I have 3 great songs that I would like to share and that I think you need to hear. One you've probably already heard but needs revisiting, a new release from a band that will remind you of something else you loved, and a track from a dude who is taking a break from his band to do a solo project. They have all been on rotation this week in my headphones. I'm talking rotation to the point of annoyance. Ask my sister. I think she may smash my computer. Take a listen below and you'll see why.

Dear Diary,

I can't believe I blogged twice in one month.

<3, Haley

Amy Winehouse - "Valerie"

Unless you live under a rock, you know that Amy Winehouse died this week. Everyone's all, "Are you surprised?" You know what I say to that? Yes. Yes, I am surprised. Just because she had addiction problems doesn't make her death any less shocking. We know it's coming for each of us, but it's always unpredictable no matter what. I completely detest that following her death, people are undermining the music she made because of the life she chose to live. One is not related to the other. And don't fucking tell me that I only like her more now because she died. Fuck that. I basically listened to Back to Black for all of 2007 and revisit it all the time. It was a remarkable album that was comparable to nothing else. I'm not saying that her premature death won't have an impact on how people view her music because it will, but it won't be undeserving. People are also cutting her down for only making 2 albums from 2003 until now. I don't care if she released only one song during that time period. If that one song or those 2 albums affected people, made them feel something or inspired them in any way, then that artist deserves credit where credit is due. That's the point of music and Amy did her job. She was an incredible jazz vocalist and it is a huge loss that we will not be hearing anything else from her. People should be ashamed of themselves for being so incredibly disrespectful. Anyway, "Valerie" is one of the B-sides to her album, Back to Black. It's a showcase for her perfect jazz vocals and once again, I can't stop singing it.

Dum Dum Girls - "Coming Down"

I'll be honest. I couldn't name you one other song by this band. I've heard the buzz about them but never jumped on the bandwagon for absolutely no reason. I stumbled upon this song recently and I can't stop hitting play. It's a sweeping song that could go on for ten minutes and you wouldn't even notice. It's got that heavy, hazy, melancholy feel that I personally can never get enough of. It reminds me a lot of Mazzy Star's, "Fade Into You" which I was infatuated with all throughout high school. Makes me wanna slow dance in a gymnasium with chaperones watching.

Release the Sunbird - "No Light"

Despite the extremely gay band name, the stuff I have heard from him is preeetttty, preeettttty good. By him, I mean Zach Rogue of the band, Rogue Wave. This is his solo project and the first product is titled, Come Back To Us. He adds a female vocalist by the name of Kate Long and their voices truly compliment each other. This song in particular I liked after half of a listen. It flows perfectly and everything about it is pleasing to the ear. It's right in my wheelhouse. I hope the rest of the album is too! I couldn't find a link for just this song so the link above is for NPR's "First Listen" for the whole album. You're welcome!

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I just want to clarify that I was thinking about writing about this subject way before all the real music blogs started writing about it therefor, I am not copying them. It's not my fault they are professionals/have avid readers/real/have their shit in a pile and I'm all, "Yaya, I'm totally gonna write about that for the two people that read my blog...tomorrow or the next day or the next day." It's July. I started writing this in June but never finished. The year is half way done. I guess the idea to recap the best albums released this year is not so original but it is necessary. I'm mostly doing it so I can remember, come December, the albums that individually stole me away for weeks and weeks at a time. It also might have something to do with the fact that I'm bored and a girl can only watch so much, "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant." ::cough BULLSHIT cough::

If you don't know of these albums, I genuinely feel bad for you. If you don't know about these albums, I question your legitimacy as a person, let a alone someone I'm supposed to be acquainted with. If you don't know of these albums, please de-friend me. If you don't know that I'm referring to Facebook when I say de-friend me, de-friend me. If you don't know about these albums, welcome to this little place I like to call, "Earth."

