Category: Music

Posted in Entertainment, Music, Pop Culture

HANSON DAY 2013

Posted on by momentswithmisty

Guess what I did last weekend?

Went to Tulsa with Tara! (Click here to see Tara’s blog.)

Why did Tara and I go to Tulsa last weekend, you ask?

IT WAS HANSON WEEKEND!

That’s right. Contrary to what everyone (and when I say everyone, I mean a lot of people) I’ve told this story to thinks, those Hanson boys are still around and making music. Good music. And they have a lot of crazy, cool, dedicated fans. And every year in their native land of Tulsa, Oklahoma (where the wind comes sweeping down the plains) they celebrate what is known as Hanson Day (May 6th, for those wondering)! Where they host lots of special events for their adoring public, all culminating with a special concert on Sunday.

This is the first year Tara and I have attended, but probably won’t be the last. Along with actually getting to see Hanson, we did a lot of other fun things. We ate a lot of food; fled from the snow in Springfield; spent a lot of money (okay, I spent a lot of money). We went to the Tulsa Zoo; interacted with the youngest Hanson brother (also known as Mac); got to be apart of the new Hanson EP (everyone be sure to listen for my lovely singing voice). We stared at some pretty chocolate; bought the pretty chocolate and then were unable to eat them because of their beauty (one week later and I have only eaten one). Oh yeah, we also saw Iron Man 3.

It was off the chain (okay, ignore that lame phrase of excitement). Here are a couple pictures (because, I mean, there was so much excitement..and then there was that sign.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Music, Pop Culture

People throw rocks at things that shine

Posted on by momentswithmisty

When you’re a big time celebrity people will hate on you for just about anything.  No matter what you do, you can never make people happy.

She’s too fat/she’s too skinny.

Her voice isn’t good enough/her voice is so good that it must be auto-tuned (which first off, is wrong, auto-tune isn’t what you use to make your voice better).

They never change their style of music, it all sounds the same/they’ve changed too much, they’re not the artist I liked.

She’s too pretty, must be photoshopped/gross, she’s so ugly.

Why does she always act so surprised win she wins/wow, she’s so ungrateful.

There’s just no way to win.

I’ve been hearing a lot of hate recently about Taylor Swift. Now, if you know me, you know that I basically put that girl on a pedestal. It’s not that I think she’s perfect or anything, it’s just that I adore her (I’m also fairly certain we are the same person). And I have a really hard time just standing idly by while people mock her. I probably have harder time dealing with haters than she does, but I mean, I’m not the one who’s cashing their million-dollar paychecks every week.

Now that you know I adore Taylor, you can probably guess that I am excited about her new album, RED, dropping in just a couple weeks. Like for real, I am so excited. And even though I hate it when artists release “lead-up” songs, I can’t deny that I eagerly search the internet every Monday at 9 pm (after the song releases on itunes East Coast time) to hear her new songs. I love them all. I loved “Begin Again,” and I loved “Red” and I even love this new, strange sounding song “I Knew You Were Trouble.” (yeah, the song title has a period in it). Truth be told, I will probably love every single song she releases from now until she decides she no longer wants to write songs.

But, I’ve been hearing some negative feedback. And I just get so frustrated with people. Why can’t you just LEAVE TAYLOR ALONE (yeah, that was me mocking that B-Spears video from years back). I know that Taylor doesn’t need anybody to come to her defense, but I’m going to anyway.

People are mad that she’s not country anymore. Okay, I can kind of understand this if you are a strictly country fan. If you must have your banjos and fiddles to be happy. I can understand being upset that not all of her new songs incorporate these instruments, but that is no reason to be mad at her. So she likes pop music now, big deal. When she started out she was 16-years-old, and now she’s almost 23, a lot of things can change in that time. That’s not a bad thing. She’s always been a little bit country-pop anyway (a lot contemporary country artists are these days). And honestly, I don’t think she will ever leave her country roots altogether. It’s not time to panic quite yet, country radio. We have yet to hear the whole album, and I’d be willing to bet my favorite turtle earrings that there are one or two country tracks on there. 

Another complaint I keep seeing is “she’s just changed too much.” Um, wait a second. All I ever read before was how people were tired of her because she never changed. How she was always the same, predictable and not exciting to listen to anymore. What do you want from the girl? You’re not happy when she changes, but you’re not happy when she does either? Now, that’s not really fair, is it? People have abandon artists that don’t change. The music industry abandons them and so their “fans.” In order to stay relevant she couldn’t just stay stagnant.

“Taylor Swift is not relatable anymore. All she ever sings about are her celebrity boyfriends,” –actual quote I overheard at Ralph’s yesterday. All Taylor Swift has ever sang about are her boyfriends, and now they just happen to be celebrities. She just sings about her life, it’s your probably for not being able to just listen to it without having to try to place a face to song. I relate just as well to “Enchanted” (a song written for Adam Young of Owl City) as I did to “Teardrops on my Guitar” (a songs written about a random boy named Drew) back in the day. I don’t think that’s her problem, I think it’s the fans and media’s problem with always being obsessed with who she is dating/has dated.

