Waning on Glee - Is It Just me?

I have been a big Glee fan since the very first episode. As this season is quickly coming to close, I find myself waning a bit. My dream is for them to pack it in at the end of this season. Seriously, all the major characters will be graduating and didn’t this show already surpass everyone’s expectations? Let it quietly ride off into the sunset. I’m so afraid this will end up becoming a show that makes me cringe when I watch it. You know what I mean, shows that stay around way too long, or add a cute kid to “liven” things up. Some of my favorite shows have fallen victim to this. This week I saw a commercial on Oxygen for The Glee Project Season Two, so it seems pretty certain that winners of that show would need to have Glee still on. If our current characters are successful, then glee club will become a stepping stone and not a place for rejects as when the show began. Maybe a new crop of kids will be good for the show. Some of the contestants from the first season of The Glee Project have brought some fresh pipes. “Boogie Shoes” was awesome! I’m still enjoying all the performances. Everyone on the show is so friggin’ talented. The storylines, on the other hand, have been very hit or miss with me. I feel the writers really blew it with Quinn. Come on, we saw that truck booking down the highway, yet it seemed like she was back at school in about a week. She would have had a much longer recovery just to get to the point of being able to be in a wheel chair. I don’t think they sent a very good message about not texting while driving. Of course, it does seem like we’re being set up for Quinn never being able to walk, but they really should have shown her in the hospital and deferring college while she goes through extensive physical therapy. Maybe they’ll right that one before season’s end. Well, I gave up on American Idol last season and I haven’t looked back. Glee, I’m sticking with you for now, but you better bring it!

Song of the Week - Brokenhearted/Karmin

It's almost impossible to get this song out of your head, but it's okay because it's great. They also did a great job performing on SNL last month. They're one to watch!

Melody Gardot - Preview "Mira" video

If you’re not already familiar with the wonderful jazz of Melody Gardot, you’re in for a treat. Melody is an amazing singer with an amazing story. I’ve been a fan of hers since 2008. I’m so excited that her new album Absence comes out May 29th. Ms. Gardot came into music in an interesting way. After suffering serious injuries from a bicycle accident, Melody used music as therapy. She has spinal damage and sensitivity to light and sounds, but she doesn’t let that stop her. Her two previous albums were wonderful, but her new one promises to stretch her as an artist. Traveling to South America and recording songs with a Brazilian influence, we’ll be treated to a fresh soond that’s still the Melody we’ve come to love. Check out the first single Mira. I gorgeously textured song with Spanish and English lyrics combining to create a hot song that will make you feel like summer has arrived.




Enjoy the clip, check out her sites and look for a full album review soon.
Pre-order from Amazon now at: http://amzn.to/lBqPyf
Official Sites:
melodygardot.com
facebook.com/melodygardot
twitter.com/#!/mgardot

RIP - Dick Clark

Dick Clark lived a full long life, but his passing is still a sad day for us. He's done so much for television. He produced so many great game shows and let's not even get started on what he's done for music.

American Bandstand showcased so many musicians over the years. I can't believe the singers that Dick Clark brought into my living room over the years. I can't say I learned to dance watching the show (honestly, I've got zero moves), but I sure did grow a wide appreciation for music of all genres.

Dick Clark was always such a likeable guy. Recently, when he suffered a stroke he missed hosting the iconic New Year's Rockin' Eve. He just missed that one year. The next year, there he was. Even though his speech had dramatically changed from the stroke, Clark was there with his wife to bring in a new year for us. Watching him that year I thought, "Man, he kicks ass!" Nothing was going to bring this guy down.

Cheers to you Mr. Clark. Thank you for everything you gave us. Here's a great clip of Clark talking to Prince. This performance was before Purple Rain and even before 1999. Pretty cutting edge for Saturday afternoon.

Song of the Week - Mayer Hawthorne/The Walk

Warning! Explicit Lyrics!

I've recently become a big fan of Mayer Hawthorne. I say recent because I only found out about this guy ago a few months back. Now I'm trying to play catch up. I totally dig what this guy is putting out there. It's nice to hear a traditional R&B, old school song that keeps grounded in it's genre. Sure, he mixes it up a bit with the potty mouth lyrics, but for the most part it's a throwback to music I love and I'm happy to hear Mayer's fresh spin on it. I hope you like too.

Esperanza Spalding - Radio Music Society (Album Review)

Last year, Esperanza Spalding won the Best New Artist Grammy and many viewers went, “Who?” I was already enjoying this talented artist and her amazing album Chamber Music Society, so I was not shocked and extremely pleased.

Now comes her follow up Radio Music Society. Once again these are richly textured songs that refuse to be your background music. She’s a one-woman tiny dynamo, but she’s backed by a huge, talented band.

Cinnamon Tree has a breezy, laid-back tune, whereas Hold on Me and Vague Suspicions have more of a traditional jazz feel. The two stand out songs here are Black Gold and Smile Like That, but truly this is an album to enjoy as a whole.

Spalding exudes cool. That voice, that hair. She seems confident, yet accessible. Check out this clip of her recent performance on The Daily Show. I look forward to more great music from her for years to come.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Conan and Tiny Set

I have no idea why Conan would want to do his show on a tiny set. For me it would be just fine, but Conan's a big guy! I'm sure he and Andy had some vicious back aches later. Well, it was enjoyable for us and darn those puppies are cute!

