I’ve slacked on the music countdown front and I apologize, for realz! I had family in town for two weeks and I’m still working on getting my cafe opened so it’s been a bit nuts. Thank you for understanding and for being so patient and you know what? That rocks! But please, feel free to bitch at me if you feel neglected, I get it! =0)

So this week’s countdown is “5 Bands You Don’t Know” and I’m hoping that you haven’t heard of any of them. Although if you’re into music and reading this blog I’m sure you’re in the know and reading other stuff, too. So if you have heard of them let me know. Also, if I’ve missed someone you think is rad and “unknown” please COMMENT!!!

(In no particular order)

1.) Los Campesinos: I love the song “Death To Los Campesinos”! This band if from Wales and they’re just super cool and fun! I know they’ve gotten some play on alternative stations and channels, but not much and I just dig their whole vibe. Very fun and funky…like me!
                                                                                                                                             Hold On Now, Youngster – Los C…

2.) White Shoes & The Couples Company: Okay, I can’t claim to have “found” them on my own. “Sergio’s White Hot Top 5” on Current TV’s “Infomania” is a huge source of inspiration and complete and utter awesomeness for me. Seriously? Check it out!  But this band is hecka cool! Although I honestly don’t know a thing about them. I just dig their tunes!
                                                                                                                                   White Shoes & The Couples Comp…

3.) Mando Dai: This band is from Sweden and I love their style! Great percussion, good vocals and a solid sound! I got the EP on iTunes totally serendipitously, but I have to have “Spit On Your Love” close at hand for when I need to rock the fuck out!
                                                                                                                                        The Wildfire EP – Mando Diao

4.) Mulatu Astatke: I first heard sogs from them on the “Broken Flowers” soundtrack and really liked ’em. (What a fab soundtrack, too! By the way!) Very chill but a cool funky snakey sort of sound. I love it! This music makes you feel like you’re in a movie or living out some fantasy.
                                                                                                                                        Broken Flowers – Various Artis…

                                                                                                                                Inspiration Information 3 – Th…

5.) The Pierces: Snarky, witty, poppy, fun, but also easy on the ears! I won’t lie though, their album cover caught my eye before their music did. So what?! I bought it and I love it! I try to include it in mixes to surprise people, too.        They’re just a good band to mix things up, ya know?
                                                                                                                              Thirteen Tales Of Love And Rev…

So…what do ya think? Did I pick something you already heard of? Have you never heard of any of these bands? Do they rock? Do they suck? TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! Let’s talk shop and see what we’ve got…in common! =0)

It’s summer and the weather is nice and while the travel bug may bite, most of us can’t afford the soaring costs that  that entails. So what’s a person on a budget to do? Entertain your friends, of course!

We used to have lots of house parties at our place. I loved to pick themes since it’s a great way to maximize your budget while looking like you did or spent a ton! We had a toga party one year (regular old bed sheets are the key for dressing the part) and a tropical party and a pajama party and our friends had an 80’s cartoon party! The themes are seemingly endless and fairly easy to make your pad (even the tiniest) look fab!

For our tropical themed party we put a big fishing net on the table and made a lovely tropical punch (check out recipes: www.foodtv.com or www.allrecipes.com) in a big bowl. We had both an alcoholic and virgin one so guests could choose to imbibe if they felt so inclined while leaving out those all-important designated drivers (always have an option!). Finding the right music mix is so easy now, too with all of the online music resources available today (we didn’t have iTunes yet when we threw our parties…just my mix tapes). Check out other people’s recommended playlists on sites like www.lala.com (can listen to entire songs once for free!!!) and of ocurse iTunes!

Then of course you must entertain your guests! I know, it’s not all tiki mugs and paper umbrellas…you have to DO something, too! But hey, this bargain huntress has got your back! I found a fatastic sale over at www.perpetualkid.com (prices do not include shipping). Here’s stuff you and your crew may get a kick out of:

The Headcase Water Game $6.79                                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3645 Yes! It’s what it looks like: you strap a bucket to your head and try to catch water balloons (crumpled paper might be nicer) in the bucket! Fun!

