are dozens of these clubs where men can go..."

The Faint was on The Office!! Well, their music was anyway.

I totally squealed when I heard Worked Up (So Sexual) in the background of a scene where Michael (Steve Carrell) is hitting on a woman. And I loved coked out Ryan (BJ Novak).

Refocusing to what I wanted to say, it's constantly fascinating to me when things permeate the mainstream without having reached a saturation point. There's been a higher occurrence lately of more... independent, I'd say, bands in the forefront of the media but it appears to have risen out of nowhere. Months ago I'd mentioned Shiny Toy Guns in a commercial, Mates of State, etc. Lately, I've been noticing Ben Lee, Silversun Pickups, and so on and so forth, have been populating commercials and television show episodes more than say, your Kelly Clarksons or Rihannas. I don't know what to make of it yet, because I'm not a marketing person and don't know the trends as far as exposing people to what they haven't heard and how these things correlate to big business. Nevertheless, it's just fun to recognize snippets of things you enjoy.

Here's a tiny clip of the Faint's Worked Up (So Sexual)

"It's your godforsaken right to be loved loved loved..."

Odd/fun musical story:

I was driving with my family to the closest Best Buy the other night to pick up the In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2 album, when Hungry Like the Wolf came on the radio. That particular Duran Duran song holds some importance to me. At one point in time in college, it was the song I noticed when I thought I had recognized a kindred spirit in someone else. This memory being at the forefront of my mind, thanks to the song, I decided to tell the story to my parents. Upon doing so, I was greeted with a basic question from both my parents. "Just now, why did you feel the need to talk about that person?"

I did not have an answer other than the fact that music of any kind reminds me of people I know. They know this, so I expect they were looking for something further. The song was ending at this point, and I answered, "I don't know, but I let music speak for me and for itself." The moment I said that, With or Without You by U2 came on the radio. And I laughed and said, "See, the music gets it." Right after that? Jason Mraz's latest single. That last one wasn't applicable to the story, I just really enjoy it. It's the perfect song to listen to for this season and for any occasion: Walking down the street merrily, playing it at a party, having drinks with friends, hanging out in the park with flowers, laying at the beach. It's just so lovely.





Jason Mraz - I'm Yours from We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things











Look into your heart and you'll find love, love, love...

"What you give is retaliation. I hope one day we meet again. I hope one day we love one another..."

"But I heard the rumor they will burn down your house..."

Miranda July did an interesting video to the Blonde Redhead song, Top Ranking.

Here it is.
Miranda July/Blonde Redhead - Top Ranking

"Wise and silent..."

I love M83. Oddly enough, I was looking at the cover to the new album, and lo and behold on the front is a kid I went to college with. I'm a teeny bit jealous, I want to be on the cover of an album! In a lyric. Liner notes. I'll take anything ;) In all seriousness though, I think it's awesome he landed that photoshoot and gig. That kicks major ass and more power to him. :)

Also, yay Emerson in the real world!! If you can't tell, it's where I went to school. And it turned out a number of fantastic folks with whom I'm glad to be associated and to constantly love.

Prior to listening to much of the album (or any of it, in my case), here's the video for one of the songs.

M83 - Graveyard Girl from Saturdays=Youth

"But if you let go then I'll let go tonight..."

I heard this group on the radio and thought they were okay, so I figured I'd toss a track up here. To be perfectly honest, I feel they are an act with much room for improvement. The speed of their songs is fine, but their lyrical content is lacking and comes off as a bit repetitive and juvenile. I'm unaware of the ages of the respective band members, but regardless, a more fully developed sound would help them immensely.

Edit: Turns out, one of their main vocalists is Trace Cyrus aka Miley Cyrus' brother. I hope we don't see Metro Station on the Disney channel anytime soon. The Amazon page for Metro Station's eponymous album states that people who have purchased said album have also enjoyed We The Kings and Cobra Starship. Didn't those three bands tour together earlier this year (or are perhaps still touring?)




