Half-Marathon Playlist

I've been meaning to blog about running songs, but I just kept forgetting. Once I saw a comment asking what I listened to during the Half, I knew I had to share, ESPECIALLY because I discovered my newest love, Justin Bieber, just before the Half when I saw him perform on the Grammy's with Jaden Smith.  Bieber's "Baby" was blaring in my ears when I crossed the finish line, and I will never forget it!

It's a bizarre selection of songs, I know, but the night before I left for Austin, this just seemed right.  I have a much longer list of "run" music, but I decided to cut out ones I knew I would skip. 

My absolute fave pump-me-up songs from this list?  Dog Days Are Over, Battlefield, Firework, Oh No, Let It Out, Commander, and Only Girl in the World.  


P.S. If you don't have the new Girl Talk album, you MUST DOWNLOAD IMMEDIATELY (it's free!).  It's the best workout music ever.

Fall 2010 Mix

I'm obsessed with making seasonal mixed CD's for my friends, and what better season than the Fall? This playlist is a mix of old and new, pop-y and melancholy, over-the-top and severely underrated. I hope you enjoy it!

Also, you should definitely check out the video for track #1 (also currently my ringtone). It's pretty rad (although perhaps not suitable for work?). Apparently it was a little too much for YouTube b/c they pulled it from their site. I find that ridiculous considering the crap on there, but whatevs!

Carolyn's Fall 2010 Mix

1. HEALTH - USA Boys
2. Katy Perry - Teenage Dream
3. Shontelle - Impossible
4. Band of Horses - Neighbor
5. Massive Attack - Paradise Circus
6. Sia - My Love
7. Shearwater - The Snow Leopard
8. Florence and the Machine - Heavy in Your Arms
9. Zero 7 - In the Waiting Line
10. Sarah Mclachlan - Don't Give Up On Us
11. Simon and Garfunkel - The Only Living Boy in NY
12. Jennifer Paige - Crush
13. Cee Lo Green - F**k You! (You should watch this video so you can sing along with the lyrics... they're kind of amazing.)

February Playlist

One of the best gifts a friend can give me is a mixed CD (if that friend has good taste in music, that is). I love making mixed CD's for my friends, and I especially love tailoring it to their individual personalities. Two of my dearest friends from law school are in town this weekend from NYC, and I whipped up this February Mix for their listening pleasure.

1. Tik Tok by Ke$ha - She may prance around New York Fashion Week sans pants, and you may not be the biggest fan of her glitterific makeup, but she sure knows how to deliver pop music. Upbeat and cheerful, this song is best listened to in the car, with windows down, and with your best girlfriend (or gay boyfriend) bopping along in the passenger seat.

2. The Party by St. Vincent - One of my faves by St. Vincent (aka Annie Erin Clark). Her voice is addictive AND she toured with Sufjan Stevens, which makes her extra cool.

3. Horchata by Vampire Weekend - I'm new to Vampire Weekend, but I am seriously digging them. I have fond memories of the first time I heard this song because I was in the middle of kicking my friend's ass at Scrabble during my trip to D.C.

4. These Friends of Mine by Rosie Thomas - My favorite thing about this song is how it begins.

5. Set the Fire to the Third Bar by Snow Patrol feat. Martha Wainwright - You may recognize this song from the Dear John preview, but I swear I had it before it came out! (Btw, if you're new to Snow Patrol, download "Run" ASAP.)

6. Need You Now by Lady Antebellum - The lyrics are pretty awful, but I still dig this tune and can't help but sing along. (Plus, let's be honest, we've all been there.)

7. Roslyn by Bon Iver & St. Vincent - Yes, this is from the New Moon soundtrack. Yes, it's still a really really good song despite that fact.

8. Possibility by Lykke Li - Yes, this is ALSO from the New Moon soundtrack.

9. Hallelujah (feat. Charlie Sexton) by Justin Timberlake & Matt Morrisson - Um... gorgeous/will-bring-you-to-tears/who-is-this-Matt-Morrisson-guy-cause-he's-got-an-AMAZING-voice kind of good.

10. Jackson by Hem - One of the most incredible covers I've ever heard.

11. Safe and Sound by Azure Ray - FAVORITE NEW BAND!! Can't stop listening to this album (the "Azure Ray" one). Sweet and melancholy and perfect. "Love is how it's lost not how it's found." LOVE IT.

12. Dream by Priscilla Ahn - The first time I heard this song was when I watched this video. Um... I want to be her. Just a little bit.

13. We Are the World 25 for Haiti by Artists for Haiti - Yeah yeah I know it's nothing compared to the original, and I know the rap is questionable, but I still get all warm and fuzzy when I hear it, AND it's for a good cause.

