Looking at the last three weeks of new music releases you may find yourself asking (even aloud), “What Fucking Year Is It?!” Because seriously darlings, I did, too! I mean…woah! Alice In Chains, Collective Soul, Whitney Houston (single release), Third Eye Blind, Sister Hazel, Cypress Hill, Backstreet Boys (single release), Megadeath (single release)…and so many more. So what the fuck is up with that? (and Cheap Trick releasing a Sgt. Pepper album? Is the apocolypse nigh? I refuse to listen or embed it, but here’s the link: http://www.lala.com/#album/504684635190100205)

While some artists have never truly left the music scene, others have been hanging underground and then there are the “retro-riders.” (Okay, I totally made that up but it works.) The few and the hungry, waiting for their particular style or genre to make a big comeback. While some may have been waiting for the right time for them, others I believe are playing the numbers game (everything trends in cycles, like waiting 15-20 years and something is “cool” again).

So is any of this stuff any good? Well…yeah, sorta. I mean, y’all probably read my abysmal review of Ms. Houston’s first single from her forthcoming album, but her lastest single, “Million Dollar Bill” while not terribly rivetting or cutting edge, it is still quite good. It may even get your toes a-tappin’! I know, right?! Ha-ha!
     Million Dollar Bill – Whitney …

I have to admit that while I love me some Jay-Z and Kanye, I’m not impressed with “Run This Town.” Sad to say it, but hip hop? It’s kinda tired. I mean, there’s nothing truly new or different…at all! It’s the same big names on each other’s songs remixing and fluffin’ up their egos without much substance or anything in the way of a political or social message (sorry, but I miss those). It’s time for a new wave of hip hop. Why not hip hop with a social conscience or something! I mean, even P. Diddy did the whole “Rock the vote” campaign and then he himself DID NOT VOTE! WTF?! Nope, I’m done with all of that.
   Run This Town [Jay-Z, Rihanna,…

 So as hard as it is, I give this new Third Eye Blind album a spin. And…and…*barf*gag*spew*choke*pant-pant*…it’s pretty bad. I simply cannot comment further for fear of ruining the wonderful Friday evening that lays ahead for me. Okay…no I will say one thing: Lyrics, seriously? Who fucking writes your lyrics? They are terrible. Okay, ahem, that is all. (For the record, I loved their first album, hard! Too hard and I broke it! Now I cannot stand it or them, at all!) If you think you can handle the nausea and such, go ahead and give it a go:

       Ursa Major – Third Eye Blind

Okay, now for Alice In Chains. What a great band, right? Well, it was! And when I heard their new single on the radio (yes, I still listen to the radio, not satellite) I was at first excited and then, well, sad. The intro gave me grungey-chills (I may be one of only a few people who fully grasps what that is or feels like), but then the vocals and lyrics and well…no! I want to scold them a little. Slap their wrists and go, “Bad Boys!” Not to mention some minor trash talkin abour California…but wev. That’s not the main issue. My issue is that it feels to me that they are trying just a bit too hard to capture what was and not focus on what could be. You know, the future not the past! Because the past is sad and it’s pigments are fading fast! Listen and judge for yourself. It’s an okay song, I just don’t think they really put their balls on the line with this one…it’s safe. So, fine.
    Check My Brain – Alice In Chai…

Who’s next? Oh okay, how about Sister Hazel. I used to love them! Not crazy band-girl style, but loved their tender tunage. I haven’t stuck with them and I will simply assume that they have released a few albums since they broke out with that big hit single, “If you could only see” way back when. This new album “release” (uninspired title, but wev) is true to their sounds. Good lyrics, great soulful vocals, fab finger strummin’ guitar styling…I dig it! It’s mellow. It’s a hot summer night out on the porch with beers and good friends. Check it:
  Release – Sister Hazel

