John Mayer Monday

I found myself feeling pleasantly tired and melancholy today. It was a cloudy & rainy day in Chattanooga and all I could think of was curling up in bed when I finally got back to my apartment. Knowing exactly what mood I was in, I popped in John Mayer’s Battle Studies CD for the ride home after I got off work. This album remained in my car’s CD player for months at a time a little over a year ago…a time when it was necessary to seek solace through another’s voice and personal experiences. I now find myself listening to this CD for other, more enjoyable reasons, which is why I pursued it upon climbing into my car this afternoon. 

Battle Studies was the perfect choice for my afternoon drive home; I found myself in utter peace as calmly listened to the talent that streamed throughout my car. The guitar, the vocals, the attitude…such lyrical precision for an ideal John Mayer Monday. 

Battle Studies was released in 2009, introducing 11 new tracks to fans worldwide. The album received "mixed" reviews from critics, some calling the album "adventurous" while others called it "safe." Whatever it may be, I find Battle Studies to be a strong,"come to Jesus" (not to be taken offensively) album that moves you both emotionally and physically. It is heartbreaking and beautiful, honest and real. It is a powerful, musical collection that unveils a John Mayer we have yet to see. To me, it is raw and painful perfection and the seamless "rainy day" accompaniment. Enjoy "Edge of Desire" and listen to Battle Studies if you have not had the opportunity to do so. Sleep well, friends. 

Passion Pit

Currently having a wicked affair with Passion Pit. I came across this “unabashedly” group of musicians while cramming for finals one semester at MUSC (thank you Pandora) and can’t seem to get enough. The group has produced 2 eclectic, yet carefully thought out albums, Manners and Chunk of Change, with Manners being my favorite. The first song I ever heard from Passion Pit was “The Reeling,” in which I was immediately hooked after only hearing a few key notes. I find their music to be simple yet complex, being that it is spontaneous and deliberate all at the same time. It’s pop mixed with sincerity, feelings of second chances and fun, memorable nights. Like many other bands I love, Passion Pit is a quick-witted group that listeners can relate to despite their fantastical lyrical depiction. My week has absolutely revolved around this band, so I hope you will give them a listen.

It was almost tormenting when it came to choosing which Passion Pit video I would share in tonight's blog post, but I have decided to go with “Better Things” from the album, Chunk of Change, which you can find below.

I can't help but dance whenever I hear this tune, along with every other song by this musical ensemble. The sound of Passion Pit has the ability to penetrate the coldest of hearts, turning those individuals into moving, soulful beings in an instant. This is the very  music I live for...something that can personally move me, lyrically and physically. I hope your heart and ears connect with their inscrutable sound just as mine did. If you enjoy "Better Things," check out the list below to get a peek into my top songs (in no particular order) from Passion Pit:

• Sleepyhead
• Moth’s Wings (see previous post for link)
• Little Secrets
• To Kingdom Come
• The Reeling
• Better Things
• Seaweed Song
• I’ve Got Your Number

And now, I will leave you for the weekend. Happy Friday, my friends. "Better things are coming, I swear there's truth in that..." Stay tuned for next week's blog posts covering Breakbot, Chromeo, Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina and Friendly Fires. XOXO.

The New Workout Video

The 2011 Cooper River Bridge Run is April 2^nd this year and I will be running it again upon my return to South Carolina. Though I know this run will probably kill me (in a good way!), I am looking forward to running it since I will finally be back in Charleston. It will be a great way to celebrate with everyone and will definitely make me feel better about attending my first Jimmy Buffet concert in Tampa 2 weeks later – hoping this run counteracts all those margaritas I foresee in the future! But back to the topic of running, seeing as I am about to go off on a tasty tangent here…we'll save that for another time!

So, running. I do enjoy this type of physical activity, but  it definitely takes a bit of coaxing for me to commit.  Tonight was no different, but a certain Colombian convinced me to get on that treadmill and make it happen. Equipped with Neuro notes in front of me (an ever so nerdy & guilty pleasure) and an iPod laced with the coolest jams, I got through my run with a smile (...sweat) on my face! It wasn't the easiest run, especially in specs fit for Mr. Magoo (thanks pink eye), but I ran straight at a steady pace for 30 minutes…an accomplishment for me, people! Whoooo...

While running, I came across some great tunes (true gems really) and wanted to share the musical highlights that really got me moving. They are either from the 80’s, 90’s or current hits and are personal favorites of mine. Click on each to get a virtual taste of my run this evening! If you don't want to go through all of them, I suggest numbers 1 & 3. 

