Did you think I disappeared?

Oh, you could only be so lucky!!!!

We had a great time at the Eastern Naturist Gathering in Lenox last week. We saw many old friends and met some new friends, too. We were asked to join the Membership Advisory Committee for TNS and are looking forward to continued involvement with such a phenomenal organization. Goodbyes abounded as we left friends at the end of the week, as well as Eastover will be closing its doors in November. We will have a wonderful time no matter where the Gathering is next year.

I heard a song on the radio yesterday that made me think of my friends and family [who are generous enough to follow this blog]. It is called Smile by Uncle Kracker. You can listen to in online over at MusicRemedy. It is the first track to be released from the upcoming album Happy Hour. I hope you like it as much as I did!

Smiles

Loving Lily Allen

Our new car includes a 90 day subscription to XM radio. I've been listening to the Pop station (26, The Pulse) and am totally into Lily Allen. I bought her album the other day and love it!!! Here's a video of "The Fear" if you don't know her...




The album comes in both Clean and Explicit (I got the latter, and it is very explicit). I like several of the songs, but F*@! You really cracks me up...

I hope you like her, too!

Carnival Ride

A couple of weeks ago when Deb, Helen, and I were having dinner at Texas Roadhouse, Carrie Underwood's Last Name (the link takes you to a page where you click on the song and listen to it) started playing. The girls' attention snapped to the song and how much they love it. I just sat there looking stupid. I hadn't heard of the song. I had no idea what they were talking about.

So, as no to surprise to many of you, I had to download the album. Wow, do I love it!!! I like every song on the album, including Last Name. If you haven't heard the song, it's worth a trip over to her website to hear it.

I was thinking about my broad taste in music as I was listening to the album. I have listened to about every kind of music at one time or another. Now I listen to everything except metal and rap (Mel -- remember all those hours listening to Metallica and Too Short in high school -- what were we thinking?). I like the variety and listen to different things depending on my mood.

Now, as I am writing this post, I've run across a website I think is pretty cool. MyPlay is a Sony/BMG online music player. Both Sony and BMG are huge record companys, so the variety of artists you can listen to is really amazing. This is definitely a site worth bookmarking! I'll listen to music before I buy it while expanding my musical horizons. Cool!!!

Have a happy day!

What I'm Listening To (Oct)

I don't buy new music very often. I tend to listen to what I have. Over and over and over. I got the Ben Taylor CD a month ago, and now that I have virtually worn it out, it is time for some new tunes.

I wasn't quite sure where to start. Who is good? What albums are worth buying? Of course, personal taste plays a roll, too. Just because Britney Spears has the top selling single doesn't mean that I will buy it.




I got an email from Sara Bareilles a few days ago (I am subscribed to her site) about an album she is on, The Hotel Cafe presents: Winter Songs (link goes to music sample). I have her album Little Voice and really like it (sorry, I can't link it, just go into her site and choose Music if you want to hear her). I bought it and have listened to it once. I won't really listen a lot until closer to Christmas since the songs are more holiday-ish.










I also dropped into iTunes to see what the top albums are. I don't like to just get a song or two, generally, because I usually browse our music collection by album, not artist. Adele (linked site has songs), album name 19, was listed as the top seller. I listened to a few of her clips and liked her. I really like this album. She reminds me of Norah Jones in some ways, with a little less Jazz and a little more Blues. She has a really strong voice and the album is definitely great for a nice car ride or background dinner music.

I also found Joshua Radin (again, linked site has songs), whose debut album Simple Times is at 34. Oooh, I really like him. He has a really nice voice. His music is kinda like Jack Johnson, but not exactly. He also reminds me of David Saw and Ben Taylor -- I think because of the rythm of the songs and cadence of his voice...






So, three new albums. I'll be set for months!

Two of My Faves

If you've read this blog for more than a couple of weeks, you've probably already discovered that I faithfully follow people, events, and causes that I believe in. Don't we all?! Two people that I follow, Author Tess Gerritsen and Musician Ben(jamin) Taylor, had big releases this week.

Tess Gerritsen's latest book The Keepsake released yesterday. Below is a partial exerpt from her website. Click here (or on the link at the end of the exerpt) to read the full text:

DR. MAURA ISLES could not decide whether to stay or to flee.

She lingered in the shadows of the Pilgrim Hospital parking lot, well beyond the glare of the klieg lights, beyond the circle of TV cameras. She had no wish to be spotted, and most local reporters would recognize the striking woman whose pale face and bluntly cut black hair had earned her the nickname “Queen of the Dead”. As yet no one had noticed Maura’s arrival, and not a single camera was turned in her direction. Instead, the dozen reporters were fully focused on a white van that had just pulled up at the hospital’s lobby entrance to unload its famous passenger. The van’s rear doors swung open and a lightning storm of camera flashes lit up the night as the celebrity patient was gently lifted out of the van and placed onto a hospital gurney. This patient was a media star whose newfound fame far outshone any mere medical examiner’s. Tonight Maura was merely part of the awestruck audience, drawn here for the same reason the reporters had converged like frenzied groupies outside the hospital on a warm Sunday night.