I was hesitant to even listen to let alone review the new Megadeath single. But you know what? I don’t have time to be fearful of some 80’s metal dude’s wrath, so fuck it! Dear Dave Mustane: Find yourself, Start a new band, with strangers, maybe from Laos, dip a toe into your inner child’s soul and see what happens! Because this single “Head Crusher” could have been released anytime between now and 1981. That could be a good thing to some, but to me? Not so much. For reals, Dave, refresh yourself and your sound. You’re a talented guy. You don’t have to stick to the old grind. You can break out of this rut and find a new chapter in your life. Or better yet, create a new genre of rock! Go get ’em kiddo!
  Head Crusher – Megadeth

Frankly, the new Collective Soul album is more rock than most of the rock that’s calling itself that right now. For some reason they’re listed as pop on Lala.com, but to me they’re more rock. Like seriously, Collective Soul could kiskc Shinedown and Nickeback’s asses! Collective Soul always have a great, full sound with meaningful lyrics that ring true. They aren’t putting up a front to sell records, they’re real and you feel it and I love that about them. They haven’t gone anywhere, they keep releasing great music and “they don’t stop!” Ha-ha! Definately a winner among this bunch! Rock on Collective Soul!
    Collective Soul [Deluxe Editio…

And for something completely different…Queen Latifah’s “Persona.” Only I would find it strange that there is no track with that title, but it doesn’t really matter. Reliably good, but I’ll say it with love, she should stick to jazz & acting. I loved Latifah back in the day. I loved “UNITY” and all those songs! I watched every episode of “Living Single” and still catch reruns when I can. But this album, it’s alright. It’s no standout performance and I am sure she put a lot of work into it, but it’s just not solid for me. It’s nothing new or exciting. (I have to wonder if it was produced by someone affiliated with The Pussycat Dolls though.) There’s a few fun tracks and I did like “Cue the Rain” with it’s guitar riffs and funky beats. I don’t think it will make a big impact though. And I hope I am all wrong about it because I wish her all of the success in the world.
   Persona – Queen Latifah

Um, okay, what year is it? Backstreet Boys? Really? Really?! Okay, Fine! Shit! I get it…you’re making music again (without Kevin). Okay, go for it. But, um…maybe change your name because it’s kinda sad! And this new song? Great 80’s new wave intro, but then the vocals and the club beat track start and well…Have you guys ever seen real instruments? I mean, even NKOTB play instruments! Okay, sorry…back to the music. It sucks. I never liked BSB and I guess I just never will. I have a feeling though that if they changed their name and went with a slightly more rock vibe (they could still do power ballads, don’t get me wrong) they might be good…maybe. Ha-ha! Were the lyrics for “Straight Through My Heart” written by whomever wrote that Leona Lewis “Bleeding Love” song, cause the lyrics are similar, just sayin’. (For P) Check it, I guess:
  Straight Through My Heart – Ba…

Cypress Hill. Hm. New single, “Get ’em Up.” Yep. It’s Cypress Hill. If you liked them before, you’ll like them now. So, “Get ’em Up!” ’cause they still wanna “smoke a pound” with ya.

      Get ’em Up – Cypress Hill

Sick of all of this new/old business? Check out As Tall As Lions. They are pretty chill, but good rock. I like it! Check ’em out:

  You Can’t Take It With You – A…

Like what I picked? Disagree with my reviews? Hit me up about it in the comment section! Speak up and be heard! For real!

Sure, we’ve come a long way since the first telephones were introduced into our homes and revolutionized communications throughout the world. Yet somehow as technology has progressed and we have a cell phone in every pocket (or ear with the clip-on blue toothers among us, seriously, stop it!) we have lost touch not only with our fellow humans, but with our manners and common sense as well.

Having worked in customer service for what seems like my entire life, manners are a given for me. They are freer than water afterall and we should use them with wild abandon! I feel that everyone should be treated with the same level of respect and dignity. I have had jobs where the entirety of my days were spent on the phone. I was always held to a strict call back timeline when a call went to voicemail, even when I was on my luch break. Certainly the company standard of calling someone back within two hours was reasonable. My department had an unwritten rule of getting back to people within one hour and I never had a problem with this myself.

