PLAYLIST OF ADDICTON: For real this time!

1. “Semi Precious Weapons” by Semi Precious Weapons- Though I must admit that this song reminds me of “It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll” by AC/DC and remade by the cast of School of Rock more that the beats of “Ice Ice Baby” remind ANYONE of “Under Pressure”, this song is amazing. It’s in the Apple-sleek-commercial-song genre (see song #6), because it’s just awesome. I’d also like to note that I’ll bet any amount of money that the phrase “I can’t pay my rent, but I’m Fucking gorgeous” will describe many of my colleagues perfectly in about 7 years.
2. “Favorite Radio” by Stereo Deluxe- This is the sort of song that you listen to and go, “well, this sounds silly” and then can’t help but like. It doesn’t really make any sense why I like this song so much; the genre can’t exactly be classified, there are weird, almost childish sound effects made, and the lyrics remind you of some of those songs you were spoon-fed as a child by networks like Noggin (if you’re from that generation). And yet, it’s a pleasure to listen to. Who knew?
3. “Jimme’s Song” by Emanuel and the Fear- To put it quite simply, this song is a song about a kid who wants to be a rock star, but isn’t willing to grow up, get a job, and earn anything to get there. It has a latently sad theme to it of a person who just thinks their dreams will just happen without any work involved. But, in the ways of the fear, the song begins with a simple whistling melody and beat, and ends with a full blown, almost orchestral melody.
4. “The Rain Becomes the Clouds” by Emanuel and the Fear- Another song by Emanuel and the Fear. This, however, is my favorite song of their repertoire because it exemplified their true strengths, not only as a band, but as musicians in general. To me, this song emphasizes the beauty of nature and, in particular, the nature of human beings coinciding with the nature of the Earth itself. The reason why I love Emanuel and the Fear so much is because they have a sound which takes work; it can’t really be manufactured with a Casio and a computer. This eleven-piece gang doesn’t hesitate to serve you amazing lyrics and musicianship, which is hard to find these days. So, my hat is off to Emanuel Ayvas, Chris Colletti, David Nelson, Brian Sanders, Tom Swafford, Nic Cowles, Dan Tirer, Liz Hanley, Dallin Applebaum, Colin Dean, and Jeff Gretz. I applaud you for making me think of music as something truly greater than music through your refreshing songs.
5. “The Plank” by The Devil Makes Three- This is, literally and legitimately, a great “go to hell” song, which I’d love to have a chance to listen to  the next time I get angry for whatever reason. With lyrics like “to all our enemies, I’ll see you in hell. We’re gonna walk them off a plank into a wishing well. Down to Davie Jones’ locker where the fishes sleep. I won’t be praying for you, so don’t be praying for me,” it has to be a great song to listen to when you feel like venting.
6. “No You Girls” by Franz Ferdinand- The latest song recruited to the “iPod commercial” club, the song tickles your ear with another addicting melody. I promise to any readers whom have even bothered coming back to my site, the day Franz Ferdinand stops making amazing music will be the day I die. Luckily for me, it doesn’t seem as though that will be anytime soon (unlike the disappointingly mediocre U2).
7. “Little Toy Gun” by Honeyhoney- I didn’t know what to expect from this song, mainly because of the, in my opinion, tacky gunshot sound effect in the beginning. However, the song pays of by coming through with a strong, confident melody, and a sort of (don’t laugh) remixed-Yiddish feel (referring to the flowing, slurred refrain).
8. “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script- The song you will most likely remember from the latest Rhapsody commercial, this song from the Script feeds me the right kind of melody. What really attracts me to this song is the harmony added. I know, it’s pop cliche. I know, it can be a cop-out with bad songs. I know, it’s one of the weirdest things to record for a song. But it works for this song because it’s been described by many as a new brand of Celtic soul. That being said, don’t you think i should listen to a bit more Celtic soul music?!?
9. “Bang Bang” by K’naan & Adam Levine- Though this isn’t a song I liked immediately, really only because the beginning of the song didn’t rub me the right way, this song has grown on me. I found it two ways, almost simultaneously; first through the Maroon 5 website (there out of curiosity of what had become of the band I was once borderline-obsessed with), then, literally seconds later, through the iTunes store. This song reminds me of southern Floridian songs heard on the boardwalk, and I like that.
10. “I Love College” by Asher Roth- Now, let’s get one thing straight from the chase; I don’t approve of the message this song is sending. Call me whatever you’d like, but I don’t think I’m going to treat college as such a joke. I mean, I feel like spending my years in college late to classes, smoking weed, and drinking all the time would be a waste of about $25,000 a year. On that same note, I feel like after he’s graduated from college and has spent all of his money earned from this song on drugs and drinks, Asher Roth will start repaying his college loans, and then he’ll be a bit regretful of his old lifestyle. With that, I’d like to say that I love the melody and the rhythms of this song. Though I don’t approve of the lyrics, I can’t see this song doing well without them. Let’s just say I have a love/hate relationship with this one. But hey, it’s on the playlist!

