New Music Tuesday December 18th!

This week is small but noteworthy. ENJOY.

Guns and Roses (feat. P!nk) TI's album Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head

"This is what everyone fails to realize. I want out. I want out, man. What the game is going to and what has evolved into from a personality standpoint, it goes against what I represent. What I embody, this game contradicts that. I want out. I'm in it because I love music and I have obligations, contractually.
It was at one time, this music was about speaking to the people who felt like you feel. Now, the people I'm speaking to, they don't necessarily feel like how I feel. In my day, if you were rapping about something you weren't really living, that was a strike against you. You were held accountable. Nowadays, nobody even expects you to live up to the things you rap about. That goes against what I represent, what I stand for. So if they outsell me, then that's just all the more better for me to fade to the back and cross my legs on my desk".
Thank you Wikipedia. That's all I got for you, TI.  As for Pink!, your voice is incredible.

Django sang by Luis Bacalov from Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained Soundtrack
A Western film about slavery and bounty hunting, starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington and Samuel L. Jackson.  And for you who don't recognize Mr Waltz, watch Inglorious Bastards. The man won every award possible for his role he portrayed.  I wasn't going to watch this film til I heard the soundtrack and found out Christoph is in it. Yes! This soundtrack is incredible and truly can't wait to go see the film. 

Master of the house feat Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter from the Les Miserables Soundtrack
My favorite musical in the entire world, I was skeptically thrilled to read they were making the FILM - MUSICAL Les Mis.  My sensational mother bought me tickets to see it on Broadway in '11.  I've acting in the non-musical production, as well as just sang the songbook on stage.  I'm just thrilled in anticipation. Shoulda ditched the Fam on Xmas to watch but will wait patiently til I can see my dream role of Madame Thenardier played by the incomparable Helena Bonham Carter.      
Ever since I was eleven I have dreamed a dream that I could play that role on stage. Some day...

Hallelujah with Adam Sandler and Paul Shaffer from the 12.12.12 The Concert for Sandy Relief
Great concert. Nostalgic artists. I'm one for humor in the dark cloud and Adam/Paul delivered not only my wish, but parodied one of my favorite Cohen masterpieces.

New Music for the Holidays 2012

Perhaps my best entry yet - this is a collection of new  released for the 2012 Holidays. HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND ENJOY!

Christmas Kiss from Steven Curtis Chapmans 4th Christmas album Joy
A christian rock artist from Kentucky, Steven started in 1987. Since then he's won 5 Grammys and raised money for every natural disaster in the last 15 years.  I like it when one practices what the preach.  Beautiful Christmas kiss. :)

Christmas in Heaven from Scotty McCreery's album Christmas with Scotty McCreery
From North Carolina, this country sweetheart stole America's attention when he won Idol in 2011.  Scotty has a baby face and a grownup voice.  His Christmas album really brings to the audience a warm southern drawl holiday feeling. Bring on the Yukon Jack.

Merry Christmas Darling from Christina Perri's album Something About December
I. Forgot about this Jar of Hearts starlet, but you won't after hearing her rendition of the Carpenters holiday hit Merry Christmas Darling. Christina has managed to change an otherwise depressing melancholy Christmas favorite.  She's only recorded one album, and this is her 3rd EP.  I'm looking forward to more of Christina.

A Working Elf theme song from Polyphonic Spree's album Holidaydream
I've already downloaded this fantastic theme song for my heritage (my name means king of the elves).  From Texas, Polyphonic Spree has recorded 3 albums since their start in 2000.  I'm just enamored by this album. Yes yes yes.

A Holly Jolly Christmas from Lady Antebellum's album On This Winters Night
I have a hard time with this Tennessee country band.  I know, they are well loved, ranking in the Grammy awards.   
And the odd thing is I love Country Christmas music yet still am not turned on by one track on this album.  This Holly Jolly Christmas is the only one that didn't make me want to poke my eyeball.

Red suited super man feat. Trombone Shorty from Rod Stewarts album Merry Christmas Baby
This Brit Faces star wrote this very cheeky Christmas song.  Actually as much as I rolled my eyes at the thought that Rod came out with a Christmas album, I enjoyed each track. Well done Mr. Stewart.  I'm a fan, and this didn't make me choke. 

