New Fall Shows: Terra Nova

I think it is safe to say that Terra Nova was certainly one of the most anticipated new shows this year considering Steven Spielberg is one of the producers and promised a Jurassic Park-esque experience.

Steve ol’ pal, you had me at “dinosaurs”.

"TERRA NOVA follows an ordinary family on an incredible journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race. In the year 2149, the world is dying. The planet is overdeveloped and overcrowded, with the majority of plant and animal life extinct. The future of mankind is in jeopardy, and its only hope for survival is in the distant past." - FOX.com

After watching the two-hour premiere, I have to say, I don’t think Terra Nova (for those of you who did not have the supremely delightful experience of taking Latin in high school, Terra Nova means New Land) disappointed. In fact, it was a whole lot better than I was even expecting.

I was sold on the idea of a dinosaur, futuristic, Jurassic Park-like show already, but then I watched it, and to my utter enjoyment I discovered that not only is this a Spielberg-dinosaur show, oh no, it’s a LOST show too!

Let me break it down a little:

Jurassic Park Similarities

1. Dinosaurs (duh)
2. Purposefully filmed at the same location that Jurassic Park was filmed at
3. The vehicles, guns, and compound gates also look vaguely familiar…

 

LOST Similarities

1. Time travel (Where are we and when are we?)
2. The Sixers = The Others
3. “What is this place really?”
4. Strange symbols from an unseen mysterious person that can unlock the secret to everything that is a mystery.

I swear I've seen a similar-looking promo somewhere before...

And that was only in the premiere! I can’t wait to see what this show has in store in the future (or I guess in this case it would in the past…)!

I’m a little excited about this if you couldn’t tell.

And I don’t think I’m the only one since the premiere has seemed to be getting positive reviews.

Also, I thought the special effects were great, and the whole in-the-not-so-distant-future-there-will-be-so-much-pollution-that-you-can’t-see-the-sun-and-need-masks-to-breathe-and-population-is-strictly-controlled aspect is actually pretty probable, so while kind of frightening, is also very intriguing.

I’m also fascinated by the fact that all of the characters are from the future (2149 A.D. to be exact) but the majority of the show, and from this point forward, takes place 85 million years ago. Therefore, none of the characters and settings is directly relatable to the audience, but yet they are at the same time. There are still the fundamental concepts of family, friendship, loss, and survival, but just within circumstances (both prehistoric and extremely advanced all at the same time) that we have never experienced.

I will now conclude my geeking-out portion of this post.

If you are a fan of Jurassic Park, or LOST (if you dislike LOST then we can not be friends anyway), or both, or if you like shows with adventure, mystery, and sci-fi elements, then you NEED to watch this show.

Monday nights at 8:00 PM on Fox.

This concludes the coverage of new fall premieres (at least until Once Upon a Time in October, which is actually the show I have been looking forward to the most of all)

Anything you watched and liked that I missed?

All photos from FOX.com

New Fall Shows: Pan Am

Since I’m still riding on my wave of Mad Men enthusiasm, I was really looking forward to the new show, Pan Am, as a way of getting my 60’s-era fix.

"Welcome to 1963: a time when only a lucky few could take flight, experience a global adventure or gain a front-row seat to history. Those lucky few flew Pan Am, the largest, most prestigious airline in the world. More than Coca-Cola, Elvis Presley or the transistor, Pan Am exported American culture to the world abroad and brought that world back to American shores.

