The Cure for Your Holiday Hangover (Vol. 2)

This is the second year I've created a mix immediately following Christmas - as one who begins listening and selecting holiday-themed music in October, by the time Boxing Day hits, I need a break.  So here is The Cure for Your Holiday Hangover 2.

1. Supermassive Black Hole - Muse::  The first of 3, yes - 3 songs from the Twilight movie soundtrack. Here's the conversation I have with myself on a daily basis: "Self, what are you, 13? Put that book/soundtrack/blog down and clean your house/play with your children/cook a meal!" Sometimes, it even works.  I like the energy of this song, the faux-metal touches.  And the vampires look very cute in their old-fashioned baseball uniforms in the movie.

2. Beautiful - Goldfrapp:: After the first cut, this seemed an excellent choice to follow.  From the Sex & the City Soundtrack, Vol. 2.  Sweet harmonies in the chorus, love the synthesizer (one of many '80s touches on this mix).

3. Green Light - John Legend with Andre 3000:: This was a freebie from Starbucks, and I like it more than most.  My favorite line sung: Do I have a girlfriend? Well, technically, no.  My favorite line spoken: I hope you're more like Anita Baker than Robin Givens...  

4.  Rock & Roll - Eric Hutchinson::  After seeing this youngster (ha!) on a webisode of Live from Daryl's House, I found this (see also, Sinners/Saints).  I'm sure I'll be getting the rest of that, too.

5.  Half Speed - LaRocca::  from a Paste Magazine Sampler CD.  There's something a little old-fashioned about this, and I am a huge sucker for easy harmony in a chorus.  I also like the the idea of slowing down to appreciate what you've got - Now I'm moving at half speed, where once I ran.

6. I Can't Wait - Nu Shooz:: a slightly jazzy, slowed-down version of a top-40 hit from the '80s. Same artists, great vocal from Valerie Day; I love the original, but like this possibly even more.

7. All We Are - Matt Nathanson::  Sweet husband bought the Some Mad Hope album for my birthday, so now I have all the songs and am compelled to share them.

8. Hallelujah - Brandi Carlile:: One of the best songs ever, sung with heart-wrenching passion by one of my favorite female singer-songwriters to come out of the Seattle area in the past few years.  I remember in March of 2007, walking downtown Seattle during the national Main Street conference with friend Jill, seeing signs for her upcoming concert in a tiny venue near our hotel. If we had been in town a few more days, we could have seen her perform in an intimate club. Not anymore...

9. Just Like Heaven - The Watson Twins:: Probably my favorite familiar song from The Cure, taken down a few notches.  Another '80s touch, I know.  Just go with it.

10. Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis:: I went to the cobbler to fix a hole in my shoe; he took one look at my face and said, "I can fix that hole in you." Great story, even if dropping acid is part of it. Just say no to drugs, kids.

11. Don't Wanna Die Lonely - Nick Pagliari:: Something about his voice is so appealing to me, and there's that tambourine in the chorus. From a Paste CD.  The last three or so have been really, really good.  I can usually find 2-3 songs on most samplers that I like, maybe 1-2 worthy of being on a mix, but I still haven't run out, and the next CD is due any day.  So happy.

12. Boogie Nights - Heatwave:: Disco cannot be denied.

13. Heaven - Bitter:Sweet:: The complex orchestration of this band's songs is so cool - so much to listen to, but with a great beat that you can really dance to, as well!

14. Second Hand News - The Green Cards:: More '80s - Fleetwood Mac is remarkably adaptable for country artists.  And I'm feeling the fiddles in this version. 

15. Vodka - Victoria Hart:: Live music in Walla Walla Update...during the snowiest of the snow, the folks from Neither Here Nor There, the best Walla Walla radio variety show that's not on the radio, put on a stellar holiday show.  Featuring the Part-Time Band, Adam Kirtley with The Rogues and without, Jeffrey Townsend and Sarah Koenigsberg brought the house down, beginning with a lovely version of my favorite holiday song this year, Winter Song (see Ben Jammin' 2008) and ending with an outrageous D**k in a Box.  This was the adult version of the show, I assure you.  When Jeffrey started talking about Wednesday and I knew immediately that he was going to sing "Business Time" in public, I nearly peed my pants.  And this song (brought into the 'holiday' genre by way of office parties) was my favorite of all - Sarah torched it up good!

16. Leave Out All the Rest - Linkin Park:: Maybe I really AM 13?!  Trust me, it's a catchy tune, also from the Twilight soundtrack.

17. Song for the Dixie Chicks - The Sarah Mac Band:: The title caught me and drew me in, the melancholy disillusionment coupled with the hopeful anthem of the chorus kept me captivated. Over the top?  Maybe. I can't seem to fight my attraction to thoughtful, heartfelt singer-songwriters. Shout out to Claire on bass - check out the Awakening album on their MySpace page.

18. Takes So Long - The Weepies:: From their latest album, Hideaway, Deb Talan's voice is among my favorites.  Very distinctive.  Great, thoughtful lyrics.  I can relate to the line about cutting her hair and growing it back - takes so long. 

19. Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Iron & Wine:: Again with the Twilight soundtrack. Admittedly the most grown-up of the songs on the album, it's delicate and a little ethereal. It plays during the prom scene, if you're familiar with the books/movie, a very sweet scene. Lovely.

