Feel Good Friday: We Are Young

Happy Friday All!

Today's tune is off of FUN's new album, "Some Nights," (which will be released on February 21st!) Featured in this particular tune is the lovely and talented Janelle Monae.

Words cannot describe how elated I am that these two truly spectacular artists are singing together. Seriously.

Here they are singing a song you may have heard on this week's episode of Glee, it's called, "We Are Young."

Enjoy!



Have a fantastical weekend!
Be safe, take care and much love!
XOXO

Feel Good Friday: Make My Wish Come True

Happy First Friday of December All!

Since it's officially December now, I have no guilt in breaking out the Christmas carols and holiday favorites! Today's feel good tune is one that's always on rotation during this time of merry-ment and cheer! Mariah Carey singing, "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

Enjoy!



Have a fantastical weekend friends!
Be safe, take care and much love from me to you!

XOXO

Feel Good Friday: A Brand New Day

Happy Friday!

Today's feel good tune is called, "Brand New Day," by Joshua Radin.
Please join me in listening to this uplifting song today!



Have a wonderful weekend friends!
Be safe, take care and much love from me to you!
XOXO

Feel Good Friday: All Will Be Well

Happy Feel Good Friday!

Today's tune is brought to you by my favorite show on the television these days: Parks & Recreation.

The scene below has said tune playing in the background. I loved the scene so much, I'm gonna share it with you right NOW.



Here is the full song, which is titled, "All Will Be Well," by The Gabe Dixon Band.
Enjoy!



Happy 11/11/11 everyone!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Be safe, take care and much love from me to you!

XOXO

Music Monday: Vanity Theft

Happy Monday, Friends!

I do apologize for the little hiatus I took. I've been quite the busy bee with my new job! [Which, I'm loving, by the way!] But not a Monday or Friday has gone by where I haven't thought of all of you!

So, today I've got something extra special for your ears to sample!

It's time to check out Vanity Theft! If you haven't heard of 'em, well, you are in for a treat!
These ladies started rocking in Ohio back in 2005 and were on The Lady Killer Tour this summer with Hunter Valentine and Sick of Sarah!

Let's check out their sound, eh?

Here's "Anatomy!"


Next is a live performance of "Rattle, Rattle!"


And lastly we have, "Limb From Limb!"


For more information on these talented rockers, check out their website: www.vanitytheft.com!
You can also follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook!

That's it for today!
Come back on Friday for a feel good tune!
See you then!
XOXO

Feel Good Friday Turns One Year Old!

Happy Feel Good Friday, Friends!

I can't believe it, but, today marks my one year blog-iversary!
Oh, how the time flies, doesn't it?!

On this very day last year I had a thought bouncing around the walls of my brain before bed, that I should post a feel good tune every Friday in hopes that someone who is feeling down and out might find this little corner of the interwebs I've created and feel safe.

This idea stemmed from the devastating suicides of bullied LGBTQ youth (or kids who were thought to be LGBTQ youth) last fall. It broke my heart to see/hear/read about those tragic stories on the news, so I decided I wanted to do something, no matter how small it may be.

I was inspired to create this corner by the following quote,
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." [William James]

So, in the spirit of Feel Good Friday turning one year old, I thought I'd honor it by reflecting on where it all began...

Here's the first tune I ever used for a Feel Good Friday.
It's "Wait Til You See My Smile," by the ever lovely and talented Alicia Keys!
[Enjoy this music video, it's not the "official" one, but this was a finalist for Alicia Keys' music video competition for the song.] [And it's my fave that I've seen.]



I hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend!
Take care and I'll see you next Friday!

XOXO

P.S. The photo today is supposed to be a symbol of my love and admiration for all of you. Think of it as me hugging you with thanks!

Feel Good Friday: Show Me Where Ya Noms At

Happy Friday, Friends!

For this week's feel good tune, I turned to one of my fave Youtubers: Hannah Hart.
You may know her from her hilarious web show, "My Drunk Kitchen." [If not, allow me the pleasure of introducing you to her, click here.]

Hannah joined forces with another Youtuber to create today's feel good tune, called: Show Me Where Ya Noms At!

Enjoy.


Have a wonderful weekend!
I'll catch up with you on Monday!
Be safe, take care and much love from me to YOU!
XOXO

Feel Good Friday: I Will Be Rising From The Ground Like A Skyscraper

Happy Friday, Friends!

Today's feel good tune is "Skyscraper," sung by Demi Lovato.

Before you go and put on your judgement caps, Miss Demi Lovato has my utmost respect. She faced her demons and triumphed over them, quite publicly, and is using her experiences to inform and empower young girls who might be facing similar demons of their own. She's raising awareness by speaking publicly [and extremely eloquently- I might add] of the effects of bullying, eating disorders, cutting, as well as Bi-polar Disorder.

For all of that, I thank her from the bottom of my heart.

Last week I had VH1's Jumpstart playing in the background while I was making breakfast and "Skyscraper," came on. I hadn't heard it before. But when I heard that voice I stopped scrambling my eggs, walked over to the TV and just sat down on my futon in awe as I realized it was Demi Lovato. Not even moments later I began to weep.

