Category: listen up!

listen up!, near and dear, show the love

product edorsement: Burt’s Bees Carrot Nutritive Lotion

by  •  • 13 Comments

It isn’t often that I come across a product that is so amazing, and wonderful, that I feel the need to go on and on about it. However, that is the case with Burt’s Bees Carrot Nutritive Lotion. First, I’ll give you a little back story…

I have had Keratosis Pilaris for literally, as long as I remember. It is also known as “chicken skin”, but is nothing more than bumps on the skin, which usually occur on the upper arms. It isn’t very noticeable, but it is frustrating, as it manifests itself kind of like acne on your arms. Also, it prevents your skin from being soft and smooth, and is generally, very frustrating. I was worried that it would be an issue when I decided to get tattooed on my arm, but luckily, it isn’t (that would have really upset me). The condition itself is extremely common, and lucky for me, I fall into the category of those that have it.

Now, I have tried pretty much all kinds of lotions and a lot of things short of a prescribed treatment (which friends of mine have tried with little success), and I was sure that I would never be able to have smooth skin on my upper arms. It doesn’t REALLY bother me, but it is just one more frustration iron on my fire, you know? Well, recently, I bought a bottle of the Burt’s Bees Carrot Nutritive Lotion, only because I loved the way it smelled (it smells like carrot cake!). Much to my surprise, after using it for a week or so, I noticed a DRASTIC improvement in my keratosis pilaris! It isn’t totally gone, but the skin is definitely way smoother, and the condition has noticeably diminished. I wasn’t even looking for another possible treatment, but it seems that I stumbled on to it in this great product from Burt’s Bees! As such, I thought I would do an official product endorsement from me to you, because if you have dealt with the frustration that KP has brought me, then you should get yourself a bottle today.

thumbs up I say!I have loved Burt’s Bees’ other products for a while now, and I absolutely love that they are almost 100% natural, so it really makes me happy that this product came from them. Even if you don’t have KP, this lotion is really great on dry skin, and as I mentioned, it smells almost good enough to eat! I hate that perfume-y smell that a lot of lotions have, so the carrot cake-like deliciousness of this lotion is a welcome change.

Thanks for making such a great product, Burt’s Bees. People with keratosis pilaris take note; there isn’t a cure, but Burt’s Bees Carrot Nutritive Lotion will definitely impact the noticeability of your condition! It works great for me! I give this lotion and enthusiastic thumbs up (see, like in the picture!), and the duanemoody.com seal of approval!!!

all about me, hmm interesting, is it just me?, listen up!, near and dear, public health

maybe mine aren’t working (?)

by  •  • 5 Comments

I have talked about my continual battle with depression on this blog before, and today, I saw something that I felt compelled to discuss. First of all, I should mention, in case it isn’t “known”, that I take a SSRI for my depression. I have for a long time, and often times, I wonder if it even works, because I still find that I go through bouts of moderate to severe depression. Well, after reading this, I can’t help but wonder if the medication is actually “treating” the depression.

In the article, they discuss a study that was done to compare the “clinical effectiveness” of several SSRIs (mine is listed), in order to see if the benefit of the drug was more than a simple placebo. What’s interesting, is that they found that across the board for those drugs that they looked it, it wasn’t (except in cases of extreme depression). This makes me wonder about the drug that I take every morning to “prevent” my depression; especially since, as I mentioned, it hasn’t actually gone away at any time during the course of my “treatment”.

I am not saying that I don’t believe the drugs have any benefit. Even the placebo effect is proven to have a benefit, and that may account for some of these findings. However, I do think that it is easy to wonder, that if you take drugs to help with a problem, and the problem doesn’t seem to want to go away, then perhaps those drugs aren’t working for you. The article also mentioned that trying therapy first would probably be a new recommendation; but I did that, and still ended up taking medication, a medication that I am now even more curious about.

I know that the medication must have some benefits. I don’t have anxiety as intense as I did before I took (at least I don’t think that I do). I also know (through the magic of therapy), that my depression is more likely than not, tied to my anxiety. So, if the medication is working on the anxiety, but it doesn’t have an effect on the depression, what does that mean? Should I be taking a different class of medication to deal with the depression as well? Or, am I “better” than I was before, and I just don’t know it? Maybe the drugs are working, and I just don’t know the difference because I have been taking them so long? I find myself riddled with questions right now.