The snow is melting quickly - it's 46 degrees with light wind as I write this at 11:30 pm. Pavement is actually visible on our street, and you can almost reach the speed limit without fear. Life is returning to normal, and I am relieved.  Happy New Year!

So much snow it makes me nauseous

It's overwhelming.  The memories of winter in Bozeman are very strong as the snow continues to fall in Walla Walla.  Eight days, with another 5-7 days' worth in the forecast.  I am ready to be done with this winter storm crap.

Yes, the kids and the dog really enjoy it. Yes, it makes everything hushed and still and shrouded in mystery.  I couldn't care less.  I'm cold.  My beloved Vangina ('04 Dodge Grand Caravan) gets stuck in the most inconvenient places.  I am grateful to live in a place where strangers get out of their cars and help push me out, cheerfully even.  But I'm worried about the downtown businesses who make or break their bottom line based on holiday sales.  I'm worried about the restaurants sitting empty while families hibernate at home.  See?  It's not ALL about me...

I've stopped wishing for a Chinook wind to come through and melt everything - major flooding would result, and I can't see any benefit in that.  A slow thaw is what it will have to be.  

How about starting now?  At this moment, it looks like we'll be on our own for Christmas Day, since there's roughly twice the amount of snow at the family cabin than the 24-28 inches we have in town, and the road between Walla Walla and Tri-Cities is in pretty bad condition, so the family is staying there, and we are staying here. Not terrible, but certainly different.

Tomorrow, I'll count my blessings; I'll find plenty to be happy about.  But right now, I'm pouting.

New for Christmas!

We've welcomed a new member to the family - a 4-year old female black lab named Teca (Tek'-ah).  She came to us via Walla Walla Shares, thanks to my sister who has been trying to get another dog into our house ever since Zoey left us.  Something about this girl's picture and description from the previous owner really got to us. She lived in a busy household - three teenagers and a preschooler, plus 2 daycare kids; two other dogs plus several cats. The dogs spent lots of time outside in a kennel, which was not the best for her joints; Teca would try very hard to keep up with the other dogs and wind up sore and limping.  She needed a house where she was the center of attention (check), where a gentle walk once or twice a day was the norm (check), and where she could spend her days inside, comfortable and warm (check).  She has settled in nicely, has gotten very good at walking with me (not jerking my arm out of the socket) most mornings (except these damn snow days...), and has quickly grown to love her new family - and vice versa.  She knows several commands - sit, lay down, off, drop, and my personal favorite, out of the kitchen!

There is absolutely more training to be done, and we REALLY need a Furminator, but this is a happy turn of events.

Christmas! Ben Jammin' 2008...

Three weeks between posts - Unforgivable?  Despicable? Lazy? Alright, I hear your voices in my head - I'll cut myself some slack. This is my busiest time of year at work - Parade of Lights?  Hot Cocoa with Santa, anyone?  Anyway, Ben Jammin', the annual Christmas Mixtape, has been in circulation for nearly that long, so I'd better get the playlist out there:

Ben Jammin' 2008

Why Can't It Be Christmastime All Year? - Rosie Thomas (Because it makes my hips twitch. Full of Christmas excitement.)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Harry Connick, Jr.  (Third holiday album.  And I love them all.)

Christmastime in Tinseltown - Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy  (I like that Santa in Tinseltown picks pockets, but he's still a likable guy.)

What Do Bad Girls Get? - Joan Osborne  (Good question.)

Home for Christmas - Hall & Oates (There can be no mix without an '80's reference. Seriously.)

Little Town - Over the Rhine (Hands down, my favorite Christmas CD from 2007, and I can't say any of the new releases have surpassed it.  My highest recommendation - and this reworking of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is lovely.)

My Holiday - Mindy Smith (Such a sweet and pure voice, and a sweet sentiment to boot.)

O Come O Come Emmanuel - Joshua Jackson (I really like this band [see "New Love Song" on The Proof I Use To Measure What Is True - September] and I actively seek out holiday songs by people I already like.  So far, this method has not let me down.)

My Dear Acquaintence/Happy New Year - Regina Specktor (Reflective, slightly melancholoy - exactly what a New Year's anthem should be.)

I Need a Silent Night - Amy Grant (From my formative youth, Amy Grant's Christmas albums were my favorite.  So now she has a Greatest Christmas Hits recording - I have everything else already, but this one was interesting to me; the spirit of the season getting lost in the hustle and bustle and to do lists. Plus, a small child reciting a Bible verse in the style of Linus!)

Wildwood Carol - Holly Cole (I love when a song I only know as an instrumental turns out to have lyrics after all.  I love the power of her voice.)

Sleigh Ride/Marshmallow World - Kristin Chenoweth with John Pizzarelli (Two of my favorite fun carols, blended together by two shining stars of the stage.  When Kristin growls out, "I'm FREEZING!" at the end?  I laugh every time.  I am so easily amused.)

I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm - Matt Belsante (Trying to be the next Michael Buble.  I'll withhold my judgment until I hear more, but this is a very nice version.)

Underneath the Mistletoe - Blondfire (Don't know much about them, but I like!  Just enough pop to keep me happy.)

Season's Greetings - Robbers on High Street (This makes me think of British Invasion-era boy bands.  And I mean that in a good way.)

