the best part of waking up

There are a lot of things that I could go living without.  I could live without Pittsburgh traffic in the morning.  I could live without watching any television (with the exception of Weeds and The Big C).  I could live without having to take Nutmeg out every time she gets her "poopy face" (Note: Must train Nutmeg to open front door).

With that being said, there are some things I can't live without.  One of these things was introduced into my life around 5 years ago when I came to college.  Never before was I introduced to this wonderful, key component to my every day life.  I love waking up every morning know that I will be able to enjoy the rest of my day because of its existence.  What is it you might say?

COFFEE!

COFFEE!

COFFEE!

COFFEE!

And today is...

NATIONAL COFFEE DAY! 

I love coffee.  It makes me feel warm and cozy and keeps my going throughout the day.  I love it in the morning.  I love it in the evening.  I love it with nutmeg and cinnamon.  Mmm mmm mmm....

So, in honor of such a wonderful addition to our every day lives, I've put together a playlist devoted to coffee (you can find it at the bottom of the post).  Sorry all you tea drinkers.  Today is NOT your day.

A few of my favorites include:

"Starfish and Coffee" by Matt Nathanson

This song was originally done by Prince, but I really couldn't bring it to myself to put Prince on this blog.  Bret and I would go to the Matt Nathanson concerts here in Pittsburgh at the Rex Theater, and he always played this as a sing-a-long for the crowd.

"Black Coffee" by Peggy Lee

I must admit, I found this song today and listened to it a few times before deciding to put it on the playlist.  I must admit -- It's a pretty sexy song.  The intro reminds me of "Oogie Boogie Blues" from Nightmare Before Christmas.

"You're So Vain" by Carly Simon

I think one of the most memorable lines in this song is "I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee... clouds in my coffee...!"  That's a good tribute to coffee, right?

"Run Around" by Blues Traveler

Now, this song was impossible to learn.  Some parts of the song you can figure out, but John Popper sings so fast at some parts that you can't keep up.  However, there is one part I know everyone remembers, and that's the part where he yells: "Oh! I like coffee and I like tea!"  Definitely a coffee-worthy song.

ra ra riot - boy

Bret and I plan on going to the apple festival this weekend.  I looked at the weather, and the temperature isn't supposed to go over 60 (YES!)  I've been waiting to wear all the jackets that I have managed to collect over the years.  More importantly, I'm ready (not quite yet) to bring out my duck boots to wear as well.

In the music world there is a NEW RA RA RIOT album!  You have no idea how much this excites me.  I love Ra Ra Riot, and "Can You Tell" is still one of my favorite songs to come up on my shuffle now and then.  Ra Ra Riot just released their album "Orchard" which I haven't listened to in its entirety yet (appropriate title for my upcoming weekend though, no?)  I put the song "Boy" on mine and Bret's playlist to my parents' house last weekend, and I'm a fan.  I has the same charming sound that made me fall in love with Ra Ra Riot. They recorded a Daytrotter session last week, so you can download some live MP3s here.

Check out their latest song, "Boy:"

Ra Ra Riot - "Boy" by Some Kind of Awesome

And just to bring back my old favorite, here is "Can You Tell:"

Ra Ra Riot - Can You Tell by ChutMonCherie

are they laughing at or with me

So I haven't updated this baby for a few days -- my bad. I went home this weekend since my parents got a new WEIMARANER puppy. He was the cutest little thing. I love everything about puppies -- their breath, their fur, their yaps... Everything!


Well, I'm going to be posting a few more new stuff and try to make sure I'm updating this everyday. Last week, Jack Johnson released his video for "At or With Me." I'm a big JJ fan, but I'm not too crazy for this song. However, this video shows (once again) why Jack is such a cool guy.


Remember not too long ago when Dave Matthews was a guest on SNL? Andy Samberg did a skit where he portrayed Jack Johnson in a skit called "The Mellow Show" where he makes fun of Jack. You can rewatch the skit here:



Jack Johnsons's new video features him and Andy Samberg beating the crap out of each other.  Obviously it's not real, but still, the idea of Jack Johnson beating Andy Samberg up is pretty funny.  It reminds me of the whole Marky Mark and Andy Samberg fiasco. Plus, it's a funny video to watch on a Monday morning:

it don't make no difference if you sit or if you stand

With October just around the corner next week, I am ready to bring out all the usual pumpkin suspects.  Starting on Friday next week, I plan on making my pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, pumpkin bread, and maybe some apple crisp if we go apple picking. 