All I need in love, feat the Muppets from Ceelo Greens album Ceelo's Magic Moment
I've grown into the biggest Ceelo fan this year.  I love his duet with Selah Sue, and I love his white cat.  This Georgia smooth operator has blown the ceiling of a Christmas album tradition.  With Mr Grinch, I can't go back to hearing any other version.  And incorporating the Muppets? Yes please! 

Away in the Manger from Katherine Jenkins album This is Christmas
This classically trained songstress from Wales sang at Pope John Paul's jubilee.  Stunning and poised woman who sings this album perfectly.

December Lights from Andre Rieu's album Home for the Holidays
This violinist from The Netherlands has been conducting and plucking since 1978.  Incredibly gifted, he has delivered us a instrumental holiday album that will rival Kenny G's in my book (yes this is a compliment). 

Killers single I feel it in my Bones
Saw them live last week and let me tell you, I still feel it in my bones.

Lumberjack Christmas/No one can save you from Christmas Past from Sufjan Stevens album Silver and Gold
Oh how I love what Sufjan Stevens does to manipulate traditional Christmas songs and turn them into unusual modern indie hits.  

The Christmas Waltz from Olivia Newton John and John Travolta's album This Christmas
Well, this might be the best Christmas present ever, our favorite musical team reunited.  It's more cheesy than Grease 2 but you can't help but cry during this video: I think you might like it... 



Let there be peace on earth, feat Kenny Loggins from Richard Marx album Christmas Spirit
Can you really go wrong with a Loggins/Marx duet? Yes, yes you can.  I am still crying.... hahahahahahahaha

Oklahoma Christmas feat Reba McEntire from Blake Shelton's album Cheers it's Christmas
Blake is a country gent from Oklahoma, emerged in 1998.  He's been exposed to more than just country fans since he's been a judge on the reality show The Voice.  Also you may have heard of him if you watch The Grammys, as he has been awarded several.  Country fan or not, please give this kickin original song a chance.  

Tinsel and Lights from Tracy Thorn's album Tinsel and Lights
I couldn't trace in my memory who Tracy Thorn is til I woke up to her singing on NPR sunday morning.  Oh course! EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL! Her and her musical partner/husband survived working together for a long time, and just wait til you hear her Christmas solo album. 

Baby its cold outside feat. Gavin DeGraw from Colbie Caillat's album Christmas in the Sand
This Malibu gem once (or twice) auditioned for Idol with her original music and the ousted her.  Just another reason to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again!  This girl has won a Grammy for Album of the Year. No, not new artist, or 'pop song', but ALBUM.  That's another in your face Idol moment like Jennifer Hudson winning the Oscar. This a sugar sweet album from Colbie but there are a few tracks I'd actually purchase.   Plus this version of one of my favs is pretty darned cute with Gavin. Nice choice, Ms Caillat.  I'm officially impressed and am looking forward to your anticipated 3rd non holiday album (being recorded as I type).

Be mine for Christmas from Kems album What Christmas Means
Born in Tennessee, Kem Owens started in 2002.   He will burn his 'kemistry' all night long with his R&B just to see you smile.   

Oh Hanukkah Groove feat Frank London Big Band from the compilation The Best of Festival Lights
Mr London is a incredibly gifted Jewish musician from New York who contributed to this sole Hanukkah album. 

White Christmas from Glee's 3rd Christmas album 
Everybody loves flirting on ice. Just watch.

Senor Santa (Mister Santa) feat Y La Bamba from the compilation Holidays Rule
This band is from Portland and even though this album has many many great ones (Rufus Wainwright, Heartless Bastards, fun., Andrew Bird) I just love this song. Its so original and I had no idea they are from Portland.

New Music Tuesday December 11th!!

Another short but sweet week.  Happy Week to All  - ENJOY!

Thom Pettie feat Little Dragon and Killer Mike from Big Boi's 2nd solo album Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors 
You may know Georgia's Antwan Andre Patton as 1/2 of Outkast. He met Andre 3000 in high school and they created a top selling hip hop band in 1991.  

Money make her smile from Bruno Mars 2nd album Unorthodox Jukebox
Peter Gene Hernandez, smartly known as Bruno Mars, is quite the entrepreneur.  He started a songwriting/producing company called The Smeezingtons, of which have been an award winning company working with the likes of Flo Rida and Ceelo Green to name a few.  With such an incredible background of being born in Hawaii as part African American, Puerto Rican, Jewish, and Filipino, he has gained a wide audience.  I first saw him on SNL in 2010 and thought 'what an interesting little guy'.... Two years later he appeared on SNL again, but as both the musical guest AND the host.  Not many have pulled this off.  I'm a fan of this Peter Gene Bruno Mars guy, he's one talented character.

