Here at College Candy, we’re busy mourning the hiatuses of all our favorite shows.  Luckily, dealing with Glee withdrawal is a little easier because we can rewatch all of this season’s best performances over (and over and over) again.  Here are some of our faves….but we want to hear which performance you liked the most!  Watch these videos and tell us your favorite performance below!

Song: Listen
Performed by: Sunshine Corazon
Episode: Audition

Sunshine may have only appeared in one episode so far, but this tiny powerhouse really left her mark.  ‘Listen’ was one of the season’s most impressive vocal performances and I can’t wait to see what she pulls out in the second half of the season.

Song: Toxic
Performed by: Mr. Schue and the New Directions
Episode: Britney/Brittany

The Glee cast has been accused of doing exact covers of popular songs, but they really made some great artistic changes to Toxic.  Also, I think it’s safe to say that this was Mr. Schue’s ONLY chance to shine as a singer/dancer this season.

Song: I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Performed by: Kurt
Episode: Grilled Cheesus

I like to think of this as the moment Chris Colfer solidified his Emmy win.  The arrangement, the vocals, the flashbacks to his mother’s funeral….all incredibly moving.

Song: Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy
Performed by: Rachel and Kurt
Episode: Duets

Not quite as amazing as this team’s first season Defying Gravity duet, but any time Rachel and Kurt sing together, a great performance is inevitable.  Both singers sounded amazing on this one.

Song: Teenage Dream
Performed by: Blaine and The Warblers
Episode: Never Been Kissed

Five words: Darren Criss is a star.

Song: Forget You
Performed by: Holly and The New Directions
Episode: The Substitute

This song was just so much fun.  Between Gwynny’s surprisingly impressive vocals and the New Directions’ loose, unchoreographed dance moves, this was a hit.

Song: Valerie
Performed by: Santana and The New Directions
Episode: Special Education

Santana’s voice and Brittany’s dancing – how can you go wrong?

Song: Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Performed by: Blaine and Kurt
Episode: A Very Glee Christmas

This was a modern, gender-bending take on a holiday classic, and the chemistry between these two talented performances was obvious during this number.

Song: Thriller/Heads Will Roll
Performed by: The New Directions and the football team
Episode: The Sue Sylvester Superbowl Shuffle

Whoever decided to mash these two songs up is a GENIUS.  The scary costumes, the iconic dance moves, the arrangement – everything about this number was “thrilling.”  (Yes, I just wrote that.  Judge me.)

Song: Fat Bottomed Girls
Performed by: Puck and The New Directions
Episode: Silly Love Songs

Mark Salling is one charming performer.  Offensive as it was, this song was almost as epic as his original “Sweet Caroline” solo.  Almost.

Song: Landslide
Performed by: Holly, Santana, and Brittany
Episode: Sexy

The glee kids are known for their high-energy dance numbers, but this “stool choir” moment was beautiful and packed with meaning.  I wish Santana had sung lead on this, but her harmonies at the end sound absolutely stunning.

Song: Get It Right
Performed by: Rachel
Episode: Original Song

I was really feelin’ My Headband as an original song, but if you really want to get technical….Get It Right was a better option.  Lea Michele has one of the most amazing voices EVER, and this song showcased all the different colors in it.   Rachel’s the go-to girl for high-drama power ballads, and this song made the reasons behind this obvious.   And I ALWAYS love the site of Finn’s face, but his unspoken reactions to what Rachel was singing just made the number that much better.

So, which one was your favorite? Vote below!

I love the holidays and all, but there is one thing about this time of year that really, really sucks – most of our favorite TV shows are going on hiatus.  I mean, how am I supposed to get by without my weekly Finn Hudson fix thanks to the lack of new Glee episodes?   Luckily, the glee gang gives us something to hold on to in their absence: tons of amazing music.

There’s a Glee song that can be applied to pretty much every situation and we’ve done the hard work for you and come up with a pretty solid list.

What to listen to when you’re really excited about a new crush:

What to listen to when you’re getting ready for a night out:

What to listen to you when you’re getting ready to tell off your douchebag ex:

What to listen to when you’re getting ready to take a fabulous trip:

What to listen to when you’re falling in love:

What to listen to when you’re sad about anything at all:

What to listen to when you’re pissed off:

What to listen to when you’re trying to fall asleep:

What to listen to when you’re feeling nostalgic:

What to listen to when you’re in the mood for…”love”:

Does music ever just make you so inexplicably happy? Maybe you can’t even describe why you’re feeling so cheery when you hear a certain band or song, but you just feel like you’re floating on air. Only you didn’t have to inhale/snort anything to get there.

