"Whole Lotta Lovin'..."

    Hello everyone!  After a very busy few months, I am back to blogging, and I have a "whole lotta lovin'" for everyone who reads this.  What exactly do I mean, you ask?  First, I mean this guy:

Gary Clark, Jr.

   I'm writing this from Austin, which is gearing up for the annual South By Southwest music festival (abbreviated SXSW or South By).  I have already spotted a bunch of "SXSW staff" jackets, and we are about to be inundated with thousands of folks from NYC, LA, and every other corner of the globe.  Although SXSW has evolved over the years and now features "Interactive", Film, Comedy, "SXSWedu", and "Eco" portions of the festival, the cornerstone is still music.  In fact, you could say that Austin's whole cultural cornerstone is music (although the subject of tomorrow's post might get a little offended...).  

   At any rate, Austinites in general (and Austin Monthly magazine in particular) have been raving about Gary Clark, Jr., latest in a line of great blues musicians to hail from the (self-proclaimed?) live music capital of the world.  He is a fabulous guitarist, and his voice is just perfect.  The Washington Post reports fans awed into silence and Alicia Keys agrees.  I've been listening to his YouTube playlist all morning, and I couldn't agree more.  See for yourself!

Autumn Music

Autumn, to me, is a season for mellow, folksy music.  So here you go!

Bob Schneider- Honeypot by MMMusic

Bob Schneider is an Austinite (he actually lives pretty close to me), so of course I had to include his latest song.  I love that the local Williamsburg radio station plays it!

Mat Kearney- Hey Mama by MMMusic

Latest from Mat Kearney

03. Michael Tolcher - Sooner or Later by Michael Tolcher

An oldie

And because I couldn't find it on SoundCloud (probably because the album came out in 1999...)

Enjoy!

Good Feeling

Flo Rida - Good Feeling (Deluxe School Edit) by Deluxehungary

   Sometimes, I get a good feeling.  Sometimes, I need a good feeling (hello there, midterms).  Tonight is a long paper-writing night, but here are a few ways to get through:

1. Try not to drink coffee or energy drinks.  You will probably have to get up early(ish) in the morning, so any sleep you can get will be very important!
2. Drink plenty of water and eat, so that your brain will function as well as possible.
3. Take a five minute break for every 30 minutes of work.
4. Listen to energizing music!  (like the track above this post!)
5. If you need to shower, save it for a time you think you will start getting tired.  Rinsing off always wakes me up.

   To anyone else out there taking exams and writing papers, good luck!

Black & Gold

Mood Music:

 

  Black and Gold (Sam Sparro cover) by LorenzoAlajar

Inspired by recent selections on the Etsy homepage, I give you:

OK, so maybe some of the "gold" is deep yellow, but close enough.  I love this combination for winter - gold keeps black interesting and warm.  And the song is just too good not to share.  Don't you agree?

Well, Lilly Pulitzer agrees.  Check out these cocktail dresses!

Adelson Shift

Eryn Dress

Blossom Dress

Bowen Dress - textbook black and gold!

Naomi Dress

Find them here, here, here, here, and here on the Lilly Pulitzer site.

Studious Sunday: Music

   Don't you think it's time I do another music post?  (Well, I do, anyway).  Sunday always ends up being my long studying day before the week - a time to finish weekend assignments and get a little ahead.  This week, I have take-home midterm exams to work on, so I've got a long, studious day ahead!  Tunes like these keep me happy, but they're quiet enough not to distract me.  Here's what I have been/will be listening to today:

Amos Lee, Southern Girl

Gavin DeGraw, Dancing Shoes

Jon McGloughlin, Amelia's Missing

Joshua Radin feat. Ingrid Michaelson, Sky

Nora Jones, Come Away With Me

And for a quick break...

Duffy, Mercy

Please, midterms, have mercy on me!

Cut a Rug!

   Those who know me know that I love to dance.  It doesn't matter too much what kind, although I'm not a huge fan of anything that your high school principal would disapprove of (and I went to a Christian high school - save room for Jesus, kids).  Nonetheless, I have found three great dance spots in Austin that are worth visiting if you want to cut a rug.  Here they are:

The Broken Spoke

   They call themselves the best honky tonk in Texas, although I'd take Billy Bob's in Fort Worth over The Broken Spoke.  They're still the best in Austin, though.  The Broken Spoke has live music five nights a week (they're closed on Sundays and Mondays), and for newcomers, they have Two-Step lessons from 8 - 9 PM on Saturday nights.  The Texas Two-Step is pretty tricky, so I definitely recommend the dance lessons if you've never learned before.  