Happy listening!

Fall 2009 Playlist

{photo credit; flickr}

Bonjour, my darlings! Unlike yesterday, today is absolutely gorgeous here in the ATX. Blue sunny skies and a high of 70 degrees - parfait! As is true with fashion, Fall is my favorite time of year to put together a fun annual playlist to rock out in my car (or office now) and to distribute to dear friends. Since I've gotten some questions from Twitter friends to share the playlist, I thought what better place to share than here!

(One more thing - While I have superb taste in music (like REAL music), I'm also one to appreciate the silly pop sensations that come along every now and then. I'm not ashamed to admit this. This Fall's playlist, in particular, has a lot of those poptastic goodies sprinkled throughout. If you are NOT a fan of such songs, I apologize, but this playlist = moi. So deal with it!!

CAROLYN'S FALL 2009 PLAYLIST

1. Britney Spears - 3 (shake. your. booty!)

2. Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - Relator (check out the cute video here on Nina's blog) (p.s. the rest of the album rocks, too!)

3. Owl City - Fireflies (this is/was #1 on iTunes, and i totally get why. it's so catchy and so Fall-esque. his voice sorta reminds me of Ben Gibbard.)

4. Lady Gaga - Paparazzi (hands down my favorite Gaga song - never gets old!)

5. Cobra Starship - Good Girls Go Bad (feat. Leighton Meester) (b/c who doesn't love Blair Waldorf?)

6. JoJo - Too Little Too Late (i don't know what it is about this song, but it makes me so so happy)

7. David Archuleta - Crush (total guilty pleasure)

8. Death Cab for Cutie - Meet Me On the Equinox (from the New Moon soundtrack, which is amazing btw)

9. John Mayer - Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (one of my favorite JM songs... so sad, SO good. i always tear up. too bad he sux now.)

10. Arcade Fire - Wake Up (you might recognize this beauty from the Where the Wild Things Are preview - i'm totally seeing this flick Thurs night!)

11. Miley Cyrus - Party in the USA (b/c i had to! it is my ringtone, after all)

12. Lady Gaga - Bad Romance (Gaga's latest - Perez Hilton is obsessed, and i think you should be, too.)

ENJOY!

P.S. Damien Rice, if you are reading this, please PLEASE come out with a new album. You are the BEST Fall music... period. Oh and Lisa, I love your duets so feel free to jump in on that action.

ACL Mudfest 2009

WARNING: This is going to be a loooong post w/ beaucoup de pics!



Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World, and i'm truly starting to realize why. After 8 years of living in this gorgeous city, i finally went to Austin City Limits, a 3-day outdoor music festival with 8 stages and a crazy number of bands from the newbies to headliners like Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam. Do not ask me why i hadn't gone before as i am a HUGE music person - i honestly can't answer that question. BUT the point is i went this year, and i loved (almost) every second of it...

FRIDAY

Friday was PERFECTION. The weather was gorgeous, not too hot and not too humid, and the new grass at Zilker Park felt like a fluffy bathmat under my bare feet. Love.



Here are some of the bands i checked out:

1. School of Seven Bells - I was completely unfamiliar with this fabulous trio, but i'm hooked. Gorgeous twin sisters with stunning harmonies and a cool edgy synthesize-y feel. New favorite.




2. Dr. Dog - Fun set, crazy songs! Probably not something i'd listen to on my ipod, but a fun performance fo sho.



3. Phoenix - We were pretty far away for this one, but i've been a Phoenix fan for awhile. A French pop-y rock-y band with the cutest lead singer ever! (Apparently he's also the father of Sofia Coppola's child!)

4. Thievery Corporation - LOOOOVE!! What a fun performance! This one included some wicked latin beats. So fun.

5. Andrew Bird - Augh SO good. This man is one of the most talented musicians I've ever heard. Have been listening to his goodies for awhile now, and he did not disappoint. Highly recommend.




6. Kings of Leon - Meh. Unfortunately Kings has gotten so big that the crowd was insanity. They were good, of course, but I heard the Yeah yeah Yeahs were better (played at the same time). STILL, i'm thrilled i went to Kings b/c the COOLEST THING EVER happened to me - I was recognized by 2 blog readers!!! I am so unbelievably flattered and humbled. Marcy (sp?) and Cortney, you girls are the sweetest, and i'm SO glad we had a chance to meet. xoxo!



Other highlights from the day included: gorgeous skies, funny sex dolls, dear amies and running into the prettiest little gal ever (used to babysit her!).