So that was a all a bit dramatic back there, huh? I just wanted to emphasize that these albums are all nothing short of great accomplishments. Just so we are all on the same page, a good album to me is one you can listen to all the way through without getting the urge to change the song. It bears songs that make you feel something and if you're lucky, everything. Trust me when I say, you need these albums in your life. These are my top favorites thus far for 2011 and so far, so good. In no order...

Adele ::: 21

I feel lucky that I am able to listen to this album. I sit and listen and really think, "Man, I'm so lucky Adele and I are alive at the same time." It's that good. There is something so special about when an artist shares every raw emotion of their heartbreak with their listeners. It's like we had a heart to heart and now we are best friends. Adele sings the hell out of every song on the album and she did it beautifully. I'll appreciate a female with an outstanding voice till the day I die. I hope this girl comes out with an album for every age she turns.

"Turning Tables"

"If It Hadn't Been For Love"

Yuck ::: Yuck

Who the hell are they, right? Just this random band from London that has put out a better first album than bands putting out worse fifth albums. The first song I heard from this was, "The Wall." Pitchfork told me to listen to it and I mostly do what they say and usually, I am glad that I heed their advice. I was hooked after one listen and motivated to get the whole album. Yuck made me feel like I was listening to an album that was released during the 90's grunge phase. Its got that heavy guitar, all fuzzed out kinda feel to it but minus the flannel shirts and add background female vocals. It's not an album that you going to listen to one time through and get your socks blown off but rather one that you listen to a couple times through that seeps in through the cracks without you even knowing.

"Suicide Policeman"

"Shook Down"

Cults ::: Cults

Probably one of the hardest bands to Google, right after Girls. I always try and get my hands on albums before they are released simply because I can not wait any longer but it was next to impossible to find anything music related after "Google-ing" Cults. If that was part of their plan in the fight against music piracy, they win. I think I can safely say that this album is the sunniest, glossiest, most sugary, memorable album of 2011 all packaged in thirty-three minutes and when it's over, you might ask yourself what the hell just happened. Cults makes me think that this is what an album would sound like if really talented six year olds started a band. Some might infer from that sentence that this album is not good but let me assure you, that is not the case. Many might not, but I love the light, childhood-like qualities of this album. Although the album presents with that childhood, summer-y feel, the subjects of the songs are mature and are sang in melodies that are incessant and unforgettable. Oh, and whatever that instrument is that sounds like a Fisher Price piano that can be heard on most of the tracks, I'm going to need more of in my life.

"Oh My God"

"Bumper"

Fleet Foxes ::: Helplessness Blues

Fleet Foxes had some big shoes to fill after their first eponymous release. That album ruled. They set the bar almost unreachably high for themselves for their sophomore release. Almost. I must say, they cleared the bar with ease. This album is the most beautiful, stripped down, folky album I've possibly ever heard. There is something so unique about Robin Pecknold's voice yet at the same time, he occasionally reminds me of Jim James from My Morning Jacket. I'm not sure how someone can sound so unique and simultaneously remind me of someone but it happened. My favorite track on the album has to be, "Lorelai." Simply put, it is a disarming song that is laughably beautiful. Now that I think about it, majority of the songs on Helplessness Blues fit that description. Fleet Foxes have created sophisticated, wise beyond their years songs on Helplessness Blues that take me far away, and for that, it is one of my favorite albums of 2011.

"Lorelai"

"Helplessness Blues"

Bon Iver ::: Bon Iver

I was nervous for Bon Iver's second release. I loved For Emma, Foever Ago so incredibly much that in my eyes, there was no way they could do better and that made me sad for them. I loved every song on that album and the story that was tied to the conception of the album (you remember: girl breaks Justin Vernon's heart, Justin goes to a cabin in Wisconsin and whoopsaaay daisaaay, makes incredible album without meaning to) made me love it more intensely. The melodies and textures in these ten songs are breathtaking. If my heart was a sponge, Justin Vernon pretty much is ringing it out every time he opens his mouth to sing. His falsetto hits the spot every time. Bon Iver (the album) is a horse of different color and a stunning one at that. I won't say that it is better than it's predecessor because for me, Bon Iver made that virtually impossible but I will say that it is not in any way comparable to For Emma and I think that is exactly what needed to happen. It's a different beast entirely but the lyrics and intruments are just as haunting. It's a beautiful album and there aren't enough compliments in the world to pay to Bon Iver.