All the artists this week make me happy. Even when the songs are sad, I’m happy. And I think that’s a sign of a truly great artist; they can sing about the saddest things in love and still put a smile on my face. And sometimes you just need music to comfort you and make you feel good. Like during midterms after spending 6 straight hours at the library and you’re only a third of the way through your reading.

Yeah, that’s what this week is all about.

Five for Fighting- Slice

I used to think I was the coolest person in the world because I was the only one who knew about Five for Fighting. Seriously, the only one. I was obsessed with “Easy Tonight” to the point where I included them in my senior bio. What? The line “I don’t know where I’m going yet, but I sure am getting there” was the most perfect line ever. Then the song “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” came out and more people discovered Five for Fighting. And now, I’m finally discovering that Five for Fighting is actually just a one person band made up of John Ondrasik. He (not them, he) just came out with a new album, Slice, and I’m totally enjoying it.

Five for Fighting just comforts me in this “sing to me and everything will be better” kind of way. Sure, some of the lyrics are super cheesy, like in “Note to the Unknown Soldier” (it’s a really sweet, meaningful song but “Well, you’re so tall/Did you play basketball?” are just kind of odd lyrics). And, OK, in some ways, Five for Fighting’s lyrics are just so predictable on this album. But predictable in a good way. Like in “Augie Nieto” when John Ondrasik sings “It’s not the breaths you take/It’s how you breathe,” I found myself singing along the very first time I listened to the song. It was just so logical; predictable but in a kind of unique way. And speaking of sweet, I’m in love with “Love Can’t Change the Weather” because how true is that? It’s just a lovely song that is hard not to like. I’m also a big fan of “Tuesday” because I feel like it’s a bit more creative than the rest. And it sounds like Five for Fighting, but a little bit more mature. Overall, I’m totally into Five for Fighting’s Slice. It’s not going to change your life, but it’s going to comfort you. And sometimes that all that matters. I’m so happy he’s back in my life.

Michael Buble- Crazy Love

I am crazy excited that Michael Buble has a new album out called Crazy Love. It’s about time the boy came out with some new stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I love everything he does including his live albums (and just standing there, smiling), but I’ve been craving new Michael Buble for a while now. When I first heard the first single, “Haven’t Met You Yet,” I was instantly in love. Not my favorite Michael Buble song of all time, but a happy, up-beat one that’s perfect for anyone looking for the one they’ll fall in love with. The lyrics are simple but super sweet: “And I know someday that it’ll all turn out/You’ll make me work so we can work to work it out/And I promise you kid that I’ll give so much more than I get/I just haven’t met you yet.”

I have to admit I wasn’t absolutely crazy about the album the first time I listened to it; not like I was about his others. But the more I listened, the more I liked. You know what I really love about Crazy Love? It totally showcases Michael’s voice in the best way possible. His talent comes through loud and clear and I remember why I love him so much. Well, besides those brooding, sexy eyes. I especially like “Cry Me a River,” which sadly is not like Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River,” but makes me absolutely swoon for Michael Buble. My most avorite song on the album is definitely “Heartache Tonight” because it’s crazy big-band happy and I can’t help dancing around my room pretending Michael Buble is here with me. Then again, “At This Moment,” originally song by Billy Vera and the Beaters, has long been one of my most loved songs and hearing Michael Buble sing it is basically heaven. And wait. One more. His other original song, “Hold On,” made me cry a little. Because I think I want it to be my wedding song. If that song is ever needed. Bottom line: I swoon for Michael Buble non-stop and am seriously in love. I’ll stop embarrassing myself now. But clearly he makes me happy.

Built to Spill- There is No Enemy

Built to Spill is one of those bands I had on my iPod for a long time before I actually started listening to them. But then a song popped up on shuffle and haven’t stopped playing them since. I seriously could not stop listening to “I Would Hurt a Fly,” “Cortez the Killer,” “Car,” and “Singing Sores Make Perfect Swords.” So, I’ve been waiting in extreme anticipation for There is No Enemy, their newest album. More music to feel totally cool with while walking down the street (that’s what I do with it)! And do I love it? Yes. Built to Spill is just an awesome band and in my mind they can do no wrong.

