Lana Del Rey . Born To Die LP

What's your flava? Tell me what's what's your flava? No, its not Craig David who's lyrics I just borrowed, although he probably wishes he was getting this much hype these days! It seems the "flava" of the month  is  25 year old  sexy songstress Lana Del Rey.. who's ship is really about to sail in now that  SNL has announced she will be the musical guest January 14, two weeks before her LP Born to Die is released. An impressive gig for any musical act but especially gallant for Ms. Del Rey seeing how she merely has three songs released. Well done my dear!
So we indie fans have known about the sultry Lana Del Rey for a year now and from what I have found most people love her, but naturally there are a haters out there- I however, am not one of them. She's got a sensual sound ready for the bedroom and a look to match (shamelessly flirting with the camera) so its no wonder her mainstream appeal is rapidly growing. The video for Video Games (wonder how many times I can work video in this sentence?) has a nostalgic vibe that highlights youth and the glamorous lifestyle of being young and famous. In an interview she gave about the making of the video she talked about filming at the swanky Chateau Marmot in California because it had the "old Hollywood" glamour surrounded by lush palm trees and she wanted to showcase the feelings of living in the moment-which is the epitome of young 20 somethings.  The lyrics are solid, and anyone who's  ever been in love (or in lust for that matter) can readily feel the urgent desire she expresses for her partner in the chorus:

It's you It's you, it's all for you/ Everything I do/I tell you all the time/Heaven is a place on earth with you/Tell me all the things you want to do/I know that you like the bad girls/Honey, Is that true/It's better than I ever even knew/They say that the world was built for two/Only worth living if somebody is loving you/Baby now you do

 Did I mention the pouty look she wears on her face through out the entire video? Yes, it is her her "look" but it's quite effective in making the video that much more sensual- she plays the bad girl well. All the guys want to date her and the girls want to hate her- she is beautiful, talented and going places.


Born to Die, a follow up to Video Games, the relationship is still fast and furious but it seems as if she knows the relationship is not heading anywhere meaningful (shocking!) and she just wants savor the last drug infused love fest before it is off to the next doomed relationship.

Don't make me sad/Don't make me cry/Sometimes love is not enough and the road gets tough/I don't know why/Lets go get high/The road is long we carry on/Try to have fun in the meantime/
.. Cause you and I, we were born to die.

Born to Die is melancholy broodiness at its finest, and despite the depressive nature I presently have it on replay- it's like  musical crack- cant get enough of her music!  The coming year is looking quite promising for the pouty princess and I predict we'll see her star steadily shine making Lana Del Rey a "flava" here to stay for a while.

Happy Valentines Day 2011- playlist

Love is in the airwaves! Whether you have a Valentine today or not there is music for you on the radio to either celebrate your true hearts desire, celebrate their leaving, or wallow in your misery of love gone wrong. I couldn't help but be amused at the song selections being blasted on the myriad of stations I surfed on the 45 min ride to and from my daughters school. It all started pretty normal and the songs were quite effective at eliciting loving thoughts and memories to the ones I love - song like Colbie Caillat's Bubbly and I also heard Realize on a different station soon after. Some songs I heard more than once- U2's  Pride (In the Name of Love), Sixpence None the Richer- Kiss Me was one I hadn't thought about in a while, along with Dido's White Flag all proclaiming loves labor isn't lost and all good songs appropriate for the day, but then it began- songs for the broken hearted- Kelly Clarkson's- Already Gone, Toni Braxton- Unbreak My Heart nearly did me in(and my hearts not broken!) Mumford and Son's Little Lion Man is not exactly  romantically inspiring either. I began to feel blah and even sad so I got to thinking about great love songs that you might not know or haven't heard often enough and came up with this impressive mini collection to get my back in a happy place. See if this inspires you like it did me!

