worlds are colliding!

A bit of a lazy post today, even more so because I also posted it to my FB page, but it's too good not to immortalize on my blog.  I'm not sure why this song doesn't get more play time over here, as it's a great one-even happens to be my ring tone.  I love how CM seems to be enjoying himself so much-is this something he would have done pre-conscious uncoupling? It's also funny to see his enthusiasm next to Caleb, who is not exactly the most dynamic front man around.  Love it all.

They're back.

I neglected to post much about Mechanical Bull, the KOL's first album post Caleb's notorious public breakdown on stage.  This is not because I wasn't all over the news, or due to a lack of enthusiasm.  Rather, I blame the constant cycle of Frances audiobooks playing in my car.  My little guy will tolerate almost nothing on my musical end but Jack Johnson.  Not bad taste, at least.  There is hope for him still.    Anyway, it took a while for me to get through the album, but I am finally here to say it's solid.  I wouldn't say it's my favorite of all KOL time, but it's definitely good, and I can recognize their older stuff in the sound, which is nice.  It makes me think they were taking things really seriously when they went about recording it.

The song above, performed in a very tame fashion for a lackluster Letterman crowd is one of my favorites from the album.  I decided to include it in lieu of "Supersoaker," the first single, just because I like it so much.  Do not judge by the crowd or mood of the video, by the way.  I know this is going to be awesome in concert, when the Kings officially kick off a tour.  For now, I've relentlessly started to stalk their blog for tour news, which I expect after they finish the festival circuit.  This weekend they're headlining Austin City Limits, a fact I was reminded of only after my BFF Rose sent me an excited text to say she had them in her very sights, at an extremely hip Austin restaurant.  I was overwhelmed with jealousy, of course, but mostly happy to hear her positive report.  No behaviors to feel bad about.

Finally, I'm including a link to this most awesome musical q & a with Caleb Followill (obviously my favorite).  I was ridiculously charmed by it. Mentions of "The Grundy County Auction" right in there with Keith Sweat and The Bodyguard soundtrack? As if I didn't love the band enough already...

mechanical bull

I'll let Jimmy announce the news.

Love him.  And extremely excited for new music, especially after the drama following the last tour.  Rolling Stone has a great write-up for the Kings' performance at the Governors Ball in NYC over the weekend.  Though critical of the technical issues, the article is overall positive, and I have to admit that I love the line  "Kings of Leon are not a band who openly delight in their jobs..."  Having seen them in concert myself, I know this to be true.  They just get up there and sing.

Mechanical Bull is an interesting title-I'm thinking southern flair?  Back to country rock roots, like Youth and Young Manhood? 

"I don't care what nobody says, we're gonna have a baby..."

My last, completely legitimate and totally exciting reason for a lack of writing in these past few months. In just 10 weeks, we're going to be meeting our baby BOY, an event that we have been longing for for years (and for me, longer than I can remember). We are so grateful and thankful to God for granting us this blessing, and our prayers daily include the safety and well-being of our son.

P.S. I am proudly wearing one of my Kings of Leon shirts. Somehow I feel they would be proud.

P.P.S. In case anyone is wondering, the blog post title is a song lyric. Conveniently, courtesy of KOL. Just wanted to clear that up.

finally spring playlist

Hark! It is the second month of spring, and I am finally emerging from my veritable cocoon of busy-ness to write about my musical frivolities once more. Because of my various distractions, I really didn't invest a lot of energy into what I was listening to in the past few months. I'm not one that is capable of writing papers while listening to music, unfortunately. Now that I'm getting back to a more normal routine however, I am all over finding new musical sources of inspiration and calm. There are some "repeat offenders" on my list, but that probably won't surprise you.

england-the national. Yes, I'm still completely addicted to these guys. It doesn't hurt that this song is conveniently titled "England" and contains lyrics like "You must be somewhere in London, you must be loving your life in the rain...." Be still my heart!

down by the water-the decemberists. I haven't listened to much more of their latest album, but I became completely enamored of this song after hearing about from Rose. No big surprise there. "Down by the Water" is a bit more folksy-sounding than "The Crane Wife 3" and "O Valencia!" but change can be good!

