That Song That You Can't Get Out of Your Head: "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye feat. Kimbra

There's always that one particular song that randomly pops up in your head. Sometimes these songs don't appeal to you when you first hear then, but gradually you find yourself humming it, and eventually full on belting out the lyrics to no one in particular.

I'd like to share my song of the month thus far and it's "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye feat. Kimbra. The originality of the video is what got me once I heard it a little over two weeks ago and the catchy relatable lyrics stick with you well after the song is over, so without much more of my babbling, check out the video.

Rest In Peace Whitney Houston

It seems like this year is starting off with the loss of the music industry's greatest and most talented singers that there have ever been. Today, we lost the wonderful and multi-talented Whitney Houston. CNN reports that

The entertainer, whose incredible talent was discovered at an early age, was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. (6:55 p.m. ET) at the Beverly Hilton hotel despite resuscitation efforts, a police spokesman said. Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said there were "no obvious signs of criminal intent" and that the cause of her death is being investigated. 

It saddens me to say that the next generation will be missing out on another great. First Etta James and now Whitney Houston. The music world has been dealt another blow equivalent to the loss of Michael Jackson. I send the family my condolences.

I leave you on this note with a video from one of Whitney's last singles and one of my favorite songs by her, ever.

 Source: CNN

New Video: "Countdown" by Beyonce

Needless to say that any video coming from Beyonce is much anticipated, well today marked the release of the official video for Beyonce's "Countdown" video. To say that it's amazing is an understatement, the quirky and fun video obviously has had a lot of thought put into it and Beyonce delivers as usual, baby bump in tow and all.

Take a peak:

New Music - "For The First Time" by The Script

Today calls for me to speak about The Script's wonderful new video. I know that since I've been missing this video may not be considered as new, but because they are my absolute most favorite band in the world-- I MUST tell you all about their new single "For The First Time."

On their new sophomore album Science & Faith, The Script come back with what I call a banger. "For The First Time" is a head nodding, soul identifying song that captures the listener's ear. In the tough times that we are going through now, the song's lyrics are perfectly aligned with people's lives across the nation (they've always been absolutely marvelous when it comes to penning soulful and deep lyrics). The video that accompanies the song is a bit of the short film, showing the struggles that many people go through with trying to survive life; with finding a job and managing relationships.

If you don't believe me well take a look for yourselves:

(regular video)

Short Film Version:


Hope you enjoy this bit of music.
Interested in getting the album? Well check it out here:
Science & Faith (US Bonus Track Version)
Happy listening taters.

New Music Monday - "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith - Video Premiere

So I said I would come back and post this video once it premiered and well it did. Today Willow Smith's video for "Whip My Hair" premiered and boy did it premiere. The video was nothing short of amazing, but what would you expect? The girl is obviously talented out of the wazoo and I love the fact that she isn't afraid to be herself. I think I appreciate her more as an upcoming artist for being real more than anything.

Anywho, without anymore of my rambling here is the "Whip My Hair" video:

How amazing is she? All I have to say those already making music (won't name names) is watch out. I feel like there are a few that should be worried; one in particular. Anywho, love it? hate it? Let me know.

New Music Monday - "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith

Once again, I am back after some real life fails and successes, pardon my absence, but here I am. Today I am bringing you some music that's a bit different from what I normally listen to; I've long since left hip hop and R&B music alone, but young Willow Smith (yes, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's daughter) snatched me back with her new hit. This nine year old is displaying more raw talent and self acceptance than most adults in the industry. Within in the past two weeks Willow has had her song racking up numerous plays on YouTube and has actually gotten signed to Roc Nation (Jay-Z's Record Label). Not only has she caught the attention of her listeners, but she's caught the attention of one of the most successful rappers there is.

At nine year's old she's putting everyone to shame with this song and in a way, encouraging girls and women alike to accept themselves and "just whip it." Take a listen.

She doesn't have an official video out yet, but from what I hear it's in the works and as soon as it's done I'll definitely do a  follow up. I look forward to hearing more music from this young lady with a crap ton of talent. Now if you'll excuse me . . I have some hair whipping to do.

Have an awesome day.

