Musica Monday

Ever had one of those days/nights where no matter what you know nothing is going to get done? Well, I've been having a few of those lately, and it has lead me to watching a bunch of cheezy romantic movies and finding music and shows and books that appeal to me at such a late hour. I should preface this by stating that this usually happens around 9pm, and the not being able to get anything done encompasses going to sleep. Lately, I've been writing while watching these cheezy romantic movies, and one of my favorites has become 'Slightly Single in L.A.' which is definitely a movie that I would recommend for anyone looking for a romantic comedy to watch. This movie follows a young woman who moves to L.A. after her past three relationships ended in cheating (sad sounding I know, but it's quite amusing none the less), anyways she heads out to L.A., lives with her best friend (who is awesome) and hangs out with her crazy friends. There is a new love interest again (well a few...) and while this movie portrays personal trainers as self-centered and pompous, the musician she knows is quite sweet. This is where my music for today's Musica Monday comes from. This song is by the 'Aaron Hendra Project' called 'Walk With Angels'. Listen and enjoy, my friends.

The CD that includes this song, Octobersong, was just released a month ago on iTunes and includes other songs such as 'Alive', 'U', and 'One Man's War (feat. Children of Shekinah Children's Village, Nimule, South Sedan', which is an amazing song with the voices of actual children from South Sedan who have been rescued that gives me chills, but is such an inspiring and brilliant song! I don't think I can give a good enough summary of this song without having you watch this video and listen to the words he sings.

Enjoy and peace, friends!
Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

Hey friends, I'm back. These past few weeks have been absolutely nuts for me and I have been beyond stressed! I owe Matt for bringing a post last week...even though it was the only one. I've been struggling with whether I want to continue with my current jobs a lot lately simply because I end many of my days looking to my dear Matt for a reason to continue working these jobs. However, this is only every so often because for the majority of the time I find my jobs rewarding, draining (physically, emotionally, and mentally) to the point where I am almost not coherent some nights when I'm home, but rewarding in knowing that I am making a difference in peoples' lives.

I don't mean to complain, but I guess I just wanted to give a quick explanation (I prefer not to think of it as an excuse) as to where I am personally since this blog is a bit about me personally as well.

I've been listening to some new music lately and a few weeks ago I was on Pandora listening to music while reading and I heard this song. Now, I'm a fan of the singer/songwriter genre as you may know if you've read this blog before. The artist I'm sharing today is called Jaymay. Made up of a woman in her early thirties, Jamie Kristine Seerman is originally from New York. Her music to me encompasses the essence of singer/songwriter with a bit of folk tossed in. This is 'Sea Green, See Blue' by Jaymay. Enjoy!

Also, I'd like to just put in here that this song is beautiful and is honestly the quintessential break-up song, however, I personally am not going through a break-up, I just happen to like the song.

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

Ever had one of those days when you just want to break into song and dance? Life should be a musical, several of my friends and I have shared this thought since we were in middle school! Last year, Pharrell Williams released his song "Happy". Not long after a website was released called 24 Hours of Happy. It is exactly what it sounds like, that song being played for 24 hours. While this may be too much of this happy song for some (most) people, it's awesome to find that people are that  determined to make us smile and dance throughout the day!

So, today both Matt and I want to share with you this song by Pharrell Williams in hopes that it makes you want to get up and dance!

Love,

Sara :)

Muisca Monday

This past weekend, I was able to sleep in and relax Sunday morning and Saturday afternoon. I had some reading to do for the newsletters I'm writing for my personal training job but other than that I was relaxing. It was a very nice feeling. I did work on reupholstering the dinning room chairs that Morgan and I will (maybe) be taking with us when we move, but that was actually quite a bit of fun.
It's nice on the weekends when I don't work because I get to dress just how I want. I'm not complaining about wearing exercise cloths everyday to work, but I never thought I'd miss the way jeans feel! Anyways, Sunday was my relaxing day and relaxing is exactly what I did! I turned the music up and I did some reading and crafting :) One of my favorite songs for this relaxing time is by the well-known Regina Spektor. Her debut album was 11:11 released in 2001 by herself (I could have worded that better but I'm too lazy to change it). The song I'm picking for you all to listen to today is from her 2009 album Far. Her song "The Calculation" just makes me want to put on a pretty dress (even in the middle of Wisconsin winter) and spin around with a smile on my face! What do you guys think?