sort of revolution-fink. Herein lies another case of me being caught up and emotionally manipulated by the music used in television. My beloved Friday Night Lights is the show in question, and I'm confident the song accompanied a scene both gut-wrenching and powerful. Would I have loved the song so much had I innocently come across it whilst perusing the Itunes store? Probably, but a father-son moment between Coach Taylor and Vince or the sight of a guilty Billy Riggins most likely sealed the deal.

the cave-mumford & sons. I am very, very late to the Mumford & Sons party. Thank goodness for my sister's newfound adoration and persistent dropped hints. I am dangerously close to obsession with the latest album, "Sigh No More"-despite the fact that it may be the first I've bought which contains a parental advisory (for one errant word!)! I am also further convinced that pretty much everything musically great must originate in England.

pickup truck-kings of leon. I love the sound of this song. It's drifty and slow in the beginning, with a refreshingly strong and surprising chorus. I tend to not focus a whole lot on the lyrics when it comes to the Kings, and I advise you to do the same. Just get caught up in Caleb's soulful whine and enjoy the fine, fine music.

rolling in the deep-adele. Adele is hugely popular, so this particular selection isn't especially original, but I'm allowed! She is the pure, clean, and untroubled version of Amy Winehouse, and only 21! Unbelievable.

maps-yeah yeah yeahs. A bit of an older tune, but great to revisit. I thought it added a nice sound to my spring list, which is relatively somber.

vagabond-wolfmother. Two summers ago, I listened to the soundtrack to 500 Days of Summer like it was the last CD on earth. I put it on repeat while I was working in the classroom, and shuffle while I puttered around in the garden. This particular song was the one I loved to hear with the windows rolled down on a golden California day. It's taken quite a while for us to finally get to that weather this year, but I was ready when the sun finally arrived, with this song.

bigger than us-white lies. My very first posted playlist contained a song by the White Lies which I still LOVE, so you can imagine my happiness when I discovered the release of their newest album. They're British. Of course.

i want a house-twin sister. I overheard this song on an episode of Grey's Anatomy, and I'll be the first to admit it's a bit strange. After a few listens, though, the quirkiness is irresistible. Like "vagabond," it's a great song for an afternoon drive with the windows rolled down. A slow drive, that is.

laughing with-regina spektor. This song is certainly not light-hearted, but I appreciate the lyrics. No one is quite as good with the piano and high notes as Regina Spektor.

comfortably numb-roger waters featuring van morrison & the band. I've taken to watching The Departed a lot lately. There is nothing more to say.

the immortals-kings of leon. This particular tune was selected for use in promotions for March Madness, so I suppose my newfound appreciation for it also falls under the television manipulation category. It helped that my Duke Blue Devils were prominently featured in the music video.

winter winds-mumford & sons. Though I pretty much can't get the ENTIRE ALBUM out of my mind, I figured it was best that I start with just two or three on my spring playlist. This one is especially pleasing.

helplessness blues-fleet foxes. My darling sister has become completely immersed in the folksy/indie/alternative genre, and she can't stop talking about Fleet Foxes. They're like her Coldplay. She particularly loves this song, and when I saw it available as a free download, I decided to check it out. So good.

blue mind-alexi murdoch. This is by no means a new tune in my library. In fact, I have an extremely powerful memory of listening to it on my Discman (!) the summer I moved to New York. I lived with my aunt in Fairfield, CT, for a few months, and I had to take a commuter train every day to the city which left at the ungodly hour of 5:50 am. I can remember hearing this song as the sun started to break, hurting my tired eyes a little. Even though I was exhausted, it helped relax me and give me a sense of calm and purpose for the long day to follow. Still works today.

come thou fount of every blessing-sufjan stevens (friday night lights soundtrack, volume ii). This is my favorite old hymn, and I love this barebones, banjo-accompanied version.

devil town-tony lucca (friday night lights soundtrack, volume i). Friday Night Lights ended its five-season run just over a month ago, and I felt I must honor its passing with the iconic "devil town." The song played in a pivotal, mood-encapsulating scene in the first season's penultimate episode, and the producers/music supervisors/powers that be decided to recreate the feeling by replaying it in the same episode of the fifth season. I don't exactly know how to explain it, but the song perfectly conveys the sentiment of the show, the whole small town, football is everything feel that is what makes it so near and dear to my heart.