Okay, that’s it. I’m done with my little defensive rant. I just get so mad that people always seem to be trying to knock her down. I mean, why shouldn’t we be more endorsing of her? She’s a way better role model than Rihanna. Her songs are way better (you don’t ever hear Taylor Swift singing that “chains and whips excite” her). She’s actually wears clothing during her shows and performances (as opposed to coming out in some form of lingerie). And she’s just an all around kind person (when was that last time you heard about Rihanna giving $50,000 to a school for the deaf after a prank got out of hand? Taylor did.)  I just think there are already so many bad influences out in the world that maybe we should celebrate one of the better influences of this generation. Just an idea.

To have soooo many haters out there, she still seems to be doing alright in the world. I mean, her songs and albums still break records. And people still go to her shows. And read/watch her interviews. I guess it’s true that people throw rocks at things that shine.

Posted in Entertainment, Music

I’ll pick you up when you’re getting down. And out of all these things I’ve done, I think I love you better now.

Posted on by momentswithmisty

Why does everyone want to see Ed Sheeran? Okay, that’s a dumb question. Obviously everyone wants to see him because he’s the bomb. Really, I’m just angry that every single one of his shows always sells out before I get tickets.

If you don’t already know who this guy is, look him up. He’s 21-years-old and already he’s probably the greatest songwriter to come out of England since the McCartney/Lennon days. No joke. If all you know of him is his performance of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” from the Olympic Closing Ceremonies, you are so behind. He is literally the entire musical package. He’s a typical singer/songwriter…who also raps. Seriously.  And if that wasn’t enough of a shocker, he’s also ginger. I didn’t even know gingers had the ability to rap.

Over the past few years he’s self-released a lot of EPs and a a couple full albums, but in 2011 he was finally picked up by Atlantic Records (a sub-division of Warner Music Group). And that led to the release of his “debut” album, +.  It’s the best album I’ve ever heard. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s probably one of the most diverse albums I’ve ever heard (and it’s definitely in the top 10 best albums ever). I cannot stop listening to it (and neither can Elton John, so that gives it some heavy credibility right there). He sings like an angel. It’s amazing lyrically and has so many different sounds to it. It’s kind of hard to believe that it all came from the brain of one 21-year-old guy. You have acoustic driven tracks, and hip-hop, and pop.

Ed Sheeran is pretty much poised to take over the world. This month he will be featured on the album Red. You know, the upcoming new album from that little, blond country girl. Taylor Swift? Maybe you’ve heard of her. That album is a guaranteed smash. And as if that wasn’t enough, he’s also got a couple songs coming out in November on the album Take Me Home. It’s by another band you might have heard of…One Direction [like them or not, you can’t deny that their popularity (or their catchy songs for that matter), and the fact that their new album is bound to break some records]. He’s got songs on the two most anticipated albums of the year. Not bad for a rookie, huh?

Get familiar with him. You’ll be glad you did. Also, if you’re in any way, shape, or form a Harry Potter fan, go watch his video for “Lego House”. Or if you’re into funny things, go watch it. Or if you like things that are cute, go watch it. Basically I’m telling you that you should watch this video, because really, who doesn’t love Harry Potter and/or funny/cute things?

Is that you Ron Weasley? No, it’s Ed Sheeran.

Listen to the album + here. (Quick fact: my favorite song is “Grade 8″!)

Posted in Everyday Happenings, Music, Pop Culture

Day 29: You think you know, but you have no idea (what do you think people misunderstand most about you)

Posted on by momentswithmisty

“This is the diary of Misty Clay…”

(For those of you who don’t get it, that’s from the old MTV show The Diary of… Below you will find The Diary of…Britney Spears, which happens to be one of my favorites.)

Misconception #1: that I’m stuck up or snobbish. Neither of those things are true, but I think I can sometimes come across that way because when I don’t know someone very well, I tend to be really quiet while I try to gage their personality. And usually people assume that means I think I’m better than them. Wrong.

Misconception #2: that I am unintelligent. I think this stems from the same problem, I’m just quiet. I don’t always feel the need to open my mouth during group conversations, and therefore people think I’m not very smart. Wrong. I think here in LA it also comes from the fact that I grew up in Missouri, and most of the people I’ve encountered seem to think that people from the midwest are dumb hillbillies. Wrong.

Misconception #3: that I am shy. This is not true. Any of my friends can confirm this for you. Being shy is different than being quiet. Shy people get nervous in unfamiliar situations, or when they’re with strangers. I’m don’t get nervous, I’m just observing. Or waiting until I’ve crafted the perfect words to say. I’m not shy, I just only speak when I have things to say, unlike most people who talk just for the sake of talking.

Misconception #4: because I’m a girl who likes to bake and wear dresses that I don’t know anything about sports. Wrong. It would also be wrong to assume that I’m not a teeny bit of a geek.M

Posted in Entertainment, Music, Pop Culture

As long as there’ll be music, we’ll be comin’ back again.

