MOG - Ashleyness's Posts

I need some new music

Ashleyness — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 06:51:52 GMT

Well, first of i find it slightly amusing that the first time i decide to post in a while, i find a note telling me that there will be a delay in publishing. I can't win, lol. ;) Anyway, I hope all is well with all of you out there in MOGland. I'm doing well, just finished my first week back to school, good times. However, I'm in a bit of a rut music wise. I've worn out all of the cds in my car and nothing i have is really doing it for me at the moment. Anyone have any suggestions or feel like being awesome and making me a good mix?

I did do a little browsing at borders tonight and came across Ben Jelen's new cd Ex-Sensitive, which i may have to pick up once i get my next pay check. So I give you the video for the first track off that album. Have a good one everybody!

Local/Indie Faves

Ashleyness — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 23:25:18 GMT

So in response to Lizzie's post (http://web01.mog.com/Lizziegreeneyes/blog_post/101063) from a few days ago, I'm compiling a list of my favorite local/indie bands from all the areas I like to call home. I'm organizing them by location, but in no particular order in terms of preference. And I'm including songs or videos from everyone who's music i own copies of or could find on youtube. I hope you enjoy!

Phiily: Franklin Bridge Incredible

www.franklinbridgeband.com or www.myspace.com/franklinbridge Three Legged Fox My Train

www.threeleggedfoxlive.com or www.myspace/threeleggedfox Laura Cheadle Midst of Your Misery

www.lauracheadle.com or www.myspace.com/lauracheadle

NJ: Stephanie White and the New Jersey Philth Harmonic www.myspace.com/philthharmonic or www.purevolume.com/philthharmonic

Never the Nines www.neverthenines.com or www.myspace.com/neverthenines

The Radio Galaxy Echo

www.theradiogalaxy.com or www.myspace.com/theradiogalaxy And now from my new favorite city and at least one group from elsewhere in the state - NYC: The Josh Dion Band I Need A Woman

www.joshdionband.com or www.myspace.com/joshdionband

Robbie Gil

www.robbiegil.com or www.myspace.com/robbiegil

Jill Stevenson Six Weeks

www.jillstevenson.com or www.myspace.com/jillstevensonmusic Revision Don't Be Fooled

www.revisionmusic.com or www.myspace.com/revisionmusic

What A Night!

Ashleyness — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 09:10:57 GMT

Last night was so good I couldn't even post about it until now. I went to see the Josh Dion Band and Robbie Gil on the Rocks Off Boat Cruise in NYC. It left from a pier on the East River went under the cities 3 bridges and around the Statue of Liberty and it was one of the coolest things i've ever done. I didn't even really recover until like 5 this afternoon, lol. Anyway, my friends and I drove through the worst thunderstorm I've ever seen from the window of a car to make it to the boat by midnight. So that was an adventure in itself. So we finally get to the pier, a little wet, but no worse for the wear and very anxious to get out of the rain and grab a drink or 2 to drown the stress of the drive over. So we go in and straight to the bar where I buy 8 heinekens, for everyone of course, but still the most drinks I've ever purchased at one time - the bar was downstairs and the music up. So I get upstairs and grab a spot right in front of Robbie Gil's bassist and by the third song I gave up trying to keep track of which beer i was drinking because i had so many things in my hands and between taking pictures and switching hands it was hopeless, so i gave in and began truly double fisting. Anyway, back to the music. It was my first time seeing Robbie Gil, who was amazing and has earned a spot on my best of NYC list which will be my next post. ;) Watching these bands and seeing the city bridges, skylines and the statue of liberty passing in the background was just amazing. I had to go meet my friends on the outside deck between sets because it was such a sight. We were coming up on the Statue of Liberty at that point and it was such a cool thing to see. My friend actually got a pic of Lady Liberty where it looks like the lightning is coming out of her torch - Amazing! While my friends enjoyed the music and views from the deck, i headed back inside to my spot in the front this time, front and center. The Josh Dion Band was amazing, as usual and they played 4 of my top 5 songs of theirs, so i was a very happy girl. I also go some nice shots of the band members, so that's always fun. Here's one of my favorite ones:

Anyway, it was an amazing time and since we went to a diner once we got back into jersey, I didn't get home until around 6am and you know it's a good night when the sun is coming up as you're going to sleep, lol. So yeah, great times and I can't wait to do it again. I'll leave you with my favorite tune from Robbie Gil's CD which i had to grab before i left last night and a JDB vid for your listing and viewing pleasures. Until next time, MOGgers, Keep Rockin'!