There you have it! It is GOOD to be back!

excuses, excuses

To my dismay, I have heralded this most favorite of seasons, the time I look forward to every year, with a pathetic lack of posting. As I've shared many times, blogging regularly gives me a feeling that's simultaneously comforting and satisfying. As though all is right with the world. Whether I'm writing about a good plate of food or the sappy moment that made me cry on television the night before or my altogether inappropriate obsession with the Twilight saga, it's just a joy, a real pleasure to send my words out there.

You must have known that a big HOWEVER was coming. Meet my nemesis:

That's right, I'm taking an online course, via the University of Phoenix, to satisfy the ridiculous requirements for my California teaching credential. Let me tell you, it is no walk in the park, but rather an absolutely obnoxious amount of work, and has been draining me of time and energy. While I would truly love to spend my time reveling in the perfectly adorable little round pumpkins at every store, planning my Halloween party, and joyfully wrapping myself in warm blankets at night for the now cool evenings, I instead must spend my hours responding to various other teachers in my position (at least 2 times a day for at least 4 days out of the week), completing individual assignments, and attempting to collaborate with a group that I can neither see nor call. Lovely.

A few things have managed to brighten my days, however, reminding me of the exciting things I can do when I emerge out of this dark raincloud of schooling. Molly of Orangette recommended a red lentil soup from In the Kitchen with a Good Appetite, and I was pretty convinced I should add it to my voluminous cookbook collection. I could not have made a better decision. One of the chapter titles is "Things with Cheese." Be still my stomach.

My Kings have kindly amassed a collection of daily videos in preparation for their album release on October 19th. This particular one is a favorite. I love Caleb describing his angst about Nathan's nuptials, and how the spelling is "Mary" but really it's "marry." Can't wait to hear the song, boys.

Fall television, or new television, rather, is back. My top 3 (at least until Friday Night Lights returns) have yet to disappoint. The Office has been equal parts hilarious, clever, and touching. Bones has managed to maintain a subtle, but painful tension in Booth and Brennan's relationship, but keeps it interesting with gross-out cases, witty repartee, and plenty of socially inept behavior. Fringe is keeping me on the edge of my seat! When will Peter realize that he's romancing faux-livia? Does our Olivia KNOW she's our Olivia? What's happening in the other world?! Yes, I know my questions won't make sense to anyone who doesn't watch the delightfully fascinating Fringe. Listen to my ringing endorsement!

There WILL be more to come, during my favorite time of year, on the dear old blog. I won't let the U of P keep me down!

Oh happy day!

FINALLY a bit of news about the new album, set to drop on October 19. I have been WAITING, thankyouverymuch. I'm thinking it looks/sounds, oh, I don't know, AWESOME!!! (Yes, I do enjoy writing in all caps when it pleases me)

And by the way, Caleb holding a baby??? It's too much.

A little taste...

You'll have to excuse the shakiness of my recording. It's a miracle I was able to keep it straight at all, being that Taper Jean Girl is my fave song!

supersize summer playlist

I simply could not contain myself when it came to creating my summer playlist. There was a plethora of great music on the radio (hence the inclusion of two extremely top 40 types on my playlist), Pretty Cheap Dress was on a veritable Shazam-ing tear, tweeting new and irresistible pearls of goodness every five minutes, and on top of it all, the Eclipse soundtrack came out. I have no self-restraint.

Dog Days Are Over-Florence + the Machine. For the record, I have loved and listened to this song LONG before TPTB felt free to feature it in the trailer for Eat, Pray, Love. I cannot tell you how much I adore the whole album. I've always been drawn to songs with subtle, quiet beginnings that build up to something much greater in the chorus. Practically every song on the album is that kind of awesome.

All Yours-Metric. This particular gem, an anthemic, uplifting pop-y love song, was heavily employed throughout my most beloved Twilight Saga: Eclipse. I don't think the actual song was featured even once, but it provided the backbone for the score, and was incorporated in various romantic scenes throughout the film. Yes, I've already seen and scrutinized twice. I fully expect to be judged.