The jet age has arrived and Pan Am’s Clipper Majestic is about to embark on its inaugural flight with Captain Dean Lowrey at the helm. Dean, who has recently been made captain wouldn’t trade this moment for anything in the world. Step by step, Maggie Ryan has climbed her way up to a better life, to greater opportunity. As Purser of Pan Am’s new Clipper Majestic, she’s at last riding high; determined not to fall. Kate Cameron left her sheltered life in East Granby, Connecticut to brave the intrigue of a wide new world. Now, she must brave even more intrigue in becoming an international agent for the CIA. In running off on her wedding day, Kate’s sister, Laura Cameron, left her past and future, following her older sibling to the skies of Pan Am; a bold move, but one with serious personal consequences. Born and raised in France, Colette Valois has an innate understanding of international affairs. But in affairs of the heart, she’s still a wanderer, a searcher, a soul traveling a confused sea. First Officer and Co-Pilot Ted Vanderway, a former Navy test pilot, finds the commercial skies every bit as turbulent as he struggles to overcome past mistakes and prove his worth as an aviator.

Join our crew as they travel to intoxicating cities such as Paris, Berlin, Monte Carlo and Rome and bump into history along the way. Through their eyes we revisit an era nearly half a century ago. So, buckle up; adventure calls. And thank you for choosing Pan Am." -ABC.com

The general consensus among the critics seems to be that it’s not as good as Mad Men, but better than NBC’s The Playboy Club (do not even get me started on that show).

And I agree. But it also seems that I liked the show more than most critics.

Similarly to Mad Men, it appears that the creators intend to incorporate significant historical events, standards, and stereotypes. However, unlike Mad Men, there was not a great deal of strong characterization or extreme delving into the issues of the time period. Which it seems is what most of the criticisms are stemming from.

Um, did they forget that this was only the first episode? I agree, it seems like Pan Am is a little more on the light-hearted side of things, but they have to save some things for future episodes and (fingers-crossed) seasons. And, to be quite honest, what’s wrong with a show that, while maybe not having a huge amount of substance (yet), is enjoyable to watch?

Overall, I thought the show did a splendid job at portraying the time period and lifestyle of a Pan Am flight attendant, and at setting up storylines that make you become invested in the characters.

In fact, remember how Mad Men made me appreciate the fact that I’m not a 20-something woman in the 1960’s? Well, Pan Am actually made me wish I was a Pan Am flight attendant back in the 60’s.You get to travel, see the world, and, oh, be a CIA agent.

Anyone have a DeLorean they are not using?

No?

Darn.

In the meantime, I will be watching Pam Am on ABC, Sunday nights at 10 PM.

Tomorrow: My thoughts on Terra Nova. Spoiler: I liked it.

All photos from ABC.com

New Music Monday: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

It has recently become my firm belief that Grace Potter is the definition of a BAMF.

Yes, I went there. Sorry, Mom (Actually, as far as I know, my mom thinks BAMF stands for Butterscotch and Marshmallow Fudge…Hint: It doesn’t).

But how else can you describe the incredible front-woman of the Vermont-based, folk-rock band, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals?

 

Just take a listen to the single Paris (Ooh La La) (musically inspired by The Kinks) off their self-titled album, and you will see what I mean.

Listen to some of their songs from their first two albums, This is Somewhere and Nothing But the Water, which were drawn more from the likes of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and The Band, and you will appreciate the subtlety of her bada**-ness.

And how can you not love a girl that can do a killer version of Fly Me to the Moon?

Or says something like this:

“We were a homegrown Vermont band for five years. Now we’re a national act that does not want to be f*cked with.” – Grace Potter

If you like rock music with some folk and blues woven through, or if you can appreciate a great rocker-chick with an incredible band, then you should, without a doubt, check out Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.

Yes, siree.

Photo courtesy of gracepotter.com

Fall Recipes (Part 2- PUMPKIN SQUARES!)

I couldn't let the first, official fall weekend go by without posting the recipe for the holy grail of all fall recipes: Pumpkin Squares.


Seriously, these bundles of pumpkin-y goodness are legendary. And super easy to make.


You will never go back after making these. Your family, friends, coworkers, etc. won't let you.


Pumpkin Squares Recipe


Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup oil
• 1 lb. can purée pumpkin
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Beat first 4 ingredients in mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 min).
3. Combine dry ingredients together and add to pumpkin mixture. Mix together.
4. Bake in ungreased jelly pan for 20-30 min.
5. Let cool completely before icing.

