Today: Something New

Time for a more upbeat song today. King Charles is so strange that I always find their songs so interesting. "Loveblood" is so fun.



The song is as quirky as the title character, "Lady Percy," apparently is. I also love the juxtaposition of the verses and the chorus. And the very Caribbean beachy feel.

Today: Something Told

I am a big fan of musicals. Probably because I grew up watching all kinds with my mother, sisters, and grandmother. So when the teaser trailer for the movie version of Les Miserables was released today, many friends (and my mom of course) sent me a link, asking what I thought.

When I started this blog, I wrote about my feelings regarding this movie, as casting was underway. Since then, I have just been mostly grateful that Samantha Barks was cast as Eponine since she played the role at the West End. I have more thoughts but first, the trailer:



It is short. Someone not familiar with the plot would only learn that Anne Hathaway's character cuts her hair very short while passably singing about lost dreams. I knew from the beginning that Anne would not be able to sing "I Dreamed a Dream" like a Broadway actress would. Movie Fantine will be very different than stage Fantine. She does not have the power or the breath control to really showcase the anger and frustration needed in this song. Fantine is dying. She is lamenting how life has lead her to nothing, selling herself to send money to a daughter brought on by a teenage transgression and dying from tuberculosis. It is sad, yes, but she is mostly heart-broken and angry. From what I heard in the trailer, this does not come across.The pinnacle of the song is the break and crescendo to "So different from this hell I'm living." Hathaway's performance is much shakier, as if she's crying, than it is usually sung. Maybe there will be a studio version recorded for the soundtrack or something. But really, it's a movie. She has the chance to sing it as many times as she wants to get it perfect. There really is no excuse.

The cinematography of the one minute and thirty-eight seconds is beautiful. If nothing else, the movie will be beautiful to watch. I find Hugh Jackman's monk look, as escaped prisoner, Jean Val Jean, with the beard and shaved head, quite disconcerting. Russell Crowe looks more like Russell Crowe than Inspector Javert, but the costumes look good. We get a quick glimpse of Amanda Seyfried's Cosette, looking suitably boring, and Eddie Redmayne's Marius on the barricade.

There is no dialogue, so we have still not addressed my concerns about whether the movie will be an operetta like the stage production, but I would guess not. That will be an interesting change. Hopefully we will get a full length trailer soon.

Today: Something New

After quite a few days of heavy rain, the mood has been a bit melancholy here. "I Can't Keep You In My Mind" from La Sera fits that mood well.



 I think La Sera has really found a good balance with this record, "Sees the Light."

Today: Something New

BOY is, ironically, a female German pop duo. They have a happy, infectious sound and just released their record, "Mutual Friends."



I think this song, "Little Numbers," has become popular to use on television soundtracks this spring. It is definitely fun enough and I'm looking forward to hearing more from BOY.

Today: Something New

This is another fun song from Dinosaur Feathers. I'm going to be playing this album, "Whistle Tips," all summer.



I think the upbeat, electronic sound makes up for the fact that the vocals aren't amazing. "Young Bucks" is a good song, simple and fun.

Today: Something New

Reptar is a band that has taken me a while to decide if I like or not. I've finally decided that I like some of their stuff, but others I just don't get. Sometimes the instrumentation is just too weird for me. And that is totally okay.



I have a feeling that "Sebastian" off "Body Faucet" is a song I would like to see them perform live. I really like the chorus of "Ohs."

Today: Something New

This is a new song from The Tallest Man On Earth. I'm super excited for his new album, "There's No Leaving Now," out in a couple weeks.



I love his whole sound. "1904" definitely puts his old school vibe to good use. So great.

Today: Something New

If you are ready for summer like I am, you probably love beachy, SoCal rockers, Best Coast.



The lead-off single, "The Only Place," is also the title track off the new album, out this week. So beachy and fun and upbeat.

Today: Something New

I think I might like the second record from Dinosaur Feathers, "Whistle Tips," even more than their first.



I absolutely love the vibe and funky chorus on "Beatcha." I am so ready for summer and this is perfect. This is definitely going on my July 4th playlist.

Today: Something New

One of my best friends just had the chance to see Beach House live. I have to say I'm very jealous.



And in honor of their new album, "Bloom," out this week, enjoy a live version of "Wild." The vocals are awesome. I apologize for the strobe-lighty video.

Today: Something New

I'm back! I've reaffirmed my love of Ed Sheeran. "Give Me Love" is off his "The A List" EP from last fall but will also be on his new record, "+" which will be out in June.



I love the break down around 3:30 to the end of the song. He is a fabulous musician.