Breathe Easy Saturday

It has been a little while since I've done a Breathe Easy Saturday, the reason for that is because I have been busy trying to begin my own children's book series. My mother had been pushing the idea with me for a while and even though it isn't the way that I wanted to break into the writing industry, I'll take it. It's actually helping me feel a bit more productive than just sitting at the computer all day searching for internship related to writing or publishing or searching for a job that involves me teaching the kiddies English.

But today, in all honesty, I feel good about what I'm doing. I honestly thought it would feel like a forced project, but it hasn't . . . not in the least bit. Now as I sit staring at the curser blinking at me in the Word document that contains the beginnings of a children's book I can smile and say . .  wow I did that. Anywho, enough with my own happy epiphany. I feel like we need a ah-mazing song in honor of this day. I know a bunch of other people out there are having a WONDERFUL day just like me and even if you aren't music always makes the day better.

So without further ado . . .

Been sleeping under a rock and don't have this Beatles song on your iPod? Add it to your playlist and buy it here: Twist And Shout 

Enjoy your Saturday. =)

Breathe Easy Saturday

Here we are again at another Breathe Easy Saturday; pardon my absence with this from last week, but it was a holiday weekend, after all, and I was doing a ton of stuff before we went away to visit family. However, I'm back this week with my ramblings and of course another song to add to your day.

I'm up bright and early on this wonderful Saturday to ramble a bit, as usual - so on to it. So this morning while in the shower (were I do my best thinking, of course) I was thinking about how hectic a week can get and how we can lose sight of the fact that there should always be a day where you are able to just kick back relax, veg out, and not think about overly stressful things for a while. What's the point? You've been stressing all week and if you don't want premature gray hairs, you'll give yourself a break, find something mindless to watch and just enjoy your day NOT thinking about what's been breaking your back all week.

Just my thoughts on things, so take my advice (I think it's pretty great if you ask me) and enjoy yourself today. Whether it be with family, with a significant other, or just going outside to bake in the sun for a bit; whatever floats your boat.

And a song for this stress free day would have to be:

Interested in adding this to your playlist? Check it out here: Three Little Birds by Bob Marley.

New Music Monday

For the second week in a row, I'm going to tell you lovies about a CD that has been out for a while, since August of last year to be exact. So it's not exactly new-new, but hey roll with me.  A Fine Frenzy may be to you a little known band, but to others that have heard of them and are fans of adult alternative, this band is probably in heavy rotation on their ipods. A Fine Frenzy consists of an amazing vocalist and an even more amazing band that gives their music an uncommon sound; nothing wrong with different. It's not everyday we hear a vocalist quite like Alison Sudol and the lyrics she comes up with on each of her CD's are amazing. A Fine Frenzy's first album One Cell in The Sea always reminds me, personally, of teenage agnst (sue me, I'm fresh out my teenage years), but their sophomore album Bomb in a Birdcage is definitely a more mature sound and has a bit less of a serious note to it.

There are many amazing songs on this particular album, but today I'm going to share with you three of my favorite; maybe four if you're lucky. ;)

The first up off Bomb in a Birdcage is "Happier."  Ever hear a slow/sad song about breaking up? Well A Fine Frenzy and Alison Sudol have taken the opposite route and created an upbeat breakup song. Pretty neat if I do say so myself. Check it out:

(unfortunately, the embedding option is disabled on the official videos for all of these).

Another one of my personal favorites off this CD is "Blow Away."

This song most definitely makes me think of vacation and peaceful, happy times. A definite summer song to add to your playlist.

My third favorite from this album would have to be, "Electric Twist." It's upbeat as well, which is so different for AFF; it's much appreciated though. Have a listen:

Lastly, since I can't resist, I'm including a fourth favorite song from this album entitled "Stood Up." It seems very rebelesque (not a word, but a band I know. But I'm using it as a word) and has a definite head nodding aspect to it:

Loving this band? Never heard of them before and interested in purchasing one or both of their CDs? Check them out here: One Cell in the Sea & Bomb in a Birdcage.

Have an awesome Monday and cheers to new music!