Cream Cheese Icing Recipe


Ingredients

• 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Cream together cream cheese and margarine/butter.
2. Stir in vanilla.
3. Add sugar a little at a time while mixing together.

Enjoy!

New Fall Shows: Person of Interest

I'm a big J.J Abrams fan so I was super excited for this new show on CBS since it was developed by J.J. Abrams and Jonathan Nolan, AND it stars Michael Emerson, who played the infamous character Ben on LOST. Plus, the description of the show sounded quite unique.


"PERSON OF INTEREST stars Jim Caviezel, Emmy Award winner Michael Emerson and Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson in a crime thriller about a presumed dead former-CIA agent, Reese, who teams up with a mysterious billionaire, Finch, to prevent violent crimes by using their own brand of vigilante justice. Reese's special training in covert operations appeals to Finch, a software genius who invented a program that uses pattern recognition to identify people about to be involved in violent crimes. Using state-of-the-art surveillance technology, the two work outside of the law, using Reese's adept skills and Finch's unlimited wealth to unravel the mystery of the "person of interest" and stop the crime before it happens. Reese's actions draw the attention of the NYPD, including homicide detective Carter, and Fusco, a cop whom Reese uses to his advantage. With infinite crimes to investigate, Reese and Finch find that the right person, with the right information, at the right time, can change everything." - CBS.com

After watching this show, I am a little on the fence about whether or not I would like to keep watching. I am very intrigued by the fact that this show is unlike any other on television, combining mystery, crime, drama, and action. It is also fascinating from a post-9/11 perspective since the machine that Emerson's character developed to predict crimes was invented in an attempt to prevent the next 9/11 from happening, and does so by the government observing every citizen using security cameras that are everywhere. 

The one aspect of the show that I can't quite decide if I like or not is the character Reese. He is supposed to be "the hero" of the show, but a dark one, and to be quite honest, he kind of scares me. This is actually a good thing since his character is someone you should be scared of; he is extremely multidimensional. Just because he is working to stop crimes and save people, and he will only kill someone if he has to, he chooses to remain isolated from society; he is stoic and rather cold (Also, is it just me, or does he look like a slightly older Jack Shepard?). I'm just trying to decide if he creeps me out TOO much to keep me from watching.

Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous that I wouldn't watch a show that I otherwise like because a character is a little creepy. 


I'm a scaredy-cat, so be it.


So for now, I am going to keep watching, and give it a whole-hearted recommendation, but I can't make any promises that I  will keep watching.


Also, I must say Michael Emerson is incredibly perfect for the role of Finch. He is awesome. 

So if you're looking for a new Abrams-fix and something different, give Person of Interest a try on CBS, Thursday night at 9 PM.


Looking forward to Pan Am tonight!


All photos courtesy of CBS.com

New Fall Shows: Charlie's Angels

I have to confess that I didn’t really watch all of Charlie’s Angels last night.

 

But I had a good reason- dinner (yes, I frequently eat dinner at 8:30).

However, I saw enough to form a bit of an opinion on it, and from what I have heard, I didn’t really miss that much.

 "Set and filmed in Miami, this fun, glamorous, action-packed take on the 1970s smash hit series introduces us to three new angels, all fearless detectives, head-turning beauties and close friends. There's Abby (Rachael Taylor), a Park Avenue princess who became a world-class thief. Then there's Kate (Annie Ilonzeh), a Miami cop who fell from grace, losing both her career and her fiancé. Finally there's Gloria, a disgraced army lieutenant who has a way with explosives. When one of the angels' missions ends in Gloria's tragic death, Charlie persuades them to partner with Gloria's childhood friend, Eve (Minka Kelly), a street racer with a mysterious past. They may not know each other yet, but one thing's for sure -- Abby, Kate and Eve will always have each others' backs. The angels are rounded out by the new Bosley (Ramon Rodriguez), a hot, young computer hacker who helps them solve cases and enjoys being surrounded by powerful, beautiful women." -ABC.com

In my personal opinion, if you are going to do a remake of a show that is as iconic as Charlie’s Angels, you better do a damn good job of it. And I don’t think the creators of this reboot even did a good job, let alone a damn good job.

