My New Obsession

I was recently introduced to Hannah Hart a few weeks ago by a friend who has helped me out in my drunkin, cooking time of need... OVERREACTING! You'll have to ask Nikki or Matt the story because my memories of the day do not do it justice. Let's just say I was in charge of the Thanksgiving turkey, which is too much responsibility to tailgate before the event! Not only did I make a mess of the bird, but the dressing, my kitchen, and my trunk! It was pretty awesome!

OK... Back to Hannah. After falling in love with her videos, I've found her on twitter @Harto and a few other interviews. Her first My Drunk Kitchen episode entitled 'Butter Yo Shit' was first made from a recorded Skype conversation after she had just moved to NYC. Anyway, she is really freaking hip and makes me laugh so I wanted to share!



My favorites are "Omelette You Finish" and "Not Easy, Bake Oven" but you should watch as many as you please!

Finally Some Snow!

Ok! It is January 12 and it's only our second snow of the season. Because of the retched winter Columbia had last year and the craptastic inability for my car to start and stop on the smallest amount of snow and ice, I moved downtown. Not only am I in walking distance to everything (other than a grocery store,) I can walk to work. Talk about the BEST decision I've ever made. It's a shame it took me this long to do it. Oh... And did I mention that I'm fostering a puppy? He's not technically a puppy, he's probably 2-3 yrs old and is about as perfect as they come! Romeo is crate trained, potty trained, sits, and snuggles like the best of 'em. We are currently working on leash etiquette, so any advice you can throw my way would be helpful and appreciated!


Oh, and here is a lovely clip of The Head and the Heart singing in their underwear! I am fortunate enough to have tickets to their St. Louis show this March and cannot wait!

Cheers!

A Bit O Blues

Honestly, I hadn't heard about this band until late last year. During one of the many NPR countdowns, Alabama Shakes were mentioned several times and I had to look them up! They will be live on KEXP today at 3:00 CT if you're at a computer! Since the Columbia Roots N Blues fest this past summer, I've been a lot more interested in the genre and the amount of heart that goes into each song is just incredible!

Allen Stone is another gem I stumbled across around the same time. He is a mix of Amos Lee and Brett Dennen and is guaranteed to rock your socks off! So enjoy!

Mumford Monday

Here is a group who has blown up this past year... and for good reason! Shout out to my friend Katy R. for posting this video on thefacebook! Mumford & Sons have yet to let me down so hopefully this is a new one for you.

My Top 10 Albums of 2011

To spare the details, let's just say this year has had hellatial ups and a few downs! After the Marathon in Nov. of 2010, which was definitely a success, I haven't done much running. I keep meaning to but now that I've stopped, I can't understand how I used to make time for it. Hopefully that will all change in 2012 because I'd like to start it back up.

2011 has been full of traveling and concerts! Spoiler Alert: Future blog entries



The end of the year is my new favorite time. Not because of the tacky decorations or holiday cheer, not even for the paid days off work for 2 four-day weekends in a row. 'Tis ('Twas) the season for music countdowns and "Top XXs" of the year.

This isn't going to be as friendly as I hope to someday make it but I had to get it out there before the time had passed. Several organizations, NPR, KEXP & Pitchfork being my favorite and most relate-able. I read all the lists! Top Songs, Top Albums, Top Artist of said Genre...

It's a time to double check my Subpop culture, discover the bands I have somehow over looked, and reinstate my enthusiasm for the ones I cannot take off repeat. Instead of bombarding you with lists of listeners favorites (which I encourage you to view through the links above and explore for yourself,) I wanted to make my own list. I decided to do My Top Albums of 2011.

10) The War on Drugs - Slave Ambient
9) Givers - In Light
8) Tapes N Tapes - Outside
7) Deer Tick - Divine Providence
6) Pearl and the Beard - Killing the Darlings
5) GroupLove - Never Trust A Happy Song
4) The Head and the Heart - The Head and the Heart
3) tUnE-yArDs - W H O K I L L
2) The Lonely Forest - Arrows
1) Pickwick - Myths

Honorable Mentions:
Of Monsters and Men - My Head is an Animal
Foster the People - Torches (album is awesome but Pumped up Kicks is my nightmare)
Beirut - The Rip Tide

Also, my most played song of the year is Lost Coastlines by Okkervil River and my favorite cover is Ellie Gouldings version of Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap. Both have been played on repeat a hundred times this year and I could listen at least a hundred more!