Brutal Love from Green Days 3rd installment this year Tre!
Please read my entry from September 25th, 2012.  


Not a love song from Uh Uh Her's EP3.  
Camila Grey and Leisha Hailey have 2 albums and this is their 3rd EP (hence 'EP3).   More than just band mates, these ladies have really made something with this EP.  I had a hard time deciding what track would be part of my playlist.  

New Music Tuesday December 4th

A couple debuts, a surprise young entrepreneur, and a couple more.  All new to me, so ENJOY!

Sheila from Memory Tapes 3rd LP Grace Confusion                   From New Jersey, Memory Tapes is the chillwave moniker of Dayve Hawk that emerged in 2009.  Their video for Yes I Know was nominated for Grammy in 2011.

'See you don't bump his head' from Scott Walkers album Bish Bosch
This is Scott Walkers 14 album and the final of his trilogy (Tilt and The Drift).  Scott was a part of the 60s band the unrelated Walker Brothers, an American band that made it big in the UK.  British magazine Q awarded him on his contribution to the music industry.  Battling depression and making a 2006 documentary about his life, he has broken out his inner Frank Zappa on this album.

Thaw from Ed Tullett's debut album Never Joy
This 19yr old from the UK is not only a songwriter but a poet as well.  This tumblr page is well thought out but if he is on tour there is nothing about it online. This surprises me.  Debut? Get out there and promote yourself, Ed! Your indie birdlike voice should be shared with the world.

Ol St Nick from Hey Sholay's debut album ((O))
This is UK's own Hey Sholays debut album. Some bastards stole this bands equipment from their van while touring.  I'm tempted to support them by purchasing their album (which is a poppy rock chalk full of fun) just to help them with their loss.


Dirty Love feat. Iggy Pop from Ke$sha's 2nd album Warrior
From LA, this 25yr old has written for Britney Spears, Flo Rida, Paris Hilton, Katy Perry, Alice Cooper, and has worked with Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.  She's been  awarded by the AMA's and MTV.  Vibe Magazine acknowledged her talents by making her the first solo white girl to be the front covergirl.   I love that she included Alice Cooper on her album.  Now that I've raved about her resume, she's annoying,  I do believe this song would be a whole lot of fun live. 

New Music Tuesday November 26th

I can't make this blog entry any more exciting that is already is... Thank you Alicia for giving me SOMETHING to review.  Ug.  ENJOY!

Not even the King from Alicia Keys 5th album Girl on Fire
Miss Keys came from Hells Kitchen, NYC.  She actually made her debut to the world at age 4 on the Cosby show in 1985.  Musically she emerged in 1997 after being trained classically on the piano and valedictorian at Professional Performing Arts in New York by 16.  She's written and sang Grammy award winning songs and has had a NYTimes Best Seller book in 2004.  The girl will blow your mind, and yes she's on fire.

King Song from Joan of arc's self titled album
This would be this 'mathrock' band from Illinois' 17th album. Please read Wiki's quote about this ill-fated named band:
"Joan of Arc's lyrics and cover art are often intentionally misleading, humorous, or confusing. For example, the album Live in Chicago 1999 is not a live album, but a reference to the fact that the band lived in Chicago in the year 1999."
Itunes, Amazon,  and even Joan of Arcs website has no record of this.... record.  I found it on Allmusic.com and then was able read the track list and go from there to review.  Youtube has a video of this track I picked that is beautiful and simple.  I wish I could tell you more....

Symptoms from Atlas Genius' DEBUT EP Through the Glass
Said band is from Australia.  They are an alternative band with a nice frontman voice and steeldrum playing.  Will I be downloading? Perhaps not.  I am looking forward to hearing what else they have to say.  



Kings will be falling from Robin Guthrie's 5th solo album Fortune
Robin is better knows as one of the Cocteau Twins.  He started his solo career in 2003 but has been recording music since 1982.  This is an entire instrumental album only, and kinda repeated itself however stunning and transporting.  So yes,  I only picked this track to fall in the same theme with King this week.