This song has a powerful message:
Go on and try to tear me down, I will be rising from the ground.

Sorry. Excuse me. I think I have some dust in my eyes...

Ok, I lied, I'm weeping tears of inspiration and admiration.

Go Demi!

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Take care, be safe and much love from me to YOU!

XOXO

Music Monday: Aria

(Image from Aria's Official Twitter Page)

Happy Monday, Friends!

Today's tunage is brought to you by female fronted-Canadian-pop/rock band ARIA.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I love me a female fronted rock band.

Aria's got a rad sound, when I listened to their song, "Escaping The Transience," I was hooked.
Here, let's take a listen, shall we?!



So good, right? You've totally got it bouncing around in your head still, don't you! [Me too.]
If you liked what you heard you should check out their Facebook Page and follow them on Twitter [@AriaOfficial]

That's all for today, folks!
Have a wonderful week and I'll catch you on Friday for a feel good tune!

Be safe, take care and much love from me to YOU!
XOXO

Feel Good Friday: What A Feeling!

Happy Feel Good Friday, Friends!

Boy, let me tell you, it feels incredible to say that!
I have been MISSING all of you these past few weeks!
My most sincere apologies for not being around! Really, I do feel quite terrible about it.

BUT in the very same breath, I have exciting news! There's a reason this blog has been lagging, Yours Truly got a new job! I up and moved across the state, had a LOT of training, and this past Tuesday was my first full day!

So, now that I've been getting into a groove here, I'm starting the blog back up!

Right, the blog, I'm sure you're all dying to know what the Feel Good Tune is of the week!

It's the theme song from the fantastical one-of-a-kind movie from the year 1983... FLASHDANCE!

Here's Irene Cara singing, "What A Feeling!"



Remember: Take your passion, and make it happen!

Have a lovely week! I'll be back in business for a Music Monday post [on Monday, obviously.]
If you have any suggestions let me know!
Be safe, take care and much love from me to YOU!

XOXOX

Feel Good Friday: Extraordinary Machine

Happy Friday, Friends!

The picture above is an adorable Corgi dog. [I own a similar pair of sunglasses by the way. Not kidding.] If you follow me on Twitter (@Mrolla) you may have noticed the adorable Corgi spam I was tweeting yesterday. I may or may not have been bitten by the Corgi-love-bug.

Anyways, onto the subject of today's post:

A Feel Good Tune

Today's song is, "Extraordinary Machine," by Fiona Apple

You know who's ALSO an Extraordinary Machine?

Nutmeg.

Who is Nutmeg, you ask?

Well, watch this and find out!

So adorable, right?!

[End of Corgi spam.]

Here's hoping that you, too, feel like an Extraordinary Machine today!

That's all for this week, catch up with next Friday for another Feel Good Tune!

(Music Monday's will be back up in 2 weeks, I'm in the process of moving and so it's on the back-burner for now.)

Take care, be safe and have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO

Feel Good Friday: When The Sun Shines We'll Shine Together

Happy Friday, Friends!

Remember the summer when Rihanna's song "Umbrella" hit the airwaves?

Me too, like it was yesterday. My friends and I even made up a little dance to go with it, in which we would all simultaneously break into whenever it would come on. (No, I'm not kidding.)

So, what could possibly be better than having your favorite band cover a song like that?

Nothing? Yeah, that's what I thought, too.

Here's today's Feel Good Tune: Tegan and Sara covering "Umbrella"

Enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend!

We'll chat all about it on Monday!

Till then, be safe, take care and much love!

XOXO

Music Monday: Courage My Love

Happy Monday!

Today's featured band is a trio that somehow is able to balance being both absolutely adorable as well as some serious rockers.

The band's name is Courage My Love, (which comes from a line in the 1936 move titled, "Things To Come.")

Courage My Love is fueled by Mercedes Arn-Horn on guitar, her twin sister Phoenix Arn-Horn on drums, and David Blake-Dickson on bass.

Here's a little blurb from Courage My Love's official website:

With parents in tow, they have been hauling their gear, paying their dues, and gaining a loyal following throughout Ontario, Canada. The sheer joy they exhibit on stage marks them as old souls with an abundance of youthful energy, and an understanding of entertaining an audience that is far beyond that of most performers their age and older.

Let's take a listen, shall we?!

This is their first single, "Bridges"

Also, these ladies from Courage My Love CLEARLY have good music taste!

Have a listen as they cover my favorite band Tegan & Sara!

"Hop A Plane"

They're good right?! So good.

I'm telling you, keep your eyes out for these three!

For more information on Courage My Love, check out ilovecouragemylove.com.

You can "Like" them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter: @couragemylove

Well, folks, that's it for today!

Come back on Friday for the Feel Good Tune of the week!

Til then, have a wonderful week!

Be safe, take care and much love from me to YOU!

XOXO

Feel Good Friday: Suddenly I See

Happy Feel Good Friday, Friends!

This week's tune is by KT Tunstall, no, it's not "Black Horse and The Cherry Tree," or as my Grandfather likes to call it, "The Woohoo Song." It's the other big hit by this talented lady, "Suddenly I See."