"Holocene"

"Beth/Rest"

"Perth"

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Oh, hello! Nice to see you again! Did you do something to your hair or lose weight? You look great. How's your mom? I'm not very good at keeping this thing updated, huh? I'm sorry. I think about blogging a lot. Does that count? You sure? Alright, didn't think so but it was worth a shot. I tend to be more productive when under deadlines and receiving paychecks.

I have been feasting my ears on copious amounts of delicious music lately. My speakers and ears are satiated as hell. Some of my favorite artists are coming out with albums and basically just pumping out straight greatness. I feel like this happens every spring. I'm sorry I've been hogging it all but I'm ready to share now. I hope you're hungry. I'm really excited to share these. My three songs that I can't stop listening to this week/month arrrrreeeeeeee (drumroll please):

Cults - "Bumper"

This week, Cults streamed their eponymous (I have been dying to utilize that word in a sentence) debut album on NPR. As expected, it is everything I thought it could be. They have been slowly releasing records (about 4 or 5) for a few months now and I fell in love with each. It's not all that surprising that I'm enamored with the whole album. I've been streaming the album for a couple days at this point and the song that has become my best friend is, "Bumper." It's a little duet between Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion. (How cool is that last name?) I'm a huge fan of call back duets. There is something really charming about this song. It sounds like it's a happy song but when you listen closely, you'll hear otherwise. I love when sad songs disguise themselves.

My Morning Jacket - "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)"

Jim James. Jim James. Jim James. Why is your voice perfect? Why are you guys such amazing songsmiths? I'm not complaining. Sometimes it's just really hard to handle so much greatness in a few short minutes. This song is immediately likable. I'm talkin' like, within 20 seconds likable. This song is off their newest, coming-out-soon album (May 31), Circuital. I already have it because I'm like, really cool. If this song comes on in the car and I'm really close to my place, naturally I'm driving past it and listening to this song all the way through. This song is my, "Golden," from It Still Moves. Jim James can't sing a ballad I don't like. As Ralph Wiggum would say, "That's unpossible."

Foster The People - "Houdini"

By now, I'm sure everyone has heard, "Pumped Up Kicks." That is the song that turned me on to this band as I'm sure it did for pretty much everyone. I think I got on that bus a little late but I'm just happy I boarded cause that song is right in my wheelhouse. I saw this band when I was at Coachella only knowing that one song. My brother and I thought we were hilarious when we started chanting, "Play that song! Play that song!" I'm certain everyone else around us probably being real fans, hated us. I still think it's funny. Anyway, it inspired me to dig a little deeper, do a little research and see if they were only good for that one song or if they really were legit. I'm happy to report, they're legit. Turns out, "Houdini" is right in my wheelhouse as well. They remind me a lot of Cold War Kids and MGMT at certain points throughout this song. If CWK and MGMT got together and had drunken sex, they'd make a baby that sounded like this. I don't know why the sex had to be drunken but it just did, ok? Enjoy.

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This is going to be hard to write about for a number of reasons; Lack of material not being one of them. Mostly because Coachella kicked my fuckin' ass. I would estimate that I have about four brain cells left and they are all busy remembering my date of birth, full name, address and phone number. So, bear with me as making sentences has been quite the challenge recently.

I pretty much have my doctorate in music festivals now since Coachella bumped my count up to three. You'd think that music festivals would be somewhat comparable with the main focus being music and all but if you think that, you'd be wrong. It's amazing how much a little scenery can change the whole atmosphere as well as your experience. Surrounded by palm trees, mountains and an amazing line up of bands, Coachella was without question, the best music festival I have been to thus far in my life. I still have my Coachella wristband on and it ended four days ago. Yeah, I'm that girl. I just like to look down and be reminded of it all. Personally, I think music festivals should last until your wristband falls off on its own. I think kids would be down for that.

