So I haven't blogged in a while...sorry...it's just been crazy busy. I have discovered very recently that in the past month, I have reverted back to teenage girl status in that I have gone through an entire swing of romantically-enclined emotions in the span of one month. So here are some great songs that totally fit...
Who'd Of Known - Lily Allen
The lyrics literally and completely describe something that actually happened to me...at 5 o'clock in the morning...guess what? The first line is "it's 5 o'clock in the morning"...yeah, crazy.
Almost Lover - A Fine Frenzy
The chorus couldn't describe emotions felt towards the end any better.
CHORUS:
"Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do"
True Affection - The Blow
The anger stage...
"I was out of your league, and you were twenty-thousand underneath the sea."
Yeah, when you screw up, you inspire me to blog...right on.
Oh, and of course,
Hot and Cold - Katy Perry
Self-explanatory...men tend to act like chicks when they freak out...
~Me
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Another Pop-Rock Profile?
Okay quick extra post today! I've been checking out some bands that aren't as well-known as they should be and I think you should hear about them!
First, A Change of Pace is a def. sweetsauce band. WHY? Because of songs like "Weekend Warriors" that remind you of all of the crazy things that happened, or were supposed to happen, in high school. Reminiscing about high school or just the past with your friends when you were eighteen and nothing seemed to matter is a pretty prominent theme in indie pop-rock. So if you love Boys Like Girls, We the Kings, Cute is What We Aim For, Hey Monday, or any other pop-rock narratives=songs-bands, then check 'em out and "raise a glass together!"
Another cool under-the-raidar band is Better Luck Next Time. These guys are catchy!!! And, they're more upbeat than some of the other "we're pop-punk but we want to confuse you and make you think we're straight-up-rock" bands, and trust me, they're no nonsense. You want to dance? Then, by golly, dance! And hear about how yet another guy got his heart ripped out of his chest, again (see album cover of "Third Time's A Charm"_. Apparently girls are the enemy for these guys since "everything we ever had is over" and "she's full of lies." Still...they're a lot of fun. Enjoy...and while you're at it, blast the cd and create a moshpit with your 16-year-old neighbors and their friends; they'll think they're cool and you'll relive your 16 ;)
That's all for now!
As always comment...any other bands you think I should profile?
~JayLady
First, A Change of Pace is a def. sweetsauce band. WHY? Because of songs like "Weekend Warriors" that remind you of all of the crazy things that happened, or were supposed to happen, in high school. Reminiscing about high school or just the past with your friends when you were eighteen and nothing seemed to matter is a pretty prominent theme in indie pop-rock. So if you love Boys Like Girls, We the Kings, Cute is What We Aim For, Hey Monday, or any other pop-rock narratives=songs-bands, then check 'em out and "raise a glass together!"
Another cool under-the-raidar band is Better Luck Next Time. These guys are catchy!!! And, they're more upbeat than some of the other "we're pop-punk but we want to confuse you and make you think we're straight-up-rock" bands, and trust me, they're no nonsense. You want to dance? Then, by golly, dance! And hear about how yet another guy got his heart ripped out of his chest, again (see album cover of "Third Time's A Charm"_. Apparently girls are the enemy for these guys since "everything we ever had is over" and "she's full of lies." Still...they're a lot of fun. Enjoy...and while you're at it, blast the cd and create a moshpit with your 16-year-old neighbors and their friends; they'll think they're cool and you'll relive your 16 ;)
That's all for now!
As always comment...any other bands you think I should profile?
~JayLady
We the Low? or All Time Kings?
Ok...so here's the thing...I have been pretty impressed with We the Kings' self-titled debut album. If you aren't familiar with them, get familiar! They're a great pop-punk band that fuses catchy tunes with fun lyrics that make for an exciting and relatable narrative.
Recommended songs for those of you who do NOT have the album? "Check Yes Juliet," "Secret Valentine," "Skyway Avenue" (those are the singles), "Don't Speak Liar," and "All Again for You." Start with those :) Here are the videos if you're too lazy to look them up yourself ;) (Courtesy of SCurveRecords)
Check Yes Juliet:
Secret Valentine:
Skyway Avenue:
Now if you haven't heard of All Time Low and you're into alt. rock, something's really wrong with you ;). One of their best songs (in my humble opinion), "Dear Maria, Count Me In," is definitely worth checking out no matter what kind of music you're into. (Courtesy of HopelessRecords)
However, unlike some of my other posts, the point of this blog is not really to profile any band but to introduce you all to a pretty incredible occurance that these two bands have been known to participate in. We the Kings and ATL have a history of fusing together after each show on their previous tour to create All Time Kings/We the Low. Pretty much, the gist is this: the lead singer of each band grabs a guitar and starts playing in the key of one of their songs; then, they switch verses so that the other band's song is being played. Talk about awesome...you know what, call me a teeny bopper follower if you want, but these guys are great. They can work off the cuff, improv it up after a really tiring show. In addition, they're very good at playing up to their fans and making their fans happy. Who wouldn't want screaming teenagers following them out of the theater to hear more?
