Alabama Shakes

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I literally just discovered this band on Wednesday.  It came up on my recommended albums on Amazon.com.  Wow, thanks Amazon!

I love their album Boys & Girls.  Put simply, it's amazing.  I haven't a clue what kind of music I would classify this as, but I do know that this is one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard.  I feel kind of like she, Brittany, has a bit of a Janis Joplin raspy, rocker vibe.  Man, she can sure belt it and the way she sings...it's just so soulful and so full of emotion.

Seeing this band live has been added to my bucket list.

And.  I'm going to go ahead and say you're welcome.  Because if you haven't already heard Alabama Shakes you'll be wanting to thank me in a few minutes, haha!  :P

Okay okay, just go enjoy.

xo, kass

Latest Obsession: Lana Del Rey

Okay, so I’m back for good. I was contemplating not blogging anymore, BUT I changed my mind. I just have to remind myself to not feel guilty or stressed or bugged or whatever if I miss some posts here and there. And to help with that, I will be abolishing Music Mondays, Friday Fotos, etc etc. Well, not completely. I’ll probably still share music with you on some mondays (I am today!), and favorites/photos with you some fridays, but I’m also leaving those days open for whatever else I want...allowing the blog to morph and grow a bit. I like planning, but planning with a looser structure will be better for me. So, moving on... 

facebook/website

I just discovered Lana Del Rey last week. I was on Amazon and I think she popped up because of something else I’d bought or listened to, or I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t even care I’m just glad I found her. She’s a-ma-zing. I have been listening to her non stop, I literally listened to her new album 2-4 times everyday last week. I’m not even sure how to explain her sound. Mainly, because I’m not a music expert (ha), but also because it’s unique. Wiki uses the word “cinematic”. I think there’s a definite 60s/70s feel to her music. I’d also describe many of her songs as...haunting. Her lyrics are pretty great too. Enjoy.

Oh, and she’s gorgeous. 

Some videos for your viewing pleasure!

Music FUNday!

Have ya’all been listening to the amazing bandFUN?

I can’t get enough of them! Seriously, they are the definition of “perfect summertime music”! Also, my friend informed me that the lead singer, Nate Ruess, is from The Format (which is another band I enjoyed).

Anyway, have some Fun. on this tired Monday. :)

The first time I saw this video is when I was finding it for this post - it is not at all what I was expecting!


What’s with the cereal? Ha, love it!


xo,kass

P.S. Oh man, sorry for the hiatus! Everyday last week I meant to post, but we’ve just been so freakin busy, which resulted in me being exhausted. Thus the week off. To be honest, it was needed, BUT I’m back now. :)

Me, Myself and I Link Up

I meant to get this up this morning, but alas it did not happen (i've been sickly).  I saw this link up on Kristen's blog and I got excited because it sounded like one I'd enjoy. So here ya go!!

{photo from fam vacay, have I shared this one yet?}

1. What is your biggest phobia? 

Oh man, probably spiders. Yea, most definitely spiders. Gross. 

2. If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be and why?

Are you kidding? This is a hard question. I can think of many days that would be worth reliving. First...no second date with Brian, the saturday a few weeks ago when we went to Des Moines with our friends, Camp trip for the past 3 years, the Grace Potter concert night and so many more. I have a nice life. :) 

3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

Honestly, probably about where I’m at, maybe a couple years younger. But, in a few years I think that will change. It’s just at this age [mid-upper 20s] I feel like there are still so many possibilities. I feel like I can still get away with being childish and making stupid mistakes occasionally. But at the same time...I feel like there is a lot of pressure at this age to start getting your shit together and carve out a life. So Idk, it’s intense, exciting...and well will have to end at some point, eh? 

4. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? 

None, ha! Although, on a couple rare occasions people told me I looked like Jullianne Moore. Idk though....I think it’s just cause we both have red hair and people are crazy. haha. 

 

Hmm...or maybe it's the cheek bones and big chin?? LOL

5. What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life? 

OMG, another toughy! Okay, well I don't know if this answer the question exactly, but here are some songs I’ve been listening to a lot lately...

Fool for a Lonesome Train by Ben Harper
Low Road by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
Stay Together by Al Green
Hearts Collide by Little Boots
The Dirty Glass by Dropkick Murphy’s
I’m Ready, I Am by The Format
Tyler by Toadies
Birds by Kate Nash

**Also, let me tell you - I tried to make a playlist for you on several sites and I couldn't!  There were always at least a couple songs they didn't have (and they were my favs!) so pfffft.  Anyway, here is a video of the first one, cuz I love me some Ben Harper.

Music Monday: One of those days...

UGH. It's Monday ALREADY?  I loathe monday's...6 am comes way too quickly. I hit snooze like 4 times this morning.  Anyway, this song seems appropriate, no?

I mean seriously, who doesn't love the Bangles??  In all their 80s rocker chic glory??  Oh you?  Okay, well if that's not your cup of tea.  Then how about this....