Best Playlist on my iPod; The REAL Playlist of Addiction

I made a playlist on my iPod of all of the songs I love, and I can’t stop listening to it. I’ve written about most of them, but I’m just putting them all on one post for fun. The playlist is always on shuffle, and is generally amazing. It’s also an iMix on iTunes, so if you search “Totally fly Flying Kites”, it should be there!

1. “That’s Not My Name” by The Ting Ting’s- Is it possible to have a sexual attraction to a song? I think it is.
2. “Ottoman” by Vampire Weekend
3. “Time to Pretend” by MGMT
4. “Womanizer” by Britney Spears- I think I’m the only person in America who hasn’t gotten tired of this song.
5. “Human” by The Killers
6. “Give it 2 Me” by Madge (Madonna, deary)- So, she’s as old as Methuselah. Doesn’t mean she can’t serve up a hell of a dance tune. Queen of pop + Pharell = Earth Shattering.
7. “No More Gas” mixed by DJ Earworm
8. “One of the Boys” by Katy Perry
9. “Happy Together” remade by The Flobots – The bad sound quality and weird keyboards in this song tend to give me remission, but I still love it!
10. “Untouched” by The Veronicas
11. “United State of Pop” mixed by DJ Earworm- DJ Earworm rocks my world, because not only does he give away his mixes for free on his website, but his mixes also integrate many different genres and are incredibly daring and bold.
12. “Bassment Party” by The Cool Kids
13. “Xavia” by The Submarines
14. “Circus” by Britney Spears
15. “Middle Management” by Bishop Allen- This song is so upbeat and sweet, I can’t help but listen to it!
    
16. “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse- Incredibly awesome song, which has been used on numerous TV shows, including most of my favorites. Includes an ingenius beat.
17. “Dynamo of Volition” by Jason Mraz
18. “‘After Hours” by We Are Scientists- I was originally introduced to this song through Akiva Schriver’s amusing video for it, but I came to love it through the “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” soundtrack.
19. “Make it Mine” by Jason Mraz
20. “Butterfly” by Jason Mraz- This song is kind of dirty in an unconventional way, but I love the addictive melody and the amazing guitar licks.
    
21. “Mudhouse/Gypsy MC” by Jason Mraz- I recently titled a note on Facebook “I’d like to give a shout out to all my VIP’s”. I love this song.
    
22. “Electric Feel” by MGMT- I love this song because I was kind of scared by the video at first, then I listened to the song and I said “Wait, this is totally my life”.

IMPORTANT NOTE: On iTunes, DJ Earworm’s mixes and “Happy Together” by the Flobots are not included. DJ Earworms mixes are available, free from source right here, and the Flobots cover is found here.

Playlist of Addiction: Holiday (okay, mostly Christmas, but I really don’t care) Edition

1. “Winter Song” br Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson- A truly beautiful song from two breathtaking musicians.
2. “Twelve Days of Christmas” performed by Straight No Chaser- Absolutely hilariously and professionally done. This was the first track I’d heard by their current group, and it blew me away!
3. “Carol of the Bells” arranged by George Winston for piano- If you’ve never heard this arrangement of the song, then I definitely recommend you enjoy it. “Carol of the Bells” can be so monotonous and sometimes even frightening (being one of very few minor Christmas tunes) every year, but this arrangement of the song is very delicate and gentle as opposed to the common abrasive and loud “COTB”.
4. “Killing Myself for Christmas” by Sick Puppies- Horribly hilarious is really all I can say to describe this song. Thank you, Olivia.
5. “All I Want For Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey- She can’t stop making money from this song, but it’s amazing!

Just to hold you over for the next week!