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

For this Musica Monday, I'm going to have a bit of fun. I've been asked to take some of my artistic skills (if one would call it that) and try and help a certain band come up with artistic ideas. I am also to pass this information on to Matt, who is the resident freelance artist :D. They are a quirky band called BEAKER. This song that I'm showing here tonight is the first song of theirs I heard. It is a bit strange but if you go in with a good attitude, it is quite amusing. I mean.....squirrel!! This song, you just have to listen to to understand. I know the main singer and he's pretty awesome and super funny! I hope that you guys enjoy this song and at least find it funny. If you have any ideas for these guys as far as humorous/funky/punk art goes feel free to send it to them or post it here :D

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

I have been seriously slacking lately and I am so sorry for that! On another note, I bring to you a video that made me smile and made me wish that I could do a color run/run around and throw chalk/dry paint at my friends. Seriously, not only is the video awesome, but the song is pretty awesome itself! It's called "The City" by Madeon. I would love to see these guys in concert cause I really an enjoying their music!

On another not, I am taking my test on Thursday and as long as I pass, then my stress will be greatly diminished, meaning I will once again have time for stuff in my life! Think of it like finals, and I have one last one on Thursday, which, if passed (just like school) means that my stressing is over! :D I'm trying to not think about how this test could decide my future but 'tis quite difficult...wish me luck!

Anywho! Back to the music! I hope that you enjoy both this video and the music that goes with it! I'm going to go and review some more and take a practice test.

Love you all,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to block out the world and sit around with a cup of hot cocoa, a great book, and a crackling fireplace? Well, I've been having several of those lately. Now, normally I would do my best to get out and be social, but this two job thing is really wearing on me and I just had a day off after working for thirteen straight , but I suppose that is the real world isn't it? I really should not complain because I brought this upon myself, but it is quite tiring and if you were to somehow talk to Matt he can attest to me being quite tired and such for a while now. I think we all sometimes just need a day to curl up on the couch (or for me, a booth at Fiddleheads...same thing really!) and not have to answer to anyone for a while. On top of it all, I've finally scheduled my CPT test, and it is now December 19th. Wish me luck! It's less than two weeks away!
So, today I leave you with some Fountains of Wayne, mostly cause they are an easy listening group that really does have some great songs. For instance, I leave for you the first song of theirs that I ever heard: Mexican Wine. Enjoy friends!! :D

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

Let's talk for a little bit about consistency. Or more, let's talk about inconsistency. Which is more important? We like it when our schedules and even the people around us are consistent. But what about our music? We seem to like a certain amount of consistency, but we are bothered when an artist or band does not change up their style often enough. Well, I'm here with a band that has made some changes to their latest album, which isn't so recent, but that's ok! This is Fall Out Boy with their song "Just One Yesterday", which I have become a big fan of! It is a bit different than their other songs, and I must say that I don't think that is a bad thing. Having a sort of variety is really an asset for them! I especially love the added female voices in this song, from Foxes.
Enjoy!

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

I have to admit to watching quite a few documentaries over the past few days (mostly while I've been cleaning and on study breaks) and I've come to several realizations. Not only am I rethinking whether or not I want to try being vegan and trying to figure out how to have a healthy diet while living in my parents' house where I don't do the grocery shopping, but also why it is that women are misrepresented in society and how we can all help ourselves and increase our own self-worth just by looking in the mirror and telling ourselves that we value what we are right now. Ok, I guess I also learned about run-ons, but my point being that life is about being ourselves and that while things can be hard while we try to find our place in society, but there is always the view that life is as good as we make it.
This song for today is one that really talks about what we can find in life, the main words "life's not about what's better". Ladies and gentlemen and pups and kitties of all ages, I introduce you to the John Butler Trio and their song "Better Than". I should add too that I actually heard this song at the end of one of my documentaries that I watched called "Hungry for Change". This just goes to show that you should always listen to the music playing during the credits because you would be amazed what music you can find there! This is at least the second song for my Musica Mondays that I have found from the credits of a movie/documentary/TV show. Enjoy! :)

