Blackstreet - No Diggity

So if anyone started listening to No Diggity these past three months, it's most probably because of "Pitch Perfect". Don't you deny it hipsters, you loved the movie! And yes, usually I'm also the hipster who thinks "I knew that song way before this cover came out." and for some of the songs in this movie, I'm still that annoying hipster (yeah sorry, can't help it.) but with this song, that's not exactly the case.

The riff-off between the groups is easily my favorite scene in the movie, and I wished it was longer. (heeey! the BU Harmonics don't get a turn?). Minus the squeaky Disney voices of some of the singers, I absolutely loved the whole thing. I've played a slightly similar game before but I can only dream of playing it with all that harmonies involved! While watching the scene, I even wanted to pipe in and sing myself. (I'm actually a little alarmed with the number of songs about sex I can think of at the top of my head.  Not sure what that says about me either :P)

Leads Skylar Astin and Anna Kendrick were wonderful, both vocally and acting-wise (really good chemistry these two.) and I loved both their songs in the riff-off, but especially Anna's/Beca's. I didn't expect she'd rap. I thought she'd pull a indie artist or europop song at best. But when she hit that chorus, my ears were like oh yeeeaaah~

A few youtube searches later, I realized Cher Lloyd actually sang this song in a mashup during her stint in the X-Factor UK. I remember the performance, but I vaguely remember the song itself. I guess Anna Kendrick singing it acapella made it so much more memorable and epic. She should definitely do a Zoe Deschanel and make her own indie album.

Anyways, here's the original song for you

Bonnie Pink - It's Gonna Rain!

雨は人を呼んだり消したり
誰よりも手ごわいマジシャンね
二人はいつもだまされてばかり
全ては雨で始まるんでしょう・・・

Fight The Blues - Utada Hikaru

We fight the blues
調子の悪いときは深呼吸
堪えた涙は僕の一部

In Memoriam

Awkward gestures, weird faces, missed notes, less than perfect vocals.

Insecurities.

Pretty much the reason why I hardly ever post anything of myself singing, videos or audios, despite the fact that I can't get through a day without singing a song or two. No, it's not stage fright, I don't think. I reserve my so-called performances to the people I trust will not judge me, or to myself in the confines of a room or an open field when I think I'm alone. I oblige friends once in a while, as a way of actually trying to get out of this comfort zone of solitary singing.

This was last August. Oz recorded this, and at the time I wasn't aware, so I was quite surprised to have it seen posted on Facebook. I took down the link. I'm sorry Oz, but I do thank you for the video.

After brushing this off as a video I will only keep to myself, I decide to share it now, with you, whoever you are reading this. Should you find fault in it, then I'll have to accept that I can't please you. I wasn't singing it for you anyway.

That night, I wanted to go to Bicol. Circumstances told me it was easier for me to stay.

Tonight, I regret that decision. I'm really sorry I wasn't there.

As I was singing this, two great men and an amazing woman were in mind. To the gents, I miss and love you both. I'm sorry I wasn't there. This one's for you. 

Sa panaginip sana'y mamasdan ka sa tuwina 

Kahit na di na gumising pa
Huwag lang malayo sa piling mo
Iniibig kahit ika`y panaginip lang

Pedicab - Ang Pusa Mo

P!nk - Try

Ever worried that it might be ruined
And does it make you wanna cry?
When you're out there doing what you're doing
Are you just getting by?
Tell me are you just getting by?

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Paris (Ooh La La)

fbo

Stooshe - Black Heart

Bobby Darin - Beyond The Sea

It's far beyond the stars
It's near beyond the moon
I know beyond a doubt
My heart will lead me there soon


fbo

Bobby McFerrin - Blues

Despite being titled "Blues", this performance sure made me smile. :)

2NE1 feat. Jung Sungha - I Love You

Amy Winehouse - All My Lovin'

Khalil Fong - BB88

Ben Howard - Call Me Maybe

It was May 20 when I first heard this song; I was in a resort hotel room in Catarman, Northern Samar.  It was the first time in a week that we actually had a cable TV, but nothing really interesting was on, so me and my roommates ended up watching MYX, listening to songs, fixing my clothes and other stuff, trying to fit them all in my bag.

Carly Rae Jaspen comes up, and although I've not heard of the song before that day, she looked quite familiar, then I remembered her in an episode of Ellen, where Justin Bieber was introducing her as his newly signed singer under his label. I'm no Bieber-hater, but I'm not a big fan either. So admittedly I was quick to judge her.

Before the music video played though, the VJ did hint on a funny ending to the music video that we should look out for. Good thing she mentioned that, because I might have not cared to finish watching it. I was slightly irritated at her character in the video; I didn't really approve of the whole "look-at-me,-I'm-being-sexy-washing-a-car", but I couldn't deny, the song was extremely catchy, and I really did like the chorus. The refrain though I disliked, (well i think it's the refrain, okay I'm not sure...) the one that goes, "Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad." It just really doesn't make any sense. Then, the twist in the end happens, and all of us just laughed, and that really won me over somehow. I was singing the chorus a few times that afternoon, but when we got busy again, I had forgotten about it.