Stumble In(n) Love - Robbie Gil

Check him out at www.robbiegil.com or www.myspace.com/robbiegil

Walkin' On Stilts - Josh Dion Band

and you can hear and see more from them at www.joshdionband.com or www.myspace.com/joshdionband

This crazy thing we call life

Ashleyness — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 05:27:07 GMT

Hey everybody, I hope all is well with everyone out there in MOGland. Sorry I've been away for a while, I'm attempting to get things settled here in North Jerz, I'm sure you've been mourning my absence. :P Anyway, life is alright here. I started my summer class on monday and i've never gone through so much material so quickly in my life. I'm sure i'll be alright, but it's physics so the speed we're taking it at is a little scary. In other news, the job hunt is on and thusfar unsuccessful, unfortunately. I just need a part time gig, is that so much to ask?! In the search I spent a few days in NYC doing a trial thing for a paid internship for a production company. During that time I discovered that while my current proximity to NYC is great for shows and such, making that commute every day would drive me crazy. It took me about 2 hours to get into Midtown both days and i only worked for like 2 hours each day, it was not fun making that commute twice so close togther. If i end up getting a Job in the city after graduation, I'm gonna have to move somewhere that has a train station on the main line or somewhere along the PATH - Hoboken is looking better and better by the day. The good news is, after deciding that I don't want to go into the city all the time, I managed to get my old position as a Studio intern back at a studio here in Jersey. I loved it there and I can't wait to start again tomorrow.

My room mate just got a job that includes housing so she'll be moving out next month, so i have to find a new room mate too. She's more than willing to help, so that's good, but it's still a pain and I really would like to live with someone i know. So if any of you know someone looking for a place in the Paterson area feel free to point them in my direction. ;) Actually if you know of any job openings in the area, that would be great too, lol!

So yeah, life is crazy, but I'm sure it'll be good when i get everything rolling.

The Josh Dion Band are playing at the Bitter End in NYC tomorrow if anyone is around. I don't think I'm gonna make it out this time, but you never know, I may feel like doing something, lol.

Ok, i think that pretty much covers everything. If you're still reading, thanks for letting me ramble, it's got to be done every so often. :) And as a reward I'll give you a nice tune. Here is Anathallo, one of the bands I discovered completely through friends on the internet, gotta love how music can bring people together. Have a good one everybody!

Starting Again

Ashleyness — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 07:50:12 GMT

So, i just moved into my new place on sunday. It's a cute 2 bedroom appartment in Paterson, NJ - not the greatest place in the world, but not too bad and the proximity to school and reasonable distance from NYC are huge plusses in my book. I moved in with a good friend of mine and I already feel at home there (the most important thing about a living situation, i think). I am so happy to be on my own again, I get so much more accomplished when I'm not living in my parents house and then I can go back there and enjoy myself without the stress of living there. Anyway, I'm just looking forward to starting new things and finishing up some old ones (school). ;)

So since i've had this cd on a loop for the past 3 days, I'll leave you with a little Maroon 5.

Inspired by...#2

Ashleyness — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:06:55 GMT

The other artist I was thinking of in the previous post was Trip Shakespeare. I love these guys 1) because they preceded Semisonic 2) because they are hillarious and poignant sometimes in one song and 3) because they're just good musicians. I could play you any number of their songs but I'm going with this one because it cracks me up every time i hear it. Can you guess which one i'm thinking of, Kev? Well here it is, Have a great day everyone!

Inspired by my fellow moggers

Ashleyness — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:50:34 GMT

In reading a few posts today I was reminded of a couple artists I haven't taken the time to listen to in quite a while. So I had to revisit them and I remembered why I love them so much. I was just thinking that Ryan Adams is one of the most expressive artists I have ever heard and I've never seen him play either, but he's one of the few people who i don't think you have to see to really feel what he's singing. I would love to see him sometime though. ;) Oh, and no one can do When The Stars Go Blue like he does. Shame on you Tim McGraw! I normally don't have a problem with him, but i just couldn't deal with that - stick to your own stuff Tim. Ok, now that i'm done my little rant here's one of my favorite RA tunes.

