This weeks tunes are choosen with a friend in mind. Laura from California and I have been friends for well over a year now. We clicked together with many conversations about music, Damien Rice, Coachella, Love, Kids, work, life and Walker Texas Ranger! Hope you enjoy and thanks for all the comments you have left on the blog and for being a great friend! Love and big hugs for ya xoxoxoxoxox.
Honeyhoney is the third artist signed by Keifer Sutherland to his IronWorks Record Label. The band encompass an interesting mix of folk, indie, pop with a splash of sex added for fun! A band well worth watching out for! The Biography on the record label site includes a small interview with Suzanne and Ben who make up the band Honeyhoney. Here are he first three questions of the interview taken from the site here.
"1. What is your musical background?
Suzanne: I learned how to sing from musical theater, obsessing over Mariah Carey and Disney cartoon movie soundtracks that came out when I was a kid. I sang "Part Of Your World" as my fifth grade choir solo... I wore a fin. I also started playing the violin when I was ten and sucked pretty bad.
Ben: I also played violin when I was little. I sucked too but maybe all little kids suck. After violin I picked up the drums and started playing jazz for a while. Soon I realized that no one liked jazz except me, so I started playing guitar and writing songs. I am proud to say I've never worn a costume while performing.
2.Where are you from?
Suzanne: I'm from Strongsville Ohio.
Ben: I'm from New York and Massachusetts.
3. How did you meet each other and when?
Suzanne: Through a mutual friend known as "The Double"."
6 Jun 2008 20:00 Horseshoe Casino & Hotel - opening for Lifehouse Bossier City, Louisiana 8 Jun 2008 20:00 Concrete Street Pavilion - opening for Lifehouse Corpus Christi, Texas 9 Jun 2008 20:00 Scout Bar - opening for Lifehouse San Antonio, Texas 10 Jun 2008 20:00 Verizon Wireless Theatre - opening for Lifehouse Houston, Texas 25 Jun 2008 20:00 The Tabernacle - opening for Lifehouse Atlanta, Georgia
It's Sunday and here are 7 tunes linked in some way! The theme this week is Birds! We have a Thrush (no we don't need your cream) nest in our window box with 4 chicks. They hatched about a week ago and already they have feathers on them. It's been real nice seeing them develop and grow and it's so educational for my twins. Hope you enjoy the tunes!
In the Lamaeist tradition, every woman is embodied by Tara. Green Tara is the spiritual consort of Dhyani Buddha. Green and White Tara are very similar, however Green Tara holds a half-closed lotus flower in her left hand. Sometimes she holds a water lily flower with long petals, the flower is often blue.
Historically, Tara was said to be incarnate in the Chino-Nepalese princess who married King Songsten Gampo. She was credited with the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet and China.
My daughter Tara is 1 years old today. Went so fast. Upon reflection last year at this time was so tough for my wife. Tara's introduction to the world wasn't smooth but when she arrived all was good. Today's 5 Friday favs are in her honour. Five of my favourite female artists are represented here. My good friend Jen is having a birthday today as well. The first song is for her!
Anyone who has the following list amongst his influences on MySpace deserves to be listened to in my book! "U2, Nirvana, The Doors, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Radiohead, Oasis, Pink Floyd, Green Day, Johnny Cash, Christy Moore, Ennio Morricone" James has an extensive musical and personal biography on his MySpace which I'll try to summarise.
James is from Tramore in Co. Waterford. In the last few years he has been playing gigs and recording with another Irish Singer-songwriter Ross Kearly. It was Ross who encouraged James to take centre stage and bring his brand of piano based tunes to the wider world. He recorded his debut album in September 2007 called "This is Joy". Quoted from his MySpace page....."Its a mix of piano led modern classical arrangements, infused with Irish traditional flutes,low whistles, violins and the classical Cello. There are also a blend of ballads and light rock songs."
From the songs on the page and the tunes James has sent me to review I think this is an artist worth watching out for. He has charm, wit, vocals and the tunes o be a real success in Ireland for a start. When I look around for comparisons I don't think a Damien Rice comparison does James justice. Neither would I suggest a comparison to say Mundy or David Gray. I'm thinking if James can mirror the career choices of Tom Baxtor then he will be a real success.