The World is Full of Strangers-Camera Obscura. I like to think of my supersize summer playlist as a bit vintage. The moment you hear Camera Obscura I think you'll know what I mean. There is something delectably old-fashioned about it, like the bewitching voice of lead singer Tracyanne Campbell might have fit in better in the 60's. They're from Scotland, by the way. My Anglophilia continues.
Crimson and Clover-Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. For some inexplicable reason, this song just seems perfect for driving on a hot summer day with the windows open.

Safety Dance-Glee Cast. Unquestionably my favorite Glee number. I find myself dancing in the car whenever it comes on.

Blood-The Middle East. In the midst of her summer musical discoveries, I had to tell Pretty Cheap Dress (otherwise known as my bff Rose, my kindred spirit, my Diana) that I simply could NOT keep downloading all of her recommendations. It would break the bank! After that, we worked out a system in which I knew that songs she tweeted about were the truly special, and Facebook-linked songs might be respectfully and regretfully set aside. I still wish I could just get them all. No one knows music better than my friend. This quiet, unusual song is a perfect example. It took me a while to warm up to it, but even months later, the last few chords often linger in my mind. Bonus: beautiful album cover.

Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore)-B.o.B. Every once in a while, one of "those" songs comes on the radio, that you cannot stop humming and grooving to, that you literally WAIT to hear. Here is mine for the summer. I love Hayley Williams, by the way. And could really use a wish right now :)

Woo Hoo-Kings of Leon. I am literally HOURS away from seeing my Kings live for the first time (I'm sure an entire post will ensue). For now, my summer selection to tide me over until that eagerly anticipated day will be this b-track, which seems especially appropriate for the season.

Excuses-The Morning Benders. Another vintage track, and the second recommendation from Pretty Cheap Dress. I swear, this song belongs in 1955. The lyrics are another story, however.

Floating Vibes-Surfer Blood. I cannot get over the cover art (and title!) for this album. It is the epitome of my greatest fear whilst splashing about in the wild waters of the Pacific. I shall choose to ignore both, however, in my quest for enjoyable tunes. I love Floating Vibes, and it seems apropos for a California summer.

Buttons-The Weeks. This song isn't new (a frequent occurrence on my lists) but I find it highly addictive. I discovered it one afternoon on my Kings of Leon Pandora station whilst attacking the unappealing job of vacuuming the whole house. One might be able to understand why I feel affection for it.

End Love-Ok Go. I was sucked in by another viral video from these guys.

What Part of Forever-Cee Lo Green. I'm going to confess right now that there are 4, that's right, FOUR songs from the Eclipse soundtrack on my summer list. And it was difficult to narrow it down to those four, if you want to know the truth. All of the soundtracks to the accompanying movies have been strong, and this is no exception. It's excellent, a great, diverse mix of alternative and independent artists. Cee Lo is half of Gnarls Barkley, incidentally. Love it.

Love the Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)-Eminem. I'm inexplicably drawn to the violent and undeniably screwed-up rapper, especially when he joins forces with artists like Dido or Rihanna. There is something very appealing about the way his voice sounds when blended with something so delicate and feminine. I'm perfectly aware that this song is currently at #3 on the Itunes Top 100 list. I give in to the masses occasionally!

Hurricane Drunk-Florence + the Machine. Eventually, the whole album will feature on one playlist or another. I'm just going song by song.

The Ghost Inside-Broken Bells. Right now, Broken Bells are an indie darling, beloved by alternative types everywhere. They're so popular that the voluptuous Christina Hendricks, of Mad Men fame, has decided to star in this very video. All I can say is that there is a reason for the hype.

Big Jet Plane-Angus & Julia Stone. Thank you, Grey's Anatomy, for coming through yet again with this solid find. I love the brother/sister duo.

Let's Get Lost-Beck & Bat for Lashes. The third of my 4 Eclipse finds, I might love this one the most. Never mind that I was disappointed that it didn't feature in some grand love scene in the movie. Beck makes up for it.

