5 O'Clock

Picture this: I was riding in a friend's car and this song came on the radio. I have no idea who sings it or anything, but it sounds good. I'm nodding my head. By the time the song was over I was addicted. I went to go buy it and learned that the artists were T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa, and Lily Allen.

Pardon my terminology but what!?!?!

It's the strangest combination I've seen all on one song, but it works. I've been listening to 5 o'clock non-stop since Sunday. For some reason, T-Pain is one of those artists that can pull me into hip-hop because it's really not my genre. I am not familiar with Lily Allen but she sounds beautiful in this song. She fits right in with Pain and Khalifa. 

That's my music moment, just thought I should share. 

Etta

"Sometimes I get a good feeling yeah. I get a feeling that I never never had before, no no. I just wanna tell you right now that... I believe... I really do believe that.... something's got a hold on me yeah. Oh, it must be love." -- Etta James

Etta James has passed away. My poor heart is so heavy. In fact, the reason it took me so long to create this post is because I honestly couldn't type it out. It is actually very strange behavior for me. I am the one who thinks people overreact to the death of super stars. You never knew these people personally. You have no idea what they are really like; so, why are you crying in the street over them? Now, I get it.

I was that five year old that loved old school music. I was listening to Aretha and Marvin and Diana when my peers were listening to Tupac, Biggie, and Mase. People who I still don't listen to, or rap as a whole that much. I read Etta James' biography when I was 11. I know all her songs. I have dressed up as her for parties. I struggled for hours trying to replicate her infamous eye makeup.

Her death is heart wrenching. I've been listening to her non-stop. Music has certainly lost an icon. 

That's all I can manage. 

Music Moment/ Lioness: Hidden Treasures

The first thing I did this morning was buy Lioness: Hidden Treasures, the posthumous album from Amy Winehouse. I learned about it last week and have been anxiously awaiting it ever since. The wait was well worth it. 

The cover for Lioness is classic. It includes Winehouse's signature updo, tattoos, and makeup. 

I have not been a Winehouse fan for very long. I first heard her music through my Adele pandora station and I didn't really pay attention to her music until she passed away last summer, but since then she's one of three artists I play regularly, including Adele and Beyoncé. I went back and listened to and purchased a few of her albums. 

Lioness is a mix of songs Winehouse recorded at several points in her life. Some of my favorites are "Will You Still Love Me," "Wake Up Alone," and "Body and Soul." The video for "Body and Soul" was one of the last that Winehouse recorded. I give it five stars. It'll probably all I listen to for the next several days. 

I created a collection of stories and photos about the album. Here's the link: Storify: Lioness

Music Moment: Someone Like You

I have already blogged about one of my favorite artists, Adele.

Last year, I did a post about her album 21; yesterday, she released a video for the album's second single "Someone Like You." I am completely in awe of it.

What is shocking to me is Adele's ability to make you feel exactly what she is feeling, over and over, with what seems like no effort. She doesn't have fancy special effects, dance routines, or costumes. She just stands there and belts it out from her heart and nine times out of 10, you'll love her for it.

I almost cried watching this video; it was like I was right there with her.

Music Moment: 4

Beyoncé's fourth album, simply titled 4, is simply amazing. Unfortunately, I and many others, heard this album about 20 days earlier than planned because the album leaked.

I am not the biggest Beyoncé fan but I have been following her music since Destiny's Child's "No, No, No" single. Yeah, that long. The album is nothing short of excellent. Beyoncé shows off her vocals and writing skills on tracks like, "Love on Top," and "Rather Die Young."

It has finally replaced "21" as the album I listen to all day long, repeatedly.

I also just got the chance to look into her "Move Your Body" video. It is soooo cute. I think its great that she got involve in First Lady Obama's Let's Move Initiative. I embedded the video for anyone who haven't gotten a chance to see it.



I also thought the video for "Run the World" was great. I instantly liked the song but some have said that it had to grow on them. I think she did a great job on both videos and the album.

Music Moment: Man Down

This week, Rihanna released the video for the fourth single from her Loud album, "Man Down." The video was shot in what I would assume was Barbados, since she's from there. I have been a Rihanna fan since "Pon de Replay" so, I have quite enjoyed watching her grow as a an artist.

The videos from Loud have been especially impressive... and controversial. First, there was "S&M", which was banned in eight countries upon its release and now there's "Man Down." I won't tell all the goods but it touches on a very intense subject.  Its an excellent work, not to mention, she looks gorgeous. The red hair grows on me more each time I see it.

I posted the video here. Enjoy!

Music Moment: 21

So for the last oh, two months or so, I have been listening to Adele's 21 nonstop. This album speaks to my life in a way that is almost disturbing. Twenty-one is the sophomore album of this amazing British artist. She names her albums based on her age at the time. So her debut album was called 19 and now this album is called 21.

This album is clearly one of a heartbroken girl. She starts out angry (Rolling in the Deep) and frustrated then moves to just plain depressed (Turning Tables and Set Fire to the Rain) and ends up with someone new and is gladly leaving her past behind (I Found a Boy).

This is one of those albums that you can just put it on and let it play. Its appropriate for all ages; I'm always looking for music that is ok for my little brother and sister. This girl is packed with talent, just make sure you have some tissue for that first listen. You will cry.

Some of my favorites are "One and Only," "Someone Like You," and "Turning Tables." Check it out if you can.

Music Moment: No Mercy

So, I have decided to create a new segment that's all about my love of music. I shall call them music moments. Anyone who knows me knows that music is my drug of choice. Me without my iPod equals misery. I have two in case one's battery dies. I bought a external hard drive because I was scared that I would loose my collection, which is just over 1,600 songs. This segment will contain my favorite albums and videos and maybe some of my least favorite. I will also post some interesting stories in music news. Enjoy!

Today I woke and the first thing I said was, "It's Tuesday!" I was excited because for days I have been in need of some new music and I knew today was the day that "No Mercy" by T.I. would drop. The first thing I did was pull up Amazon and iTunes (to check where it would be cheaper). Before breakfast I was bouncing all around by room to my new gangster rap. Lol.

Some of my favorites are "Get Back Up," a collaboration with Chris Brown, the song is a heartfelt apology to their fans for their mistakes. What I love about T.I. is his ability to apologize and preach at the same time. He makes a valid point that everyone makes mistakes but because of his status as a public figure everyone can see his. Other favorites of mine are "Plegde Allegiance" and "I'm Back." I DO NOT like "Got Your Back" but that's just because I detest Keri Hilson and I can't stand the sound of her voice.

BTW I loved the video as well.