Song of the Day - Shocking Blue

Song of the Day - Kings of Leon

I could use somebody. Someone like you.

Song of the Day - Lykke Li

Song of the Day - Joy Division

Cool

Song of the Day - New Order/Iron and Wine

You know how I feel about covers. If you're going to cover a song, make it your own. Don't recycle the same sound and simply label it as your own.

This is a prime example of how to do a cover properly.

The Original:



The Cover (a new take on the original, but no less brilliant):

Song of the Day - Animal Collective

When it comes to Animal Collective, my typical reaction is something along the lines of, "Meh." But I kind of like this video. And I am not on drugs. In fact, I'm wondering if I would hate it if I were on drugs because it would totally trip me out. I think it's safe to say that whoever is behind this video, however, was most definitely on drugs.

Song of the Day - Leona Naess

This is not entirely unlike my day on Saturday, cruising through Stanford with AJ, listening to Leona and wrestling with what was on my mind.

Song of the Day - Stevie Nicks

This made me happy. Love Stevie.

Song of the Day - Radiohead (again)

"Ok, Amanda, get some originality," you say. Yeah, I know - but I'm hung up on this damn album. And I like this video. A lot.

Here's to the crazy ones...

"Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as crazy, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. - Jack Kerouac

I recently saw the Robert Frank exhibit at SFMOMA, which was essentially an accident, because I was really there to see the Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams exhibit with a friend. (NOTE: Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams sooner make me feel like taking a nap than provide any inspiration for me, but, like I said, I was there with a friend.)

I was unfamiliar with Robert Frank at the time, although I did recognize some of his photography. I was instantly enticed by the premise of his controversial project, The Americans. Frank had embarked on a journey across the country to capture images of real America life, all the rawness of it behind the facade - the poverty, the racial divide, the vast disparity between social classes. While that era was so engrossed with the likes of Norman Rockwell's America, with his rosey-cheeked children and idyllic family images, Frank was a rebel with his portrayal of the 'real' American life. I appreciate the rebels and misfits in history, as I think they are the truth-tellers; the ones who refuse to delude themselves or accept the status quo, but rather seek out the gritty reality and expose it for what it is.

Song of the Day - Radiohead

As I'm working on my Best Indie Music of the Decade mix, I'm realizing more and more just how essential Radiohead has been to the making of this decade's indie sounds. What indie artist doesn't try to emulate Radiohead on some level? On that note, I find myself often turning up my music-snob nose at those who try to sound like Radiohead and just fail miserably. Like the a capella group I heard on NPR the other night. Really? A capella Radiohead? That's just wrong, sorry.

Anyway, this song came on Pandora this morning and I realized that I not only don't own this album, but I love every track I hear from it.

Song of the Day - The Cure

Have I really never seen them live? Really?

Ladies and gentlemen, The Cure.

Song of the Day - Modest Mouse

Jesus, I'm a sap - I just read last night's post. I wasn't even drinking, for crying outloud! My ability to swivel back and forth between being an affectionate, loving sap and an emotionally cold bitch never ceases to amaze me.

Ok, so here's a little ditty from some grumpy ole fellas from the Pacific NW who know a thing or two about mood swings. I've been listening to these guys for years (thanks to Gavin and the boys in SLC for the proper introduction) and this is an oldie but goodie. I'd occasionally see them drinking in bars when I lived up North - usually glowering in corners, looking more or less miserable about being there, although deep down they were probably thoroughly enjoying themselves.

I'm going to blame the rainy weather today for triggering my nostalgic longing for the NW.

Song of the Day - Leona Naess

I'm thinking too much tonight - and too little is making sense. One thing I can say for myself is I may not know what I want, but I do know what I don't. In the meantime, until what I want becomes more clear to me, I'm quite content with my simple little life, with its simple little pleasures. Like the Blue Bottle coffee kiosk down the street from my house that brings me such joy, followed by a 2pm breakfast with an ample helping of girl talk, which is then followed by a cozy Sunday afternoon nap....

This song is a special dedication to the person with whom I share so many of these simple joys - the one who reminds me that the troubled feelings I have at times are just a part of the intrinsic beauty of being alive. I am sorely imperfect and emotionally complex, but this is what makes me human, and there's much beauty to be discovered in that humanness. Thank you, Arthur, for helping me to not only recognize that, but revel in it.

Reasons I Love San Francisco

1) You can have hippies, yuppies, hipsters, gangsters, gays, and crackheads all living in just one neighborhood! How many other cities can say that?
2) It’s winter. No, wait - it’s summer! Just kidding, it’s winter again. Haha - wrong again – it’s summer! YAY!
3) In the locker room at the gym, it’s possible to hear three different languages at any given time – and there’s a good chance that none of them will be English.
4) Where else in the world could you film this and have it come out so brilliantly?



5) Blue Bottle coffee - a little bit o' heaven.
6) There are more dogs in the city than children.

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Song of the Day - Bon Iver

This gave me chills. THIS, my friends, is what music is supposed to be about -creating unity and solidarity that knows no geographical borders or language barriers.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love - Une Soiree de Poche from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

This is dedicated to the many musicians who have helped me to appreciate life for its simple pleasures, such as an informal jam session among like-minded people. Music is my therapy; the people who create it my therapists, and I'm grateful for the many opportunities I've had to experience its ability to heal and inspire. Many thanks to all of those who have played a role in that.

Song of the Day - Mocean Worker

This is a delicious little ditty with my girl Nina that I simply can't get enough of.

Song of the Day - Taken by Trees

Love this song, courtesy of my favorite Swede. That, and the chick on the album cover looks remarkably familiar....