Aaaaaand I’m back! Sorry that I had to sit out last week, I was just really tired, and didn’t feel up to it. Either way, I am definitely back on my game this week, and I have 5 great songs for you, so let’s go ahead and get to them, shall we?
Adele – Melt My Heart To Stone
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I feel like I have been singing Adele’s praises for ages now, but honestly, I don’t think that I could ever sing them enough. After seeing her last week, I have been flying high on this amazing Brit’s debut album, 19, and I wanted to post one of my absolute favorite songs of hers. This song is full of emotion, drama, feeling, and power. I love how she makes her voice crack, which really represents the broken heart that she is singing about. She performed this song flawlessly in concert, and if you still haven’t gotten on the Adele bandwagon by now, this is just me shaking you, again, and telling you to get with the program. Adele is amazing!
Carrie Underwood – I Told You So
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I’m not normally a big fan of country, and while I used to only listen to it back in the day, I attribute that to being mostly a product of my environment *cough*hick from North Carolina*cough*. I remember when Carrie won American Idol, and I was really excited, because she was one of the first ones that had pipes as amazing as Kelly Clarkson’s, and even though she was country, I just knew that her amazing show stopping version of Alone by Heart would grace her debut. Well, it didn’t, and instead of making me happy, she went full tilt country, which, while it does serve her voice beautifully, it just didn’t “do it” for me (also songs like Jesus Take the Wheel just make me want to roll my eyes… no offense). Now, let’s cut to last week when she appeared on the Idol stage again to sing this Randy Travis remake; I’m not going to lie, I fucking wept. This song is beautiful, and her voice gave me chills all over. Country or not, this girl can SING, and she sings this beautiful song amazingly; both live, and on her Carnival Ride CD. Note: I didn’t post the version she re-released with Randy Travis (also last week), mostly because Randy is just so outshone that I felt a little bad for him. I LOVE this song, and I am glad that Carrie chose to cover it.
Noisettes – Don’t Upset The Rhythm
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This is another fantastic discovery that I can thank BBC Radio One for; they have been playing this song for a couple of weeks now, and I have found myself liking it more and more with each listen. The neo-soul guitar strumming, and popping beats really compliment the lead singer’s sweet voice (which has a resemblance to Eartha Kitt; without the kitty growls, of course). This infectious track has the upbeat sensibilities of the Ting Tings, and while it is a bit repetitive lyrically, it isn’t enough to turn me off. I can’t wait to see what the new Noisettes album will be like; if it is anything like this fantastic track, I am sure that I will love it.
A.R. Rahman and PCD feat. Nicole Scherzinger – Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_327_arrahmanpcd-jaiho.mp3]
I may make a few enemies with this one, but hear me out; YES, the original version is awesome, amazing, and several other praise-worthy words. It won an Oscar. See? I agree. However, this version, which harnesses the amazing vocals of Miss Pussycat Doll herself, Nicole Scherzinger, is just too perfect to ignore. A.R. Rahman’s Oscar-winning song gets the English treatment, and instead of being a “replacement” for the original Indian hit, I think that this version will just get more people interested in the original. I personally LOVE this song, and love that I can sing along with Nicole, because, call me crazy, but I like listening to music that has lyrics that I can actually understand; catch me catch me catch me!!! So again, the original – fantastic; and so is this version, which I cannot stop playing and dancing around to!!
Alcazar – Burning
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To end today, we are going full tilt gay. We have covered a lot of ground today(soul, country, bollywood, now disco!!!), but this is disco bananas, and it is fantastic. Alcazar are a Swedish dance group that have been around for a decade, and recently, they released a massive double disc album that is chock full of dance floor fillers. This is my favorite song from that album, which is appropriately called Disco Defenders; because if anyone is going to successful in advocating for the fabulousness of disco, it’s definitely these guys. This song is upbeat, happy, and throw-your-hands-in-the-air dancetastic. Songs like this make me want to dance all night long, and HOW can that be anything but great?! Sometimes, it’s nice to just have a little fun, isn’t it? Well, that’s definitely something you can do by listening to Alcazar!
I hope that you didn’t miss me too much because I took a week off, but know that I am back, and I’m not going anywhere any time soon. I hope that you enjoyed this week’s five as much as I did, and as always, let me know what you think, as well as what you are listening to.