I realize that throughout this lovely hiatus I’ve done a great job of disappointing my frequent readers. this week will be no exception, as I am entering semester finals week. Accordingly, I found another questionnaire to answer, since they’re incredibly fun to answer and, in my opinion, even more fun to read. I’ll officially be OFF HIATUS on December 19th, 2008! Until then, wish me uck on my finals!

Are you completely over your last relationship?
Yes… if u wanna put it like that…

Will you have a boyfriend/girlfriend in 6 months?
I don’t know!

Have you ever had a best friend?
I guess, but they all just fade away

Do you think you’ve changed over the past year?
Definitely, but in the kind of way that’s not easy to pinpoint.

Are you taller than 5′6″?
Yeppers- I’m pretty much the median height of my parents.

Who is the last person to send you a message on myspace?
I don’t have a myspace, but I’ll adapt this to “wrote on your wall on facebook” in which case it was a very old friend.

Are you jealous of anyone right now?
Beyond belief! One of my friends is going to Hawaii right after exams! Cheeky monkey…

Would you rather get up early or sleep in?
Depends on if I know what’s liable to happen in the day.

How many kids do you want?
I’m not thinking that far ahead in my life… sorry!

Have you cried today?
No, but I’ve felt like it…

What’s the connection between you and the last person that called you?
She’s a good friend, I guess… again, sparks fade…

Hold hands with anyone today?
Nope

What will you be doing tomorrow?
Studying 24/7

Who is the last person to send you a text?
The good friend who also called me

Do you know anyone that smokes pot?
Probably, considering the people I know. But if they do, I’d like them to stop, please and thank you.

Does anyone hate you?
Yeah but hey, as I like to say- if you don’t have enemies then you’ve never had friends.

Is there any emotion you’re trying to avoid right now?
Anxiety

Is it difficult for you to look into someone’s eyes when you are telling them how you feel?
Extremely. I hate being brutally honest, but usually my sarcasticism tells how I really feel.

Money or love?

Love

Are you the kind of friend that you would want to have as a friend?
Yes- that’s why when I have no one else to lean on, I depend on myself.

What would be harder for you, tell someone you love them or you don’ t?
Telling someone you don’t love them seems like one of the hardest things to do.

Would you give a homeless person CPR if they were dying?
Probably- that’s some majorly good karma.

If someone likes you, would you want them to tell you?
Yes!!! But I know that whenever I like someone, I never tell them and end up living in regret for long periods of time.

Is there something that you haven’t told anyone but would like to?
Yes, and it’ll probably take a few more years of isolation.

Has anyone ever told you they’re in love with you?
No.

What are you doing tonight?
Studying and listening to Kitsune Noir mixtapes (which are LOVELY. Check him out on the blogroll!)

When was the last time you were truly, completely happy with your life?
When I went to band camp.

Do you think you can last in a relationship for 3 months?
Is that a challenge?!?! Haha… yes

Did you date anyone last summer?
Nope.

Do you trust all of your friends?
I don’t really trust anyone anymore, to be perfectly honest. I have a very heavy, fragile heart- it’d take a split second to be broken.

Have you ever been nice to someone who treated you like crap?
You know it, but I’ve begun to stop. I’ve gone through too much bull ish (Urban Dictonary FTW) to have to deal with more from people I don’t need.

Have you ever kissed anyone who’s name started with a M?
Cheeky monkey…

Could you go out in public looking like you do now?
I could, but wouldn’t.

The current person you like, how long were you interested in them?
What seems like forever.

What’s the greatest thing that happened to you today?

Best year ever! Yeah, that happened.

Does it take a lot to make you cry?
No, but a lot of crap happens to me. A lot of the time, I deal with it. Worse things could happen.

What’s your favorite season?
Winter, if I have a good coat and nice boots, which I currently don’t.

Are you in a good mood?
I’m not sure- I’m kind of neutral right now. The mixtape is putting my mind at rest.

Does it annoy you when someone says they’ll call, but never do?
I don’t use my phone a lot.

Do you believe exes can be friends?
Yeah.

Have you ever hated someone but then ended up liking them?
When I was really young, yes.

If you could move somewhere else, would you?
Definitely.

When is the last time you got really frustrated?
Yesterday.

Do you miss your past?
Yes, but time can’t stop every time happy moments pass. It must keep going.

Do you ever think “what if” about anything?
I think “what if” about almost everything!

Are you happy with the way things are going?
Not really, but I’m taking it all in stride.

In the past week have you cried?
No, but I’ve felt like it.