I hope you feel like walking the world today!

Enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Be safe, take care and much love from me to you!

XOXO

Tuesday Tunes: Fences

Happy Tuesday!

Hope I find you well on this day in August!

Today's featured artist is a man named Christopher Mansfield, but he is probably more commonly known by his stage name: Fences.

He hails from Seattle, Washington and (according to his Official Myspace Page) he's gone from, "just working as a breakfast cook, spending my money at the bar, and playing songs with my friends in my kitchen," to getting contacted by Sara Quin (from Tegan & Sara) of this he said, "I remember thinking, Whoa! My life might be a little different from now on."

Of the music Fences makes, Sara Quin has said, "Everything that Chris writes, melodically and lyrically, has that rare balance of patience and urgency that I love in honest, haunting pop songs."

Well, Sara, I couldn't have said it better myself!

Here are a few songs for you to indulge in today.

These are my personal faves from Fences!

"Girls With Accents"

"Sadie"

and lastly, "My Girl The Horse" (Featuring Sara Quin)

If your ears liked what they heard, you should check out his official website www.sadcastle.com for more information.

You can also "like" him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

And if he's performing at a city near you, GO!

That's it for today, check back on Friday for the Feel Good Tune of the week!

Until then, be safe, take care and much love!

XOXO

Feel Good Friday: Walking On Sunshine

Good Morning Friends!

I think today's feel good tune says it all, so, I'm gonna leave it to Katrina and The Waves to sing it to you.

Enjoy!

Hope you're all walking on sunshine today!

I'll catch up with you Monday!

Until then, be safe, take care and much love from me to YOU!

Xoxo

Music Monday: All We Are Saying Is Give Peace A Chance

Yesterday I watched, "The U.S. vs John Lennon," and boy, let me tell you, it blew my mind.

I know I've gushed about my love and admiration for The Beatles, and more specifically John Lennon alone, but this is different. This goes much deeper than gushing, this is about respect, empowerment and inspiration.

Before watching this documentary, I thought I knew a lot about John and his life. I knew about the Bed Ins, Hair Peace, Bagism and that all he was saying was "give peace a chance." I knew all that, but, I'd never seen the original footage where he talked about those things.

This documentary is chalked full of interviews I'd never laid my baby blues on. Seeing him, hearing him, (as well as some of the people nearest and dearest to him) speak about the revolution he was rallying for truly touched my heart in a way that shook me and turned my brain upside down. (Or maybe right-side up. Who knows.)

Please, check out the trailer for "The U.S. vs John Lennon."

The trailer alone moved me right down to my core. Because, even though decades have passed, his message is still relevant. Apathy isn't it. We can do something.

"Our job now is to tell them that there is still hope, we must get them excited about what we can do again."

In honor of that statement, I'm going to add some of my personal favorite John Lennon songs to get all of our brains ticking again.

"Imagine"

"Instant Karma"

"Give Peace A Chance"

Do you have any favorite John Lennon songs? If so, leave them in the comments. I'd love to hear your selections!

Well, that's all I had for today.

Check in on Friday for a Feel Good Tune!

Till then, lets be kind to one another.

Take care, be safe and much love from me to you.

Xoxo

Tuesday Tunes: The Sounds

Happy Tuesday!

This week's featured band is the Swedish Indie rock band called: The Sounds. They formed in the wonderful year of 1999 and released their debut album in America in 2002, called, "Living In America," since then they've put out three other albums (2006's "Dying To Say This To You," 2009's "Crossing The Rubicon," and in March of this year they released, "Something To Die For.")

Here are a few tracks to wet your whistle with.

Enjoy!

"Living In America"

"No One Sleeps When I'm Awake"

"The Best Of Me" (My personal fave off of the latest album "Something To Die For")

If you liked what you heard check out The Sounds' official website, or follow them on Twitter, or "Like" them on The Facebook.

That's it for today! I'll catch you all on Friday for a feel good tune!

See you then!

Be safe, take care and much love!

Xoxo

Feel Good Friday: Spice Up Your Life

Happy Friday Everyone!

This past week I've been breaking out old mix CDs and hidden on one I found this 90's treasure, "Spice Up Your Life," by The Spice Girls (obviously.)

This song and I go way back. We have all sorts of memories together. From my childhood, through college AND this year's birthday celebration. (My friends and I may or may not have broke out into song and a choreographed dance when this tune came on at the local watering hole where I was celebrating.)

In honor of all that, I'm making it this week's feel good Friday tune.

Enjoy!

Have a radical weekend!

And remember, spice up your life!

Be safe, take care and much love from me to you!

Xoxo

Music Monday: Jump, Little Children

Happy Monday Friends!

Last week I was going through old mix CDs (sigh, remember those? ) and I found one from the summer when I was a little sophomore in college. On that particular CD was a song called, "Rains In Asia," by a band called "Jump, Little Children."

I had completely forgotten about my love for this band until I found that CD. The love came flooding back to my brain and so I decided since it's all I've been listening to recently, I'd share with you all!

Here are a few of my personal favorites from Jump, Little Children!