What is truly strange to me is that in this day and age, with everyone communication so damned quickly, not only are we not listening to each other or sharing anything of value in all of these fast-paced conversations, we’ve lost what used to be some exciting: Returning a phone call!

I remember as a kid (not that long ago, darlings) getting a phone call and being comepletely elated by that fact alone! And the excitement of returning said phone call was the utmost of priveledges! Yet as I have been working my tail off trying to open this tiny little cafe of mine I have left hundreds of voicemail messages for so many people and I have to say that I have found that only about 1% ever return my call!

This is alarming! It’s also a terrible way to conduct a business, let alone run a city/county/etc. What happened to us? Did the sudden posibility of limitless communications drive us to a state of an overwhelming lack of caring? Where is the urgency? Where is the customer service? Certainly if someone both calls and emails you simultaneously, they obviously need to talk to you about something and, gee, do you think you can take thirty seconds out of your day to return their call/email?

Somehow we are lost as a society in this massive ocean of emails and voicemails. I have friends who will respond to a text instantly, but won’t notice that they even have a voicemail message requiring their attention for days! What the hell?! Forgive me for being a stickler, but that’s ridiculous and rude! Why bother even giving out a phone number if you have no intention using the simple features you insisted come with it?

Now we have the internet and a hundred-million fun applications in the palm of our hands, yet returning a simple voicemail message is somehow beyond our means. Well, this gal simply won’t follow suit! I refuse to turn into the rude, obnoxious and comepletly self-centered jerks who insist upon this continued behavior. It’s unacceptable and I will call you out on it! I simply expect more because I give more, dammit! Having such technologies is a priviledge and should not be taken so fucking lightly!

Be happy you have all of the things you have and act grateful for once, it could all evaporate tomorrow!

 

When I took over the lease on a never-even-opened cafe I realized that the skills I’ve attained over the many years of living in tiny apartments woudl most definitely come in handy. While paint color was the first thing I obsessed over, the overall feel of the space is still coming together and very important to me. Of course I want to attract customers, but this is also a space that I will personally be occupying (working my ass off in other words) for 8-12 hours a day! So yeah, this is big!

Once I got the color out of the way (I posted a pic in a recent post with the little sectional I got at Target), the woods and other touches started coming in. While I am happy with my chairs and counters, I thought about the other things. So I thought I would share some of my ideas with you, my beloved and cherished readers!

The one thing I HAD TO HAVE (or OMG I would explode!) was this gorg little wall clock from Target (I’m a junky!):

http://www.target.com/Oval-Metal-Wall-Clock/dp/B0013M4KKK/qid=1248994413/ref=br_1_9/184-6383267-4813656?ie=UTF8&node=15832391&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

Isn’t it adorable? In a way it’s me in a nutshell. I mean, it’s timeless and classic yet elegant and just a little funky (oval?). I haven’t hung it up yet, but I adore it! And at $25 it’s a total bargain! I think it’s simple silver, white and black will be just enough to pop on my near-Tiffany blue walls.

I personally love clocks and watches and all things representing both the past, present and future (as time and their keeping pieces often do). Target actually has an incredible and diverse selection of clocks for the home. They’ve even made your online shopping easier by including several sub categories (color, room, etc.). http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_br_browse-box/184-6383267-4813656?ie=UTF8&node=318884011

I also have a big huge major problem: A big black brick wall! It is enormous! I just ordered some samples from this fabulous web site: www.dalidecals.com (love the name!) and can’t wait to test their stickiness on this wall o’ mine. I am planning on buying this gorgeous and whimsical tree to fill the gap, bring the outdoors in and remind everyone of the city they are in while being comfy and cozy in my tiny cafe:

                                                                http://dalidecals.com/product.php?productid=145&cat=2&page=1

I think it will attract kids and their parents, too. It will give the cafe a more open feel (it needs all the help it can get at 40o square feet) and remind people that nature is everywhere and should be loved, cherished and respected (or she’ll kick yo ass!). It’s a bit pricey, but it’s cheaper than hiring a muralist and it will be quick and fun to stick it on the wall.

