Her Mix Tape

"I Guess in the End, You Start Thinking about the Beginning"

2009-03-07T18:56:00.000-06:00

Because everyone gets their heart stomped on at some point....

Something Honest, Curtis Peoples
Starting Now, Ingrid Michaelson
White Flag, Dido
Here With Me, Dido
Screaming Infidelities, Dashboard Confessional
If I Were a Boy, Beyonce
Holiday in Spain, Counting Crows
It Hasn't Been Long Enough, Eric Hutchinson
Man on the Side, Ernie Halter
Look After You, The Fray
Breakable, Ingrid Michaelson
Same Mistake, James Blunt
Heaven Help, Lenny Kravitz
Worth Taking, Rob Blackledge
Who Do You Run To, Jamestown
Make Me Laugh, Jamestown

Sweet Dreams

2008-12-28T23:34:00.005-06:00

Within a one mile radius of my apartment, there are 15 registered sex offenders. When I upped my search to a two mile radius, it came up with 23 offenders. Quite the neighborhood.

I quickly opened up another tab to Amazon and bought the Pepper Shot Tri-Pack. This will surely hold me over until I hit the shooting ranges a couple of times (see post below).

Leads to:

Where do I Sign Up?

2008-12-27T23:55:00.002-06:00

A course on surviving execution, beheading, assassination attempts and escaping from captivity.

You may wonder how I came across this site... I decided I am going to start hitting the gun ranges here in Vegas. Any girl in her mid-twenties should know how to operate a machine gun, no?

Coming from Someone Named Lynzee...

2008-12-27T21:59:00.004-06:00

Meet 19 year old Lynzee. She believes that women should not have to go to college. Why you ask? Well because the boys should, like duh.

College isn't really necessary.

Right.... Lynzee honey- please take your birth control every day at the same time. Scholars say (so I know you're not privy to this information) that intelligence, for the most part, is inherited and we wouldn't want to pass that down on some unfortunate child. And, uh, good luck with your career in journalism. You are just what every editor looks for: An educated go-getter.

The Hills

2008-12-27T21:53:00.003-06:00

Justin Bobby and Audrina are played by James Franco and Mila Kunis in this clip.

Mila perfectly nails Audrina's dead behind the eyes stares at JB in this segment. Does hell hath no fury????

Happy Holidays from HerMixTape

2008-12-22T19:46:00.004-06:00

I fly out to Chicago tomorrow for the holiday, where I will undoubtedly freeze to death now that I am a total desert girl. "Beer Coats" just don't seem to do the trick when it's -15.

Song that matches the mood:
Homecoming, Kayne West

Holy Hangover Batman

2008-12-21T19:55:00.007-06:00

Nothing like enjoying the best meal I’ve ever tasted, walking in front of a two-hour line to enjoy drinks at one of the world’s most expensive nightclubs ever built and then collecting enough in winnings at the tables to be driven home in a limo at 6 am. How Vegas of me.

Song that matches the mood:

Waking Up In Vegas, Katie Perry

Soundtrack Songs

2008-12-20T17:29:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite parts of winter is cozying up in a bunch of blankets straight out of the dryer and throwing on a movie. And nothing makes a movie scene better than when it’s matched with the perfect song track. So here is Volume I of movie songs I love…

50 First Dates

Love Song, 311

Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo Ole

A Lot Like Love

Brighter Than Sunshine, Aqualung

Breathe (2 A.M.), Anna Nalick

Trouble, Ray LaMontage

Because I Said So

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, KT Turnstall

Boondock Saints

The Blood of Cu Chulainn, Mychael and Jeff Dana

The Break-Up

Story of My Life, Social Distortion

Timebomb, Old 97’s

I Can See Clearly Now, Johnny Nash

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Moon River, Andy Williams

Catch and Release

Razor, Foo Fighters

What If You, Joshua Radin

City of Angels

Uninvited, Alanis Morissette

Cruel Intentions

Colorblind, Counting Crows

The Departed

Shipping Up to Boston, Dropkick Murphys

Empire Records

Til I Hear it From You, Gin Blossoms

The Devil Wears Prada

Suddenly I See, KT Turnstall

Sleep, Azure Ray

City of Blinding Lights, U2

Elizabeth Town

Learning to Fly, Tom Petty

Forrest Gump

San Francisco, Scott McKenzie

Let’s Get Together, The Youngbloods

Turn! Turn! Turn!, The Byrds

Volunteers, Jefferson Airplane

Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

Against the Wind, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band

Respect, Aretha Franklin

Mrs. Robinson, Art Garfunkel

California Dreamin, The Mamas & The Papas

Joy to the World, Three Dog Night

Fortunate Son, CCR

Garden State

In the Waiting Line, Zero 7

Don’t Panic, Coldplay

Such Great Heights, Iron & Wine

The Groomsmen

Four Cheers, The Blue Jackets

I Hear You Knocking, The Blue Jackets

The Breakup Song, Greg Kihn

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Somebody Like You, Keith Urban

Jerry Maguire

Secret Garden, Bruce Springsteen

John Tucker Must Die

Instantly Gratified, People in Planes

Honestly, Cartel

Sunset Lover, Josh Kelley

The Last Kiss

Chocolate, Snow Patrol

Star Mile, Joshua Radin

Warning Sign, Coldplay

Hold You In My Arms, Ray LaMontage

El Salvador, Athlete

Reason Why, Rachel Yamagata

Lost Highway

The Perfect Drug, Nine Inch Nails

Love Actually

The Trouble With Love Is, Kelly Clarkson

Here With Me, Dido

Sunday Morning, Maroon 5

Turn Me On, Norah Jones

The Notebook

I’ll Be Seeing You, Billie Holiday

Ocean’s 12

The a la menthe, La Caution

P.S. I Love You

Same Mistake, James Blunt

Fairytale of New York, The Pogues

Pulp Fiction

Son of a Preacher Man, Dusty Springfield

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

Rock & Roll, Eric Hutchinson

You Are Mine, Mute Math

Rent

Seasons of Love, Rent

Walk the Line

Jackson, Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon

Wayne’s World

Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-12-20T00:12:00.002-06:00

Loving:
I'm headed back to the Windy City on Tuesday!!!

Loathing:
Men. Rubik's Cubes in the dark are easier to solve.

Listening:
Reason Why, Rachel Yamagata

HerMixTape’s Guide to Holiday Music Lovin' Shopping

2008-12-10T01:00:00.009-06:00

If They Were Nice:

Shure SE110 Sound Isolating Earphones
Perfect for: Anyone; specially those with small ears (like myself)
More: High-endurance, high-fidelity earphones.

iHome
Perfect For: Anyone
More: Phenomenal sound quality for the price.

iPod nano
Perfect for: Anyone who needs a new one?
More: An obvious choice.

Kohler SoundTile Shower Speakers
Perfect for: Shower Singers
More: Kohler has taken showering to the next level with SoundTiles, matching speakers that stream your favorite music and Internet radio right into your shower.

If They Were Naughty:

iTunes Gift Card
Perfect For: The co-workers you forgot existed. Keep a stash of ‘em ready in your desk.

Now That's What I Call Music Vol. 27
Perfect for: Tweenage family members
More: I am pretty sure everyone has caught onto this concept when Now That's What I Call Music Vol. 6 was released.

This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession
Perfect for: The reader/music lover
More: The reader will think about their iPod content in an entirely new light.

Spin, Rolling Stone, Under the Radar Magazine Subscriptions
Perfect for: The commuter or the gym rat
More: You can get a year's subscription to any of 'em for under $15.

