Posted in Music, Playlists

Warmer Weather

THE DAYS ARE GETTING WARMER!

One time, in Malibu, I wanted it to be warmer. And it just would not cooperate. So I just faked it.
One time, in Malibu, I wanted it to be warmer. And it just would not cooperate. So I just faked it.

Winter is finally going (see what I did there?).

And with winter going, that means summer is coming. And with summer coming, that means that my days are getting happier. And with my days getting happier, that means I need some music that I can play in my car with my windows down. And that, my friends, calls for a new playlist.

1. Happy — Pharrell Williams G I R L

“It might seem crazy what I’m about to say. Sunshine, she’s here, you can take a break.”

2. Best of Times — Hanson Sound of Light     ***My bfffff, Tara and I sing back up on this song!***

“Making it up as we go along. Three chords and the truth, we can make a song.”

3. Something Right — Chelsea Lankes (Feat. Will Anderson) Ringing Bell

“We play pretend, keeping all our feelings in. Somehow I knew, it’s always been you.”

4. Sway — The Perishers Let There Be Morning

“I’ve always been a dreamer, I’ve had my head among the clouds. Now that I’m coming down, would you be my solid ground?”

5. It’s Always the Quiet Ones — Paris Carney (Single)

“I thought you knew this game was hard. You can’t get points ’til you get scars.”

6. Drive You Home — Parachute Overnight

“Staring at the ceiling but I just can’t sleep, wonderin’ what you’re going when it comes to me.”

7. Same Girl — Jack Johnson Sleep Through the Static

“How can you be so calm when the truth is that sometimes we live in the eye of the storm?”

8. Not a Bad Thing — Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience Part 2

“Said all I want from you is to see tomorrow, and every tomorrow, maybe you’ll let me borrow your heart.”

9. Barely Breathing — Glee (Single) (say what you will, but Darren Criss can sing to me allll day.)

“I know what you’re doing, I see it all too clear. I only taste the saline, when I kiss away your tears.”

10. Enough for Always — Kate Voegele Gravity Happens

“You’re stubborn and I’m worse, you know. But your smile is like that country road in Virginia.”

11. Even the Stars Fall 4 U — Keith Urban Fuse

“Yeah, those fireflies in the field, they gotta know the way I feel.”

12. Little Bit — Drake (Feat. Lykke Li) So Far Gone

“Both hearts beat like a metronome. Both in sync like a Justin song.”

13. Treacherous — Taylor Swift Red

“And all we are is skin and bone, trained to get along. Forever going with the flow, but you’re friction.”

14. Heart Starts — Matt Nathanson Last of the Great Pretenders

“All I know is the world is filled with broken things. All I know, with these walls I built, I can’t get to what you need.”

15. Hercules — Sara Bareilles The Blessed Unrest

“I’m on the hunt for who I’ve not yet become. But I’d settle for a little equilibrium.”

16. Tell Her About It — Billy Joel The Essential Billy Joel

“Though you may not have done anything, will that be a consolation when she’s gone?”

17. Wildflowers — Joe Brooks (Single)

“You belong among the wildflowers. You belong somewhere close to me.”

18. Parallel — Heffron Drive (Single)

“What if the one who was meant for you was all along right in front of you?”

19. Can I Have This Dance — Zac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens High School Musical 3: Senior Year

“It’s like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you. It’s one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do.

20. Gold — Owl City The Midsummer Station

“Shout out to the dreams you’ll chase. Shout out to the hearts you’ll break.”

You can listen to the entire playlist here (because the play below randomly leaves out 5 songs).

 

Posted in Entertainment, Music, Pop Culture, Uncategorized

2014 Grammy Predictions

Each year I struggle with whether I am more excited for the Grammys or for the Superbowl. This year there is not contest. I care very, very little about the Superbowl this year. [As a Chiefs fan, that is my prerogative. Current AFC West rivals Denver vs. former AFC West rivals Seattle (any ACF West team current or former is considered a rival, obviously). It’s lose-lose for me. For the record I’ll be cheering for Seattle, because there is nothing in this world that could bring me to cheer on Denver.] But I care very, very much about the Grammys (as much as someone who has no actual investment in the show or music industry can care).

