New Music: Sarah McLachlan

I have been a fan of Sarah's since I first heard her "Surfacing" album back in the late 90s (especially "Do What You Have To Do"). Anway, I was thrilled to hear that she was releasing a Christmas album.

Wintersong is just as fabulous as I imagined that it would be.

Tracks:
1. Happy Xmas (War is Over)
2. What Child is This? (Greensleeves)
3. River
4. Wintersong
5. I'll Be Home for Christmas
6. O Little Town of Bethlehem
7. The First Noel / Mary Mary (I think this one may be my favorite)
8. Silent Night
9. Song for a Winter's Night
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
11. In the Bleak Mid-Winter
12. Christmas Time is Here

Please Pray for Lillie

We just found out Lillie, the two and a half year old daughter of Jonathan's cousin, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare but particularly agressive childhood cancer.

Please remember Lillie, her parents (Cory & Michelle) and her sister Hannah in your prayers.

Lillie's blog is here.

Make A Difference - Become (RED)

Each year 30 million people die of complications from AIDS. 60% (20 million) of these people live in Africa. AIDS is the leading cause of death right now in Africa. 5,500 Africans die each day from this disease.

These numbers are staggering. Countless numbers of these deaths occur simply because the victim did not have the financial ability or the access to obtain medication that could prolong his or her life.

There is a new campaign that has been put together by Bono and Bobby Shriver that will help raise money from the private sector to go to AIDS funding. The campaign is called (RED). The (RED) campaign has teamed up with iconic brands such as Armani, Gap, Converse and several others to produce (RED) branded products. A significant portion of the proceeds from these products will go to The Global Fund, assisting women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

To find out more about the (RED) campaign and the products available for purchase here.

Artist Spotlight: The East Village Opera Company

Opera meets Rock in a blend that you have never quite heard before. And the result is amazing. That's what you get with The East Village Opera Company. The group features two powerful vocalists backed by an extremely talented band. Get ready to hear "La Donna E Mobile" as you have never heard it before.

I love every song on the CD, but my favorite is "When I Am Laid In Earth". The band really shines in their version of "Overture" (from "Le Nozze di Figaro).

This is definitely a fun and exciting spin on Opera.

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.