Today, would you rather go back a week or go forward a week?
Forward a week, to skip my finals!

Do you miss someone?
Desperately.

Last December how was your heart?
Beating… ? What kinda question is that? No strokes or heart attacks, so it was okay!

When was the last time you went camping?
Winter discovery

Do you have a reason to smile right now?
I think so! (Wow, right after I read this question and typed my answer, I smiled very intensely… XD)

What was the last thing you purchased?
A pre-exam goodie bag for my older sis and a laminated periodic table.

Has anyone said they love you in the last week?
Yep- family.

Do you think you would be a good parent?
One day, in the far far future.

What are you wearing on your feet?
Nothing, but I’m seconds away from putting on socks and gloves and a hat because my room is FREEZING!

Do you usually have weird dreams?
Yes- I like to call some of them my “raven” dreams.

What color is your keyboard?
Black (like my skin- XD XD XD)

How has this past week been for you?
Stressful, but very enlightening.

Any fun plans for today?
Nope, but fun plans for Monday.

Is there a reason for your MySpace song?
As I said, no Myspace.

What song is stuck in your head?
The song I’m listening to right now… I don’t know exactly what it’s called, but it’ll be on my “Playlist of Addiction” soon.

Will this weekend be a good one?
Probably not.

Is your phone close to you?
Yes, it’s buried under a pile of crap next to my bed.

Is anyone interested in you right now?
I don’t think so.

Where does most of your family live?
Ohio/Virginia/California

Rent a movie or go to movies?
Go to the movies with friends!

What were you doing this morning at 7am?
Sleeping.

What were you doing at 1 AM this morning?
Yet again, sleeping. I slept for a very long while last night. I think I got to bed at about 8 PM, and awoke at 9 AM.

Next vacation you’re going on?
I don’t know- I’m just praying for an escape in the next 10 years!

What’s your hair look like today?
Crap- I need to do some serious curling.

Do you call anybody by their last name?
Yes, but I try not to.

When was the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face?
A couple of days ago, when this girl was having an “I was so right” party. It was very obnixious.

Hope this tides all of you over for the next week. I love you all, and hope you have an okay week!

PLAYLIST OF ADDICTION (to tide you over)

Yes, I know very well that it isn’t Sunday. Yet, I want to make a playlist of addiction with songs that help me relax; my favorite love song, my favorite lullaby, my favorites. Enjoy.

1. “Sleeping to Dream” by Jason Mraz- How could I possibly say how much I love this song? This is my favorite lullaby; whenever I have a ton of homework, this song puts my mind in a state of pure imagination (whoever remembers where that came from gets 20 bonus points). On Jason’s Selections for Friends album, I must admit, I didn’t really like the songs recorded at Montalvo as much as I like the songs performed at Schubas, but this song was just pure gold.
2. “Quando, Quando, Quando” by Michael Buble featuring Nelly Furtado- First of all, let’s get something striaght; I spelled Quando correctly. A lot of artist are making their song titles sort of ‘inside jokes’ by spelling them incorrectly. However, despite the bad spelling, this is my favorite love song. One quote that always sticks out in my head when I listen to this was Nelly Furtado’s quote from her ‘promiscuous’ heyday, when she said that she didn’t really want to do pop forever; this song proves that she doesn’t have to. Two of my favorite Canadians colaborated on this lovely jazz song. It makes my heart float.
3. “As Things Collide” by Maroon 5- Probably my 2nd favorite love song, only because of how perfect the chorus is. It’s just SO perfect. “I’ve spoken to all of the other angels; they don’t know what to do. And I agree with them whole heartedly, I do.” Guys, take note; these are the kinds of things girls like me wanna hear. Talk about angels and our perfection, and we’ll be like butter (whoever gets THAT reference gets 200 bonus points. “Like a big stick of butter.”)
4. “London Bridges” by This Is Ivy League- No, it’s not a Fergie cover. Yes, it is amazing. it’s just the most carefree song you’ll ever hear (outside of I’m Yours by Jason Mraz- now THAT’S carefree); simple and sweet.
5. “Happy Together” originally by The Turtles, covered by The Flobots- This song is what I like to call the classic love song, remixed to be a modern love song. Both renditions are absolute genious. I already know that the Flobots are really underrated, so, please my lovelies, try to listen to them; they’re pretty darn awesome.

VID OF THE DAY: Best. Commercial. Ever.

THANK YOU! Here’s your gift!