Alright, time to get my focus on. Performances. If you both recall, I blogged a few blog entries back about the Austin City Limits Festival. In that, I wrote about bands in superlative form and guess what? I'm doing that again. Without further adieu...

MOST I HAD EXPECTED MORE FROM 'EM BUT I STILL LOVE 'EM

>Cults

Just to clarify how good I think this band is, I'd like to point out that they don't even have an official album out and have released only a few songs on the internet that are all right in my wheelhouse. I basically have those five songs on repeat at any given moment. I was pumped to see them on the Gobi Stage on Saturday. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I was disappointed with their performance. To their credit, I'm not entirely sure it was their fault that they sucked a little. I blame their sound guy. I could barely make out what the lead singer was singing and she was overpowered by the music. I also blame the crowd for not being into it. Everyone was simply standing there like Obama was giving a speech. Perhaps that could have something to do with it being 100 degrees out and only knowing five songs at most but hell, I was dancing. They definitely have incredible potential though. Perhaps they are just inexperienced and just need to work on their live show. (I feel like and old man when I say "perhaps.") I look forward to seeing them again, buying their album and giving them another chance to prove me wrong.

Cults - "Oh My God"

MOST MOTHER FUCKING ARCADE FIRE

>Arcade Fire

I have nothing bad to say about them pretty much ever. They fuckin' rule and if you don't like them, I don't get you as a human being. They always put on a good show and their albums are all better than 99% of anything you're listening to. What more can you ask for of a band? They were the last band to play on the Coachella Stage (the main stage) on Saturday night at 11ish. In order to secure a good spot, my brother and I went to that stage at around 5:30 and sat (or stood) through a whole lotta other shows just for AF. That's dedication. By the time it was 11 o'clock, my legs were numb from standing up so long and there were so many people around me, I couldn't even scratch my arm. I've never seen Arcade Fire in such tight quarters and it sort of ruined my experience. It's not Arcade Fire's fault they're so awesome and everyone loves them. I was most happy to hear them perform "City With No Children" as I have never heard them play that in concert as well as "Wake Up" because it is such a powerful, live song. They closed out Saturday night with "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains") and oversized, glowing balloons falling from the roof. It was beautiful. Come to Boston soon, Arcade Fire. Until then, I'll miss you.

Arcade Fire - "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

MOST SO, YOU GUYS ARE OFFICIAL ROCK-STARS NOW, HUH?

>Kings of Leon

Despite the fact that I am not a big fan of their last album, Come Around Sundown, I was excited to see KOL as the Friday night closer. I felt like I was seeing old friends. Let me tell you, they rocked it. Their performance was flawless, playing every song to a T. It must have been my lucky night because Caleb announced that they were sick of playing the new stuff. They played a bunch of old songs. To name a few, "Four Kicks," "Molly's Chambers," "Taper Jean Girl, and "The Bucket" (which was my fave of the night). I've been a KOL fan for a long time now and it's great to see them this successful but at the same time it makes me laugh for some reason. They are such the rock-stars these days and they know down in their bones how much people sweat them. After their encore, Caleb took a rag, wiped the sweat off his face, tied it in a knot and threw it in the crowd. No one wants your sweaty rag, dude. He also grabbed an unopened bottle of water, opened it, took a sip, put the cap back on, and tossed it to the audience. Great, now someone is probably going to get herpes because aren't you banging Miley Cyrus now? Oh no, wait, that's your bassist. I'm proud of them, but they need to get over themselves. Let's not forget that your drummer was drinking a Michelob Ultra during the show.