 Answer Me Buddha $9.99                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1670 Similar to the classic “Magic 8 Ball” you ask the Buddha a question and receive one of twenty responses. Good times!

 Pirate Shoot! $29.15                                                                   http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2326 Not the cheapest of the bunch, but it does look like fun! Carnival style! Comes with some semi-high tech features like LCD scoreboard and more! Just think how fun this will be when you’re all hopped up on that tropical “punch”?!

Hello My Name Is…coasters! $5.99                                                 http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=827 Not the best price for disposable coasters, but that’s because these aren’t disposable! They’re reusable and therefore a great value! No more mixing up who’s drink belongs to whom…write your name on a coaster and stick your drink on it! Perfecto!

Beach Break Mini Executive Sandbox $6.75                                                      http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1042 Cute mini sandbox to entertain your friends or just as a great decoration!

Desktop Swin Ball $6.79                                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1548 Again I have to admit that this looks like it’d be more fun when your guests are a little on the buzzed side of things. Just like the teather ball of ye olde playground, this smaller version is great for small spaces and you entertain two people at once!

 Snap A Party $8.45                                                                               http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2100 DIY place settings for your guests! Very cool idea! It reminds me of the toys I’d get in the 80’s when you’d have to snap out all of the pieces from the frames. Retro fun for everyone!

Strawz $8.99                                                                                          http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2643 I know my friends could think of a few games using these fun “strawz”! Construct your own fun with these fun drinking devices!

 Fiki Basketball #3.95                                                                         http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1923 Includes a genuine leather basketball for your flickin’ fun! I love the idea of this little tabletop game! Again, I always keep small spaces in mind! I can picture some hot 1 on 1 competition with this little guy at your party!

Glow Bangles $4.45                                                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3452 So 80’s and so fun! A friend had these at their Halloween party a couple years ago and we had a blast turning off the lights and playing with these fun bangles! (Note: trying to take pictures of glow bangles in the dark is fun, but difficult! Ha-ha!)

 Diagnose Your Nuerosis & Yes, You’re Probably Dying $4.95 http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3486 & http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3485 Because nothing says partytime fun like diagnosing your friend’s neurosis and what they’ll die from! These fun spinner style games will break the ice or at least create some hilarious conversations!

Hamilton Beach Snowman Ice Shaver $24.99                          http://www.target.com/Hamilton-Beach-Snowman-Ice-Shaver/dp/B00008IH9N/sr=1-5/qid=1247079300/ref=sr_1_5/185-8558651-3085253?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=0&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Asno%20cone&page=1 Just think of all of the drinks you could make with this bad boy on your side! I’m thinking margaritas or even classic sno cones! You could even use this at kid’s birthday parties! I love the value of this super reusable and fun appliance!

So, what’s the point to all of this? You get to have a blast and not kill your budget and not even leave your house! Rad, right?! Sure you could hit the local party store and spend a fortune on balloons and streamers, but in the end you’ll be glad you didn’t! When you can get fun and unique items like these online, why waste the gas?

Like what you see? Have another idea? Did you buy one of these items? Let me know about it by commenting! I’d love to hear your own party tips and tricks for summer time fun!

Gossip: In my humble (and free) opinion, the best band to come out of the last decade! Yes, I know that’s a bold statement and I am not one to take such things lightly! But this band’s sound rocks my world and kicks my ass into the next decade! Yep! It’s true.

Image based on beth ditto by IanMackinnon licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike

While relatively unknown in the U.S., the band Gossip have made  a huge splash across the pond,( in the U.K.). And for good reason, they are so different from most modern bands out there. Beth Ditto, singer/icon/rockstar/death fattie/lesbian is all things not normally seen in mainstream music and media. She carries a confidence that belongs in the rock world, true…but her style and shape and performance antics? She’s breaking down barriers many didn’t know existed and while some of us did, we’re either in love with her for it or hate her because of it!