Posted on by momentswithmisty

BOY BANDS ARE BACK!

Did you hear me?!

They.are.back!

It’s like I can hear the Heavens singing. I have been waiting for this day…well, since they left. They never really left me, though. I have always been a boy band fan. At any time on any given day you will hear them playing in my car, and from my laptop/phone. There is just something about them that makes me love them. Their characteristic good looks and charm, their non-threatening personas, and of course those uber sweet and fun songs.

My love affair with boy bands began at a young age. My first musical love in life was Hanson (don’t judge), but if you really want to get technical, I guess it began with The Beatles. The Beatles were/are my dad’s favorite group, so when I was little they were mine. But the first group that I really remember being devoted to was Hanson. That devotion never really faded. I still love them just as much, if not more than I did back in the day. I’m always going to be slightly bitter that they all married other girls, but whatever (Seriously, they may have looked like girls wen they were younger, but look at the handsome men they became). Now it’s one of those deep loves, you know like that one quote I see every where “….love is like a flame…blah, blah, blah…grows deep as embers…” (something like that). Now I truly appreciate their music. There will never be another Hanson in my life.

Then there was the wave of boy bands in the mid to late 90s. I loved them all. I mean, back then you had to choose a team, you COULD NOT like both Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, so I was Team *NSYNC (though I secretly loved BSB, too). I was fairly convinced that I was going to marry Justin Timberlake (I was overlooking the strange 8 year age difference, I would still marry him if he’d get rid of Jessica Biel). I was crazy obsessed with them. Anyone who knew me back in the day can attest to this. I owned every single thing they made; posters covered my walls; I had a t-shirt for every day in the month. It.was.bad. (I may o may not still break out in to dance every time “Bye Bye Bye” comes on.) Luckily I got to see them in concert once (PopOddessy Tour. Arrowhead Stadium. July 10, 2001) before they disbanded. And, let me just be honest here, there is no limit on the amount of money I would pay to see them again if they were to ever go on a reunion tour. I would sell one of my kidneys, and perhaps a lung, too (that’s not a joke).

Then along came the Jonas Brothers. Once again, I was obsessed. I can distinctly remember when/how it started. It was my 18th birthday, and my mom had bought me (ironically enough) Hanson’s latest album, The Walk, but the Jonas Brothers had just released their self-titled album, Jonas Brothers (duh). Though I was, of course, pleased to get Hanson’s new album, I went out and brought the JoBros album. And then in February, Tara and I went and saw their When You Look Me In The Eyes tour. And the rest is sort of history. I was crazy obsessed. Like, one of those fangirls, only less annoying and potentially more scary for them because I was smart. I’ve seen them a total of three times (four if you count the time I saw Nick’s solo tour). Once even I drove all the way to Omaha, Nebraska to see them. I’m still a fan. I bought Nick and Joe’s solo albums (I liked Nick’s a lot more than Joe’s), and I am anxiously awaiting all the new music they’ve been working on. Oh, and I still stalk their whereabouts pretty much daily. (Unfortunately every time I come to California they go to NYC. And now that I moved here, they all live in NYC. I’m still pretty bitter about that.) I’m still not totally convinced I won’t marry one of them (obviously Joe or Nick, because Kevin is already married, and Frankie is too young).

And now there is a new way of boy bands. One Direction. Big Time Rush. The Wanted. (There are probably others that I’m forgetting.) I’ve always kind of loved Big Time Rush. I liked to watch their show when I was home. It was silly and fun. Their music is classic boy band, and they all happen to have the boy band look. Handsome and clean cut. I’m actually currently campaning to work on their up coming summer tour (so if you happen to know anyone who works for Columbia Records, hit me up), because I think it would be fun. Four crazy guys who have to entertain 13-year-olds for 1.5 hours? Tell me that doesn’t sound like fun. I only vaguely know The Wanted. I’ve heard their one song “Glad You Came,” but that’s about as far a I go in knowledge of them. I wouldn’t be able to pick them out in a police line up.

Then there is One Direction. I hated them for so long. I remember reading about them months ago. Months before they blew up over here. And I hated them. I had never actually heard any of their songs, but I hated their public personas. They are dirty, inappropriate and I was just not a fan. I’m still not sure that I am a fan. But, I did buy their album. Because I couldn’t resist. As I have just laid out my musical history with boy bands, you can see that it is embedded in my DNA to love them. And as much as I want to hate One Direction, their music is classic boy band. It’s fun, incredibly catchy and sweet. I just want to make it clear that I do not like them, I just like their music (which was not written by them).

MTV has created a competition that was made for me. Battle of the Boy Bands. Voting began yesterday on this bracket (which as far I’m concerned trumps the March Madness bracket by a landslide).

The starting 32 boy bands.

I decided to take some time and give you my picks. Below you will find two separate brackets. The first one is what I anticipate happening, And the second one is what I want to happen.

This what I predict will happen.