Belkin RockStar
Perfect for: Someone who is always inflicting their new music finds onto others.
More: The RockStar has 5 jacks, which lets 5 people listen to one or more iPods (or other MP3 or DVD players). The device also has mixing and fade-in controls so you can mix songs together and pretend you're a DJ.

'Tis the Season, Bitches.

2008-12-10T00:58:00.005-06:00

Despite the recent epidemic of allowing Christmas music the four-to-six week “cold sore” lifespan, I don’t put my Christmas playlist on a healthy shuffle until mid-December.

Christmas Mix
To listen to this playlist via FavTape, click here.

Christmas Time is Here, Vince Guraldi Trio
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, John Mellencamp
Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt & Henri Rene
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Frank Sinatra
I'll Be Home for Christmas, Bing Crosby
What Are You Doing New Years Eve, Nancy Wilson
Sleigh Ride, Ella Fitzgerald
O Tannenbaum, Vince Guraldi Trio
You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch, Thurl Ravenscroft
All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey
Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer, Elmo & Patsy
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Burl Ives
A Holly Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee
Baby, It's Cold Outside, Dean Martin
White Christmas, Bing Crosby
Pine Cones and Holly Berries, Hank o
Linus & Lucy, Vince Guraldi Trio
Let it Snow, The Ray Brown Trio

Annnnnnd I’m obsessed.

2008-12-10T00:51:00.006-06:00

Last Saturday, I headed up to my friend’s hometown of Logandale, Nevada to partake in some extreme, extracurricular activities. In short:

A) I was a passenger on a motorcycle reaching speeds of 135 mph on I-15. Ladies note: Do not wear mascara if you ever plan to do this.

B) We headed out on ATVs to cruise around the town’s famous Red Rock/Valley of Fire State Park, and I four-wheeled up the practically vertical and locally known ‘Easter Egg’ rock.

C) I came out with only a minor cut and a collection of bruises after driving down the side of a mesa wall in a pick-up truck. Next time, I will be sure to use my free hand to hold onto the Oh-Shit-Bar… instead of holding it out the window like I was a rollercoaster ride.

Just what I need: An expensive and potentially fatal hobby….

Off-Roading Play List:
To listen to this playlist via FavTape, click here.

Oh My God, Kaiser Chiefs
Burn This City, Cartel
Supermassive Black Hole, Muse
I Don’t Care, Fall Out Boy
Bodies, Drowning Pool
Allow Me to Introduce Myself... Mr. Right, The White Tie Affair
Fat Lip, Sum 41
Pioneer to the Falls, Interpol
Believe, The Bravery
Big Star, Mathclub
Army, Ben Folds Five
Dammit, Blink-182
When I Come Around, Green Day
Bossman, Lucky Boys Confusion
Ruby, Kaiser Chiefs
Hero/Heroine, Boys Like Girls
Diamond Hipster Boy, Washington Social Club
Tessie, Dropkick Murphys
Mr. Brightside, The Killers
Black Betty, Ram Jam
Muzzle, Smashing Pumpkins
Remember When, There for Tomorrow
I Won't Be Back, New Atlantic
Tyrant, OneRepublic
Snow (Hey Oh), Red Hot Chili Peppers
Into Your Arms, The Maine
You're Making it Come Alive, My Favorite Highway
Stop Me, Mark Ronson ft. Daniel Merriweather
The Quest, Bryn Christopher

Back like Jordan wearing the 4-5.

2008-12-10T00:32:00.001-06:00

I finally got internet in my apartment.

Danny Gans

2008-11-23T10:44:00.005-06:00

I did not know what to expect when I walked into the Mirage’s Danny Gans Theatre… and when I found an older crowd dancing in their seats and clapping to pre-show songs such as YMCA and Love Train… I was skeptical to say the least.

As song impersonator, Danny Gans is a definite powerhouse, imitating the likes of Frank Sinatra, Maroon 5, Otis Redding, Dave Matthews, Rod Stewart, James Taylor and even Kenny Chesney. Not only did he nail the tone and pitch of each artist’s songs, but he transformed his body language to perfectly mock each performer’s onstage persona. He provided a movie preview of each performer, and afterwards, I wanted to go out and see all of their concerts. The adeptness in which he quickly transformed from one personality to the next was impressive to say the least. Performing the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” with each stanza belonging to a different personality had the audience’s jaws on the floor. Going from Wayne Newton to Larry the Cable Guy to Woody Allen in under three breaths cannot be an easy feat.

Gans also provided needed comedy relief throughout the show by mimicking the likes of Johnny Carson, Jeff Foxworthy, Michael Jackson and Elvis. My friend sitting next to me was in tears by the end of his Redneck jokes and my cheeks were definitely aching from laughing. The only downer on the entire night, in my opinion, was his decision to perform his own song after a lengthy, personal and religious-toned story as well as his choice to end the evening with Broadway musical selections, which I have little knowledge of or appreciation for.

Gans is slated to move to the Wynn shortly, and I would be interested to seeing his new act. However, his “last” shows at the Mirage, locals tell me, will surely be a stunner as well.

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-11-23T10:44:00.001-06:00

Loving:
Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market. If you are broke, single and extremely busy, this grocery store is amazing: Healthy, tasty, ready to go meals for a couple of bucks.

Loathing:
My new apartment complex blatantly lied to me regarding wireless internet. So now I have to walk all the way to Starbucks if I want internet access and even then, I only am allowed two hours of wi-fi a day. And I live on a mountain, so it’s truly an uphill hike of on the way home. It’s been hell.

Listening:
Breathe (2 AM), Anna Nalick

Through My Windshield

2008-11-23T10:41:00.001-06:00

I was liberally swerving across the barely visible dashed lines on the two lane highway. My cell phone dropped from my ear and my startled dog perked up at the sudden sideward movement. I gained control of the SVU, hands gripping the wheel at ten and two like a fifteen year old with a learner’s permit, and I persevered. There was no way I could make it another 230 miles to the hotel I had booked in Denver. The freezing ran finally gave way to snow, and as I merged onto I-76, there was only one other brave soul on the road in front of me, calming my irrational fear that no one would notice if I suddenly veered off the highway and into the abyss of the western Nebraska night. The suburban ahead of me paved the way through the accumulating snow in the dead middle of the road, at speeds of twenty to thirty miles per hour. Visibility was complete shit, and there was not a damn light in site. As I continued on for an hour desperately pleading with some greater power to keep my wheels on the road, my parents negotiated a refund on my Denver hotel and found me somewhere to stay 130 miles outside the city. As I wearingly pulled into Sterling, Colorado after fourteen hours of driving, exit ramp signs excitedly warned me against picking up hitchhikers: There was a nearby correctional facility.

The following morning I made it back to the highway at first light, finding dismantled cars in the grassy median like beer cans carelessly strewn in every direction after a frat party. I mentally thanked my parents for convincing me to get off the road and was surprised to find dry weather after the newspaper had forecasted a 70% of hell. I soon approached the purple horizon of mountains and I found myself repeating in my head, “People drive through the Rocky Mountains everyday. I. Will. Be. Fine.” I climbed slowly up the mountainside and into a tunnel, transporting me through the insides of the massive rock. I blinked away the brightness of the tunnel’s end and found one of the most breathtaking sites I have ever seen: The peaks were swimming in a sea of evergreens, blushing with the first kiss of snow. I gawked at the vision before me as I zigzagged down the mountainside, flying at uncontrollable speeds past braking semi-trucks. One turn gave way to another, each sight more spectacular than the last.

