Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

NBC's The Voice already #3 in ratings!


i can't get enough of this show. 
finally, singing auditions we can all stomach while eating.

i love the concept of this show, and since the first artist that opened his mouth, it was clear that the caliber of talent here is miles ahead of american idol. and unlike american idol, it is purposely geared toward slightly more seasoned vocalists. many of them have been trying to get into the business and for whatever reasons, haven't been able to. 

sure, somehow the 16 year old with a young and very mild voice made it through, but she will get some good coaching out of it.

this girl {above} dia frampton, is why i love this show. looking at her, you would never know what comes out of her mouth. sure, she is pretty, has quirky style, and could be an artist, but she isn't a "show girl" in any way. in fact, she reminds me a lot of a young meiko. a fun, raspy, very marketable sound, regardless of how she sells it.

when she walked off the stage, she was quiet and reserved. it made me think of how she might have been received on the stage at american idol. i wonder if miss dia would eventually get told she doesn't "perform" well, or she doesn't "sell it" and then fall to the demise of voters and lose her shot... who knows.

the voice obviously gives a voice to the voiceless, and that is something we love to see. i have a few faves already and i can't wait to watch the coaches do their thing.  another brilliant aspect of this premise is that the young artists get some coaching from a huge star and i hope it is the vocal coaching they need to give them an edge.

ps, if you aren't watching, you should be. apparently the rest of america is.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

are you watching closely?


who is ready for the voice?


can we talk briefly about how much i have craved a show just like this.
the reason viewers are getting in to american idol more this year is because -
a) the judges are way cooler. b) there was some pretty good talent

having great judges that give real criticism to the singers is what makes it a real journey for them. they have room to improve and become something, rather than just knock a brittish guy's socks off or die. and it is just more positive. who wasn't getting sick of the feigned interest of the judges of idol past. and what was worse? they weren't singers!!

the past view weeks of idol have proved why it is such a frustrating show to watch.
america votes and send the best home, every time. (tears for pia and steffano- our favorites.)


the voice, takes the great judges idea, turns them into coaches, and suddenly the competition is like american idol meets celebrity apprentice. 

you can be fat, old, bearded, or just crazy wierd, but if you have a voice. you're in.
i love that idea more than anything.

an then, some of the best artists will take the singers
and help turn them into sangers.

nbc's the voice is tonight 9/8c
set your tivo or be sad you didn't.


man, tuesdays are going to be big around here now- 
the voice AND biggest loser?!
better watch that too, chia pet #2 is about to get the makeover of his life. 

oh what would we do without the good reality tv shows?
we would be forever stuck watching all those other ones... or housewives...

Monday, February 7, 2011

super bowl = pre-glee


why is it that on super bowl sunday, we were more excited about this than anything?

oh, cause its all men doing an acapella version of a destiny's child song. 
i wanted to eat it.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

the real thing baby...

if you missed the first episode of the sing off, shame on you.

here. you can watch the whole thing...

i was a bit surprised at one of the two that were sent home, but our favorite is committed
they are like straight no chaser meets take six... tasty.  6 southern boys committed to God and music. can that be bad? no, it isn't.



i also love backbeats {i know, most of these groups have lame names...} the girl percussionist was in my major at byu and was on last season... go courtney! (short haired one)



and on the rocks that performed "bad romance" by sista gaga... it was hilarious...



you better get on the tivo right now cause the next episode is tomorrow night!  it is mondays/wednesdays and will not be on the air for long... get on that.



{the other fun part of this one is the judges: ben folds and shawn stockman (from boyz to men)- real musicians with real critiques of the music!  of course, there is a no name chick that makes the cute fluffy comments, but otherwise, the judges are the real deal!!!}


and while you are there, ya know, setting your tivo... if you forget to watch tonight's biggest loser you will not like life.  we are down to the last 4 peeps, and we all hope ada wins the thing and mark takes the at home... cause they are my favs...

and for those who have been following, are you or are you not excited that game player face brendon was red lined last week?  uh yeah- high fivin a million angels!

next tuesday is the big finale!!


{side note: cc and i realized last night as we were watchin our shows and loving our relaxin time, that this phase of life is coming to an end... i guess the good news is that there isn't usually good shows on in march... thank heaven for tivo!}

Thursday, December 2, 2010

to glee or not to glee


we have been watching the glees... 
just to be sure we aren't missing any good musical genius moments...

a few ago, we just skipped over most of the story cause it made us both sick/bored.
but i have to admit,


the last 3 episodes have been way too fun to ignore...

starting with this one with gweneth...


she was hilarious- and it was fun to see a side of her we haven't really seen-
gweneth gone wild.


