According to iTunes, Adele's 21 was the best selling album of 2012 so what better way to round out the last Music Monday of the year than reviewing the most popular collection of songs from the last 12 months.
Released in early 2011, the album 21 is arguably the best music we've been treated to in quite a while (evidenced by the fact it's still relevant and doing well on the charts heading into 2013). Plus Adele won six - SIX! - Grammy's for this album alone. Amazing.
Every song is vocally flawless. Adele has a way to make you feel every note she delivers whether she's humming along with the background or slipping into a high note or throwing around that trademark squeak of hers to break up the melody. Her phrasing has become her signature and separates her from the rest of the current vocalists. She's a genius. Her first CD was great. This CD was even better. I cannot wait to hear the next one. It's obvious this album was born from heartbreak and while sad, sometimes pain morphs itself into the best form of art. Especially music. Just ask Alanis Morissette. However, love can also reveal itself in song form and since Adele has experienced the purest form of love by having a baby in the last year... her next album may just top this one.
From the infamous Rolling In The Deep to the infectious claps of Rumour Has It to the passion of Set Fire To The Rain and the raw desire in Someone Like You, Adele is able to do what many other artists fail so miserably at... and that is to make you hang on every inflection, on every note and then have you beg for more.
Adele's voice is incredible! If you don't have this album yet, what are you waiting for? The ball to drop? Get it.
I know every parent thinks their child is perfect and amazing... but mine really is. :)
Seriously though, she's perfect for our family and such a blessing in so many ways. Among those is the fact she's so well behaved (for now... most of the time). We were doing some last minute Christmas shopping in the mall before the big day and decided to grab a bite to eat at the food court. Before we left, two older ladies stopped by our table to let us know they couldn't help but see us from where they were sitting and had never witnessed such a well mannered toddler before. Completely out of the blue! It's little things like a small compliment that make you feel like you're doing something right. Let's be honest, as parents we're pretty much making it up as we go along with the goal of keeping our little ones safe so it's nice to hear positive feedback once in a while.
Since Madison has been a good girl this year, we asked Santa to be good in return. And since mood boards are all the rage these days in blog-world, I figured why not get in on the action... below you'll find some of her favorite gifts from the jolly old man (and us, too) this Christmas.
1. A tweed blazer for a toddler? We couldn't pass it up and she actually got this as an early gift and wore it to a few holiday parties leading up to Christmas. You can find it here, but get it quick - it's almost gone.
2. Every girl needs pots and utensils to cook with, right? I suppose she would need a kitchen though...
3. Who doesn't enjoy a play house? Especially one with polka dots and window cut outs that hangs from the ceiling! Once we found this, we knew it would be hanging in her room by New Year's.
4. A tea set. Does this need an explanation? It's an Eco-friendly set from here.
5. If you're having tea, then you need a table to set... we found ours here. Sure we probably could have built one, but we're not exactly the most handy people plus we got it on sale. Joy to the world!
6. She has a sock monkey that she sleeps with every night and this zebra is similar in size and construction so we figured she would enjoy him, too. I'm sure he'd like some tea at that table.
7. Madison is mesmerized by The Wiggles so a DVD with their biggest songs was a must have. For the record, I think this show is a little odd... four grown men dancing around and singing songs isn't exactly my idea of a great time. However, it's entertaining and educational and she loves it so my opinion is null.
8. Pajamas from our favorite pajama place... she's in to giraffes lately.
9. A modern, fun kitchen set. This is probably my favorite gift of hers, we knew well in advance that she would be getting one of these for Christmas. Every time we went somewhere that had a play kitchen, she was all about it. We actually have an empty wall off to the side of our kitchen where this will live so we wanted it to be more neutral and not in-your-face primary colors so we opted for the subtle a-kid-cooks-here vibe instead.
Does anyone find it hard to decide which gifts Santa brings and which ones you give as parents? We basically decided anything requiring assembly would be given by Santa... so the elves could put it together, of course. Now it's time to go through all of her old toys and donate the ones she no longer plays with - this makes me think of Toy Story 3 every time.
We decided to start a new tradition this year... Elf on the Shelf. It's fun watching Madison roam around the house every morning looking for him. Plus it was nice to say "elf is watching" as incentive for good behavior every time she was on the verge of a tantrum (which isn't very often, but still).
Anyone else out there doing Elf on the Shelf this year? Any ideas? As Christmas approaches, we're finding it hard to keep him moving especially since we're dealing with a toddler so Mr. Elf needs to be at least two feet off the floor. I swear Christmas is more fun as a parent than it ever was as a kid!