The album will be available in a matter of weeks from his website below! Go check it out!
This weeks 7 degrees post has songs linked to being naked. Its not about sex! Its about being naked. Stripped down. Vulnerable. Like I have mentioned before music to me can control my moods. Music can send me to depression and back to ecstasy in minutes. It can enhance my mood. It can reflect my mood. These 7 songs express nakedness in the most wonderful way! Enjoy!
I haven't posted a mixtape in a long time. Sorry folks. Hoping to make up with this tonight. I can be in many different moods when in my car. I could be energetic, optimistic, enthusiastic, motivated or I can be the total opposite. Sometimes I listen to the radio for new music. Phantom FM, Dublin's alternative music station is my default choice. The Minutes a new band from Dublin is representd here. Tony Fenton on Today FM has a feature called The Daily Download which has brought many artists to my attention including Jason Mraz who is included here! Other times I want to chill out to a CD. Recent favourites include Angela McCluskey, Blue October, Iron and Wine and Calexico.
In terms of blogging I have come into the game very late on! In fact I was late finding Yahoo Messenger, late finding Paltalk, late finding the Hype Machine.....etc etc etc! So I feel like I am making up for some lost time! I always talk to my friends about how wonderful the Internet is for escaping. As I look at my screen and write to you.....an unknown or friend, I am escaping....tunnelling my life through my screen then out into the world! The Internet is a great source of relief for some. It provides answers for others. I know from talking and getting to know some wonderful friends online that the vast majority of them use the net because they find it hard to ask questions about themselves. So ask questions about yourself! Ask questions about escaping! Ask questions about what is inside you!
Shhhhh, this July I'm entering a new decade! I'm feeling old. This blog is making me feel young. Anyway when the wife entered a new eon we went to NYC and had a blast. Sooooo what do we do for mine!
Well heres the thinking so far! Let Ryanair tell us where to go! Pop in a random city and a date and look for cheap and cheerful. Prague looked likely, then Paris, then Oslo and even back to Amsterdam for some chilled out reflection!
Even more shhhhhhing now.....wife is a big Nanci Griffith fan, and she is playing a hotel up in Letterkenny Co. Donegal. Then it was confirmed that she will be playing in Galway too. We love Galway to bits. So bohemian and spontaneous. Anyway no decision was made!
Then on Thursday on one of my regular visits to the official Ben Harper tour page in the vain hope he might bring the band to Ireland I see an oasis....no not Liam and Noel.....I seen this....
Wed Jul 2 London, England Hyde Park Support to Jack Johnson,
Well you could have hung, drawn and quartered me and I'd have been still excited. Ben and Jack on he same bill. So as quick as McGuiver step one was, going to Ryanair.com ....whoohooo free flights to Stansted. Step 2.....Ticketmaster! Hmmmm Tickets currently not available. Hmmmmm no worries Ebay to the rescue! Bid in £100 for 2 tickets....bidding still at just £82 quid and at this moment in time there are just 21 minutes left in the auction! If you beat me I'm gonna be hunting you down.
I have a great mix to set you up for the weekend. This week for me went so fast. I had Monday and Tuesday off work so it felt so short for me. Michael Franti the proper God, is included here to compliment Wednesdays post. I am posting the Paul Hartnoll (featuring Robert Smith on vocals) song for my close friend whose favourite tune is Just Like Heaven by The Cure. On Tuesday Ray Foley from Today FM radio station played the Robert Miles tune Children which reminded me what a great song it is. Liverpool band The Zutons wrote and had a hit with Valerie about two years ago. Allowing Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse to cover it is the equivalent of me talking out a pension! Royalties for years! Finally Sixx Am, formed in 2006 by Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx and features the talents of Sixx, vocalist James Michael, and DJ Ashba. Life is Beautiful is a so inspiring! The lyrics to this song should mean so much to everyone who downloads the tune.
1. Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella. 2. It is OK for a man to cry ONLY under the following circumstances:
a. When a heroic dog dies to save its master. b. The moment Angelina Jolie starts unbuttoning her Blouse. c. After wrecking your boss's car. d. When she is using her teeth.