I feel like this year, they might have done a fairly decent job with the nominations (minus the fact that JT wasn’t present on the list for Album of the Year). I think they manage to not choose the most obscure stuff possible, which is the norm for the Recording Academy. If you watch the show, and you keep up with music in any sense, you will most likely recognized 3/4 of the people, which is a fantastic concept!

I always like to make my picks prior to the actual give aways…because who doesn’t like to do that? Below you fill find the list of people I think will go home with the award, and people I want to/should take home the gramophone (of course you will notice I only choose winner for the awards I have interest in…because I don’t want to get involved in 0ver 80 awards). 

******I will be live-tweeting this event. You can follow me here: @mistydawnclay******

RECORD OF THE YEAR (goes to the performer)

  • Get Lucky -Daft Punk & Pharrell Williams
  • Radioactive-Imagine Dragons
  • Royals-Lorde
  • Locked Out Of Heaven-Bruno Mars
  • Blurred LinesRobin Thicke Featuring T.I. & Pharrell

There is no way that “Blurred Lines” shouldn’t go home with this award. IT WAS THE MOST PLAYED SONG IN THE HISTORY OF EVER. And I’m hoping the academy recognizes this.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

  • The Blessed Unrest -Sara Bareilles
  • Random Access Memories -Daft Punk
  • Good Kid, M.A.A.D City -Kendrick Lamar
  • The Heist -Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
  • Red -Taylor Swift

I think that The Heist is a safe Grammy bet. I mean, it was independently released and has a “message.” It’s Grammy bait. But I think Taylor Swift should be the victor here. I mean, seriously. Did any of the rest of the nominees sell over ONE MILLION albums in a week? And did any of the other nominees have an album with more diversity? The answer is no.

SONG OF THE YEAR (goes to the writer)

  • Just Give Me A Reason -Jeff Bhasker, Pink & Nate Ruess, songwriters (Pink Featuring Nate Ruess)
  • Locked Out Of Heaven -Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine & Bruno Mars, songwriters (Bruno Mars)
  • Roar -Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee, Katy Perry & Henry Walter, songwriters (Katy Perry)
  • Royals -Joel Little & Ella Yelich O’Connor, songwriters (Lorde)
  • Same Love -Ben Haggerty, Mary Lambert & Ryan Lewis, songwriters (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis)

“Royals” should have this in the bag. It’s easily the most unique song and the cleverest. Which I’m pretty sure is what this award is about. I’m just fearful that the Academy will once again side with the message of “Same Love”.

BEST NEW ARTIST

  • James Blake
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
  • Kacey Musgraves
  • Ed Sheeran

I want Ed Sheeran to win. Because he is the bomb, and clearly the best artist out of this bunch, but I just don’t think it’s fair. He’s not really a new artist. Last year “A Team” was nominated for Song of the Year, and I feel like the fact that he’s been nominated before should disqualify him. With him out the running, I think Kacey Musgraves should win, but I think Macklemore & Ryan Lewis will sweep.

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE

  • Brave -Sara Bareilles
  • Royals -Lorde
  • When I Was Your Man -Bruno Mars
  • Roar -Katy Perry
  • Mirrors -Justin Timberlake

Quick fact: I want JT to win everything he’s ever nominated for.

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE

  • Get Lucky -Daft Punk & Pharrell Williams
  • Just Give Me A Reason -Pink Featuring Nate Ruess
  • Stay -Rihanna Featuring Mikky Ekko
  • Blurred Lines -Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. & Pharrell
  • Suit & Tie -Justin Timberlake & Jay Z

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM

  • Paradise -Lana Del Rey
  • Pure Heroine -Lorde
  • Unorthodox Jukebox -Bruno Mars
  • Blurred Lines -Robin Thicke
  • The 20/20 Experience The Complete Experience Justin Timberlake

This is the best they can do after snubbing him in for Album of the Year. Give JT’s comeback album some real love.

