My Favorite Song (for now)

Tracy Bonham - Mother, Mother

2009-11-01T21:48:00.003-04:00

Here's another kickback to the mid-90's. This post, I'm putting the spotlight on Tracy Bonham. Somewhere in my mind I have a list of musicians that are classified as the Angry 90's Chicks. Tracy's one of them, along with Alanis Morissette, Shirley Manson (of Garbage), Dolores O'Riordan (of The Cranberries), and I'm sure a few others.
Tracy Bonham is not only a singer, but also a violinist. Apparently, she has been in tour with The Blue Man Group.

Tracy Bonham - "Mother, Mother"

I know I haven't been keeping this up to date, as blogs go. To some extent I can claim that I'm busy, but really - it's because I don't get any comments. It may sound a little selfish, but I just don't feel so inclined to keep writing when I don't have an inkling that anyone is even reading. I guess we'll see what happens.

Cold War Kids - Hang Me Up to Dry

2009-01-20T00:48:00.004-04:00

Yada yada, long time no post, all that drabble. I'm just throwing this song out for you, since it sounds pretty cool. I don't know much about the band or their other songs, but I enjoyed hearing this song on my bf's satellite radio.

Cold War Kids - "Hang Me Up to Dry"

It's got a pretty loose feeling to it, with more expressive singing than trained. The beat is fairly abrupt, but in a good way.

Also, I am putting off the theatrical video idea for a bit of time. I'd like to have more ideas before I actually move on that.

As an aside, if you feel like revisiting the 90s, look up Spacehog - "In the Meantime"

Most Theatrical/Dramatic Music Videos

2008-12-14T04:45:00.002-04:00

If I can get comments on this concept, it would be a great help.

I want to make a top # list of music videos that look like plays and stories.

Any suggestions should be posted in comments.
So far, I've thought of Panic! at the Disco's "I Write Sins Not Tragedies," Ludo's "Love Me Dead," and My Chemical Romance's "Helena."

While some great videos have been made in tribute by film students and fans, I would prefer to use the original videos. Thanks all.

I look forward to hearing some good ideas!!

Delirium Dog - Stay

2008-10-12T17:15:00.004-03:00

It's October!!
I assume everyone is either ready or getting ready for whatever festivities they have planned.
I don't know what various things people celebrate, though... I personally like to dress up for Halloween and go to or throw parties. This year, I'm dressing as Columbia from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. ^_^ My boyfriend is dressing as Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

In any case, I thought since I had a spare moment, I might post a song I found recently. It seems appropriate enough - it was composed for a Haunted House in Pennsylvania called Scarehouse.

Delirium Dog - "Stay"

I like the sound of this, but I think I'll keep it relegated to just the Halloween season.

Just so you know, I'm probably going to continue to take forever to update, with school and all.

Taking a Break

2008-09-11T13:37:00.001-03:00

You've obviously noticed by now that I am not updating the blog. My classes take up a good bit of my schedule, but once the semester ends in December, there will be a short break during which I hope to start posting again.

Sorry to leave any potential readers hanging in midair.

Weird Al Concert and The Police Concert

2008-07-30T13:00:00.004-03:00

So I got to check out the Weird Al Concert and The Police Concert this past weekend. Both shows were pretty awesome.
I saw Weird Al on Saturday with my boyfriend. There were a lot of costume changes, but they were able to keep us distracted with little mock interviews on the screen above the stage. This one was shown, but only just the first two minutes. Of course the concert had to end eventually, but there were a few encore songs, beginning with this little ballad.

Sting and The Police with opening band Elvis Costello and the Impostors was Monday night, with my family. The bands played a lot of the classics as well as a few little known songs. We had lawn seats, so I had a good old time jumping up and down and dancing with my sister. One of her favorites is Roxanne. When we got to the end of the concert and they hadn't played it, she was a little sad. Then of course, they came back out for their encore (I think it was around five songs) and started with that very song. I got a t-shirt for myself, too.