This week marked the official return of America’s first Idol, as Ms. Clarkson released her latest album, All I Ever Wanted. While I was initially a little hard on the album, I have since given it a few listens, and I have only been able to find fault with a few tracks (and honestly, if she would have left them off, the album would be even closer to the high quality pop album that Breakaway is). The album has tons of radio ready up-tempo tracks, and several soothing ballads that once again highlight Clarkson’s writing skills. This song falls somewhere in the middle, and for me, it is one of the best tracks on the album. As penance for trash talking the album before I had given it a proper chance, I felt compelled to post this track this week, in order to give credit where credit is due. Kelly’s back, y’all, and not only has she made a darn fine record, but she proved that she is definitely back when she performed live on Idol the other night. 
This is one of those songs that came on the radio, and I wanted to change it, but I decided instead to see where it would go. Then, the riff of the chorus cut in, and I was instantly glad I stuck around; it is brilliant!! White Lies reminds me a lot of fellow Brit rockers, the Kaiser Chiefs, the lead singer’s voice sounds very similar to Julian Hamilton of the Presets. This fast paced post punk rock track is just a lot of fun, as I mentioned, it was that jangly guitar riff that reeled me in, and I can’t get enough of it. I listened to the rest of their album, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the rest of the tracks are quite good as well. This song was a great random find, and I am excited to be featuring it this week.
I will be honest; when I found out that this was the new Peter Bjorn and John song, I was extremely disappointed. It was almost annoying, and is a real departure to their uber-catchy previous album (which made my year end list for 2007). However, I couldn’t seem to escape this track, because it kept coming on the radio, and as such, I got pulled in by the pops and claps, and slowly, I really warmed up to this song. After seeing the silly video, I was sort of hooked. It was almost like a light switch in my brain; I hated it at first, and now I am listening to it on repeat. It’s weird how that works sometimes, isn’t it? I can’t wait to hear the rest of the album, which should be out soon; I only hope that it is something that I will enjoy instantly, and if not, something worth giving the time to get into it properly.
Based on the type of music that I typically post, I bet that it would surprise many of you that I used to listen to dance music almost exclusively. I was a DJ in college, and I had pretty much every hot dance track that came out, and kept my insatiable appetite for new, hot dance music afloat by having several friends (and another DJ) who were into the same club pounding beats. I attribute my constant hunger for dance music to the fact that I used to go dancing a lot, but as I have gotten older, my time at the clubs as diminished. I still love dance music, and still have a LOT of it on my ipod, but it isn’t the only thing I listen to anymore (which again, is evident when you look at my music suggestions here on this blog). However, I still know when I have heard something amazing, and this is one of those songs that just gets me moving. I heard it on BPM earlier this month, and I am glad to have discovered this track, so that I can add it to my massive and wonderful dance music collection. We all need to dance every once and while, and with great dance music like this, it’s hard not to!
Perhaps this will further lend insight into my all-dance music, all-of-the-time previous listening habits. I first heard this song when I was in Europe in the winter of 2000, where it was climbing the charts, and being played everywhere I seemed to be in London. Well, I bought a great mix compilation (they have so many GREAT ones in the UK… why don’t we have any good ones here?!) that had this song on it, and I literally played it on repeat for months. I have been talking about how I have been going back through my massive music collection in an attempt to pay well deserved attention to many of my “forgotten” favorites for a few weeks now, and I remembered this track, and recently threw it back on my ipod. The UK Garage beat of this track is what I was attracted to, and is a type of dance music that I am surprised never caught on over here in the US. It is fast, fun, and totally dance. I love some Posh Spice, and for me, this is definitely one of the best things she has ever contributed to musically. 
You know you expected this; of course I had to post a Britney song, I still have Britney fever!! However, instead of just posting something off of Circus, I wanted to post one of my favorite B-side/unreleased tracks of hers, and a song that many of you have probably never heard. This song was released on the deluxe/international version of her self titled 3rd album, Britney. I haven’t heard it in quite some time, and yesterday, in prep for the show, I was listening to lots of Britney, and this song popped up, and I instantly remembered how much I loved it. This is such a sweet pop ballad, and it makes me wonder why I wasn’t on her official release of Britney. Either way, this track is fantastic, and I’m glad that it came back into my life. Britney fever continues!
