Meet Butterfly Boucher. (Yes, Butterfly is her real name.)
At Lilith Fair this summer she told the audience, "Yes my parents named me Butterfly. They're what you call, 'Artistic.'"
Butterfly is from Australia, but currently is residing in the good ole US of A. Her first album "Flutterby" was released in 2003 and she opened for Sarah McLachlan on the Afterglow tour that year. Since then she's released a second album, "Scary Fragile," in 2009, and reunited with Sarah this summer for the 10th year anniversary of Lilith Fair. (Which was super RAD, by the way.)
It's possible you may have heard Butterfly Boucher's music, and not been aware of it as she's had songs on shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Charmed & Spin City. She also sang a duet with David Bowie for the Shrek 2 Soundtrack.
Okay, so, lets get to the listening, shall we?!
Here's "Another White Dash" off of Flutterby.
And here's "A Bitter Song," from her sophomore album, Scary Fragile. (Also, if you have the Grey's Anatomy 3 Soundtrack you DEFINITELY have this song!)
You know the drill, if you liked what you heard you can (and SHOULD) check out her website to purchase albums, etc.
If you watch Grey's Anatomy, you know Cristina Yang is many things: competitive, confident, hard working, tough, Mer's "person," and a kick ass surgeon to boot. You know all of this about her, and, she knows all of it too. (She's also not afraid to tell people she knows it.)
Normally, I would find that obnoxious, but there's something lovable and almost endearing about Cristina when she does it.
In one of the latest Grey's Anatomy episodes Cristina said something that really struck me. The retort was so quick, so on point, and so Cristina, it took a few minutes for what she said to really sink in.
Dr. Hunt (her husband) called her beautiful in a bleak attempt to appease her, and, this was her response:
Cristina: Oh, screw beautiful. I'm brilliant. If you want to appease me, compliment my brain.
Sigh.
I love that she values herself based on her intelligence not on appearance.
Couldn't agree more with that sentiment Cristina, couldn't agree more.
Today's Feel Good Tune is by Jessie J. Yes, that's the British singer who sings, "Do It Like A Dude." But if you're not a fan of that song, stay with me, this one's really beautiful. Honest.
Her song, "Who You Are," is the title track from her first album, and it's really quite perfect as today's feel good tune.
"My message to young people would be, be true to who you are, do not ever think that it won't get better, it's like if you're having a bad day, tomorrow will be better, everyone is going through it. You're not alone."
Couldn't have said it better myself Jessie J! Thanks! :]
Have a wonderful weekend friends, and I'll have something for you on Monday!
Remember these faces? They are Damon & Kate of An Horse!
And, they just released a music video for their BRAND NEW SONG titled, "Dressed Sharply," off of their BRAND NEW ALBUM, "Walls!"
"Walls" isn't out till April 26th, so, it's quite the treat to see the video!
You can, however, go to their website to pre-order the new album, as well as check out the special packages they have to go along with it! Some of the items include: an autographed poster, an exclusive pre-order T-Shirt, as well as an An Horse pillowcase!
So, check it out! (Seriously, the price range is from 13 bucks to 40 bucks. That is a STEAL, folks.)
An Horse is on tour RIGHT NOW, so, if you like what you heard, check out their schedule. (If you live in the Boston area, they're coming to the Middle East Wednesday, March 3oth! Tickets are 10 bucks!)
Have a fantastical day!
And I'll have a Feel Good Tune coming your way tomorrow!
Last night I had the pleasure of returning to the airwaves! Oh how I missed them so!
Good ole 91.7 fm has their Community Broadcast Week this week and yours truly was able to host the last hour on opening day.
For those of you who missed it, or were out of range I decided I'd post the songs I played on air last night. Now, I know its not the same because you won't get to listen to the sound of my sultry radio voice, buuut this will still be good, I promise. Hurl Scout's Honor.
The theme I chose for my show was "Artists I've Seen Perform Live." (I can't take credit for this theme, I totally borrowed it from my parents. Thanks Mom & Dad!)
Okay, so without further adieu, here's what I played start to finish!