I continued through the postcard before me alongside the cliché of Jeeps and found myself on the desert side of the peaks as I closed in on Grand Junction, Colorado. The dusty, dry plateaus held no hint of their jagged, snowy cousins as they confidently sat on each side of the pavement, turning up their nose at the neighboring desert. The cruise control was set at 87 and my hands relaxed on the wheel as I breathed in the stretch of sand in front of me. The rolling earth tones blurred into the horizon as the sun began to retire in the blue sky. On came the Boondock Saints theme song, and a Cheshire Cat grin spread across my face as I catapulted across the empty highway. I had finally made my way into Bryce Canyon, Utah and was provided with just enough sunlight to take in one of the country’s most stunning national parks. The plateaus and towering canyon walls hugged the roadway as I held my one time use camera out the window, clicking and winding like crazy, with the highest of hopes that a picture may do the spectacle before me some justice. As I plummeted down the canyon, night fall was quickly settling in behind the next set of looming mountains and my nerves started to frazzle at the thought of hairpin turns in the dark.

“This is how horror movies start,” kept running through my mind as I glanced up at the sign: “No Services Next 197 Miles.” I opened my cell phone with my steering wheel hand as I drove: “No Service.” Well, shit. The only other cars on the road had all stopped off in Bryce Canyon and I didn’t see any oncoming headlights. The irrational fear that I would silently veer off the mountain and into the abyss of the southern Utah night began to steadily creep back into my mind as my car began to scale the foothills of the mountains.

Somehow, somewhere in Nebraska, the road’s obstacles had waged a war on my confident independence, amplifying my insecurities: A certifiably insane notion as soon as you make it into civilization or even gain a bar of cell phone reception. Trying to explain the sensation to others just makes people look at you like you’re on ‘shrooms trying to illustrate the exquisiteness of Berber-colored carpet. So when I finally curved around a mountainside to find Vegas shining brightly below me, I had been behind the wheel for 16 hours, bringing my grand total to over 30 hours of driving in two days. I rolled into my new life exhausted, with a lap full of Cheez-It crumbs and dog fur. As I unpacked my car the next day, I collected the hundred or so CD’s I had scattered about, knowing now that each song would always bring me back to the open desert highway, the sight of the sun shining through Utah’s famous archways, the frosted purple peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the euphoric feeling as a valley of lights welcomed me to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada.

My First Vegas Show!

2008-11-15T12:10:00.002-06:00

Going to see singer, comedian, impressionist, and actor Danny Gans tonight at the Mirage.... can't wait. My sister has already seen him and apparently he is amazing.

More to come!

Danny Gans Tickets at the Mirage in Las Vegas

In My Rearview Mirror...

2008-11-04T23:09:00.004-06:00

After accepting a job in Las Vegas several weeks ago, it has been difficult preparing for a life 1,800 miles away from everything I’ve ever known. The past weeks have brought me the warped clarity and sentiment that’s usually reserved for the effects of flooding my brain with two bottles of cheap white wine. I tried to make sense of this new chapter in my life, and sought refuge from the goodbyes, by constructing a playlist for my drive out to Vegas that would reflect my frame of mind. Audible life, as I’ve been known to say.

Studies show that a person’s sense of smell brings fourth the strongest memories, but I disagree. For me, music is a portal, inviting fleeing memories from another lifetime to sit on the front porch of my mind for the duration of a song. People listen to music because they connect to it on some level. Sometimes it’s the melody or the rhythm, sometimes it’s the lyrics, but for me, the music I love is frequently due to the people or moments that the music begs me to recall. I find a lot of music enjoyable, but until I can attach a memory to magnify the song’s effect, it cannot begin to compare to the songs laced with recollections of the people and places that have shaped my life. So, as I pieced this compilation together, it truly has been a labor of love… if not a complete and utter distraction from everything I should have been doing.

There is no easy way to break up a playlist for two days of driving cross-country with an American Dingo dog as your co-pilot, so I decided to break it up geographically. Between playlists, as there is no way I have the time to plan a full 26 hours of music, I will most likely call friends, curse radio commercials or listen to my favorite albums. A lot of the typical “roadtrip anthems” have made it onto my list, because hell- I need something to keep me in the left lane, nervously testing my radar detector’s competence.

Road Trip Playlist

2008-11-04T22:32:00.012-06:00

Chicago, Illinois to Las Vegas, Nevada
Total Driving Distance: 1,763 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 26 hours

Leaving Illinois

To listen to the Leaving Illinois playlist via FavTape, click on this link.
Driving Distance: 173 mi
Driving Time: 3 Hours

So Long So Long, Dashboard Confessional
Learning to Fly, Tom Petty
City of Lights, U2
Kind and Generous, Natalie Merchant
Get to Me, Train
Mother We Just Can't Get Enough, New Radicals
That Was a Crazy Game of Poker, O.A.R.
I Feel Home, O.A.R.
Have a Little Faith in Me, John Hiatt
Breathe, Anna Nalick
Wonderwall, Oasis
Vegas, Sara Bareilles
Till Kingdom Come, Coldplay
Runnin' Down a Dream, Tom Petty
Cats and the Cradle, Harry Chapin
The Scientist, Coldplay
Fast Car, Tracy Chapman
Who Knew, Pink
Over My Head (Cable Car), The Fray
Gravity Rides Everything, Modest Mouse
Dreaming Tree, Dave Matthews Band
The Road Less Traveled, Corey Chowder
Someday We'll Know, New Radicals
Here With Me, Dido
Interstate Love Song, Stone Temple Pilots
Small Town, John Melloncamp
Take Me Home Country Roads, John Denver
Like A Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan
Dammit, Blink 182
Adam's Song, Blink 182
London Rain, Heather Nova
C'mon Girl, Red Hot Chili Peppers
9:07, Michael Hayes
Mary Jane's Last Dance, Tom Petty
Love and Memories, O.A.R.
Hey Girl, O.A.R.
Anyway, O.A.R.
Road Outside Columbus, O.A.R.
Black Rock, O.A.R.
About An Hour Ago, O.A.R.
Boston, Augustana
Luven Me, Nelly
Ride Wit Me, Nelly

Plains States; Iowa, Nebraska

To listen to the Plains States playlist via FavTape, click on this link.
Driving Distance: 838 miles
Driving Time: 12 Hours

