I often get emails, facebook messages and tweets asking me about what music I like to listen to- granted, I review all genres of music, but I suppose that people are curious to find out what I listen to on a daily basis.
I used to be obsessed with Pandora, and I mean obsessed! It used to play on my computer at the office all day (well, all 10-12 hours that I’m usually at the office anyway), and it would play at home on my TV on the weekends while I would clean my house. Then, one day Spotify came into my life, and I decided to take a break from Pandora (don’t get me wrong, Pandora is still my first love, but right now I am on the honeymoon stage with Spotify.)
What I listen to while I am at the office varies; I could go from listening to the entire Britney Spears music collection, to Indie radio, to non-stop Trey Songz. If a new CD is coming out, I usually listen to the entire thing on Spotify before deciding whether I will buy it or not. Other times, record labels are gracious enough to send me the CD before its release, and luckily I get a rare and precious actual CD which I end up playing in my car for months.
So, based on the multiple requests that I’ve gotten; I decided to put together a playlist for you my lovely readers to check out. Now, the songs on the playlist are NOT the only ones that I listen to, but, the list will give you an idea as to how eclectic my music taste actually is. I will be putting together new playlists every few months so that you can all check out what I delight my ears with while I am at the office behind a desk reading emails, enjoy!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
How I Know That The Year Is Almost Over
I posted a “spur-of-the-moment” type of status/rant on my personal facebook, and I got so many likes and “you crack me up” comments that I decided to go a little into detail about my rant.
It is almost the end of August, which actually means that Summer is OVER, DUNZO, FINNITO! Can someone please explain to me where the Summer went? I literally went to the beach ONCE, just once this Summer, and really, this is unfair in so many levels.
With the end of Summer, comes the magical time which fashionistas all over the world like to call FASHION WEEK, the magical time when I will be depressed about my lack of extra funds to spend on fabulous designer outfits, which will also result in my obsession of going on a particularly strict diet, because let’s face it, looking at 6ft tall, size zero models on the runway is terribly depressing for my 5ft average body, petite me. Fashion Week marks the first “WTF” moment on how I know that the year is almost over.
The start of the strict diet after fashion week marks the reminder of – HALLOWEEN is coming up, what slutty pop singer or mythical creature am I dressing up as this year? The strict diet after looking at the runway models sets an extremely high standard as to what my costume is going to look like. In past years, I have dressed up as a pin-up, a ring leader aka Britney Spears, Lady Gaga from the Bad Romance video, Medusa, just to name a few. Halloween alone is exhausting! And, after my strict diet so that I can fit in a slutty costume I finally cut myself some slack, which brings me to the second realization that the year is almost over…….
THANKSGIVING! Ahhh! The other magical night when I stop by the grocery store last minute and buy everything needed for dinner and I drop everything off at my mom’s house so she can work her magic and I can stuff my face with delicious turkey, stuffing, cranberry and all other delicious foods served on that night. Let’s face it, after being deprived for Halloween I go ALL out on Thanksgiving (and leftovers are so mighty delicious!) After my face stuffing time, comes the guilt trip, and with that comes…..
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!!!! Oh yes, nothing as rewarding as buying gifts, oh the joyous multiple trips to the mall, no parking, long lines, Christmas decoration galore….beautiful and jolly! (NOT!) However, at this point I feel fat, bloated and guilty of how much turkey I ate, and my only salvation is retail therapy. Oh, comes Christmas time, my bank account absolutely hates me. I am literally scrapping for pennies, because my retail therapy salvation has left me pretty broke! And, what is the best way to cope with this feeling????
Drinking like a pirate on NEW YEARS EVE! Oh you mighty delicious eggnog, you delicious champagne and sweet & smooth cocktails….and, just like that, in the blink of an eye the year is OVER! Mid-August is exhausting; I am exhausted just thinking about everything that lies ahead to finalize the year…Pheew! Please hold, off I go find out where to watch Fashion Week and elaborate on my ideas for my Halloween costume.
It is almost the end of August, which actually means that Summer is OVER, DUNZO, FINNITO! Can someone please explain to me where the Summer went? I literally went to the beach ONCE, just once this Summer, and really, this is unfair in so many levels.
With the end of Summer, comes the magical time which fashionistas all over the world like to call FASHION WEEK, the magical time when I will be depressed about my lack of extra funds to spend on fabulous designer outfits, which will also result in my obsession of going on a particularly strict diet, because let’s face it, looking at 6ft tall, size zero models on the runway is terribly depressing for my 5ft average body, petite me. Fashion Week marks the first “WTF” moment on how I know that the year is almost over.