SATURDAY

Saturday looked tres different from Friday. Cloudy skies and oodles of rain, my friends. Austin did NOT know what to do. Ditching my boho look from the day before, i opted for what my friend described as "rain hooker" chic: black girly trench and hot pink rain boots! Still the music was sooo good...

1. !!! - Pronounced "chck chck chck!', this band was TOO fun. The lead singer was a dancing queen and got super involved with the crowd. If you get a chance to see them live, GO!

2. Grizzly Bear - I wasn't tres familiar with this band before, but i definitely am now. GORGEOUS and haunting harmonies between four talented men. Download asap.

3. Bon Iver - This was the point of the day i was getting a little crabby. I was wet. I lost my friend J. And the rain was coming down harder and harder... Luckily Bon Iver (pronounced & named after the French "bon hiver") is great rain music (the gorgeous depressing type).

4. Eek-A-Mouse - Highly entertaining reggae music and lots of "ganga" talk. Couldn't help but dance and sing along!

5. Devotcha - Incredible performance, insanely talented violinist, and a super fun surprise in the middle - a HOT dancer doing crazy things with 2 strips of fabric... hawwwwt. I mean...



6. Ghostland Observatory - Played at the same time as Dave Matthews Band. I've seen DMB twice in concert and really wasn't interested in seeing them again. Ghostland was SO FUN! Laser show, crazy dancing cowboy lead singer (from Austin!! used to be a paralegal), and so. much. dancing (kinda hard in rainboots, y'all!).




Btw, I am SO glad i didn't listen to my friend J and wear flip flops... My hot pink boots and matching socks did not disappoint!







SUNDAY

I didn't go!!! I wax exhausted and honestly wasn't too interested in any of the bands. It didn't rain, but apparently the grounds were not pretty...



Wonderful 1st ACL experience. Will definitely be returning next year! I LOVE AUSTIN!!!

Death Cab: A Mini Review (before i pass out)

Music: Overall incredible, amazing, as good as i remember, love Ben Gibbard, love love him. (P.S. is it me, or has he gotten cuter??)

Atmosphere: Shit-tastic. I wanted to stab several people around me in the neck. Seriously. Screaming at the top of your lungs DURING the concert? Plus there was that one girl standing directly in front of C who refused to move even though she clearly had no seat. Oh and the 12-year old boys with greasy/shaggy hair and really, really bad acne. Gew.

Experience: Good and bad. I managed to zone out and enjoy the sweet, sweet sounds, but once reality crept in, i had to try *really* hard to keep my hands to myself (aka not strangle my fellow concertgoers.)

Wow - am i old or what?

And now, a pictorial journey!


My nails newly painted in Essie's Punchy Pink (you can't tell from the pic but they are NEON pink - looove!)


My Schiap toes and C's badass green boots.


Moi & C before people got super annoying ;-)


I will possess your heart, baby.


Bedtime! Gotta wake up for 9:30 SPIN. Xoxo darlings!!

i heart T.S.

Am i the last one to get on the Taylor Swift bandwagon? For the past year i've seen her win a number of prestigious music awards, hear her on the radio (romeo romeo, yes yes i get it), and see her face almost EVERYWHERE. But never once did i bother to actually listen to her music b/c, well, let's be honest, i wrote her off as another tween/never-gonna-be-Britney-Spears/Miley Cyrus-esque pop star. That is until i saw an E! True Hollywood Story on young stars (don't judge!) and learned that Taylor is not only sweet and down-to-earth, but she actually WRITES HER OWN MUSIC. Huh? That's pretty much unheard of when it comes to these young/of-the-moment pop stars. Then i gave her latest album, Fearless, a listen and well, the rest is history. It's been on repeat for the past couple weeks. It's the perfect sunny, breezy Spring day, riding in your car with the top down (ok with the sunroof open), belting at the top of your lungs and loving being a girl type of music. Not to mention i love the fact that she writes about every boy encounter she's ever had and is the first to admit it. Je l'adore. My faves include: "Hey Stephen", "You're Not Sorry", and "The Best Day". If you enjoy the Dixie Chicks, Carrie Underwood, etc., then i think you'll dig her as much as i do.