Gettin' funky

Ashleyness — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 01:06:56 GMT

Yes, I know the JDB tends to dominate my posts, but i freakin love this song so i had to share. And I'm almost positive i was at this show, and if i'm right, it was awesome! Enjoy and if you're in the area these guys and gal will be at Grape Street Philadelphia (Manayunk) tomorrow night at 11 and i highly recommend you check them out if you can, their shows are like nothing I've seen.

you can find more dates on their website: www.joshdionband.com

Everything's Not Lost

Ashleyness — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:19:46 GMT

No, I'm not referring to the Coldplay tune, although i do enjoy that one ;) I discovered today that some of my music that i thought was gone was actually on my main hard drive. YAY! Anyway, this one just came up on shuffle so I wanted to share it. This album is one of my favorites, so if you haven't heard it I highly recommend that you check it out.

Sadness

Ashleyness — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:29:05 GMT

It's a sad day here moggers, my external hard drive that had all my music and pictures as well as some other valuables has stopped working properly. :( I don't knwo what's wrong with it and I haven't taken it anywhere to see if I can get some of my stuff back yet, so hopefully someone will be able to recover something. I really need to back things up more often. I should know this by now, and i've gotten a little better since my main hard drive died last summer, but I'm going to have to make a schedule and do it at least once a week so i don't loose as much. Almost everything is still on my ipod and I have a lot on cd as well, but getting everything back onto the computer is not so much fun. Oh well, lesson learned, again, I'll have to make sure to have everything in like 10 places from now on, lol. I hope you are all having a better day than I am. Enjoy the weekend. I leave you with something that will cheer me up a little and hopefully brighten someone else's day too. OK, maybe a couple things. ;)

Gotta Love a little funk

Ashleyness — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:09:53 GMT

I love funky friday, i believe it's the only theme day i actually participate in ;) This week I want to share my favorite NOLA group, Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen. I discovered this group by watching House, one of their tunes was on the show and as soon as i read their name i had to check them out. Because anyone with a name like the Absolute Monster Gentlemen has to be cool (or just ridiculous) thankfully it was the former and I've been a fan ever since. If you ever get a chance to see them, do it, you won't be disappointed. Now, without further ado, here is a video from one of thier shows.

It Won't Be Soon Before Long

Ashleyness — Thu, 31 May 2007 06:21:18 GMT

So here's my thing with the new Maroon 5 album: I like it, but I loved the first album, the continuity of that one was perfect. This one, while it's still very good in my book, lacks a little in that department. It seems like they tried to branch out a little bit on this one. However, in doing so they created some good songs, but they just don't fit as well together as the ones on their first disc did. One of my favorite things about was the way i could listen from beginning to end; if i was in the mood to listen to the cd, i would always listen all the way through. I'm not sure if that will be the case with the new one. :/ Anyway, all complaints aside, I do really like quite a few songs on the cd, but the standout track for me would have to be the last one: Back At Your Door. Not a bad way to close the album. ;) So I leave you with that. Enjoy!

One More: Gotta Love Great Weekends

Ashleyness — Thu, 24 May 2007 05:02:54 GMT

And this one was definitely up there. I wanted to post about this days ago but I'm just finally getting around to it now so bare with me. ;) So friday I got to see one of my good friends for the first time in quite a while since she works entirely too much, lol. We went to see Man of La Mancha at a community theater down the street and I have to say it was better than I expected. Being a singer I'm ever the critic, but I was able to enjoy the show and have a good time and with community theater that's really all you can ask for so I left there a happy girl.

Saturday was even better as I got to see Rufus Wainwright play at Borders in Bryn Mawr. He only played a few songs, but he was great and I was so glad I got to see him because I doubt I'm going to be able to make the tour this time around. And some lovely people posted videos of his performance on youtube so i can share that with you fine people. :)

I rounded out the weekend at the celebration of my best friend's graduation from college. I provided a mix of music that we listened to throughout our college years together for the occaision and everyone loved it so again I left a happy girl. :) I may post the mix tomorrow if anyone is interested let me know and i'll make it a definite. Until next time moggers, keep rockin'!