3. Any man who brings a camera to a stag night may be legally killed and eaten by his friends.
4. If you've known a guy for more than 24 hours, his sister is off limits forever unless you actually marry her. 5. Moaning about the brand of free beer in a mate's fridge is forbidden. However complain at will if the temperature is unsuitable. 6. No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for another man. In fact, even remembering your mate's birthday is strictly optional. At that point, you must celebrate at a strip bar of the birthday boy's choice.
7. In the mini-bus, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the weakest. 8. When stumbling upon other blokes watching a sporting event, you may ask the score of the game in progress, but you may never ask who's playing. 9. You may f@rt in front of a woman only after you have brought her to climax. If you trap her head under the covers for the purpose of flatulent entertainment (commonly known as a Dutch oven), she's officially your girlfriend.
10. It is permissible to drink a fruity alcohol drink only when you're sunning on a tropical beach ... and it's delivered by a topless model and only when it's free. 11. Only in situations of moral and/or physical peril are you allowed to kick another guy in the nuts. 12. Unless you're in prison, never fight naked.
13. Friend's don't let friends wear Speedos. Ever! Issue closed. 14. If a man's fly is down, that's his problem, you didn't see anything. 15. Women who claim they 'love to watch sports' must be treated as spies until they demonstrate knowledge of the game and the ability to drink as much as the other sports watchers.
16. A man in the company of a hot, suggestively dressed woman must remain sober enough to fight. 17. Never hesitate to reach for the last beer or the last slice of pizza, but not both, that's just greedy. 18. If you compliment a guy on his six-pack, you'd better be talking about his choice of beer.
19. Never join your girlfriend or wife in discussing a friend of yours, except if she's withholding sex pending your response. 20. Never talk to a man in a bathroom unless you are on equal footing i.e., both urinating, both waiting in line, etc. For all other situations, an almost imperceptible nod is all the conversation you need.
21. Never allow a telephone conversation with a woman to go on longer than you are able to have sex with her. Keep a stopwatch by the phone. Hang up if necessary. 22. The morning after you and a girl who was formerly 'just a friend' have carnal, drunken monkey sex. The fact that you're feeling weird and guilty is no reason for you not to nail each other again before the discussion occurs about what a big mistake it was.
23. It is acceptable for you to drive her car. It is not acceptable for her to drive yours. 24. Thou shall not buy a car in the colours of brown, pink, lime green, orange or sky blue. 25. The girl who replies to the question 'What do you want for Christmas?' with 'If you loved me, you'd know what I want!' gets an Xbox 360 End of story.
26. There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men's Gymnastics. Ever! 27. We've all heard about people having guts or balls. But do you really know the difference between them? In an effort to keep you informed, the definition of each is listed below:
'GUTS' is arriving home late after a night out with the guys, being assaulted by your wife with a broom, and having the guts to say, 'are you still cleaning or are you flying somewhere?'
'BALLS' is coming home late after a night out with the guys smelling of perfume and beer, lipstick on your collar, slapping your wife square on the ass and having the balls to say, 'You're next fatty!'
Ruby Tuesday time again folks. The Spook are a four piece band from Dublin who I believe are creating a new Psychadelic Celtic Folk genre all by themselves. I caught about ten minutes of their set in Road Records on Record Store day a few weeks back and I was intrigued. I remember thinking if Joseph Arthur was Irish he would sound like this band. Their self titled debut album is on my checklist of CDs to get in the coming weeks and I'm looking forward to seeing a full set of them in the near future! CD is out today.....order @ Road Records....link below!
10 May 2008 21:30 Harbour Bar Bray - The Bastard Rain Album launch Bray 29 May 2008 20:00 The Indie Hour @ Anna Livia Fm Dublin, Dublin 30 May 2008 20:00 The Bunker, Lavery’s Bar Belfast 5 Jul 2008 21:00 Upstairs at Whelans Dublin, Dublin
I got this massive confession to make! I only watched Once the movie for the first time on Sunday Night! I know ....I know.....how can a massive fan of music and Glen not have got off his ass to go see it in the cinema or go pay money to buy the DVD ages ago! It was worth the wait. Such a wonderful love story at its essence. The fact it includes some of the most beautiful music you are likely to hear makes this a must see movie for everyone. If you loved Before Sunrise then this DVD needs to be in your collection.
