I want to listen to the newest Spoon or Clipse, or even the edgier new Corinne Bailey Rae. I really do. But my 34+ week pregnant neurological system can't seem to take anything but Beethoven today. Not that there's anything wrong with fur Elise or Moonlight Sonata; they're beautiful. I just cannot tell you the last time I actively sought them out on Rhapsody or iTunes.
It's only $7.99 on iTunes and 100% of the album (and single) sale proceeds go to top funds/orgs benefiting the Haiti relief effort. There are some really stellar, heartfelt performances. My favs include: John Legend's version of "Motherless Chile", Mary J. Blige's version of "Hard Times Come Again No More", Justin Timberlake's rendition of "Hallelujah", and Beyonce's "Halo". 8 bucks to the relief AND you get some honestly great songs? Just go buy it already.
The NPR dude sounds so out of his element it's embarassing, but the brief interview was interesting.
R-FEW talking to The Ice Chewer on FB:
R-FEW: I'm sorry - since being pregnant (yep, a little one coming in March!), I haven't had any time to blog. I saw Fela! when it was off-broadway, though, and really enjoyed it. The music is amazing (Antibalas definitely helps with that), and with Bill T. Jones, you know the movement is cool too. Did you see it?
ICE CHEWER: Did not see it yet. Just saw the interview of Jones on Colbert. You have a good excuse to take a break. But once the baby is born, you will have the joy of blogging about baby music.
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/01/babybeats/
R-FEW: Cool article! I've already had to shift what I've been playing a bit. The baby kicks a lot with anything overly loud/cacophonous. I worry that the kicks might be in protest, so I generally just switch. :(
ICE CHEWER: It's not protest. It's dancing. Btw, what you just wrote can make a great R-few post.
The band They Might Be Giants forbids the usage of the following phrases. Ha! My own additions are at the end -- repeat offenders I know well will remain nameless ;) (you know who you are, and I do love you anyway...).
too much information
off the hook
that's what (s)he said
my bad
game changer
crackberry
that's how we roll
I can't work under these conditions
playing the (whatever) card
throw under the bus
drinking the kool-aid
LOL
phone tag
don't go there
it's all good
it is what it is
talk to the hand
think outside the box
off the reservation
oh no you didn't
I threw up a little in my mouth
one hundred and ten percent
IMHO
no worries*
jumped the shark
voted off the island
(anything) on acid
(anything) from hell
(anything) on steroids
literally (unless it's actually used properly)
Of course the list itself is now on the list.
*No worries enjoys a unique “workplace dispensation” where it can be used with a co-worker to help decompress a work situation.
My additions:
beats a sharp stick in the eye
whatever used as an exclamation(or whatev, or even worse... whatevs)
at the end of the day
the net-net is...
for real
open the kimono (I absolutely DETEST this one)
double-click on
Saw In the Heights last Friday night, and I swear I've been singing about these flavored ices ever since. I kind of have a Bubbles-like crush on Eliseo Roman the Piragua Guy. The whole show was fantastic - you have to go see it!
Some have seen this and remarked that it would never work in Grand Central Station. I'd actually disagree - I think it'd work anywhere. People live for witnessing glorious, surprising acts like this. Even, or maybe *especially*, New Yorkers.
The only disappointing thing about this stunt is that it wasn't done purely for the fun of it. Apparently, it was to publicize a new reality TV show focused on choosing a Maria. Oh well, I still like it. Thanks, Aunt Wendy!
found it courtesy of his blog - went on to see if he had a response to Timberlake's impression on Jimmy Fallon (he did not). Still kills me that dude is so talented given what a DB he is.
His note on it was: "Took a break from setting up the studio space and jammed a bit. There's something I love about playing with just drums because it gives me the harmonic freedom to go wherever I like. And whenever Steve and I see each other and there's a drum kit and a guitar rig around, this is how we say hello to one another. For the playas: I'm using a '52 Tele through a Fender Princeton. No pedals."
because Timberlake's Mayer and McDonald impressions are spot on...
Keating looking beautiful in the early AM 
U2 takes the stage
I considered not going. I teach Thursday nights, and I'm usually exhausted Friday mornings so getting up at 5:30 am was not sounding so pleasant. Now, though, I can't believe I ever thought I might not go. What a wonderful event for Fordham. The short (6-song) show, though outside, felt really intimate, and I have to say U2 sounded amazing even in a more stripped-down show than I've ever seen them in before. I'm used to their shows being a huge spectacle, but they can truly entertain without all the special effects and hype. Bono's voice was a little hoarse, but other than that, the band sounded as tight as ever. I love the voice of Edge's guitar. The new album is growing on me; I like the more "new" 2nd half of the album better than the first half that sounds more like what they've done before. I had "Magnificent" in my head all weekend.
The whole morning also ended up being a fantastic bonding adventure for some other junior Mgmt profs and me. Days after, I am still beaming with pride at all the great publicity the school got. That was the best Friday morning I've had in a long while.
GMA U2 interview at Fordham:
This rocks. The Roots are the best thing about Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Sing it, Tariq!
This song is beautiful. I am listening to a good interview with Antony Hegarty on WNYC's Spinning on Air show. While Antony's latest CD may feel a bit unapproachable at times, the man himself is surprisingly present and non-pretentious and human and accessible. This interview and the music from The Crying Light was a lovely addition to my Sunday evening.
I've been playing this album since it came out in September... and every time I do, RMW asks me, "What/who is this?". He's repeatedly shocked it's a new CD - not from back in the day. I've seen it on a few year-end lists in the press as the best 2008 CD you never heard. It really is a lovely little seamless throwback to Motown. Here's a quick little Billboard Q&A with the artist:
A somewhat intriguing article about music showed up in an odd place this past week: The Economist magazine. What do you think? Is music's evolutionary purpose all about sex, including signaling reproductive fitness? Maybe I'm biased, because the man I chose to spend my life with has many talents, of which none involve musical prowess. I think the social bonding and emotional mirroring/regulatory benefits of music (and dancing) are the more essential functionality.
for just about anyone... I *highly* recommend the new dual disc live recording of Buena Vista Social Club's legendary 1998 Carnegie Hall performance. Here's a preview:
It's a happy bop bop day! Have you heard of Passion Pit yet? I'm a bit late on the trigger lately as we all know, but I just learned of Passion Pit from The Fader, and I'm really digging them. This music - along with Los Campesinos! who I am going to see Feb. 14 at the Bowery Ballroom (yay!) - has my blood moving despite the frigidness going on out there.
p.s. you can download the song in the video here for free.
Yep, he sounds a lot like the other white rapper. And as a self-respecting female, I can't endorse many of the photos on his myspace page. Still, he's got something. Apparently Akon agrees.
p.s. Thanks to Herman for the inadvertent tip on Facebook!
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/episodes/2008/11/17/segments/115738
Why does John Schaefer keep calling it a mess? Blasphemy!