The start of the strict diet after fashion week marks the reminder of – HALLOWEEN is coming up, what slutty pop singer or mythical creature am I dressing up as this year? The strict diet after looking at the runway models sets an extremely high standard as to what my costume is going to look like. In past years, I have dressed up as a pin-up, a ring leader aka Britney Spears, Lady Gaga from the Bad Romance video, Medusa, just to name a few. Halloween alone is exhausting! And, after my strict diet so that I can fit in a slutty costume I finally cut myself some slack, which brings me to the second realization that the year is almost over…….
THANKSGIVING! Ahhh! The other magical night when I stop by the grocery store last minute and buy everything needed for dinner and I drop everything off at my mom’s house so she can work her magic and I can stuff my face with delicious turkey, stuffing, cranberry and all other delicious foods served on that night. Let’s face it, after being deprived for Halloween I go ALL out on Thanksgiving (and leftovers are so mighty delicious!) After my face stuffing time, comes the guilt trip, and with that comes…..
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!!!! Oh yes, nothing as rewarding as buying gifts, oh the joyous multiple trips to the mall, no parking, long lines, Christmas decoration galore….beautiful and jolly! (NOT!) However, at this point I feel fat, bloated and guilty of how much turkey I ate, and my only salvation is retail therapy. Oh, comes Christmas time, my bank account absolutely hates me. I am literally scrapping for pennies, because my retail therapy salvation has left me pretty broke! And, what is the best way to cope with this feeling????
Drinking like a pirate on NEW YEARS EVE! Oh you mighty delicious eggnog, you delicious champagne and sweet & smooth cocktails….and, just like that, in the blink of an eye the year is OVER! Mid-August is exhausting; I am exhausted just thinking about everything that lies ahead to finalize the year…Pheew! Please hold, off I go find out where to watch Fashion Week and elaborate on my ideas for my Halloween costume.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
The Timeless Café Tacvba
There are only a few bands that can outlast generational gaps of music and remain relevant, fresh, and loved by fans of all ages - Café Tacvba is able to go on timelessly.
I have been to the Fox Theater many, many times for different types of concerts, but I what saw on Thursday, August 9th, certainly left me speechless. As I was walking towards the venue, all I could see was a never ending line of people patiently waiting to be let into the Fox. The people in line were not there simply to attend a concert, but to make sure that they were up and close to Café Tacvba.
One would think that the band’s fan base is older, you know people in their late 30’s, maybe even in the late 40’s, but the band is just that timeless that their fans are pretty much a wide range of ages. I could see some teenagers, some early 20’s peeps and of course, the longtime fans well in their 40’s. When the band first came out in 1989, I was in kindergarten! And here I was stoked to see them live again for what seemed to be the 100th time.
Café Tacvba was starting their US tour, and they could not have picked a better city or better venue to kick off the first stop; accompanying this incredible show was Bang Data. You all already know my devoted love towards Bang Data. I cannot say enough how talented they are and how every single one of their shows feel as if I’m checking them out for the first time.
As usual, Bang Data kicked off what was going to be a spectacular show! Deuce Eclipse wearing a jacket that read “Nicaragua” pumped up the crowd. There were a lot of loyal fans and a lot of people who were checking their set out for the first time. As I was walking around the venue, I could hear people singing along the songs and others paying close attention to the set.
It was then time for Café Tacvba to take the stage; I was at awe when I saw Rubén Albarrán – it was as if time had not passed. He is aging extremely gracefully, or there is something magical about being part of such a kick-ass band that made him not age at all. He came on stage looking humble, and his gaze showed just how grateful he was to be on the stage surrounded by thousands of people. When Meme, Joselo, and Quique came on stage, the feeling of gratefulness grew even more. It was crazy to see how, despite their over 3 decades of being together and their international fame, they remain humble, friendly, and grateful towards their fans.
There was not a single song that the fans did not sing along to – even when the band sang their first single, De Este Lado De El Camino (from the new album which comes out in September titled "Lo Que Antes Se Llamaba Disco”) – fans were mumbling the song even if they didn’t know it completely.
The Fox Theater was filled; there wasn’t an empty corner or space, and there were people everywhere and all around the venue. The lucky fans who showed up early enough and waited in line outside rushed to the front of the stage, they didn’t care that they were being packed like sardines. All that mattered was the magical moment of seeing “Cafeta” up-close.
No Controles, Eres, Chilanga Banda, La Chica Banda, Volver A Comenzar, Dejate Caer, El Baile Y El Salon, La Locomotora, Ingrata, El Puñal y el Corazón – the repertoire of songs did not disappoint. I can say from what I witnessed that night, that I was not the only one who felt as if they were seeing Café Tacvba for the very first time, the band is simply that magical and timeless.
Credits: Rogers & Cowan / Another Planet Entertainment
I have been to the Fox Theater many, many times for different types of concerts, but I what saw on Thursday, August 9th, certainly left me speechless. As I was walking towards the venue, all I could see was a never ending line of people patiently waiting to be let into the Fox. The people in line were not there simply to attend a concert, but to make sure that they were up and close to Café Tacvba.
