Rihanna- Please Don't Stop the Music

I'm not going to say much about this song- it's probably one of the best songs to play for those private dance parties you have in your room when no one is around (or is that just me). You all know it. But I do have one thing to say about Rihanna. I do respect her. Her music is very catchy blah blah- she's a good pop singer (average voice+ synths+ good production+ catchy lyrics + hot = good pop singer). But I am against the decision to release Good Girl Gone Bad Reloaded. I don't think albums should be "re-issued." You should give all that you've got to the album and once it's done- it's done. If you have new ideas, put them on your next CD. Okay. I'm Sleepy. Goodnight.

Please Don't Stop the Music - Rihanna

Terrence Howard is on my Kanye List

As the title implies, Terrence Howard has been moved to my black list (and not because of the color of his skin). Now, originally this show was at the TLA, but through some research of my own, I found out yesterday that the show had been moved to the Lux Lounge although no notification was sent to ticket holders. So, I head on down to the Lux Lounge tonight at 9:15 (doors opened at 9) only to find that the show had been canceled. So not only did he switch venues last minute, but he also canceled the show extremely last minute. Even worse- the Lux Lounge is in center city (near The Gallery) and parking is ridiculous and I spent all of two minutes in the parking lot and paid $12. For two minutes! WTF Philadelphia!

So, I did not see Terrence Howard tonight. I am not upset about the fact that I didn't see him. As I said, he's not bad but I'm not saying he's that good either. He may be an A-list actor but he is a D-list singer...so let's not get too carried away here. At the end of the day, I evaluated the money lost from the concert and it comes out as follows.

ticket cost : $35 x 2 = $70
processing fee: $6 x2 = $12
parking: $12
gas: $6
frustration: priceless
------------------------
Total: $100

And so, like the dried out hippie at Bonnaroo who wanted his $14 dollars back for Kanye's Diva moment, I want my $100 back. Granted, I will get at least $70 back- but I think Terrence Howard and friends owe me that additional $30, as well. I don't know the reason that the show was canceled but I think it was handled very improperly. There weren't even signs that said that it was canceled. I waited in line until I finally got to a bouncer who told me the show was off. If anyone Terrence Howard related reads this blog, please take this from my rant- in the words of Pearl, "I Want My Money Bitch"

Terrence Howard

My mom got me tickets to see Terrence Howard at Lux Lounge tonight. My reaction: Terrence Howard sings? Oh yes, he does. Also little known fact about Mr. Howard- he lives in the Suburbs of Philadelphia. So the question remains, is he good? Many actors consider themselves to be triple threats. Terrence Howard isn't bad. I give him credit for stepping outside of his role as an actor and for actually playing his own instruments (guitar and piano). His sound is your typical R&B at times but with a personal flair.I haven't seen him live nor have I heard much of his music but here's a little sample.

Sanctuary- Terrence Howard


His first album, Shine Through It, comes out September 2nd on Columbia Records and features a collaboration with Chris Brown (ugh).

James Morrison "Songs For You, Truths For Me"

I love James Morrison. It's not really a confession because I am rather open with it. And and I can safely say that no matter who I may be with at the time or how serious our relationship is, I will leave them at any point for James, if the opportunity presents itself (which it kind of did last summer). Now, I was a little frustrated at first because it took Mr. Morrison quite a long time to release his follow up to his 2006 debut, Undiscovered. I guess 2 years isn't that long, but I've been loving his music for so long that it seems like an eternity. Again, I digress-- the point of this post is that James Morrison will be releasing his new album, Songs For You, Truths For Me, on September 9, 2008!

I know that sophomore albums are usually sketchy but I have heard a bit of this album and it sounds good so far. I may be slightly bias, but trust me on this. Here's the first single...I never said he was so good at music videos:

James Morrison- You Make It Real


Although it took him a while to come out with a new CD (or it lease it seemed like a while for me), he succeeds because his talent doesn't lie specifically in his songwriting. Let's be real- he's a 20-something singer/songwriter- if he writes about love, he'll be fine. The true key to Morrison's success is his voice (which interestingly enough was acquired from a near fatal encounter with whopping cough as a child). I am very excited for Songs For You, Truths For Me. I highly recommend purchasing this album when it comes out.

