::Snippets:: I love it

Isn't it amazing how a song can instantly take you back to an extremely specific place and time? Or is that just me?

::Snippets:: But I'm really a generally happy person!

I've realized that my musical preferences over the years, though they've changed, have really just progressed from one angsty artist to another.

Surprise!

This kid does not look nearly old enough to have a voice like this:



(via Tyler Knott)

Animal Music!

I was never much of a fan of America's Funniest Home videos. However, I think I might have enjoyed it more if people had written songs to go with the videos. Enjoy:



Seriously, how freaked out must that little girl be when all those raccoons are chasing her?

OH. EM. GEE.

So, I pretty much went into shock the minute this tiny girl opened her mouth and produced a sound that sounded like it should be coming out of someone at least twice her age. And as if that's not enough, she wrote the song herself! Watch and be amazed (and perhaps slightly depressed about your own lack of talent, I know I was)!

(via Andrew's Blog)

She & Him

I have a confession to make: despite being a fan of Zooey Deschanel and her musical style, I have never really looked into or tried to listen to any of the music by her band She & Him. However, I came across this music video, and, of course, I loved it!
Not only is Zooey looking as cute as ever, this is probably one of the best music videos I have seen in a while. I can't remember if I have discussed my feelings on music videos on this blog before, but I'll keep it short and sweet: I think most music videos these days are terrible. Either they don't have any sort of plot or theme, or the story they do have has nothing to do with the song.

This music video for "In The Sun" by She and Him, does not suffer from either of these qualities. It is simple, fun, and has some great choreography. In the description it says that Zooey describes Volume 2 as a "feel good album," and this video definitely captures that essence!

Woah!

Now THIS is cool! In the description it says it took them 7 hours to get a good take!




via JulianSmith.tv

Hallelujah

Hallelujah (originally written by Leonard Cohen) is without a doubt my favorite song of all time. With as many times as it's been covered, you would think the shine might wear off, but the opposite is true. With every new performance I hear, I fall more and more in love with the song. Everyone has their own unique interpretation, but all are equally beautiful and filled with so much emotion. My friend Emily posted this version on Facebook today, and I am once again blown away at the power of this song. It is awesome in the awe-inspiring sense of the word.

Oh, Susannah

This fall, I am performing in my first opera. It's Carlisle Floyd's Susannah. Having almost no knowledge of opera, I knew nothing about the show before I joined the chorus. I soon realized how amazing the show is. The music is beautiful (and some is kinda crazy), and so incredibly powerful. Being in this show has reminded me why I love music, and why I love being on stage. Even though the chorus is only in a couple scenes out of the two and a half hour opera, I love being a part of this production. Right now I'm sitting in the dressing room, and I will be sitting here for many more hours during today's eight hour rehearsal, but even so, I love it. This is what I have been missing. I have been spending my time in dressing rooms and backstage since my first dance recital when I was four. It's where I belong. Last year, I wasn't in any shows. All I did was go to class, and voice lessons, and the only time I was on stage was for choir concerts (which are great, don't get me wrong, but they're different). I didn't realize how much I missed performing until I finally got the chance to do it again. I have been reminded all over again why I chose to be a vocal performance major. Because I love being in shows. From the first rehearsal to the final curtain call, I love it. I live for being on stage. It's all I know. It's all I've ever done. I played basketball in middle school, but other than that, my life has been entirely consumed by various theatrical productions, from Raggedy Ann and Andy when I was eight to seven productions of The Nutcracker, I have dedicated my life to being on stage. And that's why I chose the major that I did. Because I love being on stage. But I don't just love being on stage, I love being involved in the entire process. I forgot what it felt like to be part of a team in such a unique way, but now that I remember that feeling, I'm going to be sure never to forget again.

I'm jumping on the band wagon

A lot of people I know are big fans of The Avett Brothers. Despite multiple blog posts, Facebook posts, tweets, etc., I never really got into their music. I'm not sure if I ever listened to one of their songs all the way through. In my super ADD, easily distracted state, they never managed to hold my attention.
However, tonight when I was watching the latest One Tree Hill episode online instead of doing my homework, the song playing during the final montage caught my attention. I typed a few of the lyrics into Google to see what the song was, and what do ya know?! It was "I and Love and You" by none other than The Avett Brothers.
Needless to say, I am now officially jumping on the band wagon (pun intended).

Party in the USA

So wrong, so funny.

Giving Back

I had heard of Mae in high school, but I never really listened to any of their music. Last year, I started listening to some of there stuff on Pandora, and I really liked it.
The point of this post, however is to highlight this awesome tour that they are doing this fall.



First of all: They are making this a multi-sensory experience, something that you don't see every day.
Second of all: They are giving back to the community. This tour isn't just about going around and promoting their CD, nor is it even about being "for the fans." They are doing community service for people who very likely haven't even heard of them or their music. That's just plain awesome.

I'm not sure if I will be able to check this out, but if you like Mae, or if you like helping other people, I think this would be an awesome thing to be a part of.

The MTV Video Music Awards

Amazing Music Video

I feel like music videos these days are all the same - set in a club, people dancing, the singer singing in various locations and outfits. This is one of the most imaginative music videos I have seen, well, ever. I think it may be one of my favorites of all time. I had never even heard of this song or this artist, but as soon as I saw this, I loved it.

For You To Notice

Dashboard Confessional

I'm starting to fashion an idea in my head
where I would impress you
with every single word I said.
Would come out insightful, or brave, or smooth, or charming
and you'd want to call me..
And I would be there every time
you'd need me
I'd be there every time...


But for now I'll look so longingly
waiting...
For you to want me, for you to need me, for you to notice me.