Favourite moment from the movie....watch the producers transformation!
Also....I got thinking .....when we were in NYC our lovely friend brought us to The Duck Walk winery in Long Island. On realisation that we were from Dublin, the assistant spurts out that she loved Once, loves Glen, loves Marketa, watched the movie 5 times in one weekend sitting and wants to visit Dublin asap! Hanging head in shame I had to admit that no we didn't get round to seeing the movie yet. I can now understand and appreciate her enthusiasm for the movie.
"We are recording most of the shows on this tour and the lovely folks at www.playedlastnight.com will make them available for you all for downloading so you can listen to the gigs whenever and wherever you want to.
The cost of downloading a full gig is $9.95 USD. All the recordings are high quality. You can listen to previews of the tracks on their website for free."
The Swell Season:
05-05 Kansas City, MO - Uptown Theater 05-06 St. Louis, MO - The Pageant 05-07 Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum Theatre 05-08 Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theatre 05-10 Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Theater 05-11 Cleveland, OH - The Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square 05-12 Louisville, KY - Brown Theater $ 05-13 Atlanta, GA - Cobb Energy Centre $ 05-15 Raleigh, NC - Meymandi Concert Hall 05-16 Richmond, VA - Toad's Place 05-17 Baltimore, MD - Meyerhoff Symphony Hall 05-19 New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall 05-20 Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theater 06-13 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo Music Festival 06-15 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre 06-16 Madison, WI - Overture Hall 06-17 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre 06-18 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre 06-22 Telluride, CO - Telluride Bluegrass Festival 08-09 Baltimore, MD - Virgin Mobile Festival 08-10 Florence, MA - The Pines Theatre 09-19 Boston, MA - Agganis Arena * 09-20 Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall * 09-21 Pittsburgh, PA - Byham Theater * 09-22 Columbus, OH - Palace Theatre 09-24 Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium * 09-27 Austin, TX - Austin City Limits Festival # 09-29 Dallas, TX - Palladium Ballroom # 09-30 Albuquerque, NM - Popejoy Hall # 10-02 Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre # 10-03 San Diego, CA - SDSU Open Air Theatre # 10-04 Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre #
# with Iron and Wine
Also on www.playedlastnight.com is another wonderful artist called Iron & Wine. We seen them last December in such an intimate surrounding that me and the Mrs drifted off to sleep at various points in the show. This sounds pretty bad. But the folk music played by the band was so wonderfully pleasent that it felt like we had hired the band to play in our front living room! To bring this post around full circle......Iron & Wine are supporting The Swell Season on the above dates with a #! Two great artists on the one night!
05-09 Cork, Ireland - Savoy Theatre 05-10 Galway, Ireland - Black Box 05-11 Dublin, Ireland - Olympia Theatre 05-12 Glasgow, Scotland - ABC * 05-13 Manchester, England - Ritz * 05-14 Sheffield, England - Leadmill * 05-15 Brighton, England - Great Escape Festival 05-16 London, England - Forum * 05-17 Minehead, England - Butlins Holiday Centre (Explosions in the Sky ATP) 05-18 Minehead, England - Butlins Holiday Centre (Explosions in the Sky ATP) 06-11 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue 06-12 Davenport, IA - Capitol Theater 06-13 St. Louis, MO - Pageant Theater 06-14 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo 06-15 Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall 07-04 Rothbury, MI - Rothbury Festival 08-06-09 Oslo, Norway - Øya Festival
This weekly feature will be trying to link together either seven unlikely artists together or seven tunes together! Today's post is inspired by the band I seen last night Oppenheimer. The gig was excellent, the band sounded amazing and I was brought back to my MBV, Stereolab and Slowdive days of about 15 years ago. If MGMT are doing it why can't Oppenheimer?
Yay the weekend is here and we have a long one......weekend that is for May Day! I'm really happy with this mix of tunes to get you up for a weekend of fun! It starts ya rocking with Primal Scream .....couple of tracks about unconditional loving.....then Angela McCluskey smooths you into dance grooves with her french musical companions Telepopmusik and I finish with the sexiest remix of an already sexy tune! FYI Wheat are a great indie band NOT to be confused with the teenage dirtbags!
Have a fab weekend folks! Watch out for Sundays 7 Degrees of Separation.
