Friday, January 31, 2014

Girls on Your Turntable: Super Bowl edition

The Super Bowl, which airs this Sunday, is without a doubt one of the most popular sporting events in the country.  And just as popular as the game itself is the half time performance - a larger-than-life spectacle that showcases the most popular entertainers of the day.  
 
Madonna, Beyonce, or Janet - which is your favorite Half Time show?

 
Madonna - 2012


Beyonce - 2013 


Janet Jackson - 2004

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Thank you, Pete Seeger

 
Odetta - "If I Had A Hammer"
 


Joan Baez - "Where Have All The Flowers Gone"

 
 
 
Ani DiFranco - "Which Side Are You On?"
 

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Live from KCRW: Rosanne Cash

2014 Grammys

The 2014 Grammys air tomorrow night. Typically, I am not a big fan of the awards, as I tend to believe they highlight music that is mass produced and (to be completely honest) boring, instead of awarding talent and artistry. This, of course, is a broad generalization, as this year's nominees include several artists that are deserving of the accolade and recognition.

 Among my favorite nominees are:

 Lorde (pretty much nominated in every category it seems)

"Royals" was without a doubt one of the most played songs of 2013, and for good reason.  It has all of the elements of a classic pop song:  simple, catchy, lyrical.  It is impossible not to sing along.



 Kacey Musgraves (Best New Artist, Best Country Song, Best Country Album)

"Merry Go Round" is one of the best country songs to come out in recent years, especially when you consider some of the other songs to be nominated in the Best Country Song category. 

"Mama's hooked on Mary Kay.  Brother's hooked on Mary Jane.  Daddy's hooked on Mary two doors down."  Such a well-crafted line.  



 
Cecile McLorin Salvant (Best Jazz Vocal Album)

Cecile won the prestigious Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition in 2010 and has been emerging as an exciting new artist ever since.  Her voice will blow you away!