(Don't) Express Yourself

Um, is it just me, or has Express gone completely to sh*t? I was never a huge fan of the store; i thought it was overpriced, overrated, and on EVERY SINGLE GIRL in my high school/college. But there have been times when there's been a particularly fabulous jacket, or some great little shorts on which to splurge. Well i hadn't been inside the store in probably over a year when i stopped by today just to see what's new. YUCK! I was attacked by candy-colored polyester/nylon blends, unattractive leggings in every color, and some really cheap but not chic handbags. Even their jewelry, which in the past has been fairly cute, if not ridiculously overpriced, was hideous. What.. happened? Maybe it's targeting a new demographic and looks cheap because it IS cheap. Um $49.50 for a very, very mediocre cotton top? No, thank you. The shocking (and sad) thing was, i was just in Forever 21 and surprised at some of the treasures i found. To walk into Express, a store theoretically geared towards older, working women, and see all this gaudy apparel was beyond disappointing. (P.S. I think other women agree because that place was EMPTY, yo.)

On another note, i'm currently working/watching the Grammys/babysitting/blogging/downloading music. (My sister says i'm the only 25-year old attorney/babysitter she knows. It's so true...) I'm pretty exhausted, even though it's not even 9 p.m., and just as incredulous as ever that it's already Sunday night. Luckily i have oodles of fun events planned this week to get me through it. Alamo Drafthouse is having a "Girlie Night" avec a showing of Bridget Jones Diary and "girlie drinks" that I'll be attending Tuesday night with a dear "girl"friend. Thursday evening i'm meeting up with an old college friend who has since gone to law school at U-Penn and is currently working in D.C. - always a treat! Friday i'm driving to Dallas (first long drive in my new ride!) because my sister and bro-in-law are coming down from Cali for a visit. It'll be nice to see them, engorge myself on Momma Park's excellent Korean cooking, and do some Dallas shopping (with what money? i've no idea...). Even MORE EXCITING is the news i received the other day that my sister/bro-in-law are coming to AUSTIN in March for SXSW!!! Holllaaaa!!

Am watching a rather uninspiring rap performance by... i don't even know who this is. The only performance i've actually enjoyed was the duo performance by Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus (actually REALLY sweet). Katy Perry was some serious weak sauce (how that woman was nominated for a Grammy, i've no idea), and Kanye/Estelle sounded great but looked blah. Grammy's, what's wrong with you? The days of exciting award shows have long gone, i suppose.

OK must do some more work/research so i don't walk into work completely empty-handed tomorrow morning. Bonsoir!

xoxo,
C

Cheap Picture Post

Just got back from a WONDERFUL weekend in Dallas. Death Cab For Cutie ROCKED in concert last night!!! Anyway here are some fun pics from Stella (Deb's adorable little pug) birthday party on Friday. Jenn, Lola, Sofie, and I were all in attendance. :-)

http://asianbodacious.shutterfly.com/action/

Mrs. Matt Hales...?

I don't understand people who aren't into music. I mean... did God not give us ears so that we could hear the sweet, sweet sounds of artists comme Monsieur Matt Hales? Last night i had the pleasure of attending the Aqualung concert at Kings College. Small venue, relatively inexpensive bar, and one incredible performance after another. I've been a fan of Aqualung for a couple of years now, but last night really blew me away. And despite the annoying and what i think to be inconsiderate 6'+ guy standing smack in the middle of the crowd, I couldn't keep my eyes off of Matt as he worked his magic on that keyboard and into that microphone. Favorites from last night included: Glimmer, Another Little Hole, Something to Believe In, Breaking My Heart, Strange & Beautiful, Garden of Love... i mean, it was ALL good. If you appreciate good music at all, go forth and download immediately.

On a slightly sadder note, it turns out Mr. Hales has been happily married for more than 10 years and has a child... just my luck.

On the saddest note ever, Mr. Hales informed us that about 2 months ago, his record label dropped Aqualung. WHAT?? I don't understand. I did a little online research and turns out, Columbia Records (yes the AMERICAN label) were the ones behind Memory Man, Aqualung's third album. Go figure it'd be the stupid Americans to drop such precious talent...

Ok i'm done being anti-American. ;-) In short, i heart Aqualung and Matt Hales and hope that it won't be too long before i hear him live again.

If Music Be the Food of Love...

...play on! I'm SOOO excited as i have just purchased 2 tickets to see Aqualung at London Kings College on Tuesday, November 20. YAY! I love love Aqualung and am beyond ecstatic to see them at a small, standing room venue. :-)

The Decemberists + Baltimore Symphony Orchestra = Phenomenal

While in DC, J and I borrowed a friend's car and ventured into Maryland to see The Decemberists perform with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. INCREDIBLE!! If you have a chance to see The Decemberists live in concert (which you will if you go to ACL), then you must. They put on an awesome show, and the band members are all such characterists (esp. the drummer!). My only complaint was that the concert was way too short. Mad props to the attorney @ Covington who got us these tix.