This is something that I think might be worth exploring further. I may make a doctor’s appointment to find out more about what may or may not be a better option for me.

One issues I do have, is that the article goes so far as to say that the medications “don’t work”, citing it is below clinical significance. That is to say, that just because it wasn’t statistically significant, they have proven that it doesn’t work; which really doesn’t make sense, if it did work on the minority of those “not-statistically-significant-so-forget-them” patients. This is where the cynic about clinical research in me steps in, because I always question its reliance on numbers, and a lack of perspective on the individual that may benefit… In the case of a drug that MAY benefit some that has very few side effects (for adults), why would they declare that it simply doesn’t work, just because it doesn’t work more often than not? Additionally, if it doesn’t work most of the time, why have they waited until now to tell people that are taking it?

What’s your take on this? If you take one of these medications, is this going to effect your future treatment? Does it concern you that your medication may not be doing what you need it to? What do you think?

concerts, flickr, happenings, hotness, listen up!, music musings, near and dear, show the love, that is so gay

Leslie and the LYs: february 23, 2008

by  •  • 4 Comments



Leslie and the LYs @ eyedrum, ATL 2/23/08, originally uploaded by duanemoodydotcom.

Well, I am here to bring a review of a concert that displayed such epic-ness, that can only be contained by the sheer will of itself. The concert of which is speak, was none other than Leslie and the LYs, Saturday night at eyedrum.

Leslie Hall hails from Iowa, representing her other Midwest divas, and brings the jams while she flashes her sparkle jems. She is the self-professed mother gem, and comes out of the night, as a purveyor of fantastical gem sweaters and slick beats.

During her show, Leslie dances, she grooves, and she moves her way into your heart, clad from neck to toe in skin tight gold-goodness. She’s a “sequined tower of eternal glamor, pounding out the sexy with a sparkly hammer”.

I have wanted to see her for a while now, and I am glad that I got the chance to this weekend. Basically, if you haven’t heard of her, she is an internet phenomenon who has been doing some great stuff on youtube. Her songs are great, and she makes me laugh out loud more than many can. Saturday night was an amazing night, and I will always remember it as the night that I fell in love with Leslie Hall.

The show itself was an amazing spectacle of ginormous proportions, and here’s a little rundown of how it went down…

The opening act was absolutely DREADFUL, which consisted of a whole hour (seriously) of really loud distortion and guitar “playing” by a tall black dude in a wig. Then a Bjork-wannbe came on and spoke some gibberish, while her other friend (with a fake third arm) “played” a base guitar and created even more loud distortion. It was loud, and uncalled for. I asked the bartender if they were for real, and all he could say was, “well, they’re up there… it doesn’t get much more real than that.”. Agreed.

After that monstrosity, this cute trio that reminded me of TLC busted out two great songs, only to hurry off stage after finishing. It was a refreshing sound after that nonsense from before; but I would have liked to have heard more. No matter… by that time, I wanted my Mother Gem more than ever.

Then… the gold one herself took the stage. Now, I have seen her videos and heard some of her songs, but I had no idea the show that Leslie Hall puts on. Flanked by her accomplices, the LYs, she grooved and jammed for over an hour. It was amazing.

People in the audience called out for Leslie, myself included, and she gave us a feast of beats, rhythms, lady jams, and scissor kicks. She fucking performed the hell out of everything she did, and was completely hilarious and amazing throughout. I don’t know if I have ever had that much fun; seriously.

After the show, she greeted fans, and signed autographs. I got bunches of pictures of both the concert, and the after meet and greet. (click on the photo to go to flickr, and see what you missed out on…). I ended up getting both of her CDs at the show, and I must say that have been lapping up the jams all day.

You must do yourself a favor and see the mother gem herself, Leslie Hall, when she comes to a town near you. She is a goddess, and she is coming for you… I myself cannot WAIT until she comes back my way. SHAZAM! SHE IS GLAMOROUS!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, movie musings, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: february 22

by  •  • 4 Comments

First of all, let me apologize for two things: one, I am still in a music lull, and haven’t really found that many new things to share with you. Second, we had the floors in our office torn out and replaced this week, and as such, I am without my computer, so even the few things I could have shared are locked on my unplugged computer. No matter though, I still have five songs for ya, and regardless if they are new or old, they are at least something for you to check out!

Hayden – Bad As They Seem
I booked tickets to see the upcoming Feist show at the Tabernacle, and I was pleased to see a name I hadn’t seen in YEARS. apparently, Hayden is opening for her, and for those that don’t know Hayden, this is the first song of his that I ever heard. When I was in high school, we had a satellite, but not cable, and at the time, Much Music was the music channel that we got (instead of MTV). As such, I got to know several Canadian acts (like Our Lady Peace), and Hayden was one of them. I used to have a couple of his CDs, but they fell victim to that crazy period where I thought I should get rid of everything that I wasn’t listening to on repeat. I downloaded his most recent CD last week in order to see if I still liked him (and to get ready for seeing him with Feist), and I have been pleased with what I have heard. I can’t find a video of anything new, but if this song sounds good to you, you should check him out. He reminds me a lot of Ray LaMontagne with his darker, more somber folk, but I quite like what I have heard, and I am glad to have been reacquainted with this old favorite.

Nicole Atkins – Neptune City
Now, those of you that pay attention will notice that this isn’t the first time that I have mentioned Ms. Atkins, but to be honest, she is deserved of more attention, IMHO. I randomly popped her CD into my car player this morning, and I was instantly reminded why I sang such high praises for her initially; I really love her sound. So, what better song to include today? This one has a strange-ish video, but it is definitely a beautiful song. I love her voice so much, as it sounds like it is from another era. She sounds so weathered and has this professional quality to her that I just adore. Be sure to check out her CD, which made my top 31 of 2007; because it’s great.

From the Movie Across The Universe – Let It Be
Wow. I watched Across the Universe last night, the movie-musical that uses Beatles songs to tell the story, and I was simply and utterly blown away by the arrangement in this gospel re-tooling of Let It Be. It is already an amazingly emotional song, and paired with the visuals, and the powerful singing that they used in the movie version, it is hard not to get a little tear in your eye when you watch it. I loved a lot of the versions of the Beatles hits that they used in the movie, and I would definitely recommend seeing it if you are fan of musicals. A very interesting movie with some great remakes of great old songs. Just a note, there is some graphic violence in this video, so just be warned.

Bjork – Declare Independence
This next song is a bit of a weird one, which, if you know Bjork, pretty much goes without saying. It is off of her most recent album, Volta, which is definitely good, but didn’t hook me in the way that I thought it would. While I really love the album, there are a few songs that distracted me, and as such, my attention wavered. However, recently, I randomly saw this video, and was again, impressed by Bjork’s ability to not only craft some amazing music, but she also has this uncanny ability to use video to take it to the next level. This is one of those songs that the video takes it totally to another plain; I absolutely LOVE this video, and I believe that it is almost necessary for the song. It is inventive, and moving. It totally captures the call to “declare independence”, and really does it well. Bjork may be a little misunderstood, even by me, but there are some times where she totally nails it for me, and this is one of those times.

Janet – Feedback
Since her CD leaked this week, I figured it would be appropriate to post this naughty little pleasure of mine. I will admit that I wasn’t impressed at all when I first heard this song, but it has REALLY grown on me. It is quite a nice little dance number, and the video is just so weird that I couldn’t avoid posting it too! I have hopes that the album is good (she has had some stunners and some duds in her past), and if it is anything like Feedback, I am sure that it will grow on me. I do have to mention, that perhaps my FAVORITE thing about the video is how she is all Mario Galaxy at the beginning. Maybe Janet should make a deal with Nintendo? Either way, this is a guilty pleasure of the moment, for sure.

Well, that was interesting! I can’t believe that I pulled that out of my hat! I hope you enjoyed this week’s five song Friday; there are some great ones in there! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: february 15

by  •  • 3 Comments

I was actually scratching my head and wondering most of this week about what I was going to pick for my five songs this week, as I haven’t really been blown away by any of the stuff I have been checking out lately (new or otherwise). Maybe I am just in a lull? Who knows… however, it has allowed me to reexamine some stuff that I really love, and I figured it would be fun to post a few of those songs today. I am sure that there is a chance that it might be the first time someone is hearing it, or it may re-awaken interest in something you haven’t listened to in forever; either way, it’s all about the music. Since I have been in such a rut lately with finding new, great stuff, PLEASE send me your recommendations, okay? Now, on with the show!

Note: No videos this week, so feed readers, come by and listen up!