The Civil Wars- Forget Me Not
 nd

Franz Ferdinand- No You Girls



Ben Harper- Steal My Kisses



Duffy- Syrup & Honey


Grace Potter and the Nocturnals- Sugar



Tegan and Sarah- I Know I Know I Know


David Gray- The One I Love



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Have a Happy Valentines Day ~ <3

Brooke Waggoner - Winter Bundle

Winter is in full swing in most of the country. Bitter temperatures and record snowfall have dominated the weather reports and many people are dreaming of Springs indelible promise of warmer weather and even seasonal allergies! In the mean time, being couped up has its advantages: you can catch up on that movie you've been wanting to see, read that next book in a popular young adult series, find a new stew recipe thats healthy AND tasty.. OK so maybe those are things I'm doing but whatever your doing it's essential to have some quality music to accompany you on this last stretch of Winters end- I give you Brooke Waggoner's Winter Bundle.


This little treat is absolutely delightful (she says with British accent-ugh! I'm sorry the colds affecting my sensibility!) Seriously though, I like it because I find it soothing on a spiritual level; it's not a religious experience, nor is it intended to be- I only mean that it reaches out to you beyond simple lyrics and catchy rhythms- the music has a way of capturing your heart as you listen to it and compels you  to hear more . A Classically trained pianist, Brooke's vocals aren't over the top, her voice actually compliments the music unlike some of todays more popular music that seems to be in competition with their instruments - She has an ethereal and sometimes whimsical  quality about her that is enchanting to the ears as it sooths the soul.


There are only three songs on the appropriately entitled Winter's Bundle, but one of the songs- Ruminate/ Go easy Little Doves is a video of her playing accompanied by a full orchestra that is worth the $2.99 price tag by it self so the other two tracks, Fresh Pair of Eyes and Heal for the Honey are gravy- not the thick chunky wish- I- would've- skipped gravy, but the delicate sumptuous kind that really enhances the flavor! It's really that good.

If I had to pick a favorite of the three I would probably choose Go Easy Little Doves- I'll be fine.

Maybe if I were to psycho analyze the choice it could be because it was the first song I heard by her... Or it could be my affinity to small birds- I so adore the sweet little creatures- I don't know- I just keep coming back to it and haven't grown tired of it yet. 

Also, after checking out the Nashville songbirds, Winter Bundle, you will want to get , Fresh Pair of Eyes, released in 2007- I really enjoyed the remix of I am Mine  from that album she has up on her myspace page, and her other full length album Go Easy Little Doves she released in 2009, of course featuring that track on Winter Bundle.  I sincerely hope you enjoy the music as much as I did, If nothing else it will  at least make the cold winter hibernation more bearable! Tweet 

Shovel + guitar = Shovelman

Original, fresh and appealing are qualities that get the attention of record producers and audiences alike and thats just what Isaac Frankle known simply as Shovelman is doing.  His unique brand- a shovel transformed in to a rustic, uber cool guitar puts him in a class all his own. His sound is a marriage of folk meets electronica that will appeal to both crowds, ensuring this newcomer from the the California Bay area has a respectable following.


With song titles such as Moonshine, This Little Pig, The Dirty West and 60 Watt Bulb Shovelman is certainly embracing his farmer boy image, but even so there is a cool vibe that swirls along in the music demanding your attention.  Moonshine is transforming.. it takes you places in the song.. a dusty western town, along the beach his subtle lyrics are poetry set to music- completely relaxing.


In Rollin the song is less folk and more electronica but you can be sure his leading instrument is the focal point in this mind bending song. Lyrically speaking its not very deep- he talks about "rolling in his sweet babys arms" but I don't think thats what the listener will be focusing on- more than anything Shovelman gives off a vibe that  is original and smooth like a fine cognac with the attitude of a hard lemonade! How can you not appreciate that?

Frankel's music is multi-functional in that he has an appreciation for the Arts and making others aware.  We get to saturate our ears in farm equipment branded music and witness art in motion that could be rivaled amongst any contemporary artist of the day. Frankel explains his commitment to the arts here:

"I think it's easy in our culture to be trained to not notice art because we live in a world where everything is commercial and has a commercial message behind it....so I'm trying to break people out of their consumer consciousness"

While listening to his home-grown croons, don't underestimate this 28 year old shovel rock troubadour- He also expertly plays the harmonica and is a musical dream weaver. He is ahead of his time in many ways and continues to wow audiences along the California and Oregon coast. Look for a new LP sometime 2012, but until then all you have to do is sit back, relax and let the  eclectic sounds of Shovelman take you on a trip, your imagination is waiting.