All were eager to catch a glimpse of Madam X.

Maura had faced reporters many times before, but the rabid hunger of this mob alarmed her. She knew that if some new prey wandered into their field of vision, their attention could shift in an instant, and tonight she was already feeling emotionally bruised and vulnerable. She considered escaping the scrum by turning around and climbing back into her car. But all that awaited her at home was a silent house and perhaps a few too many glasses of wine to keep her company on a night when Daniel Brophy could not. Lately there were far too many such nights, but that was the bargain she had struck by falling in love with him. The heart makes its choices without weighing the consequences. It doesn’t look ahead to the lonely nights that follow.

The gurney carrying Madam X rolled into the hospital and the wolf pack of reporters chased after it. Through the glass lobby doors, Maura saw bright lights and excited faces, while outside in the parking lot, she stood alone.  (continue reading here)

Maura Isles is a recurring character in Gerritsen's books. She is a medical examiner with an intriguing past and is understood by few. I enjoy reading this character  -- and others. This book is on my Paperbackswap Wishlist... I am number 1 of 142 people in the queue, so I should receive it soon. You may wonder why I am not purchasing this book if I like the author so much. Well, that is a good question. I've been first on the list for this book since late January. I try to be consciencous about my spending (really, Michael :) ) and good to the environment (less paper use and all that). That said, I do plan to attend on of Tess' book signings on October 8, 2008 @ 7:00 pm (Barnes and Noble, Framingham MA). Chances are very good I'll buy a book directly from that location for her to sign, and will re-circulate the copy I get from PBS. So you see, this is smart thinking on my part. I get the book for free right away, then get an untouched, signed copy for me.

Benjamin Taylor's latest album, The Legend of Kung Folk: Part 1 (The Killing Bite), also released yesterday. I received my copy from Amazon yesterday and am listening to it (over and over, you'd better believe). It is very good. The music is a little different than his previous albums and I love it just as much.  Coincident with the album release was an interview with Taylor on Docutunes.tv (below).

I am anxiously awaiting some more tour dates so I can see him in person.

So that is my book and music plug for the day! Smiles!

World Trade Center: 7 Years Later

Docutunes.tv released their latest video documentary yesterday. It features siblings Livingston and Kate Taylor at a 9/11 siblings commemoration concert on September 11, 2005. September 11 holds a lot of meaning for me (as it does for many) not only because of the tragic loss of life on that day, but also because it is inseperable with the passing of Michael's brother Brett. While the incidents occurred weeks apart, the time was very emotional for us all and the events of 9/11 are a large part of that time, for me. Seeing the video (below) moved me strongly, both by the event and by the words of the song.

Though Brett was not my brother, I miss him very much.

My thoughts and prayers are with our family and with all the 9/11 victims' families on this tragic anniversary.

Ben Taylor and Other Vineyard Stuff

Ok (sigh)... I've already revealed my intense interest in Ben Taylor's music. I suppose I should seek professional help, but I am really too busy until September 16 when The Legend of Kung Folk comes out. Maybe in two or three months, after I have had time to memorize every lyric, I can see help.

But seriously, someone over at the Ben Taylor Forum posted this video (below). I love the song and had to share.

I hope you like it, too!

As I continued stumbling along, I ran across this great site, DocuTunes. It has a whole series of videos called The Vineyard Scene (alternately, they are all listed at http://www.docutunes.tv in blog format). If you are interested in the Vineyard and her inhabitants, the videos are well worth checking out.

Have a Happy Day!

Flashback

I was listening to Mix 98.5 while I was driving into work this morning. I rarely listen to Mix anymore and don't really know what the current music is (sign #1 that I am "getting old"). Anyway, they started talking about Brett Michaels and Poison playing tonight at the BoA Pavilion. What?! Brett Michaels? Poison? I momentarily checked to see that I was indeed awake and hearing things correctly (you know cold medicine can alter the time/space continuum). Yup, today is August 7, 2008.

Here's where the flashback happened. I was all about Poison when I was in junior high and high school (sign #2 that I am "getting old"). Posters like these

lined my bedroom walls. I know, no accounting for taste. I mean, I had lots of these posters. I'd listen to my Poison casette tapes over and over on my white stereo really really loud -- until my parents came home.

And the videos! I'd watch them on MTV at every opportunity.

