the talk :: featured on bubby & bean!

[image by Melissa via bubbyandbean]

Hey everyone! I'm excited to have a small part in a feature that Melissa is doing over at her blog, Bubby & Bean. Check it out, and take a look at her other sponsors! They're all great :)

Happy Tuesday!

music monday :: dave barnes

image via google.

I've been listening to Dave since I was in college, and just saw him last week at The Hamilton Live in DC. (Marylanders... if you've never been there, it's like the Rams Head Annapolis of DC!) It was a really special show... very stripped down and acoustic, with just a guy on keys (Gabe Dixon, also the opener), and a dude on guitar that he borrowed from Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. That's the best part about going to a show like Dave's... he keeps it in the music family. I absolutely love when artists share their bands with each other! They keep spreading the talent around and it's wonderful.

One of my favorite things about seeing Dave is always his comedic nature. This guy is hilarious. He cracks jokes, tells funny stories, and has the whole room cracking up by the end of the set. It's like getting a comedy routine and music for the price of one! If you ever get a chance to see him, I guarantee you'll enjoy that part.

Now about the music: Dave is an acoustic type of guy. Since his older albums, he's added in other elements, but still stays true to just him and a guitar for a lot of performances. He is a solid writer and a lot of his songs from back in the day still speak to me. I love watching him play because you can clearly see how much he enjoys it, and how much he enjoys his fellow musicians. There were a couple times during his show at The Hamilton where he was in the middle of talking and Gabe was playing a riff, and he just had to stop and say, "I'm sorry, I got distracted because that sounded so good." Love that! More than anything, I always feel like Dave is super appreciative of what he has and what he gets to do.

My favorite from a long time ago.

 

 

 

A beautiful one.

 

 

In case you didn't know... Dave Barnes wrote God Gave Me You. I will always love his version more than Blake Shelton's. He tells a funny story at his shows about how that song covered by Blake was featured on the Today Show and he watched it in a hotel breakfast bar. He asked some lady if she liked the song and she said "No, not really." hahaha :)

 

Go fill your day with some Dave, and stop back tomorrow for an exciting Talk post! It's one you won't want to miss!

 

friday favorites :: apologies

Sorry for failing to post yesterday, friends! I woke up with a headache and just feeling MEH. I couldn't even bring myself to get out of bed on time for work (and dress in work clothes... the worst when you aren't feeling well!). I vegged on the couch and drank tea all day before heading out to a show (more on that later). So today's Favorites post will be all about apologies. Some musically related, others not. Enjoy!

1. This apology from Joy & John Paul. So happy they kept working together on some level, though.

2. This stripped down version of "Apologize."

3. Top 10 celebrity apologies.  [click on the names in the article.]

4. Preach.

[via weheartit]

 

5. This is one way to look at it... negative, but sometimes necessary.

[via weheartit]

 

 

And to end... I think if a dude sang me this song, I would have no choice but to forgive him instantly :)

 

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 



what they wore :: neko case

Happy Wednesday! First things first... Life Into Words has a little ad spot over on Sometimes Sweet! The lovely Danielle was nice enough to let me intrude on her space :) So head over to her blog and check out her world... if nothing else, just to see her two adorable little boys! They make me melt.

Okay, down to business! Today's What They Wore Wednesday feature is someone who I think is beautiful inside and out. Every time I hear her music, she reminds me of one of my good friends who loves her too. Plus, her casual-with-a-touch-of-glamour style rocks. Bonuses all around! I'm talking about Neko Case.

[all images via weheartit & google]

 

Number one thing I love about this chick... jeans & t-shirts. And her ability to look like a normal person walking down the street. And her hair color! (I might as well call this post Woman Crush Wednesday.)

 

In case you don't already know, Neko has not only done her own music, but is part of The New Pornographers. And she put out her sixth studio album in September... check it out!

 

 



the talk :: finding meaning in music

It's rare that I meet people who tell me that music doesn't mean a lot to them. But once in a blue moon, I come across someone that says they don't listen to music that much, or don't have any favorite bands. As someone who can't imagine a world without music, and often says she'd rather be blind than go deaf, I think it's kind of funny.