I would like to extend my condolences to anyone affected by the tragedy in Connecticut on December 14th. The entire community has been in my thoughts and prayers. In a time where the media is focusing on the background of the monster in effort to answer why and to help us understand how anyone could perform such a despicable act, I encourage us to focus more on the memory of those lost and embrace the families and friends of those beautiful children (and adults). I can't begin to comprehend the joy of seeing your child's face in the morning then the heartbreak of the stolen opportunity to tuck them in at night; I definitely squeezed Madison a little tighter when I got home and held on a little longer than normal. My heart breaks for those affected.
Sometimes there aren't words adequate enough to express how sorry we are in certain situations, this being one of those times and one of those situations. In times such as these, it seems a hug conveys more than words ever could. Someone I work with hugged a teddy bear tightly when she got home Friday afternoon after hearing the horrible news and has decided to mail that teddy bear to Sandy Hook Elementary school. When a time of the year illuminated by Christmas lights is darkened so quickly, actions like this remind us there is still hope left and encourage us to all focus on the true reason of the season. My wife and I will also be hugging a stuffed animal and before we pass it off to our coworker to include in her package, we'll let Madison wrap her tiny arms around it. Hopefully, parents stripped of the chance to feel their child's embrace will somehow feel the love transmitted from ours.
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Every year we add a new Christmas album to our collection, last year we added this one, and because of Madison's favorite music of the last year it was a given which CD (yes we still buy CDs from time to time) would be the one to add for this year.
Cee Lo's Magic Moment may not look like your traditional Christmas album, but it surprisingly consists of mainly classic Christmas tunes like This Christmas, The Christmas Song, White Christmas, and Silent Night. There's a nice rendition of Mary, Did You Know? that is probably my favorite vocal performance of the 14 tracks offered. However, in true Cee Lo fashion there are some fun additions like Run Rudolph Run that you'll be singing long after the song is over and You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch that will have you lost in visions of sugarplums childhood memories.
There are a couple of features on this album, too, with Christina Aguilera chiming in on Baby It's Cold Outside and Rod Stewart on Merry Christmas, Baby. Yet the star of the album belongs to All I Need Is Love with the Muppets. It's upbeat. It's fun. [Given the recent events of last week, the message couldn't be more appropriate.] See for yourself below (or here).
Cee Lo also takes on All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey... maybe I'm partial to the original version, but Cee Lo gets an A for effort. Overall, it's a fun addition to the standards offered at this time of year. If you're looking for a few songs to add to your collection, I would suggest Run Rudolph Run and Mary, Did You Know? with All I Need Is Love or What Christmas Means To Me if you have room. Check out my other Christmas music recommendations here and be sure to let me know what you're listening to this time of year!
...go back like babies and pacifiers. Well not exactly. Not at all really, but we do go pretty far back although she doesn't know anything about it (and more than likely doesn't care). I should probably find the story I'm about to share embarrassing, but I don't. Not even a little bit... I'm confident in my manhood. There's no shame in this game! However, using that phrase just now made me cringe inside so dwell on that statement for a minute and don't judge me while I introduce you to:
Technically, I guess this isn't an introduction because everyone on the planet knows who Mariah Carey is... I'm willing to bet creatures from other planets have heard some of those infamous high notes of hers. This is more so my own personal discovery turned fascination of the voice (Mariah's voice, not the TV show). I remember specifically the first time I heard her deliver a note, it was this performance:
I was around 5 years old and my father was watching The Arsenio Hall Show when Arsenio introduced a new singer and invited her to take the stage. I was in the other room because at that age Arsenio's humor was lost on me; however, when this lady stepped up to the mic and opened her mouth it was like a magnetic force pulling me towards the television. I sat down in front of the TV, which then was a big box that looked like a piece of furniture far detached from the mounted flat screens of today. I sat there with my face maybe two feet from the screen, awake past my bedtime and watched this woman who I'd never seen before do things with her voice that I had never heard before. She was incredible! Somehow she was able to sing both low and high, soft and powerful all within the span of a couple notes, her range is ridiculous... and my life would never be the same. With the name Mariah Carey engraved in my brain and the sound of her voice ringing in my ears, I went to bed and would spend the rest of my days comparing anyone who attempted to sing to this woman. #truestory
My parents thought it was just a phase I would grow out of, but year after year and album after album they would purchase the music to feed my musical addiction. Mariah's voice was (and kind of still is) my drug. She could do no wrong vocally and I listened to every song (and every remix) of every album until the release of the next one and the cycle repeated. Sure folks thought it was a little weird, and probably still do, but in time everyone accepts it as just a fact... Brad's favorite singer is Mariah Carey.