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONICA ALBUM

  • Random Access MemoriesDaft Punk
  • Settle -Disclosure
  • 18 Months -Calvin Harris
  • Atmosphere -Kaskade
  • A Color Map Of The Sun -Pretty Lights

To be totally honest, I only recognize Daft Punk and Calvin Harris. And out of those two I like Daft Punk more.

BEST ROCK ALBUM

  • 13 Black Sabbath
  • The Next Day -David Bowie
  • Mechanical Bull -Kings Of Leon
  • Celebration Day -Led Zeppelin
  • …Like Clockwork -Queens Of The Stone Age
  • Psychedelic Pill -Neil Young With Crazy Horse

So many old guys in one category. But I think no one is more true, real rock than Black Sabbath. The Kings of Leon don’t even deserve to be nominated with Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM

  • The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You -Neko Case
  • Trouble Will Find Me -The National
  • Hesitation Marks -Nine Inch Nails
  • Lonerism -Tame Impala
  • Modern Vampires Of The City -Vampire Weekend

I’m seeing a nostalgia win in this category. But I like Vampire Weekend more.

BEST R&B SONG

  • Best Of Me -Anthony Hamilton & Jairus Mozee, songwriters (Anthony Hamilton)
  • Love And War -Tamar Braxton, Darhyl Camper, Jr., LaShawn Daniels & Makeba Riddick, songwriters (Tamar Braxton)
  • Only One -PJ Morton, songwriter (PJ Morton Featuring Stevie Wonder)
  • Pusher Love Girl -James Fauntleroy, Jerome Harmon, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (Justin Timberlake)
  • Without Me -Fantasia Barrino, Missy Elliott, Al Sherrod Lambert, Harmony Samuels & Kyle Stewart, songwriters (Fantasia Featuring Kelly Rowland & Missy Elliot)

The truth is I have no idea who the Academy will choose, since I know none of these songs, but I do know who Stevie Wonder is, and I think his name will/should pull some votes. But once again, I ALWAYS want JT to win.

BEST R&B ALBUM

  • R&B Divas -Faith Evans
  • Girl On Fire -Alicia Keys
  • Love In The Future -John Legend
  • Better -Chrisette Michele
  • Three Kings -TGT

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE

  • Started From The Bottom -Drake
  • Berzerk -Eminem
  • Tom Ford -Jay Z
  • Swimming Pools (Drank) -Kendrick Lamar
  • Thrift Shop -Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz

Just so we are all clear, I know little to nothing about rap music. I know that I like Drake, because he seems to have feelings and in general is less offensive to me, not to mention he is incredibly attractive and also sings. But that is where my knowledge ends. I know who all of these people are, but I can’t tell you a single thing about what makes a rap song good. I do know that Jay-Z and Eminem seem to be crazy respected though…so there’s that. I’m calling it a toss up between them.

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION

  • Power Trip -J. Cole Featuring Miguel
  • Part II (On The Run) -Jay Z Featuring Beyoncé
  • Holy Grail -Jay Z Featuring Justin Timberlake
  • Now Or Never -Kendrick Lamar Featuring Mary J. Blige
  • Remember You -Wiz Khalifa Featuring The Weeknd

Oh look, it’s Jay-Z vs. Jay-Z. Side note: Maybe it’s just me, but aren’t alllllll rap songs collaborations???

BEST RAP SONG

  • F***in’ Problems -Tauheed Epps, Aubrey Graham, Kendrick Lamar, Rakim Mayers & Noah Shebib, songwriters (ASAP Rocky Featuring Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar)
  • Holy Grail -Shawn Carter, Terius Nash, J. Harmon, Timothy Mosley, Justin Timberlake & Ernest Wilson, songwriters (Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl & Krist Novoselic, songwriters) (Jay Z Featuring Justin Timberlake)
  • New Slaves -Christopher Breaux, Ben Bronfman, Mike Dean, Louis Johnson, Malik Jones, Elon Rutberg, Sakiya Sandifer, Che Smith, Kanye West & Cydell Young, songwriters (Anna Adamis & Gabor Presser, songwriters)
    (Kanye West)
  • Started From The Bottom -W. Coleman, Aubrey Graham & Noah Shebib, songwriters (Bruno Sanfilippo, songwriter) (Drake)
  • Thrift Shop -Ben Haggerty & Ryan Lewis, songwriters (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz)

BEST RAP ALBUM

  • Nothing Was The Same -Drake
  • Magna Carta…Holy Grail -Jay Z
  • Good Kid, M.A.A.D City -Kendrick Lamar
  • The Heist -Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
  • Yeezus -Kanye West

Personally I find Kanye West to be incredibly offensive. But I also recognize that everyone sees him as kind of a crazy genius. 