Kings of Leon - "The Bucket"

MOST I CAN'T BELIEVE I TRIED NOT TO LIKE THEM

>Mumford & Sons

This band blew up a few months ago. I had heard the album and it was alright, but I tried my best not to jump on the bandwagon. Sometimes I get snobby like that when it comes to popular music for reasons I do not understand. If it truly is good music, I'll come around. And come around I did. It only took me seeing Mumford & Sons live. I can't get tell you how amazing they were. They were my favorite band at Coachella by far. Even more so than Arcade Fire and that says a whole lot. You could see it in each of their faces that they couldn't believe they were there. I think that translated to the crowd and the excitement level in the audience was tangible. They are all amazing musicians. Most notable was the lead singer. That man has music running through his blood. Not only does he have a distinct voice, he plays the kick drum while singing, then will play a whole drum kit while singing, then play the guitar, and then the piano. You kiddin' me? I can't even keep a beat with my hands and the steering wheel. Showoff. I was thoroughly blown away by them. If you ever get a chance to see them live, do so immediately.

Mumford & Sons - "Little Lion Man (Live Video from Coachella 2011)"

MOST MOTHER FUCKIN' MONSTER

>Kanye West

On an excitement level of 1-10, 10 being the most excited, I was at about a .8 level of excitement to see Kanye, knowing what a douche he is. He killed it though. His show was over the top with fireworks, crazy background images, and a lift that held Kanye up in the air like he was JC (Jesus Christ). It got the crowd pumped up for sure. I didn't realize how Caucasian the Coachella kids were until Kanye performed. I've never been around so many white people singing, "You ain't got no Yeezy, N*gga?!" before in my life. Even though he really is a d-bag, it's hard not to like Kanye's music because he truly is a great rapper. He showed up on time, played for a solid two hours and put on an awesome show. Kanye showed up fo sho. For someone who wasn't looking forward to seeing Kanye, I knew every word to every single song he rapped and was dancing like I knew how.

Kanye West - "Dark Fantasy"

Looking forward to Coachella 2012. Who's coming with meh?

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I treat my iPod like the way I treat my phone, my wallet, my dignity and my keys; I never leave home without it. It's all I listen to while I'm driving because I don't have Sirius in my car and regular radio is pretty much like listening to someone file their nails or say "moist." I just gagged. Besides, it's just overall a good idea to have it on you because you never know when you might be attending a random party where the music will undoubtably suck.

Recently, one of my managers, knowing I have immaculate taste in music and am prepared with playlists for days, asked to borrow my iPod for a party they were having. (Oh yeah, by the way, I work at a restaurant and we have a function room.) They didn't have a DJ and he didn't have any way to play music. Being the most valuable employee (MVE) that I am, I hesitantly agreed after I made him promise me that if he lost or broke it, he would then have to buy me two iPods. Who doesn't need two iPods?

I didn't get my iPod back for two days. For two days, I had to listen to the radio. It doesn't seem like that long but you have to know, I drive a lot. It was a very, very, very long two days. I literally can not believe the absolute crap that is being played on the radio. Not only that, but how incredibly popular it is. I even listened to America's Top 40 or whatever the fwig it's called just to, you know, stay hip and see what all the clubs be playing. I was horrified. I tried to figure out why in the good Lord's name, America is so enamored with this "pop music." The only conclusion I came to was that maybe, just maybe if I was completely blacked-out-shitfaced, dancing like a skank at a bar, then just maybe these songs would be a little bit more tolerable. What I figured out for sure though, is that Rihanna is on the radio at all times of the day on at least one if not every channel.

I'm not even trying to be a music snob here because I'll admit, I am one. I also don't want anyone to infer from this that I hate pop music. When pop music is done right, it's irresistible. Hi, I love Mariah Carey, the best selling female pop artist in history, more than I should . But this crap is just painful. I can't believe these are some of most listened to and liked songs of the country I live it. I'm embarrassed. I'm gonna need a stiff, swamp water, extra dirty martini just to get through writing this.