“Life’s a Dream” is basically a lullaby that comforts and calms with its incredible guitar riffs. Seriously though, the song is kind of a take on “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” And the lyrics are beautiful: “So I/Row on/Life aint nothing/But a dream/Realistic/As it seems.” I’ve also been obsessed with “Things Fall Apart.” It’s kind of an angry song, but an angry song that inspires: “Stay out of my nightmares/Stay out of my dreams/You’re not even welcome in my memories/Things are alright and I want what I’ve got/(It’s only momentarily thought)…Let’s go for a walk. Yeah, let’s go for a drive/Don’t know how to say, thanks for being alive/Let’s go for a lifetime. let’s go for a fling /Don’t know how to say anything.” The whole album follows in similar suit, which makes me a very happy girl. If you haven’t yet listened to Built to Spill, do it. They’re the perfect chill, downtime band. Or for feeling cool walking down the street. Whatever.

Wow, this week was a bit of a bummer. So much anticipation and a whole lot of disappointment. You’re probably thinking I deserve it. After all, I got my hopes all up about Mariah Carey and Selena Gomez, so what did I really deserve, right? But I’m still a bit let down because, yes, I was expecting a lot from Mariah. She’s had more #1 hits than any other artist in history and while I wouldn’t listen to her every day in my car, I did think I’d at least like it.

Turns out, you all might be best off just listening to Britney Spears’ new single, “Three,” this week. Or Zero 7. You may not know who they are, but they are great and they really restored my faith in music after that Mimi/Selena letdown. So, thanks, Zero 7!

Mariah Carey- Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

I admit I’m not the hugest Mariah Carey fan in the world, but I’ve been known to get down to her music a time or two. In fact, I think she has so many amazing songs and has true talent. I saw her perform in concert a couple years ago and was amazed by how many hits she has that are all so perfect. But Mariah admits on this album that she’s “imperfect.” And imperfect this album is (right down to the super airbrushed cover photo). I was really anticipating Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel because I wanted some more hits from Mariah. But when I first heard “Obsessed,” I was anything but obsessed. I didn’t like it at all! But I still gave Mariah’s album a chance because, you know, it’s Mariah Carey and obviously there are going to be some hits on there, right?

Honestly? I didn’t hear any.

They all had her beautiful voice, but none stuck out or excited me. I think I was just really looking for a “Hero” or even “Always Be My Baby.”I had some fun with “Ribbon,” but I wouldn’t say it was a huge hit or anything. I know Mariah’s version of Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” got a lot of criticism, but I actually think this is the shining moment of the album. It shows her true range and is truly beautiful. No, you can’t compare it to Foreigner, but it’s totally different and amazing nonetheless. I honestly do believe that Mariah Carey is totally talented and that she will be back in true fashion eventually. I don’t know if she just has some so-so producers or her marriage to Nick Cannon has been uninspiring, but she just needs a little something. Come back to us Mariah!

Selena Gomez- Kiss and Tell

Really, I don’t even know why I bothered reviewing Selena Gomez’s new ablum. I think I just thought, well, Miley Cyrus is straight from the Disney Channel and her music is awesome. I am basically obsessed with the music of Hilary Duff. Even Demi Lovato’s music makes me dance. Sigh. Not Selena Gomez. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not bad at all. Her music is pop-y and high-energy and pretty fun. But it’s just not quite as catchy as those other Disney girls. One of my favorites from Kiss and Tell is the title track, but even that sounds totally Disney. It feels like it should be in a Lindsay Lohan movie. Am I wrong? The lyrics are fun, though, and fairly innocent: “Kiss and tell everything I say stuck inside your little brain/Everybody wants to know yeah/Lips that lie caught in your track sold me out and you just/Laugh said we’re friends till the end yeah but you/Don’t mean it.”

Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like 17-year-old Gomez should be sounding more mature than Miley Cyrus, not less. Then again, maybe it’s Miley who’s too mature. I have to admit, “As a Blonde” is totally fun, but again, all I can picture is a Disney movie. I, however, was dancing around my room listening: “And come back as a blond, try a different lipstick on/As a blond, will I get whatever I want?/I’d be ever so incising, take a lot of icing, never have to watch my weight/Yeah when I’m gone, I’m gonna come back as a blond.” So, I just think Selena needs to mature a bit and get rid of that Wizards of Waverly Place image and then she’ll be on her way to pop success. And hopefully she doesn’t turn into Lindsay Lohan in the meantime.