Beginning the set is Alanis Morissette's "Princes Familiar" from her Unplugged Album.
Up next is a band I've seen a few times, and *fingers crossed* I'll get to see them again when they headline a show in Boston this May!
Now, technically I've never seen this next band live, but, I made a tiny exception for The Beatles since my Dad has been in the tribute band called HELP! for about 20 years now. I've seen them perform live more times than I can count! Also, I think I've said this before, but, when I was little (like 5) I used to tell people my Dad *was* Paul McCartney. Here's "If I Needed Someone" by my personal favorite Beatle, George Harrison.
I saw this next artist at Lilith Fair this summer. (Aka during one of the best week's of my life!)
You may have heard of her and didn't even know as she's had a few of her songs on Grey's Anatomy. Her name is Butterfly Boucher. The song I'm going to play is called, "I Can't Make Me," and it's off of one of my favorite albums to work out to, "Flutterby."
The next 3 songs are from my favorite band, that's right, you guessed it- Tegan & Sara.
I chose one song from each of their latest 3 albums. It was really difficult because I adore every song differently. (But I only had an hour!)
First up, off of "So jealous," we have the heart-wrenching tune called, "Where Does The Good Go?"
Off of "The Con" I chose, "Back In Your Head."
And the last song in the T&S Block is off of their latest album, "Sainthood," it's called, "The Ocean."
I'm going to see this next band in Boston VERY soon and couldn't be more stoked about it. I saw them in Northampton, Mass. last spring when they opened for Kaki King. Here's An Horse's title track to their album, "Rearrange Beds."
Here's another block, I've got 2 songs from another band that I love dearly. I've been a fan of these brothers since I was about 9 years old. And want to showcase their new music, because when people hear this band's name all they can think of is "Mmmbop." And when I tell people they still make music and tour, and that I've seen them about a dozen times they can't believe Hanson is still around. Well folks, they are, and they're as good as ever!
Here's my one of my favorite songs from their latest album, "Shout It Out," it's called, "Give A Little."
And here's my other favorite song off of that same album, it's called, "Musical Ride." Enjoy!
I fell inlove with Jason Mraz's music when I saw him open for Jewel years ago. My Dad actually met him, and I kick myself (almost) every day (some days I forget to do it) I didn't go with my Dad to purchase Jason's Album. Sigh. Since then I've seen him a handful of times. He is seriously a fantastic performer. This is my absolute favorite song from him, it's called "Bright Eyes," you can hear it on his "Live At Java Joes" album. Here it is!
Only a few more songs folks! Sad, I know. This next band I saw opened up for Hanson actually. It was an amazing evening of music, Sherwood opened for Steel Train, who opened for Hellogoodbye who opened for Hanson who headlined the show. Tickets were only 25 bucks! It felt illegal to pay so little to see such talent!
Here's Hellogoodbye's "Baby It's Fact" off of "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!"
This next artist, Hesta Prynn actually dedicated this next song to me when I saw her at The Middle East in Cambridge this summer. Jealous? Haha. She puts on a great show, so, if you see her coming to a place near you, check her out.
Here's "Winding Me Up," off her EP "Can We Go Wrong?"
And to close the show, I played a song from the one and only Jack Johnson! Who, I've loved and listened to for years and finally got the chance to see him this summer. He ended his concert with this tune, and I wanted to end my show with the same tune. It's called, "Do You Remember."
That's it folks!
Hope you enjoyed the set I posted, and I'll chat with you real soon.
Today's featured artist is none other than the one and only artist known as City & Colour. The man behind the name is Dallas Green. (Get it? City & Colour?) He's also formerly of the band called Alexisonfire. (Which, correct me if I'm wrong, but Alexisonfire was a VERY popular band in Canada. Canadians, If I'm wrong, let me know!)
But, enough about Alexisonfire, lets talk about City & Colour. Lets talk about Dallas Green.
If you judge a book by it's cover you are certainly going to be all sorts of wrong about this man.
At first glance Dallas may look like a tough guy with his tattooed knuckles and inquisitive facial expression, but, in reality he is a big ole softie.
