Tag: Blake Shelton

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session Vol. 25

Amanda

I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE.
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Friday Jam Session

1.Favorite New(ish) Album
Untamed – CAM

Friends, I think Cam is the real deal.
I would say it is probably pretty hard to be women in country music, but I really do not think that this is an artist that is going fade away after an album or two. After a short jaunt in contemporary pop, her country debut single “Burning House” was one of the biggest songs on 2015 and its almost a crime that it took me until this past month to check out her whole album. “Hungover on Heartache” is currently my favorite jam off of the record, but I also really like the title track “Untamed,” as well as “Mayday” and “Cold in California.”

Plus by now, I think it goes without saying that I LOVE her hair.

2. Favorite New(ish) Collaboration
I’ll Be The Moon by Dierks Bentley ft. Maren Morris

Let’s start off by saying that I have been raving about Maren Morris for months now, and I am just so happy that people are finally starting to know who I am talking about.
ANYWAY… let’s focus a little less on what the song is about and just appreciate how pretty that harmony is. Dierks has a lot of fun songs, but his voice was meant for sexy, soulful tunes. I still remember when he came to my county fair right after his debut album came out. He has always been a staple favorite since then and I would LOVE to see him in concert again someday.

3. Favorite New (to me) Artist or Band
Brothers Osborne

This song has been stuck in my head and on my regular playlists for a few months now, so I guess it was about time these guys made it onto a blog post. They have a solid country sound, and are almost a bit folksy at times. Other than their single, I really like “21 Summer” (quickly becoming a new favorite), “American Crazy,” “Rum” and “Down Home.” They are playing on tour nearby in August with Miranda Lambert and Kip Moore, and I am REALLY hoping that I can make it work to go.

4. Jam I Have On Repeat
Keeping Your Head Up – Birdy

Birdy goes into the same category as artists like Sia and Vance Joy, who could sing the alphabet and I would still be obsessed with them. I want to feature every single song these artists have. If you think I’m exaggerating when I put songs into this category, DON’T. I literally mean that at one point I have clicked the repeat button on Spotify multiple times. I love that this particular song of hers is a bit more upbeat than some of my other favorites and I love the lyrics. It’s great in the car and is also on my running playlist.

6. Favorite Spotify List
“Legendary”

The playlist description says: “The best of the best. Classics that define the word Legendary are all in this playlist.”
I mean with the Stones, Beatles, CCR, Fleetwood Mac and Queen — just to name a few — I would say this is a pretty solid jam session.

7. #SoulMusic I’m obsessing Over
Start a Riot – BANNERS

I heard this on a TV show a while ago and immediately knew it would eventually find its way into this category. I love the artist’s scratchy voice and there is a softness to the song, that pulls on a lot of different emotions #closethipster. I’m a sucker for live acoustic versions, but this one is a bit rough, so I’d encourage you to listen to both.

9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down
Wild Things by Alessia Cara

It is funny, how you can hate one from an artist and be obsessed with another. That is how I feel about “Here” (which is REALLY annoying) and this new single. It throws me off a bit that this girl is so young, but this “anthem-like” song is quirky, catchy and has such a rich sound — which I think ties back to the lyrics themselves. It sounds great in the car and obviously has also found a spot on my workout playlist.

10. An Oldie, But a Goodie
Today I Started Loving You Again by Merle Haggard

Friends, music lost a legend last week. I listen to a lot of different kinds of music, but my love for it is rooted in riding shotgun with my Dad and in early morning AM radio stations that would play the outlaws and classics. I was never cut out to be a musician of any kind, but I sometimes wonder if that music was one of the things that helped develop my love for good storytelling. Haggard was one of the best, and certainly influenced so many of the generation of artists to follow him. If I had to choose I would probably say that the song above is my favorite of his, but of course I love other hits like “Mama Tried,”  “Workin’ Man Blues,” and “Fightin’ Side of Me,” just to name a few.

11. Work, Work It Out
Castle by Halsey

If you have already discovered this song, it is probably because you joined everyone and their mom in using the Shazam app when you heard it on the “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” movie trailer. I am sure that I was not the only one. I have not completely made up my mind on Halsey as a new artist, but this song is SO GOOD. With a dramatic flair and so many layers to its sound, I am dying to see someone choreograph a dance routine to this. (Or can I be 16 again please?) It might be a bit different for what normally goes on workout playlists, but trust me, it works.

