Sounds of MY Universe

I apologize to my two loyal followers. It's been over a year since my last post. What is worth writing about after a year's hiatus, you ask?
Depeche Mode's new album, Sounds of the Universe. After listening to just a few songs, I have an intense desire to see the band live. I don't know why, but Sounds of the Universe is as engaging to me as Pink Floyd's the Wall was the first time I really listened to it from beginning to end.
With that build up, I am sure you will listen to it, and not agree with me.
Hopefully I haven't just cursed DM Blair Witch style...
[And by the Blair Witch curse, I mean, the first few people to see the movie "The Blair Witch Project" gave it such wonderful reviews that by the time everyone else got around to seeing it--they didn't think it lived up to all the hype.]
Promising to keep you posted more often,
Julie in AV

"Bandwagon Alert:" An Album to be named in my divorce papers

I stole an idea from my sister who stole it from... someone else, I'm sure. The best albums out there are albums that are actually worth fighting for when you break-up with someone or get divorced. I've got a new album to add to my list:
"The Swell Season" by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. All you hipsters might recognize the names from listening to XRT, or from seeing the movie ONCE. I have not yet seen the movie, but already know that I will probably like it--the soundtrack is amazing.
I bought "The Swell Season," since the soundtrack and film have had rave reviews. I must say that I am just enamored with it. It is an album that is hauntingly good and just begs to be listened to. I imagine it is an album I would crank up and sing along with in my car after attending a funeral for a loved one. Dramatic, definately.
There is no link to this album in the library catalog just yet. I must listen to it a few more times before I bid it adieu and send it to be cataloged for you to check out. I'm sorry, but it is just that good. Look for it soon and love it like I do.
As Always,
I'll keep you posted...
Julie

Miss Jackson, if you're nasty!

Janet Jackson released her new album "Discipline" this week. Her voice has been "synthed-up" quite a bit, but it is worth giving a listen to. The single "Feedback" sounds like it will definately be a club hit, but the repetition of one word "sexy" in the song over and over just CRACKS ME UP! The way her synthed voice says "sexy" reminds me of a girl who got teased mercilessly in my elementary school for her lisp. Janet's singing of the word "sexy" sounds like her tongue is rolled up in her mouth and it creates the most awful sounding lisp--not that there is anything wrong with people who lisp, mind you, but the word "sexy" is anything but when it is sung that way. Listen to it on Janet's MySpace page and see if you agree with me.
There are many solid tracks on the album, including "The 1" with Missy Elliott, and "So Much Betta" which are perfect to listen to when getting ready for a night out with the girls.
"Discipline" has got a little something for everyone, some slow jams, club hits and bizarre musings with Keoko. Curiousity killed the cat, but give "Discipline" a listen, you won't be disappointed.
As Always,
I'll keep ya posted...
Julie

Super Petty!

I went through a Tom Petty phase a few years back, and last night's Superbowl performance was such a nice flashback for me. I must admit I cranked up our surround sound and danced around the living room while "American Girl" was playing. My four-year-old daughter wanted the music louder and she got up and danced, too.
One word describes Petty's performance last night--solid. The thing I love about Tom Petty is that he doesn't need any back-up. You could put Petty in a room with a guitar and he would sound just as great as he does up on stage. You don't need all the flash and glam modern performers tend to rely on. He is just good old school rock-n-roll. No worries about any wardrobe malfunctions with a guy like Petty.
Last night's track list:
American Girl
I Won't Back Down
Free Fallin'
Runnin' Down a Dream
Petty's performance last night makes me want to relive my college days and go see him in concert again. The best seats in the house for his upcoming July show at the United Center are only $100--so tempting...might even have to pack up my four-year-old and take her with me!
Soccermom? Nah, I like "Rockermom" better!
As always,
I'll keep you posted...

Coming Attractions--Lenny, Sheryl, Jack

February 5th looks like a good day for new releases--finally!
The album I am most excited about is Lenny Kravitz's "It is Time for a Love Revolution." Lenny Kravitz has sold 20 million albums worldwide and was voted #93 on VH1's 100Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, although you would not know it based on his last two albums, "Lenny" and "Baptism." I think Lenny is due for a comeback. Rolling Stone Magazine says that this album is the best album Lenny Kravitz has ever made, and when has Rolling Stone ever steered us wrong? Ok, except for their choice for the best album of 2007, M.I.A's "Kala." Put a hold on it, listen to it and see if you agree that "Kala" is worthy of best album of the year?!?

Back to the other new releases...

Sheryl Crow has a new album out (FEB 5th) called "Detours." You can go to Amazon.com and watch a couple of videos from the new album. The first video is the song "Shine Over Babylon." Sounds like little Sheryl is searching for more meaning than the old "All I Wanna Do is Have Some Fun." Sample Lyrics from the song Shine Over Babylon:

"Celebrate the golden cow
Praise the bloated bank account
If there's a god where is he now..."
Sheryl's had a lot to deal with since her last album, (Cancer, breaking up with Lance, etc) I think that will be reflected on "Detours." I just hope it doesn't weigh the album down.

Jack Johnson's first album, "Brushfire Fairytales" was released in 2001. The song "Bubble Toes" got some airplay, but Jack really came to the public's eyes (or should I say ears?) for his hugely popular soundtrack to the 2005 animated film "Curious George."

Anytime you can pull off a fanatastic soundtrack for a children's movie, people are bound to remember you. Jack's new album is titled, "Sleep through the Static." An album with the word "Sleep" in the title? Hopefully it is not an album worth sleeping through. We'll see if his Curious George fame can boost his album sales, although I haven't heard much about his album just yet. Jack, if you are reading this, this is a bad time to have your website under construction!!!
As always, I'll keep you posted...
Julie

Metallica for Babies

You did read that correctly, "Metallica for Babies..."
The album is called Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Metallica. The product description:
"Rockabye Baby! transforms timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies. The soothing sounds of the glockenspiel, vibraphone, and other instruments will lull your baby into a sweet slumber. "
This music would be perfect in a horror movie; it just has a real tangible creepyness to it.
Check it out and play it for your friends. It's great for a game of "Name that Tune!"
Other albums available from Rockabye Baby!: Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, Gwen Stefani, Coldplay, U2, and my personal favorite--TOOL!
It's warped, but I love it!
Fodder for my therapist...
Put a copy on hold for yourself, you won't be disappointed!