jookabox - you cried me

Halloween is coming soon, and Bret and I still haven't decided what we want to be yet. I'm sure we'll figure it out soon enough. Until then, I'm going to let you enjoy our FAVORITE "Halloween" song. Bret loves this video, and admittedly, I think it's pretty funny/creative/silly for Halloween. I just watched it before embedding it into this post, and I think I'm going to watch it again. And again. And again. It's too catchy! Enjoy.

two of a kind playlist

Sometimes I think that I put too many "girly" songs on this blog.  Then I think about all the times Bret and I had simple songs like these playing while we took naps in college.  So guys, technically, I'm doing you a favor. by making this kind of playlist.

I wanted to put together a playlist of some of my favorite duets.  It's been one of those weeks/weekends that deserves a more mild playlist (can be found at the bottom of the post):

Ray Lamontagne and Rachel Yamagata - Duet

I love this song.  Every time it comes up on my playlist, I must play it.  Ray Lamontagne's voice is great and the combination with Rachel's voice paints a beautiful song.

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - Falling Slowly

The ultimate "duet" song...  

Scarlett Johansson and Pete Yorn - Relator

I appreciate Scarlett for her beauty and her attempt at singing.  She has done songs in the past where she definitely couldn't sing, but I this song has a nice, fun aspect to it.  

She and Him - In the Sun

The video for this is really cute.  Zoey Deschanel and M. Ward make great music together.  However, since she's married to Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard -- when are they going ot start making music together?

Slow Club - When I Go

I don't know why, but I think of Bret and myself every time I hear this song, and it makes me smile. 

Sondre Lerche and Lillian Samdal - Modern Nature

Of course, I had to put a song from "Dan in Real Life." 

Josh Radin and Schuyler Fisk - Paperweight

Josh Radin - Fear You Won't Fall

I couldn't stop listening to Schuyler Fisk's album a few years ago  this song was on Zach Braff's "The Last Kiss" soundtrack.  Bret got sick of it after awhile...  But here it is again!  Around that time I also played Josh Radin over and over and over again.  He's a little sappy, but you can't help but smile and sing-a-long.

Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore - Something, Somewhere, Sometime

I've been doing girl/guy combos so far, so I thought I should include some other duets.  Their voices compliment one another perfectly.

Postal Service - Nothing Better

This is an oldie -- but a goodie.

Rodrigo y Gabriela - Diablo Rojo

You have to watch the two of them play together.  It's ridiculous that all the sounds produced in the song come from only their guitars.

Bret and I saw Ingrid Michaelson last year at Mr. Smalls Playhouse, and Greg Laswell was there, also.  Since the two are now married (even though they haven't officially announced it), they performed a song that they wrote together that is simply adorable.  I'm still waiting for the digital release of the song -- if it ever gets released.  The performance/song is very Johnny Cash + June Carter-esque :)

kid cudi - maniac

As it gets closer to Kid Cudi's new album "Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager" release (Nov. 9th), more and more leaks are hitting the web.  I went home this weekend for the Penn State game and didn't have any time to update the blog.  Now, as I sitting here prepping for the week ahead of me, I needed to check and see what songs I missed this weekend.  Of course Kid Cudi's songs leak while I'm not paying attention.  Grr.

"Maniac" sounds more like Cudi.  While I'm not 100% about it yet, I know that this will be going on my running playlist because the beat is great.  I've listened to it twice in a row now, and it's already growing on me

I'm really excited for "Trapped in My Mind" to leak.  It has the potential to be something like "Pursuit of Happiness," but we'll just have to wait and see.  Listen to the track below along with the track that started it all.

Kid Cudi ft. Cage - Maniac by K_cudi_ru_2

Kid Cudi - Day N Nite by Dj-Cyk0

the ultimate mashup

I love mashups.  Everyone knows that.  They're not for everyone, but I really can't get enough of them.

I ran across this song when putting together my tailgating playlist, and I immediately fell in love.  You really have to watch the video as you listen to truly appreciate this creation.  I'm a big fan of Earworm and have gathered his United States of Pop singles that he releases at the end of each year.  He puts together all the big songs of the year into one song (see after the video below).  Norwegian Recycling has really stepped up to the plate with this track.  I think that using Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are" as the main song in the background was smart.  Just sit back and enjoy.  



I've also include Earworm's United States of Pop from 2007/2008/2009 so you can reflect back on the big hits 1, 2, and 3 years ago.  I remember Bret and I playing the 2007 track over and over and over.

United States of Pop 2007:

United States of Pop 2008:


United States of Pop2 008 by Naomiholme


United States of Pop 2009:


United States Of Pop 2009 by pm199797

comments = good to go!

Not that anyone was trying to post comments, but the settings are fixed now.  I don't know why it wouldn't let anyone post comments, but comments are open now!

sunny d and rum. yum yum.

