a top five

I decided to go with a list this time around. My top five female albums (I have to make the distinction that I only chose solo acts, not bands fronted by a woman or duos...those will have to be separate lists). Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Carole King- Tapestry
If there is any woman out there who has never listened to this album, the time to fix that is right now. Not only is this one of my favorite female albums, it's near the top of my list in general. King has a way of describing love and yearning that I'm positive can resonate with anyone. I didn't know this until recently, but Feel Like a Natural Woman was actually co-written by King on this album and Aretha Franklin made a big hit out of it after the fact. Top tracks: I Feel the Earth Move, Beautiful, Where You Lead.

2. Neko Case- Blacklisted
Where to start with Neko Case...? I guess her voice. Case has this sort of deep, soulful voice, with just a touch of rasp. It's so full and powerful that nearly anything she sings sounds amazing. Add to that her lyrics about life and its tragic sort of beauty (I know this sounds a little emo, but trust me, it's SO not) and you've got gold. This is an album for any mood. Top tracks: Deep Red Bells, Pretty Girls, Runnin' Out of Fools.





3. Regina Spektor- Begin to Hope
I love Regina Spektor because she comes up with such unconventional songs, both in content and structure. She uses her voice as the most unconventional instrument, making strange sounds that add a different layer to each track. I think at times she gets a little underestimated because it sounds sort of precious, but I think there's a kind of genius in it. Top tracks: Samson, Lady, Dusseldorf [bonus version].



4. Fiona Apple- Tidal
Just like with Ms. Case...what needs to be said about Fiona Apple? She too has a deep and soulful voice, but it's also sexy and jazzy. Her lyrics about love and loss are really poetic and mature, especially considering the fact that she was 19 when the album was released and younger when she wrote them. The video for Criminal is just as iconic as the song. Top tracks: Criminal, Shadowboxer, The First Taste.







5. Alanis Morissette- Jagged Little Pill
This album will always be special to me because it was the first cd I ever bought with my own allowance money. At the time I thought I was so subversive because Morissette cussed in the songs and my mom didn't pay attention to the lyrics. I have since realized a more mature appreciation for this album. There is a lot of anger in these lyrics and I think it's rare to hear a woman that angry in music, but it works well for her. This is the perfect album to blast when you are pissed off at a boy...it's cathartic. Top tracks: All I Really Want, You Oughta Know, Hand in My Pocket.

In other news, I have my enzymology final tomorrow and then biochemistry on Thursday. Then my first semester of grad school is over. BOOM. ROASTED.

blue bayou

I don't feel quite up to a full on post today so I'm just going to give you a video to watch. It's a little long (about 30 mins), but please give yourself the time-it's great!

Norah Jones has a new compilation album out. It's basically a variety of collaborations that she has recorded over the years. There is a lot of variation....Talib Kweli, Dolly Parton, M. Ward, Herbie Hancock, Willie Nelson, Belle & Sebastien, etc.

Go listen!

half moon rising

Last week a friend of mine won tickets to see Yonder Mountain String Band at the Blue Note and gave me a ticket.

I knew it would be a good night when an ambulance and a fire truck pulled up outside. They calmly brought a stretcher inside, but we never got to see if they brought someone out, so hopefully all is well.

I've always had a soft-spot in my heart for regional music. Actually, I don't know if that's what you would call it, but I mean down-home music that tends to define a place and time. It's music that tells a story and sometimes feels a little nostalgic. Bluegrass is definitely one of those genres, at least to me.

So, Yonder...I don't really know too much about them, and I've only heard probably a fraction of their repertoire, but I love listening to what I have. I've watched videos of live performances in the preparation for the day I would see them live. Their music just puts you in a good mood, even the sad songs.

I loved the show. I say this about most of the shows I go to, but this one was great for a very different reason. The music was great and the band was pretty interactive with the audience, but my favorite part was how much everyone in the crowd danced. Danced. I don't think I've ever been to a show with that much dancing. Yeah, people sway and rock and get into the songs a lot, but here they were actually busting a move. Which was enjoyable because the only way to dance to bluegrass music is to look like an idiot, and no one seemed to have a problem with that.

Each member is also ridiculously talented with their instrument. I've been inspired to take up the mandolin...in my copious spare time.

To close, I'm already anticipating my next Yonder show.

lion in a coma

Sorry for my brief hiatus. I had a seriously crazy week. Two major exams and a 30min seminar presentation. But, that's over and I can breathe relatively easy until mid-December.