 I’ve been a fan for awhile. Actually, I discovered them through BUST magazine’s review of their album “Standing In The Way Of Control.” I bought the CD and was completely unprepared or the ride! Listening to it is one thing, but then I looked up their videos online and WOAH! She’s a fat girl, too?! Holy shit! She’s also fahsionable and gorgeous and queer and talented beyond comprehension!

Their latest album, “Music for Men” came out this week and once again my mind was blown away! There is little left of my grey matter now as all I can do is sing songs from the album when left to my own devices. In the car, at home, on my iPod and in my bedroom…I’m loving every second of this album! The anticipation alone was enough to kill me, but now that I’ ve heard it a few dozen times? I’m lucky to be alive! It kicked my ass clear into next week! While it was no surprise to me how good it is, I had faith in the band all along…but I also knew it was produced by the infamous Rick Rubin! Yeah, a bunch of ridiculously and musically talented people making a record? Yes, please!!!

Lyrically genius and completely relatable and the production quality is sublime! I can’t say enough good things about this album and this band! Just strap yourself in and enjoy the ride! “And I will thank you for your cooperation…”

Music For Men – Gossip

Video for the first single, “Heavy Cross”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3VbMGIZeE (or scroll down to my previous post for the embedded video)

Oh yeah! I love 80’s music! While I was happily born in ’77, I grew up during some interesting and musical times, my friends. This is the first in what will probably be a series of 80’s countdowns (among other decades). Thanks in advance for reading and listening and…seriously? Could someone comment already? I’d like to know that maybe just one other person is semi-entertained by these posts. Thanks!

(no particular order)
1.) “Never Say Never” Romeo Void: Probably my fave 80’s song ever! In fact, I just bought it on vinyl! I just love this song, the band, the singer is a rad fattie and she rocks my socks! The eclectic sound of the sax along with the more new wave/punkish rhythms and riffs make this an essential song of the 80’s!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIImGMjn_8

2.) “Borderline” Madonna: While many will cite “Like A Virgin” as the ultimate in her catalogue, I disagree! I think “Borderline” is more apt a choice. With it’s tender chimey-melodic intro and street style music video it appealed to many an 80’s kid! In the video you see Madonna in ripped jeans, floppy hair bow and many outfits in a faux modeling/photo shoot style montage. As with most of her songs back then, this one involved a troubled love affair, “You just keep on pushing my love over the borderline!” Gotta love it!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P_Y0NEE_v0

3.) “Rock ‘N Roll High School” The Ramones: Okay, The movie “Rock ‘N Roll High School” rocked my third grade world! I saw it at a friend’s house while spending the night and while I had no idea what the world “laid” meant, I knew it was awesome and that the legendary Ramones were the ultimate both in rock and punk! We felt like we were peaking into the real-awesome world of high school and rock ‘n roll! Still my fave Ramones song (along with “Judy is a Punk” it’s a tie). A must for true 80’s music!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiDvKqRjYn0

4.) “True” Spandau Ballet: Sing along now! “Ahh huh huh huuuuh huh…” Everyone knows this ditty! It’s a classic and a true statement of what new wave music really was. Always heartfelt and always catchy!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycOpO-PpA-k

5.) “Kids in America” Kim Wilde: Fun, full of pop effervescence and yet somehow still cool and almost punk leaning! (Like the Go-Go’s but without all the booze!) This song speaks to the music dork in me, too. Because when you’re young and every song in Your Song you feel like you really are living and moving and feeling just for the music! Ya gotta love that it’s on Rock Band 2, too! I always get 5 stars on this badboy! =0)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hWZqllm3mQ

6.) “I Ran” Flock of Seagulls: C’mon! You can’t think 80’s and not think of this song, this band and those hairstyles! I do love this song though. It’s so 80’s Emo it hurts…in a good way! Plus, how many songs mention the Aurora Borealis? You know you wanna do that 80’s shuffle-arm-swingin-finger-snap-dance! DO IT!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUjIA3Rt7gk

