Status Update: Listening

I'm currently listening to Weathervanes by The Freelance Whales (@freelancewhales). Their album release party at Pianos (@pianosnyc) was a huge success *sold.out* and the entire album is awesome *freakin.freakin.wicked*. If you are in NYC go to their next show to buy Weathervanes and if you live outside NY buy it on iTunes (coming soon).

It will inspire you.

Track Two: Hannah

Total Eclipse of the Heart

There is something about the song Total Eclipse of the Heart that gives me such a good feeling. Maybe it's my love for classic 80's songs. Or, perhaps it's the fun memories of dancing to the Nikki French version back in H.S. But, every time I listen to Total Eclipse of the Heart I feel like everything is right in the world.

This week, that all changed.

Somehow, after all these years I had never seen the original music video. It's a crazy video. Like funny/weird/drug crazy. And, the latest online video craze hitting the social media avenues is the Literal Video Version of Total Eclipse of the Heart. Good luck.



Q. Is this really the video for Bonnie Tyler's hit? Can this be real?
A. Amazingly. Yes.

Just when I thought I had seen it all and it couldn't get weirder, it was just half way over. Around 3:28, it really started to freak me out. Seriously, I get chills just thinking about those eyes! Is that what happens when you stare into an eclipse? You know you can see an eclipse by looking into a pot of water and seeing the reflection of the sun/moon convergence. It's a whole lot better than having your eyes burned by a solar laser.

And, in the spirit of sharing, here's the Spanish version: Eclipse Total del Amor.

NYC update

During the last couple of weeks I've seen so many subway readers reading Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama. This is clearly the most popular book being read right now. Personally, I enjoyed reading The Audacity of Hope a bit more but perhaps it was because I was much more interested in his current philosophy of politics and world issues as opposed to his thoughts during childhood.

Both books are very good reads and it's super cool that Barack Obama narrates both audio versions. You can download these books on audible.com. Currently Audible is offering a trial membership. Learn about it at audible.com/subway.


During my walk from the subway, I noticed a sign that said "Coup de Coeur". From my travels I knew that Coeur meant heart in French. Coup literally means blow - but in this reference it means something special that strikes your heart. If you have a passion for shopping you may consider a tour with Amanda and Lucia. And if you want to learn more about their tips, check out the Coup de Coeur blog.


I recently learned that some of my friends from California have started a weekly podcast with their dj house mixes. Check it out at the HAWTCAST and download them all. ...some like it HAWT...

monday, monday

It's a brand new day for female athletes and a new era in baseball. Eri Yoshida, 16, has been drafted to play for a pro baseball team in Japan. She is the first woman in Japan to join a men's professional baseball team. Yoshida will pitch for the Kobe 9 Cruise, she throws a side-arm knuckleball.



Last night we saw Boz Scaggs at Blue Note. It was an amazing performance. Here is my favorite song called Harbor Lights.

Blue Note is an awesome venue and always has a great lineup. If you enjoy music, you should definitely check it out.

Anyone who knows me well would say that I'm an advertising nut. Whether it's a beautiful print ad, savvy web banner, intense movie trailer, or exciting commercial - I'm all over it. Rachel brought this commercial to my attention and it's so clever, I love it.

Cold Saturday. Music Saturday.

It's a cold, cold morning. Current temperature: 45°F - Feels Like 39°F. Walking Masha earlier there was a bitter chill in the wind. We didn't walk through the park across the street as usual. Just up and down the block since steaming coffee and a warm bed was awaiting our return.

The leaves are starting to change. What a beautiful view.

Remember The Sugar Oaks? It's been a few months since we had an update from them. Eric wrote this brief blog post about his new song "Curling To Break"

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"Krafty recorded this song at Houndslake and Westdale studios a few days before I moved to New York. The rhythm and beautifully deep bass tone came from a circa-1970s Wurlitzer Funmaker that belongs to Brett Walsh; you play the bass pedals with your foot. The rhythm was on the "Latin" setting; however, I took the downbeat to be halfway through the pattern, effectively turning the beat upside down. I was going for a sort of snowy, Siberian sniper vibe: but the choruses seem to have come out as pure 3 a.m. Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater, Gulf of Mexico undertow regardless.