So, if you still don't believe that this is a very cool live mash-up, check it out here:
Or....if that doesn't do it for you...
Happy Mashing!
Enjoy, and as always, please comment!
Much love,
JayLady
Recommended songs for those of you who do NOT have the album? "Check Yes Juliet," "Secret Valentine," "Skyway Avenue" (those are the singles), "Don't Speak Liar," and "All Again for You." Start with those :) Here are the videos if you're too lazy to look them up yourself ;) (Courtesy of SCurveRecords)
Check Yes Juliet:
Secret Valentine:
Skyway Avenue:
Now if you haven't heard of All Time Low and you're into alt. rock, something's really wrong with you ;). One of their best songs (in my humble opinion), "Dear Maria, Count Me In," is definitely worth checking out no matter what kind of music you're into. (Courtesy of HopelessRecords)
However, unlike some of my other posts, the point of this blog is not really to profile any band but to introduce you all to a pretty incredible occurance that these two bands have been known to participate in. We the Kings and ATL have a history of fusing together after each show on their previous tour to create All Time Kings/We the Low. Pretty much, the gist is this: the lead singer of each band grabs a guitar and starts playing in the key of one of their songs; then, they switch verses so that the other band's song is being played. Talk about awesome...you know what, call me a teeny bopper follower if you want, but these guys are great. They can work off the cuff, improv it up after a really tiring show. In addition, they're very good at playing up to their fans and making their fans happy. Who wouldn't want screaming teenagers following them out of the theater to hear more?
So, if you still don't believe that this is a very cool live mash-up, check it out here:
Or....if that doesn't do it for you...
Happy Mashing!
Enjoy, and as always, please comment!
Much love,
JayLady
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Addendum
Umm I just realized I forgot "Hey There, Delilah?" Who forgets "Hey There, Delilah" by the Plain White T's? OR..."Dark Blue" by Jack's Mannequin? Or any song by Fiona Apple aka "Extraordinary Machine"?
Oh goodness, so much blogging to do, so little time!
As always, comments welcome!
~JayLady
Oh goodness, so much blogging to do, so little time!
As always, comments welcome!
~JayLady
Valentine's Day: Make Up Break Up Playlist
So I know that Valentine's Day has come and gone, but I found that blogging on or before it wouldn't allow me to compile a playlist that really got me through the day until I experienced it myself.
So now that sorority girls are done handing out breath mints, chapstick, gum, and chocolate in fifteen different places on the same quad, I can go back to thinking clearly about music.
So whatever your damage was this Valentine's Day, whether it was all lovey-dovey-cake-and-ice-cream or just plain romantically empty, I have the playlist for you. This way, you'll be prepared for your next Valentine's Day regardless of your circumstance. Okay, here we go.
1. I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
Okay, I don't care what you say, she's amazing and this song is utterly ridiculous and awesome. It is sure to put a smile on your face regardless of what your position.
2. Secret Valentine - We the Kings
Cute song that will remind everyone of young love and high school; the audio version of "A Walk to Remember"...minus the sad ending.
3. Hot N' Cold - Katy Perry
Come on, we've all been there...
4. Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional
The songwriter claims that this song is about the best date he ever had...so why don't we all pretend we're on that date?
5. Thunder - Boys Like Girls
Ahhh, summer love...who doesn't love it?
6. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
I had to include a crazy chick-power-dominates song...so many girls feel lonely and powerless on Valentine's Day that this is only appropriate.
7. About a Girl - The Academy Is
A great song about...well, a girl!
8. Check Yes, Juliet - We the Kings
More high school angst and love...ahhh the joy. Too bad that's not what high school was really like, but hey, who's asking? Dream it up!
9. Fall for You - Second Hand Serenade
Don't you hate when you know the relationship is on its way out but you don't know what to do about it? Here's your song!
