12 March 2015 - Britney Spears - Toxic

I remember when I had a co-author.

He used to post a Britney Spears song every year on my birthday.

Which happens to be today.

So here, Scott.  Doin' your work for you. 

10 March 2015 - Journey - Lights

This post is by a band I thought I would never post.  Ever.  (And I still will never post THAT song.)  This band (and THAT SONG particularly) is one that I have particularly disliked. 

As many of you know, I worked at a Xerox call center, where I was both the IT Manager and a DJ. 

9 Mar 2015 - Carly Rae Jepson - I Really Like You

I kept hearing that this song was more earwormy than "Call Me Maybe".  And from this blog's standpoint, that's a big deal.  That song was the first one of our posts to crest 100 page views.  (We've done better since).

I like the song.  Let's be clear.  It's sweet and inoffensive.  But to call it with such high praise....well, that's just throwing a wish in the well.  

4 March 2015 - BANKS - Before I Ever Met You

This might be the only artist on here who wants you to have her phone number...

By the way, it's (323) 362-2658.

And yes.  She answers.  Sometimes.  It's a cell phone.   So you can text her.

Bet let's not stalk our favorite buzzy musicians.  Let's talk about their great music, instead.  She didn't make a video for it or release it as a single.  But the song is so emotion-filled that I couldn't not post it.  The pain in BANKS's voice is tangible, like you can touch it, grab it with your hands.  It's a rare talent that can do that.  So, discover and enjoy.

2 March 2015 - James Newton Howard (featuring Jennifer Lawrence) - The Hanging Tree

So, here it is.

The song that blew everyone away with Jennifer Lawrence's untapped abilities.  But here's what you don't know....

If you've read the book, you know that the lyrics were written by author Suzanne Collins.  Two guys from The Lumineers did the music.  And, of course, Jennifer Lawrence provided the vocals..... but she didn't want to.

No.  She wanted Lorde. 

We're glad it's Jennifer who sang this.  It gave the song a less polished feel that fit the movie better than Lorde's voice would have there, and suited the intention of the song in a far greater way than Lorde could have....

No offense, Lorde.  We still love you. 

24 February 2015 (A Guilt-Free Extension) - Tanya Donelly - New England

It's June.
And I'm still wearing my boots.

Pretty much how you're feeling this year, right, New England?

Actually, this song just perfectly captures the dichotomy of life in the United States Northeast - New England and New York can probably be lumped together here.  Winter is hard, but the rest of the year.... just lovely and welcoming.

And, with the harsh winter New England is getting, I figured y'all needed a tribute.

(And yes, I did just mention Tanya Donelly.  Why do you ask?)

20 February 2015 - Throwing Muses - Counting Backwards

It was only a matter of time, people.  I was going to break this seal eventually.   I just needed to find the right way and the right time.

On March 12, 1991, Throwing Muses released The Real Ramona, two weeks ahead of schedule.  I walked into that record store with the full intention of purchasing R.E.M.'s Out of Time, which was also released that day.  But, as Throwing Muses was my favorite band (still is), I had to go see if, maybe, just maybe, there was a schedule change.