I discovered Natalie randomly through one of my many music blogs that I follow, and after listening to her recent release 1000 stars, this is by far my favorite track from the album. At my first glance of the title I thought it was a cover of that Liz Phair song, but I was extremely surprised and elated that it turned out to be something totally different. I love the beat and the haunting synth that pops and moans throughout the song. I do have to comment on her last name, which is somewhat of a doozy; how do you even pronounce it? Any Aussies that can help me out (Natalie’s from down under)? Well, regardless of how you pronounce her last name, Natalie has released a decent pop album, and this track struck me, and as such, I had to get the word out about it. It really reminds me of a great early 90s track that has been refreshed for today; and the result is music to my ears.
I was riding in the car the other day, and BBMak came on the radio. I instantly got out a pen and wrote BBMak on my hand, because I have completely forgotten about this amazing boy band for far too long, and I wanted to rectify that as soon as possible. When I got home, I put both of their CDs in the computer and ripped the mp3s for my iPod, because I have missed these guys, and didn’t even know it until I randomly heard them on the radio. I had a serious love affair with BBMak back in the day, and I was very sad that they disbanded after their second CD. Both of their albums were very great, and each one of these boys is very swoon worthy. I did some scouring for info on the internets, in order to find out what they are up to these days, but didn’t find much. I hope they are well, and are still making music, because they are just far too talented to let it end with BBMak. I wish that I would have gotten the chance to see them in concert, because I have a live DVD, and they are amazing; they all played like 3 or 4 instruments, and their harmonies are just incredible. Welcome back into my life BBMak! I’ve missed you!!
I guess this continues the “blast from the not so distant past” theme of this week’s 5SF, and I am glad to keep it going; there is so much great stuff that I have in my music collection that has been collecting dust for absolutely no reason. I read that Katharine is working on a new album due out later this year, and I hope that she has more success with her sophomore release. I have no idea why her self titled debut didn’t do much better than it did, because it is an impressive pop album, filled with fantastic vocals and very well produced songs. Katharine was my favorite on her season of Idol, and I was glad that she got through to the final two because I knew it would mean a record deal. Her debut album is great, and actually made my year end list in 2007. After listening to it again this week (I have to say, I am glad that I am going back through my massive music collection and dusting off some old favorites… I have no idea why I didn’t do this before!!), I am still scratching my head and wondering why this album didn’t make her an instant superstar. Katharine McPhee is arguably one of the most beautiful women on this planet; both in appearance and voice, and I would have thought that to be enough to propel her to the stardom that she deserves. Here’s hoping that her next album will allow her star to truly shine.
Yet another album that I have been wrongly ignoring is the amazing Ghosts, by ex-Sugababe Siobhan Donaghy. This was another album that made my favorites list in 2007, and deservedly so; it is an interesting electro-pop record with haunting vocals and infectious rhythms and song arrangements. This song is just so beautiful and unique that I couldn’t help but love it, and it makes me long for more great stuff from Siobhan in the near future. This is one of those songs that you hear, and you think to yourself, “self, that is a weird, beautiful, strange, and interesting song, isn’t it? You know what self, it is… and I LOVE IT!”. Well, that is at least what I said to myself when I heard it the first time… what do you think?! The whole album has a similar weirdness that this track possesses, and that makes it unique, interesting, and actually very good!
Tonight, a good friend of mine and I will have the distinct pleasure of seeing the wonderful Missy Higgins live, so I thought it would be appropriate to post one of my favorite songs from her most recent album. I have posted about this Aussie before, and I can definitely say that I am looking forward to the show; her music is beautiful, and her voice is divine. The sincerity and tenderness in her lyrics and vocals is impressive. I can’t wait to see what she does live, and I really hope that she plays this magnificent song!
Okay, do me a favor with this song: listen to it a minimum of four times before you make ANY decisions about it. Why? Because the first time I heard this song, I saw something special, but I didn’t realize how special it was until about the 4th listen. I am a sucker for these tender ballads, and the story telling element is always a welcome plus. I was drawn in by the tenderness of this track, and after several listens of this wonderful song, I want to hear more from Angel Taylor. Her voice reminds me a little bit of Corinne Bailey Rae, and that is definitely a good thing. 