Find more artists like Shovelman at Myspace Music

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Christmastime Is Here.Fresh Music & Muse Playlist.

"Christmas time is here.. Happiness and Cheer..."  Ive always liked the song but I enjoyed it even more when I heard Sarah Mclachlan put it on her 2006 Christmas album Wintersong. Naturally, being a huge fan of the angelic voiced star, it wasnt a shocking assertion to anyone who knows me- I would probably like her version of Grandma Got run over by a reindeer- arguably the WORST Christmas song ever! So I got to thinking about Christmas songs or carols that have been made anew, or at least breathed new air into and made the song come alive. Here is what I came up with with a few non traditional ones to liven things up a bit!

1.  Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas- She &Him: This delightful treasure that is Zooey Deschanel is perfect in this traditional song; her unique sound lends for simplistic yet sensational sound. She is known for having an understated voice that commands attention and this song is no different.


2.  River- Angus Stone: This song was originally Joni Mitchell's and Sarah McLachlan did a fantastic cover (there it is again!),  but I was pleasantly surprised to come across Angus' stoic rendition of the familiar song.
His vocals are always so emtional whether he's screaming out a rock song or gently singing along side of his sister, Julia, he is pure talent and this song is even more beautiful with him in it.


3.  Mrs Claus' Kimono- Drive By Truckers: This is one of those fun non traditional  songs that has a slightly irreverent playful vibe. Then again this is Drive By Truckers what do you expect? I totally love it!  Rudolph's bitter side- who knew he was such a vindictive little creature! Santa had better keep his watchful eye on his lady because someone else has their eye on her too!


4.  Boots- The Killers: Since Christmas harks not only the bells but also the spirit of good cheer, the dance rock group from Las Vegas are giving back with their annual Christmas single for charity this year proceeds going to (RED) the organization that fights HIV/AIDS in Africa- you remember them, right?
So check it out on iTunes and do your part this season since we all know it is better to give than to receive!  The song is pretty good too - very nostalgic- better than their previous Christmas releases.

5.  Christmas Wrapping- Summer Camp: Christmas is sometimes a lonely holiday if you're alone- and not by choice. This song sings about just that. It's not about the vocals- but the music is pretty cool. What do you think of this twee-pop cover?


6.  Christmas Makes Me Blue- Simone White:  This video  surprised me when I first saw it- Simone moves stiffly like a crazy nutcracker who suddenly realized her friends were back dancing the sugarplum, however a minute into the video it's resolved and I even found myself laughing for the right reasons. Also, her vocals absolutely make up for what the video lacks- charm.  The video displays her artistic vision although while a bit quirky- I really do like it.


7.  Little Drummer Boy- Jack Black/ Jason Segal: This is just what you think it is- Hilarious! The music is original, but the little intro skit is funny in typical Jack Black fashion.  His toon caricature in the video really captures his over the top gestures- like the one eyebrow cock he does- If your a fan you'll laugh- if not- enjoy the music anyway.

8.  Winter Song-  Sara Bareilles / Ingrid Michaelson: This is a beautiful song sang wonderfully by two indie power goddesses. Their voices blend smoothly and harmonize seamlessly into perfection.


9.  Oh Holy Night- He Is We:  A song that has always been one of my favorite Christmas carols since I was a child and have heard performed thousands of times while enjoying most of them- this is no exception. What really is to be noted in this version is the  remix of other  popular Christmas songs that make brief appearances in the background. I thought it added welcomed contemporary face lift to a cherished classic.