12. Making Me Want To Fall In Love
Ophelia by The Lumineers

The Lumineers were an instant favorite when their debut album came out. Their entire production is so simple, but unique, and their new single has a light-hearted and sweet melody that I’ve had on repeat lately. Plus the video is just cute.

13. Guilty Listen of The Week
Friends by Blake Shelton

I do not actually feel guilty about this one, it just seemed like the right place to put it since it is kind of silly.  I LOVE Blake Shelton and this video and song have been cracking me up since my sister shared it last week. I think it is great when artists lend their voice to fun, kid-friendly projects like this.

14. Favorite New(ish) Cover/Remix
Stay by Thirty Seconds to Mars (Original by Rihanna)

The BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge is my favorite go-to on YouTube for live performances and great covers. This particular cover is actually 2 or 3 years old, but I was showing someone this YouTube channel the other day and it made me think of it. Of all of the covers they feature, this one is probably my favorite. I am a fan of most of Rihanna’s music, but I never really cared for her original version of this song. But Jared Leto man, his version is so good, it is wrong. It really should have been his band’s song to begin with.

15. Popular Song Making My Ears Bleed
NO – Meghan Trainor

I’ve found that most people have pretty strong feelings about Meghan Trainor. You either get her or your can’t stand her. Don’t get me wrong her music can get a bit obnoxious after a while, but I generally like her. But this song…people, it’s some level above annoying.

LOL NO.

However, can we take a moment to appreciate her hair. If I wasn’t super snobby about the fact that I’ve never colored my hair, I would go to that color in a heartbeat.

16. Country Pick
Dear Music by Bart Crow Band

A country love song to country music?
I didn’t know I needed this song, until I stumbled across it, and now it will probably end up being one of my all-time favorites. I didn’t know that Bart Crow put out a new album last year, so I am excited to check that out. “Wear My Ring” is one of my all-time favorite two-stepping songs, so they are always solid staple when it comes to red dirt music.

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So, what have you been listening to this week?

Cheers!

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session Vol. 19

Amanda

I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE.
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Friday Jam Session

1.Favorite New(ish) Album
1989 (Cover Album) – Ryan Adams


The internet about had a heart attack last week when T-Swift herself started promoting the release of Ryan Adams’ full cover album of 1989. I’ve listened to the guy a few times before and I like his sound, but with the craze this cover album started, I found myself just as anxious to hear it.

It’s weird and wonderful all at once, and I think regardless if you are a Taylor Swift fan or not, I’d say that is a testament to her writing. Most of the upbeat songs were slowed down and the slow ones sound more haunting. I was somewhat surprised that my favorites were the exact opposite from my favorites on the original album. His cover of “Style” above was probably my overall pick followed closely by “This Love.” I also really enjoyed “All You Had to Do Was Stay” “Bad Blood” and “Clean.”

2.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/Band
Hideaway – Daya
Listen HERE

If you had told me the first few time I heard this song that this girl is only 16, I wouldn’t have believed. Her voice definitely sounds more mature. This is her first single off of her upcoming debut album. I actually haven’t had a chance to really check out any of her other music, but I fear it might be that I just like this particular song. We’ll have to see.

3.Jam I Have on Repeat
T-Shirt – Thomas Rhett


 I kept telling myself that I was going to wait to feature Thomas Rhett again until his full new album came out today. But I CAN’T stopping putting this song on repeat. It’s becoming unhealthy. That said, don’t be surprised when I feature the album next weekend…

4.Favorite Collaboration, Cover, Remix or Mashup
XO – John Mayer
Listen HERE

I love Queen Bey, but I definitely like John Mayer’s version better.

5.Favorite Spotify List
“All Out 90’s” by Spotify

My early childhood was pretty awesome.

6.#SoulMusic I’m Obsessing Over
Burning House – Cam
Listen HERE

This song has such a sad and haunting, but beautiful sound. It actually reminds me a bit of the Dixie Chicks.

