Listening Now: Gabrielle Aplin

Lately, I feel like there's been a flood of young, female singer-songwriters that actually have good voices-- Birdy, Paloma Faith, Jessie Ware.... and now, Gabrielle Aplin. Her sound is a little folksy, and while she doesn't have a full length album out (yet), she does have a few different EP's available via iTunes.

Her newest song is Please Don't Say You Love Me... hope you like it as much as I do!

Listening Now: Alt-J

A few weeks ago, I purchased the debut album by Alt-J, An Awesome Wave. Alt-J are an English indie band (yes, again, I know... I can't help it... my musical taste is currently inclined to what's coming out of England), who will incidentally be performing at sxsw this Thursday, March 12th. They are also coming to Cleveland, June 11th!!!!!!!

To be honest, I enjoy the whole album-- its sorta mellow... perfect for listening to at work. One of my absolute favorite songs on the album is a little more upbeat... so without much further ado, I bring you Dissolve Me...

Listening Now: Jessie Ware

I'm a day late on this, and for that, I apologize. Monday, I started to come down with one of the worst cold/cough/sore throat situations that I've had in a while. I got home from work Monday, and fell asleep at 7 pm on the couch. I woke up just long enough to make it into bed, and pretty much slept all day yesterday. So while I had an incredibly boring sick day, the good news is that I'm feeling a whole lot better today!!!


This week, I'm bringing you yet another artist from across the pond, whose sound I absolutely ADORE. Her 2012 album Devotion hasn't been released in the U.S. yet (but is available as an import on Amazon), but take my word for it that when it is eventually released, it will be absolutely HUGE! So, without much further ado, I bring to you...

JESSIE WARE!!!



 and because I feel bad that I was tardy this week, a BONUS Jessie Ware


 

Recovering from Downton Abbey

I've previously blogged about my obsession with Downton Abbey, and Season 3 did nothing to dim my enthusiasm. I'm not going to give anything away about the season, but suffice it to say, there were MANY EXHAUSTING EMOTIONAL ups and downs. For those of you who watched the entire season, you know exactly what I mean....

If the season left you wanting more, albeit with a little levity, I invite you to read Agent Gates and the Secret Adventures of Devonton Abbey (note: its available in kindle format as well!)

I only just started the book, and I absolutely LURVE it so far!! Of course, there is the added appeal of it being a comic book, which makes it an even faster read!! If you do pick it up, let me know what you think! Maybe we can even do a book club meet up (aka excuse to drink wine)?!

Listening Now: My Number

Happy Monday/Tuesday for all those of you who were off for Presidents Day!!! This week, I'm very VERY excited to bring you new music by Foals. Hailing from Oxford, England, this group released its very first album in 2008. Their most recent album, Holy Fire was released just this past Tuesday, and to celebrate, I bring you- My Number




If you like this song, and decide to check out the whole album (which is really great, btw), AND decide that you might want to see Foals live, I have great news for you!! They will be performing in Cleveland on May 13th, at the House of Blues!!! Tickets available right here.

Listening Now: Kemosabe by Everything Everything

I absolutely ADORE this song-- I think its the synthesizers and vaguely 80s feel that really REALLY appeals to me. Everything Everything is a British indie band (shocking! Me loving Brit music?! Inconceivable!! LOL) that released its debut album in 2010.

Kemosabe is off their newest EP Cough Cough, released just last week! I have to be honest- I had to look up the meaning of "Kemosabe" and while it may not spell romance, I think its sorta fitting given that its Valentine's week. So while I absolutely encourage you swooning over your significant other this week, I hope you will take a moment to appreciate those trusted friends in your life as well!

XO and ENJOY!!


 

Listening Now: Paloma Faith

If you haven't entered the $100 Madewell contest, you should definitely do that here. Remember that you can tweet and post on facebook every day for additional entries. Don't forget to leave your email so I can get a hold of you!! 

If you flipped through the August issue of any of the major fashion magazines, chances are you saw her looking back at you

Who is she, you might ask... Well, she is Paloma Faith, British singer-songwriter who was compared to Adele in one of these magazines. I think the Adele comparison is taking it a bit too far- I don't think she has quite the voice of Adele or Florence Welch or Amy Winehouse but she is very enjoyable nonetheless: I would compare her more to Duffy (remember her of 'Mercy' fame?).

Her album is due in the U.S. sometime later this year, but it is available as an import via amazon. One of my FAVORITE songs off her new album is called Picking Up the Pieces, and is also available for download.  ENJOY!!

In honor of the Royal Wedding...

As you may remember, last year I was completely OBSESSED with the Royal Wedding. I even took the day off and woke up SUPER early to live chat the wedding with my dear friend CJ. So you can imagine my excitement when I learned that Mattel released special edition William and Kate dolls in honor of the couple's one year anniversary (April 29th, in case you're wondering). Turns out, they were released on Valentine's Day and are now no longer available through Mattel!!

Living out your princess dreams with dolls. Only mildly creepy.

Not to fear! The good news is that it IS still available through Barbie Collector  if you're so inclined...

Happy Anniversary Will and Kate!

Making it through the workday

My least favorite part of the weekend is Sunday night. After a fun weekend, its usually not as much fun to look forward to the workweek. Except if you have something to really look forward to on Monday. Sometimes Monday is fun because I've bought a new pair shoes or a new outfit, or a fun piece of jewelry over the weekend. But lately, I've actually been looking forward to the workweek; and I owe it all to an iPhone app.

I listen to music ALL DAY. And since I'm not allowed to stream it on my computer at work, I stream on my iPhone. Yes, I'm one of those "superusers" who are the reason that AT&T went to limited data access (good thing I still benefit from the old plan). One of my favorite new apps is iRadioUK ($0.99) which is basically a compilation of UK radio stations. I luuuuuurrrrveee British accents. Its the reason I watch Hugh Grant movies even though he's largely a crap actor. Anyway, one of my favorite stations is 95.8 Capital One Radio, which is basically Top 40 (essentially the same stuff as on our radio stations with some other stuff in there) with a British accent. SWOON!!!! So, if you like pop music (I'm not even ashamed to admit I like it) and British accents, you should definitely give it a listen. If it makes your workweek better, its definitely worth the $0.99.

So what gets you out of bed on a Monday morning (your alarm and dogs don't count : ))