There's something about the tone of her voice that fills me up, it's really hard to explain. She has this calming ability yet she's inspiring and motivational at the same time, and that's all in one song (i.e. Fly Like a Bird). From the warm, velvet tone in Melt Away and Babydoll to the passionate, full chest voice of Anytime You Need A Friend and Stay The Night to the understated whisper of Lullaby and the sarcastic wit in Touch My Body or Clown or Standing O or even Thanx 4 Nothin' (google that one!) to the heart of My All and We Belong Together and the energy of Heartbreaker or Shake It Off or Migrate to the soul of If It's Over and Vanishing and Mine Again and Inseparable even throwing around those high notes in Emotions and Bliss... Mariah can do it all and, arguably, she's the only one that can.
Now that I'm a grown man and married - Allison likes her, too, but clearly not on the same level and no that wasn't a requirement when dating - I try to keep the Mariah fascination at bay except that I've posted about her here, here, here, here, here and here. Honestly, I'll probably post about her again. I've been a fan (or unofficially #lambily if any other fans happen to read this) since the beginning of her career and have such an appreciation for her voice and overall talent that I can't imagine the world of music without MC. Actually you can't even form the word music without MC... so the proof is in the pudding spelling. I've never had the privilege of hearing her in person/concert since she rarely comes to North Carolina, but there will come a day.
Mariah...if you're reading this (yeah right) only you can make it happen!
Meanwhile, I've slowly been introducing Madison to the voice and she seems to share the same appreciation I do. She's even tried a few high notes of her own. That's my girl!
Whether you're a for-life-fan like me or not, there's no denying Mariah Carey practically invented singing (or reinvented it at the very least) and I'm sure everyone has a certain MC song they're jamming to... it's okay to admit it. I debated for a while if I should post this or not, because it makes me look crazy, but ultimately I decided that everyone probably has a secret musical obsession and/or guilty pleasure of their own so why not put mine out there? I ain't skurred. Plus anyone that knows me already knows this little detail and would not find this post surprising at all.
I'm just... in the words of the late ODB... keeping it real, son.
It's cold outside and the fireplace is going (well at least in some places where applicable)... the only other thing needed is a good Christmas movie on the TV to watch while curled up on the couch. So grab your favorite blanket and a glass of eggnog (or wine or hot chocolate or winter beverage of your choice) while I count down my favorite Christmas flicks. These are my favorites so I'm sure not everyone will agree with the rankings!
10.
Batman Returns - I guess this is more of an alternate (according to my wife, it doesn't even qualify)... but I love it. Technically it's not a Christmas movie, but it does take place during Christmas. What? It counts! Given my like of the Batman franchise, this really shouldn't be a surprise.
9.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - While not as great as the first (not many sequels are), it still capitalizes on the magic of its predecessor. However, if not for Macaulay Culkin, it would have crashed and burned... which is why the third effort is no where on this list.
8.
The Santa Clause - Tim Allen takes on Christmas with a family friendly explanation of the importance of Santa in a child's life/imagination. I loved this movie growing up and find I'm still drawn to it even as an adult.
7.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! - Both the animated original and the remake starring Jim Carrey are good; I like them for completely different reasons. It's hard to imagine getting through a single Christmas season without one Grinch reference in some form or another.
6.
Miracle on 34th Street - It's such a classic Christmas movie. Who doesn't enjoy this one?
5.
A Charlie Brown Christmas - Another classic that everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. It's fun and the epitome of a great Christmas cartoon. Plus who hasn't had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree at some point? I have... I was 19 at my first apartment... that tree was pitiful.
4.
Elf - Hands down Will Ferrell's most hilarious role. I can't get enough of this movie!
3.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Funny. Smart. Witty. This movie is probably one of the greatest movies of all time as far as comedies go and I don't see how anyone couldn't enjoy themselves at the Griswold's expense. The charades are endless and so are the Christmas lights.
2.
A Christmas Story - Traditionally the one movie I have on a constant loop Christmas day. My mother absolutely cannot stand it, which may contribute a little to why I liked it so much as a kid. Regardless, it's really good. From the leg lamp to the bunny costume to the "shoot your eye out" catchphrase... I can't go a single Christmas without watching this movie at least once. Admit it, you've either tried or dared someone to try sticking their tongue to a frozen pole.
1.
Home Alone - Maybe I'm alone on this one, no pun intended, but this movie screams Christmas! Macaulay Culkin at his best as the hero every child wishes to be. The music score is among the greatest for any movie ever; John Williams was a genius on this film. The antics and obstacles are the definition of entertainment. In fact, I think I'm throwing this one on the tube this weekend.
There's two Christmas albums that everyone should own... this one and Aaron Neville's Soulful Christmas.
There's something about Mr. Neville's voice that is comforting like a bowl of chicken noodle soup or warm like a mug of hot chocolate. His Christmas album makes a house a home from the beginning to the end and the saxophone-like tone of his voice will have you hooked immediately. Get the fireplace going, wrap some presents with an old Christmas cartoon on in the background and drink some eggnog while allowing the songs from this album to be your soundtrack. You won't regret it.