I ended up with so many posters that my parents made a deal with me; I could re-do my bedroom (translated: take down the hideous wallpaper I was attempting to cover with posters) in exchange for no more posters. I loved Poison, but getting rid of the wallpaper and decor in that room was worth it. I took the deal.

Years later, Brett Michaels came up in conversation with Mike and I. Turns out he has Type I diabetes and actually had at least one bad situation on the road when he was touring with Poison. He didn't take good care of himself back then. He has been on dLife talking about his diabetes (click here to read more about him) and is very interesting.

The band has grown up. I haven't heard their music, since I immediately went into "Remember When" mode this morning. But, I might be up for a redux on the sound of Poison. I guess some things are better as memories...

Have a happy day!

New Song

Ok, this song is probably only new to me. I almost never listen to the radio. I have been for the past couple of days, and this song keeps coming on. Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl". I just love the beat of it. I just saw the video for the first time, and it does pretty much illustrate a highly sexualized song (I'm telling you I love this beat)...






I wonder if I am the only one who likes it. Maybe, maybe not!

Smiles!

p.s. I've previewed the rest of her album and don't like it at all. I guess one isn't bad!

Ben Taylor at Taste of Amherst - June 21

Drat!!! Another missed opportunity. Ben Taylor was at the River 93.9 Soundstage (Taste of Amherst) on June 21. We were busy thinking about the gathering, when he was just 30 miles away!!! Well, what can I do? I did find this video below, thanks to this James Taylor Forum posting. Ben is with David Saw performing "When I Was a Cowboy."



I know, it is crazy, but I really do like Ben Taylor. His music makes me smile!

Have a Happy Day!

Music Outside!

We did it! We now have music outside, thanks to the joint work of Mike and I. He did the mounting and wiring outside, through the foundation, and up through the wall. I connected the wires to the speaker and set everything up for our Zone 2, which can play different music than the main zone inside and has its own volume controls.

Not exciting for you, but it is for us!! Here's a video so you'll know what we're talking about...






Thanks a million to Mike's mom, Pat, for the wonderful birthday gifts. I LOVE THEM!

Have a great day!

Where, Oh Where Did My Little Cat Go?

Mike and I are trying to work on the outdoor speakers. Apparently, Mattie wants to be close by but catch some ZZZs... Can you spot him?

David Saw: Broken Down Figure

Mike and I are heading to the Vineyard for the day tomorrow. Going to the Vineyard, or even thinking about it, always makes me think of certain people. Some are well known, others are regular people like us. One of the well known people is Ben Taylor. I love his music and always anxiously await his latest albums. The Legend of Kung Folk is coming out September 16 -- Woo Hoo! Anyhow, Ben Taylor teamed up with David Saw for Alive in the World, an album to benefit autism. The two have similar music styles, and I like David's music. After visiting the Ben Taylor Band site, I went to the label, Iris Records to get more scoop on The Legend of Kung Folk. The site played a music video that really sucked me in. Matter of fact, I really thought it was Ben Taylor.



Wrong! The video is David Saw singing his song Buy My Record, featured on Broken Down Figure (released March 2008). I loved it! There was a link to buy on iTunes ($9.90 for download) or on Amazon ($5.99 for download or $13.49 for the disc). I've never bought MP3s from Amazon before, and the price was right. I downloaded their MP3 downloader and purchased the album. A feature of their downloader is that it automatically adds purchased music to your iTunes or Windows Media Player installation. It worked seamlessly.

I've been listening to Broken Down Figure all morning. It is awesome! I like [the current genre of] Folk music. David Saw has a MySpace page, too. I cannot get to it currently (due to some nanny issues), but if it is like Ben Taylor's, it probably streams his music.

Enjoy, and Have a Happy Day!

Inside, Outside, Music All Around

So, you know I love music... All kinds of music -- Jazz, Rock, Classical, Country... I am not an aficionado by any stretch of the imagination and my tastes are pretty varied (i.e. anyone who like Rachmaninoff, Depeche Mode, and Dixie Chicks -- whew!).



Ever since Dad and John gave us an iPod for Christmas it has been my best friend.

The birthday fairy knows me very well. She flew right in with some outdoor speakers for our patio. My installation expert (Michael) is going to mount them under the eve of the house and wire them into the third zone of our A/V receiver.



We'll be able to listen to CDs, DirecTV music, or our digital collection (stored on the Mac mini that is also hooked into the system) inside and/or outside at will! The fairy even got me an outdoor rated volume control so we can control the volume outside, independently of the volume in the house. Cool, huh?!

Once we get the setup, well, set up we'll take some pictures and/or a video to share. You'll probably see that in a few weeks!

Smiles!