All My Bells are Ringing - Lenka (Any song that begins with the lyric, "Ooo bop ba, ooo bop ba," is a winner in my book.  From the Hotel Cafe Winter Songs CD, my favorite release this year.  Still not as good as Snow Angels from Over the Rhine, but sublime in its own way.)

Toy Packaging - Sara Groves (The sound effects alone are priceless.  If you are a parent, you'll know.)

The 12 Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser (men's acapella group from Indiana U. Many of their performances on youtube; this one has over 8 million views, my friends and family were responsible for at least 25 this year alone.  The original group graduated 10 years ago, and recently got together and recorded an anniversary Christmas Album.  Anyhoo, found it thanks to the *%$! holiday store at iTunes, and showing remarkable restraint, only bought this song.)

Love Came Down at Christmas - Jars of Clay (My favorite part is the descant at the end with the lyrics of "Children Go Where I Send Thee.")

Christmas Night - Lenny LeBlanc (I usually find a lovely Christmas song by an 'inspirational' artist each year - this is the one for '08)

Still, Still, Still - Mary Chapin Carpenter (This album is really nice.  Mellow, no drama, just Mary's familiar voice, a little lower, a little rougher with the passage of time.  And here's another example of a song I loved as in instrumental before I knew the joy of singing along.)

Winter Song  - Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson (The Holy Grail of my holiday music search this year!  My two favorite female singer/songwriters, singing and writing together!  Who could ask for anything more?)

Conference Mix, Fall 2008

If you are or have been a teacher with one of my children, you will get a minimum of 2 mixtapes during the course of the year - Ben Jammin' for Christmas and Silly Love Songs at Valentine's Day. But I am unable to stop there.  

Obviously.  

So now, the teachers get an additional mix at each conference period.  And once a teacher is on the distribution list, that doesn't end when Ben or Annalise move out of one classroom and into another - when you're on the distribution list, you're on the list.  So Ben's 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade teachers, plus the principal and music teacher all get a minimum of 5 mixes during the school year.  And now we're adding Ben's 5th grade and this is getting a little out of hand...

In an attempt to make things a little easier on myself, I borrowed music from several of the latest mixes, added one or two new things, shook it around for a bit, and came up with this:

OK, It's Alright With Me - Eric Hutchinson

Little Romance - Ingrid Michaelson

Honey Let Me Sing You A Song - Matt Hires

We Got Love - Ryan Shaw

Temptation - Diana Krall

Lose You - Sandra McCracken

Mockingbird - Allison Moorer

Little Tornado - Aimee Mann

Fallen - Lauren Wood

Baby You're My Light - Richard Hawley

Road Runner - James Taylor

Imperfect - Keri Noble

Not Done Yet - Sarah Mac Band (hailing from Tallahassee, FL - some great stuff on their album)

Sara Smile - Joan Osborne

Lovely Tonight - Joshua Radin (that's Ingrid Michaelson singing with him)

All We Are - Matt Nathanson (Jeff got his album for my birthday, after conferring with Jim at Hot Poop and logging onto this blog at the store to get a clear picture of my musical tastes...)

Don't Let Me Fall - Lenka

Morningside - Sara Bareilles

Brand New Day - Tim Meyers

It's You - Pictures and Sound

Christmas is Coming...

The time is drawing near for the completion and distribution of the Northam family Christmas card (apologies to all who detest Xmas coming before Thanksgiving, I used to walk among you -  but I have been eating, sleeping, breathing holiday cheer for the last month getting ready for holiday events downtown and if I don't have my music selection completed before Thanksgiving, I'm sunk!) - Ben Jammin' 2008.  Ben Jammin' is the Christmas carol mixtape I have created for friends and family since 1998, our first holiday season with Benjamin (get it?).  My search for new interpretations of old classics and joyous new holiday music goes on all year long, but hits fever pitch around the first of October.  Are currently 22 songs on this year's edition, still needing a bit of rearranging - but it's close.  My favorite?  Winter Song, by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson.  If you've read any of the previous entries, you know that these two women are all over my mixtapes for the past year plus, and Christmas music with them singing together?  That's about as close to perfection as I'll get this season!  In any case, it's an auspicious beginning to the 2008 edition.

In other news - I've grown tired of dark hair, so have adopted a festive new look, appropriate for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Loses a little something with the iPhone camera, but you'll get the idea.

Prop 8 from a new angle

Came across this on Jezebel.com - I find more thought provoking commentary on this site than any other on a regular basis - and it made me like Keith Olbermann again.  In the olden days, before there was instant access online to any sports score or team update, my husband and the members of the fantasy football league to which he belongs used to watch SportsCenter religiously, and Keith was a snarky, smart, funny anchor at ESPN.  I am not a news junkie, and I and my short attention span really don't enjoy MSNBC, so I see Mr. Olbermann far less frequently these days.  This could get me tuning in.  It's over 6 minutes long, but it's worth it.

http://jezebel.com/5083047/keith-olbermann-eloquently-breaks-down-prop-8-hate

Some are Sinners, Some are Saints

You know fall is really here with the arrival of the fog bank.  Now is the time when we will go for days at a time without a glimpse of the sky.  But under the mist, the fall colors seem brighter - the remaining leaves surge with reds and deep oranges and sharp yellows, as if to make up for the lack of blue sky and sunshine.  Spring is my favorite season, but fall has its charms.