7.”Oldie, But a Goodie” I Heard This Week
Holiday in the Sun – Weezer
 Listen HERE

So this is where I admit that the straight-to-video Mary-Kate and Ashley movie “Holiday in the Sun” is one of my most watched movies… EVER. Yepp, I am from the Olsen twins generation and for some reason my friend Kari and I were obsessed with that movie. This song always reminds me of our friendship, and of course, how ridiculous that movie is.

8.Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down
Tear in My Heart – Twenty One Pilots


I’m warning you, this band is weird, and what’s even stranger is how oddly addictive their music is. When they opened for a Imagine Dragons concert I went to a few years ago, that’s all took for me to become a fan. Sure they’re weird but they’re talented and have an energy that is contagious. I’m loving this song off of their new album, but my favorite will always be “Holding Onto You.”

9.Taking Me Down Memory Lane
Vogue – Madonna
 

This week is another trip down memory lane to my dance days. This was the competition performance song the first year I was a competitive team in 5th grade and after dozens of routines since then, this is the one that I still remember the most of.

10.Work, Work it Out
Move Along – All-American Rejects

Ahh the band of my high school days, I miss you guys. This song still gets played at least once every run I go on.

11.Making Me Want to Fall in Love
Fire and The Flood – Vance Joy
 

You know, if I’m just going to feature Vance Joy every single week anyway, maybe he should just get his own category?

Seriously though, this song… swoon.

12.Guilty Listen of the Week
Same Old Love – Selena Gomez
Listen HERE

Don’t know about the rest of the song, but I’m a sucker for a catchy and quirky chorus.

13.Song That I Originally Loved, But Is Now Overplayed
Jason Derulo

This week I’m talking about an artist, not a song. I really liked Jason Derulo when he first came out when I was in college. The song above was probably one of the most played songs on my iPod for a few months straight. I even saw him in concert when he came to K-State. But lately I just find myself annoyed by his music. Sure a lot of it is catchy, and he’s obviously talented, but it just seems all the same and too much. And don’t get me started on his #bromance with Florida Georgia Line…. Just no. I need a break from his music.

14.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears Bleed
Tulips – Christopher
Listen HERE

I have so many mean comments, but lets just talk about what’s really bothering me…Christopher?? Man, have a single stage name is supposed to be cool like Beyoncé, Lorde, Bono, Madonna or heck even Kanye. But Christopher? I just don’t get it.

15.Country Pick of the Week
Before You Drive Me Crazy – Wes Mack

Really loving this song from another new country kid on the block that look’s like the Weasley’s had yet another son that we didn’t know about. The music video is a bit overdramatic but its a solid debut song.

BONUS: My Voice Picks, Week 1

I missed The Voice last season because of my move to DC. By the time I was settled in I was just too behind to even attempt to catch up. I am glad to see that they have Gwen back instead Christina, she’s by far my favorite female coach they’ve had. I’m currently still trying to decide if I am going to stay committed. Let’s be honest, the main reason I watch is for the banter between Adam and Blake. And why do they show SO MANY of the no-turn performances? I felt like that was most of what Tuesday night’s show featured. With that said these are few that really stood out to me during the first week of blind auditions. Seems like a lot of country right now, which is my favorite genre, but I’m hoping and assuming that will eventually balance out. These were my top 5 favorite performances from Week 1. There were a few others who could see myself potentially liking more later on but this is my picks for this week.

Angel Eyes – Barrett Baber


Chandelier – Jordan Smith


Typical – Evan McKeel


Let Her Cry – James Dupré

We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off – Ellie Lawrence

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So, what have you been listening to this week?

(Linkup images)

Linking up with these blogs today!

Here, Here, Here and HERE.

Cheers!

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session: The Voice S7: Part 1

Amanda

I’m a tad bit late to The Voice craze. I’ve always known what it was, mostly because my sister is an avid fan, but I didn’t have TV (or even Netflix for that matter) in college so my screen time was extremely limited. But I knew I could be a fan because I usually found myself binge watching YouTube video of highlights and performances. So this season I have joined the club. Up until the “Live Playoffs” I’ve been recording it on my DVR and watching it throughout the rest of the week. Two hours is a little too much time to dedicate to sitting and watching one show.