I know you’re not opening a cafe, but if you’ve seen my “J’Adore Decor” post you know all about my love of the wall decals! You can find them everywhere now! I’ve seen them at Michael’s (craft store), Lowes (hardware) and even Walmart! Nuts, I know! But hey, they’re fun and not permanant. So you can change up your space as often as your budget and fancy allows!

I also love the idea of bringing the cafe vibe into the home! As a dear friend and I quickly became obsessed with baking cupcakes and going out for afternoon tea (we have Lisa’s Tea Treasures nearby, delightful!) we also began to include these themes in our home decor! (I will say that she took the classy/elegant route to perfection while I prefer more bold or slightly more european over British tea time trends). The cupcake trend thing really took the world by storm and thus created a near cult-like love for all things related! I love this and glad I didn’t see it sooner (I’d be broke!):

                    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28430675&ref=fp_feat_9

I love this idea:

                                          http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27428309&ref=fp_feat_7

Just gorgeous! Yet…simple! In fact, this www.etsy.com seller has many styles like this candle for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5948726 In fact, all of etsy has thousands of sellers just waiting for your attention, affections and business! Check it out! This all lead to my own etsy shop, I admit. Due to our baking obsession, I began searching for aprons. I bought one on etsy and then decided to make an apron for my two best gal-pal’s 30th b-days! They loved their aprons and I got the confidence to make aprons and sell them online: www.notblueatall.etsy.com

You can find bistro sets (both indoor and outside versions) almost anywhere lately. I’ve even seen some impressive ones at Orchard Supply Hardware (some even bargain priced!). But for those of us without a balcony, patio or other outside space to relax and entertain in, we’re left to our own creative devices. When entertaining I love to serve freshly ground and brewed organic coffee. The best kitchen gadgets aren’t always plugged into the wall, darlings! Nope! In this case I prefer the old French Press! It’s simple, sleek, can be washed and stored ridiculously easily and impresses people who’ve never seen one used before! While they average around the $30 mark, you can sometimes find sales or bargains or better yet…vintage! (Some parts may need replacing for some very old or soiled ones.) If you haven’t already noticed, French Presses or “Press Pots” are a rapidly growing trend among coffee lovers. This won’t die anytime soon either…these are no mere fondue pots! These are useful and simple tools for your kitchen and at-home cafe! And while I coudl talk all day about coffees and espresso blends, I shant bore you dears.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_press

Target: http://www.target.com/b/184-6383267-4813656?node=13386071&LNM=french_press&CPNG=Appliances&AFID=yahoocom&LID=86021194&ref=tgt_adv_XSYH0463

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/search.aspx?query=frenchpress (although this bargain huntress can’t stand to spend so much on so litte!)

And always be sure to at least appear as though you know exactly what you’re doing: http://www.coffeegeek.com/guides/presspot

Artwork always helps when it comes to decorating the home/apt on a budget! Why buy when you can DIY?! Even if you’re not the next Basquiat (J’Adore!) or Picasso, you can certainly paint a coffee or tea cup! And if you can’t do that, there are stencils, decals, photos, magazines and other items you can affix to your final masterpiece! Or if you must (because we’re all so busy lately) you can buy vintage prints and posters. Or, better yet, buy handmade!

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28504315&ref=sr_gallery_17&&ga_search_query=cafe&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=4&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28343219&ref=sr_gallery_6&&ga_search_query=cafe&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21223333&ref=sr_gallery_20&&ga_search_query=cafe&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28331227&ref=sr_gallery_21&&ga_search_query=cafe&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Or at the very least you can get an air freshner, candle or other aromatic: http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=handmade&search_query=coffee+scent&order=date_desc&ship_to=

Why not have some friends over for tea and coffee? You can make mini-sammies and serve scones and other small delectables! Hit your local thrift store for some vintage looking tableclothes and settings or just get some cheap paper doilies and cover your coffee table! (Michael’s has a Martha Stewart section that is to die for! And I seriously resisted liking that section.)

