Tell me life is beautiful, they think I have it all.

Photo via Naomi Shon

Last night I saw Lana Del Ray at Irving Plaza and three beers in her opener Zebra Katz's song "Silly Bitch" seemed almost good, and for gods sake, have some respect for the woman people- she wore birds in her hair. I'm confused about the whole SNL drama because the girl sure could sing last night (I'm sure of it because I heard her take breaths in between the words to ensure there was no lip-syncing nonsense...) While I'm still not over the lack of an encore, I can be your china doll, if you like to see me fall. 'Nough said.

Born and Raised

Different from John Mayer's last CD, which was filled with bluesy undertones, this one screams "country soul searchin'" and if you couldn't tell from his new look...

IE:

... you should probably get the CD. Favorites include 'Born and Raised', 'Whiskey Whiskey Whiskey', and 'If I Ever Get around to Living.' Yes, I wanted to hate it. But as a recent graduate nothing could please me more than a CD that leaves you yearning for the answers to life's questions.

The Lumineers

This band is just too good right now.
And the song 'Flowers in Your Hair' is just so, summer before college.

I'm Gonna Give You Some of My Good Time....

I'm pretty sure I can equate hearing 'Scar Tissue' live to a boys first wet dream. And, on top of that, I was given a sweet fur jacket on the way to see the Red Chili Peppers... Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

Ready or Not..

Maybe its because I've inherited my mother's disease to listen to songs on repeat over and over again until they're engrained in my mind, or Lauryn Hill has cast a spell on me... Or maybe its the rain or something that has me playing this song on repeat by the Fugees...

Also.. this picture makes me feel pretty good about my eating habits yesterday. Thank you TTH. (If only everyone showed up to McDonalds in that outfit...)

PORT OF MORROW: The Shins

"As you rise: rise from your burning fiat.

Go, go get my suitcase, would you?

You've thoroughly blown their mind.

And now I must have passage on the lines,

to the veins from your heart."

From The Shins, to Broken Bells, and now back to The Shins I couldn't be more excited for this CD's release. I mean for gods sake I downloaded the album before I brushed my teeth this morning (TMI?)

Currently can't stop listening to '40 Mark Strasse' and 'The Rifle's Spiral' (but I'm sure my favorite song will change 27 times in the next four days...)

'Fall Creek Boys Choir'

I cannot stop listening to James Blake and Bon Iver's collaboration. Of course Justin Vernon's lyrics are weird and of course there are weird gospel undertones... but as a Rolling Stone critic so rightfully put it, "this is beauty for beauty's sake."

Lana Love

Ever since Lana Del Rey's album has been released, people have had many things to say about her- not all of them very nice as T Magazine points out in, "A Star is Born (and Scorned)."

BUT, while much can be said on the fact that maybe her father bought her success and okay, true, she went under the knife- What really makes a musician successful? Sure, its annoying that she basically has it all from the outside looking in but one thing is for sure: her CD has been on repeat in my car since the day it came out (I'm also now well versed in the lyrics to every song if you're interested...). And putting that into perspective; after long awaiting Coldplay's new album it lasted in my car about a week until I finally had to admit I wasn't in love. You know its good when you end up listening to it all the time, and everywhere- who cares if her lips are real or fake? The girl can sing.

Human Again: INGRID MICHAELSON

A good thing that came out of Binghamton!?! Kidding, kind of... No, but really... Ingrid Michaelson is amazing and a MUST LISTEN!! I waited for this CD like I waited online for the DANNIJO sample sale tonight (#allworthit)

Which side are you on?: ANI DIFRANCO

The babe is back, and better than ever. I can't even deal; "everytime I open my mouth- I take off my clothes. And I'm raw and frost bitten from being exposed." Translation you ask? Ani, I love you. You speak to my soul.

MUST LISTEN: 'Life Boat' and 'If Yr Not'

(subliminaly I'm trying to tell you please listen to the whole CD or you're seriously missing out)

Ani.

Last night, my sister and I went to see Ani Difranco at Town Hall in NYC, and it was beyond great. She always puts on a show thats real and raw down to the bone (and she recited a personal poem during the concert!). Besides the fact she damn well knows how to play a guitar, her lyrics mesmerize and everytime I leave the show I end up having her on repeat for weeks... It takes an amazing artist to captivate you enough that after a show you leave only wanting more...

"Of all the Monday through Fridays

We joined the crusade

Of all the Saturday nights

In which we were made

Of all the exorcisms

I've done with your ghosts

Still it's Sunday morning

I miss you the most"

Ceremonials: FLORENCE + THE MACHINE

MUST LISTEN: The whole cd!!! but specifically 'Spectrum', 'Shake it out', and 'Never Let Me Go'

..such a cool red.

Mylo Xyloto: COLDPLAY

MUST LISTEN: 'Charlie Brown' and 'Princess of China ft. Rihanna'

On Repeat: He Doesnt Know Why by Fleet Foxes

Ever have that week where no music inspires you and than you hear that one song and you get it? Yes.