Brianna Taylor

I will admit it, I am a closet Real World watcher. Certainly, the seasons have become tragically worse over time, but I thought this season was actually pretty good. I had a little crush on Will, until he turned out to be a slut. Joey was adorable and I think he's the cutest person in the world. Brianna had an annoying voice but she's from Philly- so she's cool in my book. Throughout this season, I fell in love with her character because, to me, she represented all that Philadelphia is about. Sure, she was one hell of a fighter, but in the end, she was a sweetheart and embodied the sometimes hard to find brotherly love of the city.

Everyone on the Real World Hollywood cast was trying to be discovered in one way or another. To be honest, most of them weren't too talented. Dave was funny but he's no improv master, Sarah (despite her education) sucked at broadcast journalism...the list really goes on but Philly girl Brianna Taylor was one exception. Will was so focused on his music and while Brianna was there, she really had too much drama going on to dedicate herself to music but when the time finally came for her to perform, she blew everyone away.

Story of My Life- Brianna Taylor


This song is a little pitchy, I think...but check out Summertime.

I agree with Brianna, some people need to do what they need to do to make money- to be honest, it's part of city life. If she is an exotic dancer, I see nothing wrong with that, really. But, with a voice like hers, I don't think she'll have to continue dancing to pay the bills (although that would make for an interesting stage performance).

Check out Brianna on October 26th, at the Tin Angel

Out of Commission

I am getting surgery tomorrow so Muse Sickly Challenged will be out of commission for the next few days

--Maintenance (me)

90's Pop Week: Essential 90's Playlist

Today is the last day of 90's Pop Week and I know there are a good amount of groups that I didn't cover. But to pay homage to them, I am creating the ultimate 90's playlist

1. When The Lights Go Out (5ive)
2. Faded (SoulDecision)
3. Back Here Baby (BB Mack)
4. Candy (Mandy Moore)
5. What a Girl Wants (Christina Aguilera)
6. Hit Me Baby One More Time (Britney Spears)
7. Larger Than Life (Backstreet Boys)
8. I Want You Back (Nsync)
9. Wannabe (Spice Girls)
10. I Think I'm In Love With You (Jessica Simpson)
11. Una Noche (98 degrees)
12. Liquid Dreams (Otown)
13. Get Over Yourself (Eden's Crush)
14. U + ME = US (2Ge+her)
15. Summer Girls (LFO)
16. I Knew I Loved You (Savage Garden)
17. MmmBop (Hanson)
    

90's Pop Week: Nsync is Here to Make You People Scream

Nostalgia:

For those of you who don't know me, 'Nsync is by far my favorite 90's Pop act. When I was probably 12-16, I had an entire room, in my house, dedicated to 'Nsync...an extended shrine if you will. We had an open room so I put all of my 'Nsync stuff in there. I am talking an 'Nsync bouncy ball, chair, the 6' Marionettes that I waited in line at 4 am in NYC for, concert tickets, bobble heads, pictures...the list really goes on. One day when I returned from boarding school (Hill Dear Old Hill), I found that my mother had packed my shrine away in boxes to turn the room into......my cat's room! What?! Yes, my cat has a room- but beyond that, why is his room my former 'Nsync shrine. That was one of the toughest days of my life.

A few years later, I got word from the official 'Nsync fan club that Joey Fatone would be in a production of RENT. At that point, I only knew that RENT was a Broadway play but if Joey Fatone was going to be in it, Ashley Bradley was going to see it. So, I got tickets for the show (he was pretty sweet) and at the end of the performance they announced that he would be signing autographs! What?! So yes, I met Joey Fatone, the picture is in my room now (as a part of my mini shrine)...I will have to scan it one day.

