Tagged: music

February 15th, 2010

Jane Birkin

 

3425902176_4160c4f260_oI was enthusastic yet anxious to attend Jane Birkin’s concert Feb 12th at the French Institute Alliance Française in the city.  Enthuastic because Jane Birkin is a fashion icon and muse over the decades to some of the best fashion designers and musicians, including Serge Gainsbourg of course.  Anxious because I didn’t know quite what to expect sitting in a small, intimate theater listening to lyrics sung in French.  What I found out is that her voice was whispery and almost frail sounding, which matches her waif-like figure and cropped pixie hair style.  I was not expecting her to wear mens baggy tweed trousers with a suede keeper, a loose untucked white button down shirt with the sleeves half rolled/shoved up her thin arms, a matching tweed unbuttoned vest, and a loose tie.  The masculininty and oversized garments accentuated her ultra petite frame.  However, despite her initial appearance and the sound of her voice, what became clear throughout the concert was her strength and openess to the human experience.  She pulled the audience in close to her heart, showing her vulernability and the humaness we all share.  

Check out her music and enjoy some pics that capture the icon over the years.

Luv. Lola

 

December 12th, 2009

David Grey in All His Glory

So, this past Sunday, I was lucky enough to receive a last minute invite to see David Grey with a good friend of mine.  Sundays are typically off limits for me when it comes to hanging out due to my insane Monday mornings (see my early post “Mondays a la Violet“ ) but I told myself I would just have to make this work.  I love David Grey’s romantic sweet sound and lyrics.  This was one event I couldn’t miss out on due to my old Monday insanity.  Anyway, just as my friend had promised, his sound was amazing live… so much more powerful than his recorded music.  If you are in love, you will fall harder.  If you aren’t in love, your soul will seek love that much more.  Wow.

If any of you have the chance to see him live, I definitely recommend it… no excuses!

Xo,

Violet

November 20th, 2009

Who is Charlie Winston

 

If you are like me, I am constantly searching out artists I’m not familiar with.  Will always love Britney – ok, isn’t Baby Hit Me One More Time a pop classic now – but seriously, the big studios produce and the labels market the same music.  I was so excited to come across the music of a unique and truly talented singer-songwriter, Charlie Winston. 

Charlie is British and had his big break in France this year, with his hit Like a Hobo.  What I love about his music is how I feel connected to his songs.  He doesn’t just sing the lyrics, but rather creates a story.  The instrumental music and beats are quirky and I can’t help but want to snap my fingers and dance.  Plus, his signature look - button down, vest, trousers, and scruffy beard – is adorably hot. Check out his music!

 

November 18th, 2009

Music Beat: Sia

 

 

Arrivals+MTV+Australia+Awards+2009+6oJkMFyTQGGl

sia mtv australia 2009 

Sia is an Australian musical gem. Her music is folksy-pop. Her album is definitely in frequent rotation on my ipod.  Check out her album Some People Have Real Problems. You won’t be disappointed!

September 3rd, 2009

Party in the U.S.A.

Hmmm.  My last taxi cab ride in the city was very eventful.  The cabbi was blaring a top 40 channel on the radio, and guess what song was playing?  Miley Cyrus’ new song “Party in the U.S.A.”.  If you don’t know of it, let me fill you in.  It is the catchiest/annoying-est pop song of 2009.  In fact, the track has yet to stop repeating itself in my head for the last 72 hours.  The scariest moment?  When I caught myself bopping my head to the catchiest/ annoying -est song when I was humming out loud. WTF?!? Shameful.

Anyhoo, I wanted to download new songs on my ipod.  Interesting.  The #1 song downloaded on itunes happens to be “Party in the U.S.A.” -  awesome.  I click on the album to see the reviews.  Ok, so over 11,000 people have spent the energy to write a review and rate this song, which to my glee has a 1-star rating (out of 5 which is the best).  So how does a 1-star worthy song, rated by the public, end up as the #1 downloaded song?!? Again, WTF. Anyhoo, if you’re ever in need of a good giggle, read the Reviews!  Laughtastic.

miley_cyrus

 

“I vomited in my mouth when I heard this song. It’s that bad” – posted by Shredalert on itunes.

August 22nd, 2009

Woodstock Festival

40 Years Later and Still Rockin

 

I had always read the unbelievable stories and seen the amazing pics from the Woodstock music festival in August 1969 – the ultimate event with legendary bands that changed music forever.  To imagine our parents’ generation with long hair, half-naked (ok, maybe not such a pleasant image…i take back!) dancing to rock music, smoking god knows what with all their friends, in a mass of people in the pouring rain and mud, is completely unfathomable to me.   When some friends invited me to the 40th anniversary concert I jumped at the chance!  The day was a beautiful, sunny day for the approx 15,000 concert goers. The music was great with oldies but goodies like Jefferson Airplane (i promise! look them up on itunes).   The best was seeing the hippies who you knew were at the original concert.  Check out some pics… Enjoy!

 

 DSC01368

DSC01371

Concert goers

Stage

ZZ Top

June 22nd, 2009

“Hot Like Wow”

nadia-ohIf the coffee caffeine fix just isn’t helping, I’ll play “Hot Like Wow” -both the cover name and song for Nadia Oh’s debut album- on my ipod to give me a boost of energy.  This is a great album to get ready for a fun night out with my friends or to push me to stay on the treadmill for a few more minutes.   Modern synth beats with club lyrics, this is no-fuss and easy-to-listen to… check it out at http://www.nadiaoh.com/ !