cats and dogs

Oh friends (all 10 of you according to Blogger), guess what? I passed my qualifying exam!! I'm starting to think this whole Ph.D thing could be a reality. Wowza. That means it's officially summertime! I have some big plans this summer-trips to Tennessee and DC, maybe a float trip, lotsa music, lab Thursday Funday, reading for pleasure, and maybe joining the Columbia community symphony.

Anyway, let's chat tunes. I haven't had much time to check out anything new because I've been studying so freaking much, so I'm afraid I don't have much to report.

I've been listening to quite a bit of The Head and the Heart during my studies and I have to say they have grown on me a lot. At the first listen, there were definitely several stand out tunes (Down in the Valley, Lost in My Mind), but overall I wasn't impressed. I liked the folksy, acoustic-y vibe and I really love the lead singer's voice (Josiah Johnson)...it has a really nice husky quality. But many of the songs feature a sort of jazzy piano part that honestly I found a little cheesy. Over time the songs have really grown on me though. I still think some of the piano can be toned down (maybe even left out) because the lyrics and harmonies can carry the rest. But, I'm not a producer.

I've added two more concerts to my summer! Toots and the Maytals are stopping by The Blue Note next week for a free show on 9th Street (part of their Summerfest). Then in July I'm going to swing by the Pageant for The Fleet Foxes with a dear friend from undergrad.

Stay tuned for my upcoming Bonnaroo Preview Playlist.

lost in my mind

Hi friends, I'm extremely sorry about my hiatus. In approximately a week and a half I will take what is arguably the most important exam of my academic career. I have been stuffing my brain with biochemistry for the last month and now I'm attempting to pump myself up for this terrifying experience.

Anyway, all of my motivation to keep on keepin' on is music-based. Of course Bonnaroo is keeping me focused. I recently got my ticket in the mail and the schedule is officially up! So excited! Can't wait to report back to you about all of the great performances!

Without further ado, here are a couple of that I've been listening to:
Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues- Such a great follow-up to there last record.
Nicki Bluhm, Driftwood- A great new find! Bluhm is kind of a folksy, bluesy, acoustic-y gal. Her husband Tim joins her on several of the songs which really balances it out.
Toots and the Maytals, Reggae got Soul- Classic Toots. He's a legend in the Reggae world and this album is a great intro into the genre. If you haven't really listened to Reggae, this is a great place to start.