 A few of my early favorites have been cut, but for the most part I can follow the coaches’ train of thought. Lots of great voices come through this show, but there seems to be a specific formula and checklist to be a good fit for this particular environment. Speaking of the coaches, Blake and Adam are both artists that I have been a longtime fan of, and their bromance is just plain hysterical. As for the other two, from what little I’ve seen of past coaches and now of Pharrell and Gwen, I think they’ve got a really strong group. Gwen is the pennant bearer for girl power for all who grew up in the time of No Doubt’s reign. And while Pharrell is an artist that I’ve only become familiar with in the last couple of years, this guy is a master at giving pep talks. Seriously, I kind of wish he could be my life coach.

This week was #TheVoiceTop12 Playoffs where all twelve artists performed live and America chose the Top 10 to move on to next week.
For this post I split the Top 10 down to my Top 5 artists, which was really difficult because I could see myself being a fan of quite a few of them. Now if I was just doing the Top 5 performances, my list might look a little different because that would be heavily influenced by what were already some of my favorite songs. But I chose my Top 5 artists based on their overall appeal, including voice, style and personality, and whether or not I think I would go out and buy their music. This list is not in any particular order.

Disclaimer: I am well aware that 3 out of the 5 are guys with long hair. Despite to my extreme dislike for guys with long hair, they all still made the cut. They should feel honored…

1. Matt McAndrew

So I kind of lied, because I know that Matt’s song choices have definitely influenced his spot on this list. “Yellow” and “Drops of Jupiter” are two of my all-time favorite songs, and I think he did them justice. With that said, I’m oddly fascinated by this guy. I like him now, and I think I could like him in 40 years – even with that ridiculous hair. Then the morning of the playoffs this week I was listening to Hozier’s “Take Me to Church,” (one of my favorite songs of 2014) and thought it would be a great fit for this guy…and what happened? BOOM. I’m a psychic. And while it probably wouldn’t have as much star power with America, I’m dying for him to sing some Mat Kearney…

2. Taylor John Williams

This guy was my early favorites, and no, not just because he’s a fellow Oregonian. Like Matt McAndrew, I’m oddly fascinated by Taylor and his voice. He might not be singing all my favorite songs like Matt is, but each time his performance end, I want to hear more. His blind audition of “Heartless” could have been his own song, “Stuck in the Middle With You” took me back in time and I thought his battle round duet of “Jolene” was endearing. And while I think that he has improved with each week (as they should) my favorite performance of his so far was in the Knockouts with “Mad World.” Guys, the 1:45 mark says it all. Give me this on repeat.

3. Danica Shirey

This girl has some soul pipes. I’d definitely say that this season is male dominated, but homegirl is holding her own. It seems like those who are successful on The Voice are the ones who are really able to sell the big note moments. Danica does that in every performance. Plus it helps that she comes across as extremely down to earth, and even a little shy from too much attention. She makes you want to know what her story is. I’d buy her music AND feel like I could grab a cup of coffee with her. “Creep” and “Help Me” were great performances, but “Saving All My Love for You” was my favorite.

4. Chris Jamison

I like Chris because at first glance he doesn’t seem as unique as Matt and Taylor do, but he quickly makes you forget the pretty boy stereotype you were putting him in and instead creates his own niche. When it comes to his voice think Adam Levine’s sexy falsetto meets Michael Buble’s warm and smooth croons. Just watch Pharrell’s face at 00:45 of his blind audition of “Gravity.” And there’s versatility. He nailed Nick Jonas’ new beat above and threw it back with Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” I wasn’t a big of fan of “Don’t”, but I definitely want to hear more from this kid.

5. Craig Wayne Boyd

I’ll admit I was weary of Craig at first. My taste in music ranges far and wide, but at the core is country music. And well, the definition of “country” has been thrown around like a rag doll lately. Bro country, nashville, outlaw, red dirt…it all has a place, but it is all making my head hurt. But kind of like his journey on the show, where Craig keeps fighting his way through, he won me over. His voice is most comparable to Travis Tritt’s and he’s got the southern vibe like Confederate Railroad, Shenandoah and maybe even Sawyer Brown that sometimes walks the line between country and rock. To me his turning point “statement moment” was his performance of Marshall Tucker Band’s cover above. He also took on “Some Kind of Wonderful” and the King’s “You Look So Good in Love”.