Something to balance out the last post a bit ;)

Ashleyness — Thu, 24 May 2007 04:33:12 GMT

Thanks to Kevin I was able to listen to Graceland in full for the first time today and I have to say I love it. The highlight for me was Homeless, I was so impressed with this a cappella track. These vocals are HUGE and completely blew me away. The vocals and just the music in general continued to impress me throughout the album and while i could probably write a decent review for this one, I'm really tired so this will have to do for now. :/ Suffice it to say that if you haven't heard this album and you are even remotely interested in paul simon or choral music you must listen.

I'm totally addicted...

Ashleyness — Thu, 24 May 2007 04:08:20 GMT

to MIKA, I love this album and it's a complete guilty pleasure but some really fun feel good pop that I just can't seem to be able to get enough of. It's a perfect summer fun CD so I had to share even though you've probably already heard this one. It's the first song I heard from him and the image of my best friends dancing around the kitchen will forever accompany the tune for me, so that's the one I had to go with, lol.

Did Anyone Else Hear About This?

Ashleyness — Fri, 18 May 2007 21:52:03 GMT

The Ben Folds Experience February 21-25, 2008

Ben Folds needs a break, so he’s going on vacation and taking some friends and fans along for the ride. Folds has teamed up with Sixthman, the leader in the entertainment cruise industry, to bring fans the opportunity of a lifetime on the Ben Folds Experience cruise. Ben Folds Experience heads out on the Carnival Imagination from the Port of Miami on February 21, 2008, stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returns on February 25, 2008.

Says Ben, "I wanted to get a lot of talented musical artists together in one holiday moment of glory with possibly a few comedians and have some kind of magical experience. The idea of painting a large bus psychedelic purple, not taking baths for a week and driving around the country jamming out on one chord about the war got shot down quickly, so I decided to take a cruise.”

Joining Folds on the cruise will be a few of his musician friends. Who you ask? It’s a secret, but we promise to let you know soon..

You will dig the intimate setting onboard the Carnival Imagination as you travel with like-minded fans for this free-wheeling experience at sea. Catch Ben and others in nightclub-like settings while enjoying a first-class cruise including a full-service spa, internet café, coffee bar, state-of-the-art gym facilities, fine dining, free 24-hour room service, a casino and more.

The event goes on sale to the public Monday, June 11..

and if i wasn't so broke i'd be first in line for this one. ;) Oh well, maybe i'll actually make some money before it sells out. :) You can find more info here: http://www.benfoldsexperience.com

New JDB music

Ashleyness — Thu, 17 May 2007 21:11:58 GMT

That would be the Josh Dion Band for those of you who haven't read my previous posts about this NYC band. I just joined their street team and noticed that they put up a few new songs on their myspace and i was really excited because one of them is a favorite of mine from their shows. That one is called Hold Fast and if you like a little funk with your rock you should definitely check out this band. I give you a cover of Stevie Wonder's Boogie on Reggae Woman.

If you want to hear more definitely check out the myspace page: www.myspace.com/joshdionband or website: www.joshdionband.com

or just check out my other posts on them. ;)

They also just did a set at 107.1 The Peak in NYC which will reair sunday night at 8pm EST, for those of you not in the are you can stream it at www.1071thepeak.com.

Enough info for you? :P Good! Enjoy!

Shuffle is my friend ;)

Ashleyness — Thu, 17 May 2007 20:19:35 GMT

So I just got a new phone yesterday and of course I had to get one with an MP3 player so i got a Sync, which i'm loving. Anyway, I was listening to it earlier and i paused it and didn't get back to it until a few minutes ago when You Can Call Me Al came on. And it just reminded me how awesome Paul Simon is. and I'll never forget that video, chevy chase back when he was still awesome too. So here's that song for all of you lovely people. :)

One of My Favorites

Ashleyness — Wed, 09 May 2007 22:24:11 GMT

This is absolutely one of my all time favorite songs. I talked about it in another post: http://mog.com/Ashleyness/blog_post/48780

but i found a video so now you can actually hear the song.

Enjoy!

