Tag: danity-kane

civil rights, get involved, happenings, listen up!, music musings, music suggestion, show the love, that is so gay, tragic

5SF: april 25

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One final down, two to go. This really is a stressful time of year.

On a serious note, today is the National day of Silence, where people in schools across the country don’t speak, in order to bring attention to the fact that gay people are continually harassed verbally, and unfortunately, physically. This year is dedicated to the little boy, Lawrence King, who was murdered because he had a crush on his classmate. It still blows my mind how cruel and unusually hateful can be. I hope that this day, we can respectfully remember those that have been taken from us, and hopefully, these instances of abuse (and worse) can end. Being gay is normal, and in order to make that a reality, we all need to stop calling names, stop making fun, and treat gay people just as we are; normal.

On a less serious note, let’s do the five songs already.

Newton Faulkner – Dream Catch Me
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_newtonfaulkner-dreamcatchme.mp3]
I actually heard this song a long time ago, when my buddy Deb played it for me, but for whatever reason (again), it didn’t gel with me right away. I heard it again on the radio a few months ago, and have really been loving it ever since. I have been meaning to post it for two weeks now, but better late than never, right? Be warned, it is such a catchy song, with a fabulous melody and an infectious chorus, so there is a great chance that it will get stuck in your head after listening. You have been warned. Sometimes, you hear a refreshing, really well done pop song, and I am here to say that this is definitely one of those songs.

Feist – Mushaboom (Postal Service Remix)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_feist-mushaboom(postalserviceremix).mp3]
After seeing Feist last week in concert, and remembering why I chose her amazing CD The Reminder as my number 2 of 2007, I have been revisiting the record, and feeling the need for more Feist. I went back and downloaded her first CD, and found this really great mix of Mushaboom on the compilation CD she released called Open Season. It’s a great song on it’s own, and I thought she performed it (and all of the others) flawlessly in concert. However, adding that Postal Service treatment to anything makes it instantly better, in my honest opinion. I wish they would release another record all ready!!! Well, at least I have the random collaborations that the did with fabulous artists like Feist to tide me over, I guess. Either way, it was great getting to see Feist, and it has been a great “reminder” of how great of an artist that she truly is.

Imogen Heap – Hide and Seek
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_imogenheap-hideandseek.mp3]
First of all, wow. I mean seriously. This is my “blast from the past” song this week, and it is a doosy. I have loved this song immensely from the first moment that I heard it. The rest of this record is amazing, but this is one of those songs that carries emotion so pungently on the tip of each syllable, that is begs to be played over and over again. Imogen Heap’s voice is ethereal and amazing, and with the vocoder letting her use her voice as the instrument that drives this song truly defines her as an unconventional, yet amazingly talented music artist. I really look forward to what’s coming next from Imogen, because if it is anything like this, I know that I am going to LOVE it. *pardon me for a second while I play this song again… yep… amazing.*

Hayden – The Hardest Part
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_hayden-thehardestpart.mp3]
I posted a Hayden song a while back when I first found out that he was opening for Feist. It was the first song of his that I heard, way back when I was in high school, and since that time, I have had the chance to get to know his newest release, In Field and Town much more thoroughly. I can say now, that it is definitely one of the best records released so far in 2008, and if my love for the record continues to grow with each listen as it has, it will probably be amongst my favorites for the year. The harmonies and melody that Hayden plays with are effortless, and insanely beautiful. His raspy voice offers more emotion to these simple, but well crafted songs. Seeing him open for Feist was definitely a treat, and I am extremely glad to have been reintroduced to an artist that I forgot about nearly 10 years ago. This is my favorite song from his new record, and it is one that I could seriously listen to on repeat.

Danity Kane – Pretty Boy
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_danitykane-prettyboy.mp3]
On a final very danceable note, I present this brilliantly produced track from Nate “Danja” Hills. He worked wonders for Britney, as well as others like Katharine McPhee, and he pull out all the stops on this hot track for Danity Kane. Is it me, or is Danja totally the next Darkchild? I hope they release this as their next single, because I would love to see a video for this track. While I haven’t fallen as hard for their sophomore album, this song is definitely getting lots of play from me, it is HOT!! I am hoping that Danja has more of this up his sleeve, and less of that sleeper he did for Madge. This song is just twisted, and the beat is wickedly infectious, whereas the Madonna track is well… boring to me. Oh well, I guess we’ll see!