Metro Station - Control from Metro Station

"Don't you worry, I won't bite - not that hard..."

I heart South Park. And I loved Butters singing What What (In the Butt), but I never knew that was a legitimate song!!!

Oh my goodness.

I like Butters' version better than the original. Sorry, Samwell.


Edit: Hopefully this Butters vid will work.

"You are the only road I know..."

Old Navy has been choosing some great music for their ads this year. First, they really propelled the career of Ingrid Michaelson, and now the Lights are featured as background music in their latest ad campaign. I look forward to seeing how that aids them (her?).

Until now, I've never heard anything regarding this band (or singer, as the case may be). If anyone has any pertinent info, feel free to drop me a line and educate my mind.

Lights - Drive My Soul

"You better know that in the end it's better to say too much than never to say what you mean to say..."

"Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open."

It's ideas such as these that allow me to live a positive life without regret.

Kudos to John Mayer for crafting something simple and true.




John Mayer - Say from Bucket List (Soundtrack)





John Mayer - Say

"Time stops still when you've lost life..."

This is one of the best videos I've seen lately. The main character's enthusiasm and zest winds up being positively infectious.

Goldfrapp - Happiness

"Do you think about me now and then?"

Kanye West feat. Chris Martin - Homecoming

"I feel a dawn in me..."

During my brief time in Providence, my phone conked out. Luckily, it's been more than enough time since I last upgraded my cell phone, so I wandered in to Verizon and got myself the phone that I've been desiring for quite some time. In the past, I've been quite attached to my cell phones - mostly due to the photo and text message content. I'm a bit of a freak. If I got rid of my phone, prior to turning it in, I would make a .doc file on whatever word processing program I had and copied over the times, dates, people, and messages that I had in the phone. I'd email myself the photos, and in doing all of that, preserve the memories I'd made.

Lately though, I've been feeling the restless desire to blank everything out. So I activated my new phone, and said goodbye to the past without copying anything over. :)

If anyone's interested, I updated to the Verizon Voyager (which is the closest I'll get to the iPhone), and my ringtone is no longer "I Will Follow" by U2. I thought that sent the wrong message. It's now "That's the Way (My Love Is)" by the Smashing Pumpkins. Actually, this is the verse that rings out when people call:

"That's the way my love is
That's the way I care
You should call on me baby
I'm always there for you."



Smashing Pumpkins - That's the Way (My Love Is) from Zeitgeist

"I'm the one who gets away. I'm a New Jersey success story..."

Howdy folks!

I have not kept up with posting as much as I'd like because I've been so busy working and studying. I'm happy to report that my birthday has passed, so I start another year with several birthday parties under my belt and a lot of joy within.

I just returned from a weekend in Providence, where I celebrated my pal Bryn's 23rd birthday. A fun time was had by all as it often is with such hilarious folks. I came home to New Jersey to hear some interestingly shocking stuff, and find myself contemplating the basis of blogging and how I feel about continuing mine. I'm pleased to say that I shook everything off and want to continue being an avid music fan via writing about what I like.

To make a quick comment about blogging, I really enjoy and appreciate blogging about music and how my life influences my musical choices as I craft a soundtrack to my existence. You guys must enjoy it too, as I get a lot of email comments and contacts from bands. Thanks! I don't always, however, enjoy the fact that people can pretty much write whatever they want without a counterpoint. But that's the paradox of freedom, isn't it? So I can't hate on it too much. Like right in this second, I could say, "Hey Sarah, thanks for stalking me outside my window" and no one would ever know if it was true or not, unless I took an active stance in conveying the truth. That's what really makes me happy to have this blog, actually. I enjoy having an outlet for factual material and my neutralized opinion on a subject base. I can say, "I like this music because," and have some supporting ideas about how I feel on a band or song, and you all are always welcome to disagree or agree. I like having a flexible perspective and open discussion. So thank you all for making this medium worthwhile.