Bruno Mars - "Grenade"

I'll start by saying the dude does have a really good voice. He can definitely sing and that's more than I can say about the rest of the people on the top 40. As far as the rest of the song goes, it might be the worst song I've ever heard. The lyrics are atrocious. The chorus goes a little something like this, "I'd catch a grenade for ya, throw my hand on a blade for you, jump in front of a train for ya, I'd do anything for ya, I would go through all this pain, take a bullet straight though my brain, yes I would die for you baby but you won't do the same." I wouldn't do that shit for anyone. Clean it up, Bruno and put your voice to good use.

Katy Perry - "Firework"

You know you're in for an amazing song when the opening lyrics are, "Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind wanting to start again?" You're so deep, Katy. You must have seen American Beauty. I've hated this ho since she showed up on the music scene, back in two-thousand-and-who-gives-a-shit. I hate the people that allowed her to make music and be famous. They are mean and should go back to their home, Hell. Her voice is simply awful and this song showcases her lack of talent. The whole chorus sounds like what I would imagine a woman who is giving birth to elephants would sound like. I beg of you America, please stop making her songs be on any "top" lists.

Ke$ha - "We R Who We R"

I felt stupid even typing that. The only time I don't type out full words is when I tweet and there isn't enough room for all of my words so I'm forced to abbreviate. I'm just like, wicked intelligent like that. I fucking hate this song. "We are dancing like we're dumb, dumb, dumb. More horrible lyrics. We R who we R." NO. NO. NO. This song doesn't stand a chance when I hear two notes of it on the radio. Shit's like AIDS. I won't go near it.

Pink - "Raise Your Glass"

The fuck is this shit?! I pretty much listened to this song with my mouth wide open in disbelief. "Don't get fancy, just get dance-y." I didn't even make it through a complete listen of this song because it felt like I was getting stabbed in my ears. It sucks 'cause I think Pink might actually have a decent voice under all of her terrible songs. What a waste. Girlfriend needs some guidance in what songs she should sing. Maybe she should just join the circus and do that swingy, trapeze stuff she does at every award show.

Alright, I think I'm done complaining about American pop music for now. I could absolutely go on because like I said, it was a top 40 list that I listened to but I only shat on 4 songs aaaanndd I didn't even get to talk about Black Eyed Peas yet. There really just aren't enough hours in the day. I hope you all haven't enjoyed listening to shitty music as much as I haven't.

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This may come as a surprise to y'all but, I am no musician. I play no instrument (I did kill the recorder in third grade though). I can't keep a beat (unless it's at a concert and the artist shows the audience when they want you to clap to the beat). I have absolutely no rhythm and can barely spell it. (Ask my brother.) I can sing better than Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus (that really doesn't say much) but my shyness and lack of balls wouldn't allow me to show you anyway so it doesn't even count as a talent. The only thing I can do regarding music is love it to death and tell a good song from a bad one. I'm really good at both of those things. I might even excel in those. I'm not trying to get all down on myself with my musical ineptness, I just wanted to let you know that I have no real basis for what I'm about to say.

For those that are musicians, I would imagine it would be a challenge to cover any artists' song in that it would be difficult to even compare to the original. A more overwhelming feat, I would deduce, would be covering a song that was done by the incomparable Beatles. Talk about pressure. Talk about balls. Covering a Beatles song is like trying to climb the Swiss Alps without an ice pick. You know you are in some way going to fail. You can call me a Negative Nelly but I think I'm just being realistic.

Though few and far between, there are those occasional artist's who have managed to do a commendable job in their attempts to cover Beatles songs. In my opinion, the following are some of the best Beatle cover songs I've come across. I'm fairly certain half of them are from the I Am Sam soundtrack but god damn it, so what? They are good. If you know more, please share them with me as I am in a Bealtes obsessed hole and cannot get out.

In no specific order...

Eddie Vedder - "Hide Your Love Away"

Maybe it's the familiarity of his voice that makes me love his version, but it could just be that he nails it as well.

Elliot Smith - "Because"

There is something so haunting about this song. Vivid in the the original but even more so in Elliot's version.