One would think that the band’s fan base is older, you know people in their late 30’s, maybe even in the late 40’s, but the band is just that timeless that their fans are pretty much a wide range of ages. I could see some teenagers, some early 20’s peeps and of course, the longtime fans well in their 40’s. When the band first came out in 1989, I was in kindergarten! And here I was stoked to see them live again for what seemed to be the 100th time.
Café Tacvba was starting their US tour, and they could not have picked a better city or better venue to kick off the first stop; accompanying this incredible show was Bang Data. You all already know my devoted love towards Bang Data. I cannot say enough how talented they are and how every single one of their shows feel as if I’m checking them out for the first time.
As usual, Bang Data kicked off what was going to be a spectacular show! Deuce Eclipse wearing a jacket that read “Nicaragua” pumped up the crowd. There were a lot of loyal fans and a lot of people who were checking their set out for the first time. As I was walking around the venue, I could hear people singing along the songs and others paying close attention to the set.
It was then time for Café Tacvba to take the stage; I was at awe when I saw Rubén Albarrán – it was as if time had not passed. He is aging extremely gracefully, or there is something magical about being part of such a kick-ass band that made him not age at all. He came on stage looking humble, and his gaze showed just how grateful he was to be on the stage surrounded by thousands of people. When Meme, Joselo, and Quique came on stage, the feeling of gratefulness grew even more. It was crazy to see how, despite their over 3 decades of being together and their international fame, they remain humble, friendly, and grateful towards their fans.
There was not a single song that the fans did not sing along to – even when the band sang their first single, De Este Lado De El Camino (from the new album which comes out in September titled "Lo Que Antes Se Llamaba Disco”) – fans were mumbling the song even if they didn’t know it completely.
The Fox Theater was filled; there wasn’t an empty corner or space, and there were people everywhere and all around the venue. The lucky fans who showed up early enough and waited in line outside rushed to the front of the stage, they didn’t care that they were being packed like sardines. All that mattered was the magical moment of seeing “Cafeta” up-close.
No Controles, Eres, Chilanga Banda, La Chica Banda, Volver A Comenzar, Dejate Caer, El Baile Y El Salon, La Locomotora, Ingrata, El Puñal y el Corazón – the repertoire of songs did not disappoint. I can say from what I witnessed that night, that I was not the only one who felt as if they were seeing Café Tacvba for the very first time, the band is simply that magical and timeless.
Credits: Rogers & Cowan / Another Planet Entertainment
Friday, August 3, 2012
Direction Infection? Say Whaa?
My little sister has been tormenting me with her addiction with One Direction's music - or "Direction infection" as she likes to call it. Her room is plastered with posters of this boy band. She is particularly obsessed with Niall Horan (the blonde kid.) She talks about the band with such conviction and dedication. It reminds me of my younger self when I, like my little sister used to plaster my bedroom walls with posters of Backstreet Boys. I was obsessed, quite possibly as much as my sister is now. I actually wonder if my mom and grandma thought that I was an obnoxious teenager, the same way that I see my little sister as a little extra crazy.
I had been hesitant to listen to One Direction's music, mostly because I don't listen to as much pop music as I did when I was a teenager and also because it makes me feel like such a cradle robber (a puma as I’d like to refer myself as) to admit that I think those young (very young) guys are such cuties. Have you seven Zayn Malik? My inner teenager is all about Zayn!
The more my sister obsesses over this boy band, the more my curiosity has grown to listen to their music and find out what they are all about. The five member boy band formed during the 6th season of UK's X-Factor (same as when Cher Lloyd was discovered.) The guys auditioned as solo acts but, pop musical genius Simon Cowell saw the potential in having them become a group, and the rest is history! Liam, Zayn, Harry, Niall and Louis have taken the UK by storm and most recently the United States and other parts of the world. One Direction has made boy bands become relevant again. All of a sudden, teenagers everywhere have found their new crushes, just like those teenage girls who idolized The Beatles, those who used to sing along NKOTB "step by step, ohhh baby....." Or, how about Latin girls who drooled over Menudo and wanted to marry Ricky Martin, and, those like myself who used to record BSB and N Sync’s videos on VHS, only to play them back once I was done with my homework, and I used to sing long to each song and dreamt of marrying Nick Carter and Justin Timberlake.
Let's be real, we all have that obscure side that secretly likes pop music from boy bands, and we secretly still crush on those cuties (most who are now engaged, married or maybe not as cute as we remember them.) I personally still have a thing for Justin Timberlake, my love affair with Nick Carter ended, and until very recently (till he married ugly Vanessa Minillo) I used to crush on Nick Lachey.