"Rains In Asia"

"Mexico"

"Cathedrals"

(My favorite line from "Cathedrals," is: In the cathedrals of New York & Rome/ there is a feeling that you should just go home/ and spend a lifetime/ finding out just where that is.")

Well, that's it from me today, folks!

I'll catch you on Friday for a feel good tune!

Till then, be safe, take care and much love!

Xoxo

Feel Good Friday: Potter Edition

Happy Harry Potter and Friends Friday!

No, no, don't worry, no spoilers here. But, seeing as though the end of my childhood officially ends today, I thought I'd celebrate it with you all through a feel good song sung by Darren Criss who played Harry Potter in the fan made, "A Very Potter Musical" And "A Very Potter Sequel." (And if you love Harry Potter and have never seen either, please, PLEASE watch it. It's HILARIOUS. I never thought I'd say this, but, I love Draco Malfoy.)

Well, in honor of my childhood ending, for those of us who swear the owl sent to deliver our Hogwarts acceptance letters got lost: I'd like to know that I'm not alone, that you're here with me, and that love is all we need to make it through.

Here's Darren Criss performing "Not Alone"

(And here's the clip of the cast from A Very Potter Musical performing "Not Alone")

Have a most magical weekend folks!

Be safe, take care and much love!

Xoxo

Music Monday: Unicorns, Ladybirds and Cults OH MY!

Happy Tuesday!

Due to my tardiness, I thought I'd do a little something extra special for all you folks out there on the interwebs. Instead of featuring just one artist today, how about a tune from 3 artists?!

(That sounds like it could be fun, am I right?!)

Well, a few weeks ago I asked a certain B-Side (Mary, to be exact) for some tunage we could listen to over in this particular corner of the internet. She obliged and gave us a tune from 3 bands and, to be honest, I think you're really going to enjoy each and every one!

(Side-note: If you're asking yourself, "Who's Mary? I don't think I know any Mary B-Side," allow me to put a little plug in for her right now. Click here to check out her youtube channel where she posts a Weekly Wednesday Vlog, and to follow her on Twitter, you can go here.)

Up first we have "Oh My God" by Cults

The next tune up is by the Shout Out Louds, it's called "Fall Hard," and it's remixed by Passion Pit

Last we have (my personal fave of the 3) Ladybirds and their song, "Oh No The Unicorns Are Knife Fighting."

There's no video on Youtube for it, so, click this link to have a listen, I promise it's worth your time!

That's it for today!

Again my apologies for the tardiness of today's post.

Have a wonderful week and I'll catch you on the flip-side for a feel good tune on Friday!

Be safe, take care and much love

Xoxo

Feel Good Friday: In The Colors

Happy Friday, friends!

Today's feel good tune is by Ben Harper. It's called, "In The Colors." (Off of his 2007 album "Lifeline.")

This song is just the right amount of sweet and adorable combined with a melody that you can just bask in. It's the perfect tune to just gently sway to while attempting to take it all in.

So, what say you pals? Let's enjoy some Ben Harper together this fine Friday!

Have a lovely weekend and I'll catch up with you on Monday!

Be safe, take care and much love from me to YOU.

Xoxo

Music Monday: Terribly Awesome Thrills

Happy July 4th Friends!

Before I delve into today's music selection, I'd like to share with you all a quote from Sylvia Plath's, "The Bell Jar," that I found oh so very appropriate for today!

"I wanted change and excitement and to shoot off in all directions myself, like the coloured arrows from a 4th of July rocket."

Feel free to put that in your pocket and save it for later.

Okay, thank you for putting up with me while I geek out over a few pretty words strung together.

Focus Maggie, FOCUS. Music. Right. Well, boy do I have a little something special for YOU!

Since it's the holiday an' all, thought I'd do something extra, hope you like!

Steel Train's latest album, which is self titled and a truly rad record, was released last year. Along with it they also released a sister companion album called, "Terrible Thrills Volume 1," in which twelve female artists covered each track from it's brother.

Jack Atonoff, the lead singer of Steel Train, has said the women who are on this companion album are all artists that he and the band find inspiring both musically as well as who they are as humans in general.

So, I pulled some of my personal favorites from said sister companion album!

In no particular order, here they are!

Tegan & Sara covering "Turnpike Ghost"

Angel Deradoorian covering "You Are Dangerous" (It moves me to tears. TEARS! So good.)

Holly Miranda (Shout out to my first "official" Music Monday artist!) covering "You & I Undercover"

and lastly, Rachael Cantu covering "Soldier In The Army"

So, these are some of my favorites, but the others are equally as good, honest. I mean with names like Amanda Palmer, Scarlett Johansson, Anna Waronker and Jack's sister Rachel Atonoff, how can it be anything other than totally, completely and utterly awesome?!

Hope you enjoyed the selections!

Catch you all Friday for a feel good tune!

Be safe, take care and much love!

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: Let Your Hair Down

Happy Friday (as well as July 1st!) Friends!

Today's feel good tune is brought to you by Corinne Bailey Rae. Her song "Put Your Records On," has been one of my favorite go-to songs when I'm in need of a smile. After the first chorus a warm fuzzy feeling washes over me, and I just can't help but want to dance around!