Breathe Easy Saturday

Well good morning to you all; I hope this Saturday morning finds you rested and thoroughly relaxed. Today's song for this Breathe Easy Saturday came to me a week ago while I was making my mother's website for her nonprofit organization. This song in particular comes from my childhood, my parents played a variety of music when I was young, some of it stuck with me while others have been forgotten. But this song, I remember it being a nice feel good and uplifting song. Just what we need on this beautiful Saturday, right? Right!

So without further ado, I present to you today's music for this glorious Breathe Easy Saturday, "Fields of Gold" by Sting:

Just taking time to listen to the lyrics, paired with the slow rhythm of the song, and Sting's amazing voice, will have you feeling better about your day. And if that doesn't work, at least you have an amazing new song that you can add to your playlist. Interested? Get it here: Fields Of Gold

Have an awesome day lovies.

Remembering Michael Jackson

Can you believe that a year ago today, the king of pop passed away? I remember the day I heard the news like it was yesterday. I had just come home from the hair salon and my friend called me telling me Michael Jackson died and of course my automatic response was: "Stop lying." I refused to believe it. So instead of trying to further convince me herself she told me to turn on the television, so I did. It was all over the news saying that he had passed away and lovies, guess what my response to that was? You guessed right: "Stop lying."

It seemed impossible for a man of that magnitude of talent to have died so young. Then again, when you think about it, it's common knowledge that Michael had been creating wonderful music for us for YEARS and although the music was happy, he never seemed too happy himself. Sad to say, but he's in peace now and happier than he probably ever was on earth. Anywho, let's celebrate today this wonderful man that seemingly left us too soon.

Haven't purchased Michael's 'This Is It' DVD? Get it: Michael Jackson: This Is It . Interested in John Mayer's cover of 'Human Nature' from the above video? Well unfortunately it isn't purchasable, but there is another acoustic version of the song that's just as wonderful by Marty Schwartz and Jason Eskridge. Add it to your playlist: Human Nature .

Airplanes - B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams

The song that has been blowing up the airwaves for weeks now, finally has a video. "Airplanes" by B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams (of Paramore) is a song that not only appeals to people gunning for hip hop music, but to those that also love the concept of rock and merging it with different music genres. The video concept is simple yet matches the concept of the song, nothing over the top or too simplistic. If you haven't watched it, take a peak.

A fan of B.o.B? Purchase his album: B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray [Explicit] . Don't want the whole album and just want to listen to the AMAZING Hayley Williams go to town on the chorus of "Airplanes"? Add it to your playlist: Airplanes [Feat. Hayley Williams Of Paramore] (Explicit Album Version) .

Happy listening.

Happy Birthday Cyndi Lauper

In honor of the freaking amazing 80's pop icon's birthday, I thought why not post a video or two of her amazing songs? You all know you love her, enjoy and I hope she has a wonderfully blessed birthday.

Interested in adding these classic 80's song to your playlist? Check them out here: The Goonies 'R' Good Enough (Single Version), Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Album Version) .

New Music Monday

I have always been interested in different types of music, many of you may have already noticed this and will continue to notice, that I'm pretty all over the place with my music taste. So I thought why not share my eclecticity.

So for this beautiful New Music Monday I want to bring you an album that has been released for a while now, since April 13, 2010 - it's called You I Wind Land and Sea and the wonderful artist responsible for the CD jam-packed with musical goodness is Justin Nozuka. You I Wind Land and Sea is the follow up album to Nozuka's debut album Holly; in which he wrote and recorded while in high school. Now two years later, You I Wind Land and Sea encompasses all the things that originally made him and his music lovable, but including some more mature sounds and even some things that take you by surprise (pleasantly, of course).

Throughout this album, Justin's heartfelt lyrics and entrancing melodies are what captivate the ear; it makes one wonder what he'll say next or what topic he'll cover that you can relate to. As an artist he has grown musically and lyrically; at his current progression by the time he reaches thirty he'll be a staple in acoustic rock/pop.

Now that the regalement of Justin is through let's get on to some wonderful music samples from this album. Who knows I may even throw a song from Holly in the mix as well.

From You I Wind Land and Sea :

"My Heart is Yours" is a song with foot tapping melody and soulful lyrics about love; a wise choice for first single (in my opinion). Take a listen:

A favorite song of mine off this album would have to be "Unwoken Dream (King With Everything)"; the song begins with just Justin's wonderfully soulful and raspy voice and his acoustic guitar. Nothing else marring (back up singers, voice alternations, etc.) the wonderfulness of this song. Check it out.

