Songs I've Been Listening To #12

Some music I have been listening to lately...

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1.) Close Your Eyes and Wander - Ernie Halter // Album: Released as a single - 2009

Ernie is a fantastic songwriter, as you can probably figure out from any of his other material. This single was featured on General Hospital in 2009.

2.) Open Arms (Vocal Only Version) - Boyz II Men // Album: Love (2009)

An album made up of covers, including songs like "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls, and an A Cappella version of "Time After Time." This song is originally by Journey.

3.) Requiem - Foo Fighters // Album: The Colour and The Shape (1997)

This B-Side was never originally on the album, but included on the deluxe version a couple years back. A great cover, originally by Killing Joke.

4.) Keli Richards - Gin Blossoms // Album: New Miserable Experience (1992)

A B-Side from Gin Blossoms first major label debut, added to the album on the deluxe version in 2002. The song is about a porn star named "Keli Richards," but that may just be a fictional name.

5.) So Lonely - The Police // Album: Outlandos d'Amour (1978)

Off the debut album by The Police, I first heard this last month on the radio. Proof that there is still plenty of music out there to be discovered.

Check those out.

DP, MW2, and Marathon Running

Three things that I would like to share with the world...

1.) Diet Dr. Pepper is a great.

2.) My Winter break has consisted of sleep, watching movies, SLEEP, Modern Warfare 2, sleeeep, and surprisingly very little guitar. I did write a couple songs though.

3.) I'm trying to figure out a good way to go about training for the Cleveland Rite-Aid Half Marathon.

Regardless of running over fifty 5k races, a few 10k's, and one Half Marathon in 2004...I'm still going to be cautious. So far, I've gathered some information about training, nutrition, and gear:

The Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10k and 5k races occur on May 16, 2010.
CLEVELAND MARATHON

The training plan I'm going to follow:
TRAINING PLAN

Some nutritional information:
NUTRITION PLAN

Possible shoe of choice:
BROOKS T6 RACER - Racing flats, $75

...I used Asics Gel Kayano VIII and IX's ($130-140) for training during high school, and I currently own a pair of Nike Reax ($75) running shoes.

Songs I've Been Listening To #11

I did ten editions of this on Facebook in notes, but I decided to stop for whatever reasons. I think this is a good place to continue. These are songs I think are great, based on songwriting, musicianship, and just the flat out ability to make me want to move. Each song is linked to the iTunes store, where you can find the song.

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1.) Sooner or Later - Michelle Branch // Album: Everything Comes and Goes (2010)

Off her yet to be released album, this song is incredibly catchy, and I'm excited to hear the rest of the album when it comes out. Michelle builds on her southern success with The Wreckers, who is a country music duo that had the hit single "Leave The Pieces" in 2006. Michelle came out in 2001 into pop music, but it's safe to say she has crossed over into a southern-rock/country music genre.

2.) Acquiesce - Oasis // Album: The Masterplan (1998)

The Masterplan is compilation album of Oasis' non-album tracks throughout the 90's. They originally recorded this song as a B-Side of the "Some Might Say" single off of (What's The Story) Morning Glory?, and I really think the song should have been on that album. From the opening guitar riff, they had me. Liam Gallagher sings the verse parts, and Noel Gallagher (primary songwriter) sings the chorus parts. The song is either about friendship, or about the brothers relationship.

3.) Someday - Rob Thomas // Album: Cradlesong (2009)

I haven't really other listened to this album, other than the two singles, so I won't talk about that. This song gives me hope that Rob Thomas isn't that bad after all. I didn't really like any of his solo stuff that much until this song. It has a great feel and fun chorus.

4.) Breakin' Me - Jonny Lang // Album: Wander This World (1998)

Lang's second album is a great 90's blues-alternative album. This song displays his unique voice and great guitar skills. He's a true musician, with singing/guitar chops and songwriting talent. It's hard to believe that he was only 17 when this came out, and 16 for his first album a year earlier.

5.) The Space Between - Dave Matthews Band // Album: Everyday (2001)

I've never been a big Dave Matthews fan, but this song and his first couple albums are pretty solid. Nobody ever claimed to know what the hell Dave is singing about, but it sounds alright to me.

6.) Who Says - John Mayer // Album: Battle Studies (2009)

This is a great song, and obviously Mayer is giving all the critics and media a big middle finger with the lyrics "Who says I can't get stoned, and call up a girl I used to know." I think John is the most talented male artist of my generation. The new album comes out November 17th.

7.) Half The World Away (Live) - Noel Gallagher // Album: The Dreams We Have As Children (2009)

Recorded in 2007, this album is a great example how Noel is a great songwriter and the driving force behind Oasis. Having left the group recently this year, I hope to hear more from him.