So, here she is, singing, "Put Your Records On," in hopes you too, will feel the same!

Have a lovely weekend!

Catch you all on Monday!

Be safe, take care and much love,

XoXo

Music Monday: Laura Veirs

I have just one name for all of you this week: Laura Veirs.

I've had her song, "July Flame" on repeat for practically the entire month of June.

Haven't heard it? What? Well, lets have a listen!

I think it's safe to say we all have the chorus of, "Can I call you mine" gently echoing off the walls of our brains at this point, yes? Sigh. So good.

Laura Veirs has seven albums with "July Flame" being the most current. It was released in January of 2010.

Check out her website www.lauraveirs.com for more information.

You can also follow her on Twitter: @LauraVeirs

Have a lovely rest of the week, and I'll catch up with you on Friday for a feel good tune!

Be safe, take care and much love from me to you!

XoXo

You're Just A Bee Charmer, Idgie Threadgoode

So, I realize I'm late to the whole, "Fried Green Tomatoes" story.

A whole 23 years late (if we're going by the publish date of the book...)

But, I suppose my life motto, "better late than never" can totally apply here. Right?

Last week I watched the movie for the very first time, and, just last night I finished reading the book before bed. I'm going to be completely honest, I can't get the character of Idgie out of my brain. She's taken up residency there, but I don't mind it one bit.

What I love about the character of Idgie is her, "do your thing and don't care if they like it," attitude. (Wait, why does that sound so familiar? Oh RIGHT, Tina Fey has that same view on life! Coincidence that I adore Tina Fey and now Idgie Threadgoode? I'd say more than likely not.)

Idgie is the kind of human I aspire to be. She is fiercely loyal to those whom she holds close to her heart. She's not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right and she'll throw caution to the wind to make sure those she loves are protected. But, Idgie isn't perfect. Perhaps she drinks more than Ruth would like her to and maybe her fearlessness to stand up for what she believes in gets her into trouble with others due to a mouth that will say some impolite things, and maybe, just maybe she comes off as rough and tough and doesn't seem to have a care in the world. But, we know better.

Throughout the book we catch these glimpses of Idgie where her rough and tough image just melt away. It's in those moments her true character shines like a ray from the sun. In those moments (no matter how brief) you can't help but smile to yourself and feel like you're in on the secret.

Here are some stills from the movie that bring that sort of smile to my face

Idgie: The Bee Charmer

A surprise party for Ruth. (She was surprised!)

Food fight and getting the local authorities involved.

Having a drink with the guys after Ruth's delivery of Buddy Jr.

Comforting Buddy Jr. (Aka "Stump.")

Looking on after Stump's funeral for his arm. "So long you old pal!"

I dare you to find a more caring, loving and strong willed character. Seriously.

El fin.

Feel Good Friday: Double Shot

Happy Friday!

As you can see, both Calvin and Hobbes are getting their groove on, and for good reason- it's Feel Good Friday!

Today I've got two tunes for you!

The first is, "Turn It Gold," by Hesta Prynn! (It's been a while since I've written about Miss Hesta Prynn. I missed her. And a fan of hers/my blog gave me the suggestion and I thought it was perfect, so, here it is!)

Hesta Prynn's "Turn It Gold," Perfect to get your dancing groove on to. Grab a hairbrush, let your hair down and dance like no one is watching!

And the second tune for today is by Dispatch. It's called, "The General." (I had to do a little plug for these guys because my sister and I are going to see them tonight. Eeeek! So. Stoked.)

This song is really moving and hopefully you'll enjoy this one as well!

That's it for today folks!

I'll catch you on Monday!

If you have any suggestions feel free to put them here, or contact me via @mrolla on Twitter.

Have a radical weekend!

Be safe, take care and much love from me to YOU!

XoXo

Music Monday: The Belle Game!

(Photo from The Belle Game's official Twitter)

Happy Monday!

Since I featured ROCOCODE last week, (which has both Tegan & Sara's bass and drum players) I thought I would show some love for Tegan & Sara's former drum player, Rob Chursinoff!

He's in a band which is this week's featured music: The Belle Game!

According to The Belle Game's Twitter (which you can follow them here) the music they make is: Layers of harmonies, percussion, sing-a-long-melodies and group vocals.

So, what are we waiting for, am I right?! Let's have a listen, shall we?!

"Shoulders & Turns"

"Tiny Fires"

And here's one last tune from The Green Couch Sessions!

So, they blew your mind, right?!

If you liked what you heard you should definitely check out their website: www.thebellegame.com

Or, if you can't get enough of them you should also go to their Myspace page and then "like" them on Facebook.

That's it for today everybody!

Check back Friday for a Feel Good Tune!

Have a lovely week, catch you on the flip-side!

Be safe, take care and much love!

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: You Gotta Be

Happy Feel Good Friday Friends!

Let's just dive right into today's feel good tune, shall we?

It's "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree. This absolutely fantastical song hit the charts in the great year of 1994. I was merely a child when I first heard "You Gotta Be," on the radio, but, even as a young adult now, this song is still relevant and stands the test of time due to it's super positive message.