Zero 7- Yeah Ghost

I don’t know a whole lot about Zero 7, but I do know I enjoy their song from the Garden State soundtrack. And there might be one or two more that I’ve heard and enjoyed. I also just learned that Sia used to be one of their female vocalists. Hello! I love Sia! So, I obviously had to listen to their new album, Yeah Ghost. It was definitely a lot better than I even thought it would be. Finally! Something good about this week! I seriously think I’ve listened to Medicine Man at least 50 times since I got Yeah Ghost. It’s so eclectic and fun; I just cannot stop! I love the singer’s raspy-ish voice and the way she sings “Outrageous.” This song really doesn’t sound like the rest of the album, but I wish more songs sounded like this! “The Road” is a really lovely mellow song. When I heard it at first, I just closed my eyes; it’s kind of like a lullaby. In a good way, though; not a boring way. This is the song I can most hear a Sia-ish sound in as well. I’m also a fan of “Mr. McGee” which is actually upbeat and fun. Apparently, the lead singer on this is Anglo-Zimbabwean and I can really get a feel for that. I literally started clapping and dancing along to this song. OK, so while I have been super negative about music this week, Zero 7′s Yeah Ghost is actually a gem. A gem I will keep listening to.

My sister is getting married and I’ve had weddings on the brain, so this week I’m dedicating this review to her and doin’ the something old, something new, and something blue routine. It doesn’t just apply to brides, you know. I didn’t borrow any of my music this week (I’m not good at giving back), so I had to leave that one out.

Anyways, obviously Whitney Houston is the something old. I’m not saying the woman is old (hell, she looks good for her age!), but she has been around the block a few times. These United States are my something new, and I couldn’t be more excited about that. And the Drive-By Truckers are my something blue, since I love them to death, but listening to their album made me feel a little bit blue.

And I guess all of that means I’ll one day be marrying music.
Considering the guys I’ve dated in the past, that is fine by me:

Whitney Houston- I Look to You

Oh hey, Whitney Houston. You’re back. Have I mentioned I’m excited? Like, jump out of my pants and do a little dance around my bedroom, excited? Well, I was. And I have to admit that you let me down just a little bit. I don’t really know why I expected you to be the exact woman you were before, but what happened to those vocal cords? OK, so maybe I’m being a little bit dramatic, but I really do miss hearing Whitney’s true crooning. I always said if I were to audition for American Idol, I would sing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” to which my friends and family burst out laughing. Because I would definitely make the show…the horrible audition part of the show.

Nope, I’m just not a fabulous singer. But I do think I could actually sing some of Whitney’s new stuff from I Look to You, because her voice just isn’t getting up there. So many of the songs on her new album play off of Whitney’s horrible marriage (to the awful Bobby Brown), which I think is a good thing. Pain brings awesome music. And Whitney’s lyrics are as powerful as ever, especially in songs like “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” But I want her to start screaming and showing her real power. I am a big fan of the first song on the album, “Million Dollar Bill” because it reminds me a bit of the old Whitney (the song sounds totally 80s-ish) and her voice actually gets up there a bit. And it’s fun. I really do like the title track, but again, it leaves something lacking. Whitney also duets with Akon on an interesting track. It’s cute, but probably won’t become a hit, like most Akon collaborations do. Sadness. I guess love lets you down sometimes.

These United States- Everything Touches Everything

I had heard of These United States before this week, but I knew absolutely nothing about them and had never heard a lick of their music. I had no clue what they would sound like when I was getting ready to listen to Everything Touches Everything. But you know what? I enjoy them immensely. They’re really hard to describe, but it’s basically pretty mellow music with great lyrics and the occasional dance-ability. One of my very favorite songs on the album is “Secret Door.” While it’s a pretty mellow song, the lyrics are absolutely outstanding and definitely prove to me what amazing songwriters These Unite States are. “I am going to start the morning out/Throwing out the day before/I am going to let the morning in/The whole thing pouring in/And what is more…I am the captain of this ship/For what it was/And what it is and what it shackles/Or it leaves behind that shore/I am my executioner/But death is not the final word/And my life is not some secret door…I will push you if you push me.”