The Oasis

   According to The Oasis, their restaurant is the sunset capital of Texas.  And the views are amazing - they look out over Lake Travis and a beautiful piece of Texas hill country.  Every Sunday night, from 7 - 10 PM, locals brave the tacky decor and long drive out west to salsa dance at the Oasis.  Again, they give lessons (6 - 7 PM, last I heard), so make sure to get there early!  Even if you have two left feet and hate dancing, it's worth the trip to watch the experts.  There are really some incredible dancers out there!

Austin Swing Syndicate at The Fed

    Swing dancing at The Fed is my favorite!  Maybe that's because I have lots of great memories there.  It's very family-friendly, and they also offer free lessons (although admission is $2 - $5).  Again, there are tons of talented dancers at The Fed (which is the second-largest weekly swing dance in the country!), but unfortunately, they can't show off to their full potential: because there are so many people, the swing syndicate has an "all four on the floor" rule, so no lifts or flips allowed.  If you can, go on a night with a special event, when they have a live band!

More music for you - Matt Nathanson

    Feel like smiling?  Good, me too.  Matt Nathanson is good mood music!  Never heard of Matt Nathanson?  Let me introduce you -

Bright and happy - the title track from his June 2011 album, "Modern Love".  Try not to smile or sing along, I dare you!

"Faster", the first single from "Modern Love".  I'm not sure about the mustache or Matt's attempts at dancing, but it sure is a fun song!

"Bottom of the Sea" - the last track on "Modern Love".  I love the bridge and the chorus: "I'm tired of getting even / Let's get odd, odd baby"

    Here's why I love Matt Nathanson's music: no sophomore slump, for a start.  He's been releasing music since 1993, and has definitely found a groove that works for him.  Solid lyrics, fun folk-rock music that's not over-produced, an artist who actually turned down the big-label scene to do his own thing... what a breath of fresh air!  Since his first big album, "Beneath These Fireworks", I really think Matt Nathanson has only gotten better.  Practice makes perfect, I guess!

Super Bass and Feminism

"...Yes I did, yes I did, somebody please tell him who the F I is
I am Nicki Minaj, I mack them dudes up, back coupes up, and chuck the deuce up..."

(Super Bass)

"...And yes you'll get slapped if you're lookin' hoe
I said, excuse me you're a hell of a guy..."

(Super Bass)

"...Yo, all I do is win ain't that the reason that you really mad?
Undisputed, hailing all the way from Trinidad
I ain't mad Ma, I see you with your bummy swag
I’m in that money green Jag lot of money bags,
I told Khaled that you the best but I’m the bestest
better run for cover if your name is on my checklist
you can talk slick all the way down to the welfare
as the IRS b*tch I’m paying for your healthcare..."

(All I Do Is Win remix)

   Nicki Minaj is a hip-hop/rap artist from New York City, and is part of Lil' Wayne's label.  Some (including me, usually) think she's a little rough around the edges, and she has said in interviews that she purposefully tries to tone down the sexiness.  That used to bother me - I didn't like her prideful attitude or her aggressiveness.  But then a friend suggested something - she's a woman in a style of music dominated by men.  She has to be tough, in order to compensate!  She has to be tough, arrogant, and prideful because that is what listeners expect from good male rappers, and Nicki wants to be taken seriously, like them.

   Nicki Minaj isn't the only woman in a male-dominated field who feels like she has to compensate for something.  We've all heard of the "glass ceiling" that keeps women out of traditionally-male practices.  Well, Nicki Minaj and other courageous women are breaking the glass ceiling, but in some ways, I think of them are selling out.

    Take Nicki's video for "Super Bass", above.  The artist who wants to tone-down her sexiness is dancing seductively and rapping about picking up guys at a club!  This is nothing new, though.  I've heard so many stories of women in engineering or cut-throat corporate positions who feel like they need to emphasize their sexiness at work.  I assume they hope that their colleagues who are slow to warm up to female co-workers will like them better if they do this.  Ladies, resist the urge to do this!  You do not  need to be sexy to be taken seriously (and it probably hurts your chances)!  Just be professional.  What good is it to climb the corporate ladder if you have to more or less sell your body to do it?  That's not the way I want to see the glass ceiling broken.  You are valuable because of your mind and your skills, not your body (and if you're only valuable to your employer because of your body, start looking for a new job).  

    So to Nicki and anyone else who's tempted to give in to the pressure to be sexy, not professional, I say stay strong!  Better to be known as a little rough around the edges than a woman who's only worth is in her figure and face.

British Soul, part 3

   Perhaps I've saved the best for last (although Duffy does give him a good run for his money!).  Meet James Morrison.  He is from England, and has put out two albums, both of which have their great tracks (although I've only listened to his second, Songs For You, Truths For Me).  He certainly hasn't had a sophomore slump!  This first track comes from his first album.

   What a beautiful love song!  I think James Morrison is a fantastic songwriter.