Lets go back in time to 1994 and groove to "You Gotta Be" like it's the first time this song has ever graced our ear drums (and if it IS your first time hearing this tune, I hope it's as magical for you as it was the first time I heard it!)

Happy weekend!

Remember to be safe, take care and I'm sending much love from me to you!

Xoxo

Music Monday: Rococode

(Editor's Apology: I am profoundly sorry for the late Music Monday post folks. The only thing I can say to excuse myself is that the past two weeks have been insanely crazy/busy (and also awesome) and my internet life has suffered from it. I hope you all may someday forgive me. Until then, perhaps the artist I feature today will aid in persuading you to!)

This week's featured artist is Rococode!

Photo from ROCOCODE.COM

(From left to right they are: Andrew Braun, Laura Smith, Shaun Huberts & Johnny Andrews.)

For any Tegan & Sara fans, the two guys on the right probably look uber familiar. And, that, my good friends would be because Shaun & Johnny tour with the sisters Quin as part of their live band!

Rococode's website describes themselves as: An unfamiliar band made up of familiar faces. They strive to create music that is equal parts arty, accessible, sexy, sweet, badass, bent and beautiful.

Right, so, on to the music!

Here's a couple of soundbites, enjoy!

"Dreams" from their debut album, "Guns, Sex & Glory" (which is supposed to see the light of day sometime this year.)

and, "Weapon"

For more information on this awesome band, check out their website www.rococode.com

or you can also follow them on Twitter: @ROCOCODE

That's it for today!

(And, I'm about to start tomorrow's Feel Good Friday post, so don't you worry, that happy go lucky tune will be posted bright and early tomorrow! Mark my word!)

Be safe, take care and much love!

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: A Song For Love

Happy Feel Good Friday, Friends!

(I love alliteration... so what? Sue me! Wait, on second thought, pretty please don't do that!)

Today's feel good tune is brought to you by a band that got their start in Boston, MA! (Holler!)

They're called Extreme. (You may know their big hit, "More Than Words,") but today's tune is called "A Song For Love."

It's pretty cheesy, but, I love it all the same. Though, admittedly, I think it's cheesiness is part of what makes it so truly awesome!

(Side note- this song was my JAM in high school. I really truly madly deeply loved this song.

Heck, I still love it.)

Hope you enjoy!

Right? Cheesy, but, in like the sweetest most adorable way.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Be safe, take care, and much love!

XoXo

Music Monday: Hunter Valentine

Happy Monday!

You know that place between dreaming and awake? I was in that place this morning attempting to write this post because THAT'S how excited I was about today's featured artist!

The three lovely ladies you see in the photo above make up the band known as Hunter Valentine. From left to right they are: Adrienne Lloyd (bassist), Kiyomi McCloskey (lead guitarist and vocals), and Laura Petracca (drums).

They formed in 2004 and their discography includes: Hunter Valentine EP (2005), The Impatient Romantic (2007), and their latest album Lessons From The Late Night (2010).

Hunter Valentine's sound has been called "Alternative Rock," but, when I hear it, it sounds just like pure rock to me. Some seriously good rock, I might add.

(I've said this before and I'll say it again, I might be biased, but I love me a band full of women who rock!)

Okay, okay, I'll stop gushing about Hunter Valentine and how rad they are so you can hear for yourself!

Here are a few songs for you to taste!

"Typical" off of "The Impatient Romantic"

"Staten Island Dream Tour" off of "The Impatient Romantic"

"The Stalker" off of "Lessons From The Late Night"

So, if you liked what you heard, you should check out their website, www.huntervalentine.com!

(They're on tour NOW so, check out when they're traveling to a city near you!)

These rockin' ladies are also on Twitter: @HunterValentine

Ok folks! That's it for today!

Have a lovely week and I'll catch you on the flip-side for a feel good tune on Friday!

Till then,

Be safe, take care and much love from me to YOU!

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: A Little Love Letter To YOU

Dear Friends,

This Feel Good Friday is sort of like my little love letter to all of you. The other day this blog hit 3000+ views, which is just wonderfully insane! Due to the overwhelming gratitude I feel because you all read it and share it with others, I decided I wanted/needed to give something back to you in return.

Today's Feel Good Tune is "Count On Me," by Bruno Mars. I just bought his album (finally) last week, and when I heard this song I just knew it would be perfect for all of you!

Here's a music video that someone made to go with it that warmed my little heart!

Enjoy this long distance dedication from me to all of YOU!

Happy Friday!

Be safe, take care and much love!

XoXo

Music Monday: Chris Pureka

Happy Memorial Day Monday!

I hope I find you well on this holiday, perhaps you're getting ready for a bar-b-que with your pals, or maybe you're actually out enjoying the outdoors and camping right now, so you won't be reading this till tomorrow, whatever the case, Happy Memorial Day!

(Feel free to join me at 3:00pm today and take a moment to remember our fallen soldiers. No matter what you're doing, it'll only take a moment.)

Anywho, on to music!

This week's artist was suggested by an avid reader of the blog (and great Twitter pal to boot!) Since I only aim to please, I couldn't help but oblige.

Who is said artist you ask? Why it's Chris Pureka.
And if you've never heard of her, allow me to introduce you!