The Postal Service – Brand New Colony
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_215_postalservice-brandnewcolony.mp3]
One of my favorite records, Give Up by the Postal Service, drifted back into my focus recently, and I have been enjoying reexamining this fantastic album. I really hope that Ben Gibbard gets around to doing a follow up record at some point, because I would love to have some new Postal Service material. I love the whole album, but this is one of the songs that I tend to listen to over and over from the record; such great lyrics (a couple of which can be found in my header from time to time).

Hellogoodbye – All Time Lows
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_215_hellogoodbye-alltimelows.mp3]
After the aforementioned disappointment that I have been having trying to find new stuff to check out, I also stumbled on Hellogoodbye again, which is one of those rare CDs that I loved instantly from beginning to end. I absolutely adore their electro-pop-rock sound, and after I saw them live, I became a permanent fan. These guys are awesome, and they totally rock that whole “nerdy-cool” vibe, which fits them, and makes me swoon like the other little girls at the concert were. If you like this song, I highly recommend the whole album; I am looking forward to more from these guys. Hearing this again is definitely a great reminder of some of the great stuff in my massive music collection.

RyanDan – The Face
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_215_ryandan-theface.mp3]
Not only are these two identical twin brothers totally gorgeous, but they have this amazing harmony and quality to their singing. While most of their record is watered down with cheesy covers, the two opening songs are fantastic. The Face, which is one of those two openers, is my favorite song of theirs, and is one that I find myself listening to often. It is a totally beautiful song. Sometimes a cheesy ballad is EXACTLY what I need.

Lumidee – She’s Like The Wind
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_215_lumidee-sheslikethewind.mp3]
True story: recently, I was riding in my car to get some lunch, and randomly, She’s Like the Wind (the Patrick Swayze version) popped into my head. I had to turn off the radio and sing the whole song… cheesy, right? Well, I actually kind of love that song, and found out that it had been remade into kind of a great little hip hop number last summer. I have to say, that I kind of like this remake, the sample fits really well with the hip hop beat.

Sugababes – I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_215_sugababes-ibetthatyoulookgood.mp3]
A long while back, my good buddy Stu was giving me a “crash course” in order to bring me up to speed with the Sugababes (who I hadn’t really heard much from at that time), and this cover of the Arctic Monkey’s song of the same name was one of the songs he exposed me to. Not only does it tower over the original version, but it truly highlights what one should do when attempting to cover a song; fucking blow it out of water. See, I don’t mind when you cover a song, and actually cover it really well. In this case, the cover is far better than the original.

Now are you beginning to see just how varied my music tastes are, right? I like a little bit of everything! As always, I hope you enjoyed the songs, and I hope even more that you have some feedback/suggestions yourself! Have a great THREE DAY weekend everyone!

is it just me?, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, well?, wtf?!

for some, believing clearly isn’t enough…

by  •  • 2 Comments

Let me start this post by saying that I generally love the UK’s X-factor; after all, they gave me one of the loves of my life, Mr. Shayne Ward. Not only that, they followed him with the amazing Leona Lewis, who’s Bleeding Love is a song that I still have in heavy rotation; months after I initially heard it. However, with all that good, there too can come some bad. Even though I heard that this year’s winner Leon Jackson was to cover When You Believe, the amazing song from the Prince of Egypt that was originally sung by none other than the divas Mariah and Whitney, I had somehow avoided hearing his version, that is, until recently. It came on U-Pop the other day, and I listened, in order to hear the magnificence that the UK had chosen to win X-Factor. Instead of being impressed, I was horrified.

Not only does he clearly lack the same level of talent that Shayne and Leona possess, but his singing voice doesn’t even seem to be at a level higher than amateur. Not to be mean to the poor kid, but seriously, this is just a bad cover of an otherwise great song.

This brings me to my other gripe: Whomever chose When You Believe as the song that the winner would sing is either a sadist, or just an asshole; because if you are going to do a song that Mariah and Whitney did beautifully, the only way to do it successfully, is to do it better (which that, in and of itself, would be a difficult task indeed). Even without the powerhouse divas singing the original, what on earth were they thinking handing this enormous song to an “undiscovered talent”? Wow. To me, this is just a recipe for disaster, and makes a situation that only sheer luck could bail them out of. Unfortunately, the likable, and in my opinion, much more talented brother-sister group Same Difference did NOT win X-Factor, so we cannot know whether or not their version of the song would be superior to Leon’s; but one thing I do know, is that his version is almost un-listenable. But don’t just take my word for it, see (or rather, hear) for yourself.