Is that really the best you can do?! I've seen more realistic Charlie's Angels poses on Facebook!

I really really hate to criticize, but I think the writing was just plain awful. The first 10 minutes of the show are pretty dramatic, but the dialogue came across as really cheesy and fake. Rather than thinking: “Oh my goodness! I can’t believe that just happened, I feel so bad for them!” I was thinking: “Did she really just say that? That is not what a normal person would say!”  Some reviews that I read declare that the acting was not that good, but even the best actor can’t turn a terrible script into something worth watching.

 

The other problem I had was with the character of Bosley, or I should say I have a problem with the way the character was casted. I have a feeling they went for a young, and, to be quite honest, hot Bosley because they want to set up some kind of romantic storyline, but it just seemed strange to me. Isn’t he supposed to be a kind of goofy, fatherly figure to the girls?

 

I’m going to give this show a few more chances because it is Charlie’s Angles after all, and I did enjoy Minka Kelly’s character quite a bit, but I have a feeling this may be the first new show this fall that gets axed from my To-Watch List.

 

Hoping to watch Person of Interest (LOST people! Yay!) over the weekend so I can cross that off my list before Pan Am Sunday night.

I swear I have a life outside of TV. Really.

All photos courtesy of ABC.com

New Fall Shows: Revenge

Revenge is a modern re-telling of The Count of Monte Cristo (!) starring Emily VanCamp (!) and taking place in the Hamptons (!).

"Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is new to the Hamptons. She's met some of her wealthy neighbors, has made a few new friends and seemingly blends into the town. But something is a little odd about a young girl living in a wealthy town all on her own, and the truth is that Emily isn't exactly new to the neighborhood. In fact, this was once her old neighborhood, until something bad happened that ruined her family and their reputation. Now Emily is back, and she's returned to right some of those wrongs in the best way she knows how – with a vengeance." -ABC.com

I loved The Count of Monte Cristo when I read it, I’ve admired Emily VanCamp since her early Everwood days, and while I’ve never been to the Hamptons, I don’t think there is anyone on the planet who would deny that it is a beautiful place. And probably the perfect setting for a story that involves the rich and glamorous lying, keeping secrets, and backstabbing, to save themselves and make even more money (Here’s a tip: if you can afford a mansion roughly the size of a department store, on the beach, in the Hamptons…you can stop…you are rich enough. No need to embezzle any more millions).

But Amanda, a.k.a Emily Thorne, comes onto the scene to seek revenge…dum, dum, dum.

 

And let me tell you something, I would not want to get on her bad side. She pulls off the “sweet, new girl on the beach” act flawlessly (probably because she was that person once), but it becomes very clear that she is cunning, smart, definitely not messing around, and has no problem with crushing a grown man’s wind-pipe. You go girl. Go Amanda for the whole wind-pipe-crushing thing, and Emily VanCamp for pulling off the character wonderfully.

But I also wouldn’t want to mess with Victoria, “The Queen of the Hamptons”. She seriously gives me the heebie-jeebies. And she just happens to be Amanda’s main target.

She looks like she is ready to cut someone with her crystal champagne glass!

Let the war of women’s wits begin. Will desperation (Victoria) or vengeance (Amanda) win? Dum, dum, dum…(Are you getting tired of that yet? Cause I’m not!)