And the last taste off You I Wind Land and Sea will be "Love." Enjoy.

And for a treat, here's the song that made all the Nozuka lover's fall in love with his sound, voice, and lyrics. "After Tonight" on his debut album Holly.

Now, as if you'd need anymore convincing after all that amazing tuneage, if you're interested in more of Justin's music you can purchase Holly or You I Wind Land and Sea on iTunes. If you like what you heard, you definitely won't regret the purchase.

Happy Monday!

Breathe Easy Saturdays

Have you ever just had a song that you had to play on repeat? A song that represented where you were in your life at the moment? Or just a song that has lyrics that basically encompass the type of day your having? Well if you're anything like me, I'm sure you have experienced this very thing. I have a different song stuck in my head every day and I thought, why not share my musical thoughts and ramblings with you.

So today's Breathe Easy Saturday video comes to you from John Mayer and his cover of Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'."

Unfortunately, since the official video for the song has restrictions, I can't post that one. BUT if any of you are interested in listening to this lovely cover and watching the OFFICIAL video take a peak here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wJ-VPqFzy0&feature=related .

Anywho, for the last I would say week this song has definitely been the one song that I play constantly. I'm not sure what it is, but through all the chaos of life . . . this song sort of takes you to another place and just makes the day more bearable. I know there are many songs out there that do the same thing . . but this is definitely my song for this Breathe Easy Saturday. Enjoy.

Katy Perry - California Gurls

Katy Perry - California Gurls: "Teenage Dream"

Katy Perry - New Music - More Music Videos

Ah Katy Perry, you never cease to amaze with your videos. When one hears the concept of California girls you automatically think that there will be a beach in the picture somewhere with scantily clad women running around in water, splashing one another. However, Katy Perry must have figured that this is the stereotypical video concept that people were expecting and went in a different direction with this. "California Gurls" goes against the stereotypes by combining aspects from Alice in Wonderland and the Candy Land game, merging them together and bringing them to life. In saying this, you must admit that this is really a different concept from a lot of the videos that are gracing the television screen now and it's nice to take a break from the norm and see something a little more cheery and less dark (I, for one, am grateful that she isn't wearing something resembling a dominatrix. That concept is getting a bit worn out).

So if you haven't taken a peak at this unique and cheery video, get to it. Whether you like pop music or Katy Perry in general I am sure that you'll find yourself nodding to the song, enjoying the video, and possibly even head on over to iTunes to download the song for your summer playlist.

Lady Gaga - Alejandro

• Lady Gaga - Alejandro: "The Fame Monster"

Now, I love Lady Gaga as much as the next girl, but this video has absolutely thrown me for a freaking loop. I don't know how to feel about it, which sucks because I love the song. I've often thought Lady Gaga can't do anything crazier than what she's already done, apparently I was wrong. Every video she's done I've come to eventually like; this one makes me a bit uneasy, however, not uneasy enough to dislike her as an artist entirely.

Although this video was just released three days ago people are already in a serious uproar about it being sacrilegious and offending to the children/young teenagers that will see it. These same individuals are saying that Lady Gaga's music shouldn't be listened to due to the messages her songs portray as well as the images being presented in her videos. I, on the other hand, may not understand the message behind the video, but it is obvious this video contains artistic meaning and not all people will be able to accept that or see that when watching. There is a deeper meanings behind many of Lady Gaga's songs, most don't take the time to research what is going into their ears and write her off as trash or a copy of Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, Cher, or anyone else considered controversial.

These artists mentioned where at one time in the same boat or still are in regards to their music; these are the names that have made great impacts on music by stepping outside the box and creating music that expresses how they see things or how they feel. Gaga has obviously worked her butt off in regards to her career, going from a girl trying to make it in Long Island, New York to a woman working to have the world hear her music and to touch lives with messages in song that many often don't venture into.

So although the video gives me the heebee jeebees, Lady Gaga obviously put her heart and soul into it, just like other artists and for that she should not be shunned or the video deemed trash, but we should look at the bigger picture and appreciate her music for what it's worth.