I personally enjoy this live version of the song more, I'm not sure why but that's just how it is I guess :P

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

I'm visiting the punk pop world for this Musica Monday. but first I want to clear up some things. Just because a song is referred to as pop, that doesn't make them a 'popular' band. Allow me to explain briefly: what 'pop' means is that the music is derived from 1950s style rock and roll, which was considered popular music at the time. While the terms 'pop' and 'popular' are used interchangeably, 'popular' music can refer to any genre of music and not specifically to 'pop' music. 'Pop' music tendsto be short to medium length songs that follow a simple chorus-refrain pattern and often times repeat the same melody over again. 'Punk' music is also interestingly enough derived from the same base: rock and roll, only this time from the 1970s in the USA, UK, and Australia. These songs tend to be short and often times politically motivated with at DIY ethic (meaning usually bands use their own record label to produce their music). Just thought you might like to know!
The band I want to introduce you to today is a combination of these two genres in one. They did in fact use their own recording studio, and their songs aren't too long, but they also use the chorus-refrain pattern in many of their songs. This band's two main members actually announced in July that they are expecting their first child this November. I'm introducing you to the Dollyrots. They have a unique sound that I've become a fan of simply due to their intense beat and the fact that they aren't afraid to be themselves and try something a little bit different. They've been around since 2000 and I hope that you guys enjoy this song of theirs called 'Satellite'.

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

For today's Musica Monday, I'm going back in time to 1985 and an old song that I remember listening to. A single by A-ha, later found on their album Hunting High and Low, I present to you the song "Take Me On". A-ha was formed in 1982 in Oslo, Norway and performed through 1994, they then had a reunion that lasted 1998-2010. They are considered a new wave and synthpop group. Their other famous single was "The Sun Always Shines on T.V."

I guess I just wanted to also share this music video with you because it's quite cute and not really like what we see in music videos anymore.

The band split in 1994 because their records stopped selling, their fifth album, Memorial Beach, failed to achieve the success that they had achieved in their past albums. In 1998, they reunited to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. After this concert, the band recorded their sixth album, Minor Earth Major Sky, whichever sang nearly as good as their old stuff in my personal opinion. I shouldn't say that, instead if you listen to their newer songs like "I Wish I Cared", nothing has changed, they didn't do anything different with their music which does make them consistent, but also makes them boring and uninteresting as far as changes go, mostly because they didn't change. Don't get me wrong, they aren't bad, but I've lost interest since they didn't evolve really.

What do you guys think?

Love,

Sara :)

Musica Monday

Let's go back in time for a little bit. Ok, not that far back...the 90's, the 1990s. So like 20 years ago or so. There was a great cartoon that everyone I knew watched back then. It's actually still going on to this day (I know because it plays at like 5am when I'm up for work Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Mondays) and produces cards and games that are still just as popular as they were when I was little. The newest game just came out recently. Enough with the clues, if you haven't figured it out, I'm talking about Pokemon. There are really two reasons why I am bringing up this on a Musica Monday.
1. I just finished rearranging my Pokemon cards (yes, I collect them, and I'll have you know I have a pretty great collection :P) and thought of this song that I once actually played in my school orchestra.

2. Lindsey Stirling, a violinist whom I have written about in the past on this blog (and who Matt got to see live....so jealous!) came out with a new duet with another YouTube sensation, Kurt Hugo Schneider, called the Dubstep Pokemon Remix. I, for one, can't get enough of this pair.

I hope you guys enjoy this blast from the not-too-distant past!
Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

For the past two weeks or so, one of my best friends has been dealing with a tough breakup with her army boyfriend of two years. He's finally coming home from Mississippi, and they got into an argument (which has happened before...) and it doesn't look like it will get solved this time. My friend has been trying to get ahold of him but to no avail, and has been asking me in turn what she should do. I'm not the best with this type of things especially since I was not a big fan of how he treated her lots of the time during the pie relationship, but he made her happy, so he became OK in my book.