The stand outs for me are Please Come Home For Christmas, Louisiana Christmas Day, and Such A Night. Grab a copy today, if you don't own it already. I can't believe Christmas is only 15 days away! This year flew by.
The worst part of a live Christmas tree is crawling underneath to water it. You have to lift the lower branches which then covers your floor in tree needles... once you place presents around the bottom, you have to pull those out to allow yourself access to the stand and to avoid getting them wet... it's such a chore. So imagine my excitement when we stumbled upon this...
...a watering spout for your Christmas tree. Stop! Where was this thing last year? If it's been around forever and I didn't know about it, I'm pissed sad. Here's a brief back story - I grew up with an artificial tree - every year we'd pull out the box from the attic and color code the branches into piles then place each one in its designated row until the entire tree was assembled. Done! String some lights and hang some ornaments and there wasn't any maintenance to be had until it was time to take the tree down. I was always a little (only a little) jealous of others that had a live tree in their living rooms. Real trees are so full and... real.
Last Christmas was Madison's first Christmas and the first Christmas in our new house (it was technically the second since we moved in on Christmas Eve the year before, but there wasn't a tree or stockings so it doesn't count) and we wanted to start our own traditions - one being a live tree. Allison grew up with a live tree and explained to me there are two kinds of people in the world: real tree people and artificial tree people. So I had to make a decision! We bundled Madison up and headed to the tree lot.
I knew absolutely nothing about picking out a tree. I knew I wanted it as big as our house would accommodate, but other than that I was clueless. After a quick tutorial and a shake test demonstration, we were hunting our way through the maze looking for the one. We found it. We took it home and I was in love. No more artificial trees for me, I was officially a real tree person. And somewhere along the way this picture happened...
Then came time to water it. Every. Single. Day. My level of love slowly started to sink to a level of like as I began to hate crawling under this tree with a pitcher of water every afternoon. However, watering aside the live tree was beautiful and I really was sold on the idea and uttered the words to my wife that every woman yearns to hear... you're right. Fast Forward to this year and we went tree hunting during the day..
...and my parents mentioned a watering spout they saw at Lowe's that made them think of us. After they explained how it worked (I'm a visual person and needed more details) the wife and I made a point to swing by the store to get one. And get one we did... the very last one. Sorry to anyone that came in after us! This spout really is a must have for anyone with a live tree. The gist is you stick the spout down through the tree all the way into the base then you pour water in the cup-like end and let it run down into the base. There's a dipstick to check the water level, as well, so you know what the water situation is without having to move the presents and crawl under there to check. Genius!
Plus it's not an eyesore, you just tuck it down into the tree in an area that's easy to get to for watering but not obvious to anyone admiring your ornaments. Like I said, we got ours at Lowe's but they can be found anywhere (here or here for example)... get one for yourself. I insist! Unless of course crawling around under trees is your thing, in which case keep doing you.
I'll be honest... not every track on this album is great, but they are pretty good and definitely worth a listen. Michael's voice lends itself to Christmas music effortlessly, almost as if he were intended to sing these types of songs all along.
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas starts the album off perfectly with a throwback to the classic, traditional feel of Christmas. Santa Claus is Coming to Town has a similar tone, but Jingle Bells featuring the Puppini Sisters (I've never heard of them until now and I like them) is a stand out. It's my favorite from the album... the big band arrangement will have you tapping your foot or singing along or both by the chorus. White Christmas starts off great, but then Shania Twain chimes in and I lose focus. The wife likes it though. Personally, I just like the duh duh da dum... duh duh... duh da duh. To each their own, right?
Next, Michael tries to cover the greatest Christmas song of the last decade... Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You. While I would never encourage anyone to attempt a cover of any of Mariah's songs (she's an alien and her voice is ridiculous), this particular cover is the best effort of this tune that I've heard. I'm not sure if it was Michael's idea (or David Foster's) but it was genius to slow it down so that it's almost unrecognizable and therefore not comparable to the original. Still though, Mariah is a beast and it goes without saying her version is the one to choose if forced to pick between the two.
There are other tracks in the lane of the first traditional few like Holly Jolly Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Silent Night that all aim to please the seasonal lover in all of us. Yet for some reason he chose to do Santa Baby, but changed the lyric to "Santa buddy" -- I don't get it. Some people may like it. I don't.
Overall, it's a decent Christmas album and worth a shot if you've never listened to it. If you're looking for a song or two to add to your holiday playlist, go for It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and Jingle Bells... you can't go wrong.
Since the holiday season is upon us, I figured why not use the Mondays leading up to Christmas as a chance to review some holiday efforts. Christmas is, by far, my favorite holiday! There's just something about the glow of a Christmas tree and the warm feeling evoked by stockings on a mantle, plus the music of the season seems like a hug for the soul. Wow. That was really cheesy, but it's true. So why not start with the first Christmas CD I ever owned...