Wow, I just have to say, that when two of my all time favorite vocalists get together and do a song, I expect it to be perfect. Well, low and behold, this one is. This version is a remake of the Vashti Bunyan song of the same name, and was included on the recently released indie collection, Dark Was The Night. It really blends both the style of Feist and Death Cab beautifully, and their vocals have never been more beautiful. This song is an instant favorite.
I have been enjoying the A Camp album for a little while now, and I wanted to post one of my favorite songs from the album. Bear on the Beach shows just how strange and eclectic that Nina Persson is, but at the same time, beautiful and extremely talented. No wonder she is one of my favorite singers out there. This is one of those albums that most will probably overlook, which is sad, because it is very, very good. It might even make my year end list… stay tuned.
There are many songs that I should instantly love, but don’t. Then, I see the video, and I am all, “why was igoring this song, it’s pretty great!?”. Well, this is one of those songs. The lead singer is a cutie, and when I saw the video I instantly thought, “this is that song I have been ignoring for months now!”. No longer my friends, this song has found its way onto a 5SF, and it deserves to be heard. Do yourself a favor and check out the strangely violent video, that is almost campy in its presentation, which makes it even better. I’m glad I saw the video, because it has turned me onto this great song. My favorite part is the claps during the chorus; fun stuff!
Last album released: Ta-Dah, 2006. First up is one of my all time favorite bands, the Scissor Sisters. I fell in love with them because of their amazing debut, and they only made me more of a fan with their brilliant sophomore album; but that was way back in 2006 (when Ta-Dah topped my year end list), and I am hungering for some new Scissor Sisters. I have been listening to their previous two albums this month, and loving every minute of each one; but it just makes me want more. I love my Scissor Sisters and hope to hear something new from them this year. This is one of my favorite songs of theirs, and it comes from the aforementioned amazing record, Ta-Dah.
Last album released: Zombies! Vampires! Aliens! Dinosaurs!, 2006. I heard of Hellogoodbye randomly, and ended up getting the whole album because of how infectious and poppy it was. I ended up seeing them live, and they were brilliant and full of energy. I like to think of them as like a more electronically driven version of Weezer; with an extra dose of happiness. I loved this album, and it solidly made my best of 2006 list, so I am really anxious to hear more from these guys. It seems like it’s been forever, but that’s how it feels when you haven’t heard from someone you love in a while. I love the energy of this song, and it totally sums up their concert experience; everyone jump around and have a great time!
Last album released: Speak For Yourself, 2005. Oh Immi, how I love you! It’s been quite a while since a 
Last album released: Life in Cartoon Motion, early 2007. Mika was one of those artists that got HUGE buzz from me in early 2007, and my love for him maintained and even grew throughout that year, allowing him a place on my year end list for 2007. However, given that Mika’s brilliant debut hit shelves in early 2007, it has been almost 2 years since I have heard anything new from this amazing artist, and I am really hoping that 2009 is another great year filled with more Mika. This is definitely one of the most infectious songs of 2007, and really highlights how amazing, and how full fledged POP Mika is; here’s hoping that he’s got something great up his sleeve for 2009.
Last NEW album released: Robyn, 2005 (and again in 2008). Alright, now I am being a little hard on Robyn here, but hear me out. Yes, she was nominated for her BRILLIANT 2008 self titled album, but remember that this album was released WAAAAY back in 2005. Did it stand up to the test of time? Certainly! However, it is TIME for some new Robyn. She seems happy to be releasing her amazingness on the world a spoonful at at time, and continues to wet our appetites with singles off of this release, but we are SCREAMING for something new; and I am not talking about an EP with just a few more brilliant songs. If this album is any indicator of how brilliant she is, there has got to be so much more waiting in the wings, and I for one am salivating for it. Robyn, you are one of the best things to happen to pop music in the last few years, so do us a solid and bring us more of your sweet delicious amazingness, won’t you?! I am crossing my fingers for something amazing in 2009 from the equally amazing Robyn.
Next album release: Poseidon and the Bitter Bug, March 24, 2009. I love the Indigo Girls, and with their last album, Despite our Differences, they showed no signs of slowing. In fact, I would venture to say that the Indigo Girls are definitely a fine wine that grows only better and more delicious with age. Their harmonies are the stuff that angels aspire to copy, and their music is wonderfully crafted, and delightful to listen to. I am very eager for this new album, and am very excited to get yet another album from one of my all time favorite groups. 
