I often ignore live and “best of”  albums. Even from artists I love. What’s the point, right? I have all their music already – how many different versions do I need? But this week I decided to live on the edge a little bit and listened to both a live album and a “best of” album.

And ZOMG, I’m so happy I did!

Both Jason Mraz’s new live album and Snow Patrol’s compilation rocked my socks off. Yes, I said “rocked my socks off.” And, yes,  I already knew most of the music, but there was something new and exciting and different about hearing it all on a different album, in a different order, in a new way. I just want to hoard every CD/song/version they’ve got.

And then there was the new Dashboard Confessional album. A totally new album. It wasn’t live and it wasn’t a “best of”, but it somehow all sounded the same. In a good way, of course. Dashboard back again with the same great sound.  And you know what? It just might be the “best of “Dashboard. Read More »

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! Read More »

I feel like I’m having a major flashback this week. Like Wayne and Garth are running by me in my bedroom waving their hands in the air screaming “Do do do do. Do do do do.” And then everything gets all jumbled and I’m ten years younger and wearing something completely ridiculous.

Only they didn’t and I’m not. Instead, two of my all-time favorite musicians from about 10 years ago are back with some new stuff and I’m obviously over-joyed. I mean, when was the last time you heard about Vertical Horizon or David Gray? It’s been a long time; thankfully I wasn’t holding my breath. Now we just need to see if ten years was enough. I know I changed for the better in that time – what about them? Read More »

This has been a crazy week.

Jay-Z came back! Scarlett Johansson came out with an album with Pete Yorn. (Hey, it’s gotta be better than The Hoff’s singing, right?) Oh, and Mason Jennings came out with something new..though everything he does is new to me.

The week is all very confusing; I feel like I’m going through a break up (with the Scarlett I used to know), getting back together again (with Jay-Z), and meeting someone new (Mason Jennings). That’s a lot of relationship changes to handle in one week! Read More »

None of the artists with new releases are new to me this week. I’ve loved them all in the past and now I’m coming back for more. Actually, they’re coming back to give me more and I’m taking it all with wide open arms. And I’m pretty psyched to hear some new stuff from some of my old favorites. It makes me feel at home and right where I belong. I’m so happy to have my old friends back again! Read More »

This week was a good, if not totally random, week for music. I mean, who groups Daughtry, Jack White’s the Dead Weather, and the soundtrack to 500 Days of Summer in one category? I do. And I love them all.

Though, in totally different ways.

Chris Daughtry I love in a good-boy rocker kind of way. Jack White I love in a creepy weirdo fascination kind of way. And the 500 Days of Summer I love in a Zooey Deschanel kind of way. I love music in lots of different ways and this week is a prime example of how much my love can vary. Read More »

When the Internets talk, I listen. Really. Think about how easy the Internet makes it to discover new music.  Almost as easy as it is to find porn (but not quite as easy. It is way too easy to find porn on the Internet).  Sometimes when I’m bored, I just browse the Internet to discover new bands and I’m constantly shocked by how many artists and bands I’ve never heard of until I see or hear them online. And then fall instantly in love with them.

So, Internets, I thank you. Thank you for bringing us more than porn. Thank you for introducing me to this week’s new releases. Read More »

Gavin DeGraw. A man with a guitar. A hot man with a guitar. A hot man with a guitar and a whole lot of talent. A hot man with a guitar and a whole lot of talent that just released a new album (that we already love as much or more than his megahit, Chariot) that agreed to sit down and answer a few of our questions.

He also happens to be funny, charismatic and the kind of guy you’d totally want to hang out with in a room at a house party. Not like that, ladies. Ok, maybe like that, but also in the platonic “he’s a fun guy to drink beers with” sorta way.

See for yourself:

5 Questions we Ask Everyone:

1. What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Getting probation for having a pocket knife [while] walking down the street in NYC.

2. What are the five things you can’t live without?
Pocketknife, cell phone, water, food and…pocketknife.

3. What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
Make it count.

4. What is you favorite song to belt out at the bar/in the car/for karaoke?
Anything Neil Diamond

5. Ten years from now you will be….
10 years older…and in school deciding on a new major…and lying about my age! Read More »

(We’re back with another weekly installment of G.W.W.E. [Guys We Wanna Eff]. It’s official: the winter doldrums have set in, and who better to cozy up in bed with than Harry Connick, Jr.?)

Very few stars these days can legitimately claim to be top-notch actors and musicians, but Harry Connick, Jr. is certainly one of them. A stylish crooner with a killer smile to boot, Harry puts the swagger in suave. His dinner-jacket-and-slacks style makes me want to slip into my best little black dress, some Chanel No. 5, recline on a velvet chaise…and eff his brains out.

Originally a professional jazz pianist, Harry got his big break arranging the soundtrack for everyone’s favorite rom-com, When Harry Met Sally. Seriously, hottie Harry’s eff-me-tender tunes made WHMS my number-one rainy-day chick flick, hands down. His work even won him his first Grammy! To date, he’s released several albums of music, from jazz to Christmas classics. Harry’s the kind of guy who will take you by the hand and sing your sweet little soul to the heavens of effable merriment, a true gent if I do say so myself.

Of course, his acting career has truly taken off over the past few years. His guest-starring stint on Will and Grace had me so glued to the television (Sexy Harry? My fave sitcom? Almost better than a good, long eff.) that I totally bought the series on DVD to relive every effable moment at my convenience.  Meanwhile, he’s broken out onto the big screen, with starring roles in Hope Floats, P.S. I Love You, and his latest release, New In Town, which opens today.

And of course, Harry wouldn’t be a great eff if he didn’t have a heart. He’s been a huge supporter of disaster relief programs in his native New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Yes, I know he’s married with children, but I’ve gotta say, if you ever need some (effable) relief of your own, Harry, you know who to call.

The year is getting off to a slow start music-wise, that doesn’t mean there’s not tons and tons to look forward to in 2009 (trust me, there is). After all, it’s only been 2 weeks. But slow does not mean great music isn’t being released.

This week’s new releases were mostly unfamiliar to me – and totally memorable – and I’m super excited that I got to discover some new music. Here’s to hoping 2009 is filled with lots more new bands and jams, in addition to new releases from old favorites. Read More »