WORLDS ARE FORMING

The Apple Tree + The Drowsy Chaperone.

Two trips to NYC in one week.  Not my normal schedule.  The crew: Bruner, Becca, Amy, Babbs, and me.  It was Amy's birthday, and a beautiful day.  So, we took a somewhat planned, somewhat spontaneous trip into the city.  New York Driver Becca drove us in...quite skillfully. 

After putting in our names for The Drowsy Chaperone lottery, we hung out in Times Square (Bruner's favorite place in the WORLD...not true), then went back to hear our fate.  Becca won her first Broadway lottery ever (good work!), and Bruner won as well!  Three tickets between the two of them!

Five people, three tickets.  What to do?  It wasn't a hard decision: Amy's b-day, Bruner won, and Becca won.  They took the Drowsy Chaperone tickets while Babbs and I set out on our own adventure to find tickets to a show with less than an hour before curtain.  I do love adventures, you know...

MUSIC: Share and Share Alike.

So, music is a gift, I say.  But...you know I believe that already.  I've gotten music from all these artists for free (and legally) in recent days.  Here are some new-to-me artists and/or songs I am beginning to enjoy.  Thanks to a few of you for the heads up on these artists and/or songs!  Enjoy...that is, if you wish.

Peter Bradley Adams                        Rosie Thomas
   Song: He Sang                                 Song: Much Farther to Go
Denison Witmer                                 Great Lake Swimmers
   Song: Little Flowers.                         Song: Your Rocky Spine.
Ben Harper                                       J. Tillman
   Song: Blessed to Be a Witness.        Song: When I Light Your Darkened Door

New Music: Rosie Thomas.

Man.  Who has been holding out on me?  I don't know where Rosie Thomas has been all my life, but I have a crush on her music right now.  She has lots of things going for her...based in Seattle...has an album with duets with Sufjan (Much Farther to Go) and well as Damien Jurado.  I think I am going to be a big fan in about 2.5 seconds.  Anyone have a favorite Rosie song to suggest? (If you haven't noticed, I am a big FAN of indie singer songwriters.  Haven't bought any of her songs yet, just found free tracks online.  I like free music.)

Update: The 2.5 seconds have passed, and I am a big fan.  I've learned a few things about Rosie in the past day.  For instance, she is also a stand up comedian whose stage name is Sheila Saputo. She also loves Jesus.  Come on, Rosie...what can't you do?

Patty Griffin: Children Running Through.

I've written it many times before.  I love Patty Griffin. Not only is she from Austin, but her voice is intense, her lyrics are deep, and she and her guitar are about the same size. 

Patty's newest CD, Children Running Through, has been long in coming, but it was released today.  Who bought it immediately on iTunes?  That would be me. I've heard people say her music is an acquired taste.  Patty.  I love her.

New Music: Dustin Kensrue.

New music.  I like it, right?  Recently found Dustin Kensrue, a member of Thrice (a band I have never heard of).  He has a great and fresh sound...like a hopeful Pedro the Lion, a sober Ryan Adams, or a contemporary Johnny Cash.  Really, many of his songs sound like modern parables.  Apparently he is a Christian, he is involved with some great organizations, and many of his lyrics contain honest spiritual themes.  All good things.  Check him out.

I don't study well in silence.

Hem: Not California.  Sufjan Stevens: Chicago.  Jack Johnson: Let it Be Sung.  Chris Rice: Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us.  The Wailin' Jennys: One Voice.  Imogen Heap: Hide and Seek.  Chris Tomlin: Indescribable.  George Winston: Living in the Country.  Patty Griffin: Carry Me.

Any other studiers out there?  What have you been listening to?

A Time to Weep!

Tonight, I am treating myself to my one concert of the semester. 

The Weepies are in my top three bands of 2006, and they've definitely played a large part in my life's soundtrack this year.  This will be my first time seeing them in concert.  At the World Cafe in Philadelphia.  With good friends. 

Let's just say that I'm excited... See pictures below!

Sarah + Sufjan = Christmas Goodness.

Amy not included, there are two Christmas CD's I can't stop listening to at present.  How beautiful is Sarah McLachlan?  How creative is Sufjan?  I just can't get enough.   Who are you listening to?

                                  

Music of the Day. Are You Mad at Me?

I did it.  Today, I listened to a very special album that should only be brought out for a short time each year.  This morning, I was going through my music on iTunes, and got a real hankering to listen to this special piece of seasonal music.  I couldn't stop myself.

Some of you will be angry at me for listening to these songs on the 9th of November.  Some of you will be confused.  I am sorry.  I just couldn't help myself. 

Man or woman, boy or girl, I know you have listened to it, too.

Click on the link below to see what CD I busted out today...

New-to-Me Music. For You.

I cannot stop listening to these two.  Good musicians with good looking websites.

Female Vocalist: Hem
    Compare to: Regina Spektor & Deb Talan
Male Vocalist: Griffin House
    Compare to: Ryan Adams & Wilco

Any new or new-to-you music you're liking these days?