Now I'm off to have dinner with Ali, who is a constant in my life as well as a positive grounding force. I thank her and my other closest friends for being intelligent and lovely people, and for always keeping their heads above the messes and knowing the truth of who I am.






Jimmy Eat World - Always Be from Chase This Light










Jimmy Eat World - Big Casino

"Remember we used to dance and everyone wanted to be you and me..."

I've been listening to an odd mix of hip hop, hipster tunes, Dave Matthews, and John Mayer. So might as well toss some here.

"Stay or Leave" has been particularly soothing lately. I enjoy his lyric of "what day is this?" as I am someone who will remember specific dates in relation to events that are memorable to me.




Dave Matthews - Stay or Leave from Some Devil










Also, just to keep up with random musical happenings:
Roisin Murphy's new video was released. You Know Me Better (below)



This past weekend, Vampire Weekend was on SNL. They were fun to watch, however, the episode itself sucked. Anyway, NBC took down the videos of the performance that were on YouTube, so here's A-Punk instead.

"Time means nothing. Say that you'll stay..."

The We Are Scientists are one of the musical loves of my life. Seriously, if I could marry Keith Murray, without even having met him, I would. I think he and his bandmates are just that brilliant and hilariously witty and I'm sure he and I could build a life on mutual awesomeness and amazing hair.

Their latest album, Brain Thrust Mastery, releases on March 18th, just a few days after my birthday, and I'm excitedly awaiting the album's arrival. (By the way, if you feel like being super duper "let's do a kind act for a stranger" nice and want to buy it for me, there's an Amazon.com wishlist link on the left panel).

In the meantime, here's the song and video for After Hours, which has been on repeat in my car for the last few days. It's along the same vein of their previous works, but I feel as if it is a testament to their evolution as artists. There is an emotional growth and depth that hasn't been as present in their previous songs. Yes, they are talented. Yes, their music is danceable. But there is something about this one particular song that exudes a level of sadness in addition to its catchy beats and hook. It lures you in, and that to me, is a sign that their presence is expanding.

And if anyone has any information as to what happened to the third member of the band, Michael Tapper, and what the circumstances were surrounding his departure from the band, drop me an email. His exclusion from their latest album and promo material as well as the lack of information available about it is turning into somewhat of a musical mystery for me. I think, currently, I'd much rather find out what happened to Michael Tapper than know who really killed JFK.

Edit: Thanks! Someone linked me to this





We Are Scientists - After Hours from Brain Thrust Mastery
















And just for fun:
I've winced at the lengthy interviews with interviewers who just don't comprehend the sarcasm and don't know how to handle a responder with quick remarks and a dry humor that could last for days. Honestly and truly though, these guys are phenomenal. They are entertaining, smart, adorable, and craft superior music. Don't let their mastery of the mind intimidate your ears!

Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts: I-IV

Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I-IV








Nine Inch Nails quietly released an instrumental album last night. Well, four albums actually. I haven't had the chance to download it yet, so I'd love to hear some feedback from fans as to Trent Reznor's current musical undertaking. In addition, the four album download is only 5 bucks. That's an awesome deal. Unlike Radiohead's In Rainbows which was incredibly affordable (you got to name your own price) but didn't entirely meet expectations, Ghosts I-IV has already far exceeded the available supply on Nine Inch Nails' website, so listeners and downloaders should probably turn to Amazon to get an accurate and error free mp3 experience.

Seriously. Somebody let me know how it is!

"But keeping things clean doesn’t change anything..."

I don't have any anecdote or musical review to go along with this one. It just so happens that Wilco is on SNL tonight and I enjoy their music. So here ya go.





Wilco - Hate it Here from Sky Blue Sky I wonder if they'll be hanging out with Fred Armisen again after his brief cameo in their documentary, "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart." I hope so.







Meh, might as well link to the opening credits of the documentary.

"The memories of me will seem more like bad dreams..."

Death Cab for Cutie news!