Rearviewmirror, Pearl Jam
Brandy You're A Fine Girl, Looking Glass
I'm Like a Bird, Nelly Furtado
Laid, Matt Nathanson
Time For Me To Fly, REO Speedwagon
Big Yellow Taxi, Counting Crows
Brick, Ben Folds Five
Landslide, Smashing Pumpkins
Love You 'Till the End, The Pogues
Mercedes Benz, Janis Joplin
Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen
Son of a Preacher Man, Dusty Springfield
November Rain, Guns 'N Roses
The Adventure, Angels & Airways
Only the Good Die Young, Billy Joel
Chicago City of Shoulders, Andy Davis
The Trouble With Love Is, Kelly Clarkson
Like Lovers Do, Heather Nova
What the World Needs Now is Love, Jackie Deshannon
Take a Picture, Filter
Feels Like Home to Me, Chantal Kreviazuk
Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield
If God Made You, Five For Fighting
Tiny Dancer, Elton John
Brown Eyed Girl, Van Morrison
Bright Side of the Road, Van Morrison
I Can't Get Next To You, The Temptations
Stand by Me, The Temptations
Lean on Me, Bill Withers
Breathe Me, Sia
Crash Into Me, Dave Matthews Band
Bartender, Dave Matthews Band
Brighter Than Sunshine, Aqualung
Look What You've Done, Jet
Meet Virginia, Train
Blowin' In the Wind, Bob Dylan
Flying Horses, Dispatch
Already Gone, The Eagles
Round Here, Counting Crows
Back Where I started, Curtis Peoples
Long December, Counting Crows
Lightning Crashes, Live
Muzzle, Smashing Pumpkins
If You Look to the Sky, Train
Mr. Jones, Counting Crows
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Smashing Pumpkins
The General, Dispatch
Hangingaround, Counting Crows
Satellite, Dave Matthews Band
Two Step, Dave Matthews Band
#41, Dave Matthews Band
Tripping Billies, Dave Matthews Band
A Thousand Miles, Vanessa Carleton
Drops of Jupiter, Train
Red Red Wine, UB40
Stay (Wasting Time), Dave Matthews Band
Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong
Sunday Kind of Love, Etta James
Lover Lay Down, Dave Matthews Band
All Along the Watchtower, Dave Matthews Band
I Alone, Live
Jane Says, Jane's Addiction
Buddy Holly, Weezer
Subterranean Homesick Blues, Bob Dylan
Everyday, Dave Matthews Band
It Ain't Me Babe, Bob Dylan
Good Riddance, Green Day
The Joker, Steve Miller Band
Sunday Best, Augustana
Honestly, Cartel
These Are the Days, 10,000 Maniacs
Rehab, Amy Winehouse
Such Great Heights, The Postal Service
Open Road Song, Eve 6
Ants Marching, Dave Matthews Band
More Than a Feeling, Boston
Clocks, Coldplay
Flashing Lights, Kayne West
Ecstasy, Rusted Root
Dancing Shoes, Artic Monkeys
This Modern Love, Bloc Party
Just Like a Woman, Bob Dylan
Secret, Maroon 5
Complicated, Poi Dog Pondering
Walking in Memphis, Marc Cohn
Omaha, The Counting Crows
Best of What's Around, Dave Matthews Band
American Girl, Tom Petty
The Gambler, Kenny Rogers
Any Road, George Harrison
Song for the Dumped, Ben Folds Five
Back In The USA, Chuck Berry
Betterman, Pearl Jam
Days Go By, Keith Urban
What Light, Wilco
Sail Away, Enya
Have You Ever Seen The Rain, Creedence Clearwater Revival
Army, Ben Folds Five
Road Trippin, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Ring of Fire, Johnny Cash
American Woman, Lenny Kravitz
Landslide, Fleetwood Mac
I Walk the Line, Johnny Cash
Glory Days, Bruce Springsteen
Blister in the Sun, Violent Femmes
The Dock Of The Bay, Otis Redding
Summer of 69, Bryan Adams
Destination Unknown, Smashing Pumpkins
Snow (Hey Oh), Red Hot Chili Peppers
Come Sail Away, by Styx
Carolina in My Mind, James Taylor
Walken, Wilco
Mexico, James Taylor
Somebody Like You, Keith Urban
Country Road, James Taylor
Warehouse, Dave Matthews Band
Songs About, Rob Blackledge
Layla, Eric Clapton
My Next Thirty Years, Tim McGraw
You Ain't Much Fun, Toby Keith
Keg in the Closet, Kenny Chesney
Ticks, Brad Paisley
Farmhouse, Phish
Fortunate Son, CCR
Las Vegas Orig Mix, Chris W. James
I've Got Friends in Low Places, Garth Brooks
Respect, Aretha Franklin
I Can't Get No Satisfaction, Rolling Stones
Jailhouse Rock, Elvis Presley
Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen
Good Vibrations, Beach Boys
Imagine, John Lennon
Born To Run, Bruce Springsteen
I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Marvin Gaye
Yesterday, The Beatles
Purple Haze, Jimi Hendrix
In The Midnight Hour, Wilson Pickett
Sweet Child O' Mine, Guns N' Roses
You Shook Me All Night Long, AC/DC
Rock & Roll All Night, KISS
Old Time Rock & Roll, Bob Seger
No Woman No Cry, Bob Marley
Sweet Home Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Like A Hurricane, Neil Young
Great Balls of Fire, Jerry Lee Lewis
Let's Stay Together, Al Green
Ain't Too Proud To Beg, The Temptations
Strawberry Fields Forever, Beatles
Billie Jean, Michael Jackson
Teenage Wasteland, CCR
Tainted Love, Soft Cell
Faith, George Michael
Rockin' in The Free World, Neil Young
God Only Knows, The Beach Boys
Bad Moon Rising, CCR
Hurricane, Bob Dylan
The District, Adam Richman
Thanks I Get, Wilco
Wicked Little Town, Ben Kweller
Raise It Up, Impact Repertory
Price of Gas, Bloc Party
Can't Escape My Love, Enrique Iglesias
Homecoming, Kayne West
Hey Mam, Kayne West
Ugly, Bubba Sparxx
Hate it or Love It, The Game
Roses, Kayne West
Scotty Doesn't Know, Lustra
Body On Me, Nelly
Self Esteem, Nelly
Greed Hate Envy, Nelly
Happy Valentine's Day, OutKast
The Seed (2.0), The Roots
Corona and Lime, Shwayze
Say it Right, Nelly Furtado
Shut Up and Drive, Rihanna
American Boy, Estelle
For Once in My Life, Stevie Wonder
All Summer Long, Hit Masters
Don’t Turn Around, Ace of Base
The Sign, Ace of Base

DAY TWO

Rocky Mountains, Colorado

To listen to the Rocky Mountains playlist via FavTape, click on this link.
Driving Distance: 248 miles
Driving Time: 4 Hours

Viva La Vida, Coldplay
Wake Me Up, Charles Kelly
What I Got, Submlime
The Best of What's Around, Dave Mathews Band
Yellow, Coldplay
Undeniable, Mat Kearney
This Year's Love, David Gray
A-Punk, Vampire Weekend
Oxford Comma, Vampire Weekend
M79, Vampire Weekend
Mother We Just Can't Get Enough, New Radicals
Piano Man, Billy Joel
Why Georgia, John Mayer
Playing Favorites, The Starting Line
Not Ohio (Come Back to Texas), by Bowling For Soup
Disarm, Smashing Pumpkins
Battle of Who Could Care Less, Ben Folds Five
Unconditional, The Bravery
Neigbors, The Academy Is...
Dashboard, Modest Mouse

National Forests, Utah

To listen to the National Forests playlist via FavTape, click on this link.
Driving Distance: 391 miles
Driving Time: 5 Hours 30 Minutes

Sunday Morning, by Maroon 5
Porcelain, Moby
Get out the Map, Indigo Girls
Makes Me Wonder, Maroon 5
Razor, Foo Fighters
Ripe, Ben Lee
Today, Smashing Pumpkins
To Be With You, Mr. Big
The Sound of Silence, Simon And Garfunkel
Colorblind, Counting Crows
Float On, Modest Mouse
Natural Blues, Moby
The Best Deceptions, Dashboard Confessional
She Will Be Loved, Maroon 5
As Lovers Go, Dashboard Confessional
Holiday in Spain, Counting Crows
Starting Now, Ingrid Michaelson
The Sun, Maroon 5
Something's Come Over Me, Ernie Halter
South Side, Moby
How to Save a Life, The Fray
Man on the Side, Ernie Halter
Look After You, The Fray
Mrs. Potter's Lullaby, The Counting Crows
Ghost of a Good Thing, Dashboard Confessional
Boston, Augustana
She Says, Howie Day
Sparks, Coldplay
Rewind, Paolo Nutini
Something Honest, Curtis Peoples
Multiply, Jamie Lidell
Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad, Moby
Catch My Disease, Ben Lee
Breakable, Ingrid Michaelson
Studebaker, Jordan Zevon
Collide, Howie Day
She's For Free, Cary Pierce
All at Once, The Fray
All I Want, Curtis Peoples
Screaming Infidelities, Dashboard Confessional
She Is, The Fray
Forever, Working For a Nuclear Free City
Rocket, Working For a Nuclear Free City
Asleep at the Wheel, Working For a Nuclear Free City
Quiet Place, Working For a Nuclear Free City
Kingdom, Working For a Nuclear Free City
I Turn My Camera On, Spoon
Aeroplane, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Scar Tissue, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Dani California, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Desert Driving, Nevada