I’m interested to see where this show goes, especially since we got a small taste of what happens in the future in the first few minutes of the premiere. It appears that the producers of Revenge are planning on making the whole, or at least most, of the season a flashback of what happened during the five months prior to the opening scene. And within that flashback are more flashbacks of what happened to get Amanda to this point of seeking revenge against these particular Hamptonites. Flashforwards and flashbacks and present- time all together…are we sure that someone from LOST isn’t a part of this show?

 

While this made everything slightly confusing at first, I think it was a wise move since it shows the audience what they can expect, which will hopefully make the viewing audience stick around for more than just a few episodes.

Catch up online and then start watching Wednesday nights at 10:00 on ABC so I don’t have to be the only one drooling over all of the Hampton boys-- I mean, beaches.

Dum, dum, dum…

Tomorrow: Charlie's Angels!

All photos courtesy of ABC.com

New Fall Shows: New Girl

May I just say how nice it is to be able to actually sit down and watch the fall television show premieres without having to pick a few and watch bits and pieces at a time, during spare minutes on Hulu? Or half-watch half-study/read?


It's the little things...


So great is my enthusiasm that I thought I would share my thoughts on the new shows that have piqued my interest this year.


First up: New Girl on Fox.

At this point, you are probably sick of of me saying how much I adore the adorkable (yes, I stole that word from the show...it is my new favorite word) Zooey Deschanel, but how was I supposed to know that she would, once again, play an incredibly lovable, unique, and quirky character...and now, once a week!? 

"Who's that girl? It's Jess!"

I don't think I've ever seen a character on TV that I like more than Zooey's character Jess, the new girl of New Girl. She comes up with and sings her own theme song for whatever scenario she currently is in. She thinks "sexy farm girl" is the perfect look for her rebound date. And, she makes Lord of the Rings references. Who wouldn't love a girl like that? I can't wait to discover what other fun quirks she has and what pickles she may get herself in. 

"Hey, sailor"

The other aspect that I really liked about the show is that it depicts three guys who, while not perfect, seem like genuinely good guys who are great friends and roommates to Jess. 

But the hands-down, greatest thing is...the Douche-Bag Jar. This is a jar that the guys have to put a dollar in every time one of them says something douche-bag-esque. The best part about it? It existed before Jess even moved in with her three male roommates...which means that the guys came up with and enforced it all on their own! I think every guy should have one of these. Mandatory for every guy in his twenties.


Did you watch too? If not, you can catch up on Hulu and then catch new episodes of New Girl on Fox Tuesday nights at 9:00 (right after Glee!)


Next up for tomorrow: Revenge (bum, bum, bum...)

All photos from Fox website

Glee-ful Websites

As my coffee mug can gleefully (pun intended) attest to, I am a Gleek, and proud to be so. So, I am super stoked for the season premiere tonight and wanted to celebrate with a slightly Glee-esque post.

 

One of the things I enjoy the most about Glee is that everyone in the cast seems like such genuine, humble, kind, down-to-earth people. And in today’s world of Jersey Shore casts and Disney stars gone wrong, I think that is a rare thing to see.

A few cast members have blogs (tumblrs actually…but that whole concept intimidates me a bit still for some reason) that I like to peruse occasionally mainly because they tend to feature great songs, videos, photos, drawings, and quotes. They are positively gleeful. Literally.

Fell Down the Rabbit Hole

 

Dianna Agron is an Alice in Wonderland-Tim Burton-Audrey Hepburn-travel-enthusiast who also has an extensive and killer taste in music…and movies, and art, and dance, and so much much much more. Which is why I love her blog so very very much. She shares YouTube videos of artists I’ve never heard of before but instantly love, fun photos that she has found or taken herself, and playlists of songs she listened to throughout the day.

She just posted this yesterday:

Muppets and a great song? Do you really need any more convincing than that?

Paintyhands

 

I actually discovered the Paintyhands blog as a result of Dianna Agron’s since, while not an actual Glee cast member, Ms. Paintyhands was a dancer on the Glee tour and has danced on several episodes. She also appears to be a frequent contributor for hitRECord, even working with Joseph Gordon-Levitt himself on some of his projects.