His music has a soothing quality to it and a voice to match. He writes these absolutely fantastic melodies with lyrics that are truly from the heart. One of my favorite songs is called "The Girl." It's from his 2008 album "Bring Me Your Love."
(Here's the music video for it!)
And, since I adore his music so much, I'll throw in another song that I love!
This next one's called, "What Makes A Man," also from that album.
Enjoy!
So, if you liked what you heard you should totally check him out.
Get on the City & Colour Bandwagon folks! Seriously! You won't regret it.
If you're a "Gleek" then you probably already know where this is going (but you should stick around anyways!) If not, perfect! I can't wait to share this awesome tune with you!
This week on Glee, the New Directions performed original songs at the Regionals competition, and one of the songs couldn't BE more fitting for Feel Good Friday. Seriously.
Here's the cast of Glee performing their song, "Loser Like Me!"
On this particular Friday celebrate the "loser" in you. I know I will certainly be celebrating the loser in me. (It's a pretty big loser, and it's pretty nerdy to boot!)
Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll catch up with you on Monday!
Today's featured artist was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her contribution to the original music score for the movie "Into The Wild." (Which is a fantastic movie, by the way.)
She also released an album last April called, "Junior. "
Her name is Kaki King and honestly, she puts on a live show like no other I've ever seen. Watching her play her guitar is something to behold, and the music made from said guitar playing dances around your eardrums in a most enchanting fashion.
Don't believe me? Check this out!
Here's Kaki's video of "Playing With Pink Noise"
And here's my favorite song from her "Dreaming Of Revenge" album, called, "Pull Me Out Alive"
If you've never had the chance to see her live, you should really check out her website www.kakiking.com and find out when she's touring. Seriously. It's an experience everyone who enjoys talented musicians should witness.
Hello friends! (And a special "Hello!" to any new readers! I want to thank Uh Huh Her for that! So, thank you ladies of Uh Huh Her!)
Today's Feel Good Friday tune is by Jason Mraz. Whenever I hear his music a warmth crashes over me like a sunrise or sunset. It makes me feel like I'm driving on a long dirt road in the summer, windows down, hair blowing in the wind, and sun shining. Perhaps it might do the same for you.
The song I decided to go with today (well, my mom picked this one. She reads this too. Hi Mom!) is Jason Mraz's, "The Remedy (I Won't Worry My Life Away)"
Throughout this song Jason Mraz writes about "the poison" that we might have. The poison he's referring to is worry. And he's got a remedy for it- experience. Because if we're so busy worrying about everything, we won't get to experience all life has for us to offer.
Remember you can turn off the sun, but you're still gonna shine.
(The eighth grader from northern California who created a Gay-Straight Alliance at his school and then wanted to put on a benefit concert called, It Gets Indie, in hopes to donate money for both The Trevor Project and It Gets Better Project.)
Well, his benefit concert, It Gets Indie, would only happen if he was able to raise $5000 by March 3rd.
I HAVE FANTASTIC NEWS FOLKS!
He was able to raise the $5000 dollars!
How rad is that?!
Congrats Noah!
I Think you are a true inspiration to all humans!
For those of you interested in more information, watch his introduction video here:
Perhaps you recognize the lady in the fedora hat on the left of the photo above. Maybe you know her from "The L Word," or maybe you recognize her as one of the women who thought the Yoplait yogurt was "so good." Or maybe you know her from indie/cult bands The Murmurs and Gush. And if you don't know her at all, allow me to introduce you to Leisha Hailey. One half of the electro pop indie group Uh Huh Her.
The other half on the right is Camila Grey. Maybe you've seen her and didn't even know it as she's played bass and/or keyboards for many artists that you may know and adore, such as: Dr. Dre, Kelly Osbourne, Busta Rhymes, and most recently, she was on tour with Adam Lambert as part of his live band.
Together they make up Uh Huh Her. They put out an EP called, "I See Red" in 2007, and an awesome record called "Common Reaction" in 2008. I'm anticipating their new record "Nocturnes" due out this Spring. (So, VERY soon! Eeek!) They also had a song featured in the Oscar Nominated Film, "The Kids Are All Right" called, "Same High."