Kandi-One eskimO. Is it possible for me to keep from downloading the song that played whilst my beloved Seely Booth bid goodbye to Temperance Brennan on the season six finale of Bones? Clearly, I have no willpower.

Careless Love-Camera Obscura. The lilting, dreamy chords of this song have lingered with me on many a warm June evening.

She's Got You High-Mumm-Ra. This song hearkens back to last summer, when I played the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack relentlessly. It's a pearl among many (on that album), and it makes me feel both nostalgic and excited when I play it now.

In My Veins-Andrew Belle. I get choked up when I hear this beautiful and heartbreaking song, though I fully admit it's a bit Matt Kearny-reminiscent, and Andrew Belle might not have the most glittering career ahead of him beyond a prominent spot in the Grey's Anatomy finale.

Heaven (feat. Natalie Merchant)-Brett Dennen. If you must know, I found this one on Grey's Anatomy as well, and it belongs to Owen and Teddy. I'm ashamed to even be typing those characters' names. But not ashamed to admit I love the song.

Streets of Gold-Needtobreathe. I'm definitely very, very LATE to the Needtobreathe party. My sister has been admonishing me, for months, to give them a good listen. I am so very glad that I did. The three songs I've chosen for my summer list are among the most popular, which is fitting for a new fan, I think. This song is far and above my favorite, filling me with exuberant hopefulness.

Missed the Boat-Modest Mouse. One of my Pandora discoveries, on yet another cleaning day, which I find to be intolerable without a good soundtrack.

The Chain-Ingrid Michaelson. A gift from my sister, and probably not unlike what you might come to expect from Ingrid Michaelson.

Ours-The Bravery. The last of my Eclipse songs. I'm always one for listening closely to lyrics, and I feel that these are perfectly suited for the Eclipse storyline. It's possibly that I have just revealed myself to be the lamest, most ridiculously sappy and sentimental person on earth. Please don't judge "Ours" because of me. It's a great song.

Something Beautiful-Needtobreathe. This song is something beautiful. No really, we used it as the soundtrack for our recent home movie detailing my sister's visit, attaching it to a clip of the stunning backdrop of the rugged Northern California coast. It fit perfectly.

Shape Shifter-Local Natives. A relaxing tune, perfect for a nap at the beach. Courtesy of PCD.

The Devil's Tears-Angus & Julia Stone. This song is so sweet my heart could break. It's as though the protagonist has already lost his beloved, but still would die to keep her. Agh! It's too much!

Washed by the Water-Needtobreathe. A great, GREAT song, and profoundly comforting. I'm pretty sure this album, their second, is my favorite. So far, anyway.

Seen Enough-Dryer. Yet another song stolen from television, in this case, Bones. I loved it so much that I had to search relentlessly to find it. As my search was fruitless, I have to content myself with listening to it on YouTube.

The High Road-Broken Bells. I wasn't sold on this song, or the Broken Bells for that matter, until a good two and a half minutes in. At that point, the quirky song shifts into a sweet, piano-highlighted refrain, totally different from the rest of the tune. I was sold.

I'm thinking an "Indian Summer" playlist is in my future...

winter playlist

It's time for something new.

cosmic love-florence + the machine. I cannot stop listening to this song. Yes, it's a bit quirky and alternative, what with the strumming harp and the slightly discernible sound of fireworks popping at the end, but the anthemic, passionate crescendo it builds up to is irresistible. Not surprisingly, Florence is a British import. I'm drawn like a moth to a flame to all things British. I'm an Anglophile.

i'd rather go blind-beyonce. Something deep down in my soul said, "cry girl..." SO soulful, so good. I actually haven't watched the Etta James biopic, or really listened to the original version of the song. I'm simply stuck basking in Beyonce's version.

roslyn-bon iver (feat. st. vincent). I admit, I'm including the song that accompanies the most PAINFUL moment in New Moon, the Edward and Bella break up, which inevitably always leaves me with a nauseous pit in my stomach. The song is delicate and beautiful, however, trademark Bon Iver.

why do you let me stay here?-she and him. In case you didn't know, I feel an intense adoration for Zooey Deschanel. I find her absolutely delightful. Both musically and theatrically.

