Epic Love Ballads: Do they exist today?

I opened Itunes and put it on shuffle all songs, next thing I knew I was singing along to Next Time I Fall in Love by Peter Cetera & Amy Grant.  Naturally, I stopped what I was doing and looked up the video. It had been years, but I had/have a romantic nostalgia about the song and video. Turns out the video isn't as good as memory, which is why I understand that some things, people, places should remain memories. The song held up, but, this isn't my real point. Listening to the song really had me thinking, "What happened to the epic Love Ballads? Or the Rock Ballads?" Remember the 80's and 90's when music was almost inundated with too many ballads? And all those CD's/tapes came out with 'The Best Ballads of 1992.' And we would buy them, even if we owned every song already. Now, I feel we are left with Celine Dion to deliver the ballads. That saddens to me no end because I don't listen to Celine Dion, at least not in 8, 9  years. 
I started trying to rack my brain for current epic ballads, but I came up short. Is it that the new 'ballads' are harder to spot now a days because they contain more subtlety? Or do they just not exist anymore? I kept coming up with songs only to realize they came out in the 90s. Am I getting that old, or are we missing the big, sweeping, epic ballads? And please don't talk about Celine or Alica Keys or Beyonce or other singers with great voices. That isn't my point. Yes, they may sing about love, but are the songs big, sweeping, ballads that give you chills? Do  they really compare to what we witnessed during the 80s and 90s?
I will let you ponder these thoughts with some of my favorite sweeping ballads. Send me your favorite ballads. Are there great sweeping ballads today that I'm missing? Please send!

Weekly Update: Sliver Lining Review, New music, Acapulco

I've finally kicked the strange aliments that plagued me during last week. Now it's time for a recap of the week.

• I finally got to see Silver Linings Playbook. I've been anxious to see this movie, especially after all the nominations (8 Oscar nods including Best Picture) and wins thus far (Jennifer Lawrence won a Golden Globe). My expectations were high for this film. Maybe too high, cause when I left the theater, I was just fine with the movie. Just fine. I didn't feel anything. I knew I watched a solid Romantic Comedy, but I didn't feel like I had watched an Oscar Nominated Romantic Comedy. The performances were fine. The story was good. Again, it was a solid movie. But, I'm unsure if it deserves the Oscar love it's getting. Maybe a second watching would yield a different feeling within, but, to be honest, I don't really want to watch it again. 
• Lance Armstrong admitted to doping. Lol. Yes, I find this funny.
• American Horror Story: Asylum once again delivered a fast paced wonderful episode. Only 1 episode remains, and I am on the edge of my seat. I'm still waiting/hoping that this last episode will give a connection to season 1. 
• Justin Timberlake and Ashlee Simpson both returned to the music scene this week. JT gave us a new single, Suit & Tie that kinda bored me and Ashlee gave us a full music video for her single Bat for a Heart. It is weird, but I almost like it. 

• In the funniest news (to me): Gossip Girl lives! in Acapulco. Yes, Gossip Girl: Acapulco is real. I'm gonna learn spanish just to watch! Here's a 5 minute teaser. Oh my, did it make me laugh. 

 

Grammy nominations are out. Good? Bad? Or just eh?

Grammy nominations were announced last night. I'm somewhere between happy and not caring. It's a sad place to be. 
1. Fiona Apple got 1 nomination in the category of Alternative Album. This makes me happy.
2. Carly Rae Jepsen's Call Me Maybe got nominated for Song of the Year. This makes me feel gross. Just because a song is catchy, gets tons of airplay, and has a following of lip synching videos from cheerleaders does not lend itself to Song of the Year. It's a phase. It will pass. It should not win. 
So there is happiness and grossness, thus equaling my shoulder shrug of nominations. Personally, I've had such a happy year of music. I'm incredibly disappointed that Paloma Faith wasn't nominated. Or Marina and the Diamonds. Or Rachael Yamagata. Or even Linkin Park. Grammy's are really being to feel like a popularity contest. There is so much great music. umph.

Here's a list:
RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Lonely Boy” — The Black Keys
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson
“We Are Young” — fun. feat. Janelle Monae
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye feat. Kimbra
“Thinkin About You” — Frank Ocean
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” — Taylor Swift

European MTV music awards: The ending is coming

I was once under the impression that everything European was more chic, less mainstream, and contained more talent per sq inch than America ever could. Of course, I'm directly referencing music here. But I was sorely disappointed with the European MTV Music Awards. Lose the accents and it may as well been American MTV.
Example:

Question of the Day: This is some serious shit.

