A Good Year in Music

So Christina Aguilera pretty much kicked off the beginning to what I consider a really exciting year of music to look forward to (and while Christina may be getting mixed reviews I was happy to receive new music and there are definitely some fun songs on that album.)

Next is Katy Perry (pictured above and looking fabulous as usual) with her new album Teenage Dream coming out in August 24th, which is way too far away already. I am so excited about it because you can tell, simply by that picture, how full of color she is, which is a lot of the reason why I admire her. She really embodies fun, and I'm wishing she would hurry up because why do we have to an album about fun and color and dreams at the end of the summer? We need it now so we can play it before jumping in the pool! Ah well. Can't wait.

Something I just found out yesterday, which inspired me to go ahead and write this post so I could keep track of it all, is Sara Bareilles's new album which we've been waiting for four years. The title is Kaleidoscope Heart and it will be released September 7th. Sara's last album was amazing, she's one of those rare artists who can sing and play her own instruments and doesn't need a single ounce of production help to make it right. We've been waiting too long for a second album, and thankfully here it comes.

And since we don't know much about the rest, I'll throw them together at the same time: Britney, Gaga, the Decemberists, and No Doubt are all working on new albums for release. Gaga in spring 2011, the rest I don't know but I can guess Britney might be winter 2010. I'm so happy to hear about the Decemberists recording because I can't get enough of their work. No Doubt has been hinting about their new album for a long time, so I have high hopes I'll be wowed when it finally comes.

In addition, I want to pimp out my two favorite artists I've discovered this summer. Two lovely ladies: Marina and the Diamonds (a solo artist, the diamonds are her fans), and Ida Maria. Both wonderful, both very different, and both have sultry unique voices. Check out Marina's Mowgli's Road, Shampain, Are You Satisfied, and I Am Not A Robot. From Ida Maria, listen to Oh My God (soon to be in the new Rock Band 3, I'm so so happy about that), Morning Light, I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked, and Louie. I'm totally serious, I am so glad I ran across these two ladies and their debut albums because they are my new favorites. Love them.

Also, excuse my previous absence, I had to graduate college and all that. Back now!

Happiness of the Week #2

- This print, by Barachan, of Lady Gaga in her Telephone video. I want to buy the 8x12 photo print (the default view is fine art mounted print, but just switch the option) and hang it in my house, for real.
- Little Boot's song Remedy, totally made me feel better during a week of being sick. Go check it out at iTunes!
- Archer. My brother's new favorite show and one of mine as well. If you're a fan of Adam Reed (Sea Lab), you'll like this too, that wonderful lazy style of recycled animation. And who doesn't love that it stars Jessica Walter??? (Lucille Bluth from Arrested Development) Just don't watch it at work...but why would you?
- Watching the old animated Transformers movie from 1986 last night and finally understanding the entire plot. This was a staple in our house when I was growing up, my brother and I watched this nearly every week, but as a young child I never quite got the whole thing besides good guys vs. bad guys. Now I understand the whole....trying to take back the home planet, spying, deception, slavery, etc. Yay for more complicated concepts working in my brain now. Also, I haven't seen the new movies, but I'm perfectly happy not to. This is the real Transformers movie!

My College Experience Through Music

Alright, so really there's 6 weeks left of it still, but I don't think that's any reason why I can't post a retrospective yet. I love making lists, no doubt, so here's my favorite artist that I discovered from each year of college I've had.

Freshman Year: Regina Spektor


Thanks to VH1's You Oughta Know Artist feature, I was introduced to Regina. She is all one could ever ask for. Her songs are storytelling, she paints pictures, instead of just singing about feelings like everyone else. Not only that but she does things with her voice that others can't and won't. If you haven't tried her, run to iTunes right now. I am delighted to say I have her entire discography, even the hard to find Songs album (got it from Amazon marketplace) and I love how every single song she has is so different from not only her own library but everyone else. There is none like her.
Top 3 Favorite Songs: Blue Lips, Braille, Carbon Monoxide

Sophomore Year: A Fine Frenzy


On my summer birthday before I went back to school that year I was lucky enough to see Rufus Wainwright in concert. It was amazing, wonderful, fabulous, etc. And opening for Rufus was A Fine Frenzy, who happened to not be a band at all but the girl by herself on the piano. She was wonderful live, and when I returned to school I sought out and bought her CD. She has a unique feel to her music, a sort of fairy tale natural forest quality that she says she likes to bring about in her music, and it really shows. It makes one want to go outside and be free as well. She's recently released her second album, which is also quite nice. Her music is lovely along with her voice.
Top 3 Favorite Songs: Rangers, Electric Twist, You Picked Me

Junior Year: Lady Gaga


I don't think anyone needs reminding on how amazing she is. This woman is the breath of fresh air we need. She's a revolution for pop and I want to ride the wave of change with her. Her costumes, her videos, her performances, all of it is, as she says, an art piece. If you haven't given her a chance yet, go straight to her album Fame Monster, my favorite of her two so far, but I so cannot wait for more. Please bring it on, Gagaloo.
Top 3 Favorite Songs: Bad Romance, Paparazzi, Teeth

Senior Year: The Bird and the Bee


I'd like to thank TamZin for this one, who played them several times for me before I couldn't take it any longer and needed to have them too. They have such a wonderful ethereal sound to them, both spacey and magical at the same time. If one could visualize the sound, I would say it's a whimsical combination of the retro and the futuristic coming together, sort of in the way that past imaginings of the future from the 50s and 60s look. I'm sounding weird, but what I love about them is the imagery that comes into my mind when I listen to them. It makes me want to draw so many things. Own their discography, I had trouble picking favorites from their many lovely choices.
Top 3 Favorite Songs: Again and Again, Polite Dance Song, Man