...it's also my favorite. Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas is a collection of classic Christmas tunes that we all know and love with a few new songs, as well. Her voice is superb on this album and each performance substantiates why she is arguably the greatest singer of our lifetime (all time?). With only 10 tracks, the album may be shorter than most yet it probably has the impact and focus all the others model themselves after. Every year for as long as I can remember, this album has been played while we decorate the house whether it was at the home of my parents growing up or the house I now share with my wife and daughter -- this CD is the soundtrack to all of my Christmas traditions.
I'll take you through each track to prove why you should press play on this work of holiday perfection as soon as Thanksgiving dinner is over every year. If you've never heard it before, go get it. Now. I insist.
1. Silent Night The album starts with one of the most recognized Christmas songs ever written. Backed by a full choir (as she is for pretty much the entire album), Mariah's voice is pure and crisp blending with the choir yet soaring above them in parts. A perfect introduction to the seasonal feel of the album.
3. O Holy Night This is probably one of my all time favorite Christmas songs with this specific version being the one I'm always drawn to. Here Mariah's voice opens up and explores what seems like every note there is to sing and she executes every single one flawlessly. The first half she shows excellent vocal control and slowly builds into the second half where she sings with her full chest voice before sending a few high notes into the stratosphere and blows you away as only she can. It's impressive how she's able to climb the scales and evoke so much emotion within a single song. Your goosebumps will have goosebumps; this one is a must add to your holiday playlist! Trust me.
4. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) The bells at the beginning of this song immediately scream Christmas and when the choir comes in to confirm you instantly have the urge to tap your foot. Mariah is at her best with the playfulness of this one even matching the choir with a call and response section in the middle. Play it in the background of a holiday party or just play it in your car, either way it's a good time.
5. Miss You Most (At Christmas Time) The second offering of Mariah's writing abilities, this one is a classic Mariah-type ballad and was probably included initially to appeal to her fans (or lambs, as she affectionately refers to them). Its subject matter is about coping with a lost love during the holidays, which everyone can relate to on some level and although the vocals are impeccable and she doesn't hesitate to deliver, the song is a bit of a detachment from the rest of the album.
6. Joy To The World From the first note, Mariah stamps this rendition as her own... there is no hesitation to display her range right away. The choir jumps in and the tempo picks up holding you by your ears refusing to let go until every vocal acrobatic is performed. You'll be begging for more... and if you're not careful you'll be singing along without even intending to.
7. Jesus Born On This Day The final writing contribution from Mariah and it's very well done. Like All I Want For Christmas Is You, there's that feeling you've heard it before. The children's choir is a nice touch, too.
8. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town The intro to this song is nostalgic and reminiscent of old school Christmas, but then Ms. Carey jumps in and digs deep vocally reminding you that Christmas is a celebration. There's a youthfulness in this song that draws out the inner child in all of us remembering our own Christmas experiences from years past.
9. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/Gloria (In Excelsis Deo) The piano compliments Mariah's voice extremely well and she starts out in that warm, velvet tone before building into that upper range that we've all come to know and love and expect from her. Blending with the choir towards the end makes you almost forget you're listening to the best selling female recording artist of all time and just listening to a classic Christmas album... notice I said almost; she chimes back in right before it ends with a friendly reminder of whose name is on the front of this album.
10. Jesus Oh What A Wonderful Child This song... man, what can I say about this song? Hands down, the best vocal performance of the entire album! Mariah takes it to church and she does it effortlessly. Every note she hits covers you like a winter coat warming you to the bone. Amazing. Absolutely flawless. The ad libs are executed so well that you'll have them bouncing around in your head for days. Her voice takes off towards the end soaring to new heights that you think those notes will never stop... and you don't want them to. Perfection.
There it is... in my opinion, the best Christmas album out there. Mariah is in good great voice throughout the length of the entire collection. If you're only interested in a few songs, I would recommend O Holy Night, Joy To The World and Jesus Oh What A Wonderful Child... that's assuming you already have All I Want For Christmas Is You in rotation.
In 2005 during The Emancipation of Mimi explosion, the album was released again as a DualDisc that contained a few Christmas videos as well as two additional songs. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman is performed a capella from a choir of Mariahs. Her voice is layered showcasing the many different textures she's able to use when singing... I can only hope the Heavenly choir is compiled of angels that sound like the Mariah-choir in this song. Beautiful. The second song on the re-release is Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, a cover of the Jackson 5 version so it's different than the original offering of the initial track listing from the first release. It's upbeat and fun. The huge success of this album is probably what prompted Mariah to release her second Christmas album in 2010, but we'll get to that later. For now, go get these songs and have them fill your house with the sound of Christmas this year.