Now, if you're about to tell me you don't like Florence + the Machine either...then don't.  It's monday afterall.  I find Florence equally strange and entertaining.  I've seen her preform (through the tv on some show, ha) and yea, she's off beat (in my opinion), but I think that's why I like her.  Plus she's a ginger. :)

Happy Monday! Ha!

xo, kass

Music Monday: Prejudice

Yes, prejudice.  A serious topic usually...but not in this case!  [even though there is some total truth to this song! ha!]

This is for all you rockin' gingers out there.  

Enjoy.

HAHA!

xo, kass

Lost Passion? [style log]

Wet dreary days always leave me feeling contemplative...and calm. So last week we had such a day and I started to think of things I am passionate about, or tried to. I attempted to make a mental list and I’m sorry to say it wasn’t easy for me at all. Is that sad or what? I mean, I find lots of things interesting enough...but I wouldn’t call myself passionate about them.

I want to be passionate about photography, but am I? If I were, wouldn’t I find more time for it in my life? Or maybe I'm just overthinking it. I’m passionate about reading I think. I have a thirst for it. I enjoy reading immensely and I feel strange or off when I’m “in between” books or just lack the time to read. I think maybe I would like to write a book someday...about what? Who knows.

[sweater/f21 :: skirt/thrifted :: belt/f21 :: boots/merona via target}

I think I have a passion to be creative. To find creativity somehow. It’s hard though, most of my day I am surrounded by an environment that stifles me. I wish I could find a way to transform that somehow, but I haven’t a clue how. Maybe if I just start with my desk space and fill it with things I find inspiring or things that make me smile. I have pictures of loved ones, so that’s a start. I think I’m going to do more though. Wait . Wow, ok I literally just got an idea. I’ve been wanting to create more digital art, so maybe I should take some quotes I like and make some typography artwork...something like all those lovely quotes I find on pinterest. Yes, I think that sounds like a good idea. Then I can print a few and hang them around my desk.

I do think I am passionate about photography...and art in general. Just because I don’t always create things doesn’t mean I’m not passionate about it, right? Right. I mean, I don’t create music, but I’d call myself passionate about music. I couldn’t survive my day to day without it.

I know I said this not too long ago, but it’s important enough to say again. I want need to focus more on the people and things that bring me the most joy. I always put things off and procrastinate, but life is short, so why wait to start tomorrow when I can start today?

Ha, let’s just help I can hold myself to that thought.

xo,kassie

Music Monday: Chantal Claret

**UPDATE** I was contacted by Chantal Claret's rep who provided me with some more current and correct information (as well as the photo below).  In light of that, I decided to update this post! :)

As I was listening to Slacker last week, I came across a great new artist (well new to me), Chantal Claret. 

She is the former frontwoman for a band called Morningwood  (the 13 year old in me thinks that’s hilariously awesome!...okay, the 27 year old me chuckles too.), and now is branching out on her own. Chantel's rep sent me a bio that had lots of direct quotes from her...and I gotta say, she seems pretty awesome!

Her debut album The One, The Only... is set to be out June 19th, and you can hear the single "Bite Your Tongue" here. (which is apparently written about "an utter piece of shit"! love it!)  Chantal describes her album as "...Tina Turner fronting Outkast at Bette Midler's bat mitzvah". haha!  She says, "I wanted to make music that sounds like it could've been written in the '60s or '70s, but with a big fat hip-hop-like low end...".  Apparently, her love for for upbeat 60s music started back when she was 15 and used to sneak into mod clubs, lol!  In any case this chicah seems pretty entertaining and she sounds amazing - so be sure to keep an eye on her!

[I’m not going to lie, the video below is probably not suitable for young eyes!]

Her website doesn’t have much at the moment, but you can also find her on Facebook.

Music Monday: JJ Grey & Mofro

I discovered JJ Grey & Mofro through iTunes believe it or not. I don’t know what they iNamed it, but that sidebar thing that suggest songs you may like based on what’s playing..yea JJ Grey came up on there. I honestly don’t have a clue what I was listening to at the time, but I’m glad I did! I could sit here and recap the bio on their website, but why don’t you just go read it instead. Oh and apparently they have a little documentary too, so I’ll be checking that out! And if you don’t feel like reading or watching, then just know they are from southern rural Florida and JJ’s voice is gonna rock your socks off. For realz. I’m hoping to catch them in MN or WI this summer. Or hey, JJ, if you’re reading my blog how about you hit up the midwest a bit harder? [coughIOWAcough] ;)

Music Mondays: The Staves

I decided to feature one band today...The Staves. I found them through Dianna Argon’s [actress on Glee among other things] site a while ago. At least I’m pretty sure that’s where I heard of them. They have a very interesting and unique sound. It’s very light and almost...eerie. That may seem like a strange thing to say, but you’ll understand once you listen I think.

