Tag: music

Second Verse, Same As The First: More Of My Idol Thoughts

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Last night was American Idol Group 2 of the Top 36’s chance to wow us, show us what they were made of and essentially beg us to vote for them. So weird to know that only three of these people will be going forward. I mean, don’t get me wrong, most of them were terrible, so no real love lost. There was only one male performance that in my mind was worthy of a vote and I have to tell you, I didn’t even think I’d like him until he opened his mouth and belted out Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones, and I coughed, sputtered and called out to my husband in the other room, “Holy cow this guy can actually sing!” You know, Adam Lambert:

I was seriously blown away and I’m hoping the rest of America was, too and that we won’t have to endure any more Norman Gentle from here on out. Don’t get me wrong, he’s oddly entertaining, but American Idol, really? Don’t do it America. Choose Adam Lambert. Oh sure there were other male performances that didn’t suck, but if all I can say for you is that you didn’t suck, I don’t think that’s saying enough.

As for the ladies, I actually enjoyed a good handful of them. This was clearly ladies night. While there were some flops in the beginning, I was wowed by the performances of Allison Iraheta, Jesse Langseth and Megan Joy Corkrey with an honorable mention to Mishavonna Henson who I wanted to love but just didn’t quite love as much as the other three. As for the other three? Don’t make me choose. Pick two of them now and throw the other in at the Wild Card Episode. They were all really good and deserve to be in this competition a lot. And if you are gonna get all manic and hold a gun to my head and force me to pick one of them – I’d have to go with Jesse Langseth, but I still want the other two in also.

Who would be in your Top 3 this week?

Choose Your Own Idol Adventure: Who’s In Your Top Three?

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Seems like everyone is doing a write up of last night’s American Idol and you know I don’t like to be left out of things. I’m very much confused / annoyed with the voting process this year. It’s kind of weird to know that nine of the performers last night will not be coming back. For a lot of them, it’s kind of no love lost. Especially where the ladies are concerned. Early in this season I was really impressed with a lot of them, but most of last night’s girls really dropped the ball. If I had to choose a favorite I guess it would be:

Alexis Grace – to be perfectly honest I found her performance kind of, um, boring. But her talent speaks for itself and she’s so cute and likable. The only other strong female performance, and it weirds me out to say this, was:

Tatiana Del Toro. The laughing crying hysterical nut case that I was loathing all night and then she comes on, barely giggles at all and belts out a great performance. And it was weird. And I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt that maybe she’s normal and had no idea how weird she was acting and is trying to be normal now and not crazy. But I still couldn’t vote for her – that said, if she were to put out an album, I can’t imagine there’d much giggling on the CD… which might not suck. I just don’t know. And I think I prefer Alexis still, even if her performance did bore me a bit.

Then there were the guys. First there was that Brady Bunch guy, Rick Braddy, whom I’d never heard of before last night. I loved his performance, his voice, everything. I think he kept it tame because that’s what worked for the song, but what do I know? Having just met him last night, I don’t think there is much chance we’ll be seeing him again.

Brent Keith sang some good old country music about being a hick and I thought he did a fantastic job. I was surprised at the judges response and then a bit disheartened by the bitterness in his retort, despite agreeing with him. Now I do not consider myself a country music fan, but I did live in Kentucky for 10 years so I’ve heard a lot of it and I thought he was GOOD. I bet he lands a contract regardless of the outcome of this episode because he had talent.

Michael Sarver sang “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw. I’ve liked him, he’s likable, he’s the oil rig guy, which for some reason is fun to say, but his performance was pretty lackluster in a really weird way. I commented to the hubby last night that the problem was that he was too happy – dude was on cloud nine last night and could not get that smile off his face OR out of his voice. I know, what a weird complaint. But this song I think would sound better with a bit of serious determination – it’s a harder song than what he made it and it just didn’t have the right energy. That said, he is talented and I won’t kick and scream much if he makes it through.

Then there’s Danny Gokey, America’s Favorite it would seem (I’ve noticed that only a small handful of people have professional pictures up that can be found via Google Image Search – I wonder if that has any bearing on tonight’s results – so far Danny, Tatiana and Alexis are the only ones I’ve found) there is no denying his talent. There’s no denying the tragedy and sadness of his recent past. I can’t imagine his pain or how he manages to keep going and go this far in the competition. He’s incredible. I get it. Pleasedon’thatemehe’snotmyfavorite. He’s not. Because man…

Anoop Dog is in the house. Or should be. Personally I loved his rendition of Monica’s “Angel Of Mine.” I think maybe the judges were expecting another high energy performance, but I thought his performance was really well done and man there is just something about him that I love. I can see him going far. I vote Anoop Desai.