then we had a glee wedding...
featuring 2 songs that have made me shimmy lately by bruno mars, 
"marry you" and "just the way you are"



i don't mind telling you that i had a plastered smile throughout this entire episode...
{and maybe cc downloaded bruno's entire cd to play on the way to work the next morning... just cause he knew how happy it made me.}

then this last episode was sectionals:
with a way fun performance using sam and quinn- 
{the only couple on this show that i think is so cute/wont go and screw their lives up...} 


so, now i am feeling like glee could be back on my list...

please don't toy with my emotions though, glee, i am emotionally fragile...


but even if you aren't a gleek, and choose to let go for good- i won't judge, 
but i will tell you to get on board with the REAL GLEEKs.

the reality show- "sing off" is starting again, 
and this is the glee kids on steroids, the real mccoys kids!
we love watching these guys wail- no instruments needed...
all the fun of glee, minus the propaganda and drama...

starts on Monday.
set your tivo so we can rehash how fun it is...


 


here is a snip from season one...
byu's noteworthy...
{i know, and you thought girl groups were lame...}

Monday, November 8, 2010

donate 2010; we need a christmas miracle!!


most of you know i have this crazy talented brother.

he writes music.

if you live in LA or Mesa, AZ, you may have seen this concert:

we are trying to see how much we can raise in the remaining 27 days to help the fund so the show in Mesa this year can be offered at no charge and so that he can continue to produce this wonderful music and eventually offer CDs and good stuff...
what we need is...  a christmas miracle
{aka:  "the perfect cheer!"}

In case you can't pick it up from this video,
the music covers the story of the birth of the Savior.
it is a non-denominational, theatrical view into the characters of the nativity that we all know.

the music is brilliant, the performance is always stunning.
and of course, i am always left bragging.






check out his website @ beforetonight.com
for performance info and more videos...

click on the blue link to donate

{then spread the word to anyone you think might help!! }

Saturday, June 19, 2010

long-winded movie review - karate kid remake



you and i both had a crush on the first karate kid.
don't even try to deny it.

but this karate kid remake proves one thing:
jaden smith has a future ahead of him

i will be honest, initially, this was one of those,
"oh, ok dear, lets go see a movie that you want to see"
moments,

but i absolutely enjoyed it and would own this.
(i might even go as far to say i like it better than the original...
but that may or may not be blasphemous...)

best features:

* jackie chan character is priceless -
so different from some of the dumbed down guy movies he's played in.
this guy has depth - great performance
and the chemistry between him and the kid is fun to watch.

* music - from the beginning i was dancin -
the credits feature a song jaden wrote himself.
that just makes me smile.

* parallels to previous karate kid. look for em.
some are subtle,
but because i was raised by men, i caught em.

* end credits feature very cool fotos of the production
with jada pinkett and will hangin out the whole time.
they were the producers of the film.

watch your tail end for this jaden kid -
he's coming on up.


Tuesday, October 20, 2009

miss you already...

this weekend i was in utah.

i played with these chicas while my sister-in-law
[sort of] patiently waits for baby parker to kindly step out of her body...





and we got to see jace play some hardcore soccer...




fotos by meg


then we heard cam's first recording.
she will most likely be a rock star....

I Am T-Pain by Smule: Only on iPhone

Listen to Cameron's latest recording:

nusafed?

[we were rolling, she is so good...]


miss you already!
thanks for letting me stay and play


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

answer:


thanks for playing- you were oh so close....

all four of these words were part of a little contest:

4 female artists sat arguing over who was the best female artist,
and just before it got out of hand,
they thought of this idea...

they each drew a word out of a hat
and each artist had to write (or get their writers to write)
a song.


the rules:
  • it must be repetitive to near bloody q-tip level,
  • must use the word 90% of the song,
  • the song must convey an obscure message that only the artist can understand...

...and then we will see who really is the best female artist...



so far, this techno one-word song phenomenon still belongs to lady gaga,
the unfortunately named, lyrically challenged one.

if you'll notice, big green tractor is not too far behind though...
must be catching on...

where in the hockey sticks is music going these days!!



Friday, June 26, 2009

the way you make me feel

i'd like to think that if mj makes it to heaven

that he would be the cute little black kid whose body was overtaken by an alien.


hey michael sean and lindsee jo,


do you remember the time we used to scream over the bimonthly


mj only dance parties?



i do.



and i think, along with half the world yesterday, i had an mj only party in my car all day.
which is fabulous in the new sound system.
(ironically, i have been listening to him all week anyway... but anyway...)

i dressed as him for "hero day" in high school...


musically. he was my musical/choreographical hero.



last night, as we drove home, we heard about 7 cars also Jamming to the classics,


easing down the road... and wondered...


how many around the world yesterday were keepin the faith?



i have the music videos ready to watch, and i may even need to go rent the wiz...



can't stop till you get enough.





oh yeah- farrah fawcett and ed mcmann died too.


but no one can play their music....


just wonder who gets the money now....