Music is fun

Ashleyness — Thu, 03 May 2007 05:25:25 GMT

This song just came up on shuffle and it reminded me of driving to and from my internhip last summer with this CD playing, windows down and moonroof open and me singing at the top of my lungs. So I decided to share. I love when music reminds me of fun times. :)

Times Like These

Ashleyness — Wed, 02 May 2007 05:42:13 GMT

I love this song. It's by Jill Stevenson who is a great singer-songwriter from NYC. Take a listen and if your into it check out her myspace: www.myspace.com/jillstevensonmusic or her website: www.jillstevenson.com

I love Regina

Ashleyness — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 04:31:46 GMT

After mentioning this song in a comment, I had to listen to it, so i decided to share it with you. I'm a big fan of Regina Spektor and this is my favorite song of hers. I love the classical influences and the low chords. And the idea is so interesting as well. Love it.

Funky Friday

Ashleyness — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:22:21 GMT

Well since i haven't posted anything for a theme day yet and i listened to this song about 10 times in a row yesterday I decided to share 2 versions of it with you.

First the original by the temptations

And second, the band who got me into this music again. This is the Josh Dion Band playing Papa Was a Rollin' Stone in NYC a few months ago.

"I'm Walkin'" once again :)

Ashleyness — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 04:26:54 GMT

Hello Moggers, Just wanted to send out an excited little note: After 6 weeks of being unable to put any weight on my right foot, I am very happy to say that I can finally use it again. It'll be with the aid of crutches for a few more days and it'll be another 6 weeks before I can drive, but I'm in the home stretch now and it feels great! And in order to celebrate this occasion I give you a highly appropriate little tune from Harry Connick Jr.

Save Net Radio

Ashleyness — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:27:40 GMT

Hey Everyone, I believe a few people have posted about this before but I just wanted to put my two cents in and see what you have to say about it.

The RIAA recently announced that royalty rates for internet radio would be going up. However, they are planning to increase them to the point where many sites will be unable to continue if said legislation goes through. I am personally against this as internet radio is the only radio i listen to anymore. Royalties are generally good for artists as that's one of the ways they make money, but they can't do that if they don't have an audience. And I think that net radio can be a huge asset to independent artists who are looking to broaden their fanbase. So if you want to support this cause please click on the banner below or check out http://blog.pandora.com/pandora/archives/2007/03/riaas_new_royal.html#comments for more information about this from my favorite net radio station, Pandora.com, and opinions from it's users. You can also get more info here: http://www.broadcastlawblog.com/archives/internet-radio-copyright-royalty-board-releases-decision-rates-are-going-up-significantly.html If you have any comments, info, support or rebuttal feel free to let me know your feelings on the topic, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

It's Over

Ashleyness — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 06:24:09 GMT

Well, the day has come, my fellow moggers. That’s right, today I met my end. I was sitting outside enjoying a beautiful day, when my mom came out to bring me my mail. I saw a large envelope, and I knew immediately what it contained. I was feeling a mix of excitement and a slight sadness at my untimely, yet imminent death. The mix was great and contained many things I never would have thought to check out and a few I had been meaning to, but hadn’t gotten around to yet. At any rate it will definitely get me moving in the morning, which is exactly what I wanted. Thanks to Wanbli for sending me out with a bang and best of luck to those of you still in the game, may you last a bit longer than I did.

Here is the tracklisting: 1. Alphabet Aerobics - Blackalicious 2. Laura – Flogging Molly 3. Time to Get Away – LCD Soundsystem 4. We Are All Made of Stars – Moby 5. Step into a World – KRS ONE 6. Gone Daddy Gone – Gnarls Barkley 7. Sexual Healing – Kate Bush 8. Fidelity – Regina Spektor 9. Take, Take, Take – The White Stripes 10. Province – TV on the Radio 11. The Joker – Fatboy Slim 12. Random – Lady Sovereign 13. Do You Right – 311 14. Behind the Sun – Red Hot Chili Peppers 15. My Man is a Mean Man – Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings (this one is my favorite right now) 16. Book of Right-On – Joanna Newsom 17. Rebel Music – Spearhead and Stephen Marley 18. Fight the Power (live) – Barenaked Ladies

John Mayer and Ben Folds

Ashleyness — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 04:22:51 GMT

I just bought my tickets and I'm so excited. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to find enough people to go, but there are at least two of us so I bought the 4 pack (yeah for good deals!) and i'm not anticipating having a problem finding another 1 or 2 people to go with me. I love that they are on tour together, I almost jumped out of my chair when i found out, lol. Let me know if you're going and maybe i'll say hello. Enjoy the rest of your work week and have a great weekend!