    Too bad there's no video for this one, but there are some great lyrics.  My favorite lines are "You could cut the atmosphere with a knife, it was so tense and cold".  I love how he managed to work in a cliche without sounding cliche.  

    More great lyrics to come...

   Gotta love the chorus.  Favorite lyrics: "I've got my hands up to take your aim, yeah I'm ready / There ain't nothin' that I won't do / Walk a thousand miles of broken glass, it won't stop me / From makin' my way back to you / It's not real until you feel the pain / And nothin' ever hurt like you".  The lyrics are kind of intense, but I think I'd swoon if someone wrote this for me.

    It's so hard to choose just one favorite song!

British Soul, part 2

   Now for another British singer!  I'm not sure if Paolo Nutini really qualifies as "soul", but he's got some flair, that's for sure.  Unfortunately, his flair doesn't always express itself by creating music videos that make a whole lot of sense.  But, on the bright side, he does make great music!
   Paolo Nutini is was raised in Scotland, the son of Italian immigrants, so his background is all over the place.  He got his big break by filling in at a concert when the opening act was late, and has been on the up and up since.  He's even opened for the Rolling Stones!  Although I personally think his first album is better than his second, check out these videos and see for yourself.

Pencil Full of Lead (2009)

New Shoes (US version - 2006)

Jenny Don't be Hasty (2006)

   

British Soul, part 1

   It might not be very patriotic to write about British music, but I can't help but love British soul singers.  Soul music originated in the US as a combination of R&B and blues, and its' popularity has waxed and waned, but in the last few years, Britain has turned out a few artists that I just can't get enough of.
   So, over the next few days, I'll tackle one artist per day, and feature a few of their songs that I love.

Duffy

   Born Aimee Ann Duffy, this platinum-blonde bombshell from Wales looks and sounds fabulously retro.  She has put out two albums, and her first debuted at the top of the UK charts, and went platinum several times!  She was even nominated for a Grammy for her first big hit, "Mercy".

   Those attractive, dancing men, the soft rap in the background, and the sleek, slightly-1920's feel?  Duffy has me begging for mercy!  No wonder an a cappella group at school decided to do a cover of this song - still, she does it best.  Her voice is inimitable.

   Next: more dancing men and retro feel.  Duffy said here that she positively can't remember choreography, so when it came time to shoot the video, they just turned on the music and danced around - you can tell she's having fun!

   Those two songs are just too much fun!  I love to turn up the volume, sing along, and dance a little, too.  But on a more serious note, try this hit off her first album.  Gotta love the lyrics: "you think you're loving, but you don't love me, I want to be free."  I think it will strike a chord with anyone who's ever broken up with anyone.  It's not easy from either side.  The music video isn't nearly as eye-catching as the previous two, but her voice is beautiful.

Beach Music

  West Coast Sister and I just got back from a family vacation in Florida, where that was my view every day!  The gulf water was pristine and a little cool, and so beautiful.  While we were there, these were a few of the tunes that got me in the beach-y mood.

  Tristan Prettyman is an all-time favorite of mine.  She is a surfer from California, so she really knows the beach!  Her songs are light and acoustic.  I especially love her first album, "Twenty Three".  Her first track from that album gets me in the vacation mood instantly!  Here it is: "Love, Love, Love".

  What's better than Tristan Prettyman?  Tristan Prettyman and friends!  So far, I've discovered two of her duets, one with G. Love (top) and Jason Mraz (bottom).  Fun fact: G. Love and Tristan's label (Brushfire Records) is owned by Jack Johnson, another musical surfer!

   

  Dave Barnes is another one of my favorites.  His music is typically lighthearted, with a positive message, and not too much "processing" - you hear the instruments, not technology.  Again, his early music is better for a vacation than the later music (although his EP, "You, the Night, and the Candlelight" is excellent).  I like these two tracks.  The top is "Until You", and the bottom is "God Gave Me You".  "God Gave Me You" isn't really that beach-y (although the video is shot on a beach!) but it is easy to listen to, a great reminder of the blessing of family, and one of my favorite Dave Barnes songs.  Also check out "Someday, Sarah" in the middle.  It's not great quality, but it's fun!

   

  Corinne Bailey Rae is another great summer artist.  This track very well may be familiar: "Girl Put Your Records On".  It's so light and happy, you just can't be in a bad mood and listen to it!

Another one of my favorites is this "I'd Like To".  A little more upbeat, and a lot of fun!

  Matt Wertz is my final recommendation.  He hails from Nashville, TN, and is a friend of Dave Barnes - they even went on tour together!  He put out his latest album this year, but my favorite is "Twentythree Places".  Here are a few of the happiest tunes, "Marianne" and "Everything's Right":

  

  Even if your summer plans don't include a beach vacation, you can still be in a beach mood.  Enjoy the beach music!