Favorite Team Performance So Far…

I haven’t really enjoyed that many of the team performances, but I did really like Team Gwen’s performance of “Riptide.”

The Artists I’d Like To Bring Back…

Despite my comments about country music above, I really do wish that James David Carter was still on the show. He had my overall favorite blind audition with “Nobody Knows”, I enjoyed his very laid back persona and his voice was just about as pure, stripped down country as they come. His performances of “Two of a Kind Workin’ on a Full House”  and “You’ve Got a Friend” were good too.

I was really disappointed that Pharrell didn’t save Taylor Phelan when he had the chance. His blind audition of “Sweater Weather” was my next favorite, and considering I really don’t like that song originally, thats impressive. One of the coaches made the comment during his audition that he reminded them of Ryan Tedder (of OneRepublic) by the way he became apart of the music. I agree. He was someone who I wanted to hear more from. He also performed “Rather Be”  and “Cool Kids.”

Other favorite performances

Ryan Sill – “Ordinary World“
Luke Wade – “Rich Girl”
Reagan James – “Try”
Taylor Breshears – “Landslide”
Damien – “How Do I Live”
Ricky Manning – “Lay Me Down”
Troy Ritchie – “Hey Ya!”
Jessie Pitts vs. Ryan Sill – “I Need Your Love”
Troy Ritchie vs. Menlik Zergabachew – “Maneater”
Elyjuh Rene vs. Maiya Sykes – “If I Ain’t Got You”
Griffin vs. Luke Wade – “Maybe I’m Amazed”
Jonathan Wyndham – “Say Something”
Anita Antoinette – “Turn Your Lights Down Low”
Menlik Zergabachew – “Santeria”

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session: Confessions of a Music Junkie

Amanda

I was destined to be a music junkie. I born in the early 90’s, the start of a new generation when music was continuing to evolve at a rapid pace. Growing up I listened to my dad’s outlaw country driving around in the truck and caught bits and pieces of the remnants of my parent’s 80’s teenage years. Time with my kid uncle meant christian rock and alternative, and the fact that I was also a dancer opens up a whole other list. THEN, I came to the Midwest, fell in love with red dirt country and met my best friend with a completely different iTunes and who’s love for music matches mine.

One might think that I might be musically confused, or have some sort of complex, but no, I just embraced it all. And ‘all’ translates into a music library of 7,500 songs and growing.

So now we are here at I’ve decided to call my ‘Friday Jam Session.’ Discovering new music  and sharing it with other has become almost like a game to me, and hardly a day goes by on my Facebook or Twitter without a new link being shared. I’m warning you though…my taste in music is all over the board and I’ll listen to songs that came out 30 years ago just as often those that debuted last week. It depends the mood, what’s happening in my life or just what’s stuck in my head. Enjoy!

Say Goodnight by Eli Young Band
EYB is a go-to band when it comes to great lyrics. The vocals in their most recent single just about makes you melt. There is an official music video, but I prefer this studio session version.

Pretty Little Lie by Blackberry Smoke Band
I just discovered this band literally two days ago, but just after one listen I was reminded why I fell in love with red dirt. Talented musicians, ‘rough around the edges’ vocals, honest lyrics and that sound that makes you feel at home. They also kind of remind me of Whiskey Meyers.

Can’t Go Wrong by Phillip Phillips
Phillip squared is one of my newest obsessions. I stalked the Olympics last summer waiting to hear the tv spot that featured his first single “Home,” just so I could try to figure who this voice belonged to. And THIS song is soulful, warm fuzzy music gold.

Feel Again by OneRepublic
Speaking of soulful, warm fuzzy music gold…this one is from one of my permanent obsessions. Lead singer Ryan Tedder goes on my list of people whose voices I could listen to endlessly. Plus it gives me an excuse to throw a few hallelujahs’ in there.

Sure Be Cool If You Did by Blake Shelton
It’s impossible not to love Blake. Seriously though, country music’s resident party boy one minute and then croons this simple one that makes you melt. Come on.

I always welcome suggestions and recommendations. What are you listening to right now?
Amanda