So Hot Right Now…

I’m trying to post a bit more. I know the last three posts were a bit epic in nature, but I’m pulling back the horses on those for a bit. I mean really, my Boston trip took quite a bit outta me.

I’ve noticed recently that I’ve been repeating the same five songs on my iPod over and over lately and figured I’d share that with all of you. Hence the title, So Hot Right Now, because much like Hansel from Zoolander, these songs are So Hot Right Now.

Of course, some of these are old, some of them you’ve probably heard a hundred times over, but I don’t care. They’re awesome, and I love em right now. Seriously… So Hot…

Without further ado…

City and Colour – The Girl

This song here… I love. Like Love it. It’s the type of song, that if I had any musical talent whatsoever, I would hypothetically write and hypothetically play for my hypothetical girlfriend. I also imagine myself getting a whole crap load of tattoos and ultimately being totally hip and cool. But alas, I was blessed with athletic ability and ruggishly handsome good looks, so I’ll have to settle for that. Damn you musicians.

This song is old after doing some research, and some of you may have known it for some time, but up until my friend JDalt, and K-B posted it on their facebook pages, I had no idea. One of my favorites for so many reasons. JDalt and K-B also call me “perfect,” so if you don’t like this song, well blame them for their judgment being REALLY off.

Phantogram – Mouthful of Diamonds

Ok, this is by far one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s literally that good. I’m not exactly sure what it is, or why, but I can’t get enough of this song.

The funny thing is, I was close to never hearing about this song or even this group. Back in January, I took a little trip to the mall to pick up my new iPhone. (after losing one in a cab 5 month earlier.) At the time, I was hanging out with a nice young lady, and took her with me. Well, she was in need of a Starbucks fix, something I know nothing about because I don’t drink coffee, or frappaccino (sp) grande latte do-hickeys. So we stopped off at the Starbeezy and while she ordered and waited for her drink I perused the store, and up at the counter they had their free download of the week. And there it was. I picked it up and put it in my pocket only to forget about it for a couple days. Later that week, I grabbed the jeans, and found the download. I fired up the old iTunes and was blown away. Not going to lie, I listened to that sucker like 500 times. Turned out to be a pretty awesome day all in all… New phone. New song. And I think we went to Red Robin after all. Nice little Saturday.

(ps, Phantogram is going to be at Sasquatch music festival, so look for them to become really awesome, and for lots of people to be like “i knew about them forever.” You can also feel free to tell them you found out about them here first. Then you can do the whole *cough* bullshit *cough* thing. Which is always a crowd pleaser. Check out Phantogram here.)

La Roux – Bulletproof

I can’t really give this song a description without coming off as a 12 year old girl that has recently been dumped. Since I’m neither 12 nor recently dumped, I have no real reason reason as to why I love this song. The video sucks, and to be honest had I seen it with the volume down, I probably wouldn’t like it much at all. And apparently this is a group too? Right? Like there is some hidden keyboardist that just rocks out behind the recycled 80’s motif. Speaking of, I’m a little bummed I missed out on being an 80’s keyboardist. I really think I would have been pretty awesome at it. I mean one qualification would be my long flowing locks when I grow them out, could have been manipulated into something really awesome with enough AquaNet. Just saying.

On a side note, I play this song really loud in my car. However, when I pull up to stoplights I turn it down. Quick poll, if you heard this bumping from a ruggishly handsome man in a semi decent car would you think he was a) gay. b) up on the latest music. c) gay AND up on the latest music or d.) fucking awesome and want to make out with him right away.

These are things I need to know.

I love YouTube, I really do. This isn’t really much of a video, but this song comes off of Kanye’s Freshman Adjustment mixtape/unreleased album. I’m unsure how I came across this album, but I love this song too. Most of you familiar with Kanye’s stuff will notice it’s the same Lyrics to Homecomming, which he did with Chris Martin from Coldplay. Cool song and all, but for some reason this song feels better. Maybe it’s cause John Legend is on it, and I love John Legend. Maybe it’s the sampling, I’m not sure. (Maybe it’s just because it’s toned down in the douche department because Chris Martin isn’t on it. Maybe.) What I am sure of, is how awesome it is. This is why it’s So Hot Right now… (ps, that may have been a record right there of how many times I can work the title into a blog. I’m not sure.)

Justin Beiber – Baby

Well, come on. You all knew this was coming. And I think my four previous submissions in this blog give me a little leeway with admitting to like this terribly written pop drivel. (But deep down, LOVE this.) I really can’t listen to this song without a little smile on my face. Previously, Party in the USA was my go to good feeling song, and previous to that it was MMMBop. Yup, you read that all 100% correct. Somewhere, there is a socially awkward 30 year old chick with Hanson posters on her wall still, just waiting to marry me. Somewhere.