7.) “No More Words” Berlin: Sure, everyone knows “Take My Breath Away” from the Top Gun soundtrack, but this is my fave Berlin gem! I love her voice and the frankness of the lyrics! Okay, I love “Metro” as well, it was a toss-up for sure…but this one won out! (Also, the video has a cool depression era theme…Love it!)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MSYzT_LuZ8

8.) “Rock Lobster” B-52’s: The video? Rad! It is all things 80’s! Stop-motion animation, weird and bright outfits, polluted environmental images, funky dancing and an homage to all things retro-glam! Okay, so it’s sums up the B-52’s as well. But you can’t deny the cool factor and the quirkiness that made this song (and the fab band that made it) a hot 80’s tune!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDZy6-fMCw4

9.) “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun“ Cyndi Lauper: How could I leave out my beloved Cyndi? I would die(of humiliation)! Her album “She’s So Unusual” was an obsession of my 5 year old life! Not only did I love Cyndi Lauper and want to be her (doy!), but I poured over every lyric and melody and stared at the album’s images for hours on end! I wanted those painted shoes, that crinolyn skirt, that mad-rad hair do! When I begged my dad to let me shave and color my hair like Cyndi he thought I had lost my mind! I have always loved Cyndi, she’s my idol! She’s an incredible person and seeing her live for the first time a couple of years ago blew my mind! She eminates a light of goodness and warmth from her that can only be experienced in person! She has had a vast and steady recording career and her latest album “Bring Ya To The Brink” still kicks my ass with it’s fabulosity! She’s a true artist!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTtelwOgscM

10.) “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” Michael Jackson: It wouldn’t be an 80’s countdown at all without MJ! I know this song in particular wasn’t a huge hit in its own right (I believe anyway), but it was the opening track that spawned a revolution! That snare-bass line combo that is the intro can still give me chills to this day! It was such a moment in time! (*Please see the post before this one regarding my thoughts and history with the album “Thriller”.) It’s actually kind of a funky song, but it still makes me move my ass to the thumpy beat! And even sing along to the strange lyrics: “you’re a vegetable” The king of pop (and R&B crossovers) may be gone from this world, but his contribution to the world will never be forgotten.

Thanks for reading (and hopefully commenting!) Don’t like my picks? Hit me up about it! Tell me why! What’s your ultimate 80’s songs? Lemme know! Thanks and take care! =0)

I have loved Michale Jackson since I was 4 or 5 years old. When the “Thriller” album came out my family went nuts! We would check out the making of “Thriller” video from the library on the regular! My dad memorized the famous Vincent Price dialogue from the album. We knew the dance moves and could even re-enact the dramatic scenes from the video! We were dorkes, but we were music dorks!
I would stare at the “centerfold” of the LP (that’s a vinyl record to you kids out there) for hours dreaming of marrying MJ and getting to play with that baby tiger in the photo! I didn’t fully grasp how BIG that album was until about a year later when ALL of the kids at school had added some element of MJ to their wardrobe! Crazy! We all followed his career for many years after that, too! Do you remember the EVENT that was the “Black & White” video premiere? I do! It was rad! I never passed judgement on Michael Jackson and I don’t think I ever will. I am sure that a lot will come out after his death and I have no doubt that the “exclusive stories” and books will hit the market and airwaves within the month–vultures!
Remember, he was never convicted of anything, ever! When you are that famous and faced with that accusation, you will do what you can to squash it quickly and quietly regardless of your innocence or guilt! It’s sad, but true. I know I would! I mean, almost anyone can end up on a sexual predator list now days. It is just what our paranoid and knee-jerk society has brought us to. Unfortunately that on top of a lifetime of abuse and protection and probably never knowing who he truly was lead him to lead a life many saw as bizarre. How normal a life can you lead as a Jackson family member? Yeah, exactly!
So save the judgement for yourself. Maybe now he can finally be left alone…you know, what he wanted all along?! Please, save yoru faux mourning and pity, he doesn’t need it!