molly's chambers-kings of leon. I debated quite some time about the KOL songs that I wanted to include on my winter list. I'm obviously incapable of making a playlist without them these days. It was only after watching my concert DVD for the fifth or sixth time that I was able to settle on "molly's chambers", the perfect vehicle for Caleb Followill's raspy, yet lush vocal stylings.

eet-regina spektor. Regina Spektor is the very epitome of quirky. I caught her set at Austin City Limits a few years ago and found myself completely captivated, though I worried that her wide grin and slightly goofy laughter might be drug-induced. (Yes, I know, a bit judgmental of me)

kids-MGMT. Already popular, and already used in various bits of foreign advertising. Still delicious.

destiny-mary j. blige. I think we've already established that I'm a sucker for a well-selected soundtrack or accompaniment to a movie trailer or television scene. This tune isn't new, but provides the background to the original Precious trailer, and every time I hear it, I feel uplifted and hopeful. Bonus points to the song for belonging to the same album as "Family Affair", one of my FAVORITE songs of all time.

seven nation army-white stripes. Pretty Cheap Dress will be proud when she sees this. I was inspired after reading her "Best Music of the Decade" post.

dominoes-the big pink. My beloved sister-in-law turned us on to The Big Pink, and my SH played it constantly for the first few days after our revelation. She obviously has good taste-they'll be featured in this year's Coachella lineup. By the way, they're British. Of course.

duet-rachael yamagata. A sweet, simple love song. Makes my heart break a little.

cure for this-golden smog. I was perusing ITunes one day when I stumbled upon this little gem...OK I ADMIT IT! It's what plays in the opening credits of Sunshine Cleaning! Clearly, I am easily manipulated by music and the movies!

D.O.A. (death of auto-tune)-jay-z. I had been listening to "Empire State of Mind" for quite some time, fully intending to add it to my winter playlist, when our best friend Jakob (otherwise known as our future Joey, with an apartment built over our garage), pointed me in this direction instead.

crawl-kings of leon. I realized that I have never mentioned a track from the album that has made the Kings famous, so I thought I'd add this totally rockin' one, which is one of my faves. I can't help but wish that they were still a carefully guarded secret, not the kind of HUGELY successful juggernaut that means tickets are sold out practically, and unreasonably, before concerts are announced. (I'm talking about you, Live Nation, my NEMESIS!)

no one's gonna love you-band of horses. This song may single-handedly bring me to a devotion of Band of Horses.

you only live once-the strokes. Yet another song that's not new, AT ALL, but is simply new to me. We (the song and me) were introduced via a mix lovingly gifted to me by our beloved, dear family friend Naomi.

teardrop-jose gonzalez. Haunting, melodic, and addictive. It should come with this: WARNING: Listener may find herself lost in a reverie of musings about life. May not be safe for driving.

things I don't understand-coldplay. Here's a thing I don't understand: How, as an utterly faithful, dare I say DIEHARD fan, did I not know about this B-side until approximately one month ago, YEARS after the release of Speed of Sound? It's shameful. SHAMEFUL!

follow through-hotel lights. I like this one a whole lot-it feels like a good "starting anew" song. Perfect for right now.

all these things that I've done-the killers. Don't worry. This isn't another example of being "late to the party," despite the relative age of the song. I just happened to hear it whilst listening to Pandora recently, and my appreciation was reignited. The first time my best friend (who you all now know as Pretty Cheap Dress) told me about The Killers it was in reference to this song. She, as is her charming trademark, told me about loudly singing the lines "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier" so I was quick to recognize this song when I heard it. At the time, I was lounging in the backseat of my brother-in-law's car, either going to or coming from the "shore", as the beach was affectionately known in Jersey (now, due to the insane popularity of the reality show, EVERYONE knows the Jersey Shore). Such a nice, fond memory.

BONUS TRACKS:

halo/walking on sunshine and it's my life/confessions-glee cast.
I finally gave into the Glee craze one very late night as I was burning the proverbial midnight oil, toiling away at a research paper about Daniel Defoe. I was initially distracted by a single youtube video, which then turned into a night of watching Hulu clips and then a marathon of episodes. These two songs, from the Mashup episode, are my favorites from the series so far.