Now, as I just explained before, I do not love One Direction…but a lot of girls do. A lot of the demographic that is actually going to vote in the contest love them. A huge part of their rise to fame was the internet. They wouldn’t be as huge as they are now if it wasn’t for tumblr, twitter, blogs and youtube. So I think that their little fans will probably run this competition. Which is sad. There is no way they deserve to beat Backstreet Boys, but such is life. You also may be a bit annoyed with some of my other picks, but I’m just trying to take into account who I think the voters will pick.

Most of the voters will identify with Big Time Rush, but they’ll have no idea who Boys II Men is. It’s kind of the same way throughout some of the other ocntests. You have to look at the voting demographic. Young girls who are crazy obsessed (like I was not so long ago) are going to spend hours on their computers voting, and their friends are all going to vote. Now, Boys II Men may in fact be the better boy band, but how many Boys II Men fans are getting on mtv.com everyday? How many times will Boys II Men tweet a link to this site and campaigning for the win, because I can guarantee the Big Time Rush will. And how many Boys II Men fans have hours upon hours to just sit and vote..? Exactly.

Backstreet Boys are still around making music, and they have a pretty heavy web presence, plus their core fans are my age (and very dedicated), and know how to use a computer and are on it pretty frequently. If anybody has a shot at taking on One Direction and their crazy fans, it’s BSB. They might have a decent shot because once all of my generations other favorites get eliminated we will rally behind them. *NSYNC is a classic, when most people think boy band, they are probably what they think of, so they might have more of a fighting chance than I’m giving them credit for. (Wouldn’t it be great if it came down to BSB vs. *NSYNC? That would be the classic battle.) And I refuse to pick a winner out of the Jonas Brothers/Hanson round. I just won’t do it.

This is what I want to happen.

I can’t choose! I want them all to win!

That east division is just killing me. As you will notice, three of my all-time favorite bands have to face off, and if I could have my way I would want them all to win (though I don’t really consider Hanson or the JoBros as classic boy bands, but I guess they can fit in this time). You will also notice that I kept Big Time Rush ahead of Boys II Men after defending them before, but personally I was just not a big Boys II Men fan. I know that they were successful and well-loved, just not by me. I don’t really have an opinion on The Wanted, but I love The Monkees, so they win that round. Another surprising choice is New Kids on the Block over The Beatles. In my head, I just don’t categorize The Beatles as a boy band. They have more credibility than that. I mean, is Guns N’ Roses a boy band just because it’s a band made up of boys? No! So I don’t see how The Beatles fell into this catagory. I mean, if you’re going to throw them in, then where are The Beach Boys, huh? And you will also notice that I have One Direction going to the final four, but did you look at their competition? They were seriously given the easier division. I mean, B2K? They were barely a boy band. They had one song…and then I’m pretty sure they disbanded. And “Bump Bump Bump,” was hardly an innocent, boy band style song. And, don’t get me wrong, I love BSB and New Kids on the Block, so therefor I love NKOTBSB and I was obsessed with their song “Don’t Turn Off The Lights,” but it seems a little bit unfair to give both bands two bids in this competition.

So, if I had my way the title would be split four ways. However, if I absolutely HAD to choose….

Hanson would get my vote for best overall band…but I think I’d have to give the title of best boy band to *NSYNC. They are pretty much the epitome of the entire genre.

Let me know what you guys think. Do you love boy bands? Are you glad they’re back? Who do you think will win? Who do yo want to win? Was your favorite boy band left out? Tell me what you’re thinking, I’m always up for a good boy band discussion.

And be sure to vote here.

Posted in Entertainment, Music, Pop Culture, Uncategorized

I’d paint you a picture, write you a song, and I’d do it all over if I did it all wrong.

Posted on by momentswithmisty

My current obsession: Hunter Hayes. I bought his album on a whim last October when it released and I have always loved it, but every once in a while, it becomes this album that I can’t stop listening to, and that time is now. I sort of love blasting it from my car while I’m stuck in traffic on Sunset Blvd. (People in LA just don’t appreciate country music.)

How ridiculously talented is this kid? He wrote or co-wrote all 12 songs on his album, he co-produced it…and on top of that, he played every single instrument on the album, that’s 30 + instruments.  What that heck? Who does that??  It’s crazy. I got to see him this past fall (briefly), when he opened for Taylor Swift’s Speak Now World Tour stop in St. Louis, and he was so engaging and entertaining. He is just fantastic.

He is a country artist. Like real country.  It’s even borderline that I would like him because he is country country. He’s got some blues influences, and because he’s young he’s got somewhat of a newer country-pop sound too, but there overall feel of his music is straight up country. He’s probably about as country as I’ll get. His songs are, for the most part, sweet. The kid is only 20-years-old, but his songs are not bubblegum, and they’re not silly and superficial. They are written with artistry well beyond his years. His lyrics are clever, innocent and real. They are also age appropriate. There’s nothing in there that I wouldn’t listen to with any of my nieces.