First, I give you the Mariah and Whitney version; which is in my opinion, a flawless pop song. It is well written, and their voices compliment each other beautifully. Also, need I even mention that it is fucking Mariah and Whitney, which again, begs to question why one would ever try to cover something that big, unless they KNOW for certain they can do it better?


Now, check out Leon’s version of When You Believe (sorry, but the real video can’t be embedded). I can’t believe they went there, to be honest. I guess it is a little like Leona’s version of A Moment Like This (which is quite terrible as well, but she has managed to distance herself from it quite well), if you have heard a superior version of the song several years in advance of some practical nobody doing a sub-par version of it, what is the fucking point of them doing it at all? There are TONS of songs out there he could have covered; so why this one?


Oh well, we can never know what prompts these producers to rehash the same pop trinkets on other shores, but I can hope that future incarnations of shows like X-Factor, and even the dwindling American Idol, can manage to pull out some better songs, suited for the potential winners. If they are going to stick with sending these poor singers out there with rehashed, sub-par covers, can they at least pick some songs that they would be better suited for? Clearly, in this case, that did not happen at all. I just don’t think that we should have more tragedies like this one, littering the airwaves, and making my ears cringe when I hear them. Clearly, believing that you can sing the song better does not mean that you actually can. Poor Leon…

listen up!, mixed media, near and dear, public health, sex (oh yeah), show the love, that is so gay

octopus: a MUST see

by  •  • 0 Comments

Yesterday, James and I went to a matinée showing of Steve Yockey’s amazing play, Octopus. I have been very eager to see the show, especially since Steve had sent me the script last year, and when I read it, I was completely moved by it. When he told me it was going to be put on at Actor’s Express, I was delighted for him, and anxious to see it brought to life.

The play deals with issues and consequences that can come from “having a little fun”, and not paying attention to the great monster that is waiting at the bottom of the sea. Octopus expertly uses an interestingly playful, as well as frightful, metaphor in order to tackle intense issues surrounding relationships, and what happens when things suddenly change; even when you promised each other that they wouldn’t.

The show was moving, poignant, gripping, and at times, even laugh out loud funny. I could really feel what the actors were saying, and really identified with many of the main characters. Being gay, and in a relationship myself, it is hard to think about what would happen if something unexpected, and horrible, were to suddenly thrust itself between us. Would we react in the way that those characters did? Hopefully, I will never have to answer that question myself.

Now, I know that I am being cryptic, but honestly, I don’t want to give away the very thing that the play seeks to show you; the message is strong, and really does hit close to home.

It succeeds on every level; it is entertaining, and it really engages you and forces you to think about the consequences of your actions. Just because you get lost in the moment during a random sexual encounter, doesn’t mean that there won’t be massive ramifications to both you and your partner. Steve uses the unseen “monster” to truly hammer home the point that a lack of attention to the truth of consequence is really missing for many young (and old) gay men in today’s dangerous world. He makes a strong statement about how denial and ignorance only make you defenseless in preventing the beast from devouring you, or someone that you love. He goes further to challenge you into seeing that consequences are often not very easy to deal with for either partner, and sometimes, those reactions are devastating in and of themselves. It was masterfully written, and the stage direction and effects are phenomenal.

You must see Octopus. It will move you, and it may even make you want to cry, but it reminds us to be mindful of our actions, and know that there are consequences to everything that we do and say; especially within the concept of a relationship. Being mindful is the key to preventing that monster from devouring us all.

Octopus is playing NOW at Actor’s Express, and on through February 23. Don’t miss it!!!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, movie musings, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: february 8

by  •  • 1 Comment

It’s finally Friday, and it’s time for some tunes, right? This week, we have 4 tracks from female singers, and I realize that I seem to prefer female vocalists over anything else, for whatever reason. Also, at least a couple of these tracks are “rare” tracks that are either internet finds, or bonus tracks from international editions of that artist’s CD. Also, this week, we will have two flashback tracks, one from a sort of recent favorite film of mine, and one from a lot further back, so sit tight, and let’s get this party started.

Sara Bareilles – Any Way the Wind Blows
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_208_sarabareilles-anywaythewindblows.mp3]
First up today is the amazing and beautiful Sara Bareilles, who readers of this blog know that I totally adore. I have been having such a great time watching her get loads of deserved attention these past couple of months, and have been playing close attention myself to iTunes and the blogs, as they keep offering up new live material for me to devour. The song was apparently a bonus track on an Asian release of Little Voice, and I am so glad that I found it, because like the rest of the record, it is fantastic. I bought tickets to see Sara in March earlier this week, so I felt it fitting to show some more love for the fabulous Ms Bareilles in this week’s five song Friday. Seriously, it is hard not to feature her every week; she is certainly one of my favorite artists.

