Photos of the Week: Swag

So, realistically, that word is so misused and overused and just plain ridiculous that I hate it, but, it's kinda funny in an ironic sort of way. We heard it a lot, when my roommate Jordan and I went to see Childish Gambino in concert for her birthday! It was AWESOME. In all caps, because that's how awesome it was.

We will definitely try and see him again. He put on a stellar show.

Seen any sweet shows lately? 

Home

It's a cliche, but home really is where the heart is. Excuse my lazy blogging, but it's been a busy couple of weeks! I'm home today, and this song is resonating with me. Plus, that Christina Perri is so talented and cool looking!

Enjoy :)

Kimbra, Settle Down

Once in a while, I stumble upon a new (I use that loosely) artist that I just really fall in love with. Right now, that artist is Kimbra. Her song "Settle Down" was the free video on iTunes a few weeks ago, and I downloaded, and then forgot.

Then a friend posted this video (thank you, arthur) of Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye, and I remembered that she was really interesting! So I watched everything she's got on youtube, and let me tell you -- not only is she really pretty, her songs are smart and beautiful. Plus, we kind of dance the same, so that's encouraging. Watch this, it's fun:

How great, huh? You should watch the video for "Settle Down" as well, its very intriguing and evocative.

Are you hooked? Her EP, also titled Settle Down, is available. It's totally on my Christmas list.

(PS: She's Australian. Cool, right?)

Brains

I'm knee-deep in final papers and studying this week. Thus, I felt like posting some song lyrics. I know, I know, so dramatic.  I blame it on my lack of sleep!

I wanted you to know
that I am ready to go:
Heartbeat, my heartbeat.

I wanted you to know
whenever you are around:
I can't speak, can't speak.

I come around when you least expect me -- 
I'm sittin' at the bar when your glass is empty.
You thinkin' that this song's coming on to tempt me,
I need to be alone like the way you left me. 

All the things that we thought we were losing,
I'm a ghost and you know this, 
that's why we broke up in the first place.

Stupid; so dummy,
Say the wrong thing and wrong girls come running
I'm paranoid that these girls want something from me.

I wanted you to know
that I am ready to go:
Heartbeat, my heartbeat.

I wanted you to know
whenever you are around:
I can't speak, can't speak.

Heartbeat, Childish Gambino (who happens to be Troy, on Community) on his (awesome) premier album, CAMP.

Just so you are aware, if you decide to listen to it, there's some language, and ... risque subject matter. I've been selective with the lyrics here.

See you soon, I hope!

Our Deal

I've been listening to Best Coast's "Our Deal" on repeat the last couple of days. Just has that bittersweet summer feel that I'm floating in right now.

I was feeling a little creative, and thus, made myself a background for my computer.

Voila! Have a favorite song for the summer?

Closer Than I Dreamt It

Guys, I have three semesters of college left, and though I am loving it, I know that this is the beginning of my whole life -- a life full of blessing and change and a whole new world.

To sum it up, I'll let my friend Frank do the talking.. er... singing.



Yep. That's about right. Hope your first few weeks of school are wonderful.

(Also, ten points for getting the reference in the title!)

Photo of the Week: Dance Party

At a Ke$ha concert. It was swell. :)

A France! - Jams Pt. 1

While I could easily write an entire post about jams and jellies, I won't do that today. Music - and let me tell you, the french like their music. They are always singing or whistling, and they don't care if other people hear!

Here's the lowdown from me on French music:

The French love a good beat, on the two big music stations we've listened to, nearly every single song is upbeat and fast-paced, regardless of the language. Some examples that I hear very often are Pyromania by Cascada and In My Head by Jason Derulo (cheers to Steph Barber!) for the English speaking side of things, and Désolé by Sexion D'assaut (which I love) and Je Veux by Zaz, both in French.

They appreciate thoughtful lyrics, also regardless of language. An example of a song that does not have that quality? California Girls by Katy Perry (Slightly questionable video, but kinda funny). It is still played, because its really catchy, but lyrics... everytime it comes on, Christelle and I mock Katy Perry's perky head bob.

The best combination of these songs is one that is upbeat with an uplifting message. A current hit is Shakira's Waka Waka (This Time For Africa). It doesn't hurt that it's the official song for the FIFA World Cup this year! The first goal they show? The French team! Another classic (which has been covered in French by Julien Clerc) is Let the Sunshine In from HAIR! It's a personal favorite of mine, and I love the French version too.

Want to know more? Listen to one of the popular stations here: NRJ, which I prefer, or Radio ISA, which plays a larger variety and more French music (They have a Shania Twain dance remix!).

Voila! But before we go, French phrase of the day!
Today the phrase is je ne sais pas, which means "I don't know!"
It's pronounced as juh nuh say pah, with that first j very soft, almost a sh.
We say this a lot. :)

Allez!
Stephanie

Stuck in My Head: Guy Sebastian & Jordin Sparks

If we are anything alike, every now and then, you will hear a song.
It's pretty good, so you listen again. Now you really want to get the lyrics, so you listen again.
Pretty soon you are on repeat number 236 and you have every word and vibratto memorized.

I do that a lot. Part of it is how I learn (I find that I can memorize things (especially songs) very easily after hearing them a few times) and another is that some songs are just too good.

This song, performed by Guy Sebastian and Jordin Sparks is definitely one of those. Sure, I'm in love with the sound of the song itself, but the lyrics are golden.

Here is a link to the video, on youtube: "Art of Love". You should go listen to it.

I've found a new level of appreciation for communication recently, and this song is just encouraging open communication. Talking it out is so important in a relationship; with your friends, your boyfriend or girlfriend, and with God.

Have a song stuck in your head? Fill me in. I would love to hear it! :)