I also decided that Bret and I need to start really thinking about we will be for Halloween.  Last year's costumes were an epic fail.  People couldn't tell if we were dogs or bunnies when in fact we were really sheep.  I think two things not to do this year would be:

1.  Don't make our costumes on Halloween day.
2.  Don't pick costumes that requires you to wear fleece all night.

We also need to figure out what Nutmeg could wear for when trick-or-treaters come.  I know that no matter what we pick, she is not going to be happy. 

On more of a music note, I ran across the band The Head and The Heart today.  Their one song "Down in the Valley" is a really beautiful song.  They are currently on tour with Vampire Weekend, which will probably gain them a solid fanbase over the next year.  I've only listened to a few songs, but I like what I've heard thus far.  Bret just said that it sounds like it should be in Cold Mountain which in my opinion, isn't a bad thing.  This is definitely a more chill song to sit back and relax to.  I need to listen to songs like these in order to fill my Coldplay and Greg Laswelll void. 

Down in the Valley by theheadandtheheart

i'm ready to free willy

I'm sure half the reason why I like Hoodie Allen is because his name is a fun spin on the name Woody Allen.  I'm not a fan of all of his mashups, but I've listened to the track "Swimming With Sharks" a few times and can't get it out of my head.  The wonderful VV Brown's original "Shark in the Water" is featured as the base for Hoodie Allen's track.  The song is bubbly and energetic and makes you want to tap your feet along to the beat. 

Hoodie-Allen-Swimming-With-Sharks by Kmac203

take me away for i just cannot stay

"The Water," will be the third single from Johnny Flynn’s second album "Been Listening" which has a release date of November 1.  He is set to go on tour with Mumford and Sons' upcoming UK tour.  Gahhhh.  I wish I could see those performances live...  But nooo... Good music is kept only in the UK...

The song has a hazy, floating feeling to it which is appropriate due to the song title.  Singing along with Johnny is Lara Marling a 20-year old with the voice beyond her years.  The song tells a wonderful story of life and its complexities, but through these obstacles something will keep you afloat.  This is exactly the type of song I want to play when I'm having my first cup of hot apple cider, sitting on the porch, watching the leaves change colors, and thinking about what is out there for me next in my life.

I always need a "go to" song to collect my thoughts and to keep myself at ease.  Right now, this song is fulfilling that need.

So wrap yourself up in a blanket or wrap your hands around a hot cup of tea, and press play:


The Water (Featuring Laura Marlin.mp3 by cooperativemusicuk

game hova

I was going to save this song to post in a different playlist, but since it's been the biggest topic of discussion in the music blog world, I figured I should jump on the bandwagon and post it myself.  There isn't much to explain here for this song other than a bunch of hip hop songs were re-created using 8-bit sound.  Can you imagine playing Paperboy with this music in the background?  He definitely wouldn't have been in the suburbs...

The songs go in this order:

Jay-Z — Dirt Off Your Shoulders
T.I — What You Know
Chamillionaire — Ridin’
Ludacris — What’s Ya Fantasy
Bonecrusher — Neva Scared
Twista & Kanye — Overnight Celebrity
Ludacris — Move Bitch
Lil’ Jon — Get Low
Kanye — Gold Digger


Tugboat - 8-bit Hip Hop Medley by Zeulaizy3

i just came to say hello!

Thanks to Lady Gaga, musicians are starting to care more about the music videos that they create.  I ran across this video for "Hello" by Martin Solveig featuring Dragonette.  I would have loved this video more 2 weeks ago when the US Open was on.  However, it's still a fun and goofy video to watch with guest appearances by Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils.  The video also has a guest appearance by Bob Sinclair!  For those unfamiliar with Martin Solveig and Bob, both are big DJs over in France.  The video features the two battling it out in -- what else? -- a tennis match!  If you want to just listen to the song, you can stream it below.  Otherwise, enjoy the short film :)

Hello (Radio edit) by martinsolveig

this too shall pass

Ok Go always comes up with the craziest videos.  I wanted to show this video to Bret awhile ago because I knew he'd appreciate the sweet dance moves in this video but forgot about it.  I suddenly remembered it the other night (YES!)  I think if I listened to this song by itself, I wouldn't like it.  However, I watched this video once... twice... three times... and now the song has grown on me because the video is so fun, unique, and goofy.  The guy in the pink with the moustache is my fave -- probably simply because he has a moustache.