Another one of my faves is “Will It Ever” because of its sorta country vibe. And “Conquests and Consequences” is such a different sound, I find myself listening to it over and over. Every once in a while I’m surprised by a band I never really knew existed and this time it’s These United States. Now I have a feeling I’ll have a hard time remembering when they weren’t a part of my life! But then again, maybe I’m just in the honeymoon faze.

Drive-By Truckers- The Fine Print: A Collection of Oddities and Rarities

I consider the Drive-By Truckers to be one of my all time favorite bands. As in, they are majorly awesome. I have about a million of their songs on constant rotation on my iPod, but it never seems to be enough. So, although, I’d absolutely love for them to come out with something really brand new, I take what I can get. And that’s The Fine Print: A Collection of Oddities and Rarities. It’s basically all their previously recorded material that they ended up not using. You might think this wouldn’t be as good as their published music, but when you look at DBT’s albums, you see how much of a storyline they have and why there might be some actually really good stuff that just wasn’t able to be included.

The album starts off  with “George Jones Talkin’ Cell Phone Blues” and just exemplifies what the Drive-By Truckers are to me. It has a little bit of modern behavior mixed with some old school dirty South. Right away I can see why they didn’t want these perfectly amazing songs to go to waste. I have to say I was way overly psyched to hear Jason Isbell on this album (I still haven’t gotten over him leaving the band) and am now pretty obsessed with “When the Well Runs Dry.” And “TVA” too. These are definitely my favorite tracks on the album, because they sound amazing, yes, but also probably because I’m feeling a bit of nostalgia too. But now I think I’ve relapsed into my Jason Isbell pain, which probably isn’t very healthy.

There’s a great many things to do and places to see in this world of ours.  As humans, our lives are pretty short (and if you party like I do, it’s probably going to be even shorter).  So we have to prioritize!  We have brains for a reason and that reason is…reasoning (well, at least some of us use them for that purpose: see comment about partying above).  Let me be your voice of reason as I show you all the things you should be doing right here, right now.

We say it all the time: shut up.  Sometimes you mean it (like during a particularly nasty fight with the bf) and sometimes you don’t (Clueless-esque situations of surprise and pleasure), but those two little words will always be there.  How many of us actually listen to them, though?  Have you ever actually shut up when someone told you to do so (I, for one, make it a point to talk louder/longer when someone tells me to shut up)?  Perhaps it’s time for us to listen.  Perhaps it’s time to really shut up.

Living in a single room in a new dorm this past week, I’ve learned the value of keeping my mouth shut.  I’m not unfriendly, but I’m not chatting up a storm either.  I’m trying to keep it cool and start out as the mysterious, cool and collected girl (a bit of a change from former dorm experiences…but we won’t go there).  What I’ve learned includes how to seem nice and approachable without saying a word and how to not look like a creepy loner.  In fact, I’ve enjoyed my silence so much, I’m thinking we all need to try it.  Try this on for size: reasons why you should shut your pie hole.

Work Those Eyes – If you’re not flexing those vocal cords, then you’ll probably be doing most of your communicating through your eyes.  Instead of a long-winded answer, just raise an eyebrow.   Instead of an awkward giggle and stuttering attempts at flirtation, try winking.  Simple glances and blinks become volumes of communication.  And imagine the make-up possibilities when all the attention is focused on your eyes…

Decreased Stress – Less sound = less stress.  Simple as that.  As long as you’re not chatting up a storm on your cell phone, you should feel a decrease in the level of stress you feel on a daily basis.  Silence takes the responsibility of carrying a conversation off your shoulders.  You won’t have to say “hi” to friends you pass on the streets anymore – just throw them a smile and be on your way.  Maybe your professors will notice your silence and think of you as that smart, calm student (they like those kinds of students), hopefully while calling on someone else in lecture to answer all of the review questions aloud.