This is a dedication really, to JP in Boston, JDalt in Austin, McNulty in Albany, Nira here in Portland, MichRod in Dallas and all my other ladies that have Bieber Fever. And yes, I’m working on learning Luda’s part….

Now I’m all gone….

Until Next time

Email Me (with requests or recommendations.)
SarcasmAsAWeapon@gmail.com

Pick 6.2

I haven’t busted out a Pick 6 in a while so I figured this could be the perfect time. Again, for those of you new to the Pick 6, I start up my iTunes and hit shuffle, and the following 6 songs end up here. And I discuss them.

First though. I wanted to let everyone know how much fun I’m having with the new iTunes 8. Especially with the new Genius application. It’s awesome. So much fun informing me of songs I don’t have from some of my favorite albums, and letting me know, based on the song I’m playing, what other bands might interest me. It’s freakin cool! If you guys know and like Pandora then you’ll love the new iTunes 8 Genius. You can get iTunes 8 with Genius right here.

With that being said, it’s often known that I peruse the Celebrity Playlists on iTunes often times being pissed off with how some of my favorite actors and such are basically pretentious pricks in their musical selections. However, a couple months ago Riann Wilson of The Office fame had posted his musical list. And whilst incredibly pretentious with music you’ve never heard nor will, I did find one new gem that has become one of my new favorites.

Ladies and Gentleman let me introduce you to the Cold War Kids!

I’m not sure what it is… But I just love these guys. Other favorite songs…
Hospital Beds
We Used To Vacation
Tell Me In The Morning
Something Is Not Right With Me (which if you watch Entourage was the song played at the closing credits. Great!)

(Ps. I am 100% NOT interested in knowing that you’ve known about this band forever. Good for effing you. They’re new to me, therefore it’s a fun new discovery. Give me this small joy in my life. Please.)

Anyway… on with the Pick 6.
If I Ain’t Got You (Acoustic) – Alicia Keys
Well I guess if it’s played I have to talk about it. Damn you shuffle. Anyway, I’ve always loved Alicia Keys. She’s an amazing talent and seems to be a classly lady. And of course she’s kinda smokin hot. Yowzers. Anyone see Smokin Aces? If you did you’d know the movie title should have been changed to Smokin Hot Alicia Keys… Would have done better I assume. But what do I know.

Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse
This album shocked the hell outta me. I got it back when I worked in radio and no one had heard of Amy Winehouse. I listened to it on repeat in my office for two days straight. It came as no surprise to me that she won Album of the Year. What does surprise me is that she’s still alive. It would be a shame to lose such a talent, but for the love of all that is good an holy… pull your shit together.

Fake Plastic Trees
Got turned on to Radiohead from my brother. It’s weird just how much my older brother influenced my musical taste to this day. He never did like rap/hip hop/pop so I’m unable to tell you where I picked that up. But he sure did love his alternative music. My love of Radiohead started when a local alternative radio station started playing Creep. I love that song too. And of course I was back when Creep was released I was a yet to be in high school, but already filled with the angst of a teenager to rival Kurt Cobain. So when The Bends was released in 1995 much like Radiohead I was older, wiser and more mature. I of course was a sophomore in High School. Of course this appealed to me. Chicks dug it, it was still alternative radio and that’s all I needed to shed those angst ridden days and fulfill my destiny of being popular. Mission complete! The Bends also has High and Dry which is one of my other all time favorite Radiohead songs.

Picture to Burn – Taylor Swift
I knew at some point that some of the music I have on my iTunes was going to catch up to me. But you know what, I’m not even bothered by this one. I love Taylor Swift. LOVE HER. In fact I may or may not have asked friends, “Hey, you think me and Taylor Swift would look cute together?” I get a lot of eye rolls on that one, but I feel as if it’s a legitimate question. I’ve heard numerous interviews with Ms. Swift and I think that’s made me like her more. Apparently….
1.) she writes all of her songs. Which is an amazing accomplishment in the world of music. A lot of “artists” in this world have someone write all their material for them. And it’s still shitty *cough*Britney Spears*cough.*
2.) In addition to writing all of her own material, Ms. Swift often times calls out the douchebags in her life. Which is awesome. In her song Teardrops on My Guitar, when she calls out a boy named Drew, she really is calling out a boy named Drew that went to high school with her, and apparently didn’t give her the time of day. YOU IDIOT!
Sorry, got ahead of myself. She writes unapologetically and generally most everyone at some point in their life can relate to her lyrics. She’s talented, shes beautiful, and she’s dating one of the little Jonas Brothers bastards. Who are committed to not having sex till marriage, which is cool, but I would have thought completely defeated the purpose of becoming a “rock star.”