Sia – The Girl
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_208_sia-thegirl.mp3]
It seems that people are foaming at the mouth of Sia lately; you can’t walk into a Starbucks without seeing her new CD on display. Also, I have heard that song Day Too Soon all over XM, and quite enjoy her myself. However, I think that this is by far my favorite song from the record, which I like, but just can’t get that into for whatever reason. Also, I can’t help but think of the amazing Nicole Atkins when I hear Sia, because their voices have a very similar quality to them. I am definitely glad to see an out singer getting some attention here in the states, and it seems that there is no end to the great music coming from down under. This is such a fun track, and I just love the blaring horns, don’t you?!

Lily Allen – Mr Blue Sky
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_208_lilyallen-mrbluesky.mp3]
Oh Lily! I have adored Lily Allen for quite a while now, and highly regret not hearing her CD before the end of 2006, because it would have surely made my best of 2006 list; it is fantastic. I saw her in concert early last year, and I feel like that was what really got me to fall head over heels with Lily. She is fantastic. When I saw this song offered on one of my regularly read mp3 blogs, I jumped at it, and as it turns out, I fucking LOVE it. I hope that this is a taste of what she will be bringing on her next CD; which I hope she will get out sometime in the near future (I know she is working on a show, but I hope that she has time to record as well). I have said it, but I’ll say it again, I totally adore Lily, and this is a great song to add to her already impressive arsenal of songs in my music collection.

Heart – Crazy On You
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_208_heart-crazyonyou.mp3]
First off, is there anything better than that opening guitar sequence? Um… yeah, amazing. I picked Guitar Hero back up this week after a little hiatus, and I am glad that I did, I have been having fun with it all week. I have also been listening to some of my favorite songs from the games (I have 4 in all), and one of my favorites by far is Crazy on You by the AMAZING Heart. Seriously this song is fucking ROCK. I can listen to it on repeat, and it strengthens that part of me that wants to rock out in a band someday. If only I could be 1/10 the badass that Ann Wilson is. Damn. Love this song!

Hedwig and the Angry Inch – Origin Of Love
Finally today, is the amazingly well written Origin of Love from one of my favorite movies of all time, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. I randomly put on the soundtrack earlier in the week, and ended up watching the movie again last night for the first time in ages. I was reminded by how amazing this movie is, and how much I love the music from it. It is such a great movie, and the songs are just fantastic. Even if you aren’t a fan of musicals, I think that anyone would love Hedwig. I had the chance to see it performed a while back, and that made me officially a fanatic of the lady with the feathered bangs. Seriously, what’s not to love? This song is just fucking beautiful; as are many others in the film. NOTE: A word of caution about this video, it is pulled from the movie, and at the VERY beginning, there is some shouting from Hedwig’s mom, so turn down the speaker for a second or two. Also, there is a little cartoon-udity, which I don’t really think is offensive, but if that isn’t your thing, just heads up.

Well, there you go; my five songs for friday. I hope that everyone is having a great afternoon, and as always, let me know what you are jamming to… share and share alike I always say! Have a great weekend!

happenings, listen up!, mixed media, music musings

flashback to pop greatness

by  •  • 7 Comments

So I missed the Superbowl last night because I was caught up in a 7 hour study session for my Anatomy test (yikes!), but I did manage to catch a recap of the FANTASTIC performance Paula Abdul gave before the show via youtube (thanks to discopop for the heads up):


Let me just say this now, THIS performance is how you bring a fucking comeback. Paula has been out of the music scene for over 10 years, and here she is, tearing it up again. Whether or not you were a fan of Paula back in the day, there is no denying that she had a bevy of hits in her hay day, and it is safe to say, that this new song should be a hit for her as well. The song is catchy, and perfect for her. As she says at the end of the video, and I couldn’t agree with her more, the timing definitely was right.

Congratulations, Ms. Abdul, great show. Truth be told, I always knew she had it in her; I love me some Paula Abdul, and I always have. The first CD I ever bought was Paula Abdul: Shut Up and Dance! The Remixes. Embarrassing? Maybe… but there’s no denying that in her prime, the lady definitely had a knack for pop. I am just glad that her comeback single is such a good one. I wonder where she will go with this… a full album? Who knows… all I know, is that if Randy Jackson had this up his sleeve, I hope that she stays with him for the duration. Paula, you are definitely, forever my girl.