Sucks To Be Me

1 more final and a seminar paper... the end is near!! That being said, it really does suck to be me right now. Everyone else is all kinds of finished! AND while most people will be enjoying a petit break between school and work, i sadly will not be... It's off to work at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 14th for me. Oh well, c'est la vie. At least Mom and Jenn are coming on Saturday night for Mother's Day festivities! I am beyond excited about all that we have planned. My plan is to finish and turn in my seminar paper on Friday night (post Employment Discrimination exam - yech) so that i can spend all day on Saturday preparing for their arrival. That means an intense and thorough cleaning of our somewhat disgusting excuse for a house, giving Puffin a bath (not looking forward to this one), buying fresh flowers and plenty of coffee for Mommy, washing extra sheets and blankets, hiding all my um... not-Mom-friendly items, and of course, putting together their delicious surprises. Yay!

They'll be arriving late Saturday night so i'll prepare a petit snack for them since they'll probably be eating a crap dinner on the road. We'll be spending Sunday morning @ Viva Day Spa enjoying the following:

Spring Fling Spa Package- Start out by detoxifying in our Infrared Sauna and feel your tensions melt away- Using a dry brush, the body is exfoliated to increase circulation and lymphatic flow- Next, a One Hour Swedish Massage with Aromatherapy - Hot Herbal Steam Towels are applied on the body throughout the massage- Receive a stimulating express Foot Reflexology treatment to clear any energy blockages- Followed by a Lavender Body Wrap to calm the skin and senses- While wrapped, Cool Cucumbers are placed on the eyes while your scalp is gently massaged- Next receive a tingling Rosemary/Mint Scalp Treatment to relieve stress and hydrate the skin- Ending with hot Jasmine Tea

Then we'll probably have a nice light and healthy lunch (any suggestions?), and then head up to The Domain so that we can buy Mommy her present - a gorgeous Louis Vuitton bag that you can see here http://www.eluxury.com/browse/product_detail.jhtml?styleid=11422524&SectionID=6000. I realize it's un peu expensive, but it is beautiful, and my mommy deserves it!! Then it's church at 5 p.m., a 6:30 dinner @ Vespaio, then spending quality mother-daughter time and getting me ready for work! Monday is work then an early dinner @ Uchi before saying goodbye. :-(

OMG just got FANTASTIC NEWS!!! My friend Mili (actually my sister's friend from college, also a bridesmaid, and i LOVE HER!!) just told me that she got a job as the New Products Manager @ LOUIS VUITTON!!!!!!!! I mean... no words can describe how i feel right now. Her office is right next to the flagship store on 5th avenue too. I am definitely planning a visit. :-) CONGRATULATIONS, MILI!!!

Oooh so Damien Rice was fabulous in every way possible. He sounds even better live than on CD, and very few artists can pull that off. The concert was harder than i expected, and surprisingly, i totally dug it! Amazing lights as well. He opened with 9 Crimes on the piano (missed Lisa sniff), did a piano version of the "Fuck You" song which was incredible, sang Cannonball acoustic and w/o the mic, and ended drinking a glass of wine and singing/acting out "Cheers, Darlin." Fantastic fantastic show, and i can't think of better people with which to spend such an evening. He's on the list for ACL 2007 so buy your tickets now if you've never seen him live.

P.S. Was tres tempted to buy a t-shirt b/c they were ridiculously cute, but i'm proud to say that i decided against that $30 expenditure b/c let's be honest, i never wear t-shirts. Yay for restraint.

P.P.S. Look at this tragic story about how two vegan parents were sentenced to life in prison for starving their baby. :-( http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/vegans-sentenced-to-life-for-starving/20070509155909990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001. It's people like that who give vegans a bad name. Poor child...

Sweet Money!!

I just remembered, or was gently reminded, that i will be attending the Damien Rice concert here in Austin on Wednesday, May 9, right after 2 back-to-back finals. This is faaabulous news, as i have never seen Damien Rice in concert, and i will definitely be needing a nice chill escape from all things law-related for at least a few hours. Bliss. Sheer bliss.

P.S. Am secretly hoping Chris Tomlin makes an appearance in the audience. I think he's a D.R. fan, don't you?

The Bird & The Bee

I first read about The Bird & The Bee on perezhilton, if you can believe it, and his description sounded so appealing that i made a little visit to their myspace page, and voila! I'm in love! First off I love Inara George anyway b/c her song "Fools In Love" might be one of the most amazing songs ever so her voice in this very catchy, electronic pop band makes it super sweet. It's perfect for spring. And girls, i am certain you will relate to the lyrics of their single, "Fucking Boyfriend."