Neglect

Despite having very justifiable reasons for my lack of posting over the past few months, I cannot help but feel saddened and even a bit guilty for letting my blog sit untouched, like a much-loved book gathering dust on the shelf. It is such a comfort to me, no matter how much I document the trivial and meaningless, or how few readers I may actually have. I look forward to when I am more readily able to carve time out of the day for writing about some of the wonderful books I've read, and I continue to stockpile images from dishes I have deemed successful and blog-worthy. It's been a difficult autumn, undoubtedly the hardest time I have ever faced, and I vacillate from feeling overwhelmed and burdened to having a resolute sense of staunch faith. There are some big changes coming up, and I may have to commit to making some decisions I never would have dreamed of, but are now altogether necessary. As I navigate these unfamiliar waters, I plan to drift back to my blog more and more, writing not just about my favorite tv couples or my Twilight fixation, but also more about music, more about books, and DEFINITELY more about food. I may stick with the light things for a while, but I'll be back in full swing soon. Until then, I must note some of the more egregious events, thoughts, and general tidbits that I have neglected to comment upon.

Chris Martin performed solo for charity in Mountain View, mere miles from me, and I DID NOT ATTEND! Among the glorious acts I missed was an acoustic cover of "Earth Angel." My mind cannot even begin to fathom the deliciousness of Chris Martin singing the words "Will you be mine..."

I finally got around to seeing X Men: Origins, Wolverine, which I watched for the sole purpose of supporting Taylor Kitsch, better known to me as Tim Riggins, #33, football hero and consummate townie, principal character of my beloved Friday Night Lights. If you have not yet been exposed to the wonder that is this show, I suggest you start immediately. It. Is. The. Best. Poignant and powerful, with the most complex and well-developed characters on television, hands down. It is a crime, a CRIME, that it has been snubbed time after time during awards season. Besides being interesting, occasionally funny, and an impressive depiction of a very real tradition in some pockets of America, it is incredibly emotional. I have been known to say that at times when I'm watching, I feel as though my heart as literally been pulled from my chest and wrung viciously. It can be gut-wrenching. Like the moment when Luke Cafferty, new running back for the East Dillon Lions...oh, shoot. I'm getting all choked up! Ay!

I was nothing short of thrilled when Wolf Hall finally became available on my Kindle. I'm kind of obsessed with the story of Henry VIII, which somehow never gets boring-one can always count on a new, fresh take on the "mercurial monarch", whether it's Jonathan Rhys-Myers tempestuous, petulant king on The Tudors or exhaustive biographies of Anne Boleyn. This fictional tale focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell, a formidable figure who rapidly rose to power as Henry's right-hand man, but, like so many others before him, did not manage to avoid the blade. I'm only four chapters in, and it's already riveting. If only I didn't have to keep pounding the books about the plague...

Imagine my sadness at discovering, on MULTIPLE occasions, that previous commitments would keep me from ever seeing my Kings in concert (at least on this tour). Enter my newly acquired concert DVD, the second best thing. I am not ashamed to admit that I sat approximately one foot away from the tv, completely transfixed by Caleb's vocal stylings. Yes, I merely admire his musical ability. That is all.

Yup, the mania has already begun. 6/30/10. In my defense, Eclipse is my favorite of the series. It's only natural that I should MOST eagerly anticipate the film. I think the poster is a nice homage to the "fire and ice" quote in the opening pages of the book.

Well, I suppose this is enough for now...I'm off to indulge our newfound fascination with Modern Family. Hilarious.

autumn playlist

I've moved on. I've put aside my beloved summer playlist in a quest for greater musical horizons. I've decided that "taper jean girl" is so last summer and clearly indicative of my curious love for the movie Disturbia and its dashing young star, Shia LaBeouf (the song was prominently featured in the flim). I've opted to seek out newer, cooler, acts, the more hip and up-and-coming types that frequent Austin City Limits and Bonnaroo. I've turned to my musical guru, Pretty Cheap Dress, for assistance. I've...

Who am I kidding?! As IF I could turn away from my twin musical loves, Coldplay and Kings of Leon. That delectable summer playlist has continued to spin on my simple school stereo and comfortably blare from my Ipod each day on my drive to school. It just so happens that a few new favorites have emerged, warranting the creation of an autumn playlist.