The Good Life – Weezer
It seems as if every time I write a Pick 6, Weezer somehow ends up on there. Which is totally fine, because as I’ve stated they’re one of my favorite bands of all time. Pinkerton came out late in 1996 so I was well into my senior year. I love this album because it reminds me of my good friend Brad. Brad and I both played goalkeeper in High School, and we were both very good at it. He is a couple years younger than I am so when the time came for him to move up to Varsity there was some very heated battles between the two of us earning our spots. We both worked very hard often times trying to beat the other one. Once we left that feild, Brad and I were the best of friends. Often times (all the time) I Brad would come along wherever me and the Senior soccer boys did. As I was his ride. Our friendship has lasted, me getting benched in favor of him late in the season. Me going away to college. Him even getting married. We’ve stayed in touch through the years, and I would still consider him a great friend. Every time I hear The Good Life, or songs from the Pinkerton album, I can’t help but go back to my senior year and all the fun I had with Brad, and the entire soccer team.

Flashing Lights – Kanye West
I was beginning to think I was going to go through one entire Pick 6 without some rap/hip-hop on here. Whew! I love Kanye West a lot. His music is amazing to me. His last album, Graduation, gave us this amazing song Flashing Lights. This album came out last year around the time I had planned a trip to Boston to see my former college roommate. I boarded a plane at 6:00 am in the morning with magazines, and my ipod ready for the loooooong flight across America. What I hadn’t realized is that I hadn’t given enough attention to Kanye’s new album. So with hours to spare, on went Graduation. I can’t tell you how many times I just restarted the album to listen to over again. I listened start to finish 2 and a half times. Before looking to my buddy, and remarking “this album is amazing.” And it is. It still is. However this song caught me off guard two more times after this trip to Boston.
1.) When the video came out for this songs it was hardly your typical video. And I ate it up. Lot of people didn’t like it one bit. And that’s fine. I on the other hand thought it was brilliant.

2.) Second, and I know this is going to be lame and ruin much of my credibility, but on the Third season of The Hills, when Lauren was in Paris, this song played over a couple of different video shots of Paris and I fell in love with this song again. I think it was just how they used the song with the video clip, like using the lyrics “flashing/lights” with the shot of the Eiffel Tower’s rotating light. It was awesome.

Well, that’s all the time we have today… hope you enjoyed Pick 6.2

Email me at
SarcasmAsAWeapon@gmail.com

Bob Saget….

Man if this wasn’t a kick in the ass…..

So I’m minding my own business wasting away my life on the internet like most unemployed people do. When I figured it was time to visit the ole iTunes to see what I’ve been missing out on in life.

Come to find out, not much really.

However, I do like to peruse the Celebrity Playlists every so often to see who I’m compatible with. For the most part I’m not compatible with anyone. It’s funny to me to see all these tv/movie stars select music that no one’s heard of, and just pick it to be like “oooh look at me, I’m so original, I’m earth friendly too, so here is a reflection of my musical tastes that you’ve never heard of.”

That’s how I know actor/actresses are full of shit. I know you’re were al listening to the Backstreet Boys back then. I know you’re probably in love with the Katie Perry song I Kissed a Girl now. Admit it. No one thinks less of you. Join the masses, I mean shit, we buy your movies, tv shows, etc etc, throw us a bone.

Come to think of it, I was compatible with one “celebrity.” Maria Sharapova. Ooooh how we could have spent many a nights staying up late, talking Russian, taking pictures with your Canon Powershot, trying on our new clothes from the Nike employee store, all the while listening to our shared perfect playlist. *sigh*

Alas, more than likely none of that was going to come to fruition.

However, I got an an unexpected compatibility score when I came across none other than Danny Tanner’s Celebrity Playlist. I’m not going to lie, 90% of this list is awesome. I love/like a great deal most of the songs on this playlist.

That doesn’t mean that me and Bob Saget are going to be hanging out anytime soon. That is unless I get to come over while he visits his next door neighbors. (That my friends was a reference to Entourage. Make sure to check out that episode cause that one was hilarious. And the neighbors were hot.)

Here is Bob Saget’s playlist. (With my comments added.)

Creep Radiohead

I’ve always loved this song. I’m pretty sure my brother got me hooked on this back when I was a little Alterna-Teen. This was a pretty sweet little anthem and the guitar riff was pretty bad ass. Pretty sure I may have air guitared once or twice to this little ditty.