Rihanna. She entered the music scene in 2005. By the end of the year she will have released 7 albums. 7 albums in 8 years. Not to mention the numerous featured songs aka Coldplay's Princess of China. She has just released her new video for Diamonds. One listen through and I can't get "Shine bright like a diamond" out of my head. Not cause it's brilliantly catchy, it's the way she says it, like a cracked out Minnie Mouse that's actually 40 and has smoked too many cigs. 
I've had a love

Let's compare, shall we? X Factor vs The Voice and Who sings Katy Perry better than Katy Perry

I've finally got caught up on the extravaganza that is The Voice and X factor. I watched The Voice first, fast forwarded most of it. I watched X Factor next and didn't fast forward much at all. That alone should tell me which show I'm enjoying more. But I won't let my trigger happy fast forward finger do the talking, I'll let the singing make my decisions, and maybe yours too.
On The Voice a contestant

Natalie is gonna Kill My Boyfriend....and u should watch

Artist: Natalia Kills
Song: Kill My Boyfriend

Why you should watch: Because I said so. And it's Beautiful! And I love it. Enough said.

 

Music in TV

I was recently asked if I could find a song that played during a certain scene on a certain TV show.
No problem. Found.
But I think it's time you all know the best website ever!!

Tunefind 

The website speaks for itself, but I'll speak a little on its behalf.
They list songs by episodes and brief description of what was occurring on screen. And you can preview the song to see if its what you heard!! It's fucking genius. 
Bookmark the site for your convenience  :)

Thank you Internet. Thank you. 

Also. EVERYONE!!! Tune into MTV tonight for the premiere of CAGED! Airing after Jersey Shore. You should do it solely for the purpose that it paid our bills for 5 months :)

There once was a time......I was stupid

Once upon a time I had a stick up my ass about Coldplay and Rihanna. I just deeply disliked both. Chris Martin was a whiny Brit and Rihanna was too pretty to look at.
Then life and love happened and I'm currently obsessed with two songs.
1. Princess of China by Coldplay ft. Rihanna
2. We Found a Love by Rihanna

Crazy how what we hated eventually turns into love. It's a thin red line between the two, right?
But, what do I know? I used to hate sunny days and long for only rain. Now, I prefer the sun. I blame age and the loss of teenage angst. 
Back to my obsessive song loves. 
You should check out Rihanna's video for We Found a Love. I found a love when I watched it. I'm always happy when a music video features a strong story line. This does and I think it's all pretty.
 p.s. the video has over 67 million views on youtube. Damn.

My other momentary love I mentioned doesn't have a video, but it should. 
Check out the song though!

Thanksgiving Eve A Super Water Sympathy Explosion of LOVE!!!

Thanksgiving Eve was SPECTACULAR. Why? Cause we (Rob and I) got to see Super Water Sympathy. This was the first time we got to see the band together. Rob is usually working behind a camera or I'm working somewhere else, but not this time. This time we had drinks in hands and smiles on our faces and love in our eyes and only 10 feet between us and the band. :)
Super Water didn't disappoint. They brought the fire and very loyal fans. Chicky's Boom Boom was electric as Super Water opened the show with Slade was Made and I threw myself into the sky and wrapped my arms on Saturn's rings. (Lyrical reference for those of you unfamiliar!) Check out a video below for a portion of the song!

They played all their great songs including my favorite "Spain." Check video below and you might catch a glimpse of me singing along like the loyal fan I am. And how awesome is Ansley? She just radiates super cool kick ass chick that might drink you under the table and still sing an incredible show. Rock-n-roll. Mucho respect for this lady!

All in all Super Water Sympathy's Thanksgiving Eve show rocked my world. We were lucky enough to even hear a new song, Lucy Blue Who. I'm super anxious for a new album and a new music video. If you haven't seen their music video for You Us Hey, then stop everything and watch it. It makes me smile. And a shout out to Kemerton Hargrove who shot this video. Props man!

 This is my second post about Super Water Sympathy. If you aren't a fan by now, then shame, shame, shame. Santa doesn't visit non-believers! Check out the band on Facebook and buy their album!