Anyways, I've been listening to my new CDs lately and there is a song by a group called Lillix that made me think of my friend's situation. When we are going through hard times, whether it be a tough breakup or a death in the family or just someone leaving, we all get a bit of an empty feeling inside. Or is that just me? Well, if you agree you should listen to this next song by Lillix called  "Tomorrow". I think it completely addresses many issues that have to do here. I should also say that this is not my favorite song of theirs but it is the first that I heard which means that it does have a special place in my heart (kinda like your first Doctor....oh wait....I'm being a nerd again :P).

Also, I tried to post this last week but apparently I failed...I'm super sorry about that!!

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday/Cheap Find

So, yesterday I stated that I picked up a few CDs at Half-Price Books while I was there, and as I claimed I will be sharing some of those here. Today's musica for instance is from said collection of CDs. Sick of Sarah is an indie rock/power pop band founded in Minneapolis, MN (yay!) back in 2005. They are an all girl band, which isn't a common occurrence (yet, two of the five CDs I picked up were all girl bands...), and I have become a fast fan of their music. It reminds me of Tegan and Sara, Paramore, with a touch of Avril Lavigne in the music video I'm going to show you. Oh! Fun fact: apparently the name for the band came from the lead singer's old roommate, who used to say that she was sick of her own name, Sarah. I thought it was interesting and kinda funny :P

The songs that I have chosed to leave for your guys' enjoyment are 'Kick Back' of which I'm really a fan of the beat and the video and 'Giving Up' because I really love the music, lyrics, and the video! Enjoy my friends!!

I also want to use this as a way to give a shout out to other stores similar to Half-Price Books for having all these unique artists who aren't quite as mainstream but have good music and these stores sell them at a really low price!! I got this CD for $1!!!

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

Music is an important part of each of our lives. Whether its just to be background noise on the commute in to work, or if its the reason you go in to work, or if its simply how you get through the day, music is a major part of our lives. People's taste in music is just as varied and all over the place. I've been trying to listen to as much music as I can lately and for me, indie music is still one of my favorite genres. There's a song I found a while ago, then lost due to my terrible methods of storing things, then refund again just this past week. It's a lullaby by Gregory & the Hawk, a true indie band. This lullaby is very calming and melodic and really puts me in a great mindset. So, without any further ado, enjoy 'Boats & Birds' by Gregory & the Hawk!

Love,

Sara :)

Musica Monday

How many people like stories? What do you consider a story? What can music do with stories? What if we take a story and put it to music? I mean it has been done before and it will be done again, no doubt there! Stories are what make up our culture and our lives, when we were little we would use stories to learn about our lives

Here's a new example of a story telling cd that a friend introduced me to a few months ago. The artist/producer is L'Orange, who draws inspiration from the 1920s-1950s. All his music truly incorporates the genre of the film noir. His newest album is entitled The Mad Writer, and you can listen to it for free, that's right, FREE, online on his website.....here! Make sure you start at the beginning of the list of songs thought!

Another example of stories being put to music are ballads. Modern day ballads tend to be put together with music videos that tell a story through them. One of my favorite ballads is called Ballad of a Man and his Sorrow by KOBE. Enjoy!!

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

Wanting to be accepted is part of being human. This starts to become especially apparent when we are in middle school, when we first really witness cliques and friend groups forming. I'm sad to report that I have seen this begin even before in elementary school, because it has become less important for kids to accept people because of who they are and more important for them to fit into the accepted social group. Obviously I feel there is a problem with this, but I really did not want to go into this because I'm not sure when I would stop. I was bullied and I know many of you probably were too.