10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/ We Three Kings - Barenaked Ladies: Yes It made the list, it had to! I have to listen to this version every year- it makes me happy and want to get up and dance. ( Pause while you visualize...)This may come as a shock but I adored the vocal cameo made my Miss Sarah McLachlan- An unusual pairing it may be but it certainly worked out and although Barenaked Ladies are no longer a band It's good to know they left us this (among others) to remember them by during the holiday season.  Cheers!




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Are Kings Of Leon too "indie" for Glee?

I don't know about you guys but GLEE on Fox is one of my guilty pleasures. I know some who dub it the "gayest show on TV" and well, if they are entitled to their personal opinions then so is Caleb Followill front man of Kings Of Leon.

Love it or hate it, no one can deny that Glee fever is on the rise, and "Gleeks",  the die hard fans of the show, are the driving force behind the hype. This could be a contributing factor with the bands decision to decline having their music played on the hit show.  Caleb says he's never seen the show, but with everyone from Madonna to Gwyneth Paltrow making appearances- even Journey has been resurrected from their 70's time warp and embraced by a new generation- have done nothing but bolster (if even temporarily) their fame. 

Would Glee's interpretation of their songs like, Use Somebody or Sex on Fire hurt or help their discerning reputation?  Ultimately it doesn't matter-- the Fox hit will continue to do well and the brothers once hailed "the southern Strokes" will accept that they are now certified rock gods with their latest album Come Around Sundown topping the charts. The fear of selling out should be a worry no longer valid to the  guys of Kings of Leon.  Seriously, if Glee is wanting to use your music, how indie are you really? 

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Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Hawk

I love surprises... if it's the genuine article. Trumped up nuances with fake facades not so much, (why so many mainstream artist SUCK!) but when you stumble upon something you didn't expect to like yet do - surprise! I have one such surprise to tell you about: Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan.

Independently the two found success in their own right, Isobel formerly of the indie pop band Belle and Sebastian and Mark former lead vocalist of the grungy Screaming Trees, together make up my new favorite male/female duo. (applause!)

The title track Hawk, has no vocals but it's nothing  short of  a good time. The beginning starts off like a party song blaring onto Bourbon Street at Mardi Gras -  festive and bluesy, seamlessly it switches up with thick guitar licks that bring the sultry rock vibe and ends again with a raucous blues flavor. Close your eyes- this song will take you places!

You Wont Let Me Down Again is a cool rock  song with Mark's course, rugged vocals and the subtle effective languid undertones of Isobel make this one of my favorites on the album. 

Come Undone has a  70's retro vibe and once you hear it you will want to hear it again and again.  Mark has a deep gravel voice that is reminiscent of Johnny Cash and Isobel's could be compared to Nancy Sinatra.  The contrast of their voices make this song a gratifying experience to the listener. 

Another personal favorite is Sunrise - A beautifully intimate song sung only by Isobel. At times it takes on a whispering tone, her voice barely audible, sounds like she is whispering right into your ear. Hauntingly beautiful ,the song has a vulnerability that gives this song added depth and wraps around you like a fragile hug.

We Die and See Beauty Reign- An understated song showcasing the aesthetic blend of their voices- its poetry set to music. The lyrics read " We die and see beauty reign/ and on and on/ the final trace shall know its place, and so he reigns.." It certainly will appeal to artsy folk among us - it's a beautiful song , but I'm not sure why she picked it to be first on the album- seems like one you would put on the end. Then I heard Lately- the last song on Hawk- and my personal feeling is that she should have just let it fall right off the list all together- Lanegan's deep voice over powers the song and  the gospel singers  that lend their talent for back up make an odd pairing. The song never feels cohesive - not my favorite. 

Instead, they should have let it end with Eyes of Green- a fun light hearted Irish folk song- well it sounds like it could be, get our your green Darby hat for this one- your going to want to dance! Please excuse the tired stereotype, but the song made me do it! "Have you ever seen a river/ bursting at the seems with life?... Have you ever seen my true love/ the one that makes my heart strings sing?" Love those lyrics.

Overall, this third album by the pair is a respectable one that offers diversity in style and sound. From Americana to blues, rock to folk, this collaboration is a musical wild card that has a little something for everyone.  Get It now here.

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