Increased Sensation – I’m a professional at multitasking.  If I’m not doing three things at once, then I’m probably sleeping (and even then I’ve probably got something else going on).  One activity that remains constant is talking on my cell phone.  I catch up with family and friends and also take care of random chores on the phone.  But, if I wasn’t talking on the phone, I’d probably be more involved with my surroundings.  I would hear the ambient noise of my dorm room, taste my dinner, and actually see the things around me without being distracted by chatting.  It would almost be like removing blinders and ear plugs at the same time…

More Thinking – Ever hear the saying, “Think before you speak”?  Well, if you’re not speaking, it follows that you’ll be doing a lot of thinking about what you’d like to say.  If you shut up, you won’t have to worry about saying something that will hurt someone’s feelings or make you look stupid.  Sure, there’s always e-mail and Facebook for ruining friendships, but at least you won’t have to listen to your own voice ringing in your ears after you slur a particularly horrible pick up line into the ear of that middle-aged creeper who ended up in your favorite bar (thinking before slurring is definitely a good move).

Omnipotence – No, if you shut your face you don’t automatically know everything.  However, if you’re not jumping into the conversation and getting distracted by the sound of your own voice, you’ll have more time to sit back and just observe.  One time I dozed off while some friends were hanging out in my dorm room.  When I woke up, instead of jumping directly into conversation, I kept my mouth shut and my eyes closed.  And boy, did that little bit of creeping get me  some good gossip.  You’ll get the same effect if you shut up the rest of the time, too.  People will feel the need to fill your silence and you’ll reap the benefits of additional information.

This week was all about utilizing what I learned in Girl Scouts all those years ago. No, not building a fire or navigating my way out of a forest, but that whole “make new friends but keep the old” adage. And by “friends” I mean, “musicians who I consider to be my friends because I spend so much time with them and turn to them when I need to cry, sing really loud, or dance around in my undies.”

There were some great new releases this week from some of my favorite musical talents ever, in addition to some from bands I never knew. And while I may have fallen for some of the new stuff, I’ll always hold onto the old faves.

Mat Kearney- City of Black and White

If you don’t listen to Mat Kearney, you need to. He’s hard not to like, trust me. I loved him from the minute I heard his album Nothing Left to Lose in 2006; from his smooth voice to his meaningful lyrics to the fact that he spells his name with only one “t.” I’m also in love with his new album City of Black and White, which is filled with his smooth voice again and equally as many meaningful lyrics. And yes, he still spells his name with one “t.” If you like music like The Fray and Joshua Radin, you’ll likely enjoy Mat Kearney.

My favorite song is definitely “Here We Go,” but honestly, there’s not much I don’t like about Mat’s new album. “Never Be Ready” is also pretty awesome and I totally love the lyrics: “We’ll never be ready/If we keep waiting for the perfect time to come/Hold me steady, we’ll never be ready.” The only thing I really miss with this new album is Mat’s white boy rapping. I suppose this album does sound a bit more mature without it, but it was so incredibly fun it’s hard not to miss it. But I guess that’s how it always goes when friends start growing up and changing; they may be different, but you find a way to love ‘em anyway.

Mandy Moore- Amanda Leigh

Mandy Moore is probably one of my favorite people in the world. Ever since high school, if you asked me who I would want to play me in a movie, it would be her. I thought it was nearly impossible for me to like her any more and then she married my other favorite person, Ryan Adams. I thought the world would implode upon such an awesome marriage of two beautifully talented people, but thank God (at least so far!) it didn’t. And Mandy survived to make another album, Amanda Leigh. Now, before you think I’m some super Mandy fan who isn’t going to properly judge her album, I’ll admit right now, I was not a huge fan of her last album Wild Hope. I found it to be mighty boring. So I was super nervous for Mandy’s latest release. But she didn’t disappoint me at all.

Marriage must be doing something good for her because her album is absolutely amazing. The more I listen to it, the more I love it. Why is Amanda Leigh so much better than Wild Hope? It actually has a lot of personality, unlike the previous attempt. The first single “I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week” actually gets you dancing, but also showcases her beautiful voice. It’s almost like “Candy” grew up….a lot. There aren’t really any songs on Amanda Leigh that I dislike, but I’m a really big fan of “Fern Dell” and “Nothing Everything,” which are both upbeat and fun. I also have to love “Merrimack” because it’s totally about the river I grew up next to. Oh, and I absolutely love “Bug” as well, because “Bug” is Ryan’s nickname for Mandy. OK, I’ll stop gushing about Mandy Moore now. At least until she and Ryan Adams come out with an album of duets. Then the world really might implode.

Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I know I’ve head about Phoenix before, but I had no idea who they were or why should I listen to them. Then I learned they were “French Rock” and I still had no idea why I should listen to them. But then I listened to Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and now I know why I should listen to them. Because apparently I was made for French rock. And Phoenix is just awesome. Allegedly, the album’s first single “Lisztomania” is about Franz Liszt and his piano performances. I have absolutely no idea who Franz Liszt is, but I totally feel like I have this “Lisztomania” when I listen to Phoenix.

Phoenix is the kind of music that makes you get up and dance and throw your hands around in the air. I’m not kidding here. They actually sound a bit like NYC’s own MGMT, mixed in with a bit of The Strokes. And maybe a dash of Franz Ferdinand too. I don’t even know the band very well, but I already feel like they’re allowed to have songs like “Love Like a Sunset,” where they spend 6 minutes building up the song instrumentally, and then start singing with only a little over a minute left. It works! Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix makes me wonder why more people I know don’t listen to Phoenix. And for that matter, why don’t more people I know listen to French rock? And what other French rock have I been missing out on? I’m grabbing my beret, heating up some crepes and working on building up my French music catalog ASAP. This is good stuff.

[Every week, CC and John bring you some of the weirdest, funniest, saddest things he hears on his college campus. Join the Overheard revolution!Leave your own overheard convos in the comments or send ‘em over!]

(Guy, stalking around office, exasperated.)

Guy: And nobody here knows what a cloaca is? Seriously? You guys need to get out more.

(Two girls at a dining hall table.)

Girl 1: It’s not like that. If you put anything in a crust, it’s a pie. That’s a pie.

Girl 2: What about cheesecake? Cheesecake has a crust.

Girl 1: No it doesn’t.

Girl 2: Have you ever had cheesecake? Have you even seen a cheesecake? This is a problem, like, for us. For you and me.

(Guy, bothering another guy outside a door.)

Guy 1: No, dude, no, that’s not cool.

Guy 2: C’mon, man. I gotta be your guest. Just for like, thirty seconds. You gotta let me be your guest, c’mon.

Guy 1: No! That’s stupid! Crazy!

(Girl, on the phone.)

Girl: Okay, what’s the office rule? No drinking? Or was it two people… only two people? Oh. Two people have to be sober. Okay, I’ll be there in a minute.

(Girl, reading paper, incredulous.)

Girl: Six shots? Over fifteen hundred calories? What are you shooting, Kahlua?

Girl 2: Pure chocolate fudge.

Girl 3: Deep-fried fudge-flavored lard.

(A guy slams his hands down on a table.)

Guy: No! Your life sucks because you couldn’t do a barrel roll!

(Guy, in line at Starbucks.)

Guy: Okay, not to hate on my boss, you know. No offense. But she’s an idiot, she gets distracted, she’s loud, she has no sense of humor and I can’t stand working with her. She makes my job so much harder than it should be. No offense.

(Guy, talking to a girl.)

Girl: They had those four-liter things. You want that?

Guy: Jeez. Four liters of wine. Why don’t we stop measuring in liters and start measuring in ‘how many couches I’m gonna light on fire.’

(Two guys in dining hall.)

Guy 1: Check it out. Steroid burger.

Guy 2: What?

Guy 1 (Completely seriously): Steroid burger. Like, with steroids.

(Submitted from a reader: Two girls reading a sign.)

Girl 1: What is EasyMac

Girl 2: A really easy Mac computer

I’m not gonna lie: I was super excited for this week’s latest releases. Not because I love The Fray (though I do), and not because Country’s hottest star was out again (though he is), but because Melinda Doolittle was finally making her mark on the music industry.

Although, the other two weren’t too shabby either…

The Fray- The Fray

It’s been four long years since the Fray’s first release, How to Save a Life. But if you’re a fan of The Fray, then you would probably say their new self-titled album is worth the wait. The Fray is one of those bands with a distinct sound. Many of their songs may sound the same, with their slow starts and instrumental buildups, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you like them, of course. After one listen-through of The Fray’s new album, I was already getting the songs stuck in my head. They’re not extremely complex tracks, but they’re catchy and easy to pick up. It’s also the perfect CD for when you’re going through a break-up; even “Happiness” is enough to depress you: “Happiness damn near destroys you/breaks your faith to pieces on the floor.” OK, then. But that’s The Fray for you and, frankly, that’s why I like them.