To listen to the Desert Driving playlist via FavTape, click on this link.
Driving Distance: 90.3 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour 19 Minutes

C'mon Girl, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Typical, Mute Math
Honey, Moby
Hotel California, The Eagles
I Can See For Miles, The Who
Life is a Highway, Tom Cochrane
Control, Mute Math
With or Without You (Instrumental), U2
One For My Baby, One More For The Road, Etta James
Trucker's Atlas, Modest Mouse
It Don't Matter, Rehab
The Mexican, Babe Ruth
Dani California, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Chaos, Mute Math
Mrs. Potter's Lullaby, The Counting Crows
Starlight, Muse
Heart-Shaped Box, Nirvana
All Apologies, Nirvana
Somebody Told Me, The Killers
I Miss You, Blink 182
Dammit, Blink 182
The Rock Show, Blink 182
Bossman, Lucky Boys Confusion
Sittin' At a Bar, Rehab
Black Betty, Ram Jam
First Date, Blink 182
I Don't Care, Fall Out Boy
Josie, Blink 182
When I Come Around, Green Day
Stay Together For the Kids, Blink 182
More Like You, Rehab
Going Away to College, Blink 182
Are You Gonna Be My Girl?, Jet
Hold Your Colour, Pendulum
I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor, Artic Monkeys
Supermassive Black Hole, Muse
Already Gone, Eagles
I Won't Be Back, New Atlantic
Someday We'll Know, New Radicals
7 Weeks, Gym Class Heroes

Approaching Las Vegas

To listen to the Las Vegas playlist via FavTape, click on this link.
Driving Distance: 46.5 miles
Driving Time: 50 Minutes

Mr. Brightside, The Killers
Hot n Cold, Katy Perry
Let it Rock, Kevin Rudolph
Forever, Chris Brown
Yeah, Usher
Gold Digger, Kayne West
Homecoming, Kayne West
Go Girl, Pitbull
Hate it or Love it, The Game
Happy Valentine's Day, OutKast
Corona and Lime, Shwayze
Idiot Boyfriend, Jimmy Fallon
I Kissed a Girl, Katy Perry
Maneater, Nelly Furtado
Breakaway, Kelly Clarkson
American Boy, Kayne West
Luven Me, Nelly
Paradise City, Guns N' Roses
City of Lights, U2

Hey, cool!

2008-10-27T22:56:00.001-05:00

Interactive web radio chooses songs based on your genre preferences and mood.

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-10-27T22:34:00.002-05:00

Loving:
My sister's bachelorette party this past weekend - one of my all time favorite nights ever.

Loathing:
This will be my last weekend in Chicago... I leave next Wednesday for the wedding in Florida, get back into Chicago at midnight on Sunday and take off five hours later for Vegas.

Listening:
Holiday in Spain, Counting Crows

Chicago Area Concerts: November 2008

2008-10-27T15:01:00.007-05:00

As a parting gift to Second City residents before I move to Vegas, here are all of the upcoming Chicagoland concerts worth seeing. Follow the links or head to TicketStumbler to compare prices from several different ticket sites.

The Academy Is...

30-Oct-08

Pops

Sauget, IL

Steve Miller Band

30-Oct-08

iwireless Center

Moline, IL

OneRepublic, Augustana, The Spill Canvas, The Hush Sound
30-Oct-08
Congress Theatre
Chicago, IL

Relient K
2-Nov-08
House of Blues Chicago
Chicago, IL

The Academy Is

6-Nov-08

House of Blues Chicago

Chicago, IL

The Academy Is

7-Nov-08

House of Blues Chicago

Chicago, IL

Kaiser Chiefs

13-Nov-08

Park West

Chicago, IL

Usher

13-Nov-08

House of Blues Chicago

Chicago, IL

Andy Davis

13-Nov-08

House of Blues Chicago

Chicago, IL

Smashing Pumpkins

18-Nov-08

The Chicago Theatre

Chicago, IL

Eric Hutchinson

18-Nov-08

Double Door

Chicago, IL

Ingrid Michaelson

19-Nov-08

Park West

Chicago, IL

Matt Nathanson

20-Nov-08

House of Blues Chicago

Chicago, IL

John Legend

20-Nov-08

The Chicago Theatre

Chicago, IL

Matt Nathanson

21-Nov-08

House of Blues Chicago

Chicago, IL

Smashing Pumpkins

21-Nov-08

Auditorium Theatre

Chicago, IL

John Legend
21-Nov-08
Chicago Theatre
Chicago, IL

Jason Mraz

22-Nov-08

Aragon Ballroom

Chicago, IL

Smashing Pumpkins

22-Nov-08

Auditorium Theatre

Chicago, IL

Freddy Jones Band

28-Nov-08

House of Blues Chicago

Chicago, IL

The Verve Pipe
29-Nov-08
Martyrs
Chicago, IL

I will call female bartenders "babe" and male bartenders "chief"

2008-10-24T15:23:00.001-05:00

My sister's wedding is in T – two weeks, so she is in town from Las Vegas to celebrate. We're headed to Sushi Samba Rio for dinner and Swirl Wine Bar before hitting additional River North hang outs... where, we will no doubt be coerced into the company of "Look at My Stripe Shirt!" men.

Nothing like a bar filled to the brim with d-bags to remind you why you are agreeing to spend the rest of your life with someone.

That's what I say anyways- Call me old fashioned.

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-10-23T13:59:00.000-05:00

Loving: My pretty new site!!!! Special thanks to Epic’s skills and time!

Loathing: Today.

Listening: You Can't Always Get What You Want, The Rolling Stones.

Soundtrack to Your Life

2008-10-22T23:09:00.005-05:00

These obnoxious questionnaires are almost as addictive as sugar-free, soy vanilla lattes.

Opening Credits:
Viva la Vida, Coldplay

Waking Up Scene:
Sun Comes Up, John Legend

Car Driving Scene:
Brandy You're a Fine Girl, Looking Glass

High School Flashback Scene:
Amber, 311

Nostalgic Scene:
Rewind, Paolo Nutini

Angry Scene:
I'm Shipping Up to Boston, Dropkick Murphys

Break-up Scene:
Yesterday, The Beatles

Regret Scene:
Screaming Infidelities, Dashboard Confessional

Bar Scene:
Ain't Nothing Wrong With That, Robert Randolph

Fight/Action Scene:
Smack My Bitch Up, Prodigy

Breakdown/sad scene:
The Scientist, Coldplay

Death Scene:
Breathe, Sia

Funeral Scene:
Colorblind, Counting Crows

Dreaming About Someone Scene:
La belle et le Bad Boy, MC Solaar

Make Out Scene:
Secret, Maroon 5

Contemplation Scene:
How to Save a Life, The Fray

Chase Scene:
Bodies, Drowning Pool

Fall in Love Scene:
To Be With You, Mr. Big

Friend Scene:
Ditty, Paperboy

Closing Credits:
Dream On, Aerosmith

Click here to listen to this playlist via favtape.com

Audible Life.