Better Man Pearl Jam

I’m not sure why, but this has always stood out in my head as one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs. I think it came from the Live in Atlanta 3 CD set that I used to have. I used to plug in headphones and lay there and listen to this album. Thank god it was grunge back then, cause I couldn’t handle myself being emo.

Gimme Shelter The Rolling Stones

I love this song too. For one it’s on Rock Band, and we all know how much I love Rock Band. Two, its a pretty sweet Rolling Stones song. Three, if I’m not mistaken it’s the song used to open The Departed. Scorcese and The Rolling Stones go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Look up on IMDB.com how many times he’s used their songs. It’s a lot. I’ve always want to see a Stones concert, just to say I’d been.

Wake Me Up When September Ends Green Day

Meh, not my favorite Green Day song. American Idiot was good and all, but probably my all time favorite album from Green Day was Kerplunk. Look that one up.

All Apologies (Live) Nirvana

I loved this performance. Loved it. I’ve always wanted a huge flat-screen tv and surround sound so I could play music DVD’s while just lounging around my house. Well, I don’t have my own house, or flat-screen, or even this DVD. If i did, I can almost guarantee this would be on. A lot.

Should I Stay or Should I Go The Clash

Classic.

The Heart of the Matter Don Henley

I used to program this song for the radio station I worked for. Good times Mr. Don Henley.

(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding Elvis Costello & The Attractions

Can’t say I’d really ever heard this before. Lot of people have Elvis Costello on their list. Maybe I should check him out.

4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) Bruce Springsteen

I didn’t say I love everything Bob does.

Sullivan Street Counting Crows August and Everything After

RPG, my roommate from college, LOVES the Counting Crows. Needless to say, this isn’t one of my favorite songs and I’ve heard it MANY times. I also saw Adam Duritz one early morning at McCarran International Airport in Vegas. Considering he was looking very much like me on a flight home, I decided probably wasn’t the most opportune time to be asking for a photo. RPG is going to be pissed.

Say John Mayer Say

I literally hate this song.

Free Fallin’ Tom Petty

Never been a BIG fan of Tom Petty, but I’ve always enjoyed this one. I think it goes way back to when I used to skateboard. (before breaking my arm.) And I’d see this video on MTV. He had all sorts of skateboarders on there. And I tried looking it up, but couldn’t find anything, I remember a long time ago, some story about one of the models in the shoot being killed by her bf or something. I dunno. Cool story. Cool Video. Cool song.

Gold Digger (feat. Jamie Foxx) Kanye West

Oh how I love Kanye West. Like a lot. He’s probably one of my all time favorite musicians. Plus this song is wicked fun, and unfortunately entirely true. Of course I’ll never know that, because I generally don’t find too many Gold Diggin women whilst unemployed. (I am now also going to make a more conscious effort to use “whilst.”)

Pork and Beans Weezer

Weezer is one of my all time favorite bands. Although we’ve had a bit of a break up in recent years with their other albums. Pinkerton was one of the last glorious albums they did. Rivers Cuomo brought back a little of the Old School Weezer magic with his solo effort, but something was still missing. Man I love Weezer.

Fake Plastic Trees Radiohead

I forgot how much I loved this song. And upon further review I didn’t have it in my iTunes. Thanks Bob Saget!

All These Things That I’ve Done The Killers

The Killers, are probably my second all time favorite band. (U2 is up there too, I just have a hard time making decisions.) And this, is probably my favorite song they’ve done. Which is cool because Nike has just used it in an AMAZING commercial. I’ve stated this before, but if you ever get the chance to check out The Killers, shell out the money and do it! It’s well worth it.

Intergalactic Beastie Boys

This song reminds me of my freshman year in college. All the sluts were shaking thier ass to this song. Thank god for the Beastie Boys.

The Comeback Shout Out Louds

I had never heard this. Still not sure I like it.

Hit So Hard Hole

It shocks me ever day that Courtney Love is still alive.

The Lady Is a Tramp Frank Sinatra

Who doesn’t love a little Frank Sinatra. I think it’s cool he was linked to the mob. Like really cool. Cause the mob is cool. I’ve got stories about a current singer who sounds much like Sinatra that has alleged ties. Its kinda cool.

God Gave Me Everything Mick Jagger

meh.

Baba O’Riley The Who

This is what Bob had to say about this song… and i quote “I used to run the mile to this song, wanting to be like Roger Daltry who ran in place to it. One of the best rock bands I’ve ever seen in concert. And I’ve seen the best. Hell, I worked with ‘Jesse and the Rippers.’