Lolz.   

I am getting back into the habit of listening to 96.1 in the morning because I love listening to the Freak Show with Mikey and Big Bob.  They played this song this morning, and I couldn't stop laughing.  I also knew that I HAD to watch the video once I got into work. 

Classic.

You can watch the original video here. 

Mikey and Big Bob are also obsessed with Antoine Dodson.  Everyone now knows who Antoine Dodson, and if you don't, let me refresh your memory with the videos below.  They are having their annual "Trannies, Grannies, and...?"  Last year, it was "Trannies, Grannies, and Sean Kingston."  The party is held on the Gateway Clipper and is a 3 hour booze cruise.  This year, it is "Grannies, Trannies and Antoine Dodson."

WHAT?

REALLY?

Yes.

Antoine Dodson is coming to Pittsburgh, folks.  If you feel like being stuck on a boat listening to "Bad Intruder" over and over again, go ahead and buy your tickets here. 

adopt a dog month! with a playlist!

October is the greatest month in the entire world.  On top of being the month that has Halloween, it is..... ADOPT-A-DOG MONTH!!

There are so many reasons why you should adopt a dog.  However, if you are considering getting a pooch, please make sure you are ready to include all of its wonderfulness into your life.  Dogs require time, money and attention.  As much as I try to encourage people to adopt a dog, it isn't fair to adopt a dog that you don't have time for.  The reason why almost all dogs are bad is because they have bad owners.  Some people will blame it on the breed, but what it really comes down to is whether or not you have the time to spend with the dog.  With that in mind, do TONS of research about a breed before getting a dog.  Bret gave me "The Dog Bible" for my 22nd birthday, and I think I read that thing from front to back, trying figure out what kind of dog I really wanted. 

I've included a doggie playlist to this post so you can listen to it while you read (can be found at the bottom of the post) along with some doggie videos.  The only song on the playlist that isn't "dog-related" is Dinosaur... But I had to put it on there because Nutmeg makes these really weird dinosaur-like sounds that encourages me to sing this song to her.

D-I-N-O-S-A -- U R A DINOSAUR!

So, should you get a dog?  Here are some wonderful ways that dogs can make your life better!

• You need an exercise buddy
• You want a best friend and confidant (aside from yourself, BF/GF, best friend, etc.)
• You want a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work
• You need some routine in your life
• You need something to "take care of"

If you are seriously considering adopting a dog, do all your research prior to the adoption.  Check the dog for:

• Behavior problems
• Socialization issues
• Health problems

And make sure you ask yourself these questions before adopting!

Should you adopt?  YES!  There are so many dogs out there that need loving homes.  I never thought that I would adopt an adult dog.  I always considered myself a puppy person.  However, Nutmeg was such a great decision for us.  This year has been quite the roller coaster, and Nutmeg definitely has been our glue in some aspects.  Last night, Bret and I were actually talking about how it's going to be such a sad day when Nutmeg passes away (yes, it was a depressing conversation).  She has left a big pawprint (har har har!) in both our lives and other's lives. 

Go to your local animal shelter today and see if there is a furry friend waiting there for you.  If you can't adopt, why not volunteer?  Shelters are always looking for helping hands.  Spend some of your time helping out to those who need it.


I will conclude with OK Go's newest music video for "White Knuckles" featuring a bunch of talented pooches.  Additionally, I'd like to include my favorite scene from the life-changing children's movie "All Dogs Go To Heaven" (I remember the pizza looking soooo good in this scene...) and one of my favorite YouTube videos, Bizkit the Sleepwalking dog:

a playlist + some spiced apple cider

Like I mentioned earlier, this has been a successful weekend.  Yesterday, Bret and I went to an apple festival which was tons of fun.  We ended up leaving with 6 gallons of fresh, pressed apple cider (two for us and four to distribute to friends + family).  After the festival, we stopped by Schram's Farms to get some pumpkins.  I took a nice, high quality photo (sarcasm) of some of the pumpkins at the patch.  Bret and I walked away with two big guys and three little ones. 

During our little adventures yesterday, I kept tabs on some songs that suited the autumn/fall mood that we were in.  The playlist can be found below.  Since it's October, my obsession for Halloween must be fulfilled -- so cue the horror/scary/thriller movies!  I made some chocolate chip pumpkin muffins last night for when we watched Shutter Island.  The movie was good, but I really was in the mood for Paranormal Activity. I watched the trailer for the sequel yesterday (knowing full well that I won't see it in the theater), but it sparked my interest to see the original which Bret and I haven't done yet.