Before you watch the video, also check out their song "This Too Shall Pass."  I would put the video of this up, except it features the Notre Dame marching band in the video, and we don't want to go supporting ND, now do we? (WE ARE PENN STATE!) However, I wanted to post the Notre Dame version because IMO it's a lot better than the original.

This Too Shall Pass - OK Go (w/ Notre Dame Marching Band) by bkarcher

And now you should watch the video for "End Love", then watch it again:

she's high in the sky singing

Akon is always reliable when it comes to producing songs that you can dance to, work out to, and clap your hands to.  "Angel" is the lead single off his upcoming Stadium Music album.  The song itself sounds more or less similar to stuff he's produced in the past.  The intro actually sounds similar to the intro of Flo Rida's new single "Club Can't Even Handle Me" with a mixture of Black Eyed Peas "I Got a Feeling." However, who really wants to listen to Flo Rida or the Black Eyed Peas? 


Angel - Akon by Rap-Up

time to kick some butt

Bret and I spent the day bike riding yesterday since it was so gorgeous outside. I feel significantly better than I had towards the tail end of this week, although I don't think my sinuses are clearing up at all.

I received a request from a friend from the past today (yay!) asking for a playlist that will "kick their ass" in the gym.  I've been meaning to put together a playlist that will keep me motivated while running outside to beat the muffin top, so I really appreciate the request!  Some of these songs are new, and some are older.  I tried to pick a few of my current favorites along with some that will help clear your head when working out.  The playlist can be found at the end of this post.

"Don't Let Me Fall" by B.O.B.

I'm pretty obsessed with B.O.B. right now.  "Airplanes" got too much radio play and made me despise the song, but this song is a true winner.  It's a good song to get you in the mood to push yourself.  I have found that if you know the lyrics to a song it makes it easier to pass time.  In order to really appreciate this song, learn the lyrics.  It's cool to listen to B.O.B. tell his story of going from the bottom to the top.  It's also fun to sing-a-long to :)

"Stereo Love" by Edward Maya ft. Alicia

I know this song is getting to be considered "old," but I still love it.  Bret calls it the French song simply due to an accordian presence.  Once again, this is another song I sing-a-long to everytime it comes on.

"Memories" by David Guetta ft. Kid Cudi

I feel like everyone and their mother got remixed by David Guetta this year.  Trust me -- this isn't me complaining.  I was super-ecstatic when David Guetta decided to team up with Kid Cudi to put a song together.  I heart Kid Cudi (and can NOT wait for his album to drop this fall... EEEK!)  The dude has issues, but I really enjoy his music.

"Alors On Danse" by Stromae

You won't be able to learn the lyrics to this song (or at least I can't), so you can keep your head clear while working out.  I love the saxophones in it -- a nice twist to an upbeat song.

"Everybody Speaks No Americano" by Mashup Germany

Uhm, Phantom of the Opera, Backstreet Boys, and Benny Bennassi?  This is a fun mash-up that is quirky and really fun to listen to. 

"Hey Hey" by Dennis Ferrer 

I like that this song is kind of a "chill" dance song, but it's also easy to remember the lyrics.  Whenever I listen to this, I can't help but say "hey hey" in the middle of the song. 

"Hang Wit Me (Avicii Remix)" by Robyn

I really enjoy Robyn as a musician and love what she brings to the table.  This is a good "chick" pop song.  I also love that the background sounds a little like "Neverending Story."  So think of Falcor as you're running/working out... How can you beat that?

"Getting Over You" by David Guetta

I have a soft spot for LMFAO, and I always like Fergie when she's performing without Black Eyed Peas.  You will hear about my distaste for will.i.am later in this post.