Tuesday Night Playlist 

1. Kings of Leon – “Red Morning Light”
2. The Clash – “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
3. Passion Pit – “Moth’s Wings”
4. Sheryl Crow – “All I Wanna Do”
5. Reo Speedwagon – “Keep On Loving You”
6. The Police - "Don't Stand So Close to Me"
7. Mariah Carey - "Always Be My Baby"
8. Kings of Leon - "Four Kicks"
9. Kanye West - "New Workout Video"
10. Corey Smith - "If That's Country"
11. Shawn McDonald - "Take My Hand"

Good night, friends! Happy early "Hump Day"...

The Bodyguard

This has definitely been a lazy and fat Sunday for me, but I can’t say that I mind. Having worked Saturday at Siskin, I welcomed doing absolutely nothing today and passed the time watching movies and catching up with friends on the phone. Since this day has proven to be rather relaxing and it now being 8:00PM (prime time for movies to start), I decided to continue my day of laziness and see what movies were scheduled for tonight. After scrolling through the TV guide, I came across The Bodyguard showing on Lifetime. Knowing how I have the “hots” for Kevin Costner (LOVE him in Robin Hood) and envying Whitney Houston’s powerful vocal cords, I considered watching this “glossy drama.” This however, was only a fleeting thought as my mind went into “internet overload” and began searching for anything related to bodyguards. To no surprise (on my part), my mind dug up something similar to bodyguards, but nothing quite related to Houston’s 90’s soundtrack that accompanied this complex romance. Instead, my mind started to hum the tune to Paul Simon’s song, “You Can Call Me Al.” Loving this song (and Chevy Chase!), I left the comfort of my red couch and ran to the computer to “youtube” this 1986 classic.

I can remember watching this video with my father when I was a little girl and loving the sound of the trumpets and that “piccadilly” flute. Twenty-four years later, I still enjoy "You Can Call Me Al" or the “bodyguard” as I used to call it. Though the song paints a tale about a man going through a mid-life crisis, the song is light, fun and easy for listeners to tap their feet to. It can dissolve any and all bad moods (and can set a steady pace for a cool jog too), so I suggest that you add it to your iTunes when you have time, because it is truly a 1986 gem.

With that, I will leave you for the night and wish you well. I hope you all enjoy this little tune just as much as I do. "If you'd be my bodyguard, I can be your long lost pal, I can call you Betty and Betty, when you call me, you can call me Al..." Take care, my dear friends. 

The Movement

What a great evening! Tonight, I decided to wine & dine myself in the comfort of my own kitchen, while listening to none other than The Movement. I thought their 2004 CD, “On Your Feet,” would be an appetizing blend to cook to on this bitter-cold evening, and in having devoured my delectable meal and downed a healthy serving of chilled Pinot Noir, I think I made a great choice.

I was introduced to The Movement by my younger brother, Marco (the true music guru of the family), and like many of the artists he has introduced me to, I became quickly mesmerized by the band’s infectious lyrics that are not only loaded, but clever and carefree. The sound that underlies this wicked group is a witty concoction of reggae, rock and hip-hop; all my guilty pleasures in one! Thanks to Jessica Newton (formerly Livingston) I was able to get a hold of The Movement’s 2004 CD, “On Your Feet,” which backed my solo-cooking project this evening in Chattanooga. Now, to let you in on an easy and rewarding recipe to try on your own time!

My father’s fiancee, Tatiana Bustos, told me about this yummy recipe during our Christmas vacation in UAE and it turned out to be quite nice, especially on such a cold day! Following her simple instructions, I made a stuffed red bell pepper. This is huge for those of you who know me well, as I am not a cook. There are various spins to this recipe, which you can find online, but I will share a quick-and-dirty version of how I approached this recipe along with the songs that accompanied each step (click on the songs underlined to get a taste of The Movement!).

Stuffed Red Bell Pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375˚ - "Hola"
2. Carve out the top of the bell pepper (discard top) and clean the inside of the pepper
3. Brown 1 lb ground beef, adding Pico de Gallo, ground pepper, salt and garlic - "Scary"
4. Beat an egg, pouring half of its yoke into the bottom of the carved bell pepper
5. Stuff bell pepper with ground beef (to the top) - "Cold Outside"
6. Add remaining yoke to the top of the ground beef
7. Place in oven to cook 10 minutes at 375˚ - "Wolves"
8. At 10 minutes, add your preferred shredded cheese (mozzarella for me) on top 
9. Remove when cheese is melted
10. Add your choice of topping (avocado for me) and enjoy! - "The Connection"

Good vibes and a good meal! I strongly suggest that you check The Movement out. They are currently on tour and recently hit The Music Farm in Charleston, SC (miss all of you still there). Being from Columbia, SC, they will be performing February 5th at Five Points and I am envious of all those planning to attend. If you are, I welcome any and all "feel-good" texts/calls while you are there!