Spreading the Word

Ashleyness — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 00:28:58 GMT

Hello Moggers, I just wanted to spread the word about a few gigs my friends the Josh Dion Band have coming up. So if you're in the northeast and want to hear music like this:

Check out the band at one of these shows:

FRIDAY evening 3/9

Kelly's LOgAn HoUse 1701 Delaware ave. wilmington, DE 10pm www.loganhouse.com

and then a hop-skip-and-a-jump from NYC and NJ...

SATurdaY 3/10

Pete's SALOON 8 w. Main street Elmsford, NY 10523 www.petessaloon.com

do it.........and....one week till

THURSDAY MARCH 15 MERCURY LOUNGE 217 E. Houston St. (corner Ave A & Houston) NYC F train to 2nd Ave J or M train to Essex St they headline at 10:30 $10 21+

Good Times

Ashleyness — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 03:33:53 GMT

So I just got back from another Josh Dion Band show, gotta love these guys and gal, great stuff. I've been wanting to post all week, but i've actually been busy for a change. :) Anyway, the show was awesome, as usual, and I had a great time. I love seeing this group play, they are one of the most talented bands I've seen and heard in a LONG time. And they have so much energy, it's contagious. So, if you haven't already, you should definitely check them out. www.joshdionband.com

In other news, i have a couple funny music related anecdotes to share. So I was talking to my mom today about when i started getting into country music and other stuff (i LOVED country up until i was like 11) and she told me that that was one of the first types of music i liked. Apparently when i started setting an alarm clock for school, in like first or second grade, my mom and i went through all the stations to see which one i wanted to wake up to. Here's the interesitng part, I liked the country station and the classical station. How crazy is that, I've been studying classical voice for a good 6 years having completely forgotten about that converstion. And while i no longer LOVE country, I'll always have an appreciation for it. Well, that didn't make as much sence as it did to me earlier today, but hopefully you get the idea. Ok, on to story #2. There was always music in my house when my sisters and I were younger (mom has a great collection of LPs and cassettes) and there are some songs that will always stick with me. The songs I hear and will just think back and smile, or laugh whatever the case may be. Anyway, one of her favorite cassettes was Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, so she would play it all the time. As we got familiar with the album we requested certain songs, our favorite being what we called, "The Cheeseburger Song", known to anyone else as, "Here I Am." It's such a fun song, the verses are spoken and the choruses are huge, full band and all. So what makes this so great? The whole song he is talking to this woman, being all philosophical and such, then at the end he throws you a complete curveball. He's talking about things "you say or do that you can never take back" but what's the point if you don't try, "you have to try" so maybe you could reconsider, "please, if it's not too late, make it a cheeeeeseburger." And so we have "the cheeseburger song". We thought that was the coolest thing when we were little and listening to it now just makes it even funnier. It's a great song and i know my description isn't doing it justice at all, but i just wanted to share. ;) If you get the chance check out the song, you'll understand a little better if you hear it. (Here I Am by Lyle Lovett) Anyway, I hope you all have a great night/day, whatever the case may be, and I'll talk to you soon. Ciao!

And here's the other song

Ashleyness — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 02:10:47 GMT

This one's an original and my favorite. :) Check out her website: www.sarahversprille.com

Check this out

Ashleyness — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 02:04:09 GMT

I went to see a friend of mine play at The Bitter End last night and she was awesome, so I wanted to share 2 songs with you. I hope you like them as much as I did. ;)

Rufus Wainwright should be my friend

Ashleyness — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 01:56:37 GMT

Beautiful Child by Rufus Wainwright came up as i had my itunes on shuffle tonight and i thought about how much i like this song, which is quite a bit. So i decided to make it my song of the day. Being the music geek that i am, I've been posting my songs of the day on my myspace profile and blog. So as i went to myspace to do that tonight, i realized that Rufus is not my myspace friend yet. Now how did i manage that? I mean i've met the guy, for pete's sake! Now granted it was only for a second, but i'm amazed that i didn't have him on my friends list nonetheless. I've also seen him 4 or 5 times so it's a little funny that he wasn't there. Oh well, i've since remedied the situation and in taking a look at his profile i discovered that he will be releasing a new album on May 1st. I'm very excited. :) So yeah, that's all, if you wish, go take a listen to Beautiful Child, or any other Rufus tune you happen to have lying around and enjoy the music.