10. Better in Time - Leonna Lewis
Okay, so we're about done wallowing; now it's time to pick up the pieces. It'll all get better in time!
11. Paparazzi - Lady Gaga
Cute Girl-Pursues-Boy track..."I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me..." Gosh if that worked, we'd all be married to *insert Hollywood hunk here* by now.
12. Skyway Avenue - We the Kings
I know I'm including a lot by this band, but these boys have really gotten it right when it comes to pop-rock love songs...I mean, come on: "If you jump, I will jump too"? When's the last time a boy/girl said that to you??? Exactly my point...appropriate isn't it?
13. My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson
I just had to stick this in for those of you in on-again-off-again relationships...because ultimately, they just keep coming back and you keep taking them back. So get off your butt and call him/her already!
14. Hero/Heroine - Boys Like Girls
Sweet song by another band very good at creating romance in the emo-pop-rock scene :)
15. Here in Your Arms - HelloGoodbye
Romantic powerpop...what more could you want?
16. Go-Getter Greg - Ludo
A song about a stalker...for those of you who are single, be glad this guy isn't after you!
17. Jersey - Mayday Parade
One of those "I can't wait to see you again" songs...
Speaking of which...
18. I can't wait to see you again - Miley Cyrus
I'm sorry, I just had to...think about it: if this wasn't by Miley but say, by the Veronicas, wouldn't you love it? Yeah, I know, it's THAT catchy. Happy listening!
19. Foundations - Kate Nash
So I said Make-Up-Break-Up, right? Well here's your Break-Up portion. Kate Nash is one of those artists incredibly great at using the piano to her advantage. This song speaks for those who are in a relationship that they need to get out of, pronto..."My fingers are holding on to/the cracks in our foundation/I want to forget/but I can't."
20. F*** Me Pumps - Amy Whinehouse
The British version of "Stupid Girls" by P!nk. Essentially, this song is for all the girls who hate those skanky chicks who their men LOVE to stare at...this just goes to show you, nice girls, that looks can be deceiving. That life's not all that great.
So there are a lot more songs that could be on this list, but this was a bit impromptu and drawn from my own Valentine's Day playlist. I know it's pretty poppy, but what can I do? Pop tends to cure all. Don't worry, future posts will include a more diverse array of awesomeness.
Any songs you would add?
Please post!
Take care!
~JayLady
So now that sorority girls are done handing out breath mints, chapstick, gum, and chocolate in fifteen different places on the same quad, I can go back to thinking clearly about music.
So whatever your damage was this Valentine's Day, whether it was all lovey-dovey-cake-and-ice-cream or just plain romantically empty, I have the playlist for you. This way, you'll be prepared for your next Valentine's Day regardless of your circumstance. Okay, here we go.
1. I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
Okay, I don't care what you say, she's amazing and this song is utterly ridiculous and awesome. It is sure to put a smile on your face regardless of what your position.
2. Secret Valentine - We the Kings
Cute song that will remind everyone of young love and high school; the audio version of "A Walk to Remember"...minus the sad ending.
3. Hot N' Cold - Katy Perry
Come on, we've all been there...
4. Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional
The songwriter claims that this song is about the best date he ever had...so why don't we all pretend we're on that date?
5. Thunder - Boys Like Girls
Ahhh, summer love...who doesn't love it?
6. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
I had to include a crazy chick-power-dominates song...so many girls feel lonely and powerless on Valentine's Day that this is only appropriate.
7. About a Girl - The Academy Is
A great song about...well, a girl!
8. Check Yes, Juliet - We the Kings
More high school angst and love...ahhh the joy. Too bad that's not what high school was really like, but hey, who's asking? Dream it up!
9. Fall for You - Second Hand Serenade
Don't you hate when you know the relationship is on its way out but you don't know what to do about it? Here's your song!
10. Better in Time - Leonna Lewis
Okay, so we're about done wallowing; now it's time to pick up the pieces. It'll all get better in time!
11. Paparazzi - Lady Gaga
Cute Girl-Pursues-Boy track..."I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me..." Gosh if that worked, we'd all be married to *insert Hollywood hunk here* by now.
12. Skyway Avenue - We the Kings
I know I'm including a lot by this band, but these boys have really gotten it right when it comes to pop-rock love songs...I mean, come on: "If you jump, I will jump too"? When's the last time a boy/girl said that to you??? Exactly my point...appropriate isn't it?