Plus, he is freaking doll. Blond hair, blue eyes, baby face. He’s cute as a button. He has all the makings of a superstar. Charisma, real talent and good looks, he’s going to be huge. He’s going to be sleeper success; no one is going to even see it coming.

Seriously, he's a doll.

This kid has more talent in his pinky finger then most people in the music industry, and yet, he’s remained relatively unknown. Sure, he’s fairly popular in the country music world (as I like to say, he’s the Justin Bieber of country music), but he’s not like a huge commercial success. Which is sad. When people like Nicki Minaj are huge, and people like Hunter are not, there is something seriously wrong. Regardless of whether you like country music or not, you at least have to see how this that’s a problem. When someone who writes, produces, and plays every instrument invented is relatively unknown, and someone who can’t sing, write or even dress herself is vastly popular, there is a problem in the industry.

Listen to Hunter’s debut album here. And if you really love it (which if you like country music, you should) go buy it on iTunes, or if you’re like me, and you like have hard copies of things go pick it up at Target, or BestBuy, or Wal*Mart, anywhere, just go buy it. Check out his website: www.hunterhayes.com and you can follow Hunter on twitter at @HunterHayes.

Posted in Everyday Happenings, Music, Playlists

Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs

Posted on by momentswithmisty

As a general rule, I hate Valentine’s Day. Not because I hate love, I actually love love (when it’s really love—but that’s a whole different story). What I don’t love is the fact that people seem to think that they must designate a specific day to show their loved ones that the love them. Why can’t we do that everyday? If you love your someone why not just do special things for them everyday? I think that would make it a lot more special than doing it on Valentine’s Day when it’s so cliché.

Another thing I don’t love about Valentine’s Day is that people seem to feel the need to always be talking about it. “Do you have a valentine?” “What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?” “My boyfriend and I are *insert cheesy plans*. “ And people are overly affectionate, and it makes me want to throw up. I mean, maybe someday when I’m in some kind of relationship I won’t be so bitter at these things, but right now, they annoy me to no end. Like really? If you’re date is sooooo special, why not keep it special between you and your boy/girlfriend? And I don’t really have anything against basic PDA; I think it can be fine. Hug, hold hands, whatever. But I do not need to see you guys all over each other. Keep that to yourselves.

But, you know what I love about Valentine’s Day? Love songs. There are so many great love songs out there. And the best thing about love songs is that they can be fast, or they can be slow; they can be serious, or the can be light-hearted; they can be passionate, or they can sweet. There is an endless pool of how a love song can unfold. Also, love songs are so subjective. You may be attracted to one particular song because of a memory that’s tied to it, or you may be attracted to a love song because of the emotional state you’re in. Or at least that’s how it is for me. My list of favorite love songs is always changing. And I love that. So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, here is my list of my favorite love songs (at this time, remember, subjective).

Happy (late) Valentine’s Day! I love you (you all know who you are).

1. Can’t Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley Elvis 30 #1 Hits

“Like a river flows so surely to the sea, Darling so it goes, some things are meant to be. So take my hand, take my whole life too. For I can’t help falling in love with you.”

2. If I Ain’t Got You — Alicia Keys The Diary of Alicia Keys

“Some people want diamond rings, some just want everything. But everything means nothing, if I ain’t got you.”

3. Cover Girl — Big Time Rush Elevate

“I don’t know why you always get so insecure. I wish you could see what I see when you’re looking in the mirror. And why won’t you believe me when I say, that to me you get more beautiful everyday.”

4. Deeper — Hanson Underneath

“Every simple notion is poetry in motion. Can’t you see it’s pushing me over the edge. This wrecking ball you’re holding, could crush the heart you’ve stolen. I give my devotion all over again.”

5. Just the Way You Are — Bruno Mars Doo-Wops and Hooligans

“You know, you know, you know I’d never ask you to change. If perfect’s what you’re searching for than just stay the same.”

6. When Did You Fall — Chris Rice Amusing

“You’re all smiles and silly conversations. As if this sunny day came just for you. You twist your hair, you smile and you turn your eyes away. Come on, tell me what’s right with you.”

7. Catch Me — Demi Lovato Here We Go Again

“But you’re so hypnotizing, you’ve got me laughing while I sing,
 you’ve got me smiling in my sleep. 
And I can see this unraveling, and your love is where I’m falling, 
but please don’t catch me.”

8. Makes Me Happy — Drake Bell It’s Only Time

“Hello, let’s go. Everybody must know love’s in my heart like a bomb. It’s blowing a song inside I’m singing. The sunshine that you’re bring now, and makes me happy.”

9. Wonderful Tonight — Eric Claption Cream of Clapton

“I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes. And the wonder of it all is that you just don’t realize how much I love you.”

10. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing — Aerosmith Devil’s Got a New Disguise

“Cause even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will never do. I’d still miss you babe, and I don’t want to miss a thing.”