My musical brain tends to flip-flop a lot. I seem to go through periods where my brain is interested in something very concretely rock and roll. Something with a solid structure, a nice beat, melody, clear lyrics (i.e. Bob Dylan, Wilco, The Black Keys, etc.). Then on the off times, it pulls a 180 and demands complicated and random sounds. Now is one of the latter times.

And my favorite right now: Animal Collective.

I didn't really start listening to them until about two years ago when a friend gave me their EP, Grass. I liked it and bought two other albums, but didn't really get into them. I recently bought their latest, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and have not been able to stop listening. For reals. I've been listening to it on my daily commute every day since I bought it. Saturday I bought a copy on vinyl (which I think is starting to become my new favorite hobby...buying vinyl that is).

The variation of the songs, resulting from the deep layers of noise that mesh perfectly, keeps my mind from getting bored. If you really sit and dissect what you are hearing, there is such a variety of sound, it's pretty incredible. It's hard to think that these completely random sounds would work together, but they do. Oh yes they do, like the jaw harp samples and the crazy mic effects of Lion in a Coma. It's also the kind of crazy-fun, nerdy music that makes you want to dance like a dork.

I haven't really listened to much of their side projects. Members Avey Tare and Panda Bear have solo albums which are on my radar I've heard great things, but I haven't had a chance to check them out yet. When I do, you'll hear about it.

Unrelated side note: Yonder Mountain String Band is coming to Columbia this Wednesday. I entered a little contest on facebook to win a prize pack including tickets. I find out if I won this afternoon. Fingers crossed-I would love to see them live at The Blue Note!

i live with you

I highly recommend you watch this. Actually, just take some time and watch the whole series of them. There are quite a few classics, covering quite a few classics.

That's all I have time for.

now that i'm older

Ladies and gentlemen, it's finally here. It has arrived. I have decided on a theme: music. I guess I love music and I already actually talk about music on here anyway, so it's a good fit.

I swear this one will stick...there are endless options and I'm actually really excited about it. I'm sure I'll add some life updates and some photos in between...but get ready.

Disclaimer: I don't in any way intend to to come across as some sort of music critic or as if I really know what I'm talking about. It's just that I like a variety of tunes, I like going to live shows, and I like reading and talking about both. There is quite a bit of attitude and condescension on the music scene, but I'm going to try and avoid it here. I know that I have plenty of guilty pleasures and I like a lot of stuff that in actuality is terrible, but that's the way it goes. People listen to music because it makes them happy, so deal.

Since my most recent musical adventure was the Sufjan Stevens concert in KC on Sunday, that's where I'm starting.

There are a lot of strong feelings about his most recent album, The Age of Adz. Many people think he has made a complete about face to his previous musical styling, and at the casual listen that's probably true. It's a lot more 'in your face' than his previous work; the synths make it seem harsher than the sort of delightful banjo melodies of old.

That being said, I love this album. Since it was available on NPR's First Listen, it's been on my iPod. Sufjan has a confidence in his voice on this album that is hard to deny; he's really trying to get something across. What that something is, I'm not always sure, but nonetheless, I hear him.

Seeing this album played live was incredible. When he played 'Impossible Soul' I thought I was going to explode, I loved it so much. That's quite a feat to play 25 minutes straight of noise (in the best sense of the word). Sufjan was very open about explaining his new sound. He mentioned that his previous songwriting methods have let him down over the past couple of years, so he went back to the basics on this album. He was inspired by the art and life story of Royal Robertson, which was a great backstory to hear from Stevens' perspective. He threw the audience a couple of bones starting out with 'Seven Swans' and ending with an encore including 'Chicago' and 'John Wayne Garcy, Jr.'

Great show, great album, great time with my beloved friends from Jewell and KC. What a perfect end to a perfect weekend.

Sunday Morning

The Velvet Underground & Nico, a perfect example of an album that I haven't really listened to because I just have so many albums. I like it though. I like Lou Reed's voice, it's soothing in a way.

Another week down I suppose. I'm glad this one's past...it was pretty rough.

It's amazing to me how tired I am at the end of each day. School just wears me out. I think it's really more of a mental fatigue than a physical one. At least I sleep well (for the most part)...

This weekend was nice. The weather was gorgeous and I got some work done. I also got the chance to have an uninterrupted, 45min+ conversation with my sister. That rarely happens.

Speaking of tired, I'm headed to bed.