Thank you all for 20,000 views! I still can not believe how succesfull this blog has been! So, to thank all of my loyal viewers, I have a little treat. A new segment! Yes, the segment will be called “Playlist of Addiction”. Basically, since my “listen to this” posts fluctuate all of the time, I figure, if I’m listening to a song constantly, I should just be able to tell you what I like! So, 5 or so songs, every Sunday, starting today. Toodles poodles! Ur driving me banoodles!

Comic Relief

So, this blog has gotten just about two times as many views as my youtube page, which is really awesometabulous. Recently, on one of many 5 awesome channels, there was a contest 4 worst songs ever. I LOVED THIS. HERE’S MY LIST.

“Beat It” Fall Out Boy feat. John Mayer- I’m sorry, but it’s just wrong. The only reason they made this song was because they were too lazy to write lyrics themselves, and so they phoned a great guitarist (J. Mayer), and just did a Michael-Jackson-Already-perfected cover. There are only three reasons people listen to FOB: their melodies, Pete Wentz, and their preppy popularity. THAT’S IT! However, John Mayer was great.

“Before He Cheats” Carrie Underwood- I think this song became so popular, so fast, that people didn’t actually realize how crazy the song is. It’s COOCOOBANANAS!!! If a guy released this song, not only would he be in jail, but he’d also never get a date again (sorry, Joe!)

“Ticks” Brad Paisley- EWW. EWW. EWW. Does he think that’s attractive? I’d like to hear some girl say, “I’d like you to check me for ticks!” Totally repulsive. 

“Fergalicious” Fergie- WHAT IS THE POINT, FERGIE? Okay, I am a Fergie-hater, but with good reason- she’s crazy inappropriate, and isn’t really setting a great example for the kids (unlike Trick Daddy.) Um, Fergie, talk about vanity.

“See You Again” Miley Cyrus- First of all, I’m tired of Disney’s blatant child exploitation. Second of all, this song is not only a rip-off of “Sunglasses at Night” by Corey Hart, but it’s also pretty immature, along with all other “Miley-Cyrus-Hannah-Montana-any-other-personalities-no-one-even-knows-about” songs. I’m tired of it. I’ll give the 10 and under, no musical perspective population a break, but if you’re older, listen to a little bit of jazz or something. Just, really, America. Get it together.

Whoop, there it is. 

I am not Adam

Today, I was looking at my stats- a nice 30 views, everybody! Thanks!Anyway, my system said it blocked a spam comment, and I clicked on it. I don’t think it was spam, but it went to another blog, called Michael Jackson Comeback. They advertised one of my most recent blogs, titled “1,020 Songs for my Vacation”. I have a feeling the only reason they referenced it was because I mentioned that I like Michael Jackson’s music, but I take what I can get. I was flattered, except for the beginning.The excerpt began with

“Adam wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt”

 What in the world?!?!?! I AM NOT ADAM- NEVER WILL BE, NEVER HAVE BEEN!!! They didn’t even finish the sentence! My alias’ are pnogal and piano gal, and will always be that! Anyway, if you want to quote my blog, I love the free advertising! But just don’t pull up a name from nowheresville- it’s just not classy.

1,020 Songs for my Vacation

In my past blogs, I’ve mentioned how I’m one of the only people in my school not going anywhere for spring break. My best friend, Abby, is currently in Costa Rica, enjoying the beautiful palm trees and exercising her awesome Spanish skills (she’s too good at Spanish. I’ve been taking the language for 3 years, and I barely know how to say “Cómo Esta”.) While another friend, Vasquez, just got back from Florida, where I used to live. I miss the ocean breeze and the mist of the saltwater.

For me, I don’t need a vacation. I watched this movie where this guy went all over the world for a vacation, spent $20,000, and was über  depressed when he got back. That’s not gonna be me. I can be happy in my own environment if I really try. All I need is music.

Yes, I’m a major nazi when it comes to music- ask my vacationing friends. I judge music, write music, learn music, play music, the whole shebang. I’ve spent my spring break playing video games like rock band, getting in touch with my ’90’s Grudge’ side. To get something out in the open, I love Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Kanye West, The Orion Experience, John Legend, Michael Bublé, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Vampire Weekend, Alicia Keys, Quincy Jones, Yael Naïm, and many other artists. Yep, I get around. With over 1,000 songs on my iPod, each song takes me to a place where I can imagine my perfect getaway. That’s enough for me.