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE

  • I Drive Your Truck -Lee Brice
  • I Want Crazy -Hunter Hayes
  • Mama’s Broken Heart -Miranda Lambert
  • Wagon Wheel -Darius Rucker
  • Mine Would Be You -Blake Shelton

“I Drive Your Truck” is the sentimental favorite. And I feel like “Wagon Wheel” shouldn’t be allowed because it’s not an original song. This year feel like all of the country nominees are pretty dead even this year. That’s the beauty of country music, it’s all good. These are the hardest categories for me to choose, because not only do I like them all, but I also see them all as equally likely to win.

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE

  • From This Valley -The Civil Wars
  • Don’t Rush -Kelly Clarkson Featuring Vince Gill
  • Your Side Of The Bed -Little Big Town
  • Highway Don’t Care -Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
  • You Can’t Make Old Friends –Kenny Rogers With Dolly Parton

“Your Side of the Bed” is hands down the best song in this category. Buuuuut, Vince Gill has 20 Grammys, so they obviously like him.

BEST COUNTRY SONG

  • Begin AgainTaylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)
  • I Drive Your Truck -Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington & Jimmy Yeary, songwriters (Lee Brice)
  • Mama’s Broken Heart -Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
  • Merry Go ‘Round -Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)
  • Mine Would Be You -Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington & Deric Ruttan, songwriters (Blake Shelton)

The Academy likes Taylor, and for good reason. She embodies everything that they promote. Regardless of whether you like her or not, you can’t really deny her song writing ability (which is what this award recognizes). Also, she is the only one single writer nominated, so that should count for something. She is possibly the best writer of my generation. Also, I am partial to this song because it’s rumored to be about the love of my life, one Will Anderson.

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM

  • Night Train –Jason Aldean
  • Two Lanes Of Freedom –Tim McGraw
  • Same Trailer Different Park –Kacey Musgraves
  • Based On A True Story –Blake Shelton
  • Red –Taylor Swift

Anyone who knows me knows that I adore Taylor Swift, but “Red” is not a country album. Yes, it has a few country songs on it, but in general, it’s a pretty pop album. The fact that my bffff Tara likes it is all the verification I need. Other than “Red” I think this is a solid batch of country albums, it could go to anyone, but I think the Academy is going to send Kacey Musgraves home with the award.

Posted in Music, Playlists

Late July

It’s late July and I haven’t posted in roughly two months. Mostly because I live a fairly uneventful life, partly because I can’t really seem to post a blog that doesn’t allude to things that are going on in my life that I probably don’t exactly want to become mainstream information…and also because I’ve recently been too lazy to write a blog.

Anyway, this one is just here to remind you that I’m still here 🙂

Here’s my current playlist, take from it what you will about my life (because I know you will).

1. I Can’t Lie – Maroon 5 Hands All Over

“I can’t lie, you’re on my mind, stuck inside my head. I wanna feel your heart beat for me instead.”

2. She’s Got A Way – Billy Joel Cold Spring Harbor

“She’s got a light around her, and everywhere she goes a million dreams of love surround her.”

3. Impatient Girl – Kate Voegele Gravity Happens

“Oh, I ain’t built like this. The way you’re taking your time has got me jumpin’ ship.
And I won’t lie, let’s call this what it is, an impatient girl waiting on an empty wish.”

4. Under Control – Parachute Losing Sleep

“So darling please forgive me, I want you and you’ll just have to know.”