But what if we forget about being accepted? What if instead of submitting to this status quo that never leaves (seriously, high school never ends....another great song btw!) us, and instead we stay ourselves and stick with those who love us for who we are? I've been helping a friend over the past few years get through a few guys who have been complete jerks to her and before she found her current significant other it was hard and she found that people were weirded out by who she was when she acted hyper or childish one minute but then professional and smart the next. It took a while but she has found someone who loves her for who she is, no strings attached or anything like that. This is where I have found myself for the past year and I am happy and super content to stay right here where I am :). I think Nick Jonas wraps it up quite well in this song. And yes, Nick Jonas, one of the Jonas Brothers, he's got an awesome voice! Enjoy people!

Love,

Sara :)

Musica Monday

I've spent enough time on YouTube looking at different artists that some of my recommended songs have become something other than anime and mainstream pop. Today was one such example. One of my recommended videos was entitled "VanLadyLove - Neverland (Lost Boys Remix)", my first thought: Peter Pan? So, I clicked on it and listened. The video was artistic, a little odd, but to my liking! And the music was quite wonderful! Much more acoustic than some of the things I have been listening to recently, which is a nice twist. There aren't many songs out by these guys as of yet, the other one I found that was an original by them is called "Maybe Not Forever". Their covers are also quite lovely, a distinct acoustic that is very pleasing to the ear. These guys I think are definitely someone to watch! Enjoy!

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

Have you seen the movie Wreck-It Ralph? If you haven't, drop what you're doing and go watch it NOW!! After you have witnessed the amazingness and cuteness then you can come back and finish my post and listen to the music :) thanks! It is probably one of the cutest movies I have seen in a very long while (other than Despicable Me 2, which you should also go see if its still in theaters). For those of you who have seen it, pit your minds at rest, this is not the first time I've seen this movie, it face the song I've chosen for today was my ring tone until my phone had to be fixed so it worked again...it was being stupid until I fully updated it. As you know from previous posts, not all the music I listen to is in English. I have been listening to Spanish music for years and have gotten into French and Japanese music in the past two years. Today I'm going to be featuring a Japanese song that was used in the movie as a sound track for the game Sugar Rush. Performed by AKB48, the song "Sugar Rush" has become pretty well known, and I will admit that it is one of my favorite songs on the soundtrack (which I did actually buy!) other than Rihanna's "Shut Up and Drive".

AKB48 is classified as J-pop. Japanese pop, or J-pop, which is a musical genre beginning in the 1990s in Japan, has become an integral part of Japanese culture and is featured in much of their culture both in video games and anime as well as on television and some news stations. J-pop has become an international concept in the past decade or so with the introduction of more and more video games and anime into the United States from Japan featuring this type of music.
Well, I have jumped onto this bandwagon and Wreck-It Ralph has only helped with finding more music in this genre. I hope that you all enjoy this as much as I do. It is an all girl band but I hope that you enjoy and look them up for more songs, they are quite good. I do have another Japanese artist/sensation that I would like to share with you later when I get around to it, so look for that in the future!

Love you all!
Sara :)

Musica Monday

My humor, as of late, has taken a slightly darker turn. I'm not exactly sure why, there isn't much of a cause for it right now, other than my seemingly lack of hours at my current job (days keep getting cut and things just aren't working out). Anyways, I say all of this because the song that I can't get out of my head today is called "Dead" by My Chemical Romance. For those of you who don't know, it's a song all about being dead (duh). I'm not a big fan of My Chemical Romance but they have had a few songs that have caught my interest, or more have caught my ear as of late. "To The End" is one of them, but the other is "Dead". I can't help but slightly laugh at this song and smile when I hear it, it's so catchy and much more upbeat than you would expect! Enjoy! Forgive me if this isn't your style at all, the video is a bit high on the macabre scale, and quite violent (so young children please avert your eyes!). Favorite line of this song? "If life ain't just a joke, then why are we laughing?"

I should also throw in a pitch for a what the rest of my week will be filled with. Namely: the summer musical: Shrek the musical! For those of you around town who have seen the posters, please come! It is hilarious and I'm going to put up one of my favorite songs from the show, and if you aren't around here or haven't seen posters either you don't live in my neck of the woods or you are not looking very hard...

Enjoy!

Love,

Sara :)