11. God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You — *NSYNC *NSYNC

“Your love is like a river, peaceful and deep. Your soul is like a secret that I never could keep. When I look into your eyes, I know that it’s true, God must have spent a little more time on you.”

12. Faithfully — Journey Greatest Hits

“I’m yours forever, faithfully.”

13. Hello Beautiful — Jonas Brothers Jonas Brothers

“Cause I could go across the world, and see everything and never be satisfied. If I couldn’t see those eyes.”

14. Songbird (Originally Fleetwood Mac) – Naya Rivera Glee: The Music, Vol. 6

“And the songbirds are singing like they know the score. And I love you, I love you, I love you like never before.”

15. I’ll Be — Edwin McCain Misguided Roses

“Tell me that we belong together, dress it up with the trappings of love. I’ll be captivated, I’ll hang from your lips, instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above.”

16. Maybe I’m Amazed — Jem Music from The O.C. Mix, Vol. 2

“Maybe I’m amazed at the way you help me sing my song, and right me when I’m wrong. Maybe I’m amazed at the way I really need you.”

17. I Want to Hold Your Hand — The Beatles Number Ones

“Yeah you, got that something, I think you’ll understand. When I say that something, I wanna hold your hand.”

18. Kiss Me — Sixpence None The Richer Sixpence None the Richer

“Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight. Lead me out on the moonlit floor. Lift your open hand, strike up the band, and make the fireflies dance. Silvermoon’s sparkling, so kiss me.”

19. She Will Be Loved — Maroon 5 Songs About Jane

“Tap on my window, knock on my door, I want to make you feel beautiful.”

20. The Way You Make Me Feel — Michael Jackson Number Ones

“Just kiss me baby and tell me twice that you’re the one for me.”

21. As Long As You Love Me—Backstreet Boys Backstreet Boys

“I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you did as long as you love me.”

22. Truly Madly Deeply — Savage Garden Savage Garden

“I’ll be your dream, I’ll be your wish, I’ll be your fantasy. I’ll be your, I’ll be your love, be everything that you need.”

23. A Whole New World — Aladdin

“I’ll chase them anywhere, there’s time to spare. Let me share this whole new world with you.”

Listen to the playlist here.

Posted in Music, Pop Culture

And when melodies are gone, in You I hear a song

Posted on by momentswithmisty

I am so saddened by the passing of Whitney Houston. It shocks me just how sad I am about the whole thing, seeing as how I never got to meet her, let alone know her. It always amazes me how attached I get to celebrities (yeah, I’m aware that that makes me a little crazy).

I always think it’s so strange when we lose a icon. Like, who will take that person’s place? No one. No one can. Like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston was game-changer. She inspired vocalists (men and women) everywhere. She gave them a greatness to aspire to. Sure, there were strong female vocalists before her, but none quite as great as her. Think about all the great songs you know by female vocalists…do you have them in your head? Now, tell me that Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” isn’t on that list. It’s universally known and loved. People all over the world know that song. They’ve probably been known to randomly burst into that song (just like me, and probably you, too) at some point in their lives. Without Whitney, there is a strong possibility that a lot of the people I love today wouldn’t be around (they’d still be on the planet, I just wouldn’t know them…or love them). She inspired so many people with her magnificent voice. People will always talk, and say bad things, but no one can deny that she was gifted. She was such a major part of music history.

When I think about losing music industry legends, it always makes me wonder what kind of legacy my generation is leaving. I mean, the generations before us did a pretty bang-up job. Along with Miss Whitney they gave us The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Madonna, U2, Stevie Wonder…this list could literally go on forever; they gave us so many legendary people. Who will people remember from our generation? Who will people look back and say, “Wow! So-and-so really made an impact.” Who are the icons going to be? You have to remember that everyday we are making history. The things we experience today are the things that people will remember (or not remember…) years from now. What kind of musical legacy are we leaving? [People who read this—I’d like to hear who you think will be the “new” legends.]

I was brought up in a musical household (thanks Mom and Dad!), so I have very early memories tied to music (in fact most of my memories are tied to music). And it’s thanks to those days spent listening to oldies that I have such a deep-rooted love of music, and why music is such a big part of my life. I have an appreciation for the oldies. Not that I don’t listen to and enjoy today’s music, because I do, it’s just that they don’t quite make them like they used to. Every once in a while you find true talent, but mostly it’s manufactured and, in my opinion, it’s not quite as golden as it used to be. There was a golden age in music, and it began in the 60s and reached until probably about the mid-90s…and I just feel like everything after that has been sort of downhill. Don’t get me wrong, you have bright spots here and there (i.e. Adele, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, etc., you know who they are) but I feel mostly it’s been about the fame and the shock value, and not about the music. And that is truly sad.

Generation Y, we need to get our act together!

Posted in Entertainment, Music, Pop Culture

Maybe someday you will ask for me by name, just not today.

