Cosmic Love

Came across this gem of a band this evening. This is the first time I have ever heard of Florence and The Machine, but I am absolutely mystified by this song, "Cosmic Love."

• "Let’s talk about magic. Because music, at its best, is a kind of magic that lifts you up and takes you somewhere else. 'I want my music to sound like throwing yourself out of a tree, or off a tall building, or as if you’re being sucked down into the ocean and you can’t breathe,' says Florence Welch. 'It’s something overwhelming and all-encompassing that fills you up, and you’re either going to explode with it, or you’re just going to disappear,' says Welch (From Florence and The Machine Website).

Could she have said it any better?? From what I gather, Florence Welch is a beautiful mess that I would love to learn more about. Any insight to her music is welcomed. As I listen to "Cosmic Love," I can't help but fall into a turmoil of day dreams that encircle the Lowcountry region. Only 4 more days until I fly to Charleston [sigh]. Hope you are all staying warm this February.

Ooh La La

Happy February, everyone! This is bound to be a great month, as evidenced by a great morning and productive day at work. My February will be scattered with visits from friends and a long awaited trip to South Carolina in 10 days! I am absolutely surging with happiness at this very moment and hope you enjoy the following festive jams! If you are short on time, definitely listen to "Back to You," "Paris" and "Night by Night".

February Play-list

• Coconut Records - "Back to You"
• Ke$ha - "Your Love Is My Drug"
• Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina - "Stereo Love"
• Jack Johnson - "Bubbly Toes"
• Chromeo - "Night by Night"
• Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - "Paris"

Coconut Records recently released their new album, Davy, which hit stores January 20th. I have not yet purchased the CD, but I formed a quick attachment to Coconut Records after listening to "West Coast" per Tara Imoto's suggestion. Their sound reminds me of a mix between Phoenix & Modest Mouse. Delicious, really. I anticipate a blog post solely dedicated to Coconut Records in the future, as my mind is racing with other songs I am dying to share.

The band Grace Potter & The Nocturnals is fairly new to me, but I absolutely love the band's cohesive energy, their rock-infested "F-you" attitude and (my goodness!!) that sex-appeal (hello new girl crush!). The song, "Paris," is the only song that I have heard from this band, but I like what I hear so far. Expecting great things from Potter and her "cohorts." 

As for Chromeo, can we say hello 80's! A singular duo with a smashing sense of humor and cool-techno talent. Chromeo is great to dance to, whether you consider yourself to have rhythm or not. Their sound really wakes you up and gets you moving (against all will!) and is a "must-have" come this February.

That wraps things up, my friends. I'm purely loving all these artists during the month of February and I hope you do to. FYI: Hangout Music Fest tickets go on sale tomorrow, February 2nd. The line-up looks phenomenal. Dates are May 20-22 in Gulf Shores. Don't miss out.

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.