Another good 'Nsync moment: Remember the move On The Line? That was the best movie ever...I don't care what you say. I own it and still watch it, to this day. I used to have an "'Nsync" lecture, in which I went through their entire history...and get this, people paid to hear it. I know, I was a crazy young child but now onto some 'Nsync content I don't even know how to begin...maybe we'll start with the discography

1. 'Nsync (Germany- yes, it's a different CD and I have the import)
2. *Nsync (USA)
3. Home For Christmas (This seriously never gets old!!!)
4. The Winter Album (waste of money)
5. No Strings Attached
6. Celebrity

After the break: Justified (Justin), Schizophrenia ( JC), Future Sex/ Love Sounds (Justin) I know I am a little bias, but I truly feel that all of these CD's (including the solo releases) were amazing, with the exception of The Winter Album. It's not that The Winter album is particularly bad, it's just that it has no new songs...so what's the point?

Now, I found it funny how much 'Nsync's lyrics had changed by their last album, Celebrity. Sure, they were semi sexual before, on songs such as Digital Getdown (yes, a song about Cyber Sex). But Celebrity took things to a whole new level- not only were they more sexual, but they also became thugs in the process:

"If I didn't have cheese like everyday"
"The Ice around my neck"
"You know we don't care at all- let me see you up against the wall"
"We started grindin' shorty had me up against the wall/ Ask me about tomorrow you know that I don't care at all"

I really feel like I can't make an 'Nsync playlist because I really like all of their music so it would be like 80 songs long. So instead, I am making two 'Nsync Essentials Lists. One of singles and one of my favorite songs that didn't make the radio

Singles Essentials:

1. Tearin' Up My Heart
2. Here We Go
3. God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You (my first slow dance)
4. I Want You Back
5. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays....haha PLEASE watch this video here sooo low budget, plus Gary Coleman
6. Bye Bye Bye (reminds me of middle school dances)
   
7. It's Gonna Be Me
8. This I Promise You
9. Pop
10. Girlfriend
11. Gone

Ashley's Essentials:

1. For The Girl Who Has Everything
2. Best of My Life
3. Crazy For You
4. Love's In Our Hearts On Christmas Day
5. Kiss Me At Midnight
6. I Never Knew The Meaning Of Christmas
7. It Makes Me Ill
8. No Strings Attached
9. I Thought She Knew
10. Celebrity
11. The Two Of Us
12. Something Like You (one of my many wedding songs)
13. Selfish

Before (1997)

After (2001)

And Now, my favorite 'Nsync Music Video: I Drive Myself Crazy



Well, not quite- but it is pretty funny. If the video itself wasn't ridiculous enough, check the hair and acting...oh, good times

And, if you check at 2:41, you should have known Lance as gay all along. That brings me to another story...Approx 1999, I told everyone that Lance was gay...and that means a lot coming from an 'Nsync fan but no one believed me...

Alright...that wasn't the best evidence that they were a good group, so now for a more respectable video. I really do think this was one of the best pop videos of the 90's. The dance was sweet, and the video itself was pretty high quality (compared to Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays , at least)

90's Pop Week: It's Britney Bitch

I really don't need to say much about Britney Spears. Her early teen years have been erased in America's memory by her recent craziness. Between driving with her child on her lap and shaving her head and threating reporters with an umbrella, Spears needs to be hit more than One More Time. And now, a photo montage:
Playlist

1. ...Baby One More Time
2. (You Drive Me) Crazy
3. Sometimes
4. Lucky
5. From the Bottom of my Broken Heart
6. Oops! I did it Again
7. Stronger
8. Don't Let Me Be The Last to Know
9. Let Me Be
10. I'm a Slave 4 U
11. I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman
12. Me Against The Music
13. Everytime
14. Toxic
15. Gimme More

Damn...she may be a psycho...but she's got quite the list of hits.