Something happened to me yesterday... its never happened to me before and it was terrible. Absolutely horrible. Awful. The worst. I accidentally left my cell phone sitting on the kitchen table during my lunch break! Even better, I didn't realize it until I was pulling into the parking lot at work -- the horror.
Yeah I'm being a little dramatic, but seriously I felt like the world fell apart. I'm getting anxiety just talking writing about it. However, it got me thinking about the way people functioned in a time before we were all glued to our cellular devices.
I'm aware that four hours without my mobile hardly deems itself worthy of crisis status, especially since society used to operate just fine without them (honestly though I was elated when we, the phone and I, were finally reunited). I remember the first cell phone my family owned... it was 1990-something and my mother came home with a black leather bag plugged into her cigarette lighter. There was some strange, tiny antenna attached to the roof of the car and she informed my brother and I that it was to be used "only in the case of an emergency". It was then she folded back the top flap of that leather bag and revealed a phone with the number pad on the back of the handset. I couldn't believe my eyes and put my discman (whoa!) aside so I could hold it and get a closer look. (I can't believe how quickly I jumped back in time thinking about a discman. I loved that thing... but I digress.) The phone was connected to the bag by an annoying, curly cord so it was limited for car use only; nonetheless, it felt like such an evolution to have the option of talking on the phone in the car instead of in the house.
Fast forward to my first cell phone... it was given to me with the keys to my Jeep when I turned 16. Again, I was lectured with the disclaimer to use it "only in the case of an emergency". Although it wasn't a bag phone it was quite large, along the lines of the Zack Morris variety.
The antenna went on for days and it had horrible reception so it ultimately lived in the center console the majority of its life. Can you imagine that now? A teenager with a cell phone stored away with an average of one or two uses a week? Using it only in the case of an emergency? It's unheard of. Back then though, we weren't texting and the phones weren't equipped to handle Facebook or Twitter or even the Internet. Hell, they didn't even have the option to take a picture. It wasn't until a year later when I was given my first flip phone that I thought I was onto something. I could flip my phone open to answer it and close it {with a slap} when the conversation was over. Wow. As time went on, I went through several different phones some were of the flip variety and some weren't, some were smaller and pocket-friendly while others not so much. Nokia and LG and Motorola all lead me to where I am today... a BlackBerry addict. I know, I know! People say Blackberry is a dying brand knocking at the door of extinction. While I can agree on some points, I do love my BlackBerry and hope that's not true. I'm crossing my fingers they can pull themselves together and hang in there amidst the army of iPhone and Android users.
Before surfing the web on your smartphone, it's weird to think that people actually interacted with each other face-to-face. Oftentimes, I see people at dinner together yet neither party is acknowledging the other and instead they're both locked into their individual world of cell phone consumption. While it's impressive that our society has the technological capability to create and improve ideas involving touch screens and voice recognition, would it be so bad to resort back to a time where families sat down and played board games together or watched the same program on TV instead of everyone running to their separate corners with their electronic devices? Hopefully, my wife and I will raise Madison where she can embrace both the simpler times and the more advanced ways of communication offered today. At least that's the goal! It's such a different time now.
Meanwhile if I find that I've left my cell phone home again, I'll call someone who cares... oh wait... I can't! Then again, maybe cutting the thread that sews that phone into my hand isn't the worst thing in the world after all.
Who doesn't enjoy a game show? My favorite is Wheel of Fortune. Hands down! It's a classic that everyone knows how to play and all ages can enjoy. If you've lived under a rock and/or in the woods your entire life, I'll give you a quick run down of the rules...
A puzzle is listed on the board in front of you, but all the letters are blank. You're only able to see how many words and how many letters are in each word... plus they give you a category to help you out. The category is very basic (i.e. Thing, Place, Before & After).
You spin the wheel with various dollar amounts and prizes listed on each wedge. Once the wheel stops, you guess a letter to fill in the blanks. Guess correctly and you're awarded the dollar amount or the prize your spin landed on.
If you guess correctly, you can spin again or buy a vowel. Each vowel (A, E, I, O, U) costs $250. If you guess incorrectly, your turn is up. If your original spin landed on 'bankrupt' or 'lose a turn' your guess is forfeited and the next contestant gets to spin (or buy a vowel/solve the puzzle, if applicable).
Once you've filled in enough letters or racked up enough money/prizes, you can choose to solve the puzzle. Only the contestant that solves the puzzle correctly is awarded the money and/or prizes they've accumulated during that particular round; everyone else's scoreboard is wiped clean.
The contestant with the most money after all rounds have been played moves on to the bonus round where they spin a mini-wheel of envelopes full of bigger prizes (a car or $25,000 for example).