Track listing and tour dates for forthcoming album:
Narrow Stairs to be released May 13, 2008:

1. Bixby Canyon Bridge
2. I Will Possess Your Heart
3. No Sunlight
4. Cath...
5. Talking Bird
6. You Can Do Better Than Me
7. Grapevine Fires
8. Your New Twin Sized Bed
9. Long Division
10. Pity and Fear
11. The Ice Is Getting Thinner


(I'm particularly intrigued by the track titles of 6, 8, and 9).

Current tour dates:
04/18/08 Bremerton, WA @ Admiral Theatre (which is already sold out. Craigslist that shizzle)
04/19/08 Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre
04/21/08 Arcata, CA @ Van Dozer Theatre/Humboldt State University
04/22/08 Davis, CA @ Freeborn Hall/UC Davis
04/23/08 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
04/24/08 Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint/Hard Rock Hotel
04/26/08 Indio, CA @ Coachella Music and Arts Festival
06/15/08 Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo


Death Cab for Cutie - Someday You Will Be Loved

"Given the choice if I could fight or walk away, I'm walking..."

"Aight. Let's break this shit off. Spirit awards, in your mouth." - Rainn Wilson while hosting the Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica earlier tonight.

I've been too busy studying to check out some of the indie films that I've been really hoping to see, such as The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Once, Rocket Science, etc. In order to try and catch up, but not get distracted, I got the soundtrack to Once.

I don't quite know how to effectively describe it. I feel like the music hearkens back to an early to mid 90's age of vocal melody. That's not a bad thing. I hear Marketa Irglova in "If You Want Me" and my brain goes to Nina Gordon of Veruca Salt. Some, if not most, of the songs are ones that you could find yourself playing in the background of your evening. They're tracks that belong on Chill Out Lounge XXIV (I just made up that title, but you get what I mean, right?) I really love the fact that the songs aren't overproduced and are simple. Just the singer-songwriters and their raw talent. I also enjoy the fact that the male vocal lead in the movie is Glen Hansard of The Frames, because his day-job band makes great music and it amuses me that their song "Pavement Tune" has been popping up in commercials for a seemingly mediocre NBC dramedy about 20somethings and their life crises. Psssshh. Whatever. Enjoy The Frames for who they are, not how they've been marketed to us recently.




The Frames - Pavement Tune from Set List





Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - If You Want Me from Once (Original Soundtrack)

"A stubborn heart remains unchanged..."

I didn't forget!

So I really need to finish up my friend dedicated post. I'd made it through Bruce and Bryn from when I was kidnapped up to Massachusetts/Rhode Island, but I hadn't shouted out to Dani or Nick yet. So you two, this is for you!

Dani and I spent a chunk of time watching the winter X-Games competition and seeing all the cool tricks. In the background of one of the commercials was the Foo Fighters, whom I love because I think Dave Grohl is fantastic and hilarious. Plus, a Foo Fighters photo shoot developed my love of entertainment magazines and musical journalism. But that's another story.



Foo Fighters - Long Road to Ruin from Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace








Nick and Bruce came down to NYC and we went out dancing one evening before they left. This song was played twice during our night out at Glamdammit.
The Sweet - Ballroom Blitz

"Maybe we were born to love..."

Happy Valentine's Day.


Wait, they don't love you like I love you.



You rip my heart right out.



Try to hold on to this love of mine.



Oh the promises we break from the cradle to the grave, when all I want is you.



That's way the it was when we belong together.



You're priceless, and you're precious, even when you are not new.



Maybe we were born to love.




Love is suicide.

"You're more than in my head. You're more..."

I've had the pleasure of seeing Shiny Toy Guns in the past, as I've mentioned in earlier posts. While looking up Grammy nominees a little while ago, I noticed that they were nominated, but not only that, I found out that they'd appeared on Yo Gabba Gabba.

That show is craisins.

Also, today was a very Shiny Toy Guns day, as I'd heard them a lot on the radio and "You Are the One" was subsequently stuck in my head.

Enjoy the video for it.

Shiny Toy Guns - You Are the One

"Be my friend. Hold me, wrap me up..."