This is my favorite song [and video!]....Seriously, be sure to watch the video, it’s good!


I also think that these are some great lyrics...
Lover, you may cause me tears  
Drag me through the best of years, 
But I love you so

I don’t know, they just evoke very specific emotions in me.

Also, here is their most recent release. Enjoy! :)


 

Happy Monday!!

Music Monday: Flash Back

So, I was watching Bridesmaids Saturday night {great movie by the way!} and I was reminded of Wilson Phillips!  I loved that song "Hold On" when I was a kid!  So, for this week I thought I'd share a couple of my childhood favorites, haha!  Enjoy...

Billy Ray Cyrus

Try not to judge me too much for this one!  Not only did I love listening to Billy Ray...I thought he was a total hunk.  Remember, this was circa 1992 Billy.  What...a mullet and jean jacket doesn't say sexy too you? :P

you're welcome.

Madonna

Who doesn't love Madonna?!  Okay plenty of people, even me now.  I mean I don't dislike her, but for me nothing she creates now can even compare to "Like A Prayer".  Seriously, I still have that on cassette tape!  I also believe there is some very embarrassing video of me doing an interpretive dance to it...please let me remind you this was like 1990 and I was about 6.  So be kind to 6-year old Kassie and enjoy some old-school Madoona.  :)

{for the record I find this video really strange...}

And because I teased you with it in the beginning and because it's a great 90's video [LOL]....Wilson Phillips!

Music Monday: Forgotten?

This past Friday I was rocking out with Slacker Radio at work. Generally with Slacker {or Pandora} I’ll just type in an artist and go from there. However, this time preset stations caught my eye... “Great Songs You Forgot”!! It turned out to be pretty sweet! I mean, sure there were a few that I skipped over, but I think that there were only a couple I didn’t recognize. Either way, I was instantly taken back to my early high school days! Which I realize can be a mixed bag of emotions (haha!), but in this case it was fun and I definite was reminded of some great music I forgot about! So in light of that lovely afternoon, I thought I’d share a few favorites I heard!

Eagle Eye Cherry 

So, I am slightly embarrassed to say that I thought this was a band name - I never realized this was just one dude! No doubt the song you will immediately remember is “Save Tonight" from his debut album “Desireless” (1997). And really, that’s the only song I remember. Although, I was checking out his website and he has released many albums, so I think I will have to do some more listening! Oh and cute story I read on wiki (so who knows...) - apparently he was named Eagle-Eye because when he first looked at his father, Don Cherry, it was with one eye closed. :)

  

Fastball 

Oh man, oh man. I LOVED this band in high school. Actually, wait back up...I have their album “All the Pain Money Can Buy” on CASSETTE TAPE. Yep! So...that may have been circa middle school for me, lol. You almost certainly of heard their song “The Way” which was apparently based on the disappearance of an elderly couple. Interesting. In any case, I loved that entire album...hmmf, I wish I still had a tape player. Or, maybe I should just buy the digital version, ha!

 

Weezer 

This band was super popular back in the day, what ever happened to them?  Apparently, they have been a band since 1992, that's crazy!  In '92 I would have been in second or third grade, lol.  Anyway, I really loved their song "Buddy Holly", but you also probably remember them for "The Sweater Song" and "Say it Ain't So".  They did release an album in 2010 of already recorded songs that they never used, probably worth checking out!

 

Music Monday!

Music plays a huge roll in my day to day and I'm always on the hunt for new{to me} bands.  I love how music can envoke very specific and sometimes very strong emotions, it's inspiring.  In any case, I thought I'd share a few of my current favorite bands. 

Mates of State

I've been in love with this band for the last couple of years, they are so good!  They are a husband-wife indie pop duo from the US.  They've been producing music as the Mates since 1996 and their most recent release was Mountaintops, last September.  Although, I think my favorite album is Re-Arrange Us!  They just have such an interesting and unique sound...gah!  Go ahead...listen and begin to fall in love! <3

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Ohmygosh, this is such a great band and I have such a huge girl crush on their awesome front girl! :P

"Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are like a modern-day version of Tina Turner stroking the microphone in a spangled mini-dress while fronting the Rolling Stones circa Sticky Fingers." via gracepotter.com

So true!  This band had such an awesome sound!  It's sort of a bluesy rock sound, when I first listen to the self named album all the way through I was surprised by the diversity.  Soooo great! :)

This is a really cool, special, acoustic version of my favorite song!


Old Crow Medicine Show

Another great band!  They have a folksy rocker sound...and honestly when I heard them and then looked up a video for the first time I was surprised that they were young. Haha!  I believe they've been band since the late 90s, but I only discovered them a few years ago.  This is one band I would love to see live!

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I don't know if "Music Monday" is going be a weekly thing or not, but possibly.  I think I'm going to be playing around with the "blog schedule" and such in the next few weeks, so just bear with me please! 

{And also, if you see a post you particularly like, then tell me!}