Who were your favorites from last night’s idol? If you could pick the top three, who would be coming back for your Top 12?

Playing Favorites: Top 10 Moments in Mommablogsalot History

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Auds @ Barking Mad is giving away a $250 Target Gift Card and all you have to do to be eligible to win is post 5-10 of your favorite posts from your blog. How could I not? Especially since I seem to love my blog like crazy. I found about 20-25 posts that I LOVE (am I a narcissist or what?). But I managed to narrow it down to 10 after long moments of soul searching and these are the results of that search, my 10 favorite posts, ranging from serious to seriously silly, in my opinion, they are the cream of my crop. Or something.

Favorite Book Reviews:

Favorite John Mayer-Related Ramblings:

Favorite Attempts at Proving that I think about important things, too: One Religious / One Political:

Favorite Parenting Post:

Favorite Walking Down Memory Lane Post:

Favorite Sad, Mourning Post That Turned into a Grey’s Anatomy Advertisement:

Now I am sure you have written WAY better posts than that! So if you like Target and you’re not a total tool, you’d better follow suit, and write up an entry of your own to enter in Auds’ Favorite Posts Contest

Your Music Collection Says A LOT About You

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Snagged this meme from Jean @ Working Momma 247. It’s one of those ipod shuffle memes where you shuffle for a song title to be the answer for each question. Except this one is all parenting related, which makes it cute, fun and different. And relevant. And nothing like a typical meme that I post all the time. Seriously. If you don’t believe me, try filling it out yourself! That’ll show you!

HOW DID YOU BECOME A MOM?
Come What May from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, which is interesting because I had no idea this  song had anything to do with me becoming a mom. But there you have it.

WHAT DID YOU THINK THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW YOUR BABY?
If Things Were Perfect by Moby – doesn’t everyone hear Techno music when they first see their baby?

WHAT DID YOU DO THE FIRST MORNING AFTER A SLEEPLESS NIGHT?
Ocean by 3LW – sorry, no witty comment for that one

WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN SOMEONE COLORS ON THE WALL?
Manhole by Ani Difranco (hey at least I said man… and not something else…)

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH A TODDLER’S BODILY FLUID ISSUES?
When You’re Lonely by Jordan Knight – I don’t really see how that’s relevant, but Jordan Knight could probably help me deal with just about anything…

IF SOMEONE SAYS “Can I have a snack?” YOU SAY?
The Happiest Days Of Our Lives by Pink Floyd – I guess I really like snack time…

IF SOMEONE LEAVES THEIR STUFF ON THE FLOOR, YOU SAY?
Free Fallin’ by John Mayer – I have to admit, I prefer singing this song to dealing with just about anything…

IF SOMEONE ISN’T SICK TODAY, YOU SAY?
Glory by Sugar Ray – now that one seems appropriate!

HOW DO YOUR KIDS ENJOY YOUR COOKING?
It’s Coming Down by Cake – like maybe… down on the floor, where he throws much of his food? Also, cake.

HOW DID YOUR KIDS DO IN SCHOOL TODAY?
Gunning Down Romance by Savage Garden – okay totally irrelevant to the question, but then n/a would have been the real answer, so we’ll let this one slide…

HOMESCHOOLERS, WHAT IS THE FIRST SUBJECT TAUGHT OF THE DAY?
All I Have To Give by the Backstreet Boys – my children will be well versed in Boybandology and Doormatestry

WHAT DO YOUR KIDS WANT TO BE WHEN THEY GROW UP?
Track 7 of Devil Wears Prada audio book – this one maybe made me laugh the hardest – who doesn’t want to be Track 7?

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY AS A MOM?
Breakaway by John Mayer – I guess I feel that way sometimes…

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE AS A MOM?
Hey Lover by LL Cool J – I guess that is an integral part of it…

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO AS A MOM?
Roll With It by Oasis – so totally fitting! Hurray!

HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WERE REALLY A MOM?
From The Heart by Another Level – and oh, tis true, tis true…

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MOST OFTEN AS A MOM?
Bigger Than My Body by John Mayer – lmfao….

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY AS A MOM?
What A Wild Tune by BNL

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET AS A MOM?
We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister – I guess I don’t do regrets?

WHAT IS THE BEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE AS A MOM?
Comfortable by John Mayer – so far I think the only thing you’ve learned is that I have a LOT of John Mayer on my computer…

WHAT DO YOUR KIDS DO THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Move by Moby – I guess that’s true

WHAT DO YOUR KIDS DO THAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Have Yourself a Merry Little XMas by Coldplay – now see that’s just not true

WHAT DO YOUR KIDS DO THAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Date Rape by Sublime – I’m dying right now – I could barely type that – no, he’s never done that. Don’t worry.