Thanks to everyone who made this night worthwhile (Tatiana, Jessica and Marco). The Movement's sound is easy and fun to love, as evidenced by my wild dancing in the kitchen while cooking a yummy meal. I hope you connect with their music and discover a part of you that you didn't know existed. "Let the verse take you away," my good friends. Good night.

Party Crasher, Penny Snatcher

Today was rather long and maddening at times, but rather than focus on the events that contributed to this Thursday’s exasperating length (and “penny snatcher” ways), I have decided to touch on brighter points, such as some truths that became evermore apparent to me as my day unfolded.

1. "I am too blessed to be stressed.” Things may not always go accordingly, but that doesn’t mean my world is coming to an end. Today certainly taught me to take advantage of the “unexpected” and lean on those who love me most. I would have struggled to survive had my friends and family not come to my rescue today.              
2. A dog is truly a man’s best friend. Nelson is my little companion and “underdog” here in Chattanooga and makes living in a new place not so scary or lonely. I was not able to go into Siskin today for reasons I will disclose shortly, but I was definitely not without work when I came home after my doctor’s appointment. Have you heard, “Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job”? Well, Nelson did a pretty good job keeping me busy with fetch on my day off and I couldn't have been happier.                                                          
3.  A bad day can be quickly resolved with a phone call from your parents, an email from PAR, reading a good book, texts from your best girlfriend and a pop song that makes your rebel heart want to jump out and say, “Why soooo serious?!” Which leads me to why I was unable to attend work today and to the song that lifted my spirits.

This morning I woke up to extremely PINK eyes that were swollen and crusted shut. I had suspected something was up the day before, but I was hoping my eyes were just irritated from wearing my contacts. Being Type A personality and having a history of trying to go to class despite having the flu and a fever, I definitely tried to convince my CI to let me come into work this morning. Of course she said no.

Rightly defeated, I drove to the nearest Minute-Clinic at 8:30 AM, was diagnosed with bilateral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) by 9:00 AM and had my $81 Vigamox prescription in my possession by 10:00 AM. I have chosen not to detail the events that followed after my run to Rite Aid, because however maddening they may have been, they were trivial in size and insignificant in retrospect.

In reality, today was a great day. I was able to rest, spend time with my pup, read this awesomely suspenseful book titled, The Shadow of the Wind, talk with my family and catch-up with my friends. With that, I admit I was a “tad” emotional and made matters out to be much worse than they were in the beginning (I blame the “diva” chromosome). Having had this revelation and in honor of having pink eye, I leave you with the song that was responsible for turning my day around.

PINK “Raise Your Glass”

I hope you do not find this first selection to discredit the authenticity of this music blog, because in my opinion, you can never go wrong with PINK. She is such a phenomenal performer and I love her pop-rock lyrics. I find her stunningly gorgeous and positively obstinate. Her music always puts me in a good mood and her newest song is no different as I was able to dance out of my funk and embrace the free day my pink eyes had given me. Happy listening, friends. I hope you are doing well!

Something New

Today marks my third week living in my temporary home of Chattanooga, TN. I moved here upon the New Year to start my first Level II rotation at Siskin Rehab as an Occupational Therapy Student. My experience has been wonderful so far, but seems to have dampened communication with those closest to me due to the long work hours and my “sometimes” laziness. In hopes to reach all of you, my goal in keeping this blog is to share my week with you through music. Though I lack the musical gift my brother was blessed with, I have an irrevocable love for any and all music and find it to guide my very footsteps in life.

I warn you now that my savor for music follows no pattern, as I am sure you will see with the development of this blog. For this reason, “The Walking Jukebox” came to life, as random tunes are forever dancing between my ears. The first part of the title, “Elephants Gerald,” shall remain an anomaly for the majority of my audience, but I hope you find its resonance to be as pleasantly amusing as I find it to be.

So, with that, I will begin my blog with hopes in sharing a few songs that better articulate my experiences while in Chattanooga. Welcome to Elephants Gerald & The Walking Jukebox!