90's Pop Week: SoulDecision

Most of you probably don't remember soulDecision...most of you probably don't even know who they are but I loved this group so I don't care what you have to say. If the name sounds familiar, it's probably from their one hit wonder-Faded. God, what a great song! I remember when I saw them live, they did this cute little gig, to that song. Anyway. So, I have a great story about Soul Decision. The morning before my first Nsync concert, I had gone to King of Prussia to buy CD's. Crazy idea isn't it- going to a store to buy a CD! I was pumped to finally get the soulDecision CD because I loved Faded and I thought that little rap was so dope (now I realize, that was not a rap at all, I was just extremely sheltered). So, I pick up their self-titled debut and before I know it, I know all of the lyrics to call the songs.

To make things better, soulDecision, along with Eden's Crush (remember them!?) was opening for Nsync! God- it was so great until people started booing them off stage and they ended their set early...harsh crowd. I was so angry.

When I began listening to soulDecision again this week, I realized how dirty their songs were. I had nooo idea that Faded was about trying to get with a girl when you're drunk. I don't think I even knew what Faded meant back then. But check out the lyrics here...not what you thought when you were 12, huh? There debut CD was called No One Does it Better, and their follow up (which sucked) was entitled, Shady Satin Drug (what?).

Another funny story: Shady Satin Drug was such a flop that is only sold about ten thousand records, despite the fact that it cost 5.4 million to make. The failure of Shady Satin Drug caused the band's label to go bankrupt.

Playlist

1. Faded
2. 0o0 It's Kinda Crazy
3. Gravity
4. Stay
5. Next Time
6. I Don't Need Anyone
7. Only In My Mind (about being a stalker- one of my faves)

Faded This video makes no sense but Trevor is so seductive...and sexual....I like

90's Pop Week: Christina Aguilera

As with Ricky Martin, it wasn't until I began listening to Xtina again that I remembered why she was so great. Now, I know some people will be upset with me for saying this, but of all of the 90's pop acts, I think Christina is the only one with raw talent. As a matter of fact, when I found younger, I listened to Christina, but I can't say that I was really a fan. But, as I have been listening to 90's pop the last week, she has surfaced as one of my favorites. Remember that Lady Marmalade video song? Craziness. Anyway...let's get to the good stuff.

Despite the longevity of her career, Aguilera only released three studio albums: Christina Aguilera (1999), Stripped (2002), Back to Basics (2006). Over the course of these albums, her look has changed drastically, as noted in the album covers below.

Christina Aguilera


Stripped

Back to Basics

Like fellow 90's sweethearts Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and JC Chasez, Aguilera got her start on the Mickey Mouse Club, after losing a competition on Star Search. Little known fact: her first recording with with a Japanese singer named Keizo Nakanishi. Her first mainstream song in the US, was reflection, and from there her career took off. With the release of her second album, Stripped, Christina began to seem more like a strip-er despite her enormous talent. They outfits got risque, as did the lyrics. She even adopted the nickname xtina, tattooing it on the back of her neck. Tramp stamps and all, Christina is still an amazing singer, which is why I believe, she is one of the most revered of the pop 90's stars. As I was listening to her the past week, I noticed that a lot of her lyrics are very empowering for women, much like the lyrics of the Spice Girls were meant to be. Total, she recording six albums (including a Christmas album -which I own- and a Spanish album), and was nominated for 18 Grammy Awards. So yeah, Christina is cool in my book, and I think this has caused me to want to start listening to her even more...maybe I'll even buy Back to Basics...probably not.

Playlist

1. Come on Over (All I Want is Youn)
2. Reflection
3. I Turn to You
4. What a Girl Wants
5. Can't Hold Us Down
6. Fighter
7. Beautiful
8. The Voice Within
9. Ain't No Other Man
10. CandyMan
    

Instead of doing before and after pictures, I have decided to do before and after videos

Christina at nine (jesus!)



Unfortunately, I couldn't find the official Candyman video that I was allowed to embed so here's a live version. But I like the video so click here to check it out

90's Pop Week: Ricky Martin

For those of you who don't know, little Ricky Martin got his start in the Latin boy band, Menudo, at the age of twelve. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as Enrique Martin Morales, he adopted the stage name Ricky Martin at a young age. Instead of writing a bio on senior Martin, I have comprised a list of little known facts...