13. My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson
I just had to stick this in for those of you in on-again-off-again relationships...because ultimately, they just keep coming back and you keep taking them back. So get off your butt and call him/her already!
14. Hero/Heroine - Boys Like Girls
Sweet song by another band very good at creating romance in the emo-pop-rock scene :)
15. Here in Your Arms - HelloGoodbye
Romantic powerpop...what more could you want?
16. Go-Getter Greg - Ludo
A song about a stalker...for those of you who are single, be glad this guy isn't after you!
17. Jersey - Mayday Parade
One of those "I can't wait to see you again" songs...
Speaking of which...
18. I can't wait to see you again - Miley Cyrus
I'm sorry, I just had to...think about it: if this wasn't by Miley but say, by the Veronicas, wouldn't you love it? Yeah, I know, it's THAT catchy. Happy listening!
19. Foundations - Kate Nash
So I said Make-Up-Break-Up, right? Well here's your Break-Up portion. Kate Nash is one of those artists incredibly great at using the piano to her advantage. This song speaks for those who are in a relationship that they need to get out of, pronto..."My fingers are holding on to/the cracks in our foundation/I want to forget/but I can't."
20. F*** Me Pumps - Amy Whinehouse
The British version of "Stupid Girls" by P!nk. Essentially, this song is for all the girls who hate those skanky chicks who their men LOVE to stare at...this just goes to show you, nice girls, that looks can be deceiving. That life's not all that great.
So there are a lot more songs that could be on this list, but this was a bit impromptu and drawn from my own Valentine's Day playlist. I know it's pretty poppy, but what can I do? Pop tends to cure all. Don't worry, future posts will include a more diverse array of awesomeness.
Any songs you would add?
Please post!
Take care!
~JayLady
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Music: Part Deux - To Whinehouse, or Not To Whinehouse?
Let's talk jazz...
And I don't mean smooth jazz, elevator music...I mean Ella, Etta, Dizzie, Louis, heck even Christina (you can't deny that even though she spent her teen years baring her midriff and singing "Genie in a Bottle" her jazz phase was nuts!). One of the great talents out there right now is Amy Whinehouse.
Now, I know what you're thinking: she's constantly drugged-up and getting busted for punching a fan or assaulting a cop or something of the like...however, her true genius is muddied by her recent (last 2 years, I believe?) behavior and new-found habits and posse. The great jazz singer Amy Whinehouse did not sing "Rehab," though that track is pretty killer...she recorded an album called Frank.
What is Frank, you ask? It is a collection of Pseudo-jazz standards mixed in with jazzy pop. It's more relaxed and chill (aka drug- and crazy husband-free) and stays true to the roots of jazz. One of her songs on the album even pays homage to the classic "Lullaby of Birdland"! How cool is that! Now, for those of you who are worried that pre-arrest Amy is not feisty Amy, do not frett! There's still plenty of 'tude to spare...i.e. "F*** Me Pumps" (yes that's a song!). It's basically the jazz-pop-british version of P!nk's "Stupid Girls." In addition, she's got some beautiful stuff, like "You sent me flying" and "I heard love is blind." You can almost picture her in a long satin dress in a smoky bar somewhere with pin-curls and a martini in one hand, mic in another. The sound quality is also special, as she plays to the 1930s vibe set up in a few of the tracks.
So, though she may be a little...erm...under the weather now, she did make a record that did not have to be as modified and that show-cased her true talent as a jazz vocalist! That's not to say that Back to Black isn't a great record, because it is...it's just more R&B and a bit more produced. Frank is Amy raw, uncut, fabulous.
Thoughts???
More soon...
And I don't mean smooth jazz, elevator music...I mean Ella, Etta, Dizzie, Louis, heck even Christina (you can't deny that even though she spent her teen years baring her midriff and singing "Genie in a Bottle" her jazz phase was nuts!). One of the great talents out there right now is Amy Whinehouse.
Now, I know what you're thinking: she's constantly drugged-up and getting busted for punching a fan or assaulting a cop or something of the like...however, her true genius is muddied by her recent (last 2 years, I believe?) behavior and new-found habits and posse. The great jazz singer Amy Whinehouse did not sing "Rehab," though that track is pretty killer...she recorded an album called Frank.
