In Case You Haven't Heard Part I; a Collection of Newish Tunes I Missed While on Hiatus

Well, after a lengthy hiatus from the blogging world, I'M BACK! It's been a while, eh? I think my break warrants a brief explanation, so here it goes. After nearly a decade living in Boston, I've relocated my ass to New Jersey for an exciting new work opportunity. Said work opportunity actually starts on Monday which is both exciting AND nerve wracking. Why Jersey? Well, I've always wanted to move closer to the East Coast music mecca that is New York City and this opportunity just seemed like the right fit. Wish me luck!

Now, back to the music.  To kick things off, I wanted to do a little post featuring some great music videos/songs that I fully intended to give a proper feature, but because of time constraints and other obligations surrounding my move, never could. I've split the songs out into two posts; one that's a bit more rock & roll and a second that's a bit more pop.  First up...The Killers!

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Alanis Morissette Unveils 'Guardian' Lyric Video; Single Due May 15th, Album Out August 28th

Prolific singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette unveiled the lyric video for her forthcoming new single, "Guardian" earlier today, premiering the clip on MetroLyrics.com after teasing fans with both the song lyrics and a teaser trailer for the song.  "Guardian," due May 15th on iTunes, is the lead single off of Morissette's upcoming seventh studio album, Havoc and Bright Lights, which is set to be released August 28th via the Collective Sounds label, serving as her first release outside of the Warner Music Group.  The album was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (Jason Mraz, The Strokes, MIKA) and acclaimed producer Guy Sigsworth, who has worked with the likes of Madonna ("What It Feels Like For A Girl," "Nothing Fails"), Britney Spears ("Everytime," "Someday (I Will Understand)," "Out from Under") and of course Alanis Morissette (Album #6, Flavors of Entanglement) and will be her first new release in four years.  Who's excited?

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New Dido Remix on Masterbeat

I've started buying a lot of my dance music on Masterbeat. I had heard of Masterbeat before, expensive than iTunes...a song usually costs between $1.49 - $1.99. But the selection of current dance music is way better. They keep getting exclusives and new labels keep coming on board. Masterbeat got the Alanis Morissette remixes for "Not As We" before iTunes, for instance. Not all tracks are expensive...some are available for $0.99 like Dido's "Don't Believe In Love" remix by Dennis Ferrer.

When I'm done house sitting, I'm totally going to get this track! I love Dido remixes and have been a little upset that this new album hasn't really been touched by the remixers. I wonder why? It's not really too different from any of her past releases? Oh well. Tomorrow is New Years Eve! And then...my birthday on New Years Day. Not sure how I feel yet about turning 28. We'll see how it goes.

PS - currently OBSESSED with "The Real Housewives of Orange County."

Rosie Live!

I remember watching Rosie O'Donnell's first talk show when it made its debut in 1996, pretty much through it's entire run (it ended in 2002). It was a good mix of entertainment...well that's really all it was. From her Koosh ball attacks on the audience, to the barage of actors, comediens and musicians Rosie was something to watch after school and I loved every minute of it!

When I heard about Rosie Live I was a bit skeptical. Lots has happened since then and not all of it good. But I have to admitt, after having watched it - I was plesantly surprised! While I could have done without some of the schtick in between, there were some memorable performances. I don't think any talk show really does that much with Broadway these days - not as much as Rosie used to do on her show anyway. And with Broadway hurting like it has been recently, now is the perfect time for Rosie to start spotlighting some of that talent.

Here are some of my favs from the night:

Liza Minelli: Wow. Liza is looking GREAT! A true class act - though honestly I could do out with Rosie trying to sing. She's definitely a character, but a singer she's not (and her self-effacing jokes were definitely noted)























Jane Krakowski: Jane did a fantastic striptease number with Rosie (Rosie was not stripping), introducing a slew of prizes being given away to the studio audience. Admittedly, I first knew of Jane Krakowski from her role as sex-crazed secretary Elaine on "Ally McBeal," but I later learned that she was a Broadway singer prior! When I in "Once Upon A Mattress" in high school, I purchased the 1996 Sarah Jessica Parker cast album and there was Jane Krakowski on the soundtrack! She's also graced the stage in Starlight Express (1987), Grand Hotel (1989) - (Tony Nomination), Company (1995), Nine (2003) - (Tony Win, Best Actress), Guys & Dolls (2005 - London), and in Damn Yankees (2008)! Did you also know she appeared in the Dixie Chicks video for "Goodbye Earl?" Ha! While she's a terrific comedic actress - I wish more people knew her for her tremendous voice (which she does showcase from time to time on "30 Rock"). I was kind of hoping that she would be cast in the movie version of "Nine" that they are filming now, but her role went to Penelope Cruz. Oh well! OH...she also recorded a song called "You" with piano-great Jim Brickman. It was remixed for the clubs by Giuseppe D and Monster Taxi.

Kathy Griffin: When I first saw the Nancy Grace clip go up, I thought Nancy was making an appearence, but apparently Nancy thinks Rosie is undeserving of a prime time variety show. The sketch turned into a Nancy Grace parody with none other than Kathy Griffin playing Nancy Grace. Very amusing, if not a bit too over the top. How can you not love Kathy Griffin, though?

Urinetown Parody: Urinetown was a Broadway show that I was fortuneate enough to see in NY when it was still...technically...a little bit OFF Broadway. Rosie played Officer Lockstock, while Broadway actress Jen Cody recreated her role as Little Sally. It was awkward and funny to watch as the two of them went on, ultimately introducing Alanis Morisette.





























Alanis Morissette:
Alanis performed her new U.S. single, "Not As We." We first heard this song last year on an episode of "House," before her album "Flavors of Entanglement" was released. This song is beautiful (albeit, a little whiny). Check out the original music video here. I also just bought the remixes for the track (available on Masterbeat). They aren't bad.

"Not as We" (Jack Shaft Remix)
"Not as We" (Blow-Up Remix)
"Not as We" (Dangerous Muse Remix)
"Not as We" (Eddie Amador's Multipressor Remix)
"Not as We" (DJ Lynnwood's Reborn Remix)
"Not as We" (Holosound Remix)

Rachael Ray: Rachael Ray (whom I normally can't stand) came out in the middle of a really awkward Thanksgiving duet with Rosie and Gloria Estefan. Wearing a really hot red dress, stilettos and carrying a big, fake turkey, she slinks out and closes out the show with a lot of confetti.

All in all, the show was a hot mess with some good bits in between. I fast forward through performances by some dancing twins, Ne-Yo, and Harry Connick Jr. Alec Baldwin and Conan O'Brian also made brief cameos. Oh...and Rosie did get another jab in at Donald Trump.

If Rosie is planning on doing this variety show full time, she definitely needs to fine tune her act and get rid of a lot of the filler. That being said, I do honestly think she has a place on TV and hope that the ratings are solid enough to carry her forward.