For me? I prefer the funky and mismatched more punk style of tea service. Why not try some of those flavored Baily’s Irish Cream liquers (original, caramel and mint!)  in your evening coffee soiree` or book club meetup? Sounds like a party to me!  You don’t have to be a whizz in the kitchen, but your guests will be quite impressed I assure you! The music you choose may also enhance the mood. Check iTunes for cool cafe inspired playlists. I know of a few country themed ones (ie: paris, rome, etc.)

Have you incorporated anything cafe related in your own home decor? Tell me about it! Or send me a pic! Comments, suggestions, etc are always welcome and appreciated!

Meh! I totally get that she’s trying to stick to what she does and is known for (musically that is) best, but…really? Is this it? Okay, she’s been through a lot (haven’t we all lately?) and some uplifting lyrics for inspiration and strength…I get it. But…I don’t! I mean, I was expecting a full-impact sort of comeback for Ms. Houston, not this! The title track to her fothcoming album (Sept.) “I Look To You” is well, lackluster at best. And yes, this from me, who has been waiting for her (and MJ’s) comeback for ages with hopeful optimism and not an ounce of shame. You can hear the track (and apparently download it if you feel the need) here: http://whitneyhouston.com/main.html
Me? I’ll “look to” her other tracks and hope that this isn’t in fact her first single from the album. I was hoping for the power pop of her earlier years when she made me dance in my pants! Best wishes on that Whitney…I still love you.

I’ve slacked on the music countdown front and I apologize, for realz! I had family in town for two weeks and I’m still working on getting my cafe opened so it’s been a bit nuts. Thank you for understanding and for being so patient and you know what? That rocks! But please, feel free to bitch at me if you feel neglected, I get it! =0)

So this week’s countdown is “5 Bands You Don’t Know” and I’m hoping that you haven’t heard of any of them. Although if you’re into music and reading this blog I’m sure you’re in the know and reading other stuff, too. So if you have heard of them let me know. Also, if I’ve missed someone you think is rad and “unknown” please COMMENT!!!

(In no particular order)

1.) Los Campesinos: I love the song “Death To Los Campesinos”! This band if from Wales and they’re just super cool and fun! I know they’ve gotten some play on alternative stations and channels, but not much and I just dig their whole vibe. Very fun and funky…like me!
                                                                                                                                             Hold On Now, Youngster – Los C…

2.) White Shoes & The Couples Company: Okay, I can’t claim to have “found” them on my own. “Sergio’s White Hot Top 5” on Current TV’s “Infomania” is a huge source of inspiration and complete and utter awesomeness for me. Seriously? Check it out!  But this band is hecka cool! Although I honestly don’t know a thing about them. I just dig their tunes!
                                                                                                                                   White Shoes & The Couples Comp…

3.) Mando Dai: This band is from Sweden and I love their style! Great percussion, good vocals and a solid sound! I got the EP on iTunes totally serendipitously, but I have to have “Spit On Your Love” close at hand for when I need to rock the fuck out!
                                                                                                                                        The Wildfire EP – Mando Diao

4.) Mulatu Astatke: I first heard sogs from them on the “Broken Flowers” soundtrack and really liked ’em. (What a fab soundtrack, too! By the way!) Very chill but a cool funky snakey sort of sound. I love it! This music makes you feel like you’re in a movie or living out some fantasy.
                                                                                                                                        Broken Flowers – Various Artis…

                                                                                                                                Inspiration Information 3 – Th…

5.) The Pierces: Snarky, witty, poppy, fun, but also easy on the ears! I won’t lie though, their album cover caught my eye before their music did. So what?! I bought it and I love it! I try to include it in mixes to surprise people, too.        They’re just a good band to mix things up, ya know?
                                                                                                                              Thirteen Tales Of Love And Rev…

So…what do ya think? Did I pick something you already heard of? Have you never heard of any of these bands? Do they rock? Do they suck? TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! Let’s talk shop and see what we’ve got…in common! =0)