I want to be every part of this video. The style, her voice, those lips. I. Die.
If you haven’t heard Lana del Rey’s sexy, haunting music -or seen her for that matter- it’s time to start tuning in. Her music has been referred to as “porn for the blind” and it’s not hard to hear why on tracks like Mermaid Motel.
And yes, her lips are real. Roomie #2 proved it here.
Today is a GREAT day. Black Keys released the first single off of their new album El Camino, and it’s had me chair-dancing all morning. The album drops in December and a little bird told me to look out for a possible repeat NYE show at the Aragon this year.
If you’ve never celebrated New Years by going to a concert, I highly recommend you try it. You can keep pretending that your overpriced drink package and inevitable night of disappointment is a great way to ring in the new year, but I prefer to do it sweaty and dancing-like-a-fool to a rockin’ band like the Keys.
Click. Listen. Get Down.
Filed under Music
Life Lesson of the Day:
You can never be too old to dance your ass off at a DJ show with your friends.*
*You may be be too old to accomplish anything productive the next day.
Deadmau5 @ The Aragon Ballroom
Post-Mau5 Group Shot
One thing that has noticeably changed after graduation is the amount of shows I get to see with my friends. Columbia, MO had the distinct honor of being the only city between St. Louis and Kansas City worth stopping in- which meant that nearly every artist or band going east or west through MO had a convenient one night stay. So, lucky Mizzou students like us had the opportunity to catch a good concert at least once a week, usually more. And, thanks to the box office in the campus bookstore, tickets could be conveniently student charged paid for with all the extra money you had lying around as an undergrad. Some of my personal highlights were Grizzly Bear, Surfer Blood, The Decemberists, Ghostland Observatory, Turbofruits, Bassnectar, the list goes on and on.
Cut to post-grad where we all work 5 days a week and concert tickets cost real money, which means when we can all get together and catch a great show it is an occasion. Which is exactly what happened this weekend at the Deadmau5 show at the Aragon Ballroom. Deadmau5 gave the BEST show of the 3 I’ve seen complete with a killer DJ set from Tommy Lee and sex bomb vocals fom Sofi. My only regret is that we missed the opening set from Feedme. Sure, I was a complete waste of space the entire next day, but who cares? We came. We raged. We paid for it the next day. At 23 I’m completely aware that everything costs something. And what could be more worth it than a kick ass time with my friends in the best city on earth? …I’ll give you a minute on that one.
The rain clouds have finally parted over the skyline of Chicago revealing a sunny city, sizzling with the changing autumn leaves. For the first time, it feels like the midwest fall I know and love. If you’ve ever lived in a midwestern city like Chicago, you know that every season has a distinct energy -or lack of... ugh “spring,” how we love pretending you exist.
Every year, when May rolls around and the sidewalks, bike paths and beaches fill with people and their uncanny amount of pets -seriously where do you people keep your farm of dogs all winter?- it seems as though the city has never felt more alive. And then October comes. Reluctant to let go of yet another amazing Chicago summer, but even more determined not to waste a second of tolerable weather before the inevitable hell of winter, you can count on Chicagoans to make the most of fall. I love seeing the college colors rolled out at every bar in Lincoln Park, drinking coffee as it was meant to be drank- hot, and having to check the weather before grabbing a jacket. But what I love most about this change of seasons, is compiling the motherload of fall playlists. Normally I would do this myself, but a friend of mine created an Autumn playlist on Spotify that is just too good to mess with. And you lucky ducks can download it here! I’ve had Van Morrison’s Into The Mystic on repeat for days while I sip skinny caramel lattes and try not to spill on my favorite scarves. TGIFall.
Filed under ChicaGO!, Holidays, Just Because, Music
It has been a while since I’ve watched a music video and thought “WHOA.” Probably due to the fact that the music-to-crap ratio on VH1 and MTV has weighed in favor of “crap” for the better part of ten years. Which would also explain why I found this gem online. Thank you internetsss. Roomie #2 shared this with me yesterday over gchat a conversation we had at home after work, and I have had it on repeat for the last 48. I just can’t get enough of her hottie video boyfriend and their self destructive relationship. Doesn’t everyone want to smoke rainbow cigarettes and roll around in the mud at a concert without getting your denim cutoffs dirty? Even my grumpy friend (everyone has one) said it was “good… for a dead artform” – which basically means everyone else will LOVE it. I know I do.