2008-10-19T13:12:00.006-05:00

What song best describes your life?
Learning to Fly, Tom Petty

If you had to pick only one- who would you say is your favorite band?
O.A.R.

What are your three favorite albums and why?
Country Grammar by Nelly, Handful of Sand by Jamestown and Crash by DMB

What is the best concert you have ever attended?
O.A.R. at Chicago House of Blues

What is your favorite love song?
Till Kingdom Come, Coldplay

Who would you most like to see in concert that you haven't already?
The Fray

What is your favorite album cover?
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Smashing Pumpkins

If you were stranded on a deserted island- (with a c.d. player)- what three albums would you want have with you?
The Very Best of Bob Marley, James Taylor's Greatest Hits, Live at Red Rocks by DMB

If you were to start a band- what would you name it?
um.... Her Mix Tape?

What band and or song brings back the most memories from your childhood?
There's Always Somthing There To Remind Me, Naked Eyes

What musician do you find the most attractive?
Adam Levine

What song describes your last break up?
Goodbye My Lover, James Blunt

What song best describes your life right now?
Baby Girl, Sugarland

What song always makes you laugh?
Idiot Boyfriend, Jimmy Fallon

What song puts you in a good mood?
Mother We Just Can't Get Enough, New Radicals

What song best describes your love life right now?
Starting Now, Ingrid Michaelson

No loathing, just lovin' and listenin'

2008-10-15T16:21:00.000-05:00

Loving:
TicketStumbler has concert tickets!!!!

Loving:
Being a lame duck at work now that I have given notice of my last day. I'm G.W. Bush up in this bitch.

Loving:
I am drinking for the kids tonight at a charity wine tasting event. Sub-subject: Can I write off a hangover?

Listening:
Vegas, Sarah Bareilles.

"All you needs a strong heart and a nerve of steel."

2008-10-15T16:17:00.002-05:00

I am moving to Vegas mid-November.

Goodbye wind, hello sin!

Rockers to Republicans: Stop Using Our Songs!

2008-10-12T22:09:00.000-05:00

Rolling Stone provides a list of artists angry with Republicans who have used their songs. My favorite commentary comes from Heart whose song "Barracuda" was played by Palin at the Republican National Convention.

You Gotta' Fight For Your Right...

2008-10-12T21:59:00.002-05:00

"The Beastie Boys have announced their “Get Out and Vote” tour. In an e-mail blast this morning, the activist rappers said, “This election is too important to stay at home. We hope that you can come out, have a nice night, dance, sing, get your freak on, and then wake up the next morning and get everyone that you possibly can to get out and vote.” Mike D told Rolling Stone."

Just what everyone wants to do the day after a concert: wake up and hit the ballots.

Beastie Boys Get Out and Vote Tour

October 28 - Richmond, VA @ Richmond Coliseum w
With Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Jack Johnson and Santogold

November 1 - St. Paul, MN @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium
With Ben Harper and Tenacious D

November 2 - Milwaukee, WI @ U.S. Cellular Arena
With Ben Harper, Crosby & Nash and Tenacious D

The World is a Vampire.

2008-10-12T21:36:00.002-05:00

In middle school, I took to wearing steel toe Doc Martin boots, dressing in all black and sporting Smashing Pumpkins t-shirts daily. I named my bird Corgan and pierced my cartilage without parental permission (twice) while singing the song “Zero” to take my mind off the pain that comes with shoving a sewing needle through your ear. I must have saved up for months to buy The Aeroplane Flies High box set at that age. My friends still give me shit all the time about this stage of my life that they have labeled as “Goth” because it “sounds funnier,” but I digress….

It’s been over ten years and I still don all black as often as possible (everything matches and it’s slimming: it just makes total sense), and still love, love, love the Pumpkins. So with Halloween around the corner, I decided to honor my dear friends and the original band members: Billy, D’Arcy, James and Jimmy.

Here are my all-time favorite Pumpkin songs, in no particular order….

Thirty-Three
Spaceboy
Muzzle
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Perfect
Today
Bullet With Butterfly Wings
Tonight, Tonight
Disarm
Landslide
Zero
Lily (My One and Only)
My Blue Heaven

The Pumpkins are currently on tour (click HERE for tickets and dates)

Hipster: One who possesses tastes, social attitudes, and opinions deemed cool by the cool.

2008-10-12T11:08:00.005-05:00

Along with the rest of America, I am constantly attempting to draw in a younger, hipper crowd. So, in honor of that attempt, I will pass on some of what the hipsters are listening to these days… so grab a bronson (beer) and get ready to bust a moby (dance), because I asked my fabulously hip cousin what she had on her playlist this week and she passed along some bands for our listening pleasure:

Sigur Ros
"An Icelandic ambient band," is what my cousin described them as… I was not sure what this meant, but I did ended up buying a few tracks. I’m trendy and diverse like that.

Animal Collective
A psychedelic experimental Indie band. Hit the hash pipe and give it a listen.

Panda Bear
Some of the group is in the aforementioned Animal Collective. She describes them as having a Beach Boys sound.... I would say it has a Pink Floyd flavor myself.

Justice
Similar to daft punk.

Broken Social Scene
Before Feist was famous and was on apple and verizon commercials. I bought "Cause=Time."

The Hood Internet
Chicago mash up band.

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-10-09T20:48:00.002-05:00

Loving:

This weekend- I'm headed to southwest Michigan to do some wine tasting and apple picking. Plus, I have, like, five hours of DVR'ed shows to watch. Holler.

Loathing:

The fact that I enjoy the CSS song "Music is My Hot, Hot Sex." It's true, Apple is the Oprah of Indie Bands (even when it is a knock off Apple ad).

Listening:

"Brothers on a Hotel Bed," by Death Cab for Cutie. Both the lyrics and the melody make you just fall into the music. Interesting Fact: Guitarist Josh Farro of Paramore said that this would be the last song he'd like to hear before he died. Betcha didn't know that.

Interesting.

2008-10-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

"Major record label EMI is set to launch a new online music web portal so it can sell music tracks and videos, along with provide a small amount of free material to consumers."

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-10-06T15:26:00.002-05:00

Loving:
The weather in Chicago. I plan to hit the lakefront trail after work today to soak up the fall ‘honeymoon’ weather before winter comes and kicks my ass.

Loathing:
The Cubs. Fortunately, I didn’t even get my hopes up this season.

Listening:
Working for a Nuclear Free City.

Working For a Nuclear Free City

2008-10-06T14:51:00.004-05:00

Working for a Nuclear Free City was recommended by a friend and every track I have downloaded by them is mesmerizing. The audio equivalent of watching the tide come in at sunset. Yes, they have managed to make me poetic.

Favorite tracks of mine include “Kingdom,” “Rocket,” “Quiet Place,” and “Asleep at the
Wheel.”

Something to live by:

2008-10-02T10:53:00.001-05:00

"My loathings are simple: stupidity, oppression, crime, cruelty, soft music."
- Vladimir Nabokov

Especially soft music and stupidity.

Note to Editor:

2008-10-01T12:48:00.001-05:00

I found three (three!) gray hairs on the top of my 24-year-old head today. That brings my total gray hair count to seven in the last four months.