Another year older and a fun and laid-back celebration with good friends.  If you need a really good laugh, go see Role Models, the funniest movie we've seen in ages.  I don't think I've laughed so hard in a theater since seeing 40-year Old Virgin.  Absolutely not for kids, but we 6 adults enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.  Also, I give the burgers and onion rings at Fast Eddy's Drive In my highest rating for fast food in southeastern Washington. 

Another month, another mix of songs with which I am obsessed.  Sources include Paste Magazine Sampler, iTunes iMixes, a Target commercial, a few movie soundtracks, and other random delights.

Some are Sinners, Some are Saints

1.  OK, It's Alright With Me, Eric Hutchinson - the first I heard of this young artist was on Live from Daryl's House  (which I highly recommend); I listened to a few songs on his MySpace page and was sold on his 'acoustic green-eyed soul' and 'intelligent pop.'

2.  Move You, Anya Marina - a little whispery vocal with a beat you can dance to...very seductive.

3.  Little Romance, Ingrid Michaelson - featured on the 2nd soundtrack from the Sex and the City movie, and I am incapable of resisting a new song by this woman.  However, if she keeps this approach of contributing new songs to a tv soundtrack here and a movie soundtrack there, when will she ever have time to record a new album of originals?

4.  All Would Envy, Shawn Colvin & Chris Botti - my sister called, listening to big-city radio  during a road trip, as soon as this song was over to tell me about it.  A sweet little ditty about a somewhat creepy May-December romance written by Sting.  What's not to love?

5.  Lose You, Sandra McCracken - her vocals remind me of early Sheryl Crow, and I really like the plink of banjo standing in for the bass line.

6.  Mockingbird, Allison Moorer - this was on a Paste sampler a few months ago, then turned up on SATC 2nd soundtrack.  The pain in her voice when she's really wailing - I get chills every time.

7.  I Am So Ordinary, Paula Cole - this is the first Paula Cole song I heard years ago, with clever lyrics (She is your holy Mary, I am so ordinary) and unique phrasing.  Still really good.

8.  We Got Love, Ryan Shaw - listening to this, you simply must smile and do a little dance.

9.  Lover, Devendra Banhart - from the soundtrack to Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist, also a movie I highly recommend...the New York City scene depicted within could almost make me wish I was 18 again, not that I was ever that adventurous at 18.  Maybe 18 with my 41 year old brain.

10.  Hallelujah, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors - this could so easily be a Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers song, about going to a concert (the drummer smiles and shouts out, 'Hallelujah!')  This month's title comes from the verse - 'Some are sinners, some are saints/Singing songs out loud/They all come for different reasons/And are strangers in this crowd'

11.  Honey Let Me Sing You A Song, Matt Hires - I love any song about a man singing his love to a woman, and this one is a keeper.

12.  Fallen, Lauren Wood - there is an '80s homage on nearly every playlist I've ever created.  I was channel surfing one Sunday afternoon, and there was the deeply twisted fairy tale that is 'Pretty Woman.'  So wrong on so many levels, but this is the song playing on their way to see the opera, and I've always loved it.  Just can't help myself.

13.  Little Tornado, Aimee Mann - I admit that I don't whole-heartedly love Aimee Mann, but this song speaks to me.  And it was featured on Grey's Anatomy during a touching scene.  Sucked in, just like that.

14.  Baby You're My Light, Richard Hawley - Just a sweet song, very heartfelt.

15.  (I'm A) Road Runner, James Taylor - the best concert I've ever been to, JT at the Gorge, sun setting behind the band on a perfect July day.  And I am enjoying this new album of covers.

16.  Imperfect, Keri Noble - If I was the girl they all wanted to be/I wonder would I still be me?  An affirmation in lilting melody.

17.  Brand New Day, Tim Meyers f/Lindsey Ray - the current Target commercial, and even better than the 30-second snippet.  If you need a wake up song, this is the one.

18.  Everything I've Got, Blossom Dearie - it's a thin line between love and hate...

In case you missed it this week, here's a link to Garrison Keillor's post-election advice to Barack Obama. Sweet and sound.

http://www.salon.com/opinion/keillor/2008/11/05/happy_couple/

Melon-Collie

Ben told a joke this evening - what do you get when you cross a cantelope and a puppy?  A Melon Collie.  The he said, "There is an air of melancholoy over this house tonight."  He's right - this afternoon we said goodbye to our best first 'child,' our 17-year old mutt Zoey.  We adopted her as a puppy from the Blue Mountain Humane Society in October 1992; she went with us to Boise and Bozeman and back, and my kids have never known a day without her.

It was certainly time - her quality of life had declined rapidly over the last month.  We debated - do we let the kids know what's coming or do we take her to the vet's while they are at school and let them know after it's over?  We both felt pretty strongly that the kids should have a chance to say goodbye.  I picked them up from school, brought them home and told them what was going to happen, and then we spent some time saying goodbye.  Many tears shed, many stories told and memories shared, even some laughs.

My lovely sister took the kids while Jeff and I took Zoey.  It was incredibly painful and sad despite being the right thing to do.  We will miss you, old friend.

O. M. P. and other random happiness

O. M. G. - Obama's My President.

Check this out.

http://jezebel.com/5077253/maya-angelou-on-barack-obama-we-all-rise

Annalise on her 6th birthday - veterinarian party

Then there's this.

http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/index.php

Saw a  lovely acquaintance this evening who shared her new blog - try it, you'll like it!

http://sweetteasunshine.blogspot.com/

Benjamin in the fall light carving jack o'lanterns with the men's tennis team

New music to post before the end of the weekend.  Promise.