Strange overview...Kelly Clarkson edition.

I've posted about Kelly Clarkson's new album Stronger. 
It's been a bit now, and my honestly, I'm still iffy on the album as a whole. Kelly's voice shines. As always. But there isn't that song that gives me chills or makes me sit and contemplate the world or people or anything. It's a surface album, but still better than other surface albums. Catch my drift?
I think of Adele and Kelly in same realm of my brain and I get sad cause Kelly's albums don't compare to Adele's albums, however, Kelly's voice is just as good.
Example: Only Kelly can take another successful American Idol alum and make their song song even better. I'm speaking of Carrie Underwood. Carrie is incredibly successful in the country world and truly a great artist. But in the video below I'm reminded why Kelly is better. 
Sooner or later Kelly WILL have that album that takes her to the Adele level of SUPERB. I do have that faith. Watch this video and tell me you don't feel the same. I double dog dare you. 
Again....check out Kelly singing the song better HERE.

For shits and giggles, I've also added a live version of Carrie singing the song. Both versions were recorded THIS year. 
Enjoy.

MADONNA!!!!!!!!!!!

The Queen to all that is Holy has allowed a leak of her next single.
For those of you who don't follow M religiously, then you should know that the Queen will be performing at the Halftime show at the Super Bowl, which coincides with the release of a new single/album. 
Moment for excitement. 

Okay, well today the world was blessed with a leak of the demo....



Your welcome my 13 subscribers!  (I really need more subscribers in order to feel really important. So PLEASE, pass the word!)
ENJOY!

Sometimes I'm blind

Sometimes my mind goes blank and I just don't pay attention. 
example:
Florence + The Machine has a new album!!!!!!!

I reckon in the back of my mind I knew, cause I've been digging on their single Shake it Out. Check out the video below.

The new album, Ceremonials, is downloading in my iTunes as I type this. I hope it rocks my world like their last album. 
It's been such a great fall music time for me. 
Now, Fiona Apple......... (fist raised in air)

The reason to watch X Factor

The top 17 performed live this week on X Factor. It was....good enough. BUT, here is the one reason you should be tuning in to watch.

14 year old Drew. 
Girl has got a little extra something special.
Plus, she's singing What a Feeling...hello! Flashdance anyone?!!?
Here's her performance...

 

On the eve....

Tomorrow marks the release of two new albums:
Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto  and Kelly Clarkson's Stronger.

I've been a huge Kelly fan since her first note during auditions for American Idol. I've seen her live, first row, with my sweet, perfect mom. She has an amazing voice. Soulful, powerful, endearing. I've anxiously been awaiting this album. Now, the clever girl that I am, has managed to listen to the full album already. I wish I could muster more excitement, but alas, I can not. The album isn't bad, but it's so pop that it disappoints me. Granted, there are a few songs that stick out like Honestly,  and Dark Side,  two ballad-like songs that have some meat to them. They get under your skin a bit. But, its only a little bit. Still nothing holds a candle to her song Sober,  from her underrated album My December.  I miss that Kelly. Stronger feels overproduced with a need for commercial success.  If you're a Kelly fan, I think you'll be mildly pleased. I give the album ***1/2, mostly cause I never want Kelly to stop making music. 
It would be appropriate to post a new song by Kelly, but I feel the need to post the song Sober. This is an epic song. Listen all the way through cause it just gets better and better :) Also, this performance is new, performed just a few days ago in LA.

 And I guess I'll post a new song too, from the same concert.:)
Here's Dark Side.

Okay, onto Coldplay. I've slowly grown into a small liking of Coldplay. I can't explain why in the past I didn't like, I just didn't. Sometimes we get a block in our head and it takes some time to knock it down. Well, my block must have been knocked down cause I'm actually excited for Mylo Xyloto. I haven't heard the full album yet, but I'm mighty pleased with their first releases, especially Paradise. I love this song and I love the video. Great, happy, perfect video.
I'll give my review of Coldplay's new album soon. Until then, buy it yourself :)

 

Impatient American.....Homeless video now available.

If you haven't read the post before this one, stop reading and scroll down. 