My friends will be the first to tell you that I loooove emotional music. Music that has a sense of purpose, or sadness, or happiness, or comfort. Songs and lyrics that define a certain moment in your life. Albums that speak to you for months. There's something about that kind of connection that is so special.

So in honor of finding the meaning in music, I wanted to post some songs that have really meant something to me.

1. Sara Smile - Hall & Oates

I was named after this song, or so my mom claims. My dad says he knows nothing about it :) But I like to think that I am even if I'm not, because it's a special thing for me. (Even if Sarah is spelled wrong.)

2. The Scientist - Coldplay

I know, I know... everyone loves this song. But I love to play my version of it on guitar and sing these lyrics. It's a song I go to when I want to sing something haunting yet lovely.

3. Hold Nothing Back - Copeland

See this post. This band and this song means so much to my heart.

4. So, In This Hour - The Rocket Summer

Specifically this version of the song (the other one is on another of his albums). This song speaks so much to me about my faith and what I put my trust in. And how I feel about God in general. When I used to go on 6-mile runs (a looong time ago), I would listen to this.

5. Gravity - Sara Bareilles

I'm human. I've gone through a bit of heartbreak. And this song leads me through it. At the time, it said everything I felt and wanted to say. It's still one of my favorite songs regardless of the topic. She just does a beautiful job with it.

Of course there are more that I love, but five is enough for now. If you read this post, I'd love to hear what songs are most meaningful to you! Music has such a big presence in this world, and I'm happy it's one of the rare things that gives (almost) all of us something in common. Sound off in the comments! :)

music monday :: good old war

[photo via google image]

I've been a Good Old War fan for a while. I've seen them play a couple of times, most recently at the 9:30 club. These three guys have such a fun energy about them, from their random dance moves to their song lyrics. More than anything, I just appreciate their skill. It's not an easy task to find a good fit with other musicians. A lot of bands fall apart because of that alone. But every time I see Good Old War, I feel like I'm watching a band of brothers. They have a great acoustic sound but they love to throw things like accordion in there. (I love seeing them bust out the accordion!) Their creativity and passion for music shines through in every set that they play. It even spills over into their name, derived from letters of their last names (Keith GOODwin, Tim ArnOLD, Dan SchWARtz). Pretty awesome, if you ask me.

I'm dying to see them again soon, but for now, here's some of their stuff to hold me (and you) over! You can stream their albums here.

 

Happy Monday!

friday favorites :: pics and links and things, oh my!

Happy day after Halloween, friends! Hope you all had a good night full of candy & more candy. I know I did (total sugar high). Today I'm posting some of my favorite things from the week... so look, read, and enjoy!



 

 

 1. These halloween nails! (via weheartit)

 

 

2. This link on being a girl in the middle of things. Love Danielle's perspective.

 



3. This vegan chili. It's SO GOOD. I made it for a dinner with friends this week and even the guys who are total meat lovers said they really liked it. Plus it's good for you! (FYI - I'm not a vegan, I'm just in love with this chili which happens to be vegan by coincidence.)

4. The makeup I use. It's all made from minerals and no chemicals. I started using it after the liquid foundation I previously used made me break out all the time. This is so much better on my skin! And it looks way less heavy.



 

5. There are no words. If only I had the guts to do this. (via weheartit)

 

6. Rubyellen's oh-so-sweet Halloween picture story with her kiddos! They're the cutest.

 

7. I read this Tumblr every single day. Cracks me up! I say most of these things from time to time in my head (no offense married friends, I love you all)!

 

8. This show and this show are coming up on my radar! Can't wait to hear all this good music. Watch for blog posts about them!

 

9. We all know I'm a sucker for a glittery guitar. (via weheartit)

 

10. Trying to remember this. My heart runs wild sometimes, that's for sure. (viaweheartit)

 

Have a great weekend kids!