Sunday, June 14, 2009

pure awesomeness


this is so something my brother would make.

enjoy.


Saturday, June 13, 2009

...we got internet....



so we had to break it in...

and we found this kid.

WARNING:

you will waste a morning on this..




that kid is nuts, but he plays this guy's stuff:




and then there's this guy...




and while we are there...




humans should not be this talented.


good thing my kids will at least sing and play guitars.

thanks again, cc.


Monday, June 8, 2009

Time Out...

this is why i don't like listening to the radio.
well, today i tried again...


this is the song that happened.
i will notate my thoughts:


Poker Face
by
Lady GaGa
hold it there.
who calls themselves "gaga"?
and "Lady Gaga" as if she is the honorable Gaga....?


Songwriters: Germanotta, Stefani; Khayat, Nadir
(note the plural. it took four 1-namers to come up with this crap)


I won't tell you that I love you
Kiss or hug you
Cause I'm bluffin'
with my muffin (your muffin?)
I'm not lying
I'm just stunnin'
with my love-glue-gunning (what?)
Just like a chick in the casino
Take your bank before I pay you out
I promise this, promise this
Check this hand cause I'm marvelous
(what just happened here?
maybe i don't need to know...)


Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
really? that. just. happened.
someone wrote a song called, "poker face"
future offspring, hold on tight.

i know i know.
i've been mia for a while.
i promise i have some pictures and updates
coming tomorrow.
we are getting internet soon though
and then i will be back in biz.


[HAPPY MONDAY]

Saturday, March 14, 2009

...me & the gang...


pardon the quick side note:

dear jessica [used-to-be-married-to-that-one-dude-but-now-you're-not] simpson,

you look trashy, sound trashy, and i don't believe you are as close to dolly parton as you think you think you are.

in fact, your trite, obnoxious longing to be loved by your unadoring fans you should probably just take back to malibu where your 92' not-all-too-unbearable pop music lives.

the only thing we could say was "hey, she still has an amazing set of legs!"

rascal flatts, on the other hand....
not only blew us away,

and humbly showed their love of music,

but they also sound fantastic live,

and the light show is almost just as fun,
making for sweet fotos...

exhibit a:
he said hi to this girl, and then discovered she wrote a song...
she's friggen 10.
he got her up there and made her sing it!
the crowd had to chant "tay—lor, tay—lor" to get her in,
but eventually she wailed that little tone-deaf voice...
inspirational.
after the guitarist/drums came in to back her up,
they finished a chorus, but she kept going!
rad.

thanks, topher, for the best v-day present ever...

i am so glad you get into music the way i do.



it's going to make life a lot easier on us both...




Monday, March 9, 2009

hey boys...


be patient.
i will be there soon.
like 3 days.

but i am bringing my lover,
so don’t be tryin to get all fresh again...


ooh. can't wait.

Monday, January 26, 2009

roots


az makes me feel all country girlish... wanting to wear my white cotton dress and hop on a horse and just ride it forever....

also makes me like country more. as in the music.

like this taylor swift video (the song isn't the best, but the video is fantastic).

that i can't stop watching...


i know... sick huh...


Saturday, January 24, 2009

new musical obsessions for your weekend perusal

i love that i have some very musically trained friends
who can keep me up on my eclectic musical gems.

(all of these i have stumbled upon within the last year)

let me know which ones you like:

hazy — rosi galan (feat. william fitzsimmons)

falling Slowly — glen hansard & marketa irglova
(from the movie "Once" & won the academy award last year)

herbie hancock (jazz piano master) feat. christina aguilera.
aside from her fancy mic-work... this chick is on point.
and looks stunning, i might add...



check out herbie's others...
the john mayer one is serious fun.

speaking of, so is this:



and since we are on an upbeat kick:
some of you might like one
i happened upon last year: eric hutchinson.
love this guy too.

this little music/clip montage of this Best Picture nominee (among 10 oscar nominations):





enjoy! and have a fantabulous weekend!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

i love people who love their jobs


metro driver/voice dude
-
going on the blue toward franconia springfield he says, "fran-cónia sprangfeeyuld...." in this almost southern drawl... if it is real, that's awesome. but i like to believe that it is a very happy black man that loves doing what he does and so he makes it fun sometimes...

starbucks guy -
this guy is like an auctioneer. he loves that he knows all the names of all the millions of mixes... "tall, grande daily drip with three shots of whatever...mochachino frappe with hazelnut..." as every person grabs their morning shot of death he adds "have a great day" with a grin...
that's the kicker...

concierge -
charles. he is usually the one at the desk when i get in. he will do anything you need and smile and love doin it. no really, i wonder if he goes to bed at night all worried that there was someone he could've done more for... he's that good.