She frequently posts (usually at 11:11!) beautiful artwork and photos, and great quotes. It seems as if she has undertaken the simple mission of contributing a bit of beauty in a place (the internet) that is often riddled with ugly and hateful words and images. But a visit here never fails to make me smile.

In addition to these smile-inducing websites, I recommend checking out a lot of the cast’s side projects, including bands, albums, a certain theater company, and so much more. Actually,  I don’t think any of them sleep.

New Music Monday: Of Monsters and Men

The Icelandic folk-rock band (that fact alone puts these guys on a whole other level of cool), Of Monsters and Men, is still only in the process of recording their debut album, but the small handful of songs that they have released, already has the music blogs a-buzz with anticipation. And me too!

 

To me, their songs sound like a duet between Mumford & Sons and Feist, but with an individual and unique sound (hurray for accordions!). This is most certainly a band to keep your eyes on.

Their single, Little Talks, can be streamed at various places on the internet, or is available for purchase on iTunes.

Fall Recipes (Part 1 of Many)

Fall is hands down my favorite season.


The cooler weather, the colors, the leaves, the clothes (scarfs and sweaters and jackets, oh my!), the food, baking, and drinks (pumpkin, apples, cinnamon, maple...these are a few of my favorite things). I love it all. To the point where it may be a problem.


So to celebrate the first weekend that really feels like fall to me, I made a breakfast worthy of the season I love oh-so-very-much.

Apple Cake


I love (I really need to come up with an adjective for "love") apples. Hot apple cider, apple pie (make it with some apple spice wine and you will never look at your grandma's homemade apple pie the same), apple crisp, the list goes on and on, but this is one of my favorites, courtesy of my granny's recipe box. Also, note, once again, the trend of turning a dessert into a breakfast, that reigns supreme in my house.

Recipe


Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour rectangular cake pan.



Add to large mixing bowl and beat:
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 sticks butter2 eggs
Peel six medium apples, dice into small pieces, and add to bowl. 

Mix together:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon

Add dry ingredients to apple mixture and mix well. Can add chopped walnuts if desired.

Bake 30 to 40 mins at 350.


Pumpkin Spice Latte


If I love apples, then I am obsessed with pumpkin. I also have an addiction to coffee, which means I am one of those really annoying people that counts down the days until the first Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season. But as all of my fellow Pumpkin Latte Anonymous members know...this is not always very easy on my wallet. I would therefore like to present my homemade version of this fall staple.


Recipe (for 1 serving)


Brew 1-2 cups of expresso (I will be able to do this one day I hope) or strong coffee.


In saucepan, combine:
1 cup milk
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 Tbsp sugar


Heat, constantly stirring, until mixture begins to steam.


Add to milk mixture:
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg


Bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat. Whisk mixture thoroughly, add to expresso/coffee in your mug o' choice. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar if desired.


Warm apple cake and a pumpkin spice latte on a beautiful, cool Sunday morning? You'll never look back at summer.

Website: Pottermore = More Potter (Who'd have thunk it!)

I’ll try to keep this short and sweet in order to prevent myself from turning this into a giant Harry Potter love-fest. Although, I make no promises. You have been warned.

When I read the announcement about the new website, Pottermore, from J.K. Rowling, I was little confused. An interactive reading experience? What exactly does that mean? But the part about how Ms. Rowling herself would be providing never-before released background snippets on characters, the wizarding-world, and the book plots? That aspect of it I got loud and clear. Oh, and the part where the whole thing would be free…I understood that pretty well too.

I was positively giddy with excitement, since this announcement could not have come at a more perfect time. With the movie franchise coming to an end, and having read the books more times than I should probably admit to, I was worried I may go into Potter-Withdrawal (a very serious condition), but no…J.K. Rowling to the rescue! And at a time in my life when I have the TIME to explore and enjoy the site without feeling guilty about it (although no one should ever feel guilty about indulging in some Harry Potter action)!