Filed under Music
Okay I finally watched the new Miley Cyrus music video I Can’t Be Tamed and I honestly don’t understand what all the fuss is about. Sure, she looks sexy but can’t we all agree it could be way worse?
…ahem
So young, fresh and … dead behind the eyes?
But now I’m getting off track, back to the video:First, she’s wearing a one-peice, leotard-esque body suit not a two peice bra and panty number like we would expect from Gaga or Kesha. (I refuse to put that dumb dollar sign in her name. Real humans don’t spell their names with $. Go trip over your stripper heels and fall off my radar already.)
See, not so bad… and note the lack of bare midriff.
Second, the dance isn’t uber provocative, in fact it’s fairly tame for a video called Can’t Be Tamed. Plus, she looks great doing it! The costumes, the choreo, the set decoration… it’s hot and I actually think it’s a great video.
Now I will be honest, I never EVER thought I would actually defend Miley Cyrus, let alone in print, but people need to lay off the “she’s only 17 thing” – seriously. Sure, she’s seventeen years in age, but that is literally the only thing about her life that qualifies her as an average American teenager. What you didn’t have paparazzi stalking you at 17? And thank the sweet lord you didn’t. You can’t even try to tell me that you don’t have any skeletons in your high school closet… hiding where you keep all your mistakes… right between the platform sandals and camouflage cargo capris.
Bottom Line: It’s not fair that American consumers expect Miley Cyrus to compete with acts like Gaga and that walking, talking VD PSA (aka: Kesha) if she’s not allowed to play on the same field sexually and culturally. I mean honestly people, Dump$ter Diver is walking around in panties spouting lyrics about brushing her teeth with Jack Daniels. Doesn’t quite add up. So lay off the MTV and go back to your FOX news America.
Case and Point:
She’s a big dumb animal isn’t she folks!Seriously, does she just think the letter S has a line through it?
Filed under Music, News, Uncategorized
Oh joy! As I logged online today I was greeted with the most exciting news from Coutorture.com! H&M is launching a new summer collection specifically aimed towards hippie, concert lovers… aka my favorite group of friends. With Pitchfork, Lollapalooza and ACL in my festival future, there is no way I won’t be hitting my local H&M to find my summer-music staple items this year.
The best part? The geniuses at H&M have also thrown in a collection of camping items including, sleeping bags, totes and a leopard print tent! While I won’t be camping out for shows this season… I’m sorry, I like showering too much… I can guarantee that these items are sure to make yours the swankiest campsite around. Ahh, summer here I come… is that Freebird I hear?
I am on cloud nine after a fabulous concert last night with Rose and Mal. Personal favorite, Surfer Blood came to MOJO’s last night along with fantastic openers, Turbo Fruits and delivered a show that could bring a smile to the face of even the most self-important scenester in attendance.
Surfer Blood’s combination of clean and twangy guitar riffs with a boppy California pop rythm, makes for a Beach Boys meets Weezer, Pixies-esque sound that I can’t get enough of! If you close your eyes you’d swear you were at a beach party doing the twist with Frankie and Annette, only this 50s beach party felt a little more “straight up” than “straight edge.” Not to mention, it would be entertaining enough just to watch these adorable boys on mute.
It was clear the guys were feeling the love too, as frontman JP Pitts exclaimed, “we haven’t played for a crowd this energetic in a while!” While according to the band’s myspace page, none of the members of Surfer Blood actually hit the waves, it was clear they were no stranger to surfing of a different kind as Pitts dove in and out of the audience during Swim, easily the most loved song of the night.
I knew Surfer Blood wouldn’t disappoint, but I was most excited to discover my new insta-favorite Turbo Fruits…I won’t go into detail just go here and download them. Trust me. Their new LP Echo Kid is exactly what I’ve been looking for to pull me out of my winter doldrums and into Spring. Not to mention, each member is better looking than the next. …just saying.
The crowning moment of the night however, came during the encore as Surfer Blood brought the house down with their rendition of Weezer’s Undone and you could practically feel the Cali sun fill the room. All in all it was a pony-step and twist filled night not to be forgotten. Now I’m off to make my Surfer Blood and Turbo Fruits playlist to help me survive this overcast weather!
Filed under Music
Just in time for the end of awards season, I was lucky enough to snag one myself! Lisa F. my wonderful reader, teacher and mentor was kind enough to present me with this Beautiful Blogger Award! Lisa is my Capstone class instructor which means that usually, through no fault of her own, she is the woman behind all of my “stressed out” remarks. We all know it’s the class and not you Lisa!! Well, anyways it’s nice to know that someone out there other than my wonderful mother is reading this and that’s just fab! So now that I have this award, I have a few requirements to fulfill before I pass it on to other bloggers that I adore. First, make sure you check out Lisa’s blog. She’s an uber-talented and all around awesome Advertising Professional and one classy lady!
Now I have to share 7 things about me that you readers might not have known before… hmmm here goes!
1. I love love love middle names. It has been my experience that middle names tend to be pretty revelatory about a person and it’s one of my favorite things to learn about someone! …in case you’re wondering, mine’s Kate
2. I am a product junkie. A makeup artist of 5 years now and intern at a fabulous makeup company I have cabinets and drawers overflowing with spritzes, serums, creams and compacts. I’m lucky enough to have gotten lots of swag over the years and I can never bear to part with a great product!
3. Music makes my world go ’round. I believe that life should have a soundtrack and I have spent 21 years perfecting mine. A good song says so much more than just it’s lyrics and has the amazing ability to touch people’s hearts. Music is something that was passed on to me by my mom, an amazing singer, songwriter and musician herself, and it is something that I love sharing with people! Coming from a musical family makes everything from holidays to rainy days that much better and I can’t imagine it any other way! I see as much live music as possible and I’m always up for a good show.
4. Sort of on that note, I am at my absolute happiest when I’m performing. Whether I’m singing, acting or miming for that matter, give me a stage and I jump at the opportunity to be smack dab in the middle of it!
5. I have an amazing family. We’re definitely not your traditional, nuclear, family unit, but we like it that way.
6. My all time favorite movie is White Christmas. Danny Kay, Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby are simply classic.
7. And for lucky number seven… my favorite time of day is around 3:30 when the sun is glowing orange and the whole world looks warm and happy like a cup of hot tea.
Now I’m supposed to name 15 blogs that I’m passing this award onto but I narrowed down to my fave 5. Here they are!
Teen Fashionista: Casey Lewis is friend of mine and fellow J-schooler. Meeting her Sophomore year and reading her delightful blog has always been my inspiration to start blogging. Sweet and bubbly with impeccable taste, reading Casey’s blog is like sipping a glass of sparkling lemonade… how can you not smile?
Cupcakes and Cashmere: Not like she needs an award from me, but Emily is my blog idol. I have been reading daily for I don’t even know how long and I’m constantly inspired by her refreshing personality and fabulous style. Plus I think we’re kindred home decor spirits… we have the same bedding and bed side furniture!
Daily Pep Talk From a Best Friend: In a world full of competition and cut throat colleagues (even in college!) it’s nice to feel like someone’s on your side. Reading Rachel’s blog is exactly what it says, a pep talk from a girl that feels like your best friend and the perfect positive start to my day.
Pretty Little Things: Love this site. They strike the perfect balance of classic and quirky to keep things refreshing, fun and all around pretty! The perfect pick me up to any drab day.
Lovely Homes: Exactly what the title says. I love being inspired and uber jealous of the beautiful rooms featured on this blog! Plus there are great DIY and recipes!
So there you have it! I’d like to thank the Academy for this award…. okay so maybe it’s not an Oscar but I sure feel like Sandra Bullock right now! PS– check back later for my fave fashions from the red carpet. *Ellie Saab, swoon*
When life is at its toughest and the world is weighing down all around you, remember that things are bound to improve soon. If things are truly at their worst, then the only way to go is up kids. So take it from OK Go and know that this too shall pass and their new video is sure to put a smile on your face until it does…
Filed under Just Because, Music, Tips
