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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Semi-Charmed Life”

I am so excited to report that I’ll be interviewing lead singer Stephan Jenkins from Third Eye Blind next week! In early 2009 they’ll be releasing their first album in over five years, so I’ll be sure to find out all the details for you. While refreshing myself with their music, I’m amazed that “Semi-Charmed Life” was released over 11 years ago. It seems like just yesterday I was listening to it on the radio! Feel free to E-mail me questions you may have for him or leave comments of things you want to know.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=087pjPX3z_8]

Be sure to check back within the next week because I have some more pretty awesome interviews to post. I chatted with lead singer of piano pop/rock band Strive as well as singer-songwriter Matthew Perryman Jones so those transcriptions and audio will be posted soon.

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “L’amoureuse”

The job description of a first lady typically does not include accomplished singer-songwriter or former model, however Carla Bruni has continued to make a name for herself in France and abroad as a musician. Her third release, after her last album anthology of poems composed into music, has received much positive press as of late. While my knowledge of the French language is close to nothing, you can’t deny the beauty of “L’amoureuse” — her voice, the light guitar playing and string accompaniment throughout. Watch the video below and let me know what you think!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uga61fOXEf0]

For more on Bruni, check out the video of her below explaining her interpretation and thoughts on certain poems chosen on her last album as well as the process of putting poetry to music (in English). If you like what you hear, be sure to pick up her latest release, Comme Si De Rien N’était (As if Nothing had Happened), a mix of French pop and folk.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUx8hVdDaPg]

For more on Carla Bruni, check her out on MySpace.

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “The Boys of Summer”

Despite Labor Day being the official or unofficial end of summer, depending on how you look at it, I can’t help but feel like summer isn’t over just yet. Maybe it’s due to the fact that the past week has been in the upper 80s, today hitting 90 degrees! Nonetheless, I’ve just realized that I haven’t posted my favorite summer song on the blog yet! I know this song was originally done by Don Henley (see video below).

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNGgCraSvbo]

But personally, I favor The Ataris’ take on it. It brings me back to my high school days and those endless trips down the Jersey shore with the radio blasting and not a care in the world. Let me know which version you prefer.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIfiQePVbqU]

Spending a few hours in the 90 degree heat today awaiting the NFL Kickoff Concert made me second guess the idea that summer is truly gone. I think we have a good few weeks left. (Positive thinking people!) Check back tomorrow for a full review from Usher, Keith Urban and Natasha Bedingfield’s performance today. I’ll most likely post it after it airs tomorrow night so I don’t ruin the surprises for you when watching. You can watch highlights from the concert at 9 p.m. tomorrow on NBC! I’m excited to watch . . . curious to see if I’ll be able to spot myself in the crowd. I had a pretty decent view of the stage so I’m hoping my photos from my phone came out well to post for you all!

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Green”

I’ve been getting tons of emails lately, many requesting coverage of various bands for my blog. While I do read them all, I don’t always get to post every band I come across, but I try my best to sooner rather than later. About a month ago I received information on singer-songwriter Brendan James and didn’t check him out until recently and I’m so glad I finally did! I think you will be too once you listen to his song below. His piano influenced music is a bit mellow, but extremely intriguing to listen to.

Each song has a hidden story masked underneath more classical piano features played throughout. Said to be reminiscent to James Taylor and Damien Rice, maybe even a little Billy Joel mixed in, you’ll have to listen and decide for yourself. Check out his video for “Green” below. If you like what you hear, be sure to visit his MySpace for more music and future tour information.

http://media.imeem.com/v/1xMmGbOFzT/aus=false/pv=2

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Jailhouse Rock”

This past weekend was Elvis Presley weekend on all the oldie stations here in South Carolina, commemorating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s death just over 30 years ago. It’s crazy to think it’s been 31 years since the King’s death (well before my time, I know) but the reality of his impact throughout the music industry and rock ‘n’ roll is inarguable. Growing up, I listened to a lot of Elvis thanks to my Dad and his favorite station, New York’s WCBS 101.1. And, while at the time I’d wish he’d listen to anything but the oldie’s, I’ve come to fully appreciate and respect the music I grew up with, Elvis being one of my favorites. Below is the King’s fun video for “Jailhouse Rock” — a classic which can never be forgotten. Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpzV_0l5ILI]

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “As Long As You Love Me”

A blast from the past, but so necessary for this week’s song of the week. After catching the Backstreet Boys’ performance a few hours ago in Atlantic City, I cannot deny that the Boys are still alive and kicking. And pretty well might I add. Their nearly two-hour performance brought me back to my childhood days and no matter the negative vibe the so called “boy band” genre has gotten over the years, their talent cannot be dismissed. Although they didn’t do my beloved chair dance tonight (as can be seen in the video below), their energy, solid harmonies and hard-core dance moves kept the crowd screaming and singing along word for word all night long. Look for my full review sometime next week while I’m in South Carolina (Internet permitting).

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvb6P0-JBR4]

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “American Boy”

Despite how you may feel about Kanye West, you cannot deny that every song he produces or artist he collaborates with, he seems to strike gold. “American Boy” is no exception. Estelle’s soulful, catchy vocals make the song enjoyable to listen to and Kanye’s slow rapping interludes throughout the song only accentuate and add to the song. If you haven’t heard it yet, I’m sure it will hit your radio station soon, check out the video below and let me know what you think!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjlOYHpi-A0]

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Crush”

I was never a big American Idol watcher, but with runner up David Archuleta’s radio debut yesterday on local station Z100 I’ve decided to make his song, “Crush” song of the week. It has already started to make quite a buzz and it’s undeniably pretty catchy. Reminiscent to something the Backstreet Boys would have sung back in the day, but more upbeat. I was lucky enough to see him and David Cook talk about their experience on American Idol a few months ago while interning at Rolling Stone and it’s so nice to see two artists so humble and appreciative and still very much in awe of their success. Definitely a cool experience. Read about one staffer’s take here. You can listen to the full radio interview and the song by clicking on the photo below. Enjoy! Let me know what you think!

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “You In A Song”

Ever since I received a copy of Jason Reeves’ upcoming album, The Magnificent Adventures Of Heartache (and other frightening tales…) for review in the mail I cannot stop listening to it! Especially song, “You In A Song” — his first single to be released from that album. His honest lyrics and acoustic guitar playing just make me keep the song on repeat for hours. You may recognize Jason from some of the songs he has co-written on Colbie Caillat’s debut album, Coco such as radio hits “Bubbly” and “Realize.” Check out a stream of his song “You In A Song” below. And check back in a week or so for my interview with Jason!

For Windows click here.

For Quicktime click here.

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “All Summer Long”

Maybe it’s because it has Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” featured throughout the song, or it could be the light piano and guitar playing in the background. But I can’t deny it, Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” is such a catchy song. It’s just one of those perfect summer songs that take you back in time. Listen to it and see for yourself.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA]