So Far Away -

Happy Monday!

This weekend, I caught some great specials on PBS, covering the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize award ceremonies for both Billy Joel and Carole King.   I don't know if this is normal TV for someone my age, but I'd rather watch PBS music specials than just about anything else ((including my beloved Bravo Channel.  That's saying something, my friends.))  

Also, to know me is to know that I absolutely LOVE Billy Joel- but I also have a deep love for Carole King.  How can anyone NOT love Carole?  She's just so adorably sweet and humble- and her talent as both a singer and a songwriter is unmatched.   Her album Tapestry is one of my very favorites, and is played often around my house -loudly.  ((I reserve this behavior for when I am home alone, because it isn't nice to force anyone to be witness to my Carole King sing-a-longs...))

Below is one of my absolute favorite Carole King songs.  Also, I just had to share this particular one because how adorable is 1971 James Taylor?!  I love everything that is happening in this video:  the stripped down music, Carole's adorable mannerisms, her amazing pink maxi dress. . . and of course, adorable James Taylor.

I was so born in the wrong generation. . . 

Enjoy... and have a fantastic week!  I'm off to South Texas for a week-long work trip.   While I'm dreading being away from home for 5 days, I am looking forward to a little bit of sunshine and warmer temperatures...

I've got a Blank Space, baby. . .

It pains me to admit this. . . but I am addicted to Taylor Swift's latest hit, "Blank Space."

I am not "anti-Taylor," per say...  but I am not exactly a mega-fan, either.  I tend to find her hit-of-the-moment catchy for about a day, and then it becomes annoying.  I admire her talent, but generally don't have any kind of connecting emotion to her "I'm in my early 20's and can't find love" themed tunes.  I am liking her style, I think she's beautiful and don't feel she's undeserving of any of her success. . . but it's Taylor Swift and I just can't fully commit to calling myself a fan. 

 ((I also may still hold a grudge that she dated- and then attempted to shame- my love, John Mayer.))

That said. . . I can't get enough of this song.  When I first heard it on satellite radio, I immediately went to youtube to watch the video and listen again.  And again.  And again.   After about 4 listens, I bought the damn song.   Weeks later, I still crank it up when it comes on my radio and find myself hunting through my iTunes library to listen to it at least once a day.

I may need a T.Swift intervention.  ((And those, my friends, are words I NEVER thought I would say.))

And I Love You Dear. . . ((Monday Music Post))

It sounds rather cliche and generic to say "I love music."  Who doesn't?  I don't know anyone that can claim the opposite.  People don't hate music.  Everyone enjoys it.  But sometimes, I feel as though I enjoy it a little more than most. . . 

I've "loved" music my entire life.  For as long as I can remember, I have felt both connected to and moved by notes, melodies, lyrics and harmonies.   I started piano lessons in kindergarten (unfortunately I don't play very well), joined the school band in the 5th grade (and continued my band nerdy-ness all through high school) and took voice lessons for a couple of years in junior high (unfortunately I don't sing very well).   I wanted to be a rockstar.  I wanted to be a songwriter.  I also wanted to be a music journalist (and actually got a degree for this one that looks fancy on my wall..,).   

I love finding new bands, but my truest music love is devoted to genres from the late 60s and early 70s.  Another thing I absolutely love is a good cover.  I find great joy in hearing a band-especially from another time/genre- put their own twist on an already well-known and established tune.  Good covers just make me smile.

My newest music obsession is the perfect combination of my music loves.  A new collaboration of musicians, singing the lyrics of a classic 60s/70s musician,  If you haven't heard The New Basement Tapes, you must check them out below.    (Also, keep your eyes peeled for Johnny Depp...)

In true "me" fashion, I've been obsessing about this collaboration for a week now- I listen to the album on repeat and am constantly scouring youtube for videos.  I've also got to get my hands on the Showtime documentary. . .

This is a musical collaboration of several fantastic musicians who have put their voices to some of Bob Dylan's lost lyrics- these lyrics were written in the late 60's with the intent of becoming a part of Dylan's famous "Basement Tapes."  These songs didn't make it to the 1975 album, but thank the Lord they've found their place in 2014.