Tag Archives: music

Music Monday

11 Monday Dec 2017

Posted by in music, Non-Fiction

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Where I take the last song played on my iPod and explain why it’s there.

I’m trying to get back into blogging. I’m doing this, somewhat poorly, by trying to come up with daily features, giving me something anything to post.

Today’s post is “Music Monday”. The last song played on my iPod was, as you can see, P!nk’s “What About Us”.

I have long been a fan of P!nk. The first album of hers I ever bought was “Missundaztood” (I had to look at that three times to spell it as it appears on the cd art). It was also the first CD I owned with explicit content. I pretty well kept it on repeat for ages.

P!nk has an amazing voice, a voice like no one else’s. She can do with that voice literally anything she wants. If I had the power to borrow anyone’s voice, it would be hers, if only to sound amazing while singing in the shower.

When I learned that she had a new album out it was immediately on my “must buy” list. I hadn’t bought one of her albums in a while, and I needed this one, I knew that simply by listening to snippets of one or two songs.

I did however purchase “Rose Ave”, the album she put together with Dallas Green, under the name You+Me. In fact I preordered it. I highly recommend it as well. It was also on repeat, my kid liked it while I was pregnant. Serious (might have been because I sang along, and I’m TERRIBLE).

So basically, the reason “What About Us” is on my iPod is because P!nk made it and it’s amazing. Every song on that album is well done, from the title track “Beautiful Trama” (have you seen the video with Channing Tatum? No? Well, You Need To) to the one we can all agree with, “Barbies”.

I like to play “What About Us” when I’m driving alone, mostly so I can belt it out with full power, and not destroy anyone else’s ear drums.

If you haven’t heard “What About Us” (video Here) or the rest of P!nk’s “Beautiful Trauma” album, it’s available on iTunes.

-c

The Woodsheep Live: a Review

09 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by in music, Non-Fiction, Reviews

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

 

 

 

On Friday October 7th, I ventured out of the sight of my toddler, by myself, to a place where I wasn’t working. The feeling was remarkable, truly. I so rarely have the opportunity to steal away and make time for myself, and this was one of those rare chances.

My destination: the May Lodge, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg, KY

Reason: to see “The Woodsheep” perform at “Friday’s After Five” a weekly live music show held, you guessed it, every Friday.

The Woodsheep are based out of Morehead, KY where they are students at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music. They are comprised of Andrew Preston, Austin Tackett, Melissa Caskey, and Matt Holleran. They recently released an album called “Watching Mars” and recently completed a multi-state tour. This Friday The Woodsheep where joined by Caroline Cooely from the band The TeddyBones.

Friday I arrived late, mid song, but was not deterred. The crowd was moderate, although I think it would have been larger had the local festival “Jenny Wiley Days” not been in full swing. Yes, Mrs Wiley is popular in these parts.


I was quite excited to see The Woodsheep for a few reasons. One, my last live music show was probably about three years ago. Two, I’ve been following The Woodsheep since before they were called The Woodsheep. Three: a good friend whom I had not seen in several years would be there. And finally, four: I would finally get to meet, in person, Andrew Preston.

Honestly I had no idea what I expected. Good music, yes. And considering I had been listening to their debut album “Watching Mars” on repeat for three days, I knew that was coming.

But the fact that they liked to chat with the audience, laughed a lot, and were genuinely in good spirits made the show that much more enjoyable. They are all exceptionally talented, have a unique sound, and quite frankly are fantastic performers.


The Woodsheep’s music can be described as folk or Americana. But I feel as if it really cannot be classified into any single genre, and that’s a good thing. Friday they played not only songs from their record, but individual songs they’d written. They also showcased covers of popular songs.

If I am being completely honest their spirited rendition of “Fergalicious” is my favorite version of the song. I regret not recording video to share with you all!

The final song of the evening was from their album and one of my favorites: “Live Simply”. It’s a catchy tune, with a great message and a lovely sound. I frequently have it stuck in my head. I sang along with them as they played and enjoyed every minute!

After they played, Andrew, whom I’ve known for a few years now, came off the stage and greeted me. This might not seem like much to you, but I’ve known this lovely soul only through screen and song and meeting him in person has been on my bucket list! Had the hour not been late and my toddler restless at home, I’d have stayed later, and met the whole band.

I cannot wait for my next opportunity to see The Woodsheep perform, and tap my toes to their sweet sound. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, and it will be a lovely memory!

You can find out more about The Woodsheep, including tour dates, videos, and how to purchase their debut album “Watching Mars” on their website and on Facebook! Be sure to check out their  video for “Live Simply” available Tuesday October 11! I’ve not seen it yet, but I’m told it’s great!

Check these guys out, you’ll be glad you did!

As always, thanks for reading!

-c

P. S.: Andrew, I’m still waiting on a 3X shirt 😉

Welcome Home

27 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by in Non-Fiction

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

It’s a bit late for this post, since the context was from about a month ago. But I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. 

Recently someone came home. 

Chris Stapleton, award winning country singer/songwriter born and raised in Johnson County, Kentucky, made a visit (and a donation and a free concert and a commercial) in his home town of Paintsville, KY. 

Now, I’ve never heard his music (not by choice, I listen to my iPod mostly, but out of laziness) and I’ve never met him. But I’m sure he’s a great talent and a wonderful person. He graduated several years before me from the same high school as I did. 

His return home was met with much fanfare and excitement. The whole of paintsville was filled with signs reading: “Welcome Home Chris Stapleton” and “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle” (his alma mater high school, Johnson Central, mascot is the golden eagles). In fact, “Home of Chris Stapleton” was even added to ther “Welcome to Paintsville, KY” sign. 

This whole deal got me thinking. I was been in the area and went to Johnson Central as well, albeit sever years after he did. While I live a county away, I lived and and learned in grew in Johnson County until I was 24, when I got married. No big deal thousands had done that (and survived. Ha.). But my first thought was, “I wish I were a popular enough author to be greeted with open arms like this guy!”

But then I realized something. Authors don’t get that treatment. If I reached Stephen King levels of success (he is, in my eyes, the top), I would still never be received with as much fanfare as Chris Stapleton was. 

Sure. He did donate a butt load of instruments and equipment to the JCHS band. He also gave a free concert at the high school. He also has a majestic and epic beard. Yes that’s a quality. 

But then, the more I think of it, I probably wouldn’t leave long enough to be welcomed back with little more than “how was your trip?”  

Anyway, that’s my random thought I’d the day. 

Anyone famous grow up in your hometown? Have they done anything for their community?

More Gadgets!

19 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by in Gadgets, Non-Fiction

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

2015/01/img_2614.jpg

I’m thinking of making this a new regular feature!

If you’ve read a few of my posts, I like gadgets. My last purchase was a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard for my iPad Mini.

Now, I’d been looking into getting a wireless Bluetooth speaker for ages. I finally broke down and bought one!

This little bugger is my new favorite thing! I’d been after one for a while, and this one is compact, but has great sound! I bought it with the intention of using it in the bedroom to help my tiny human sleep. It’s quiet in there at night and I’ve grown to assume she prefers noise. So I needed something small and easy to control.

Since its Bluetooth I can use my iPod. And since its tiny, it’ll fit of my very cluttered night stand. Heck, I could carry this little guy around in my pocket!