 "One (Your Name)" by Swedish House Mafia

Steph and I jammed to this in the car not too long ago.  It's one of those songs that once it's in your head, it's hard to get out of.  It has very little singing, but a lot of GREAT beats. 

"Dynamite (Stonebridge Remix)" by Taio Cruz

I already loved this song, but this remix is too good to not include on this playlist.  This song will keep you pushing harder and put you in a dancing mood :)

"One" by Sky Ferreira

I know! Two songs called "One" in the playlist.  I really like this song... This is the song Justin Bieber wishes he could sing -- actually he probably could.  I really enjoy her music, and at only 18, I think she's taking the right steps to become something big.
 

"Check It Out" by Nicki Minaj ft. will.i.am

I hate will.i.am.  I don't know why, but for some reason, he always gives me the creeps.  Regardless, this song grows on me the more I listen to it.  I'm sure the radio is going to kill the song in a month or two, so enjoy it now.

"Monster (Richie Beretta Remix)" by Lady Gaga 

Because I play all the Lady Gaga songs once they come out non-stop, I have to go search for remixes so the songs don't get old for me.  I really wished Lady Gaga made a video for this song, but nothing is out there yet.  This is such an awesome remix that doesn't lose the original song in the mix.

"Who's That Chick" by Rihanna 

New song released by Rihanna.  I was not a fan of her last album (too dark... Whatever happened to the "SOS" days?)  This one definitely has a more dancey feel to it (think "Please Don't Stop the Music"). 

"You Got the Love" by Florence and the Machine

This is a good song to listen to to clear your head and to begin cooling down.  The harps add a nice little touch to the song.

"I Am Not A Robot" by Marina and the Diamonds 

This is also a good cool down song.  While this song isn't for everyone, I think it's great with a really good meaning behind the lyrics.  If you listen to it, the lyrics explain how she has vulnerabilities and that it's ok to be human  -- no one is perfect. 

I'll end this post with the "Dancing on my Own" video.  I've been pretty obsessed with this song for awhile now, and it never gets old for me.  I love watching this video with the song because it's so simple and full of emotion:

Robyn 'Dancing On My Own' (Official Video) from Robyn on Vimeo

for you i'd wait

Today marks the big 5 year mark for Bret and I. Since meeting one another freshman year, we have grown older, wiser, and stronger with our relationship with each other. We also have acquired a dog (coolest. dog. ever) and an apartment.  Now, we stand side by side trying to deal with this complicated thing called "life" -- but we're doing it together.

Bret, this is my ode to you.  Songs have been a part of our relationship from the very start.  Several of our friends have many memories with us that directly relate to music whether it's Dispatch's "The General" or Benny Benassi's "Satisfaction." 

Today's playlist has songs that have memories between you and I.  These songs include most of our personal favorites during freshman year while sharing headphones and studying, napping with a song on repeat, or the playlist we listened to while going to one another's homes for the very first time to meet the parents (ahhh!).  :)

I love you.  And this is for you.

 

every single one's got a story to tell

This cover of "Seven Nation Army" is a nice song to listen to as summer is slowly fading away.  As I listen to it, I imagine sitting inside a jazz club (candles on every table of course) and the band begins playing this song.  Clapping shortly follows, and  everyone has a smile on their face -- because who doesn't love "Seven Nation Army?"  With a trumpet and piano?  Yes, please.

When I initially listened to it, I felt like I was listening to Cake, Maroon 5 ("Songs About Jane" era) and Amos Lee.  Ben L'Oncle is from France and his cover might not appeal to everyone.  However, one has to appreciate his attempt of turning a White Stripes song into something completely different from what it originally was intended to be.

So Kudos to your originality, Ben!  I will be playing this on repeat today.

Ben l'Oncle Soul - Seven Nation Army by TSB

For those who can't even fathom the idea of "Seven Nation Army" being covered, here is the original video and song in all its glory:

only the young can break away

Today was a sick day.  I'm not sure how I got sick, but it happened -- and I'm not a fan.  Now that the working day is done, I decided to see what was going on in the music world. 

Since The Killers released their album "Hot Fuss," I've been searching for an album that I can play in its entirety.  I can only name a few albums (Vampire Weekend's "Vampire Weekend" and Mumford and Sons' recent "Sigh No More" included) that I can put on Track #1 and listen to the very end.  The Killers have had a few good hits here and there since "Hot Fuss" but nothing too special.