Anyway, back to One Direction, thanks to my sister and her never-ending sing along; I finally listened to their entire album. I have to say, the hidden skinny teenager with braces in me totally loved the CD. And, while I am not going to buy a ticket to their concert anytime soon, I will be listening to their music occasionally and even sing along to it while people at the office stare at me with a confused gaze.
Photo Credits: One Direction's website
I had been hesitant to listen to One Direction's music, mostly because I don't listen to as much pop music as I did when I was a teenager and also because it makes me feel like such a cradle robber (a puma as I’d like to refer myself as) to admit that I think those young (very young) guys are such cuties. Have you seven Zayn Malik? My inner teenager is all about Zayn!
The more my sister obsesses over this boy band, the more my curiosity has grown to listen to their music and find out what they are all about. The five member boy band formed during the 6th season of UK's X-Factor (same as when Cher Lloyd was discovered.) The guys auditioned as solo acts but, pop musical genius Simon Cowell saw the potential in having them become a group, and the rest is history! Liam, Zayn, Harry, Niall and Louis have taken the UK by storm and most recently the United States and other parts of the world. One Direction has made boy bands become relevant again. All of a sudden, teenagers everywhere have found their new crushes, just like those teenage girls who idolized The Beatles, those who used to sing along NKOTB "step by step, ohhh baby....." Or, how about Latin girls who drooled over Menudo and wanted to marry Ricky Martin, and, those like myself who used to record BSB and N Sync’s videos on VHS, only to play them back once I was done with my homework, and I used to sing long to each song and dreamt of marrying Nick Carter and Justin Timberlake.
Let's be real, we all have that obscure side that secretly likes pop music from boy bands, and we secretly still crush on those cuties (most who are now engaged, married or maybe not as cute as we remember them.) I personally still have a thing for Justin Timberlake, my love affair with Nick Carter ended, and until very recently (till he married ugly Vanessa Minillo) I used to crush on Nick Lachey.
Anyway, back to One Direction, thanks to my sister and her never-ending sing along; I finally listened to their entire album. I have to say, the hidden skinny teenager with braces in me totally loved the CD. And, while I am not going to buy a ticket to their concert anytime soon, I will be listening to their music occasionally and even sing along to it while people at the office stare at me with a confused gaze.
Photo Credits: One Direction's website
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Admit It, You Still Have Bieber Fever!
If you are anything like me, you still listen to Justin Bieber and secretly (or maybe not so secretly), you were ecstatic when his latest album Believe came out. I was personally looking forward to the album, especially considering the artists featured on the album – Ludacris, Drake, Big Sean amongst others. The album also includes producers and song writers like Diplo, Mike Posner and Max Martin.
I did not care much for the first single "Boyfriend", oh but, I was seriously into the rest of the album– particularly the song "As Long As You Love Me." I liked the song not only because it featured Big Sean, but because (yes, I am not ashamed to admit it), the chessy, yet catchy lyrics. Let’s face it, it does not matter how old you are, cheesy love songs will always get to you (am I right girls?) I don’t know about you, but if a guy (not necessarily Justin Bieber) sings to me phrases like: “as long as you love me, I'll be your platinum, I'll be your silver, I'll be your gold..” or "ask me what's my best side, I stand back and point at you..."well, I am sold!
The video for the song premiered today, and it is just as enjoyable as the song – yes, it is true I very much enjoy pop/hip-hop collaborations. Bieber’s post puberty vocals with Big Sean’s sexy sound are a good mix (by the time you get to read this, the video will most likely have double the views, currently at over 2 million views.)
And without further ado, here's Bieber and sexy Big Sean; I know you will enjoy the video quite possibly as much as I did.
Video Credit: JustinBieberVEVO
I did not care much for the first single "Boyfriend", oh but, I was seriously into the rest of the album– particularly the song "As Long As You Love Me." I liked the song not only because it featured Big Sean, but because (yes, I am not ashamed to admit it), the chessy, yet catchy lyrics. Let’s face it, it does not matter how old you are, cheesy love songs will always get to you (am I right girls?) I don’t know about you, but if a guy (not necessarily Justin Bieber) sings to me phrases like: “as long as you love me, I'll be your platinum, I'll be your silver, I'll be your gold..” or "ask me what's my best side, I stand back and point at you..."well, I am sold!
The video for the song premiered today, and it is just as enjoyable as the song – yes, it is true I very much enjoy pop/hip-hop collaborations. Bieber’s post puberty vocals with Big Sean’s sexy sound are a good mix (by the time you get to read this, the video will most likely have double the views, currently at over 2 million views.)
And without further ado, here's Bieber and sexy Big Sean; I know you will enjoy the video quite possibly as much as I did.
Video Credit: JustinBieberVEVO
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