This morning, Bret requested some hot apple cider.  I don't have any mulling spices, so I used the recipe that I have to spice up the cider.  Just put the cider on medium-low on the stove to heat it up, and add these spices.  The recipe doesn't call for cinnamon or ginger, but I like to add both to give it a little more zing:

1/2 teaspoon whole allspice

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick

1/2 tsp nutmeg (NUTMEG!!!!!)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger

If you have coffee filters, put them all in the coffee filter and tie with a string. If you don't have coffee filters, use two paper towels layered on top of one another, put the spices in the middle, and tie with a string. Put the little satchet along with the cinnamon stick inside your pot of hot cider and let steep until your preferred taste.

And Voila!

Have some spiced apple cider while you listen to the playlist :)

The playlist includes:

Moldy Peaches - Anyone Else But You

Kate Nash - Merry Happy

Johnny Flynn - The Box

David Karsten Daniels - That Knot Unties?

Sondre Lerche -To Be Surprised

Commander Cody - Hot Rod Lincoln (Bret's addition to the list...)

Brett Dennen - When I Go
Alexi Murdoch - All of My Days
Tunng - Woodcat
Vampire Weekend - Taxi Cab
Matt Costa - Astair
Kanye West ft. Chris Martin - Homecoming

I know I keep talking about Mumford & Sons, but I really can't get enough of them.  We played "Timshel" on our trip to the pumpkin patch.  I love this song...  So pretty, simple, meaningful.  I mean really, if it doesn't touch your inner core, then I don't know what does.

kanye west, bon iver, and peter gabriel

In an effort to put his name back in the spotlight but to also shed some light on some artists that might not be familiar to many, Kanye West has been releasing collaborations every Friday until Christmas.    I actually think that this is a pretty great idea.  I'm not a huge Kanye fan, but I'll admit -- I've been looking for his new tracks every Friday.  I haven't been too crazy about the songs released thus far (even the one that has Kid Cudi included on the track).  I feel like the songs are doing too much and take away from the potential that they could have had.  However, the track releasted this Friday gives me some hope.

Kanye released "Lost in the World" this past Friday which features Bon Iver's "Woods."  I had this song two years ago and didn't really know what to think of it.  Bon Iver has such a unique voice and doesn't need to use auto-tune for his voice at all.  "Woods" has this creepy feeling to it which I liked when I initially heard it.  I haven't heard it for awhile until I listened to Kanye's newly leaked song "Lost in the World" yesterday. Honestly, I'm ecstatic that Kanye was able to take this song and completely transform it to a danceable hip hop song.  "Woods" came out around the same time Kanye released "Heartless" two years ago, and I remember thinking: "Kanye would have loved to have this song."

Well.  Looks like I was right.


I've put Bon Iver's original "Woods" along with Kanye's new track that features the song so you can take a peek at both and decide which one you like more.  For additional measure, I also put an additional Bon Iver song ("Flume") which I particular love.  Peter Gabriel did a cover of the song earlier this year which made me fall in love with the song once again:

Bon Iver - Woods by greentea


Kanye West - Lost In The World feat Bon Iver by JayAura


Bon Iver - Flume by firarland


Peter Gabriel -- Flume by henriquemillan

scarehouse, silky's and girl talk

Last week was another busy week.  However, sitting down, watching the Steelers game, and reflecting the past two days, I must say that I had a pretty successful and fun weekend.  Friday marked the first day of October (EEK!)  We ended up going to The Scarehouse in Etna since they were offering a Groupon for it a few weeks ago.  I scream so much during any haunted house because what's the fun in it if you can't get a little scared?  I still think that Hundred Acre Manor is scarier since it's both inside and outside.  The maze at the end always freaks me out, too.

After The Scarehouse, we ended up going out with a few friends to Silky's.  I've never been there because there are so many negative reviews about it online, but I must admit, we had a bunch of fun there.  The highlight of the night happened to occur right as we were leaving.  A random dude came over and sat at our table and -- with the most honest and sincere look -- asked our friend's friend if he was Girl Talk.

What?

 

For those who don't know who Girl Talk is, he is a DJ from Pittsburgh who does awesome mash-ups and mixes.  I really want to go to the next concert that he has in Pittsburgh. Last year, when me, Bret, and Jay drove across PA to go to Brian's grad party, we kept his album "Feed the Animals" on the entire time.  I actually have a few videos of Jay and Bret dancing in the front seat of the car during this trip that are pretty ridiculous...  I think this album is a good default album to play if you have nothing else to put on during a party.

So yes, to understand the hilariousness of this moment "you had to have been there" because this guy SWORE that our friend was Girl Talk and was shocked (and bummed out) when he in fact wasn't.  As a result, the conversation about Girl Talk encouraged me to post a Girl Talk playlist for your enjoyment.  This site allows you to listen to the songs individually and see what songs are featured in each track at certain points throughout the song at http://feedtheanimalssamples.com/.  You also listen/watch videos to the songs below which is fun to see also these music videos brought together for one party playlist!