I turn 41 on Saturday.  What a good year it's been.  

Suddenly I am filled with hope and pride and I have happily cried on and off for the last 24 hours.  

Falling

Here it is, nearly the end of October, and I haven't said anything about September music - so lame.  It's been a busy month - Annalise turned 6 last weekend.  The downtown foundation hosted our annual meeting. Jeff ran a three-day tournament. My youngest sister got married, Jeff took his #1 & 2 players to Alabama for a week. But the real problem is that I'm too easily distracted by all the entertainment available in the world - like the new TV season.  So happy that Life, Eli Stone, Pushing Daisies, Grey's Anatomy and all the rest are back.  And I cannot look away from the news  - cnn.com, Jezebel.com and planetmoney.com and constant low- level anxiety.  A music discussion will be a great distraction:

The Proof I Use to Measure What is True

1. Be OK - Ingrid Michaelson:  bouncy and good-natured, this goes down easy

2. Love Love Love - Tristan Prettyman:  Madly was a free single of the week last spring, featured on the Heart Wide Open mix in May; found this searching around iTunes

3. Brandy Alexander - Ron Sexsmith:  I like this version more than the Feist recording, apparently inspired by John Lennon's favorite drink

4. It's Alright - Dar Williams: I love the jangly guitars and sunny feel

5. Hide From You - Angela Desveaux: again with the jangly guitars

6. Sweeter Than the Rest - Joan Osborne: since 1995, when I wore out the Relish CD (no lie, I wore that puppy out driving back and forth between Bozeman and...well, anywhere) I have loved her soulful sound.  Her Christmas album is one of my faves.  And you know I'm already planning Ben Jammin' 2008.

7. It's You - Pictures and Sound:  It's you I love and not the thought of you; you're the proof I use to measure what is true.  Simply sublime pop.

8. Stuck to You - Nikka Costa: a series of couplets about how she will complete her love.  My favorite?  "If you're a bride, I'll be your wedding; if you're the soul, I'll be your Otis Redding; If you're the verse, I'll be your song; if you're the King, I'll be your Kong."

9. Another Day - Jamie Lidell: completely impossible to stay in a blue mood with this song

10. How Am I to Be? - The Watson Twins: previously known for Rabbit Fur Coat, the record with Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley - Jeff created a Pandora station using these lovelies.  It's one of our favorites!

11. Pieces - The Bridges: I read about this family group - a brother, two sisters and a cousin - in Paste, and there they were on the next month's sampler.  Great harmonies, among other virtues...

12. The Show - Lenka: frothy and fun, loving this new voice

13. The New Love Song - Joshua James: this song cracks me up!  Great lyrics.

14. So What - Pink:  I dedicated this to a strong woman going through a messy divorce, transitioning from stay at home mom to single working mom.  A delightful kiss-off.

15. Violet Stars Happy Hunting! - Janelle Monae:  what Prince might be like if he was a girl. 

16. Black & Gold - Sam Sparro: Micah introduced me to this one day on YouTube - the video is rather trippy

17. Come Over Here - Sarah Bettens:  Heard this on one of the earlier seasons of L Word and again on a summer show called In Plain Sight - mesmerising! 

18. Gone - Matt Nathanson:  I really just need to hit the Complete my album button on this.

19. You Are Goodbye - Holly Conlan:  Things were pretty cheerful until this, but I really like her - funnily, I created this mix and then friend Amy invited me to join her in Portland for the Hotel Cafe tour, featuring Lenka and Holly Conlan, among other familiar faces.

20. Leave Me in the Dark - Keri Noble: heard her on Pandora, found her EP, couldn't possibly just get one song.

It's your Birthday...

Two of my favorite people in the world have birthdays in September, Jill and sister Katie, and I made this for them.

1. Mushaboom - Feist: that iPod commercial (1,2,3,4) opened up a whole new world for me

2. Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk - Rufus Wainwright:  a lovely, lilting melody detailing all the things he craves that are terribly bad for him.  Sounds familiar.

3. Temptation - Diana Krall: Torchy

4. In the Sun - Joseph Arthur: this was on one of the first Starbucks Hear Music mixes I ever bought (2000? Earlier?), and I've loved it ever since.  The rawness of his voice, the emotion, really move me.

5. Give a Little Love - Rilo Kiley: Jenny Lewis, et al, can do no wrong - they performed this on Austin City Limits and it made me love her even more.

6. Musicbox - Regina Specktor: a little piece of this song was featured on a whimsical JC Penney commercial last thanksgiving.

7. Moon Over Bourbon Street - Sting: having recently finished the Twighlight series (yes, fiction for young adults written by a mormon housewife - you try putting it down once you start) I had this ode to vampires in my head.

8. Long Ride Home - Patty Griffin: from the Elizabethtown soundtrack (unredeemable movie, outstanding soundtrack - c'mon Cameron, bring us something worthy of you) and what led me to her.

9. Morningside - Sarah Bareilles:  I can't wait to hear her sophomore album - I love nearly every cut from Little Voice and sing along with her lead, then replay so I can sing along with the backing track.  Genius.

10. Sara Smile - Joan Osborne: you know how I said above about loving Joan since the what if god was one of us era?  My very favorite songs are her covers - and Joan covering Hall and Oates?  How could I resist?