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: february 1

by  •  • 2 Comments

Welcome to this week’s installment of the five song Friday, everyone! Today is going to feature songs you may be familiar with, songs that you may have heard a while ago and forgotten about, a song that you may hate (as I did when I first heard it), and maybe some songs that you are hearing for the first time. So let’s get to it, shall we?

Yael Naim – New Soul
First up today is a song that is as catchy as hell, from those new Mac Air ads by Paris-born/Israeli-raised singer Yael Naim. The main reason I wanted to feature this song, is because there are many of us that have tivos and DVRs out there that never get the chance to watch commercials, and as such, may miss great songs like this one. Personally, this song was recommended by one of you (my wonderful readers!), who told me that I might like it; and you know what, he was right! I do (thanks for the suggestion, see, I told you I want to know what you are listening to!)! Another reason for posting this one, is because the video is just awesome, and I totally love it. Such a catchy song, and a great video, paired with an Apple endorsement? Yael is going places, people! Who’d of thought before Feist, that we would be looking to Apple for new, great music? Well, now we know that they are onto something!

Candie Payne – One More Chance
In this current era of music, the throwback sound seems to be the “next biggest thing”, with artist after artist streaming that sound of old, and making it new. Such is the case with Ms Candie Payne, who uses those old influences, and Mark Ronson beats, to churn out this fabulous song. I have certainly been enjoying this reemergence of the “throwback sound”, and the more artists that jump on this band wagon that are doing it as well as Candie are, the happier I am destined to be. Also, take note that her look is very “That Girl”-ish, adding to the hip, vintage feel… it’s a great song, and great video.

Linda Kiraly – Can’t Let Go
I was trying to decide between this one and another song for this week, and I watched this video again, and it struck me much harder than it ever has before. This song is fantastic. Linda has a beautiful and powerful voice, and the beat makes for a perfect pop song. The beginning is a little slow (perhaps the reason that I wasn’t hit as hard the first time I heard it), but at 40 seconds into the video when she stomps on those drums, you get to see why you came out to the show. This is her first single from an upcoming album, and I cannot wait to see what else she has up her sleeve. My buddy Stu always has these random acts up his sleeve, and I just love it when he let’s me in on the goods; especially when they are as good as this!

Patrick Wolf – Accident and Emergency
Now, for the ultra-queer Patrick Wolf, who I totally flash on the beginnings of Ziggy Stardust, and queer glam rock when I see him. I will admit this openly, I HATED this song when I first heard it. I don’t know what it was about it, but it was just a huge turn off for me. However, it got into my head, and I gave it another go, and after a few listens, I really like it. The other day when I was waiting for jury duty, I ended up listening to his record, and I really liked a lot of it, whereas previously, I was wondering why so many people were into him. Was he to be another Roisin Murphy for me, I thought? Well looking now, I figure, perhaps not… I am glad that I gave it another go, because it is quite the catchy little hit. I highly recommend you give this more that one listen; it took me several to get into it, but now I quite like it.

The Darkness – I Believe In a Thing Called Love
Last, but certainly not least, is my “blast from the past” track for this week. I have to say, that I still remember the first time I heard this song; it was 3 in the morning, and my tivo started randomly taping an MTV video show (shock and awe! They were showing videos!), and the video for this song came on. I sat there, mesmerized, and completely freaked out at the same time. What the fuck? I thought. After it was over, I rewinded it, and ended up watching it 5 times. I was hooked. I haven’t listened to the Darkness in a while (their debut CD is quite fantastic), and this song came on XM the other day, and I ran home and put it back on my ipod (it was lost when iTunes decided to delete all my playlists a while back). Well, I am glad that I was reacquainted with the fabulousity that is the Darkness… their queer glam metal is pure music gold. I am such a closet metal lover, and this shit is just the type of thing that blows my skirt way up over my head. This is metal that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and in fact, makes fun of itself all at the same time. If only it were on one of the Guitar Heroes… perhaps maybe a future installment will include this gem! I certainly hope so, because this song is fantastic.

Well, there she is, this week’s 5SF is on the books. I hope that everyone found something that they could enjoy. As always, let me know what you are into, it may make a future list! Have a great afternoon, kids!