Because of "Hot Fuss," I hold a special place in my heart for The Killers but more imporantly -- Brandon Flowers.  Brandon Flowers is one of those musicians that makes me swoon every time I see him. 

  swoooon...

I've been waiting for Brandon Flowers' solo album "Flamingo" to come out for awhile.  Now, I haven't had the chance to listen to the album in its entirety, but I have already found a few personal favorites.  His new song "Only the Young" is a nice, simple song with a very pretty melody that is actually a little like MGMT.  I'm just so excited to hear him sing again. 

02-brandon flowers-only the young-caheso

His first single was "Crossfire."  The video features Charlize Theron being her usual attractive self.  I wasn't crazy about the song, but I found a remix that Bret has been playing on repeat for over a week now.  It's a good workout / dance around the house song.

Brandon Flowers - Crossfire (David Morales Edit) by DJ sKott

this is not about love

I just found out that Fiona Apple will be releasing a new album this spring.  I never was a big Fiona Apple fan until I met Bret.  Bret wasn't a Fiona Apple fan either.  However, during our first year together back in 2005, Bret and I ran across the music video for Fiona Apple's "Not About Love."  I can't even begin to tell you how many times Bret and I watched that video/listened to that song.  For those who haven't seen the video, Zach Galifianakis is in it (!!!).  Looking back, I should have appreciated Fiona's attention to greatness.  Fast forward five years later and good ol' Zach is the man.  I'm pretty excited to see his new movie with Robertey Jr. 

In celebration of Fiona's upcoming album, I will leave you with "Not About Love" along with a video our buddy Jay found during our Zach-obsessed days (also a true classic -- actually laughing from the video as I type). So much randomness... So perfect.

imma let you finish but...

Kanye is back.

Admittedly, I watched the MTV VMAs on Sunday in hopes that something great and amazing would happen just like last year (i.e. Lady Gaga hanging with blood, Kanye West stepping on stage and interrupting Taylor, Pink performing crazy stunts from the ceiling).  However, this year was a complete dud, and Chelsea Handler was a TERRIBLE host.

Taylor took the stage addressing last year's incident through a song she wrote called "Innocent."  In an effort not to be singled-out, Kanye performed a song called "Runaway" that I actually don't completely despise, and the more I listen to it, the more I like it.  As much as I really can't stand him, I was starting to miss his music just a little bit.

Here's a toast to Kanye for coming back. 
Kanye West featuring Pusha T - Runaway (CDQ) by Hypetrak

And just for old times sake, I'll direct you to http://kanyegate.tumblr.com/ so you can enjoy some more Kanye fun.

so many ways to stay alive

  A few weeks ago, Bret took me to Lake Chautauqua for my birthday. The weekend was a nice vacation and break to get away and clear our heads for a few days. We didn't really have a plan for the weekend other than to relax and enjoy one another's company. Highlights of the weekend included: food poisoning, food poisoning recovery, wine jelly, Oscar the dog, visits to over 10 wineries, picking peaches, spontaneous drives to Fredonia, and my most favorite -- driving around in pitch darkness with all the windows down listening to music while smelling grapes in the air.  It was our "Pink Moon" moment ala VW-style:

So the music.  We had the shuffle going on our iPod for quite awhile, but eventually kept going back to the same few songs over and over again.  Bret's favorite song for the trip was Noah and the Whale's "2 Atoms in a Molecule."  It took me a little while to get on the Noah and the Whale boat because some of their songs are very reminiscent of songs Kermit might sing......... With that being said, leader singer Charlie Fink's vocals are so unusual which makes me want to listen to them.  Their quirky, upbeat tunes were just what Bret and I needed to keep us going for the weekend. My favorite tune for the weekend was Bombadil's "So Many Ways to Die" (Daytrotter version).  Yes, the title of this song sounds morbid.  However, if you listen to it, the opening of the song start with: "so many ways to die // so many ways to stay alive."  as you listen to the rest of the song, you can listen as they tell you how to stay "alive" -- to stay happy!  I love this song and it has such a good meaning for those who are tryin to "figure it out (AKA myself).