11. I Can See Clearly Now - Holly Cole Trio: this one was really for Katie, jazz chanteuse that she is.  I love how Ms. Cole plays with the tempo and phrasing in this familiar song.

12. Everyday - Erasure: Because I really can't make a mix without some reference to the 80's.  Just can't do it.

13. I'll Be Around - Tierney Sutton: This woman's rich and gorgeous voice spoke to me (sang, I guess) during a pedicure and I had to recall and search the lyrics to find it.  A 1958 hit for the Mills Brothers, apparently.

14. All This Love - Leigh Jones: Did I mention that I'm a sucker for a cover?  Especially a lovely blonde white woman who sounds like she could be front and center in a gospel choir?

15. Don't Let Me Fall - Lenka: The orchestration, at the intro, at the bridge - it's just wonderful.

16. Uninvited - Bostonian of Boston U: friends Tony and Megan found a fabulous compilation of college a cappella groups.  If only the Sirens of Swank or Schwa had been around when I was a student at Whitman.

17. Lovely Tonight - Joshua Radin: I alternate between loving and being annoyed by his breathy style.  This one I love.

18. Love is Love - Minnie Driver:  Yes, that Minnie Driver.  She's sweet and lovely and a little raspy and I enjoy her latest cd very much.

Singing itself.

I thought I should update this blog at least once in the month of July - just scooting in under the wire! Summer has been fun and frustrating in Wally World. Events really crank up for downtown, which means I'm working strange and long hours. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the family is off doing things without me, or waiting for me to get home. I love my job, and love putting these events on, but I miss being with my kids; when I'm home, I feel as though I should spend every waking hour with the kids and don't really spend enough grown-up time with hubby; and once again I feel as though I'm doing too much and not any of it well. Such is the dilemma of the working mother. Full-time, part-time, self-employed, stay-at-home - it's never perfect.

But enough whining! We've had many trips to the pool, the annual 4th of July Frankland Street Parade - featured on the front page of the local paper, no less, lots of tennis for Ben, some great kid-sitter experiences for Annalise with daily trips to the park and additions to her animal menagerie, a couple of thrilling camping adventures, two girl's night out at the movies (Sex and the City with 6 girlfriends, Mamma Mia with 11) a trip to Port Townsend (that's two ferry rides, thank you very much) and our big family reunion trip still to come.

And music - our lives are lived always with a soundtrack here. Two new mixes, from the usual sources: Paste, EW.com, Micah and Megan C., a few soundtracks (Veronica Mars, baby; Sex and the City), the iTunes "Listeners also purchased" list, etc. Cross-country distribution to the mail this weekend (I promise, Jill!).

In summer, the song sings itself. What a great quote by poet/author William Carlos Williams - no surprise that I'm not the first one to use it as a playlist title (entertaining Google search). Maybe not entirely original, but still a keeper!

Let It Out – Starrfadu (from that Kleenex commercial where people cry on the couch in the middle of the city)
My Only Offer – Mates of State
5:19 – Matt Wertz
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him (actress Zooey Deschanel - remember her from Elf? with one-man-band M. Ward)
Bonafied Lovin’ - Chromeo
You Wreck Me – Tom Petty
Coming Home – The 88
(I’ve Got to) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That – Edwin McCain
Little Toy Gun – Honeyhoney
Mystery – Ashleigh Flynn
Late Last Night – Robby Hecht
Falling In Love in a Coffee Shop – Landon Pigg
I Want You to Be My Love – Over the Rhine
I Know I Know I Know – Tegan and Sarah
Greatest Hit – Annie (with a sample from my first Madonna crush, 'Everybody')
Lost & Found – Adrienne Pierce
I Hear the Bells – Mike Doughty
Giving Up – Ingrid Michaelson
Clementine – Raining Jane (this sounds even better live - see them if you can!)

Talking Like Trash, Shakin' Her Ass

Sing Again – Chris Walla
This Girl – Jordan Zevon
Fancy Footwork – Chromeo
Mamma Mia – ABBA (in honor of the sing-along experience!)
Stop and Stare – OneRepublic
I Don’t Think So – Priscilla Ahn
I Idolize You – Lizz Wright
Message of Love – The Pretenders (some songs are just too good to leave in the past - consider it my token 80's homage; you know there's at least one on every mix)
Dirty Laundry – Bitter:Sweet
Lolita – Prince
Bottle It Up – Sara Bareilles
February Air – Lights
Explode – Uh Huh Her
Open Fire – Sarah Mac Band (like these folks a whole bunch - I'm such a sucker for girls with guitars)
It’s Amazing – Jem
Birthday – The Bird and the Bee
You Picked Me – A Fine Frenzy
Baby Wait – Jonatha Brooke (the title comes from these lyrics)
Steer – Missy Higgins

New music to fall for: The Watson Twins full-length album, Priscilla Ahn's A Good Day, and I just heard a sweet pop/r&b groove by Brit Nikka Costa, Stuck to You. Sweet summer confection!

In the summertime...

Summer arrives in Walla Walla, with 91 degrees forecast for the hight today. The kids are out of school - check out Anna's graduation picture from preschool - and Ben's from 5 years ago! Crazy. Next fall begins the only school year that they will be at the same school - Ben in 5th grade, Anna a kinder. Even more crazy!