Sounds like I need a massage....

I ain't saying she's a gold digger...

2008-09-30T20:04:00.001-05:00

My sister’s wedding is T – 6 weeks away and as I compile the perfect dinner and reception playlist (will be posted soon) to dutifully hand over to the DJ, I can’t help but to wonder what my own wedding will be like one day. So it was fate when I came across this today:

Walter Meego

2008-09-29T20:39:00.003-05:00

I was watching CSI New York last night and was stunned to hear some familiar music- the song "Wanna Be A Star" by Walter Meego was playing during a bar scene. I used to hang out with these guys while they were producing their last record as they are from my hometown. Walter Meego is worth a listen if you like modern disco/daft punk or just easy on the ears beats. "Keyhole" is my favorite track... their new song "Forever" is pretty quality as well.

“Gotta keep the tan up, it's not a skin color, it's a lifestyle, Brian."

2008-09-29T15:12:00.002-05:00

- Stewie, Family Guy

Back from Naples... didn’t even get a tan. What the hell is Florida good for if you can’t even get some color???

“God’s waiting room,” I suppose.

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-09-22T22:21:00.005-05:00

Loving:
Headed to Naples, Florida tomorrow morning... to work on my sister's wedding plans and get some new tan lines.

Loathing:
The Shure headphones I purchased a couple of months ago to replace my Bose in-ear plugs (because those damn ear buds fall off and then you're totally effed). Shure's sound isolating aspect and comfort is top notch, but I am still dumbfounded as to why the need for the detachable, modular cable. What kind of option is a two inches or, once attached, three feet of cable? I always have way too much cable going on. I feel like strangers judge me because of it.

Listening:
Army, Ben Folds Five
The perfect angry/happy song.

Download & Unload: Upcoming Albums Edition

2008-09-22T22:15:00.002-05:00

Robin Thicke, "Something Else"
Album Due Out: 9/30
Unload: Magic
Maybe it was the ridiculous music video that ruined the song for me? Or did the song ruin the song for me?

Oasis, "Dig Out Your Soul:
Album Due Out: 10/7
Unload: The Shock of the Lightning
Download: Falling Down

Bob Dylan, "The Bootleg Series, Vol. 8 — Tell Tale Signs: Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006"
Album Due Out: 10/7
Download. I fully support anything Dylan.

Ray LaMontage, "Gossip in the Grain"
Album Due Out: 10/14
Download: You Are The Best Thing
I think he’s a solid artist and I can’t wait to hear the rest of his tracks.

The Cure, "4:13 Dream"
Album Due Out: 10/28
Unload: The Perfect Boy
I'll admit it; I just plain don't like The Cure.

Kaiser Chiefs, "Off With Their Heads"
Album Due Out: 10/28
Download: Never Miss a Beat
Probably my favorite song from them yet.

Pink, "Funhouse"
Album Due Out: 10/28
Unload: So What
I wouldn't even put this on my workout mix... it's that bad.

Snow Patrol, "A Hundred Million Suns"
Album Due Out: 10/28
Download: Take Back the City
They had a lot to live up to after I loved their entire last album. This track is not their usual sound with a heavy emphasis on the guitar, but it works for me on a different level. I do however look forward to the other piano heavy tracks on the record.

John Legend, "Evolver"
Album Due Out: 10/28
Download: Green Light
I'm looking forward to the album's collabs with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Akon and Andre 3000.

Fall Out Boy, "Folie a Deux"
Album Due Out: 11/4
Download: I Don't Care.
Obsessed with this song.

Taylor Swift, "Fearless"
Album Due Out: 11/11
Unload: Love Story
I love a lot of country music, but this just sounds like a soundtrack song for a Freddie Prize Jr. or Kate Hudson movie.

The Killers, "Day & Age"
Album Due Out: 11/25
Unload: Spaceman
Disappointing. Hoping there is something else on the album that will give me a “Mr. Brightside” euphoria.

Common, "Universal Mind Control"
Album Due Out: Out in November/December
Download: Universal Mind Control ft. Pharrell
Definitely sounds like a guilty pleasure. Will go straight to my "getting ready to go out" playlist.

Britney Spears, "Circus"
Album Due Out: 12/2
Unload: Mannequin, Womanizer and Circus.
Obvious reasons.

50 Cent, "Before I Self-Destruct"
Album Due Out: 12/9
Download: Freeze
Classic 50 sound; could be mistaken for any other 50 song after four drinks. LL and Banks are also on the track and I happen to love Lloyd Banks.

The Workout Playlist

2008-09-21T20:01:00.005-05:00

When it comes to playlists for the gym, I’m all over the place; the genres I choose vary depending on my mood and the workout. But hey, whatever gets my ass moving...

From today’s workouts........

Workout Mix 1

Sunday Bloody Sunday, U2
Neighbors, The Academy Is…
Bodies, Drowning Pool
Supermassive Black Hole, Muse
I Don't Care, Fall Out Boy
I'm Shipping Up to Boston, Dropkick Murphys
Johnny Quest Thinks We're Sellouts, Less Than Jake
Perfect Drug, Nine Inch Nails
Diamond Hipster Boy, Washington Social Circle
Time Bomb, Rancid
Shake It, Metro Station
I Write Sins Not Tragedies, Panic! At the Disco
The Distance, Cake
Extreme Ways, Moby

Workout Mix 2

Roses, Kayne West
You've Got the Love, The Source ft. Candi Staton
The Seed, The Roots
Greed, Hate, Envy, Nelly
Numb/Encore, Jay Z and Linkin Park
Get By, Talib Kweli
Izzo (H.O.V.A.), Jay-Z
Hate It or Love It, 50 Cent
Vivrant Thing, Q-Tip
More Like You, Rehab
Changes, Tupac
Ditty, Paperboy
Homecoming, Kayne West
Luven Me, Nelly

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-09-21T18:43:00.002-05:00

Loving:
"All the Way" by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder... a tribute song to the Cubbies.Loathing:
The Bear's D. I went to the game today: They choked in the second half and lost in overtime.

Listening:
I'm Yours, Jason Mraz
My sister plans to walk down the aisle to this song at her beachside wedding in November, so I get goosebumps every time I listen to it.

Download & Unload: New Music Edition

2008-09-18T22:08:00.007-05:00

Kind of a “do, date, dump” …… but for music.

Unload:
Love Lockdown, Kayne West
His new single with a similar techno effect of the Daft Punk hit “Stronger” only not as much pop in it. I still expect big things for his album due out in December.

Download:
Self Esteem, Nelly
Off his new record 'Brass Knuckles,' it is the only track somewhat reminiscent of Country Grammar, one of my all time favorite albums. The record, which was released on 9/16/08, has tons of collabs: Ashanti, Akon, Usher, Fergie, Snoop, Ciara and Pharrell, but the tracks all sound like cookie cutter hip hop. Ok, I kind of dig “Body On Me” too... and I have every intention of dragging someone with me to see him at my favorite venue in the city: House of Blues: 10/7/08.

Unload:
Guilty As Charged, Gym Class Heroes
The general sound quality does it for me, however the lyrics are overdone and generic: “Guilty on all charges for the dopest album of the year.” Sadly, my favorite part of their new album, 'The Quilt,' is The Dream’s hook in “Cookie Jar.” But, I will rest well knowing that both tracks will be shamelessly overplayed by every radio station in the nation for the next four to six months.

Download:
Brothers On a Hotel Bed, Death Cab for Cutie (Live from Las Vegas at the Palms)
Soothing, reliable Death Cab music. Will make a note to add it to my next rainy day mix.