All in all, I had a fun time at both concerts. I guess I'm not really featuring a song today, but I would suggest checking out the music of both bands. Have fun.

Lilium - Whitewashed

2008-07-24T12:13:00.002-03:00

I took a bit of a break there between my last two posts so I felt the need to post two days in a row.
This song is gorgeous...

Lilium - "Whitewashed"

I somewhat wonder if this song could have gotten on as an instrumental. The instrumentals it starts with are excellent, particularly what I assume to be cello. It actually caught me off guard when that subtle but strong voice started in. Whenever the harmony singer comes in, it has a powerful effect.

It's just too bad I didn't like anything else I could find by Lilium. That sort of thing happens though.

Estelle feat. Kanye West - American Boy

2008-07-23T13:09:00.003-03:00

I don't know if this is considered Hip Hop or R&B. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that, but I'm hoping someone will just plain tell me which it is. The style is probably a departure from my usual genres, maybe. Either way, I just really enjoy this song.

Estelle feat. Kanye West - "American Boy"

If I really think about it, a lot of the songs I like share a lot of elements with R&B. They aren't really the same, obviously, but it's pretty well known that all genres are influenced by each other.

I went to the amusement park and had a great time. Today I have really itchy sunburn, but I'll take it over having not gone at all. Sunscreen would have been a nice addition, though.

Frou Frou - Shh

2008-07-17T10:51:00.004-03:00

I like an artist by the name of Imogen Heap. But when I first heard her voice, I knew it as Frou Frou. The song "Let Go" was featured in the movie Garden State. My sister bought the soundtrack to the movie (both the movie and the soundtrack are excellent). I'm not sure when Frou Frou split up, but Imogen continued working on her own, coming up with the popular but somewhat overplayed "Hide & Seek" Multiple television shows felt it an appropriate song for death scenes. SNL saw this as a good opportunity for a joke, and one of the AMV Hells (anime music video) also played off of the situation. Still, it's a good song on a good album. But onto the featured song.

Frou Frou - "Shh"

This song has a hopeful but longing feel to it, with great energy and rhythm. My favorite sections of the song are the refrain and the "Mmm dey mmm da mmm daaeeoo" It's really an enjoyable song that I wouldn't have heard were it not for that Pandora radio thing. You could probably also find it on Launchcast, or any number of Internet Radios. But I have yet to hear it on the fm radio.

I'm going to an amusement park on Monday with my boyfriend and another couple. We've been planning to go for a while, but kept putting it off. We have the tickets, now, though. ^_^

The Colour - Devil's Got A Holda Me

2008-07-15T00:28:00.005-03:00

My last post was sort of disjointed. I'm not apologizing - just commenting. I feel like classic rock, sort of, today. But at the same time, I want to keep it modern. At least modern-ish. So I'm going with a mostly current song that has a classic rock sound.

The Colour - "Devil's Got A Holda Me"

Good beat, as usual, with memorable lyrics and a cool sounding guitar cycle. I like the energy of the song a lot, and I have fun singing along with it. I haven't really heard very much from the band, but it may have something to do with a rumor that they broke up.

If anyone reading has dermatological knowledge, I have a query...
My hands have been itchy lately, around the wrists and backs of my thumbs. There are very small bumps. Usually, there are not very many, but at various times of the day, they will sort of flare up, and more will appear. When there are more, it's a lot more itchy. My Mom thought it looked something like a fungus, but I really have no idea. I'm probably going to ask a pharmacist what they think about it. It could easily just be irritated skin, I suppose, but I want to know what's irritating it.

EDIT: It's scabies. Lovely.

Harvey Danger and The English Beat

2008-07-10T16:03:00.005-03:00

I used to hear this one song all of the time on the radio... "Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger. I love that song. It's great. But that's the only song I've been aware of by the band.