Live music plays downtown all weekend starting today - local 'good time' band Vintage plays the Downtown Sounds concert after work. And the Foundation also has started a Sundays LIVE concert series; I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Vicky and the Velvet Tones this week.

There has been some great live music events in Walla Walla this spring - In May, Raining Jane played an acoustic set at one of my favorite restaurants, T. Maccarone's, then an electric set at the Whitman coffeehouse stage. Raining Jane is an LA-based group of 4 very talented and gorgeous women writing tight harmony and thoughtful music that you can dance and dream to. I love them. They were incredibly accessible and friendly, and they love Walla Walla. They opened for Guster when they played at Whitman several years ago, and try to come back every time they do a northwest college tour. They'll be back in the fall and I'll be in the front row. And in early June, and electronica/hip hop band performed at the Red Eye - I couldn't make the show, but I heard they were fantastic. On their way from Boise to Seattle, Walla Walla was a great stop to pick up another live performance.

We have entertainment options that we've never had before - Weekly live music with an accomplished jazz showman over Indian food at Backstage Bistro, the Piano Bar with a wide variety of area musicians at Sapolil Cellars, Sunday concerts - it's a little crazy, and a lot of fun. I wrote for the Foundation newsletter that when I graduated from Whitman and worked downtown the first time 17 years ago, it seemed as though our summer concert series and the symphony was about it for live music events beyond the occasional - now, there are things to see, music to hear, dancing to do nearly every weekend.

And I have to share that I have a new mixtape from Micah. Micah is the way cool Program Coordinator who works with me. All the tracks are delightful in their own way. And I must thank him for introducing me to Chromeo. He played me samples from their MySpace page and my immediate response was, "Disco!" I recommend a listen to my friends who, like me, can't really let go of the BEST DANCE MUSIC EVER.

Slightly melancholy, who knows why?

So fresh on the heels of the Spring Fever mix, here is another, slightly melancholy mix. I really don't know why, I just needed to express this inner unsettledness (SO not a word...) and this is what did it. I just feel better when I listen to this mix I call With a Heart Wide Open. There are hopeful, happy songs sprinkled throughout; Matt Nathanson, Over the Rhine, Eastmountainsouth, and even Donny Osmond, for heaven's sake. Additionally, my 5-month obsession every year, American Idol, now posts all performances on iTunes for downloading. I have shown remarkable restraint, but couldn't resist my favorite tattoo'd chick Carly Smithson - her Here You Come Again during Dolly Parton week was stellar, showing her range, control, and excellent pitch. And I really like David Cook and what he did with Mariah Carey's Always Be My Baby.

Some new folks this time: Entertainment Weekly had an article highlighting up and coming female singer/songwriters, 6 of which I had heard and purchased, 4 I had not. Throw in a couple free singles of the week, a new Weepies album, John Mayer (from which the title comes) and Donny Osmond (so sue me), and it's a mix:

With a Heart Wide Open
Wish I Could Forget - The Weepies
Say - John Mayer
Here You Come Again - Carly Smithson (American Idol)
Come On Get Higher - Matt Nathanson
Blue Skies - Jaymay
Impossible - Larkin Gayl
I'm On a Roll - Over the Rhine
It's Only Life - Kate Voegele
Best Days - Graham Colton
Worrisome Heart - Melody Gardot
Between the Lines - Sarah Bareilles
The Wrong Girl - Missy Higgins
Always Be My Baby - David Cook (American Idol)
Mercy - Duffy
Apologize - OneRepublic
Madly - Tristan Prettyman
All the Stars - Eastmountainsouth
Under the Blacklight - Rilo Kiley
Breeze On By - Donny Osmond

My habit is to find, listen, order and reorder new music, create the mix, send it out, and start again. So as my friends and family are just getting familiar with that set of songs, I've already moved on. My gestation period is around three weeks - could be sooner this time, thanks to new music from MB-C. Of course, there will need to be a summer mix for the teachers in early June, so I do have a deadline...

Spring - Finally!

The daffodils are in full sunny glory, the hyacinth have started to burst, and the sneezing has begun - spring is here again. Of course, this calls for a Spring Fever mix - sent across the country and distributed to all our favorite teachers for spring break (including my high school choir director!).

i'd say that i have
Spring Fever
27 Jennifers - Mike Doughty
Don't Stop Believin' - Petra Haden
My Moon My Man - Feist
Hotel Song - Regina Spektor
It Might As Well Be Spring - Cheryl Bentyne
Sky - Joshua Radin w/Ingrid Michaelson
Taylor, the Latte Boy - Kristen Chenoweth
The Way I Feel - Matt Wertz
New Soul - Yael Naim
Modern Nature - Sondre Lerche w/Lillian Samdal
When Did Your Heart Go Missing - Rooney
Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse
Sing Along - Virginia Coalition
Eye in the Sky - Jonatha Brooke
For Shame of Doing Wrong - Ida
Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard & Markete Irglova
Running - No Doubt
Breakin' Up - Rilo Kiley
Music is My Hot, Hot Sex - CSS
Paradise - Ana Serrano van der Laan
It Looks Like Love - Josh Rouse

Earlier versions featured Adele, Jars of Clay and Sheryl Crow, but I just wasn't happy with the flow. Plus they were a bit gloomy for the springtime vibe. And I've loved the song "It Might as Well Be Spring," since I sang it in high school with Mr. Benson's Vocal Jazz, and it took awhile to find a version I really liked. Annalise loves "The Way I Feel," calling it the happy song - and I can't argue, not "...when everything inside of me is singin' out." And everyone sings along to "Taylor, the Latte Boy," including the staff at the downtown Starbucks.