California Phantom Planet

Is it sick that I love this song? Please tell me no, because I do. I really, really do. I’m not sure what it is. The hook, the guitar, the piano…. ahh that’s right, it’s none of those. It’s Seth, Ryan, Summer and Marissa. Although I hate Marissa. If Marissa and the song Say were in a fight to the Death, I’m not sure which one i would pick. Either one could go. Good thing I dont’ listen to the radio too much and Marissa is dead. ahhhh all is right with the world.

California Love 2Pac

I find it hilarious that this song is a.) not only a fav of mine. but b.) a song that reminds Bob Saget of going to the clubs. I know I’m a white kid from the Pacific Northwest, but I do love my rap. I do love it.

My Funny Valentine Chet Baker

I bummed that Bob ended his playlist on a song that, well, I’ve never heard of. We were going so good there for a bit Bob. Damn.

So there you have it folks. Me and Bob. Soulmates in music.

That last statement will haunt my dreams.

ps, for those that really care, the Roast of Bob Saget will be on Comedy Central on August 17th. Check it out for countless hilarious jokes about Bob and the Olsen Twins.

Mayonnaise Colored Benz, I Push Miracle Whips….

I’ve been a huge Kanye West fan for years. I love his style, his beats, and his lyrics. I think he’s pretty damn amazing. I know a lot of people out there hate his bravado, his arrogance, and his temper tantrums.

That my friend is your opinion. And luckily enough in this country, you’re entitled to it.
I’d have to say, his music, speaks for itself.

I have to say though, after what I saw on Tuesday night Kanye went above and beyond my expectations of a show.

I was timid giong into Tuesday nights show. I’ve seen Kanye twice before. Once by himself, and the other he opened for U2. (Still the number one concert of my life.) The reason I was timid was for two reasons.
1.) Could he do what he had done before? Full orchestra on stage? Could he pull out all the stops?

2.) I love Entertainment Weekly. I love thier reviews, I love thier articles, LOVE that magazine. So when this negative review came out I was a little disheartned. This couldn’t be right… could it?

So tickets in hand, I went to the show.

I couldn’t help but wonder, what the EW reviewer had just watched. The Glow In The Dark Tour jumped it’s way right to the number 2 spot on concerts I’ve seen all time! It was amazing! Seriously amazing, I wish I could illustrate the stage itself, because that alone was stunning. But Kanye came out all by himself and rocked a stage at a hip-hop show for and hour. Performing all the hits that made him who he is, and all the hits that I love that aren’t as popular to the masses.

It’s been 2 days since the show, and I”m still trying to grasp exactly what the EW writer was thinking. Maybe it was because they don’t pay for shows anymore. Maybe it’s because this was a concert they didn’t really want to go to in the first place. Maybe they just like rock shows better. But I couldn’t understand the review.

Lupe Fiasco sounded amazing. Their version of Superstar sounded as if it were blasting in my car stereo. N.E.R.D…. holy shit how amazing were they?!?!? Playing Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes? I coulnd’t have asked for anything more coming from them. Part of me wishes there hadn’t been seats on the floor cause I’m curious if a pit would have started. The beautiful and talented Rihanna came on to inpart her musical talents on all of us. I must say, she’s grown a lot since the last time I saw her perfom in a tiny ass club with only 100-150 people watching. Tuesday she had a sold out arena, singing along to her greatest hits, a cover or two (M.I.A’s Paper Planes for one!) and even her newest, Take a Bow.

All of this built like a movie, or a book, all of this was just the rising action before the climax of the show.

Mr. Kanye West.

I can’t stress enough how amazing this show was. No backup dancers. No fellow artists to help him on stage. Just him and a captive audience. The songs came at blistering pace, which made me and my fellow concert goers wonder if he was going to pass out. But not only did he not pass out, but it seemeds as if he upped the tempo! He took a brief respite while Journey blasted Don’t Stop Believ’n which was a personal favorite moment of mine. The show came with a monolouge from the heart of Kanye, and then Touch The Sky.

This kinda show makes me watn to see more concerts. The concert expierence, if done right, is something that will stick with you forever. Go ahead, ask people older than you, your parents, your grandparents, thier favorite concert or their best concert memory. I’m sure they’ll still be able to tell you with great detail. I can, without a doubt, say that in my years to come, The Glow in The Dark Tour is a show I’ll still talk about.

I judge things now a days, by wether or not I would actually pay to see/go/watch. U2, I’d pay a ton of money to see. The Killers, yup, them too.

Kanye West? in a heartbeat.

who knows, someday when I have kids, maybe I’ll tell them about my concert expierences.