The Ease of Internet Radio

Ok, I admit it... I love a good deal! Getting something for a discount always makes me feel good. Getting something for free is even better. And the best thing I have found lately is Pandora. Pandora is free internet radio. That alone is nice, but what makes it really cool is that Pandora is part of the Music Genome Project (mgp). What's that? Pandora describes it as:

Pandora is based on the Music Genome Project, the most sophisticated taxonomy of musical information ever collected. It represents over seven years of analysis by our trained team of musicologists, and spans almost a century of music (and soon several centuries!).

Each song in the Music Genome Project is analyzed using up to 400 distinct musical characteristics by a trained music analyst. These attributes capture not only the musical identity of a song, but also the many significant qualities that are relevant to understanding the musical preferences of listeners. The typical music analyst working on the Music Genome Project has a four-year degree in music theory, composition or performance, has passed through a selective screening process and has completed intensive training in the Music Genome's rigorous and precise methodology. To qualify for the work, analysts must have a firm grounding in music theory, including familiarity with a wide range of styles and sounds. All analysis is done on location.

The Music Genome Project's database is built using a methodology that includes the use of precisely defined terminology, a consistent frame of reference, redundant analysis, and ongoing quality control to ensure that data integrity remains reliably high. Pandora does not use machine-listening or other forms of automated data extraction.

The Music Genome Project is updated on a continual basis with the latest releases, emerging artists, and an ever-deepening collection of catalogue titles.

By utilizing the wealth of musicological information stored in the Music Genome Project, Pandora recognizes and responds to each individual's tastes. The result is a much more personalized radio experience - stations that play music you'll love - and nothing else.

So you ask, "How does it work?" You go to http://www.pandora.com and enter the name of an artist or song. Pandora locates that song (or in some cases, a song with similar characteristics) in its database and begins playing it. The neat part comes with the next song in the queue. It is selected based on similar musical characteristics to the first song you picked (this is where mgp comes in). If you don't like a song, just give it a thumbs down; Pandora moves to the next song. Two thumbs for the same artist in one hour will ban that artist from the virtual station you create. When you like a song, give it a thumbs up. The characteristics of that song will help determine other songs that will play on your virtual station. A no vote is neutral.

The site offers other cool things as well. Clicking on an album cover gets you choices. You can find out about the song, artist, or album. If you like the song you can buy it directly from iTunes or Amazon. The access to information is broad and user-friendly. For example, I clicked on album information on Another Run Around the Sun (by Ben Taylor). I was surprised to learn the album was produced by Kevin Bacon. As we know, there is the "7 degrees of Kevin Bacon" in all that we do, but I digress.

Want to know if any of your friends are using Pandora? There is a nice feature that lets you connect to your address book (in AOL, Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc...) and search for friends who also have an account. You can then check or uncheck friends you want to add. When I did this, I found our dear friends Todd & Carolyn are using Pandora. Once my friends are added I can see their most recent stations and their most recent bookmarks. Cool!

There are many more features the site offers. It would take many words to describe them all, and I think you'd have a better time exploring yourself. So, I'll leave you to it...

If you get hooked on Pandora like I am, you may decide that you don't want to have to keep your browser open all the time. I use a light application called Open Pandora. It connects to you Pandora account in a stand-alone window. Many of the Pandora Extras (friends, album/song/artist info, etc...) is not available in Open Pandora but you can still vote on songs and create new stations.

If you're interested in how we learned about Pandora, the story is simple. Mike and I were going through the Start Menu and Installed Programs on his new computer to determine which bloatware to remove. We googled each item that wasn't familiar. Pandora was on the All Programs list... We looked it up and were hooked.

Smiles!

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Ok, the Red Sox have won and baseball season is officially over. You won't have to read anymore baseball stuff here until April. The other part of this good news is that Mike and I will actually return to our normal bedtime schedule. Thank goodness! We've been pooped.

So what do we do now? It will be the fun of raking leaves and getting ready for winter. We started a bit this weekend by cutting down about half of our plants. The remainder will be tackled this weekend. The yard looks bare!

We've also started getting our music organized again. Tonight I will go through CDs and make sure that music we've purchased online is on our NAS. Eventually our goal is to have our Mac Mini hooked up directly to our TV so that we can listen to music with our new A/V receiver, watch movies, and view pictures. This should be straightforward once we are all organized.

Have a happy day!

Alive in the World, a charity benefit to Eden

One of my favorite singers, Ben Taylor, has a new EP out titled Alive in the World. It features Ben and David Saw live to benefit Eden, a charity for autism. I bought it today from iTunes and love it! Of the 5 songs, Boyfriend is my favorite. It is witty and cute... For $3.99 I am getting lots of smiles from the songs and helping a good cause. I feel warm and fuzzy.