Too Many Numbers

So I'm taking this online Statistics course at LACC...  While numbers and math class have never been my favorite thing, I was inspired to find some numerical songs to keep me motivated in my studies. I think it worked, because I'm proud to say I got a 94 on my first test (#notsohumblebrag)!

Playlist

Too Many Numbers

Highlights

- Track 2/ Eight of Nine by the Ataris

The Ataris remind me of middle school, where we would sit in the hallway of the old gym on hot P.E. days and play B.S. We used to yelp "Popcorn!" when we had lied about the cards we put down. This was my favorite song on their album, and I always thought it was so emotional- at least I know that I was definitely emotional, hormones raging and all.

- Track 4/ 5/6 by Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz is one of my favorite male vocalists of all time. I went to see him perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall when I was in high school, and could probably still sing along impeccably to every word of his early album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come. He's got this hippy dippy happy-go-lucky vibe lately, but I'm just glad he's gone back to acoustic roots. This song is off of one of his more recent albums, and has a little bit of that psychedelic influence. A nice one to take a break with from all those fractions.

- Track 13/ Square One by Tom Petty

Square One was written for the soundtrack of Elizabethtown, which is probably one of my favorite movie soundtracks. It is a good representation of the movie: the sentimental feelings associated with an oddball love story, the theme of starting new, and the folksy drifting vibe of the main character played by Orlando Bloom (I'll admit, I even think he's cute in this movie).

Thanks for listening (numerically)!

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What I'm Listening to This Month: August & September 2014

This month's post is a two-for-one deal! (That's just a sneaky way for me to tell you I messed up and wasn't able to complete my usual quota.) Who knew blogging could be so hard? #firstworldproblems

Let's just say that I ran out of time because I was still stuck watching Queen Bey's VMA performance, waiting patiently for her to sing XO. Yeah, it was the last song and it took way too long to get there. I know I'm a hater, but here's what I'm loving this bi-month:

Playlist

Augtember Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 5/ Back to the Shack by Weezer

This is the sound that Weezer is known for: the new single off of their new album is a throwback to their alt-rock roots and it makes you feel like you've always been there with them. 

- Track 9/Budapest by George Ezra

This song reminds me a little bit of Rusted Root's Send Me On My Way, and I could see it fitting into the Matilda soundtrack comfortably. George Ezra's warm and  bluesy voice has just enough rasp and the tambourine and hand claps make this one feel so good.

- Track 17/ Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj

I am continuously impressed with Jessie J every time I hear a new song she puts out. She's got chops, and I was worried that Ariana Grande wasn't going to be able to compete with such a big voice. Ariana stood up to the challenge, but Bang Bang really highlights Jessie J's abilities. My favorite part about this song is that it's fun and also exciting to see three powerful women in the industry on one track.

Thanks for listening (literally)!

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Making Waves

As summer comes to an end, I always find my biggest regret is not spending enough time at the beach. I'm a California beach girl, and was raised swimming in the ocean. My favorite thing is to swim out past where the waves break and float in the calm swells, and this is what has inspired my latest playlist. So here's a little playlist for the winding down of summer beach days and the peace I find when surrounded by ocean water. 

Playlist

Making Waves

Highlights

- Track 2/ Something in the Water by Brooke Fraser

This song represents the excitement of summer to me: a toe-tapping beat and breathy vocals w/ backup choir. She sings about drinking wine, falling in love, and days in the sun and her Do-Do-Do's are positively infectious! Also she's from New Zealand, so that's pretty cool.

- Track 9/ Mountain and the Sea by Ingrid Michaelson

I could probably listen to Ingrid Michaelson any time of year- and definitely have! I'm a huge fan of hers, and although I'm usually drawn to her quieter melancholy songs, she's also got a handful of upbeat tunes that you just can't get out of your head. She draws you in with catchy harmonies and earnest lyrics, and this song is no different. 

- Track 16/ Sea of Love by Cat Power

This song has been covered by many artists over the years, but its original form is 1959 doo wop ballad by Phil Phillips. I didn't even realize it was a cover until one of my adolescent patients chose to sing the original version during a karaoke group. (Needless to say, this patient is a kid after my own heart and has impeccable taste in music.) This cover by Cat Power was apparently used in the movie Juno, which is now coming back to me. The accompaniment reminds me of an autoharp, which obviously sparked the Music Therapist in me. 

Thanks for listening (wavily)!