Got it? Well, approximately 37 seconds after I posted that, I found Maria's video. Just hanging out on youtube. Waiting. 
I swear to you all, 3 days ago, it wouldn't play!
Here it is. 
I'm also disappointed in this video. Obviously she needs to hire Bledska Works (that's me and Rob) and we'll make her a better, story driven video. This one's pretty, but come on!!! 
It's my disappointment for the day and it's only 10 am. :(
Thoughts?

Or to watch it bigger and better click the link  HERE!!!

Rant/Complain/Anger of the day/week/decade

Maria Mena has a lovely song called Homeless that is on her new album Viktoria. Well, in other countries, NOT USA, Maria has released a video for this lovely song.
Here's my beef....I search the interweb for that damn video and it always brings me to a video that is about to play but suddenly a text pops up reading "Video not allowed in Country."

WTF? 
Why release a video and not let American's see it? (Yes, I understand how that sounds!)
But, really?! I'm sure a day will come and I'll be able to view the video. But, I'm American, and I want it now!
This did get me thinking about worldwide music and how much music is closed off to me.
Every country has their own itunes, their own youtube, etc...
example: Maria's album was available on the German itunes 3 weeks before it was made available on the US itunes. 
What about all that music that isn't made available? Why are we as humans so closed off? I want more foreign music! America is boring me. Yeah, I said it.
So, dear readers, introduce me. Introduce me to some foreign music. Or at least direct me to a website that is filled with more international music information than I can handle!


Any takers? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller

The time is Here! Get Your Wallets Ready!

I have spoke of Maria Mena and Rachael Yamagata on this blog. Click the links for a refresher!
Well, the day is here. Both albums are available on itunes! 

Maria Mena's album is called Viktoria.
Rachael Yamagata's album is called Chesapeake.

Stop being cheap and go buy the albums. You won't be disappointed. In fact, I bet in one week time you'll email me with Thanks. 

Dirty Diana

Dirty Diana is my all time favorite Michael Jackson song. It's a go to happy song for me. Angry Mindy? Play Dirty Diana and anger fades. Sad Mindy? Play Dirty Diana and sadness eliminated. I think you get my point. 
Now, Dirty Diana isn't a happy song, its about infidelity and fame and really has a more overall sad theme to it. Doesn't matter.
Cause every time I hear it or sing it loud in my car I'm taken back to my youth. In my sister's blue sunfire (?) car and us jamming out. My sis and I didn't always get along back then, but music always bridged our gap. I'm thankful she introduced me to an array of music, including Dirty Diana.

There was just a Michael Jackson tribute concert and to my delight, Christina Aquilera covered Dirty Diana. Oh happy days. 
MJ is gone, but Dirty Diana lives on :)

Super Water Sympathy (happy happy joy joy)

Saturday afternoon/evening I braved the crowds of the Red Revel in Shreveport to see the band Super Water Sympathy.
I was lucky enough to be early and stake my place right at the stage. Perfect placement. 
My husband introduced me to this band. He had randomly seen them perform at Chicky's Boom Boom. He fell so in love that he bought a t-shirt and their CD. He has seen them perform 3 times now. However, the last 2 times, he's been behind a camera for work.  

That's him above at the Revel, shooting the band.

Now on to how much I ADORE this band. Their music is catchy, and cheeky, and the lead singer (Ansley) has a strong presence and an incredible voice. They mostly played songs from their album, Vesper Belle. They added some new original music (always a welcome) and did a couple of covers (TLC's Waterfalls!). Ansley has such a unique voice, you forget the song wasn't originally hers to start with. My highlight of the night was the performance of Fiji Bop from their album. The true fans went into hysterics when the band started this song, I too, got a little teenager happy with my screams. 
I WANT A VIDEO TO THIS SONG!
However, you can see a video to the song You Us Hey here :

Super Water Sympathy is a band you want to see succeed, or at least just hang out with in your garage and drink beer.
I'm very very very pleased I went to see them perform. I hate crowds. A lot. But SWS made it worth the mini panic attack. 
So that's my line, I braved a panic attack to see this band, I think you can at least check out their music on their Facebook page :
Super Water Sympathy
And then buy their CD. It's on itunes! Support local music. 
Support Awesome.

Oh! And here is a pic of me and Ansley. Yes, I was the fan before hand yelling, "Excuse me! Excuse me! Can I have a picture?" 
She was very lovely and kind :)