Levi Strauss Goes "Eco" Friendly

Jeans staple Levi Strauss announced a new "Eco" collection of denim for the Fall of 2006. The new jeans will be made completely of organic cotton. Additional eco products will be announced next spring.

Why go organic? Organic cotton is grown with innovative, biologically safe methods without the use of agri-chemicals. Agri-chemicals are often toxic to the environment.

To find out more about organic cotton, go here:

• Sustainable Cotton Project - http://www.sustainablecotton.org/ (beautiful site, btw)
  
• Organic Trade Association - http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/organic_cotton.html

Artist Spotlight: Joshua Radin

Lately I have been really into soulful folk rock with powerful lyrics and an equally powerful voice. Joshua Radin illustrates all of the above. His soft, yet strong poetic lyrics celebrate the beauty that love can be, even in heartbreak.

Visit his website for more information.

Five From My Playlist - 07/19/2006

1) "Closer" - Joshua Radin. This soft acoustical track takes me to a warm summer day with a cool breeze floating through the air. Really the whole album does. Sigh.


2) "Nothing in My Way" - Keane. So far I've been impressed with every song I've heard from this group. This melody makes me smile.


3) "Put Your Records On" - Corinne Baily Rae. A catchy tune with a fun message.


4) "Raindance" - K'Zula. I was looking for a relaxing track featuring African tribal drums. I found it.

5) "Main Ki Malhar" - Shivkumar Sharma. I wanted a track featuring the sitar, a traditional Indian stringed instrument. I found that too!

Five From My Playlist - 06/19/2006

1) "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" - Bing Crosby. My grandfather sang this song during our visit this past weekend. It really touched my heart to hear him talking about how he sang it to my grandmother.


2) "The Heart of the Matter" - India.Arie. India's smooth, soothing voice brings life into this cover.


3) "Crooked Teeth" - Death Cab for Cutie. Just a great simple song.


4) "Hey There Delilah" - Plain White T's. A beautifully sweet love song.


5) "Redemption Song" - Bob Marley. Marley at his best.

Dance Through the Ages

The best 6 minutes you will spend all day...

Five From My Playlist - 06/13/2006

This list is from an amazing pair of singers with a very similar style...

1) "Fool" - Donavon Frankenreiter. This is the best new song I've heard in a long time. The bass line is awesome.
Live:


Audio:


2) "That's Too Bad" - Donavon Frankenreiter. A blues-y, jazz-y great.


3) "Constellations" - Jack Johnson. A beautiful song that will make you want to lay outside and watch the stars at night.


With Eddie Vedder:


4) "Banana Pancakes" - Jack Johnson. A lovely picture of a lazy day morning with your love.


5) "Do You Remember" - Jack Johnson. A whimsical love song reminiscing about the beginning of the romance.

Five From My Playlist - 06/06/2006

1) "Call and Answer" - Barenaked Ladies. This song was on a wedding collection. Um, not sure it's all that appropriate for the wedding, considering the hook, but it still is a great song.


2) "Steady, As She Goes" - The Raconteurs. This new song is different, but really cool.


3) "Somewhere Only We Know" - Keane. I fell in love with this song when I heard it on the background of "The Lake House" commercials.


4) "The Middle" - Jimmy Eat World. This is such a fun song.


5) "One Year, Six Months" - Yellowcard. - A great song for summer.

Five From My Playlist - 05/12/2006

1) "Tainted Love" - Soft Cell.  Classic 80s.


2) "Green Grass" - Cibelle. This CD is like nothing I've ever heard. Cibelle has a beautiful voice. Some of the CD is a little more than my tastes, but this song is sweet.


3) "The Cross Said It All" - Kim Hopper. This song has an amazing message.


4) "L'Amour" - Carla Bruni. Carla has a beautiful voice. A beautiful voice singing in French is breathtaking. The whole "Queslqu'un m'a dit" CD is fabulous.


5) "Upside Down" - Jack Johnson. Speaking of beautiful voices, I have recently become a devoted fan of Jack Johnson and his soothing melodies.

Artist Spotlight: The 5 Browns

I love to hear the piano. Throw in FIVE pianos, and I am definitely in awe. That's what I came across while downloading music - a talented group of 5 pianists. According to the New York Post, "One family, five pianos and 50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years."

You can learn more about the Browns at their website. They currently have two albums available. "No Boundaries" (pictured) is their latest project.

Five From My Playlist - 05/03/2006

1) "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" - KT Tunstall. This track would fit right in on a Classic Rock station, but it's new.


2) "Standing Still" - Jewel. This ballad has been out a good while, but I really like the lyrics.


3) "Hanging By A Moment" - Lifehouse. Their latest single ("You and Me") is great, but I think this one is awesome.


4) "It's the End of the World As We Know It" - R.E.M. I have always been a fan of R.E.M., and this is my favorite of their songs.


5) "Green Onions" - Booker T. & the M.G.'s. This fun-loving instrumental is an all-time classic.