Next album release: City of Black & White, May 19, 2009. I have been a major fan of Mat’s beautiful blend of alternative/indie/hip-hop ever since I heard his major label debut, Nothing Left To Lose. After seeing him in concert, I became a tried and true fan, and have been waiting for new stuff from this amazing guy. Well, I was more than happy to see that he has a new CD coming out, and if this, the lead single off of the album, is any indicator of how it will be, it sounds like it will be just as brilliant as his debut (now, you KNOW I couldn’t resist bringing you something new and amazing this week, didn’t you!?!? Well here it is; you can purchase your own copy of this brilliant song 
This song has hit written all over it. The first couple of times I heard it, I knew that there was something about it I kind of liked, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Well, after massive rotation on BBC Radio 1, I have fallen head over heels in love with this track, and had to feature it this week. Alesha Dixon had some success in the UK in the R&B girl band Mis-Teeq, but recently released quite a decent solo album. This is by far my favorite song on the album, and I am thankful to BBC Radio 1 for turning me on to this great track! Also, best of luck to Alesha as she heads to Africa to scale Mt Kilimanjaro for Malaria relief!
Alright, if you don’t get it by now, Lady GaGa is massive. HUGE. I have been screaming about her for almost a year now, and I am so pleased to see her getting the attention she deserves. Well, it seems like her steam engine has caught on fire, as there are all kinds of tracks spilling onto the tracks these days. The most recent is this amazing song from the Confessions of a Shopaholic soundtrack, appropriately called (and all about) Fashion. Lady GaGa’s blend of dance-pop is such a great, upbeat sound that it is hard not to bounce about when listening to great pop songs like this one. I’m glad that she released it, instead of Heidi Montag, which was what I had seen swirling around the internets. Hooray for new GaGa! Also, if it is going to all be this good, keep it coming!
Now, I know that this will probably piss someone off, but normally, Morrissey just bores me. Now, that doesn’t mean that he isn’t a fabulous artist, but for whatever reason, his voice usually hits the “go to sleep” button in my brain, and I have to shut it off. However, with this new song, Morrissey has made me sit up and pay attention; with my eyes and ears wide open! It’s peppy, fun, and the video is down right cute! It makes me wonder where the depressive Morrissey has gone; although, the lyrics definitely have his typical sardonic twist, but this time, they are juxtaposed with a, dare I say it, upbeat pop backing track! I must declare that I love this song, and I might have to go back through his catalog and see if I can find other moments that are as peppy as this song is. 
Okay, I’ll admit it. I watch American Idol. Mostly, I like to see who’s good and who isn’t, and by the time they get to the top 12, it is all gravy because most of those kids are pretty good. Well, with the recent crop, there was this one chick who stood out; both because she had a great singing voice, and also because there was a lot of press about her having a record deal prior to her auditioning this season. Well, it all came to a head, and unfortunately got her the boot from the show, which kinda sucks I guess, because she had made it to the top 36 as of this week. Well, I was talking to my friend John last night about her previous records, and he informed me of a song she did for the Legally Blonde soundtrack that was actually quite good. After listening to that song, we headed to iTunes, and low and behold, they have some of her songs (although not that particular one… poop), and this one struck me instantly. It is brilliantly sung and totally beautiful. I hate that Joanna got booted from AI, but I hope that the publicity can get her back on track to making more great music like this. Keep going Joanna, and don’t give up!!
Oh Lily, how I have missed thee!!! Ever since I saw her in concert a couple of years ago (
on sale for $3.99!! That’s a steal!
A friend of mine recommended Erin to me a while ago, because he said that she reminded him of Sara Bareilles (that piano intro is definitely Bareilles-esque), and everyone knows just how much I love Ms. Sara. Well, I gave her a listen, and while I do agree, there was something about her that didn’t mesh with me initially. While I liked this song, I didn’t give it a second listen until this week, and I found myself liking it way more than the first time I heard it. While her voice is no where near as powerful as Sara’s, this song is a solid pop rock song, and should have some success on the radio; that is, if it ever gets played. Seriously, Nickelback gets tons of play while talented folks like this fly under the radar. It boggles the mind, really.