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Dog Days of Summer

I've teamed up again with Shana Mattheis of Roots Revival Co.! I will be making a special playlist for her blog each month. The latest one is Dog Days of Summer, inspired by the hot, sultry days of summer between July and September. You can find it on Her Blog or if you follow me on Spotify.

Stay tuned for more playlists this month!

What I'm Listening to This Month: July 2014

Where did July go? I have not been to the beach nearly enough times for how far we are into summer... although I probably won't be heading to Venice Beach anytime soon. Here's to hoping the only thing electrifying in your life right now is love or music! I've got some laid back beats and empowered female singers for you this month:

Playlist

July Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 2/ Stolen Dance by Milky Chance

This song has me rocking out in my car everytime I catch it on the radio- I can't help but roll the windows down, blast the volume and sway along to Milky Chance's muted vocals. It's like the awkward teenage white girl in me resurfaces, and I'm transported back to goofy dance parties in my bedroom when none of us quite knew how to dance. 

- Track 4/ All About that Bass by Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor wrote us a summer anthem to bring booty back! This gorgeous singer-songwriter's retro-inspired song celebrates bodies of all shapes and sizes- the perfect jam for a little pick me up amidst the stress of bikini season.

- Track 17/ Girl in a Country Song by Maddie & Tae

This is my new favorite country song, the way I like them: with a feminist twist. These young girls have addressed in a song, much of what I dislike about country music: the role of women in many popular songs today. I dunno about you, but this song drives me "redneck crazy"- in a good way!

Thanks for listening (literally)!

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Roots in Independence

This month I've teamed up with Shana Mattheis of Roots Revival Co. to bring you an Independence Day playlist! I met Shana about six months ago at a craft fair where I was playing a gig with my dad, and we connected through our mutual love of folk music. Her company Roots Revival Co. is rooted (ha!) in craftsmanship and inspired by the resurgence and renewal of the folk music tradition. Her store features beautiful handmade items, from delicious lip balms to my personal favorite: lyric-stamped copper jewelry. She asked me to create her a playlist this month featuring songs about freedom, free spirits, and a little patriotism-- and I can't think of a better way to celebrate our country's birthday!

Playlist

Roots in Independence

Highlights

- Track 1/ Live While Were Young by Johnnyswim

My new favorite duo, and previously featured in a past post/playlist- this song is about living life to the fullest and the adventurous spirit the comes with youth. 

- Track 10/ I Feel the Blues Movin' In by Harris, Ronstadt, & Parton

Three of the most important American folk singer/songwriters: Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Dolly Parton teamed up on this track about love slipping away. Although not particularly about freedom, this song is the 'Blue' to my set of 'Red, White, & Blue' songs on the list.

- Track 13/ Stars by Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Grace Potter is a voice to be reckoned with, and this is probably one of my favorite songs by her. Not originally intended as any kind of patriotic song, Stars is an emotional song about losing someone dear to you. I would like to dedicate it to the brave men and women who fought for our country to ensure our freedoms.

You can also find this playlist on 8tracks and Shana's Roots Revival Co. blog. Be sure to check out Roots Revival Co. on Facebook and on her website!

Thanks for listening (independently)!

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What I'm Listening to this Month: June 2014

Just barely in the nick of time for my second playlist of the month! Here's to celebrating the beginning of summer with some fun dance anthems, soul singers, and a little bit of hip hop.

Playlist

June Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 1/ Satisfaction by Allen Stone

Allen Stone is a self-proclaimed 'hippie with soul,' and man--can this white dude sing! My brother played a couple of his songs while we were road tripping from Massachusetts to D.C. last month, and I knew I had to include at least one in the playlist this month. 

- Track 12/ Little Lion Man by Tonight Alive

Another song stolen from the East Coast road trip with my siblings last month- this is probably one of the best covers I've heard! Tonight Alive reminds me of a more hardcore Paramore, and their pop-punk take on Mumford & Sons' biggest song is ingenious. 

- Track 16/ Chandelier by Sia

I adore Sia: she's got singing chops, she's weird, and she got Lena Dunham to perform an interpretive dance number for this song on Late Night. It's funny for me to see Sia doing songs like this new single and David Guetta's Titanium (which I ADORE) which has made her so famous. Before all of this, she was making alternative jazz/pop singer-songwriter stuff, and also one of my favorite melancholy songs: Breathe Me. Also, apparently she used to sing back up vocals for Jamiroquai. 

Thanks for listening (literally)!

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