8.) Buster Voodoo - Rodrigo y Gabriella // Album: 11:11 (2009)

These two rock. It's literally impossible to not move around if you like guitar. Acoustic guitar, funk, wah pedals and sweet effects out the ass. This is good stuff.

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Check these outtt.

$1,570 cheaper than Bow-Flex.

Even if Bow-Flex home gyms are amazing, they're way too expensive. The stadard model is $1600, and the full-body model is $2500. I'm fully endorsing The Perfect Push-Up, because I haven't felt this strong in years. I can open jars like it's my job. For the first time in my life I have solid Pectoral muscles.The basic model sells at Walmart for about $30, with several other models increasing in price. I'm using a combination of not sitting on the couch, eating healthy, and The Perfect Push-Up to get into great shape.

The Perfect Push-Up at Walmart

Using the Navy Seals' 2 Minute Drills, you complete 3 to 4 sets of push-ups in 2 minutes. It goes through a 20 day cycle, and I'm already seeing the difference on my second time around. If you're looking for something to save space and give you an excellent workout, check out The Perfect Push-Up.

Guns, Jay, and Trojans

A few things I wanted to touch base on today...

I'm currently reading Saul Hudson AKA "Slash" from Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver's autobiography. I find myself reading this book every single night before I go to sleep, and sometimes during the day too. It's that interesting. From his birth in London, England, his early teens as a professional BMX rider, learning guitar, forming Guns', and a lot of over the top stories; this book is fantastic. I recommend it to anyone who's interested in the life of a true rock star.

"Slash" by Slash and Anthony Bozza

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Jay-Z's new album "The Blueprint 3" is great. Thanks to James for hooking me up with that. I especially like "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys, and "Forever Young" featuring Mr. Hudson.

Jay-Z: The Blueprint 3 (2009)

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Trojan's new condom "Ultra Ribbed Ecstasy." I saw the commercial the other day, and they honestly look like mortar rounds. No jokes about zeroing in from this guy...

Trojan Ultra Ribbed Ecstasy

The Fourth Kind

If you haven't had the chance to check out the trailer for Mila Jovovich's new movie "The Fourth Kind," do yourself a favor and take a look. This movie looks pretty good. I think it tackles some subject matter that hasn't been seen before. The title refers to a scale that divides alien encounters, and The Fourth Kind is alien abduction. I can't wait. Enjoy.

First Kind - Sighting
Second Kind - Evidence
Third Kind - Contact

The Fourth Kind - 11.6.09

Music In Review

Even if it was released in 2008, Kings of Leon's "Only By The Night" is still a rockin' good time. A lot of long-time fans get so upset about OBTN, and I just don't get it. I didn't know writing good songs with great lyrics, melody, and emotion was bad. I've heard "They used to be a rock band" before, and I was unaware that this changed. Right, whatever. Maybe I'll never understand, because I actually enjoy mainstream music. Unlike 140% of my fellow KSU students who are hipster scene kids that HATE radio music and smoke cigs like it's their job. I write songs, so I like to think that I listen to multiple genres with greater interest. You find a greater appreciation for songwriting in many different areas of music. Unfortunately, you'd think that you walked into a room and said "I just shit my pants," when saying "I like Nickelback." I'm not saying that this is the only kind of music I like, but I really don't see a problem with liking them. I totally respect people who can see past their own bullshit, and just listen to music for what it's meant for: ENJOYMENT.

A lot of music released today is ridiculously shitty. However, a lot of music is great too. I can see why people hate bands like Nickelback, but where's the hate for Kanye and Soulja Boy Tell 'Em? That stuff is terrible. Catchy beats don't always win. I have to admit, I love that stuff when I'm hammered and surrounded by pretty girls. The 90's kicked ass. Even rap music was great. Everything was so catchy, with bands and artists like Gin Blossoms, Live, Tonic, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, etc. Somewhere along the line rap became beats with some other stuff going on. Where's the talent at? Oh well. Some of the most talented musicians/artists today include Alicia Keys, John Mayer, and a lot of others.

I'm glad I got that rant out of the way...

One of my favorite songwriters today:

Noel Gallagher (formerly of Oasis): Noel wrote 95% of Oasis' tunes, and now that he's gone, Oasis is effectively done. He's great at making simple songs that touch the masses. It's a modern version of what John Lennon was doing so many years ago. I hope he releases another solo album or makes up with Liam.

My favorites - "Little By Little", "Live Forever", pretty much all of "(What's The Story) Morning Glory", and so many others.

There's something special about anthemic songs.