Posted on by momentswithmisty

Tyler Hilton (some of you may know him as Chris Keller from One Tree Hill) was playing a show at Los Angeles’ The Hotel Café, and I was excited to go. You see, usually all the random people that I like end up playing these small venues in places like LA or NYC, and I never got to go because I was in Missouri (and nobody plays cool little shows there). But that’s all changed! Now I can go to my cool little indie shows and be happy.

Tyler was awesome. He sounded awesome, and he definitely looked awesome. Through all the technical difficulties, Tyler stayed smooth. In true performer fashion, he just went with it. He really enjoys music and enjoys playing live for people, and that’s really evident in his performance. And I think that’s something that the industry is missing. Nowadays, people are only in for the fame, or fortune. There aren’t that many artists out there who are in it just for the joy of music.

Tyler Hilton, last song of the night- "Loaded Gun." Be sure to check out his new album out in April!

Also, last night I had my first celebrity encounter. It was great and awful all at the same time.

Here’s how it happened: I was walking down the sidewalk on my way to The Hotel Café (after it took me like 30 minutes to find it and park), and this cab is stopped on the side of the road. As I walk by none other than Chelsea Kane and Stephen Colletti get out onto the sidewalk next to me. WHAT!?

I remember Chelsea from my Jonas Brother days (when she was known as Chelsea Staub). She played Stella Malone on their short-lived Disney Channel show JONAS. (It was totally normal to hear anyone in my family randomly shout STELLLLLLA, at any mention of the Jonas Brothers during this time.) And I was also Team Chelsea when she was Mark Ballas’ partner on Dancing with the Stars. It’s the only time I’ve ever watched, or cared, about that show. (Side note: I still think she got robbed. She was clearly the best dancer. It just goes to show that even when you’re a famous celebrity, winning is still not based on skill, but a on popularity. I mean seriously, I love Kirstie Alley, but Chelsea was definitely better than her.) And now, of course she has also joined the cast of my beloved One Tree Hill as the evil Tara.

And Stephen I’ve always known as Chase Adams, bartender extraordinaire, from One Tree Hill. Yes, I know he was on Laguna Beach, but I never watched that show, so I never had a pre-Tree Hill opinion about him. And as far as I’m concerned he is Chase Adams.

Anyways, they got out of the cab and were walking right in from of me. And then, I ended up in line right behind them (yes, they waited in line to get in just like everyone else – no special treatment). They and their friend were talking amongst themselves and I didn’t want to be rude and interrupt them, so I just kind of stood there, all awkwardly. Then Chase – eh, um, Stephen – walked off to check something…and that was my opportunity. I tapped Chelsea on the shoulder and asked her if I could get a picture. She was very gracious. I tried to take the first picture, but it turned out blurry, so we had someone else take the second one. She was super nice and totally adorable. Then Stephen came back, and once again they kind of kept to themselves (which I’m not saying as a bad thing, I’m just pointing out that it made it kind of hard for me to attempt to talk to them).

That's me and the very adorable Chelsea Kane.

The whole time I’m texting people (Kendall and my friend Sam mostly because I know they will appreciate the situation most, and they are awake…plus my mom, since she’s a huge One Tree Hill fan now) and trying to figure out a way to talk to Chase/Stephen without being rude. And then, by some stroke of luck, this other group walked up, like 4 or 5 people that they knew, and then they all became a bit more open. Chelsea and Stephen stepped back towards me a little and opened up a little more, and that was my chance! I told Stephen that I didn’t want to be rude, but that I was sort of a big One Tree Hill fan (awkward!), and I asked him if we could get a picture and he said absolutely! He was very nice about the whole thing. Chelsea took the picture for us and then that was that. They were both very nice, I think we were probably friends in a past life.

That'e me and Chase – eh – Stephen Colletti.

So that was the good part. There are three bad-ish parts to this story.

#1: Sophia Bush was there and I didn’t see her. I didn’t even know she was there until I got home and she had tweeted about the show and posted a photo. And, based on her picture, she had to be standing like 3 feet away from me. So that kind of sucks. I didn’t even know she was in LA. It would have been awesome to meet her! Plus, if she was there who knows who else could have been there…if James Lafferty was there and I ever find out I missed him, I will go throw myself off a bridge. No questions asked.

#2: I know that Bryan Greenberg is in town, and he’s like my favorite! Seriously, I adore this guy. He said he was in LA, and yet, he wasn’t at the show (as far as I know. But trust me, if he had been there, I would have known). I’m sure somewhere down the road he will  (hopefully) play some shows in LA and I’ll get to go, but I was just really hoping to see him play with Tyler last night. I was hoping for a recreation of Wonderwall (like last fall in NYC), but no such luck!

#3: It was one of those awkward fan encounters I never wanted to be! One night I sat for like 4 hours and watched Youtube videos of celebrity-fan encounters, and there seemed to be two extremes. The crazy fan-girl: sobbing, screaming, being pushy—no body likes that girl. And then there is the awkward fan, and that one is pretty self-explanatory, the fan is just super awkward – every one feels sorry for that girl. And I feel like that was me last night. I hope that it didn’t come across that way to them (it probably did), but I felt really awkward. I just don’t know how to function when I meet famous people (probably because I’m from Missouri and we don’t have famous people there). I never want to be rude to them or like, invade their privacy, but at the same time, I know that I would be so mad at myself when I got home if I didn’t say something. So there is the dilemma. I don’t want to be rude, but I also don’t want to hate myself either. Hopefully, with time I will to be a bit more comfortable and the awkwardness will be gone, but until then it looks like I have become my worst nightmare.