A puzzle fills the board and you're automatically given the letters R, S, T, L, N and E. Then you're allowed to guess 3 consonants and 1 vowel in effort to fill in the blanks. Once Vanna has revealed any letters eligible you have 10 seconds to guess the puzzle. Guess correctly and you win whatever is in the envelope plus everything else you've won during the previous rounds. If your guess is wrong then you leave with whatever you've won during the rounds excluding the bonus.
Simple, yet fun... unless you're watching an episode where a contestant wastes all their money on buying vowels! Why? Originally, the blocks had to be turned manually each time someone guessed the correct letter; however, over time the puzzle board was upgraded to touch screens. The show started in 1975 with Pat Sajak and Vanna White joining in 1982... before my time. I only remember Pat and Vanna -- they're irreplaceable, in my opinion. Vanna never, as Taylor Swift would say, never ever ever ages. It's crazy.
My childhood is packed full of memories watching Wheel of Fortune with my grandparents. I remember staying with them while my parents worked late or attended various meetings or functions and at 7pm, like clockwork, my Papa would turn the volume up as soon as the news went off. My Grandma would put her word search book down or come in from the kitchen after washing dishes and joined my brother and me as we attempted to guess along with the contestants. I got better with each puzzle and before long, I was out-guessing my grandparents. Watching it now instantly takes me back to being a little boy sitting 2 feet from the big box of a television they had and screaming answers at the screen. Good times.
Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if I love the show so much for the challenge or the entertainment value or because of the nostalgic memories I recollect while watching. It's interesting how we find ways to incorporate those that have passed back into our lives so that their spirit can still live on. Consequently, I've added being a contestant on Wheel of Fortune to my...
If there's anyone out there that has (or knows someone that has or knows someone that knows someone that has) a connection -- hook up your boy. Please! I promise not to say "your boy" on air. Or ever again, for that matter.
In less than 24 hours, Christina Aguilera will release Lotus - her fifth studio album. As a five time Grammy Award winner (among many other awards), there's no doubt this lady can sing her face off. It's been a while since we've heard her though... sure we heard her on that Maroon 5 song and she took it to another level, but she has much more to offer. MUCH more. She gave an in-person sneak peak of the album several days ago (you can find it here) and from what I've heard, it's worth picking up tomorrow.
The deluxe edition has 17 tracks including the first single Your Body. When I first heard this song, I wasn't sold on the dance/club direction Christina seemed to be going in BUT after listening to it a few times, I was hooked. With her voice, it really doesn't matter what she sings. However, what really sold me on the song was when she performed it with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots (watch it here) and I prefer this version even with the makeshift office supply instruments. I liked it so much that I re-tweeted the link days ago...
...Jimmy Fallon is hilarious. As much as I hate to admit this, many children these days only know Christina as Xtina from The Voice (which makes me feel like a dinosaur since I remember when Genie in a Bottle came out and Christina was stepping all over Britney's toes). For those kids, they'll be happy to hear that both Cee Lo and Blake Shelton are featured on this album, too. I'm a huge fan of Cee Lo and so is Madison, especially his last album The Lady Killer (read about it here) so I was excited as I knew it would be great. And it is. Make The World Move will literally make you move. Cee Lo and Christina's vocals are a match made in (studio) heaven, definitely one of the stand out tracks. I'll admit I was nervous when I heard Christina mention during her publicity rounds that she did a song with Blake to "dabble in country music" as I wasn't quite sure how that would turn out... cast all doubt aside, it's great. The reason I was hesitant about this collaboration wasn't that I couldn't hear Christina's voice on a country record because I absolutely could -- let me reiterate that with a voice like that, she can sing anything. I was more concerned with how Blake would match her vocals and that she would outshine him in his own genre. Boy was I wrong. There was no cause for concern needed; he held his own and they made a beautiful song. I would be very surprised if it wasn't released to radio at some point. Of course, Christina has the standard ballads (Blank Page as an example) that allow her to demonstrate the control and restraint that only she can do.
Bottom line, get the album if you want to hear some real singing. We need someone slaying notes these days... radio is filled with auto-tuned fluff and it's past time to bring back the pipes. Christina's album hits the shelves tomorrow, Mariah will be back in early 2013, we should open the vault to the late-great Whitney collection and give Celine a call. Please! (Adele just had a baby and released Skyfall so we should let her rest.) If you're not familiar with Christina's past work, I recommend Stripped. The entire album is pop perfection from beginning to end including the interludes. If you only have time for one song, check out Mercy On Me from Back to Basics -- it's my favorite vocal performance of her entire career thus far. Flawless.