So today my goal was to remedy that. But then when I looked up the band, and when I found another song by them, I realized I had heard it.
Harvey Danger - "Save It For Later"
It's fun and pop sounding, but not entirely memorable. So it's not really a favorite. Still interesting, though. So today's featured song should technically be "Flagpole Sitta"

...I've discovered why I knew "Save It For Later" It's a remake! The English Beat did the song originally. Just my opinion of course, but I think their version is better. I also like "Mirror in the Bathroom" by The English Beat.

Tata, for now ^_^

Porcupine Tree - Waiting (Phase One)

2008-07-07T12:18:00.003-03:00

I'm trying something new - I've only heard this song today. Never before. So it's just about as new to me as it is to you. I turned on my Pandora Radio and listened for a few minutes before this came on. (It was the station called "Trying Hard to Get This One Right")

Porcupine Tree - "Waiting (Phase One)"

Depending on your mood, you might need to give this one a second to build up - it's got a slow start. It's very smooth, though. And the harmony is beautiful. You can dance to this, albeit slowly.
The feel of the song is very mellow. It's got a good sound to it, and the sounds and instruments build through to the end. In a way, it feels like the song is too short. But I like it.

At the end of this month, I am going to 2 concerts: Weird Al -and- Sting & the Police
I did, as before mentioned, miss out on the Modest Mouse concert, but I think getting to see two in one month should make up for it, at least a little. Elvis Costello & the Impostors are opening for Sting & the Police, also. Should be a fun weekend.

Harry Nillson - Without Her

2008-07-03T15:32:00.003-03:00

I suppose this song isn't really a favorite of mine. I like it, sure. And I hate one version of it, lol. But the main reason I found it was actually the version I hated. My Mom loved an old version, but could only find the one by Blood, Sweat and Tears. She didn't hate that version, but it's the very one that I do. I went searching online and eventually found one I preferred.

Nillson - "Without Her"

That's not the version I found, though. Mine is a new recording, I guess, but still by the original composer. In any case, I think it's a very lovely song... despite the white noise in the background. It has a very smooth and natural sound to it. If you find a version with a string section, I like that part a lot.

Oh, I didn't go to the concert. Missed out, I guess.
Guess I'm out for now. ^_^ Later

The Cure - Close to Me

2008-06-30T14:13:00.007-03:00

You don't know this (unless you know me in person, probably) but one of my favorite bands is The Cure. The first cd I found of theirs was Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. It was in my mom's collection and I listened to the whole thing just sitting in my parents' room with a pair of giant headphones on. Later Mom wanted to know what I was listening to... I think she decided that I was a little too young to get most of it, but she liked that I appreciated the music. We both love Like Cockatoos. However, I'm featuring a different song.

The Cure - "Close to Me" not the full track.. video is full song though ^_^ strange video, but it makes me laugh

I'm back to my fun songs, I suppose. That's part of why I chose this song to feature over "Like Cockatoos" I wanted to get back into the swing of things with a beat - you know, something you can dance to. If you happen to have heard of Sufjan Stevens, you might recognize the tune here. Sufjan sort of did a tribute to this song in the song "Come On! Feel the Illinoise!" That's also a good song.
I think I'm just going to start using Youtube to link songs... it's a little more reliable, I think.
But in any case, I think you should check out all of the songs I mentioned. "Close to Me" is still the one I want to highlight the most right now, but they're all great.

Outside of the music, well, no, this has to do with music - just not the ones I talked about, but anyway. I think I'm getting to attend a Modest Mouse Concert really soon. I'm pretty excited. The trouble is whether or not I'll be working. So I'm crossing my fingers, lol.

I hope you're all having a great day, whether or not you take the time to read this thing. It's just something random I started to pass the time, I guess. :)

NIИ - Every Day is Exactly the Same

2008-06-27T12:07:00.006-03:00

I'm straying a bit from my upbeat songs today. Not that I'm feeling depressed - I'm feeling great, personally. But either way, here it is:

Nine Inch Иails - "Every Day is Exactly the Same"

This song was in Wanted. If you've been reading the blog, you know I got to see that movie not too long ago. Of course, the song was around before that, but seeing the movie brought the song back to my attention. While this song has a different mood than my other favorites, I have to note that there are still similarities - it's got a driving beat and intelligent lyrics, as well as other details I'm sure you can find yourself. I love it when NIИ uses piano in their music. There is something about the particular notes that can just wrench at you, deeply. The end of Closer
Note - the song Closer has language that I would not suggest letting your children listen to, at least not without you having some say in it.
also has a short piano piece that I like - their ends are similar, in a way. That's a live recording, but it still has piano, and it still sounds great.