She's from New England, (which gives her some serious bonus points from me) raised in the great state of Connecticut, and after college she worked in one of my personal favorite places in Massachusetts- Northampton. (Again, serious bonus points.)

She started playing guitar at age 16 and now has her own music label, Sad Rabbit Music.
Her style has been compared to such artists like: Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Adams and Patty Griffin.
I hope you enjoy the selections of her music I've chosen!

"Wrecking Ball"


"Burning Bridges" (The 1st song I'd ever heard from Chris, a college friend sent me this link a while back. Thank goodness for good friends with good music tastes! Am I right?)


and lastly, "These Pages"

If you like what you heard check out www.ChrisPureka.com

Have a lovely day!

Also, just wanted to say I already have my Feel Good Friday tune picked out! So, get ready! It's sort of like my long distance dedication to all of YOU!

Be safe, take care, much love! (More exclamations!)

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: Hedwig's Theme

Happy Friday All!

On Wednesday I went into Boston to see the man my dad calls the "rockstar of composers," but he's more than just a composer, he's a conductor and a pianist as well. He's probably written music that's made you laugh as well as music that has brought tears to your eyes. He is the one and only John Williams. (If for some reason you don't know who he is, he wrote the music for Jaws, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman, ET, Hook, Home Alone, Schindler's List and Jurassic Park- to name just a few.)

It was a pretty amazing show. In fact, "pretty amazing" doesn't begin to do the show justice. Seriously.

But, why am I mentioning this? Well, this man is also the genius behind the music of Harry Potter.

Hedwig's Theme is today's feel good tune. I know it has no lyrics, but, sometimes a feel good tune doesn't need them. I just need to hear the first few notes of this song and a warm and fuzzy feeling crashes down on me.

I hope it does the same for you!

Here's Hedwig's Theme:

Have a fantastical weekend!

Take care, be safe and much love!

XoXo

Music Monday: Fun.

Happy Monday!

The three men with mustaches in the photo above live up to their band name: Fun. From left to right they are: Andrew, Jack and Nate.

These 3 gentlemen make up the indie-pop band Fun. (I know, I already said that.) All three of these men were/are in other bands. Nate was in The Format, Jack is in (one of my personal favorite bands) Steel Train, and Andrew's from Anathallo.

Fun is based in New York City, NY and have an album out titled, "Aim and Ignite."

I saw them in Boston this past winter, and I must say, not only is their music fantastic, but, they have an energy that is truly captivating and contagious!

(They're on tour right now with Panic! At The Disco, so, if you have the opportunity to go, you SHOULD!)

Here are a few personal faves of mine from Fun off of "Aim and Ignite!"

"Walking The Dog"

(If this one seems familiar, its because I used it as a Feel Good Friday tune a while back...)

"Be Calm"

"At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)"

For more information on these lovely and talented guys check out their website www.ournameisfun.com.

You can also follow them on Twitter: @ournameisfun

And like them on Facebook: Fun

That's it for now, hope you've enjoyed today's selection!

See you Friday for a Feel Good Tune!

Be safe, take care, much love!

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: Do Your Thing & Don't Care If They Like It

Happy Fey Friday!

Today's Feel Good Friday is dedicated to my personal shero- the one and only Tina Fey.

I finished her book, Bossypants, last week and have been trying to tell everyone I know to read it.

(So, naturally, now I'm suggesting you do the same.)

Besides it being full of laughter and giggles, there was a chapter, though quite brief, that made me all teary and overcome with joy at the same time.

The chapter was titled, "Don't Care If They Like It (One In A Series Of Love Letters To Amy Poehler)"

This chapter gave me my new mantra: Do Your Thing And Don't Care If They Like It.

Here's a montage of Amy & Tina and a passage from the book below:

And now here's a montage (the only montage I could find!) of Tina and Amy

Excuse me, it seems as though a dust particle or something has gotten into my eye just now...

So, Do Your Thing, and Don't Care If "They" Like It. And one day you'll find the Amy to your Tina.

That's all for today.

Be safe, take care, much love!

XoXo

Music Monday: LIGHTS

In honor of my sister's birthday this week, I've decided to dedicate this post to her favorite lady to listen to: LIGHTS.

LIGHTS is a Juno award winning artist from Canada. Her style of music is synthpop. It's fun, it's catchy, and even if you're not "a dancer" you WILL find yourself bopping along to the sounds of LIGHTS. (I may or may not be speaking from personal experience with this one.)

Fun fact about LIGHTS- she was discovered by Jian Gomeshi and to this day he is still her manager.

LIGHTS' first album is titled, "The Listening," and she also has an EP out now called, "Acoustic."

Here are some of my personal faves from LIGHTS.

"Ice"

"Saviour"

and lastly, there's no official vid, so, this one's live, it's called "Casanova."

If you liked what you heard, you can follow her on Twitter: @Lights

and check out her official website www.iamlights.com

Have a lovely week!

Be safe, take care and much love!

XoXo

Lost Bois Need Our Help!

(From left to right B. Steady and A.O.)