Dave Barnes, there is no doubt in my mind that you must make others swoon; because you do it to me oh so effortlessly. I mentioned that his CD Me + You + The World BARELY missed my year end best of list, simply because of how many damn good albums came out last year, but don’t let the fact that it didn’t make the cut let you think for one second that I didn’t enjoy it; it is great. The best part of Dave Barnes is these simple, piano driven ballads that just tug so gently at your heart strings. I love music like this, because it is the type of music that you hear it, and it just feels good. It’s like a really big warm hug; right when you need it most.
This one was a last minute addition to the Friday five; last night I was looking at the weekly releases on iTunes (as I do every week), and being one who loves his female singer-song writers as much as I do, I saw Keri on the main page, and had to check her out. Well, I listened to Ooh Oh, and I really liked what I heard, and I realized that Keri resembles Sara B even more than Erin does. In addition to her similarities to Sara, Keri has an undertone of Bonnie Raitt in her voice that is oh so beautiful and brings a welcome weathered flavor to this song.
Oh Ms. Doolittle, how I pulled for thee; I thought she was definitely the best singer on the show during her season on AI, but alas, she was not commercial enough to capture the votes necessary to win the whole shebang. Well, I was excited to see that she released an album this week, and I will admit that I was very surprised at what I heard. Instead of a modern, mainstream pop album, Melinda channels Billie Holiday and Etta James on a throwback to the hay days of soulful, airy pop/R&B. The result is a pretty decent album of songs, with this track being my favorite. Maybe she was just born in the wrong decade, because this album would have fit perfectly amongst the tunes of time if she would have released it around the same time as Ms. James and Ms. Holiday were hitting their stride. This album is a great surprise; something refreshing, different, and altogether pretty good.
Oh how I love the sweet sounds of Inara George’s voice wrapped warmly in sweet pop beats and clapping rhythms. As a huge fan of the Bird and the Bee, it was a treat to get their new album that came out a week ago, and hear so many fantastic songs on it. I’m not sure if I love it as much as I loved their debut album, but that would just be because I loved their debut so much, and it would be no small feat to overtake that level of love with this album. While the record does have a few minor duds, the strongest tracks show that the Bird and the Bee are still masters of their delightful brand of pop, and I for one, am glad that they are doing their thing, and doing it oh so well. This song is easily my favorite on the album (although I have to admit that it probably ties with Polite Dance Song). 
This is one of the many songs that I hear when I am out at Mary’s, and I completely diva-out (finger wagging, lip syncing, and tossing my imaginary hair about). It is a FIERCE track, that is a complete middle finger brandishing kiss-off, with a great backing dance beat. I like the juxtaposition of throwback soul with the electronic pops and beats, and it is very well done on this track. This song is best when played loud, and with plenty of room to point your finger and wave it about fervently while you tell that man to enjoy his new bed. Hmpf! This is seriously one of my favorite songs, and I can definitely listen to it on repeat. Sing with me: good luck good luck! HA! I would also suggest checking out the video, because it is very Jackie Brown, and fierce in its own right.
I featured a Kate Miller-Heidke track some time ago, and late in 2009, I got kind of excited because she released a new album. However, I initially had a difficult time getting into that album, and it didn’t help that it came into my life about the time I was compiling my year end best of list. Well, as I mentioned above, I have been trying to give more stuff a real chance, and so I decided to give new album another go, and I was pleased to find this absolutely delightful song this time around. She has a very interesting voice, and she has this whisper-ish, baby-like way of singing that makes this an especially sweet brand of pop. The narrative style of her song writing is genuine and sweet, and goes really well with that singing style. Overall, I love the arrangements of this adorable little song, and I am very glad that I went back for a second listen.
Sometimes, I start to hear a song, and I am ready to move on, but something about it makes me want to see where it is going. This is extremely rare, because usually, a song only has about 30 seconds to impress me. However, that is exactly what happened with this song; I didn’t like the first 25 seconds that much, but around 38 seconds, it really picks up, and turns into a beautiful folk-pop track. The vocals are very reminiscent of one of my favorite folk artists, Feist, which only makes me like it more. When the guy joins in, it makes for a sweet collaboration, and it only continues to progress into a great track. I’m really glad that I waited long enough to let this song show me how good it really is; because now I have been hooked, and I have quickly come to love it. 