Little Known Facts:

• For 6 months, he played Marius Pontmercy in Broadway's Les Miserables.
• "Cup of Life" was chosen as the anthem of the '98 world cup (also a little known fact, I scored the winning goal for France in the '98 world cup- check wiki)
• Livin La Vida Loca reached number one in 16 countries. The album was certified platinum x 7, selling over 17 million copies.
• He is not gay, I quote, "I am a normal man. I love women and sex. I am a real hot-blooded Puerto Rican, but have never been attracted by sex with a man."

Note: not the gay pride parade

• Despite his claim to be straight, he once danced with President Bush, during the 2001 inaugural ball.
• He recorded 8 studio albums, two of which are named, Ricky Martin (weird, I thought he only had like 2)
• He has a rose tattoo on his left hip ( see fact 4)

Playlist:

1. The Cup of Life
2. Livin La Vida Loca
3. Shake Your Bon Bon
4. Nobody Wants to be Lonely (Featuring Christina Aguilera)
5. She's All I ever Had
6. She Bangs (as made more famous by William Hung- I forgot Ricky even sang this)

Alright check this before and after:

Cup of Life

90's Pop Week: 2Ge+her

I want to start off by saying, there are only seven days to 90's pop week. Obviously, I won't be featuring every 90's pop artist and I know that you will ask questions regarding the people I picked and why. So, I am going to put it like this. Whereas there are some acts that were huge and some that were small, I am only choosing the acts that I have the most to stay about. (Ali, I am apologizing in advance for the exclusion of you know who). Also, while a lot of these acts performed beyond the 90's I will be concentrating on their 90's years

For the first day of 90's pop week, the artist is 2Ge+her. For those of you who do not know 2ge+her, they were a 90's "TV band" on MTV. They episodes were fairly comedic (at the time anyway) and each episode featured one of their songs. At the conclusion of each of the two seasons, they released CD compilations of the songs that appeared at the end of each episode. Their self-titled debut was followed by the great, 2Ge+her again. I have both albums but 2Ge+her again is a true gem in pop history. The lyrics to every song are absolutely ridiculous yet infectiously catchy.



The death of the youngest member, QT caused the series to stop, and thus the "band" broke up. I remember being at a middle school dance when my friend told me that QT had died and I was so crushed that I left the dance. Born Michael Cuccione, QT died from cancer at age 16. Frequently absent from the show, the band joked that QT was touring the world talking to kids about cancer. But in reality, the show helped to raise awareness for cancer. Following Cuccione's death, the other members of the band Jerry 'The Heartthrob' O'Keefe (Evan Farmer), Chad 'The Shy One' Linus (Noah Bastian), Doug 'The Older Brother' Linus (Kevin Farley), and Mickey 'The Bad Boy' Parke (Alex Solowitz) held a special tribute in his remembrance.

2Ge+her Playlist

1. U+ ME= US (Calculus)
2. Before We Say Goodbye
3. Visualize (QT Solo)
4. The Hardest Part of Breaking Up (Is Getting Back Your Stuff)
5. Awesum Lover
6. Sister
7. Right Where it Counts
8. 5 Gether
9. 2Gether
10. I Gave My 24/7 To You

Hottest Member Award: Tie between Chad and Mickey P

U+ Me = US (Calculus)


The Hardest Part of Breaking Up (Is Getting Back Your Stuff)

Oxford Comma- Vampire Weekend

As stated earlier, I received the Vampire Weekend CD this week and it's amazing. I truly encourage you to go buy (not steal) this CD. I'm really not going to say much about the song. But give it a listen- and by the album...pretty simple.

ps: don't they sound so British?

Okay- off to see The Hustle tonight at WCL...better see you there!

Oh, also...guess what starts tomorrow?? 90's Pop Week!! (please don't lose respect for me)

WTF?!