5. Sooner or Later – Michelle Branch Everything Comes and Goes

“Sooner or later, you’re gonna come around. And you’ll be sorry, when you figure out, that I was always everything that you needed. Sooner or later, you’re gonna wish you had me. ”

6. Halo – Bethany Joy Lenz One Tree Hill, Vol.2

“One thing is clear, I wear a halo. I wear a halo when you look at me.”

7. All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye – John Mayer Battle Studies

“Just when I had you off my head, your voice comes thrashing wildly through my quiet bed. You say you wanna try again, but I’ve tried everything but giving in.”

8. I Knew You Were Trouble. – Taylor Swift Red

“And he’s long gone when he’s next to me. And I realize the blame is on me.”

9. My Love – Justin Timberlake FutureSex/LoveSounds

“Because I could see us holding hands. Walking on the beach, our toes in the sand. I could see us on the countryside sittin’ on the grass, layin’ side by side.”

10. Cut Right Through Me – Hanson Anthem

“I say a word and I’ve said too much.”

11.  Catch Me – Demi Lovato Here We Go Again.

“I can’t set my hopes too high ’cause every hello ends with a goodbye.”

12.  You Can Run – Bryan Greenberg (Feat. Kid Cudi) We Don’t Have Forever

“You try to forget about me, but I told you to never doubt me. How’s your life right now without me?”

13. Sparks Fly– Taylor Swift Speak Now

“You’re the kind of reckless that should send me runnin’, but I kinda know that I won’t get far.”

14. Cups – Anna Kendrick  Pitch Perfect Soundtrack

“When I’m gone, when I’m gone, you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone. You’re gonna miss me by my walk, you’re gonna miss me by my talk, oh you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone.”

15.  Modern Love  – Matt Nathanson Modern Love

“Take the phone calls, take this circus. Take the drama, cause baby it’s just worthless.”

16.  Do You Think Abou Me – Carrie Underwood Blown Away

‘Do you think about me, like I think about you?”

17.  Goodnight and Go – Imogen Heap Speak For Yourself

“Skipping beats, blushing cheeks. I am struggling.”

18. Wanted You More – Lady Antebellum Own The Night

“My heart was open, exposed and hoping for you to lay it on the line. In the end it seemed there was no room for me. Still, I tried to change your mind.”

19. Layla – Eric Clapton Cream of Clapton

“Like a fool, I fell in love with you, turned my whole world upside down.”

20.  Come Back..Be Here – Taylor Swift Red

“I told myself don’t get attached, but in my mind I play it back. Spinning faster than the plane that took you.”

21. Everything You Want – Vertical Horizon Everything You Want

“There’s always another wound to discover. There’s always something more you wish he’d say.”

22.  From My Head To My Heart – Evan and Jaron Evan and Jaron

“I feel the distance standing here next to you. I don’t want to keep you waiting but I’ve been waiting too.”

23. Free Fallin’– Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Full Moon Fever

“She’s a good girl, loves her mama. Loves Jesus and America too. ”

Listen to the complete playlist here.

Posted in Music, Pop Culture

People throw rocks at things that shine

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.

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

Day 25: If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?


Anyone in the history of ever. This is an interesting question. Can it be people who are alive now? Because there are people alive now who are “in history.” People like Michael Phelps, who I would have dinner with (at Subway) so he could give me Ryan Lochte’s number. Or there is Prince Harry, who is part of the British Royal line, so he’s technically already “in history.” I’d totally have dinner with him.

Or, the person I’d probably for sure choose, Taylor Swift. She is definitely “in history.” For a lot of reasons. I’d definitely have dinner with T-Swift. Because I’m pretty sure that after just one meal together we’d be best friends. No joke. We are the same person. So one dinner I’m sure would lead to many more, and also some lunches, and sleepovers. And then she would write songs about my life. And I would be a part of her entourage. And it would be fantastic for many, many reasons. We would probably eat a lot of good homemade comfort food, because I bet she loves comfort food as much as me (just a hunch). And then we’d definitely eat some baked goods.

 

If it has to be someone from history who is no longer alive, I’m not sure who I’d pick. It changes all the time. It all depends on my mood at the time, and what I happened to be interested in on any given day.