Someone asked me this week who it is that I make these mixes for: although I have made special mixes for specific people, I make these for myself first and foremost. Last year I created a playlist called, "Songs With Which I Am Currently Obsessed," but that label applies to just about every mix I've ever made.

Outside my obsession with the perfect mixtape, I work part-time for the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation as Events & PR Manager. I worked for this downtown revitalization group fresh out of Whitman (shudder) 17 years ago, volunteered for them after the kids were born, and became interim manager two summers ago. For the last year, I've reduced my hours to part-time (I use the terms 'reduced' and 'part-time' very loosely), but still eat-sleep-drink-breathe downtown. There's really no place else I'd rather spend time in Walla Walla. Watch this space for photos and interesting updates.

Silly Love Songs

My annual Valentine compilation is completed, Silly Love Songs Volume 4. This year, I decided to create a companion piece, Anti-Love Songs; good music I am crazy about that has a decidedly cynical cast. Playlists for both follow.

I have numerous sources for new music. Pandora online continues to bring me wondrous music I must own immediately. I subscribe to a great magazine called Paste that comes with a lovely sampler CD featuring 20 or so new songs every issue. In the past year, only one sampler has not made it into heavy rotation. I am an iTunes slut, visiting twice daily and always clicking through the "Listeners Also Bought" section to see what artists I didn't even know I loved. Movie or TV show soundtracks also offer inspiration - I believe my first TV show soundtrack purchase was thirtysomething, purchased in 1991. That was followed quickly by Northern Exposure. I've been obsessive about this for a long time, people. Holy crap, I'm old.

Silly Love Songs Vol. 4
I Only Have Eyes for You - Martina Topley-Bird
Words - Shawn Colvin
You Mean Everything To Me - Shawn Mullins
You Dance - eastmountainsouth
Love Is Free - Sheryl Crow
It Had Better Be Tonight - Michael Buble
Closer To You - Brandi Carlile
Cruel to Be Kind - Nick Lowe
Fever - A Fine Frenzy
Crazy Love - U Michigan Amazin' Blue
Be Be Your Love - Rachael Yamagata
One Sure Thing - Toby Lightman
Always - Ben Taylor
Warm Whispers - Missy Higgins
Let My Love Open the Door - Sondre Lerche
To Know Love - Little Big Town
Many The Miles - Sara Bareilles
The Way I Feel - Matt Wertz

Anti-Love Songs
Die Alone - Ingrid Michaelson
Hearsay - Jonatha Brooke
Don't Come Around Here No More - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Fury - Little Big Town
Thorn In My Side - Eurythmics
Peachy - Missy Higgins
Tempted - Squeeze
Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On) - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
I Should've Known Better - Nickel Creek
My Sweet Song - Toby Lightman
Hole In My Pocket - Sam Phillips
Who's Cryin' Now - Journey
Where Does the Good Go - Tegan and Sara
Broken - Tift Merritt
Ghost of Goodbye - Ford Turrell

And the previous volumes of Silly Love Songs:
Silly Love Songs Vol. 3 (2007)
Let There Be Love - Chris Botti with Michael Buble
La Vie en Rose - Tony Bennett & kd lang
Edge of Love - Mindy Smith
Echoes - Dar Williams
Fidelity - Regina Spektor
Charmed Life - Diana Krall
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Michael Buble
Lay All Your Love On Me - ABBA
I Found Love - The Free Design
It's De-Lovely - Robbie Williams
Fools in Love - Inara George
Colors - Amos Lee
Love is Strange - Everything But the Girl
True - Spandeaux Ballet
Now Three - Vienna Teng
When the Blue Hour Comes - Joan Osborne
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life - Sting with Chris Botti

Silly Love Songs Vol. 2 (2006)
I've Got A Crush On You - Michael Buble
Play Me - Neil Diamond
Give Your Mama One Smile - Madeleine Peyroux
The Things We Do for Love - 10CC
Still In Love - U of Rochester Vocal Point
Same in Any Language - I Nine
Love Me Like A Man - Diana Krall
Gimme Some Lovin' - The Spencer Davis Group
One Moment More - Mindy Smith
Like Lovers Do - Heather Nova
Addicted to Love - Robert Palmer
Wear Your Love Like Heaven - Sara McLachlan
Those Sweet Words - Norah Jones
It Must Be Love - Rickie Lee Jones
Crazy Love - Aaron Neville
You Can't Hurry Love - Dixie Chicks
Found Love - Jimmy Reed
Wink and a Smile - Harry Connick, Jr.

Silly Love Songs
When You Say Nothing At All - Alison Krauss
True Companion - Marc Cohn
Feels Like Home - Bonnie Raitt
I Know You By Heart - Eva Cassidy
Power of Two - Indigo Girls
God Only Knows - Manhattan Transfer
Someone to Watch Over Me - Linda Ronstadt
When You are Old - Martina McBride
Come Rain or Come Shine - Ray Charles
At Last - Etta James
Where You Lead - Carole King
Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison
Silly Love Songs - Paul McCartney