Here's a little taste of their sound, enjoy "Not A Love Song" (off of "Common Reaction)
Uh Huh Her also just announced a Spring Tour a week or so ago, here's their announcement!
If you liked what you heard, I hope you check out their website, which will lead you to their Twitter, and Facebook pages. (There you can also purchase their CDs and check out their rad merch!)
And if they come to a city near you, you should go!
Well, that's it for today folks!
I'm sure I'll end up posting something before Friday, so be on the lookout!
A week or so ago I wrote about my thoughts on the new movie Beastly. (Y'know how its a "modern take" on the classic Beauty & The Beast blah blah blah.)
Well, shortly after I wrote that I remembered the movie Penelope, which according to IMDB.com is described as:
"A modern romantic tale about a young aristocratic heiress born under a curse that can only be broken when she finds true love with 'one who will love her faithfully.' "
Penelope stars my favorite childhood actress Christina Ricci as well as the very handsome James McAvoy in a fairy tale that is pretty much everything I described in my rant of what I thought a "modern take" on Beauty & The Beast could be like.
I've seen this movie twice. (Admittedly, the first time I fell asleep half way through, but that wasn't because I found it boring, it was because I had started the movie really late and it was way past my bed time!) Last night I watched it again, (this time starting it at a decent hour!) and fell inlove with the story.
The main character and narrator of the story is Penelope, a girl born with a terrible curse that was placed on her family long before she was a twinkle in her parent's eyes. Her mother hides Penelope away, and finds men who she believes will be able to break the curse by bringing them in to a room where Penelope converses with them through a mirror. She can see them, but they can't see her. Any time she reveals herself men go jumping through glass windows to escape her hideous face.
All, but one.
What I loved about this movie was the messages it sends to viewers. (Especially to the girl viewers.) You have a power inside yourself you're not aware of yet, you don't need a man to be the hero and save you (but if you end up with one, that's a bonus!), and accepting yourself for who you are will make you live a more fulfilling life.
(SPOILER ALERT) Penelope had the power to break the curse all along. She was finally glad to be herself, and that in itself is an important message. But, the part that warmed my little cynical heart right up was that after she found the power within to rid herself of the curse, she claimed her independence by working as a teacher, and even missed her pig like face. Then, after some time had passed she went to see the one who didn't jump out the window.
The Best Scene
Important Note: He kissed her with the mask still on, not knowing or caring if she had a pig snout for a nose. He loved her all the same. When she revealed her face and had a "normal" nose, he backed away, in shock, and with a hint of sadness. Then, he cautiously approached her again because, he realized he loved her for who she was, not just what she looked like.
I know I did a lot of "spoiling" for this movie. But, you should still watch it. Seriously. I don't do the movie, Christina Ricci, or James McAvoy justice, but I tried.
I liked Sara Bareilles from the first time I heard "Love Song." But the day I became a fan was when I saw her perform live at Lilith Fair this past summer in Boston. She had so much energy and I was able to feel it in my seat which was all the way in the nosebleed section.
So, she's already won me over, and as if I couldn't adore her more, yesterday she released a music video for her new single, "Uncharted."
It's probably one of the best music videos I've ever witnessed with my own two eyeballs. Seriously.
(I've watched it an embarrassingly large number of times since yesterday.)
In the video Sara has an assortment of artists, musicians, celebrities as well as an internet sensation all lip-syncing to her song "Uncharted," while sometimes in a split screen you see someone making their way to a beach. (I won't spoil the surprise of who it is, you're just going to have to watch it for yourself!)
I will, however, tell you my favorite band (Tegan & Sara) make cameos and seeing them in Sara's video warmed my little kaleidescope heart.
What struck me most about this video is the humor of watching other artists and musicians lip-sync to someone else's song. It's refreshing because who of us here hasn't stood in front of a mirror with a hair brush, or in Josh Groban's case a banana, and lip-synced our heart out to a song we love?
So watch and enjoy as familiar faces get all goofy and lip-sync to their metaphorical hairbrushes!
Happy Monday Folks!
