So, I’ve been under a rock lately finishing up my manuscript and getting it ready to send off to an editor for consideration. So imagine my surprise when I check my FaceBook account and see that not only did I miss a John Mayer Trio performance on the Tonight’s Show recently, but they covered “California Dreaming”. So here’s the first, of many I’m sure, John Mayer virtual concerts– this one is dedicated to JM performances I’ve missed.
Now, back to “California Dreaming”, I’ve had a house/club remix of this song on my Ipod for over a year now and it’s one of my jams. I keep it handy at work, because sometimes a good party song helps to destress the situation. Anywho, here’s a clip of that performance. I couldn’t find any actual video footage, so for now it’s just audio. Sounds like it was a great performance, I hate I missed it. (I hope this song is on the new album)
So, another thing I found today, as I was perusing my Facebook page, is that John premiered his new single, “Who Says” on his website today. And, just because it’s me, I couldn’t get the preview thingy to work. However, I did find a slightly burry video of him performing this song live, so I’ve added it below. My impressions of the song? I think it’s a fun/folksy song that reminds me a bit of “Stop This Train”. Some people may get all bent out of shape by the lyrics in the chorus, but if you actually listen to the song, I think you’ll get what he’s saying. But like all art, lyrics are subjective and open to interpretation–which is one of the reasons why I’m a fan of great lyricists. You’ll be amazed at what you find if you actually listen to what people are singing or rapping about. Anywho, that’s a tangent for another day. Here’s John:
And to round out my JM virtual concert of performances I’ve missed (because I’d been under a rock) here’s John performing on David Letterman for his 2008 Thanksgiving show. Apparently, he’s been on Dave’s show for the past 4 Thanksgiving’s!!
And I’ve missed them all!!
Oh well, can you guess what I will be watching this year on Thanksgiving’s Day night?? Enjoy John singing “In The Wee Small Hours” featuring Chris Botti.
This has been a tough year, filled with loss. Several people have moved on from this world, some well known & loved, others not as well known, but loved even more all the same.
Three days ago Patrick Swayze lost his battle with cancer. In tribute, here’s my favorite line from one of my favorite movies, Dirty Dancing
I saw this the other night during the VMA’s. Great trailer, really getting me pumped for the release.
And while I’m a big Jacob fan (although I think it’s more that I’m a Taylor Launter fan-lol) I must admit, the 1:38 mark is my favorite little bit. I should be embarrased and ashamed of myself, but oddly…. I’m not
And I wonder what happens to make Bella slap one of the wolves (at the 2:00 mark), I don’t remember that part from the book, so it’s probably something new to the screenplay.
Update 9/26/09–all of the video clips have been removed from YouTube. I knew it was only a matter of time before this happed, I hoped you got a change to view them before they were yanked, or got the chance to see the concert.
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I believe it goes without saying that Jay-Z is the pre-eminent MC in the rap game today. And trust me, I don’t say that lightly as I am very hard on the Hip Hop and Rap genre of today (just ask the hubby–we get into it all the time about it). I have fundamental issues with what some Hip Hop “artists” call music, including the overwhelming negative images they choose to glorify constantly, the lack of respect they show for any and all things different than them or from what they’re accustomed to
Yet, I digress. I will not get into that discussion today.
Today I want to talk about the musical genius that is Jay-Z. The hubby had been eagerly awaiting the release of Blueprint 3, so the minute his pre-ordered copied downloaded, he’s been listening to it. After getting his initial impressions, I decided to listen to it once I got home that day. But of course I got sidetracked and didn’t get around to it. Then I was reminded that Jay-Z 9/11 concert was on TV, so I tuned in to get my first look at Jay in concert and to get my first glimpse of The Blueprint 3.
And keep in mind that while I do like Jay-Z, I still have a lot of strong negative feelings and prejudices against rappers in general, and its sometimes hard for me to get past that.
So, I tuned into the concert and was amazed and blown away by his performance. I’ve never seen Jay-Z in concert so all of the live appearances I’ve seen of him have been on award shows and such, where everyone tends to have over the top performances and stage designs. And Jay-z is not known for the visual performances at his shows (i.e. dancers, complicated sets, changing clothes, etc.) so I was a bit concerned (but only for all of 2 secs) of what a Jay-Z concert would be like.