My current favorite band

Ashleyness — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:45:04 GMT

Hello lovely people, I wanted to share some great music with you. Well that's why we're here, right? ;) So just under a year ago I went to a show at my college. The headlining act was a group of WPU alums who were working with the students in our management program to help get their stuff out there. I'd never heard their music before, but i'd heard some great things from the people who were planning the show and i'm always open to new music and supporting my fellow musicians. Plus, friends of mine were opening, so there was no way i was going to miss this show. The day came and i went to see the Josh Dion Band for the first time. Despite the slightly sparse audience, I had a great time and was hugely impressed. I have since become a friend of the band and have seen them numerous times, they are from NYC and play in the area quite a bit. I recently came upon a short review I wrote for a friend after that show that i wanted to share with you as well. "I loved them, I love that they are doing something a little different with the style of music as well as having a drummer as the lead singer. I think that is really cool (the drummer as lead singer). I wasn't expecting it for one, and if I was, I don't think i would have expected it to work. But they were great. I really enjoyed it especially because i love that style of music. Unfortunately I have no idea what i would call it, but it seems similar to a few artists: Joe Cocker, Marc Broussard, maybe some Lyle Lovett. As for where the band will be in 10 years, if it were up to me they'd be huge, but i think that will depend on what kind of fanbase and airplay they can get. I feel like that style has been overlooked for a while, but now would probably be a good time to try to get it back into the mainstream. People are open to artists like Jason Mraz and John Mayer and while not exactly the same thing, they are at least along similar lines. I feel that if they can find success then there is no reason why it wouldn't be possible for JDB to do the same." One thing I would like to add, having seen them quite a few times since then, is that the amount of energy that the group has is just astounding, it continues to amaze me every time i see them. Here are a couple pics of that gig at WPU a while back and the first song of theirs that caught my attention, Birdwalker. If you would like to hear more check out their website: www.joshdionband.com or myspace, www.myspace.com/joshdionband. Oh, and their cds are availible on itunes and cdbaby. I hope you enjoy Birdwalker and more music by my friends the Josh Dion Band.

My First Mog Post: My love for Mr. A-Z has been renewed and My favorite thing about my favorite artists.

Ashleyness — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:36:08 GMT

Hello Moggers! So I've been a Jason Mraz fan since I first saw the video for The Remedy and I thought, now here's something I could get into. And truth be told, I didn't love the song the first few times i heard it, it was kind of a love hate thing for me in the beginning. Do I like it, or not so much. But after seeing the video, something about it got to me and I thought, i should check this guy out. So on a subsequent trip to best buy, i picked up Waiting for my Rocket to Come, and being myself, i had to listen on the way home. In the process I was very pleased to find that most of the tracks on the album were better than The Remedy; which is a decent song (I'm definitely a fan of the lyrics and the story behind them), but it can get old after a while. So anyway, long story slightly shorter, I was hooked. In the time since then, I've seen him a few times, bought everything i could get my hands on, and i even did a couple b&ps of the shows i'd been to. He's one of those people who's just got it; that energy that, at least in my mind, you have to have to be a performer. However, in the past year or so my enthusiasm for his stuff had waned slightly, i became interested in other things and I probably played his music too many times in a short span, as i tend to do. So for whatever reason, I wasn't sure if i would enjoy his new song for Ugly Betty, The Beauty in Ugly. I am happy to say, that I love it. I grabbed the video from itunes last night and i was pleasantly surprised. So that's my pick for song of the day. And I have a question for all you moggers out there: is there a certain thing that your favorite artists have in common that you can pin down? For me, as evidenced by the above, it's the feeling that they wouldn't be happy doing anything else, that energy that is just so contagious that it automatically lifts your spirits or makes you feel you are one with the music.