I finally got around to watching the finale episode of Six Feet Under even though it aired years ago. I've got to say, it's quite a satisfying and emotionally stirring episode. I was really focusing on the Sia song played during the end, I've been a fan of her contributions to Zero 7 and the occasional solo song, but now I really feel more inclined to take a fuller listen into the albums she's released over time (and not just the latest one which is being promoted like whoa in Starbucks and elsewhere).

Anyway, the combination of "Breathe Me" and the finale reminded me of the importance of celebrating life. And while, yes, love continues, it's not always in the way that you think because things in our lives are so utterly transient. The only given is death, so you should live your life in the most authentic and best way possible.




Sia - Breathe Me





And I didn't forget my friend theme! This video is a shout out to Bryn, because she is an amazing, brave, and loyal individual and an all around fantastic friend. So here's a Nelly Furtado video (oddly, I don't think it's one of her best, but whatevs, it's fun).


Nelly Furtado - Do It

"When I was yours, you fled the scene. Now you can't wash your hands of me..."

First post with the theme: This one is a shout out to Bruce, who happens to be in town right now as I'm writing this. Perhaps I shall run into him tomorrow.



Cursive - Bloody Murderer from Ugly Organ. (I can't actually remember if it's "Bloody Murder" or "Bloody Murderer"). Cursive makes a fascinating use of the cello in their post-hardcore sound. I think this creates an intellectual layer that would be otherwise lacking if found without the cello. Smart move, Cursive!

"I just wanna know what to do cause I need your love a lot..."

I think for a few days I'm going to do a mini-theme.

A handful of songs will be dedicated to the friends I was blessed enough to spend time with this past weekend: Bryn, Bruce, Dani, Nick, and Alexander (and their friends who popped up as well!)

These songs will include numbers by Cursive, Nelly Furtado, We Are Scientists, Garbage, etc. So keep reading if you like these bands. We'll see what else I decide to put up as well.

Also, for those looking for newer music, fear not! I've fallen behind on my email checking in regards to this blog, but a lot of great bands and PR folk have written in to be listened to, and they will be heard.

So if you have a band or music that you want to share, click the email button and make it happen. :)


Anyway, for now, here's some Boosh love:
The Mighty Boosh - Love Games (acoustic)



Their impromptu back and forth jam towards the end is amazing. I have a growing adoration of Julian Barrat, from his currently asymmetrical hair, to his voice, to the fact that in every interview he never seems like he cares about what he does and is just sorta chillin there being quiet and observant. He could well be my new Colin Firth is all I'm saying.

"Oh I'll be the one who'll break my heart..."

Courtesy of Miss Bryn:

The new Feist video!
Feist - I Feel It All




I love the music, but I'm beginning to want more than the single camera format of her videos. They certainly are different and unique though, in addition to feeling quite authentic and down to earth.

"I'm so glad that I'm an island now..."

Oy to the vey. So much has happened since I last posted music here.
For one, I'm making progress in my studying and in work. So yay to that. I've had some unforgettable times with friends before one returns to college. In addition, I saved a toddler's life from oncoming traffic and had to deal (pleasantly) with the attention of strangers. Whew. (And I'm not saying that to be haughty, I'm saying that because it was an unknowing change in my life). I've seen a lot of movies (Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood destroyed me). Now I'm awaiting the surprise visit from Bruce and Bryn and the chaotic loveliness that will follow. I was just watching a special on Martin Luther King Jr. and happened across a preview for Metric's upcoming dvd of their concert in Montreal called Metric : Live at the Metropolis. Having seen Metric numerous times and proclaimed my love for their sound innumerable times, I'm excited for their dvd release. Wooo! I came across the preview in the middle of a song and it happened to be Combat Baby, which is one of my personal favorites. But the song right after it on the dvd is also killer because of its lyrical content:

Sickness was fixing me some
Coughed my heart in the last stall
Now that the damage is done
I never miss it at all.





Wow.







Metric - Empty from Live it Out