Wow! This song is amazing. Levi is like a gay Harry Connick Jr., and by all accounts, should be just as famous. After doing a little internet research about him, I have found out that he was raised in the south, and struggled with coming out in much the same way I did (even though he went through A LOT more than I did… he went to one of those de-gaying camps. Yikes!). Knowing that makes it even more impressive that he has come so far, and despite all of his set backs (getting kicked out of college because he was outed, and being dropped by a Christian music label, presumably because he’s gay), he is still using his amazing gift to make beautiful and inspiring music. I love the slight country twinge to his voice, and the tenderness with which he sings. His piano arrangement for this song is truly beautiful, and really reminds me of amazing pop songs like fellow out artist, Ferras’ Hollywood’s Not America. There is a tenderness in this track that brings a flair of down home gospel into the mix, and makes it a true anthem that comes straight from the heart. 
Damn. This song is 1000000% diva. After Jennifer’s CD came out last year, I pretty much knew it would make my year end list, and low and behold, it did. There is something about her voice that I cannot get enough of; it is an instrument, and she harnesses it beautifully. This is probably my favorite song from the album, and lately, I have been listening to it more and more. In doing that, I have really seen how amazing this song really is; the arrangement is stellar, and the subtle ways she weaves the emotion into the track with her undulating voice is simply outstanding. I am glad that JHud is getting the attention that she deserves, and I have to say that it is pretty amazing to be here to witness the birth of a true diva’s career. 
I’ll be honest, I almost didn’t like this song originally on principle; I have this strange aversion to those winy emo bands. They all sound alike for the most part, so every time AAR would come on the radio, I wrote them off as just another one; that is, until I saw the video for this catchy little song. I loved the video, and found myself tapping my toe and really enjoying the song. Over the past month, I have played it more and more, and thought it would be perfect for this week’s 5SF. I guess it goes to show that you should really give everything a chance, because you might just find something you really like in an unexpected place.
By all accounts, I should hate this song. It is almost Jack Johnson-ish in its hippie-love strummy guitar nature, but something about is infinitely more sweet, touching, and saccharine sweet. I have liked Jason Mraz since his debut, but I didn’t really get into his most recent release, We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things. However, this song is a complete ear worm, and every time it played on XM, I found myself singing a long, and eventually I downloaded it. Since then, I realize how much I love this song, and typical to my personal experience with Jason, this song gets all the love, and I seem to lose interest for the rest of the album. Perhaps I will change my mind at some point, but in the meantime, I have definitely been enjoying this very sweet song. I think a big reason that I haven’t gotten further on the record is because of his duet with Colbie Calliat, who, for whatever reason, I cannot stand. Oh well.
I almost can’t believe that this song is showing up on a 5SF, because I thought I was done pimping Jesse back when I talked about the amazing song Leavin’ earlier last year. Well, low and behold, the boy made a pretty interesting video for this song, which just happens to be one of the best on his album, and I have been inexplicably hooked again. I know that the lyrics may be as trite as can be (when you call I’m pressing 7/don’t want to hear your messages messages), but dammit, the hook is solid, and this is a well produced pop song. I love backing music of the track too, very haunting and beautiful at the same time. For some dumb reason, I don’t want to like this kid as much as I do; maybe I should just give in already and just enjoy the ride!
Last weekend, we were out at the bar, and the VJ was spinning some great songs, and he played a Kelis track that led me to want to hear more from her. I picked this song for this week’s 5SF, because in my opinion, it’s one of her best, and I just love how much anger and “kiss off”-ery is portrayed in the lyrics and the excellently shouted hook “I hate you so much right now!”. This song just rules on so many levels that it is a “classic” song that I am glad to have rediscovered. How Kelis isn’t bigger than she is (especially with massive songs like Milkshake in her arsenal) is beyond me. Also, I feel compelled to note how incredibly beautiful Kelis is… damn, she is smoking hot!
While this song was another “old” favorite of mine that the VJ played last weekend at the bar, it was hearing it on BBC Radio 1 randomly this week that made me finally go and download this dance floor filler. I love the beats and the synth how it builds, and then breaks it down; so much fun for my ears. I also suggest that you check out the video, because it is such a great time; ladies in afros dancing about and playing instruments. What’s not to love!?! I am just glad that I finally got this one on my ipod; I’ve been meaning to download it for ages, and kept forgetting. Well, if that is the case for you as well, then hopefully this reminder about this great track will encourage you secure it for yourself as well!