The awkward fan.

Posted in Entertainment, Music, Playlists

It started at a bus stop in the middle of nowhere…

Posted on by momentswithmisty

Quick, someone name that song.

Hanson is one of the greatest bands ever. Am I’m being serious about this. It’s not just like they are my favorite band (which, of course they are), it’s that they really are a fantastic band. Don’t get me wrong; I love the Backstreet Boys as much as the next person, but I’m not going to call them one of the greatest bands ever.

The boys – eh, men – write all of their own music. Every lyric comes from them. Which, (on a side note) I want to know how that works out. How do these three happily married guys with young families write such heartbreaking songs? Or how do they write those “done-me-wrong” songs? They write them, and sing them with such heart, soul and emotion, and I just don’t understand it. I just don’t understand how they can be so convincingly sad or angry about something that is clearly not happening to them. I guess it’s just the mark of a good artist? Also, when they record a new album, they record it as a band; all the instruments in one room, being played at the same time. In case this seems like something that would be common practice to you, let me assure you that it’s not. Most bands record each instrument and vocal separately and then mix them together. But with a Hanson recording, they are all one. Yes, they do dub some things over, but everything is initially recorded together. That is talent.

Hanson has been making music together for over 15 years now. Sure, they only have 5 albums (not counting the Christmas album and the indie recordings album), and lots of bands have more than that, but their albums are full of real music. Real…and different music. No two of their albums sound the same. Sure they all have a “Hanson sound” to them, but they all have a different feel. You have Middle of Nowhere that is very much a pop album. Then you have This Time Around, which has an edgier, almost rock, but still pop sound to it. Their third album, Underneath, is bluegrass-y and roots-y.  The Walk (my favorite album) is a rock and roll album. Their latest album, Shout It Out, has a distinct throwback sound to it. It is very R&B, not the R&B that we associate with acts like Usher, but true rhythm and blues, with a big band sound to it. They are always changing.

I got to see them live for the first time (definitely not the last) last October. And it was definitely one of the best shows that I have ever seen. They do this rare thing where they play live…and sound good. Who knew that was even still possible? Let’s not forget that they aged well, they went from being three cute little boys to being three very handsome men, so that definitely doesn’t hurt from a live perspective. They play their instruments and sing, and they engage the crowd. To be as spectacular as they are, they have sort of a cult following (which is truly sad when less talented people get nominated for Grammys on a regular basis), so their shows, while packed, tend to be at pretty small venues. This means they can be more engaging and intimate with their audiences, which is cool. Seriously. Greatest. Show. Ever. Everyday it takes everything I have to not become a Hanson groupie and go to every single show. It was that good.

(Also, I got to meet Taylor. The 8-year-old inside of me freaked out. It was all I could do to stay cool.)

That's me and Taylor!

It makes me sad to think that there will never be another Hanson. Never. There is no band out there that could mimic their sound. It’s not like a boyband where once they grow up, some other boyband will come and take their place. Nobody will ever be able to take their place. They are the band that nurtures my love of music. They are the band that began it all. They are the reason I love music the way I do. Just like my dad had The Beatles, I have Hanson. They are my Beatles.

Below I have created a playlist containing songs from each Hanson album. These songs may give you a feel for the album, but mostly they are there because they are some of my favorites

(I have too many favorites to fit on to one CD, so I suggest you go listen to all of their albums).

Crash course in Hanson:

  1. Thinking of You (Middle of Nowhere)
  2. Mmmbop (Middle of Nowhere)
  3. Where’s the Love (Middle of Nowhere)
  4. With You in Your Dreams (Middle of Nowhere)
  5. If Only (This Time Around)
  6. This Time Around (This Time Around)
  7. Runaway Run (This Time Around)
  8. Wish That I Was There (This Time Around)
  9. Sure About It (This Time Around)
  10. Penny & Me (Underneath)
  11. Lost Without Each Other (Underneath)
  12. When You’re Gone (Underneath)
  13. Get Up and Go (Underneath)
  14. Crazy Beautiful (Underneath)
  15. Great Divide (The Walk)
  16. Been There Before (The Walk)
  17. Georgia (The Walk)
  18. Running Man (The Walk)
  19. Go (The Walk)
  20. Tearing It Down (The Walk)
  21. Thinkin’ Bout Somethin’ (Shout It Out)
  22. Kiss Me When You Come Home (Shout It Out)
  23. Use Me Up (Shout It Out)
  24. Musical Ride (Shout It Out)
  25. Me Myself and I (Shout It Out)

 

Listen to the playlist here.