Registration for the new site is not open to the public until October. But through August and September, the administrators have been staggering the entrance of one million individuals who gained the privilege of early admittance through the Magical Quill Promotion that was held the first week of August.

Guess who one of those lucky ducks just happens to be?

If you said this guy, you're wrong...at least as far I know

Me!

I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was solely pure, dumb luck that got me one of those spots (and it was indeed lucky, since about 150,000 spots would be zapped up in about 15 minutes…this was no joke). But nevertheless, I received an email a few days ago saying that I could finally enter!

To be quite honest, the best way to describe Pottermore is exactly how the announcement did: “an interactive reading experience”. But a pretty darn cool one!

I haven’t progressed that far yet, but I have made it far enough in the first book to have gotten a stellar wand (Unicorn Hair, Rowan, 11 inches, slightly yielding), sorted into my house (Hufflepuff, thank you very much, and proud to be so!), and make some advancement with brewing potions, casting spells, and winning points for my house.

But the best thing by far is all of the scrumptious Rowling “extras”. That wonderful woman certainly did not disappoint!

Don’t worry! October will be here soon and then anyone can join in! And if you are a Harry Potter fan, no matter your age, I recommend taking a peek, if only to expand your knowledge of that magical world that so many of us wish we could be a part of.

Heck, I’m STILL waiting for my Hogwarts letter. I think Prof. McGonagall has been slacking a bit…

Introducing: New Music Monday

My absolute favorite thing that I have been able to explore lately is new music (and by new, I don’t necessarily mean new new, but rather new for me). Mainly because I have a slight addiction to music…if I could I would probably go through life with my headphones permanently over my ears (although my people-phobia may have a little something to do with that too), but also because in this technology-crazed age, there are endless amounts of music available at your fingertips…for free!

Before the FBI comes knocking on my door, let me clarify and say that I am not talking about illegal downloading. With resources like YouTube, Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Pandora, Pitchfork, and even (I kind of hate to say it, but its true) MySpace, songs can easily be streamed right to your computer or phone for the lovely price of $0.00. You will find a lot of songs and music that you will never hear on the radio, or have yet to make it to iTunes. And if you are lucky, and know where to look, you can (legally) download a lot of great music for free.

But, I digress. Like I said, I have discovered, and re-discovered, some great songs, covers, and artists lately so I would like to share some of my finds in this space every Monday. Each week, I’ll feature one or two (or three, or…ten) songs, albums, bands, artists, etc. that I have probably had on repeat over the past week, and hopefully I will get some new suggestions in return too.

So, here is the very first New Music Monday. Ready, set, go!

Sometimes (album) – City and Colour

 

I have had City and Colour’s 2005 debut album, Sometimes (stream entire album at link), playing on repeat for the past few weeks now. No matter how hard I try, I can’t get the songs out of my head…and I’m kind of okay with that to be honest. All of City and Colour’s albums and songs are wonderful, and will stick with you, but it is this particularly haunting album that I just can’t get enough of.

Here are a few of my favorites, but the entire album deserves at least one listen.

Amy Kuney

I’m not quite sure how she does it, but Amy Kuney’s voice manages to go from high and clear on one note, to deep and rich on the next. I have yet to hear a song of hers that I don’t love, whether it is one she wrote herself, or one of the many covers she posts on YouTube. In fact, it was her cover of The Blower’s Daughter that got her a spot on Damien Rice’s tour after he heard the cover of his song.

Also, check out her website to listen to some of her original songs and to get a free download of the acoustic version of her song Gasoline Rainbows.

Sidney Bechet

 I’ve had a slight obsession with Sidney Bechet lately. No explanation necessary.

Side Note: All of these artists make spectacular listening for a crisp Fall day in my opinion.

What have you been listening to all week? I would love to know!