Well, there’s your five… what do you think?? And music suggestions for me too people!! I need them!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: april 4

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I still can’t believe it’s already April! Oh well… spring has sprung, and the parking lot has been heavily dusted with that annoyingly itchy powder known as pollen, and I am just counting the days until I am in a full fledged allergy coma. I have to say, that sometimes, I find it hard to come up with 5 songs for each Friday, because I am always wanting to feature something fresh and new, but I guess I shouldn’t pressure myself too much… are you guys enjoying what I have been posting? What is something you would like to see more of?? I try to do a “flashback” track each week, and I have been having fun with that; but is that something you would like to see more of? How about theme weeks? Let me know what you guys want, as I think it could make this weekly event a little bit more fun for all of us.

Alright enough chit chat… on to this week’s five!

Ferras – Hollywood’s Not America
While I heard this song some time ago, back when they were talking about using this as the “time to go home song” on AI, I didn’t really get into it until recently. After several listens, I can definitely attest to this song being a well crafted pop song, as well as a major grower. The soft, and hidden power in Ferras’ voice is exactly what I love about other male solo piano-driven pop artists (ala John McLaughlin and Matt Nathanson). This is definitely a radio friendly track, and one that I expect will get many months of airplay. While I am still warming up to the rest of Ferras’ CD, this song is definitely a stand out, and a fantastic track. One word about the video though… Ferras would totally be a hottie… IF he cut that mullet. Seriously, a mullet… WTF? Those earrings are fucking sexy though… I kind of want them myself.

B-52s – Funplex
By the power of GAY-skull! Seriously, the B-52s are about as pop-rock campy gay as they come, and while I originally didn’t like this song AT ALL, after I saw the video randomly, I found myself singing “faster pussy cat, thrill thrill… I’m at the mall on a diet pill!”. I am so glad that I came to my senses, because I am loving this song. With each subsequent listen, I fall deeper and deeper for this track, and if you find yourself a fan of other B-52s hits like Love Shack and Roam, then you will probably fall for this one as well. These guys may have some years on them, but damn they look and sound just as good as ever!

Booty Luv – Some Kinda Rush
I posted a Booty Luv video as a part of a five song Friday quite some time ago, but the other day, I popped this CD back in my car and their infectious dance rhythms overtook my body again. Pulling out this CD again was actually inspired by the fact that I have been quite enjoying Danity Kane’s new record more and more, which has had the undeniable effect of getting me moving, and needing to groove more and more. Booty Luv’s CD is perfect for filling that prescription too, especially with Some Kinda Rush; this song is a club banger, and it is REALLY hard to sit still during the pulsating beats and the synth-guitar riffs. This is euro-dance at it’s best, and it is no wonder that I was so happy to have it pop back up on my radar. What a great song; and perfect for a Friday.

Jars of Clay – Weighed Down
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_44_jarsofclay-weigheddown.mp3]
Last night, when I was compiling my weekly five songs for today’s post, I got frustrated that I couldn’t post one of the ones I wanted (no video, and I only have the mp4 of it… don’t worry, it will come in a future installment), I stumbled upon a new release that tickled my fancy; Jars of Clay released a greatest hits album this week. While I don’t listen to them very much anymore, I still consider Jars of Clay one of my all time favorite bands, because literally, every song on their first 5 CDs are flawless, and I love each one completely. I have seen Jars of Clay many times in concert, and when I picked up their second CD Much Afraid last night for the first time in a long time, it was like no time had gone by; I still loved every track. This song is one of my favorites by Jars of Clay, and one of the songs that really cemented them as a favorite group for me. If you like this one, you should check out some of their other stuff, because it’s pretty much all brilliant. I love re-discovering music that you may love, but haven’t heard in a long time. Sometimes, it’s nice to be reminded of the past!

Owl City – The Saltwater Room
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_44_owlcity-thesaltwaterroom.mp3]
Okay, it is kind of rare that I hear something, and I am inexplicably and amazingly blown away by it. Enter Owl City. A flickr pal of mine recommended it to me (he has recommended several fantastic things in the past), and after I downloaded it, I realized what I had in my hands… something amazing. The comparison to the Postal Service is undeniable, but it is like they put Hellogoodbye and the Postal Service (two bands I REALLY love) into a blender, and when they poured it out, they put a great little umbrella in the drink. Seriously, the beats are melodic, and fantastically created. While lyrically, he is definitely quite wordy, and at times, nonsensical, the vocal arrangements are spot on, and his voice is definitely reminiscent of Ben Gibbard and Forrest Kline. I love the melody he has with the female singer, and the more I listen to this album, the more I love it. I can count this among some of the most amazing suggestions I have gotten recently, and I am just glad to have discovered the amazing group, and even more so, I am glad to pass it along to all of you. You can download both Owl City CDs from iTunes today; and if you liked this track, then you definitely should.

Well, there you have another five song Friday. I hope everyone is doing well today, and as always, let me know what you think. Also, be sure to tell me what you are listening to… I really want to know!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, movie musings, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: march 21

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Well, this week, I am going to have to post my five song Friday a little early; I am flying to Ft. Lauderdale for the weekend for a friend’s wedding. I am worried, as of writing this, because I fear that I might be coming down with something… talk about bad timing. I cannot get sick. I will not let it happen!! Here’s hoping that I don’t.

Now, let’s get you the music, shall we?

The Lightning Seeds – You Showed Me
I have always loved the Lightning Seeds, and this was the first song of theirs (even though it is apparently a cover) that I ever heard. They have some amazingly upbeat and super happy songs, even though this isn’t one of them. While this is sort of different from the rest of their style, I have to say, I keep coming back to this one. Recently, someone mentioned the Lightning Seeds, and I had to run home and add it back to my ipod, because it got lost when the ipod was reformatted a while back. It’s nice to reminisce!

Danity Kane – Damaged
While this one had to grow on me at first, I will gladly admit that this is a hot track. I have been a huge Danity Kane fan ever since I watched Making the Band, and fell in love with these girls. When their debut record came out, I bought it on day one, and loved almost every single track. Imagine my excitement when I heard that their sophomore record was about to drop, and Damaged was the first single. After initial feelings of “meh”, it has really grown on me, and now I am digging it. However, the rest of the record is a bit of a let down. Maybe it will grown on me too? Here’s hoping. I do have to say, that I could COMPLETELY do without Diddy talking during the track.

Lindsay Lohan – Rumors
Love her, hate her, love to hate her, I don’t give a shit. I love Lindsay, and this club banger is a great fucking pop song. After posting Danity Kane’s new one, I had to bring this one back. I was shopping recently, and this song came on the overhead system, and I almost broke it down in the fucking store. Seriously, I loved this song when it came out, and even had it as my ringtone for months. Lindsay will always be my girl; and you have to admit it, she is fucking hot in this video. She could make a gay boy go straight (well… maybe for a night…)!

Mariah – Touch My Body
I will admit this; when Emancipation of Mimi came out, I didn’t give a shit. I have been a long time “hater” of Mimi, mostly because I felt like she was trying too hard. However, I couldn’t avoid the greatness that some of the tracks from Emancipation threw at me, and eventually ended up caving in, and loving a lot of what I heard. Well, I was all ears when I heard she was coming out with a new record, and after the first listen, I was in love with this song. It is as slutty as she wants to be; Mariah probably would have done the video totally nude if they would have let her, and that is what I love about Mimi. Plus, how can you not love that she named the record E=MC2?? Mimi, sweetie, we all know you are not up for Mensa membership… but another Grammy? Maybe!

Gnarls Barkley – Run
Damn, this track is, how do the kids say it these days… Bangin’?! I fucking love this song. It embodies some of the amazing tracks that Gnarls Barkley totally surprised me with on their debut. After hearing this song, I immediately got the record, and I have to say, that I was really underwhelmed. There were some AMAZING tracks on their debut (e.g., Transformer), so I was surprised I was so turned off by this record. Maybe it will grow on me (the first record did), but for right now, I play Run and just move on… this song is a fucking hit if I ever heard one. It totally makes me think of Andre 3000’s massive hit Hey Ya, but with more indie cred. I know that this one is going to be huge.

Well, there’s another, albiet very early, five song Friday!! As I said, I am off to Ft. Lauderdale for some fun with my friend, and a little wedding tossed in. Here’s hoping that I don’t get sick, and that my weekend rocks! One final note, I want to say a huge thanks to the reader that suggested Vampire Weekend to me, I have been spinning it like crazy, and it gets better with each listen. Thanks!