HOW DO YOUR KIDS DESCRIBE YOU AS THEIR MOM?
My Stupid Mouth by John Mayer – I need to have a word with him I think… that’s just not a very nice thing to say about your mother

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Same In The End by Sublime – I get this actually, I wouldn’t change a thing.

WHAT WILL YOUR MOM OF THE YEAR CERTIFICATE SAY?
Erie Canal by Veggie Tales – It’s a funny song, but it doesn’t seem terribly relevant… Oh well. This was still fun.

Let me know if you play, too!

Only John Mayer's Songs Can Ever Take Away This Chill

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Sometimes I feel sad in the winter even when I’m happy. Nothing bad is happening – it’s like a phantom ache, the memories of winter past are enough. I can still feel that familiar pang of unwanted change – love ending, autumn ending, the first snow meaning little more than a bone numbing chill, waiting for the dorms to turn the heat ON.

When I was in college the seasons meant predictable things to me. The fall meant a brief feeling that anything could happen, but usually resulted in the knowledge that once again everything had changed without my permission. My classes were different, my schedule had to be relearned, the summer sun was cooling, and usually my relationships were, too.

By winter it was official – everything was different and in a few weeks I’d be going home where I’d sit and do nothing while I waited for the holidays to be over so my life could begin again. Spring was better – I had had my short break and I was ready to take life seriously. I’d usually pick up a new boyfriend – things would get serious. By summer we’d have been dating for months and I’d think nothing could break us. It would. Break us. But in the summer it doesn’t hurt as much. You are too busy having fun or picking up extra shifts at your summer job to worry about it – you can always have a summer fling to take your mind off things. It’s not until you get back that fall that you realize what you’ve lost. And that things went and changed again.

I’m married now and with no college courses to contend with each month feels largely like the month before with the exception of changes in weather. Getting pregnant is likely the first thing to come along in the “what’s new?” category in months (that and the fact that my son likes to sleep naked but ISN’T potty trained – that’s fun – gotta love independence).

But my point is – I’m happily married, have incredible friends, an amazing son and I’m pregnant with amazing child number 2. I’m rocking this life. But the seasons still come and my mood still drops sometimes and things feel a little empty. And when they do, John is the only thing for it. Sometimes I can ONLY deal with John – any other music is just noise. Because only John always gets it – and he always did… Even back in college, it was John I turned to with the turning of my moods…

I am driving up 85 in the
kind of morning that lasts all afternoon
just stuck inside the gloom
Four more exits to my apartment but
I am tempted to keep the car in drive
and leave it all behind

…

I rent a room and I fill the spaces with
wood in places to make it feel like home
but all I feel is alone
It might be a quarter life crisis
or just the stirring in my soul

from Why Georgia

I’m dizzy from the shopping mall
I searched for joy but I bought it all
It doesn’t help the hunger pains
And a thirst I’d have to drown first to ever satiate

Something’s missing
And I don’t know how to fix it
Something’s missing
And I don’t know what it is
No I don’t know what it is
At all

When Autumn comes, it doesn’t ask
It just walks in where it left you last
You never know when it starts
Until there’s fog inside the glass around your summer heart

from Something’s Missing

Aloha Friday: Christmas Music

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It’s time for another Aloha Friday, the day that you take it easy and look forward to the weekend, in Hawaii and blogland anyway. As you should know by now, over at An Island Life, Kailani decided that on Fridays she would take it easy on posting and ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life’s blog. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

Last Christmas I came up with the brilliant idea to make my own Christmas-themed mix CD – my husband and I both agreed that we like a lot of Christmas music but that we’re kind of picky about what music and by who. So I made a mixed CD from various albums we owned and a few his parents owned, and downloaded one or two songs and after one or two trials it was a big success and we enjoyed listening to the CD the whole season. Some of our favorite songs on the CD are:

  • Anything off Barenaked for the Holidays by BNL – such a brilliantly funny CD, I love The Elf’s Lament
  • We love Baby It’s Cold Outside – our favorite version is the one that Will Ferrell and Zoey Deschenal sing in the movie Elf, but their version is not on the movie soundtrack, so we’ve settled for the version by Dean Martin.
  • My husband loves the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  • The Little Drummer Boy by Ray Charles
  • Mary, Did You Know? by Clay Aiken (brings me to tears)

I’m planning to do the same thing this year but I would love to add a couple new songs to the CD, so my question this week is:

What is your favorite Christmas song? If it’s been sung by multiple people, which version do you like best?