I LOVED it.
Who needs dancers, special effects, and pyrotechnics when you have great music being performed by the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kanye, and John Mayer? I’m a big fan of good music, regardless of genre, and this was a great show. I can only image how charged the atmosphere was at the Garden that night. When you have a talented artist who’s a fan of good music, who’s an outstanding lyricist, and one that is not afraid to make a statement with his work, you’re in for one hell of a show.
Here are just a few of my fav performances from the concert. And while you’re viewing these, check out the crowd. Jay-Z sold out the Garden and attracted a highly diverse audience in the process. I’m telling you, we all bond over good music.
Of course, first up is Jay-Z featuring John Mayer. I LOOOOOOOVE me some John Mayer, as most of my friends very well know. John’s makes his intro at the :26 mark, but the real jam session starts around the 2:45 mark which segues into the DOA performance at 4:32. Try not to get too excited and jump around too much (or wait, that may just have been me-lol)
Here’s Jay performing one of my favs from the new album ”Home”, featuring Kid Cudi. The performance starts at the 1:08 mark
Ok, and last but not least in the line of great performances from the show, here’s my fav song off the new album:
And I would be remiss if I did not include this touching tribute from Jay. This is, of course, the entire reason behind this concert. Seeing the pictures of those that lost their lives that day made a huge emotional impact. The 9/11 tribute starts at the 7:20 mark:
The concert is re-airing tonight (9/13) on Fuse. Tune in if you missed it the first time around.
I love using natural and organic products whenever I can, especially when it come to my body. While doing some random researching (which I use as a distractive devise when I should be writing) I can across Alchemy of Sol in my home state of Tennessee that produces soap, among other things, using natural and local ingredients. Since I was low on soap and it was time for me to order some more from vendor I’ve been using the past year (Mountain Cottage Soaps) I decided to give them a try.
I still love my Mountain Cottage Soaps, but I wanted to give the local guys a try. Not only am I supporting natural products, but I’m also supporting local vendors right here in the state of Tennessee.
I placed an order for a bar of Buttermilk Honey-Almond, Lavender, and Rococo, along with one of their Spice of Life samplers and a couple of their sundry items. My order was waiting for me when I got home on Friday and I excitedly tore into the box. I wasn’t disappointed at all in my newly purchased bounty. The soaps have smell wonderful, they are deeply scented without being too overpowering. They’re a solid 4.5 oz and are quite large–I don’t have to worry about using these up too quickly (which can be an issue when using some natural soaps). I’m also extremely please with the size and variety of the samples that were included in the Spice of Life Sampler. For only $6, I thought these was a nice why to try some of the other scents, without a full bar commitment.
First bar up, Rococo
I think I’m in love already. The description on the website says:
Aromatic. Exotic. Dangerous. Sensual.
Rococo: architectural element. We didn’t anticipate the response this blend of essential oils would create. I have had people show up on my doorstep at 7:30 in the morning, telling me they’re “down to their last sliver”. Seriously. Patchouli, Sweet Orange, Cinnamon Leaf, Lemon. Rich, Dark Chocolate.
1001 Arabian Nights.
I’m a fan of earthly scents and this one’s a home run. I know I have to give the other scents their fair shake, but I have a feeling this one will be my overall favorite.
I got the Buttermilk Honey-Almond for the girls based on the sites description:
ButterMilk Honey-Almond
Rich. Nurturing.
We take local ButterMilk made fresh especially for us from the Hatcher Family Dairy
Local Raw Honey from Gardner Grove, & organic, ground, raw almonds, to create a rich, creamy delight! Essential oils of Bitter Almond, Sweet Orange & Cinnamon Leaf.
Yummmm… Sinnnfully Rich!
They love it! And trust me, they are picky when it comes to their bath products (the little divas). But they liked the smell, and I liked the fact that it left their skin very soft.
If you’re looking to try something new, and good for your skin, give them a shot. I highly recommend them.
John Mayer Concert: 3/19/10
Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs: 3/30/10
Twilight Saga: Eclipse: 6/30/10
The Last Air Bender: 7/2/10
HP & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1:11/19/10
David Garrett