This past summer I came across a Youtube video by a duo called The Lost Bois. (Pictured above.) The song was titled "Reading Rainbow," and I fell inlove. I looked to see if they had an album, and they didn't have one... Yet.

Here are some of my personal faves from this Dynamic Duo!

"Reading Rainbow"

"Sincerely"

The Lost Bois are trying to record an album, but they need your help!

Here's their Kickstarter Project Video:

Here's a blurb from their Kickstarter Project Page:

As The Lost Bois, we've spent over a year of touring, writing, and working to spread the word. Recording music in our basements and shooting videos with computer cameras, we were willing to do everything in our power to share our music with the world. Now, we'd like to produce a full, original album and we need support.

Though we've received incredible support from fans and venues across the country, it has been difficult to record music with the little time we have outside of work and school. In the next few months, we intend to continue touring and writing, putting some of our compensation in a pool to raise money for recording. The money we raise will go toward studio time and recording equipment.

They have a goal of $4000 dollars, and so far they've raised $1,232.

Let's try to see if we can help them accomplish that goal!

You can pledge as little as $1. ($10 gets you a Mix Tape, $30 gets you a Lost Bois T-Shirt, $50 gets you a music video dedication, $100 you get to name a song on the album, and if you pledge $150 you get the T-Shirt, name a song, and receive a BOMB mix cd by B. Steady & A.O!)

So, if you're financially able to help, that would be super fab, and if not, let's try to spread the word! (The wonders of the interwebs right?! Twitter! Facebook! Tumblr! Myspace?! Whatever else I'm missing!)

For more information you can check out their Facebook!

That's all for now!

Be safe, take care, much love!

XoXo

Music Monday: Sick of Sarah

Happy Monday!

Do you enjoy rocking out? I know I do. I also love me an all girl band that knows how to rock! If you do as well (and you should!) look no further than today's featured band Sick of Sarah!

These ladies pop up on my Tegan & Sara Pandora station more than Tegan & Sara do. I've become such a fan of their music because of it.

Sick of Sarah formed in 2005 in Minneapolis, MN and are still going strong today. Their latest album "2205" was released last year, but you should check out their catalog because it's just as good as the newer stuff!

Here are a few personal faves of mine, hope you enjoy!

"Bittersweet"

"Paint Like That"

"Kick Back"

For more information on these ladies check out their website sickofsarah.com!

They're currently on tour with Hunter Valentine, so see when they are coming to a city near you!

That's all for today, see you Friday for a feel good tune!

Be safe, take care, much love!

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: I Feel Most Like The Cherry Pie

Happy Friday!

Today's feel good tune is brought to you by the one and only Janelle Monae. I can't say enough positive things about this super talented woman!

The first time I heard her sing was on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and my heart was won over immediately. I couldn't stop smiling for a few minutes after the performance. I know, perhaps that seems a strange picture to paint, but, there was something about her sound and something about her energy that tickled some fiber of my being and I just sat there and smiled, almost dumbfounded.

Her song, "Tightrope," makes me want to just get up and dance. The kind of dancing I talked about last week, where, it's goofy, it's fun and probably not America's Best Dance Crew material. But, it's the kind of dance that makes you feel good, it makes you happy.

So, here's Janelle Monae's performance of, "Tightrope" on Ellen!

One more thing! Yesterday I asked if there were any requests for today's blog, and, someone requested a video known as "The Feelings Report."

So, for giggles I decided to add it to today's post! Here's hoping you all feel most like the cherry pie!

Have a wonderful weekend!

See you Monday!

Be safe, take care, much love!

XoXo

Music Monday: Sufjan Stevens

Happy Monday!

This week's featured artist is someone my roommate in college introduced me to. The first song I ever heard by him was, "Chicago" off of his album "Illinoise." All I have to say was it was love at first note.

Sufjan Stevens first album, "A Sun Came" was released in 2000. His music has been described anywhere from indie folk, to folk rock, alternative, to baroque pop.

Since then he's put out several albums, and his latest album was released in 2010, titled, "The Age of Adz."

Here are a few of my personal faves of Sufjan!

"Chicago"

"To Be Alone With You"

From his new album, "Age of Adz"

Have a lovely week!
Chat soon!

Be safe, take care, much love!

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: Dance It Out

Happy Friday friends!

I'm going to let you in on a little secret- I'm not good at dancing. But don't you think for even a second I don't attempt to bust a move when I hear a song that is calling my name to do so. Even though I'm acutely aware of how "uncool" my "moves" are, dancing it out makes me happy.

The best part about knowing I'm not "good" at dancing is if perchance someone says to me, "You're not a good dancer," my response is, "I know, right?!" Whilst I continue to do my thang.

Because, what it all truly comes down to is making YOURSELF happy. Just like Kate Bornstein's rule, "Do whatever it takes to make life more worth living, just don't be mean."

So what? I'm a bad dancer, big deal, it makes me happy.

In honor of the joy a little dancing can bring, I want to share with you a montage of dancing brought to you by my favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy.

Enjoy the cast from Grey's as they dance it out! Join in if you feel so inclined!

Have a wonderful week, and I'll catch up with you all on Monday!

Be safe, take care, much love,

XoXo