I love Coors even more, if that's possible.

2008-09-18T12:08:00.001-05:00

As an adamant Coors drinker, I was pretty stoked when those guys came up with the cold-activated bottles that alert me that my beer is cold, even when I can’t feel feelings for myself any longer. I really didn’t think things could get any better until I saw this article: Attorney generals from 25 states are asking MillerCoors to scratch plans for a new alcoholic energy drink called Sparks Red, which would contain as much as eight percent alcohol by volume.

“The Washington, D.C.-based Center for Science in the Public Interest’s filed a lawsuit Sept. 8 over the alcoholic energy drink, arguing it encourages binge drinking, underage drinking, drunken driving and sexual assaults.”

..... it’s like blaming the mirror for being ugly.

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-09-17T21:23:00.003-05:00

Loving:
Getting a pedicure while flipping through ESPN and Spin magazines... My piggys are now painted Windy City Pretty.

Loathing:
The Crystal Method Nike + Original Drive running mix I downloaded recently. The thought behind this being that the continuous mix would provide me 45 minutes of not having to worry about what song I wanted to hear next while working out. I was very wrong.

Listening:
Dammit, Blink 182
After an "And I'll smile and you'll wave," run-in this afternoon, I think I might have listened to this song ten times in a row.

Download:

2008-09-17T21:23:00.002-05:00

Neighbors, The Academy Is...

Forbes hates "Chicago, Ill"...Attempts to discredit a classic Sinatra number

2008-09-17T21:23:00.000-05:00

All-knowing Forbes Magazine ranked the Windy City as the number one most stressful place to live in America this week, effectively tarnishing the whole "Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues in Chicago," thing we've got going on around here thanks to Ol' Frankie Blue Eyes.

In my opinion, anyone who would put San Francisco and San Diego on an "America's Most Stressful Cities" list is seriously deranged. Californians living in beach towns don't really strike me as tense people.

My favorite part of Chicago's synopsis was the writer's use of term "Molotov cocktail." Sounds like someone went to an upstanding university. Too bad they missed the class that covered proper state abbreviations (Hint: They have only two letters, both capital).

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-09-16T20:29:00.000-05:00

Loving:
Spin Magazine’s September article on the Gym Class Heroes. I happen to find Travie extremely charming, but maybe a little bit less so now that he is dating Katy Perry.

Loathing:
The Colt’s Lucas Oil Stadium. It looks like a whitehead in aerial shots.

Listening:
Ruby, Kaiser Chiefs

TRL to fans: "It's not you, it's me."

2008-09-16T19:47:00.000-05:00

After ten years on the air, MTV's Total Request Live is saying goodbye this November, citing the show "Isn't gone for good, but just taking a rest." Yeah, I've heard the "We need a break" line before... and I’m still waiting for that guy to call.

Their "next-gen" rebound show will be hosted by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, which leaves me wondering if Wentz’s puny head could possibly fill the void of Carson Daly's gigantic noggin.

“This is for Mike and Papa Bear Halas.”

2008-09-16T19:44:00.000-05:00

- The Superbowl Shuffle, 1985 Chicago Bears

My co-worker, who also works in sound production for ESPN Radio, meets my Chicago sports idols on a tri-weekly basis, so he scored me an Adewale Ogunleye personalized autograph today. And last week he brought me Devin Hester's...

Kind of makes my bringing homemade blueberry muffins to the office today seem trite.

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-09-14T23:13:00.000-05:00

Loving:
The new Genius Sidebar feature on itunes, because even I get lazy. It's kind of like eharmony for my music; matching together all the songs that have good chemistry. And anyways, those 'itunes essentials' playlists were obviously compiled by eighth grade hipsters.

Loathing:

The new ipod nano, but only because it’s cheap and cool as hell and I don’t have it yet. The shake to shuffle feature almost had me maxing out my credit card. Will have to suffer until my next pay check without one.

Listening:
Playing Favorites (Acoustic version), The Starting Line.
A rediscovered favorite.

Rainy Day Compilation

2008-09-14T22:49:00.000-05:00

Since severe thunderstorms and flooding (not to mention a declared, official state of emergency) have kept me indoors for the past two days, I decided to spend some quality time reacquiring music lost to the great computer crash of 2007 as well as updating my playlists. So, in honor of my compulsory productivity, I believe I may have compiled the perfect rainy day compilation...

1. Razor, Foo Fighters
2. What If You, Joshua Radin
3. Holiday in Spain, Counting Crows
4. Rewind, Paolo Nutini
5. No Rain, Blind Melon
6. Snow, Red Hot Chili Peppers
7. Look After You, The Fray
8. M79, Vampire Weekend
9. The Thanks I Get, Wilco
10. The Way We Get By, Spoon
11. When I Look to the Sky, Train
12. Wish You Were Here, Pink Floyd
13. Tears and Rain, James Blunt
14. Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby, Counting Crows
15. Till Kingdom Come, Coldplay
16. Starting Now, Ingrid Michaelson
17. Bruised, Ben Folds Five

Loving. Loathing. Listening.

2008-09-13T22:05:00.000-05:00

Loving:

These ridiculous, plaid rain boot s that I purchased during my annual spring Target binge. Who’s laughing now bitches?

Loathing:
Men who do not abide by the man law code: “Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella.”

Listening:
O.A.R.
On Friday night, a friend and I were BS-ing about all the O.A.R. concerts we’d each been to, so when I finally made it home after 12 hours of drinking, I decided I had to immediately download any song I didn’t already possess. Too bad they don’t have any shows within driving distance coming up…

My Favorite Vegas Spots

2008-09-10T21:57:00.005-05:00

Mix Lounge at Mandalay Bay
Atop THEhotel, this is one of the best views in Vegas since it sits at end of the strip. Beat the crowd and cover charge by heading up there before sunset to enjoy the mountain views at dusk, as well as the Vegas lights once it's dark. Also, ladies- make sure see a fabulous view from the bathroom stalls.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
In all, there are over 2,000 animals in 1.6 million gallons of seawater; including sawfish, sea turtles, piranha, moon jellies (my favorite) and golden crocodiles. The only downside about the reef: It's basically the only place in Vegas where you can't bring your cocktail with you... and I had every intention of sharing my Stoli and soda with the petting zoo sting rays.

Red Rock Canyon
Impressive views of what was once the bottom of the ocean. The picturesque drive, which allows you to enjoy the scenery with air conditioning, takes you up to 4,721 feet. You can also hike, bike, or horseback ride in the canyon.

Fountains of the Bellagio
A truly beautiful sight, even if completely cliché. Expect to beat up small children and people with heart problems if you want a front row view. After 8 p.m., the show plays every 15 minutes, so it's easy to work into any schedule.

New York, New York Rollercoaster
The view as the coaster climbs 200 feet above the Strip was stunning. I suggest bringing a roadie since the admission line is brutal, but note that there is a 144-foot drop and the ride hits speeds up to 70 mph, so don't get too carried away on the sauce beforehand. There are tons of thrill rides in town: click on this link to view 'em.

Conservatory at Bellagio
A free exhibit within the Bellagio that changes with the seasons and features elaborate arrangements of plants and flowers. The trees with faces are somewhat trippy, but it's a perfect 20-minute activity for those who plan to promptly ditch their family members and blow their bank accounts on poker and prostitutes.

Fremont Street Experience
Made famous by the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" with its $70 million Viva Vision canopy and light show. A very different crowd on this side of town, but still a must for all.

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