It’s Monday… again… which means we’re back to working for the weekend. But it also means the time has come to turn up the music! Music Mondays are a way for my house to get past the fact the week has started over and there are five more days to freedom. The wife and I turn up the tunes and get the little nugget dancing while we sing loudly (and badly). Typically, this happens as soon as we get home from work and continues through the preparation of dinner and into bedtime. Madison loves it! Since it is such a good time, I’ve declared it Music Monday on the ol’ blog, as well. Every Monday you can find an album (or song) review right here. The music could be old or new as long as it’s music, it’s fair game. So grab a hairbrush (or whisk, if you’re in the kitchen) for your microphone and throw on your dancing (bedroom) shoes… we’re kicking it off with Madison’s favorite CD of the last year.
The Lady Killer by Cee Lo Green. Extremely inappropriate for a one year old, I’m aware. I’m not sure if the little one likes it so much because the wife and I played it out during the pregnancy or what exactly the deal is… but she loves it. LOVES. IT. For the last year, it’s the only CD we have her permission to listen to if we’re traveling back from the weekly grandparents visit at night. Otherwise, we’re given a front row seat to the How-Loud-Can-She-Scream concert. As a result, I think Mr. Green should release this album again and title it the The Baby Whisperer.
Although some of the subject matter is not the best for a tot's ears, the music is great and the CD as a whole is probably among my list of favorites (said list may be posted at a later date – get excited). Since I’ve heard it 1,656,543 times at this point, I’m going to break it down for you track-by-track so you’ll know what to expect, what to play on repeat and what to skip altogether. You’re welcome.
The Lady Killer Theme (Intro) Typical introduction to a themed album, but it's nothing worth listening to more than once.
Bright Lights Bigger City A fun song with a subtle Michael Jackson type beat. Cee Lo performs it in somewhat of a speak-and-sing manner, but it will have you bobbing your head and/or tapping your foot by the second chorus.
Forget You If you have the unedited version... this song is called something else. Regardless, it's probably considered his signature song since it put him on the map for most people who didn't know of him prior to. It's a great song, catchy and easy to sing along to. I think the background vocals are the best part.
Wildflower The longest track offered on this album at just over 4 minutes provides clever lyrics and almost makes you forget what he's talking about. I'll admit I wasn't sold on this song right out the gate, but after a few listens it grew on me and is probably one of my favorites from this collection.
Bodies Witty yet kind of boring... you could skip.
Love Gun Brilliant. This is a duet with Lauren Bennett and they both deliver. It's a good time with great lyrics complimenting good music that flows with the whole "Lady Killer" theme.
Satisfied An old school vibe with background vocals provided a la Diana Ross and The Supremes style. Cee Lo provides the verses then backs away and lets the ladies in the back do most of the work for the chorus. It's fun. It's bouncy. It sounds like you've heard it before and you'll probably play it back again.
I Want You Here we finally get to experience Cee Lo open up vocally a little bit and take note that behind the crazy costumes and the sunglasses there's a real voice there. This is another solid track and if you're pressed for time, one of the ones you should jump ahead to.
Cry Baby Warning: this song will get in your head and stay there for hours. I find myself singing this song at the most random moments on various days. It has a feel good beat even though the subject isn't exactly happy... a conflict that will have you from the first line. (If this makes you cry / Doll I didn't mean it.)
Fool For You My second favorite off the album. The quick lyrical wit offered is often unparalleled these days and the chorus will bring you in and hold you there. It's a really good song that evokes that feeling of helplessness that we all feel when in love and it does it well.
It's OK Another song that I skipped when I first listened to the CD, but again find myself going back to it wondering what I didn't like before. It's about losing someone and still wanting them back... catchy, but the title says it all. It's okay.
Old Fashioned Hands down the best track on the album. It's kind of a hidden gem tucked away at the end, but it's the song to hear if you have to choose just one. Cee Lo offers the best vocal performance of the entire compilation here and will leave you thinking that dude can sing! The styling is a throwback, static mic, record type vibe but it's flawless from beginning to end.
No One's Gonna Love You Another lost love song which gives me the impression behind the lady killer facade, Cee Lo has had his heart broken a time or two. Nonetheless, it's very well written and captures the end of a relationship almost perfectly.
The Lady Killer Theme (Outro) Same as the intro, it bookmarks the album but just skip it and go back to track 12 or 10 instead.
Overall, it's an enjoyable album! Regardless of whatever the current headlines say, Cee Lo is talented and this CD is evidence of that. I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven't already. Original and energetic with a throwback to the music that obviously influences and inspires Cee Lo. Many other artists attempt to incorporate their inspiration and often fail miserably as a poor imitation yet here Cee Lo does it effortlessly. However, we've played it out and I can't wait for another release from him to replace this one... at least for a while. I'll more than likely pick up his Christmas album this holiday season; Christmas is a big deal around these parts and we try to add a new CD to the Christmas collection each year. I'll be sure to let you know how it sounds (here).