the door openers/valet dudes -
these guys are also always happy... they open my door for me every single day. yes, they may do that for everybody that comes through, but they make you feel like it is a privilege to be the one to get the door for you. i smile back every time. hard not to.

register dude at little organic market/cafe -

way peppy and encouraged us to buy something because they are "just delectable"... and with a huge grin on says, "they are perfect for the fall season!" love. that.

waiters/waitresses -
you know you love the ones that are so comfortable and happy... not just so you will tip them well but the ones that really and truly love doing what they are doing... i had a guy the other day at zaytinya—this beautiful place that serves tapas (appetizer-sized entrees) only so you have to get about 3 a person (dang). i love the ones that are clever enough i can tell them to just pick for me... and they will know... he so did.

musicians -

i have been to a few concerts this year, slash, i have seen a few semi-famous-ers come to ellington and throw down. i love the ones that are loving what they do. i loved jason mraz and john mayer live for that reason-- they truly love that their job is to throw down...
it really makes me smile. slash want their job...

the fudge man -
this guy was at costco selling his own homemade fudge. i wasn't sure which kind to try and he looked at me a second and then said, "i know exactly what you need...you need a little excitement in your personal life... its in your eyes... the eyes are the window to your heart... here, let that live in between your lips... chocolate cheesecake... i've only been doing this for about 2 minutes... times 25 years or so..." i have to admit... it was a sensuous experience. good thing he loves his job... he read right through me and made my week!


Saturday, December 6, 2008

two cds you should be listening to this christmas


#1—this one is TDF.

Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs

i love all of these girls and some of these are beauties that could be year-round.

go here to listen clips of all the songs and to purchase it on itunes.
i love love the fiona apple one, of course the colbie one... but the first one will be on repeat for days...


#2— and this is a staple. (meaning, you can't open presents without it....)
James Taylor at Christmas


go tell it on the mountain, winter wonderland, and the sweetest rendish of baby, it's cold outside feat. natalie cole.... yum. thank you dad, for turning me on to this man... cause now my christmas will never be the same...

proceed to purchased enjoyment.




Thursday, October 23, 2008

i have been changed.... for. good.


finished the mammoth project. revising it is a roach in the refrigerator.
know its there but don't want to touch it.

instead, monday night i went to a fantabulous concert that, as cheesy at it sounds, i have been wanting to go to all year... possibly all my life. [dramatic head throw]


jason, baby, you rock my world. you is better live and loud and proud than most are in the studio! such an adorable geek in the pink that i was just giddy and 12 the entire time. the friend who took me to said concert was surely ready to puke at any given moment because of the plastered smile and girlish squeals that escaped every 4 minutes at the start of a new song...


the only moment that i shuddered was when he plastered huge pictures of Obama during one of his songs... not that it was Obama per say... well- here are the lyrics... you can decide how you feel about that.


Live High
Jason Mraz

I try to picture a girl
Through a looking glass
See her as a carbon atom
See her eyes and stare back at them
See that girl
As her own new world
Though a home is on the surface, she is still a universe

Glory God, oh God is peeking through the blinds
Are we all here standing naked
Taking guesses at the actual date and time
Oh my, justifying reasons why
Is an absolutely insane resolution to live by

Live high
Live mighty
Live righteously
Takin it easy
Live high, live mighty
Live righteously

[pictures go up somewhere in here...]

Try to picture the man
To always have an open hand

And see him as a giving tree

See him as matter

Matter fact he's not a beast

No not the devil either

Always a good deed doer

And it's laughter that we're making after all


The call of the wild is still an ordination why
And the order of the primates

All our politics are too late
Oh my, the congregation in my mind

Is this assembly singing of gratitude

Practicing their lovin for you


Live high
Live mighty
Live righteously
Takin it easy
Live high, live mighty
Oh live righteously

Take it all,
And just take it easy
And celebrate the malleable reality
You see nothing is ever as it seems
Yeah this life is but a dream

Lift me up to the almighty
Raise your hands and start acknowledging

Live high, live high
Live mighty, mighty, mighty,
Oh live righteously
Takin it easy
Live high, live mighty
Oh live righteously
Just take, just just taking it easy
Live high
Oh live mighty, mighty,
Oh live righteously
Take it all, just take it, take it easy
See live high,
Oh live righteously
Just take it easy

great song, but what was once close to spiritual has been tainted a bit for me.

its almost as sticky as watching this:

who filmed this and why does that feel awkward? maybe cause he pulls out some far-too-popish sound before he ends there...



k- so he's flawless. one of the most healthy sounding voices... and i think he should record some church stuff. that would be good for all i think. just don't sing like a pop star in church next time. that bugs.

anyway- awesome concert- i would recommend him to any.
worth every cent... unless you are married...

cause you might want to...er....not be...when he's done with you!!