Dierks Bentley- Feel That Fire

Even if you’re not a fan of country music, I’m pretty sure it’s hard to resist Dierks Bentley. First of all, he’s hot. And second of all, his songs are extremely fun; more of a pop-ish type of country with a bit of Southern rock thrown in. I was a bit nervous since I found Feel That Fire‘s first single and title track to be super cheesy and typical country. But the rest of the album is actually much better than the single. One of the album’s highlights is “Beautiful World,” a duet with Patty Griffin. Also, “Pray” reminds me of the slower, reflective Bentley I’ve come to love: “Just because it didn’t last/Doesn’t mean that we were wrong/We both fell in love so fast/And now it’s gone.” To be honest, it would be extremely difficult for Dierks to beat his Long Trip Alone, on which every single track was music to my ears. So, while I enjoy Feel That Fire, I’d still choose his older stuff first.

Melinda Doolittle- Coming Back to You

I currently have American Idol fever, so when I heard Melinda Doolittle was coming out with her first album this week, I knew I had to listen. It was quite apparent what an amazing singer she was on the show two years ago, but I always thought she didn’t quite fit the Idol persona and, though she didn’t win, I figured she would still make it eventually. Melinda definitely does not disappoint with her first studio album, Coming Back to You and her Idol fans should be quite happy with the finished product. Each track on the album is a cover and, though I wish Melinda would sing her own music, the covers on her album aren’t obvious covers. In fact, I’ve never heard of most of them and the ones I have heard, I actually think I prefer Melinda’s versions. I was most pleasantly surprised by her cover of Faith Hill’s “If I’m Not in Love,” which she very much made her own while still staying true to Faith’s version. Thank God Melinda didn’t win American Idol because her contract never would have allowed her to make this album.

All images are from Amazon.com

Another week, another new pile of CDs to sift through. I don’t know what it is about 2009, but this week’s new releases were great. Again. It didn’t matter if the artist was new, old, or really old (sorry, Billy!), they all put together some great sound that everyone should pick up and take home.

The Bird and the Bee – Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future

Where did this group come from? I have no idea, but I first heard them a couple weeks ago with their cover of The Bee Gee’s “How Deep is Your Love.” Wow. And then all the sudden I hear they’re coming out with a CD this week and of course I’m psyched. This duo reminds me of a combination of She and Him and a softer version of Stars. Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future is their sophomore album, which makes me excited to also check out their first album (which I hear is even better). I’m kind of obsessed with the track, “Love Letter to Japan” because it’s ridiculously fun and has some musically exotic overtones.” The lyrics to their songs are all relatively light-hearted, but super catchy. “Birthday” is especially true of this: “I will love you on your birthday. I will love you better than them.” And now I know love The Bird and the Bee.

Franz Ferdinand- Tonight: Franz Ferdinand

Ever since “Take Me Out” became a hit, Franz Ferdinand has been my sort of go-to music for when I need that extra kick of motivation. Tonight is very similar sounding to the group’s first two albums, but I also hear a touch of Weezer in there, especially in the track “Lucid Dreams.” (Note: not to be confused with Liquid Dreams.) I’m really loving “Dream Again,” because it sounds unlike anything I’ve heard from Franz Ferdinand before, and though I love their traditional sound, this shows that they can really go further than that. Yes, though it’s a bit cheesy, “No You Girls” had me dancing around my room and I can definitely see myself playing it as my getting ready music on a Friday night. But for “Take Me Out” fans, you’re totally going to love the single “Ulysses” as it’s exactly how you think Franz Ferdinand should sound.

Bruce Sprinsteen- Working on a Dream

OK, so I’ll admit I’m not the biggest Bruce Springsteen fan. Sure, I’ll sing along to “Dancing in the Dark” if it comes on in the bar and yes, fine, I kind of enjoy it, but the Boss has never been at the top of my playlist. That said, I’m pretty impressed with Working on a Dream, which truly proves this man has staying power. Um, not that he didn’t already prove that years ago. I was actually able to listen to “Tomorrow Never Knows” several times without constantly thinking “Born in the USA.” That means I liked it a lot. The title track, “Working on a Dream” is traditional Bruce but with enough of a new feel to it to make it exciting. The lyrics seem a little outdated though: “I’m working on a dream/Though sometimes it feels so far away/I’m working on a dream/I know it will be mine someday.” Bruce? I think your dream came true about 25 years ago.

[All images from Amazon.com]