Song of the Week - Special Edition

There’s so many new songs hitting the airwaves, I thought I do a Song of the Week Special Edition…Digging, Not Digging.”

Many of the artists I enjoy are putting out new tunes, but some just aren’t doing it for me. To be fair, I’ll put on all the videos and maybe you can tell me what I’m missing in these songs.

Not Digging

Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up

I feel like Mr. Mraz phoned this one in. It has such a simple quality to it and it doesn't feel like his style at all.

Train - Drive By
One of the things I hate about this song is how catchy it is. I keep singing it, even though I hate it. The whole "Drive By" thing doesn't work for me. I can't help but thinking of shootings. I've never heard that term used for a one night stand. Have you?

John Mayer - Shadow Days


I love John Mayers music and I have all his cds. I'm torn with this one. The guitar work is awesome, but it rubs me the wrong way that he's telling me he's a good man, with a good heart. Can you say that about yourself? And much like Jason Mraz, this has a country feel that I'm simply not digging.

How do you feel about these? Are any of these your new fav? Tell me why.
Now on to some new songs that I'm digging and are playing in heavy rotation in my car.

Snow Patrol - Called Out In the Dark

This is a great new song from Snow Patrol and the video is great too!

The Shins - Simple Song

I have already listened to this song a gazillion times. I'm so excited for the new album, but sadly, I need to wait till payday. Hold on Shins, I'm coming!

Kelly Clarkson - Stronger

Ya know, I don't want to like this song. It's very pop-lite. Still, I know every word and it does make me feel a tinge of girl power. Turn up the volume. Go Kelly!

The Muppets - On DVD Tomorrow!

It would be easy to write this review quickly and simply say that the new Muppet movie was…perfection. However, I will remove my rose-colored glasses and do my best to give it a real review.

Full disclosure, The Muppets are very close to my heart and were a major part of my childhood. My Dad was a huge fan and I can’t remember them not being around. I remember Muppets on SNL and I had a super cool Animal puppet. I don’t have the puppet anymore, but I still have the motion picture soundtrack on vinyl and I have Christmas Muppet Babies that always adorn my holiday tree.

When The Muppet Show was on in the 1970’s to the early 80’s, it brought my family together. We would crack up and “ahhh” the sweeter moments. The one thing the Muppets always seemed to do was never offend yet be hilariously funny.

For many Muppet fans, dusting off these icons posed a huge risk. These felt puppets encased our childhood and there always has been a pure and innocent spirit about them, which is largely due to their creator Jim Henson. Now that he has passed, exploiting Kermit and the gang would be an abomination. I was sad when Jim Henson passed away in 1990. The first time I heard Kermit talk in some TV appearance, I bawled like a baby. He just didn’t sound like my Kermie.

I tell you all of this because I’m someone that would be a hard sell for a re-boot of this cherished franchise. Somehow, it all slowly fell into place and I was so excited, I rushed out opening day because I couldn’t wait another moment.

First, I read that Jason Segel was responsible for Disney giving the Muppets a new lease on life. I was instantly relived. Not only do I love this guy’s work, he was a fan. Someone who actually loves the Muppets is much better than some corporate big-wig looking to make a quick buck.

The icing on the cake was Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords doing the music. I’m a huge fan. After that tidbit, I was fully in.

I originally planned on seeing the film on Friday, after Thanksgiving. I could not contain myself though and ended up seeing it Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving.

I could not be more pleased with the end result. The Muppets, is a fully realized film with great music and a big heart. The times I wasn’t crying, I sat with a huge smile on my face. It felt wonderful to be back in the company of friends.

The story is one told many times over. The old Muppet theatre is going to be torn down, so all the Muppets must reunite and put on a “Big Show” to stop this from happening. Leave it to The Muppets though to take an otherwise tired plot line and make it a complete joy from beginning to end.

My only disappointment is there wasn’t enough. To drive the story along, it was important focus on certain characters, so there was no time for The Swedish Chef to make a meal or Professor Honeydew to report from his lab. Also, no pigs went into space.

This seems like a great problem to have because it leaves room for new movies. Thankfully, Bret McKenzie snagged that Oscar for “Man or Muppet” to ensure they’ll be back to the drawing board for another installment.

Henson created something very special with his puppets and it’s important for a new generation of children to enjoy his CGI-less creations. There’s been some backlash about this being anti-corporation and FOX News accused them of pushing a liberal-bias onto children. That’s crazy. The Muppets’ message is simple. Believe in yourself, keep you’re friends close and look for the rainbow connection. Some people really are lovers and dreamers. Actually, I don’t need to come to The Muppets defensive. They can take care of themselves. Check this out:

We’re all grown up I guess. I sure did enjoy going down memory lane though and I hope a new crop of youngins’ will embrace The Muppets. Am I buying the DVD? Of course I am, silly!

Song of the Week - My Door Bell/The White Stripes

This song was stuck in my head all weekend. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, the weather was beautiful. It was the kind of weather that made you feel like Spring is near. This is the type of song that's good for cranking with the windows rolled. Maybe it's just me?