I was browsing the internet early this morning because I was awakened by my neighbors failed attempt to do construction on their own house. Anyway, I came across this bizarre sight that actually connects musicians and groupies. Dangerous? You might think...and I have to agree with you. This sounds sketch..and like some hippies are up to no good (don't get me wrong, I love hippies...my best friend is a hippie)

So this website is called Better Than A Van and their page reads:

"Touring isn't cheap or easy. We know, we've done it for years. We thought of this as a way for bands and music lovers to offer up their floor and couches. We've stayed in some great and not so great places while on tour, so we know it can be hit or miss. We figure people are fans of bands and bands become fans of other bands. If we give them all a place to meet under a common need, good things will come of it."

There are a lot of things going on in my read after reading this but I'll keep my comments to myself, as you are probably thinking the same things. Anyway, at least check out the site...it's an interesting concept, just incredibly weird.

James David Carter EP on iTunes

A while back, I told you guys about James David Carter and he has just announced that his EP, "To Be Continued..." is now on iTunes.

che..check it out

The Hustle CD Release

Still haven't had your fill of Philly music? Not impressed by our scene?

GO to World Cafe Live Upstairs tomorrow- Saturday, August 9, 2008 - 8:00pm

These guys are amazing, seriously. I have written about them before and I will not stop writing until every reader has either purchased the CD or gone to see them.


Kuf Knotz and The Hustle are an an amazing group from Philadelphia and tomorrow they will be celebrating the release of their CD, 3,4,5. Led by emcee, Kuf Knotz and pianist/vocalist Nora Wittaker, The Hustle fuses genres across the board, creating a sound that is uniquely there own. Check here for my previous blog about them.





Kuf's former band members The Dialects, will be opening for The Hustle. The Dialects are somewhere between reggae and hip-hop...but in a good way.



Still not enough for you? Then you're a typical Philadelphian but as an added bonus, I will be there too!!

The Seed 2.0- The Roots

I LOOVE this song. I've just recently found out that quite a few people outside of the Philadelphia area have not heard about The Roots. It's kind of ridiculous when they've been in the game since '87, before I was even born. They've won a handful of Grammys and toured the World yet so called hip-hop aficionado's in California have never heard of them. This upsets me to no end but this is one of my favorite songs by them. Certainly it's not their best. Black Thought is such a gifted emcee (who I had the pleasure of interviewing...I will post that up here later). But, the seed 2.0 is probably one of their most catchy songs (if not, then maybe, "You Got Me"). Catchy as it is, the song is quite dirty. I likey. haha but I am posting the lyrics, as well so you can see what I mean.

This song features Cody ChesnuTT. Many people don't know who he is, but thats forgivable. ChesnuTT is somewhat well known (for those who are into music) for recording is LP, The Headphone Masterpiece, in his bedroom, using a 4 track cassette recorder. An interesting feat- yes. But personally, I am not too fond of ChesnuTT beyond this song. I have The Headphone Masterpiece but it's really not that good. Not because of the recording technique but the CD was just a poorly written piece of garbage.

But this is about The Roots, I encourage you to follow the links and read more about them- and if you get the chance, you have to go see them live. Honestly, they were at Penn this past year and they did an amazing medley---seriously one of the greater moments in my musical life.

(Black Thought)
Knocked up nine months ago
And what she's fittin' to have she don't know
She wants neo soul cause hip hop is old
She don't want no rock'n roll
She want platinum, ice and gold
She want a whole lot of somethin' to fold
If you're an obstacle she'll just drop you cold
Cause one monkey don't stop the show
Little Mary's bad
In these streets she done ran
E'ry since when the heat began
I told the girl look here
Calm down I'm gonna hold your hand
To enable you to keep the plan
Because you'se quick to learn
And we can make money to burn
If you allow me the lay this game
I don't ask for much but enough to room to spread my wings
And a world fittin to know my name, just listen to me