What is Frank, you ask? It is a collection of Pseudo-jazz standards mixed in with jazzy pop. It's more relaxed and chill (aka drug- and crazy husband-free) and stays true to the roots of jazz. One of her songs on the album even pays homage to the classic "Lullaby of Birdland"! How cool is that! Now, for those of you who are worried that pre-arrest Amy is not feisty Amy, do not frett! There's still plenty of 'tude to spare...i.e. "F*** Me Pumps" (yes that's a song!). It's basically the jazz-pop-british version of P!nk's "Stupid Girls." In addition, she's got some beautiful stuff, like "You sent me flying" and "I heard love is blind." You can almost picture her in a long satin dress in a smoky bar somewhere with pin-curls and a martini in one hand, mic in another. The sound quality is also special, as she plays to the 1930s vibe set up in a few of the tracks.
So, though she may be a little...erm...under the weather now, she did make a record that did not have to be as modified and that show-cased her true talent as a jazz vocalist! That's not to say that Back to Black isn't a great record, because it is...it's just more R&B and a bit more produced. Frank is Amy raw, uncut, fabulous.
Thoughts???
More soon...
First Post - Music: Part One!
Hi Everyone,
So I thought I'd start a blog...I guess that's what the kids are calling open outward communication these days. I've always wanted to try it, try communicating with others in this way. I've decided I want this blog to be an open dialogue of sorts, a sort of tin-cans-connected-by-a-string where I can share my thoughts with you in exchange for feedback.
I thought I'd start by discussing one of my favorite subjects: music. What do you like? I'm definitely guilty of listening to the "mindless crap" that's on the radio, and I definitely think some of it is rather good for what it is. One of my new faves is Lady Gaga! She's very iconic and very David Bowie-meets-high-fashion-female-figure. I have heard arguments against her obsession with "FAME," but I think that it's about time someone admits that they love the idea as much as the next person. Also, to be able to produce so many dance hits on one record is a feat in itself, so I must say, nice work, Gaga. Also, being a dancer myself, I have to say, any encouragement to dance is much appreciated!
On a more indie note, I have been obsessed for the past 8 months now with a band called Ludo...have you heard them? If you haven't, you must do so, pronto! They're unbelievable: just enough quirky mixed in with sweet riffs and catchy hooks! I mean come on, a song about being a stalker? Sweetsauce, if you ask me! Plus, let's not omit the fact that the instrumentation is nothing short of fantastical! (That's right, not fantastic, fantasticAL!) My song recommendations for Ludo virgins? Love Me Dead followed by Lake Pontchartrain followed by Streetlights followed by Go-Getter Greg (the Stalker one!). Each song has a story and is written kind of like the preface of a narrative (with the exception of Lake Pontchartrain, which is a narrative in itself complete with a climax and resolution). Brilliant!
As you can tell, I love music, so get ready for some more discussion of music on the way! Any bands/genres you'd like to hear about?
As always, thoughts/feedback is appreciated!
So I thought I'd start a blog...I guess that's what the kids are calling open outward communication these days. I've always wanted to try it, try communicating with others in this way. I've decided I want this blog to be an open dialogue of sorts, a sort of tin-cans-connected-by-a-string where I can share my thoughts with you in exchange for feedback.
I thought I'd start by discussing one of my favorite subjects: music. What do you like? I'm definitely guilty of listening to the "mindless crap" that's on the radio, and I definitely think some of it is rather good for what it is. One of my new faves is Lady Gaga! She's very iconic and very David Bowie-meets-high-fashion-female-figure. I have heard arguments against her obsession with "FAME," but I think that it's about time someone admits that they love the idea as much as the next person. Also, to be able to produce so many dance hits on one record is a feat in itself, so I must say, nice work, Gaga. Also, being a dancer myself, I have to say, any encouragement to dance is much appreciated!
On a more indie note, I have been obsessed for the past 8 months now with a band called Ludo...have you heard them? If you haven't, you must do so, pronto! They're unbelievable: just enough quirky mixed in with sweet riffs and catchy hooks! I mean come on, a song about being a stalker? Sweetsauce, if you ask me! Plus, let's not omit the fact that the instrumentation is nothing short of fantastical! (That's right, not fantastic, fantasticAL!) My song recommendations for Ludo virgins? Love Me Dead followed by Lake Pontchartrain followed by Streetlights followed by Go-Getter Greg (the Stalker one!). Each song has a story and is written kind of like the preface of a narrative (with the exception of Lake Pontchartrain, which is a narrative in itself complete with a climax and resolution). Brilliant!
As you can tell, I love music, so get ready for some more discussion of music on the way! Any bands/genres you'd like to hear about?
As always, thoughts/feedback is appreciated!
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