This is just one song from a series of sessions in which we recorded the bulk of a new LP, tentatively titled "The Sugar Oaks Forfeit". If that strikes you as odd, then you probably don't know us personally."
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Listen:

Cat Power has covered the Bowie hit “Space Oddity” for a new Lincoln commercial. Apparently it was recorded as a :30 clip for Lincoln and sadly not as a full length song.

Watch:



Found out my neighbor Derek plays in a band called Aquavibe. Check out their music, they have a super cool Hip Hop sound. They are playing tonight in Staten Island. I have to miss it due to the Tampa Bay Rays game. Have to stay in and cheer for my guys: Longoria, Upton, Crawford, and Peña. I feel a win brewing tonight for my Rays in Florida tonight!

Winter is right around the corner and The Hotel Cafe presents: Winter Songs a collection of songs performed by 14 female singers. Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Fiona Apple, Priscilla Ahn, and Meiko just to name a few. Here's a couple samples of what you can expect.

Watch:



Listen:

Music Social Networking

If you are an avid user of iLike or Imeem and love learning about new artists on these sites, today's your lucky day. You can now check out The Sugar Oaks, listen to their killer songs, and add them as friends. If you've never explored these sites, now is your chance! Hear new music, find out about concerts and share playlists.





Have fun!

Cheers to a fabulous 2008

Happy New Year. This month is flying by faster than a speeding train (a European train not the turtle US trains over here).

So what happened to my penguin reference you ask? Don't worry, I still love my little penguins. Check out these awesome pictures. Thought I should give me fun blog a new vibe in honor of the new year. New start, new look, new year.

Recently Eric Hayden (from The Sugar Oaks) played a solo show at Backbooth in Orlando. Here's a short video from one of his songs. It's beautiful.
Thanks to Jason Dunn who taped the clip.

Eric's been playing solo shows more frequently this year. He played The Globe last night and has another solo show at Backbooth on 2/15. Be sure to go to the show!

In other music news, I just listened to Pharoahe Monch's latest CD Desire. It's super. I saw him in 2005 opening for Mos Def and Talib Kweli with Clea at HOB in Anaheim at The Breed Love Odyssey Tour. That show had too many hightlights to list. You'll just have to believe me when I say it was life-changing. Anyway, check out the new CD. Which song to hear first? When The Gun Draws (track 7) Would the new method of murda be arson or fire bombs / If the cost of a single bullet was more than a firearm.

Currently reading:
The Ideas That Conquered the World by: Michael Mandelbaum

it's about time

I know I'm not the last person to create a profile on last.fm. I mean they only have 20 million active members! When is the rest of the planet going to wake up? What do you gotta play so that 5 billion+ folks jump out of bed and start clicking on this wicked site? lol.

I think it "works" because you can search for anything. Seriously anything. And, start a cross platform collection accessible anywhere. Plus, hear what your friends are listening to, get concert info, and see recommendations. I know this sounds ridiculous to people with "Tracks played: 8,537" - but come on. Better late than never, right? I mean, I can't see every movie, go to every show, read every magazine, launch my career, be an attentive girlfriend AND know about every groundbreaking music site? Right? ;)

Today's ARTICLE OF THE DAY appeared on wired.com. How to soundproof your apartment. I know you are probably wondering, but I don't own a drum set? What is she talking about? Trust me, sometimes you just need some soundproofing tips...

I spent a lovely weekend flying my new seahorse kite at North Beach in Clearwater. Went to Summer Jam 3 at Crowbar on Saturday and saw The Sugar Oaks with Baron Von Bear and VoxTrot at BackBooth last night. Let's just say I needed to chill with some excellent music today at work after such a busy weekend!

Enjoy the new tunes! :)