Posted in Everyday Happenings

Day 10: Because I knew you, I have been changed for good (list 10 people who have influenced you and how.

So, I switched days 9 and 10, but no harm done.

This list in not in any order at all. In fact I switched it up intentionally so that it wouldn’t be in any kind of order. All of these people have had an influence on my life. They’ve all somehow managed to leave a lasting impression on my life, and changed me for good.

1. My Mom. I feel like this is an obvious answer. My mom taught me how to be me. Pieces of her are identifiable in every part of me. My humor, my disposition and strength all comes from her (among other things).

2. My Dad. Again, an obvious answer. My dad gave me the other half of my personality. Most of my likes come from him. He’s the reason I love music and history. My stubborn and introverted spirit also come from my dad.

3. Chad Mayne. Outside of my family, he has been the biggest influence on my life up to this point. I can guarantee you that I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for Chad.

4. My Friends. (I don’t dare try to name them all in fear of accidentally leaving someone off the list). Birds of a feather flock together. The old saying is true, you have you surround yourself with good people. Luckily for me, I’ve been blessed with some wonderful people. Peer pressure is real, so it’s nice to have good peers.

5. Harry Potter. Seriously. Stop looking at me like that. HP (how I affectionately refer to him) was growing up as I was growing up. The story of Harry Potter (totally ignoring the magic part aspect) is about a boy who has to grow up and be brave, he has to be bigger than himself. The story is about courage and friendship, and love and right and wrong. And Harry Potter always makes the right choice. There is a strong possibility that I’ll never be more influenced by a fictional character in my life.

6. and 7. Jason and Kendra Mauck. Two of my favorite people in the world. They were also there during my high school years, teaching me about my worth and identity in Christ. They are still some of my dearest friends. One day (assuming I find someone brave enough to marry me) Jason will preside over my wedding.

8. Taylor Swift. Don’t look at me like that. We are all influenced by celebrities, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. She’s true to herself, she’s kind, and she’s classy. She started out as nobody and followed her dreams to make a name for herself. She’s who I want to be.

9. Julia Bartgis. My other mother! The best person to go to for advice, and one of the best people to model your life after. She’s always there for me when I need her and she’s always full of wisdom. She’s lovely and so giving. I’d be lucky to tun out like her.

10. My family. I know I already singled out my parents, but my whole family has had a huge influence on me. My siblings (all 4 of them!), my grandparents, my aunts and uncles and cousins, they’ve all helped build me. Whether it was them giving me advice, my learning from their mistakes, or just watching them deal with life in general, they’ve all been my examples and guiding influence.

*Honorable mentions: My community. The Bolivar class of 2008.

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.

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, Playlists

Malibu Monday

George and I declared this past Monday (President’s Day) Malibu Monday. We got up early-ish, packed a picnic, and then headed off. When I got up in the morning I was pretty cranky, partly because I had to wake up at 8:30am, but mostly because it was cold (well, that’s relative, it was like 60 degrees) and cloudy. Not exactly how I was picturing the day should be. I was thinking more along the lines of sunny with a high of 75. I even wore sweatpants on the drive. I was not happy.

But the closer we got to Malibu, the better the weather got. I guess since Malibu is so wealthy they can afford to pay for extra sunshine. The drive to Malibu was not a bad one to say the least. We drove up the PCH (that’s code for Pacific Coastal Highway), which runs, as you would imagine, right along the pacific coast. The scenery was fantastic. Rolling waves, rock bluff, plus some pretty spectacular houses; Malibu would not be a bad place to live. While I’m looking at these houses, I ‘m just wondering who all could possibly live in them. It could be anyone. Tons of celebrities live in Malibu mansions; I could have been looking at George Clooney’s house! I have decided that one day I’m going to buy a home in Malibu, and then invite all my friends to live there with me, unless I’m married, in which case, y’all are on your own. Two years. I will have my Malibu home in two years, that’s my goal. Wish me luck!