Ben Harper - "Strawberry Fields Forever"

Does anyone else want to take mushrooms, run around outside while skipping/holding hands and tell each other how much we love one another after listening to this? I do.

Joe Cocker - "With A Little Help From My Friends"

His live version of this at Woodstock '69 is so good, I wish time machines were real things.

Sara Bareilles - "Oh! Darling"

Chills. Every. Single. Time.

Stereophonics - "Don't Let Me Down"

I am prepared to say that this may or may not be my favorite Beatles song. I am also prepared to say that I love this version.

Fiona Apple - "Across The Universe"

The one and only Beatles cover that I like more than the original. Accomplished by my second favorite female in the world, Fiona. No surprise there.

BONUS:

I friggin' love Boyz II Men, alright?

Boyz II Men - "Yesterday"

A song originally done by four white dudes. Also a song covered by four black dudes from Philly who sang and harmonized the crap out of it beautifully and added their own touch to it.

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5...4...3...2...1...Happy New Year, Everyone!! What? What's that you say? It's January 28th already? I suck at keeping up my blog? Yeah, you're right. My b. I have just been extremely busy with life things especially now that the nice people at Comcast put all five seasons of Dexter On Demand, not to mention I work out twice a week now. To boot, majority of the music I have heard as of late has been crap. I don't know what the shit that is about but I'm not happy and I'm getting bored.

Not that my blog is the most hip, "mad cool," up-to-date, I-know-bands-that-don't-even-exist-yet type blog, but only two of the three songs I am addicted to/would like to inject into my bloodstream right now are kind of new. The third is older than me and that's really old cause I just turned twenty-eight. (If you would like to send me a birthday present, I wouldn't mind owning a Mariah Carey album on vinyl. I don't know if that's even possible.)

Alright, enough chit chat. Let's do this. My three songs that I can't stop listening to this week arrrrreeeeeeee (drumroll please):

Adele - "Someone Like You"

I have been literally begging the music gods for a song that grabbed my heart and then threw it on the ground and then ran over it with a trailer tractor just so I could play it again when it was all finished. In a less dramatic description, just a song that made me feel something. I found that song and it's "Someone Like You." I can not put into words what this song does to me. It's almost too good to explain. All you need are your ears and heart for this song. Adele's vocal performance is basically flawless. You're in for chills all over your arms and if songs hit you like they do me, maybe a tear. The link I have above is a video of her performing this song in her home. No editing. No producing. No background vocals. Impressive. I suggest listening to this and her studio album version because she switches it up. Oh yeah, this song is off of her new, sophomore album 21 which I strongly urge you to buy. So far, one of my favorite albums of 2011.

Smith Westerns - "All Die Young"

I always play a fun game with myself to see how fast I can name a song that comes on. It's fun because I always win and even when I don't win, I win. It keeps me on my toes. Without fail, every time this song starts out, I'm thinking... David Bowie? The Beatles? But, no. Smith Westerns. It's just so sixties sounding. I can't help it. This indie rock band is from Chicago and I'm pretty sure all three band members were born in the 90's. Sounds like someone has been influenced by Mom and Dad's music which is more than fine with me if they keep making tremendously melodic tunes like this. What else you got, Smith Westerns?

John Lennon - "Jealous Guy"

I was -12 years old when this song came out. That doesn't really mean anything, I was just simply pointing that fact out. Now that we have that out of the way, I friggin' love this song. With at least 92 recorded cover versions, "Jealous Guy" is the most commonly covered song. I didn't know that until I wikipedia'ed it to find out what year it was released. Cool though, huh? I guess it makes sense that so many people would want to cover it. It is so human and relatable. I admire John Lennon's ability to completely let go and be utterly honest throughout these four minutes. More notable, to me anyway, are Lennon's choice of lyrics for this song. All so simple. All vocabulary that I have access to yet, I could never write anything so beautiful. Someone should tell this guy he's got some real talent.

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