As an aside, NIИ has a new cd out, available for free on their website. They are trying some new and interesting sales methods, similar to Radiohead. It's good to see some alternative ways be heard.

Last, but not least, we lost a great comedian this week.
R.I.P. George Carlin.

Cake - Short Skirt, Long Jacket

2008-06-24T11:53:00.005-03:00

Today I'm reaching back a couple of years to 2001. This is just a fun song that I've liked since I heard it, so I'm pointing it out for everyone.

Cake - "Short Skirt, Long Jacket"
That's the video... I found a different version of the song that I didn't like so much on my usual site.

The video is entertaining for one thing - they have a bunch of people critiquing the song.
It's funky and energetic, plus the lyrics are just crazy. Not in the sense that they make no sense, though, they're crazy because they're funny. This whole image of the woman with the short skirt and the long jacket is very specific. I'm actually sort of considering it for a Halloween Costume.
The trick is going to be figuring out what color my nails should be to "shine like justice."

Spoon - The Underdog

2008-06-21T17:50:00.004-03:00

Hey it's Saturday and I'm posting a new song for everyone's listening pleasure.

Spoon - "The Underdog" (this song isn't available on my usual site, so we'll have to access this one differently)

I should warn you, the song doesn't fade in - it sort of jumps into your ear right off the bat.
I think this is another song I discovered thanks to my mom... so, Thanks, Mom.
It's got a lot of energy to it, and that head-bob effect that I love so much. If you feel so inclined, it's easy to sing along with, too.

This particular weekend is reserved for cleaning house, so I'm setting up a playlist to keep the energy going while we work. I prefer it to whistling, you know? This song will, of course, be included. Probably all of the songs I've featured will be.

Ringside - Struggle

2008-06-19T13:33:00.001-03:00

Today I'm sending up kudos for this song that my Mom found.

Ringside - "Struggle"

They have a song called "Tired of Being Sorry" that seems to be more popular, but I prefer "Struggle" hands down. This happens to be another song that has a strong beat to it. A lot of my favorite songs seem to be things you can dance to.
It's a mellow sort of song, though, while still being upbeat. I like its attitude - sort of irreverent.

Oh, as a side note, I just saw the movie Wanted last night. I got the chance to attend a free prescreening with a bunch of friends, and I do suggest seeing it for yourself. It's apparently based on a comic book, so it has lots of action and some unbelievable skills for the characters. It's a little over the top, but my friends were comparing it to Shoot'em Up, another movie that I loved.

Modest Mouse - Dashboard

2008-06-17T11:00:00.001-03:00

With the site being called Dashboard, I think I'd like to start off with a song of the same name.

Modest Mouse - "Dashboard"

This was a favorite of mine for a while, and I still like getting it stuck in my head periodically.
If you like music videos, you might search this one on Youtube. It's pretty good.

The beat in this song keeps you bobbing along the whole song. Well, at least that's the case for me. It's not too predictable the whole way through, but it's catchy enough that it'll stick with you for a while without getting annoying.

I'm not too sure, but I get the feeling that, "the dashboard melted, but we still have the radio," might be a movie reference. (Planes, Trains, and Automobiles) But you'll have to judge that for yourself.

I'm not sure how I'm going to carry on this blog thing. I figure some songs will get more attention than others, and some I'll have a harder time managing to link, but we'll see what happens here.
I also have no idea how often I'll update yet. My favorites can change a few times a week or maybe wait a whole month. I'll try to keep it often enough that the blog's worth checking out, though.