The beach we chose was completely empty (I’m not going to mention the name of the beach in hopes of keeping it empty). We were the only ones there, and it was awesome. When we got there the tide was still pretty high, meaning that there wasn’t much room on the actual shoreline beach, so we set up camp on a bluff overlooking the beach. Which, in my opinion, was way cooler anyway. After we set up camp, we went down to explore. I have never been to a beach where there was no one else. We had free reign to run and scream and frolic. There were rock formations and a cave (which of course made me think of The Hunger Games), and after the tide went down there were a few tide pools. It’s definitely not the best place to swim, you know since all the rocks could be potentially dangerous, not to mention the sea lion we saw swimming like 10 feet off shore, but it was still the best beach ever.

Below you will find my Malibu Monday playlist:

1. Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson In Between Dreams

“When the whole world fits inside of your arms, don’t really need to pay attention to the alarm.”

2. I Want You– Savage Garden Savage Garden

“Oooh, I want you. I don’t know if I need you but, oooh, I’d die to find out.”

3. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen Call Me Maybe – Single

“Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here’s my number, so call me maybe?”

4. The Yacht Club – Owl City All Things Bring and Beautiful

“I wish we could sail all our sad days away, forever, in deep blue seas of paper mache.”

5. Bottom of the Sea – Matt Nathanson Modern Love

“If the morning light ever calls you backward, just don’t be gone too long. And don’t leave me here alone.”

6. Impatient Girl – Kate Voegele Gravity Happens

“Oh, I ain’t built like this, the way you’re taking your time’s got me jumpin’ ship. And I won’t lie, let’s call this what it is, an impatient girl waiting on an empty wish.”

7. Fallin’ For You – Colbie Calliat 2010 Grammy Nominees

“I’ve been spending all my time just thinking ‘bout you. I don’t know what to do. I think I’m fallin’ for you.”

8. Apple – Joe Brooks Constellation Me

“Feel like a before and after photo. How I’ve lived without you I don’t know.”

9. Music Sounds Better With You – Big Time Rush Elevate

“It feels like the music sounds better with you.”

10. California Sunshine– Christa Black God Loves Ugly

“California sunshine’s callin’ my name. Lay me by the ocean, I won’t complain. Don’t call it a vacation, don’t think I ever want to leave.”

11.  Catch Your Wave – The Click Five Greetings from Imrie House

“Well, every princess has her knight, and I’m still in it for the fight.”

12.  Count on Me – Bruno Mars Doo-Whops and Hooligans

“If you find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea, I’ll sail the world to find. If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can’t see, I’ll be the light to guide you.

13. ***Safe & Sound– Taylor Swift The Hunger Games Soundtrack ***

“Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You’ll be alright, no on can hurt you now. Come morning light, you and I’ll be safe and sound.”

14. Favorite Girl – Katelyn Tarver A Little More Free

“I wanna be the one you think of when you’re driving all alone. And you would see you can call me on the phone just so you can say “Hey, you’re my favorite girl.”

15.  Ocean Avenue  – Yellowcard Ocean Avenue

“When I sleep, I dream and it gets me by. I can make believe that you’re here tonight.”

16.  Hmmm – Bryan Greenberg Hmmm-Single

‘The hardest part of parting, is never saying goodbye.”

17.  You’re Not Thinking – Drake Bell A Reminder

“So please, please, please. You gotta let me go. You, you, you, you don’t even know that you’re not thinking, you’re not thinking about me.”

18. Kokomo – The Beach Boys Sounds of Summer

“Aruba, Jamacia, oooh I wanna take you to Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama. Key Largo, Montego baby why don’t we go down to Kokomo.”

19. She Says – Howie Day Stop All the World

“And when she says she wants somebody else, I hope you know she doesn’t mean you.”

20.  Runaway Run – Hanson This Time Around

“Just a picture and a feeling and your face. How could I forget your touch, your warm embrace?”

21. Waterfalls – TLC CrazySexyCool

“Don’t go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to. ”

22. Country Girl (Shake It For Me) – Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines

“Somebody’s sweet little farmer’s child, she’s got it in her blood to get a little wild. Ponytail and a pretty smile.”

Listen to the playlist here.