I'll confess immediately that the New Moon soundtrack features heavily on my autumn playlist. Setting all Twi-obsession aside, it's AWESOME, and I highly recommend that you download it immediately.

meet me on the equinox-death cab for cutie. This song was the first release from the soundtrack, a hint at great things to come. It's not typical Death Cab fare, in my humble opinion, but still a very cool song. It's possible that I may be biased because of the gratuitous film clips in the video, but I actually think it's very fitting.

bang! bang!-the knux. One of the two songs from my free Austin City Limits 2009 download. I could not stop listening to it.

zero-yeah yeah yeahs. If I was a responsible, fit person, this song would definitely go on a "Workout" list on my Ipod. Right now, I use it to pump myself up when working on paperwork.

strawberry swing-coldplay, left right, left right (live album). No list I make will ever be devoid of Coldplay. This song is the epitome of sweetness. I feel overwhelmed with affection every time I hear the thunderous, yet subtle, opening strains.

the bucket-kings of leon. My playlist is, once again, very KOL-heavy. Part of the reason is that I would like to expose the general public to KOL's earlier stuff. I think this album (Aha Shake Heartbreak) is their best, even though I'm totally sucked in from the minute I hear Caleb Followill's voice. He could be singing about garbage, and I would still be enraptured.

song for you-alexi murdoch. A really sweet, simple song. I've been listening to Alexi Murdoch for year, and I'm always soothed.

lasso-phoenix. Pretty Cheap Dress was MOST impressed by Phoenix when she attended ACL this year. Of course, I immediately checked them out, and was pleasantly surprised, as usual, by her apt review.

monsters-hurricane bells. I can't wait until the release of the first Hurricane Bells album. Thank you, Chris Weitz, for finding Hurricane Bells, and spreading the love!

red morning light-kings of leon. An offering from the very first KOL album. I haven't been to a concert yet, but I hope when I finally get the chance that they play at least two or three from their first go-round.

i gotta feeling-black eyed peas. Is it lame that I heard this song for the first time at a wedding a few weeks ago and totally dug it? It's probably been playing on the radio for days, maybe even months. I'm so out of the proverbial loop.

sweet disposition-the temper trap. By far, the moodiest, coolest song on my autumn playlist. It's a discovery from the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack, and I can't wait to hear more from them.

a white demon love song-the killers. It's kind of quirky, but that's to be expected from The Killers. I'm into it. Plus, the Edward and Bella connection is so obvious!

in the middle-mat kearney. I have a soft spot for this song, and I can't explain exactly why. Mat Kearney is an interesting guy, and his songs are always unusual. "No parachutes, or safety nets here..." Awesome refrain.

pistol of fire-kings of leon. A perfect example of why I was plunged into a dangerous KOL addiction. Is it pathetic that I know Caleb's first name is Anthony?

there is a light that never goes out-the smiths. "To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die..." Yes, I discovered this classic gem when watching 500 Days of Summer. I've listened to it over and over, so much that I can repeat each word longingly, and perform a perfect imitation of Zooey Deschanel in the elevator, sharing her affection for the Smiths with a soon-to-be-smitten Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

you belong with me-taylor swift. I love her. She's darling, a total gem. PLEASE DON'T CHANGE, TAYLOR!

slow life-grizzly bear. Give this one a chance. I know that you'll hear the opening strains and feel doubtful, but the chorus is so moody and delicious that you'll immediately know why I had to include the song on my list.

wavin' flag-k'naan. My second ACL discovery. I was attending the wedding of a dear friend during this year's festivities, but I continue to be impressed at the selection of unique acts. I wish I had been there to hear K'Naan-I'm sure I wouldn't have been disappointed.

mystery in the making-eli young band. Long ago, Pretty Cheap Dress told me that I would love this song. She is never wrong. It's the bit of country on my list.

forever-chris brown. Let it be noted that I do NOT endorse Chris Brown and his abusive ways. I simply could not leave it off the list, when the song "forever" is so permanently imprinted in my brain as a connection to Jim and Pam.