(Cody ChesnuTT)
I don't ask for much these days
And I don't bitch and whine if I don't get my way
I only wanna fertilize another behind my lover's back
I sit and watch it grow roots standin where I'm at
Fertilize another behind my lover's back
And I'm keepin my secrets mine
I push my seed in her bush for life
It's gonna work because I'm pushin it right
If Mary dropped my baby girl tonight
I would name her rock n roll

(Black Thought)
Cadillac need space to roam
Where we headed for? She don't know
We in the city where the pros shake, rattle, and roll
And I'm a God dang rollin stone
I don't beg, I can hold my own
I don't break, I can hold the chrome
And it's weighin a ton, and I'm a son of a gun
My code name is The Only One
And Black Thought is bad
The mean streets he done ran
E'r since when the game began
I never played the fool
Matter fact, I've been keepin it cool
Since money been changin hands
And I'm left to shine
The legacy I leave behind
Be the seed that'll keep the flame
I don't ask for much but enough room to spread these wings
And the world finna know my name

(Cody ChesnuTT)
I don't beg from no rich man
And I don't scream and kick when his shit don't fall in my hands, man
Cuz I know how to steal
Fertilize another against my lover's will
I lick the opposition cuz she don't take no pill
Oooh oooh oooh no dear
You'll be keepin my legend alive
I push my seed in her bush for life
It's gonna work because I'm pushin it right
If Mary dropped my baby girl tonight
I would name her rock n roll

Oooh break it down, break it down...down for me...

I push my seed somewhere deep in her chest
I push it naked cuz I've taken my test
Deliver it, Mary, it don't matter the sex
I'm gon name it rock n roll

I push my seed in her bush for life
It's gonna work because I'm pushin it right
If Mary dropped my baby girl tonight
I would name her rock n roll

I would name her rock n roll, I would name her rock n roll, I would name it
rock n roll

Lyrically, it's one of their least thoughtful songs, but I guess that's why it was such a commercial success. God Bless America.

In Your Atmosphere- John Mayer

Sometimes my mind goes blank
Correction. all the time my mind goes blank.
Sometimes, I learn how to deal with it.

Today, I really couldn't think of a song for Song of the Day so I asked a friend. I know what you're thinking, "Ashley, you don't trust anyone's taste in music." Not true, I trust people who have a similar taste to me. So, this was a song that was recommended to me. I love Mayer, so I may be a little bias but I like it.

On a completely different note, I received Vampire Weekend today- thanks to tiffany- and I am in love!

John Mayer- In Your Atmosphere

Flathead- The Fratellis

This song is quite old. The first time I heard it was sometime last year, I believe. It was the music for an iPod commercial. Mac does such a great job with picking music for their commercials. But anyway, The Fratellis are from Glasgow and they are a pretty neat band. I am still surprised by how many people haven't heard of them. I saw them perform at last summer's XPN fest and they were awesome live. I definitely recommend seeing them if they stop through your town.

Flathead- The Fratellis

You're Gonna Hate Me For This

I was feeling moody today so I took my iPod to work with me. I started out listening to Elliott Smith but it made me moodier. I love Dave Barnes so I knew listening to him would cheep me up. But I quickly grew tired of the sappy love ballads, especially knowing that only about half of them were written for me. Well, a few minutes later I found the answer to my dilemma. 90's Pop Music! I turned on my 90's Pop playlist and before I knew it, the day was over and I hopped on the 42 to head back to mi casa. Now for my big announcement- In case you haven't guessed already: Muse Sickly Challenged, from this day forward, will be a STRICTLY 90's POP MUSIC BLOG!!! Just Kidding...Kind of. Muse Sickly Challenged will be a strictly pop music blog for one week and one week only, beginning this Sunday. (Ali, consider this an early Christmas gift). I know some of you will give me shit for this, but I don't care because I love 90's pop. There will be no Philly Phriday because unfortunately we did not produce any 90's pop acts. I know some of you may argue that we did but I have made a brief outline of reasons that I will disregard your statements

1. P!NK- not from Philadelphia. If you know me, I am quick to tell you whether or not celebrities are actually from Philadelphia. Not only is she not from Philadelphia, but she also sucks and I don't think she would really go in the 90's Pop genre
2. Justin Guarini- Also not from Philadelphia...and even if he were, I still don't like him
3. Boyz II Men- I wish but they're not 90's nor are they pop

90's Pop Week will include music videos, before and after pictures, as well as nostalgic memories. You are more than welcome to leave any memories or comments that you may have about the artist of the day. Lastly, I don't care if you hate 90's pop. This is my blog and 90's pop was a great part of my teenage years (well, technically I am still a teenager...but that's not what my fake ID says...jk)

So High- John Legend

No Tiffany, this song is not what you think it's about. This, I do believe, is one of John Legend's most spectacular songs. When I saw him at the Borgata, all these chicks were crying when he chose it for the encore. Then this one, kinda crazy chick, yelled, "this is my wedding song." I mean I can't really blame her, I have about 20 wedding songs and no spouse....not even a boyfriend for that matter. Anyway, this song is awesome and the video is nice as well, except for those weird faces he makes.



On second thought, today is a double-header. After I chose this as Song of the Day, I got another John Legend song stuck in my head. This is for you Kristen.

John Legend- Green Light

Mercy- Duffy

I hate her hair
I hate that people compare her to Amy Wineo
I hate her voice (seriously, how forced is it)
But I like this song, simply because it's catchy

Annie Waits- Ben Folds

I was at a lost for Song of the Day today and then I was browsing through concerts that I wanted to go to and came across Ben Folds at the Mann. Not only would it be sweet to see Ben Folds again but he's playing WITH The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Gnarley, right? I just wanted to say that, sorry. I promise I'm from Philadelphia. So anyway, this is one of my favorite Ben Folds songs so I picked it as song of the day

My Body is a Cage - Arcade Fire

This is such an incredibly song. I am not really a huge Arcade Fire fan but this song is amazing. If you respect music, or even poetry for that matter, I have no doubt you will love this song. This video isn't an official video but I found it to be very moving and I liked it the best out of everything I saw so, deal with it. In addition to the video, I am posting the lyrics because they are so chillingly beautiful.

My body is a cage
That keeps me from dancing with the one I love
But my mind holds the key
My body is a cage
That keeps me from dancing with the one I love
But my mind holds the key

I’m standing on the stage
Of fear and self-doubt
It’s a hollow play
But they’ll clap anyway

I’m living in an age
That calls darkness light
Though my language is dead
Still the shapes fill my head

I’m living in an age
Whose name I don’t know
Though the fear keeps me moving
Still my heart beats so slow

My body is a cage
We take what we’re given
Just because you’ve forgotten
Doesn’t mean you’re forgiven

I’m living in an age
Still turning in the night
But when I get to the doorway
There’s no one in sight

I’m living in an age
Realizing I’m dancing
With the one I love
But my mind holds the key

Still next to me
My mind holds the key
Set my spirit free

Timeless- Ben Arnold

I am sooo excited for today's Philly Phriday. Today's artist is Ben Arnold. I first heard this Philly artist while working at Ropeadope Records last summer. When I listened to his gorgeously raspy voice, I knew this guy couldn't be from Philadelphia. Don't get me wrong, Philly has a great music scene but despite his soul and passion, his sound is not a Philadelphia sound. But if you listen to his lyrics in this song especially, it's evident that Arnold is influenced by music legends of the past. For Philly Phriday Song of the Day, I chose "Timeless," simply because it had a music video. It's a great song, one of his better pieces to be honest. The timing is actually pretty good for this Song of the Day because Arnold will be opening for Jim Boggia's (another Philly artist) CD Release Party at World Cafe Live on August 6th. Also, for you folk lovers, Arnold will also be at the Philly Folk Fest on August 15th.



Just one listen and you can see how his music transcends space and time, making his sound "timeless"