Fast forward a few days later, I had gone back home to Bacolod, and I just start to hear it EVERYWHERE. (Along with that song by One Direction, and another song by Nicki Minaj) Over and over and over again. By that time, the song had successfully embedded itself deep in my head. And now that I've flown back to Manila, I can't get away from it. There's not a day that I don't see a mention of that song in at least one Facebook wall post. A lot of it are parodies or maybe people lip-singing to it, but the most wonderful post about it is this guy's cover. 

It's not as catchy, true. But I think it's a pretty awesome cover. Had I heard him first, I would have never imagined it as a pop song. I think I'll be looking more into Ben Howard now.

*Although I thought CRJ looked kind of old for a girl in her late teens, I'm surprised to find out she's actually 26! I also found out that she actually did sing this song when she was on Ellen. I had flipped channels before I got to see her perform it. I guess I just wasn't really interested in her then. Well, I am now.

HaBanot Nechama - I Love You

Nina Simone - Feeling Good

Lulu and the Lampshades - You're Gonna Miss Me

Halfway on our Eastern Visayas tour, my friends started playing this cup game. I was actually surprised because it has been years since I've seen anyone play this game randomly out of boredom, much less me playing it, so I was extremely rusty and I kept messing up the rhythm and losing.

We didn't get to play it a lot though, it's either we didn't have enough space or we didn't have cups, (or we were just too tired.) but it sparked quite a lot of nostalgia for me, and like everything else that sparks my interests, I google it as soon as I can.

I came across this awesome duo:

Making the basic beats of the game into accompaniment for the song? GENIUS. Plus their voices are wonderful. I'm now adding this to my bucket list. So originally this song is by Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters (as noted in Lulu's own blog), and when I found the original song, I was a bit surprised that it sounds different from this version.

I mean, I could already imagine this melody as a bluegrass/country song so I didn't expect that it would be too different, but I have to say, this 'remake' made it even better, which suffice to say, makes me love these two ladies even more.

Whitney Houston (Glee) - How Will I Know

Brandi Carlile - The Story

You see the smile that's on my mouth 

It's hiding the words that don't come out 

All of the friends who think that I'm blessed 

They don't know my head is a mess

Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers - I Can't Go For That

I became a big fan of Hall and Oates fan ever since getting addicted to their song "One on One". I get excited at the mention of their name, I don't exactly know why, people often find it odd that I giggle like a school girl. I find it odd too, in the looks department their not exactly my cup of tea, but it's a love I can't explain. XD

I suddenly remember the time that I caught the movie "You Again" on cable -the one with Kristin Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver. I was absolutely ecstatic by the end of that movie! Go ahead and watch it to figure out why.  ;)

Another case in point; a friend had posted a YouTube link to a video of this group singing "I Can't Go For That" in a van. I don't always click links posted by other people, but seeing someone do a cover of Hall and Oates, I just couldn't resist clicking.

I so did not regret that decision. These people are the BOSS! And now I think a new song is competing as my most favorite Hall and Oates song. XD I haven't been this happy with a H&O cover since The Bird and The Bee! Actually I think I like Nicki Bluhm waaaay better. It's not even just the cover that blows my mind, is that they did this recording, on the road, with an iPhone! These people are the real deal! I'm a frustrated musician and THIS is what I strive to become! Their Van Sessions are the most awesomest thing ever that ended up watching their whole playlist. 

I seriously want to be part of their posse. Or at the very least have my own friends who'd be up for a musical road trip like the ones they have.

***

This song somehow reminds me of "I'd Do Anything for Love, But I Won't Do That." Just a more up beat and cheerful, don't you think?

Ryan Higa ft. Chester See (YTF) - Bromance

Superheavy - Miracle Worker

Because I am in need of a miracle and some positive vibes right now.

Ed Sheeran - You Need Me, I Don't Need You

"You Need Me, I Don't Need You"

Ed Sheeran 
Written by Ed Sheeran
+ (September 2011)

http://edsheeran.com/

Had the great fortune of catching a friend's post on my facebook news feed about a certain Ed Sheeran. He described this song's style as a mix of Jason Mraz and Jamie Foxx. (If you ever get to read this post, yes Jaybie, I got this from you. thanks for the awesome introduction! XD) I got intrigued by how that mix of styles could sound like.

And I concur, this Ed Sheeran song is a Mraz-Foxx lovechild!

What I really like about this though, isn't actually the song, but the music video. It stars 17 year old Matthew Morgan, sign-singing the song. or sign-rapping. either one, SWAG.

You need me, I don't need you.

You need me, I don't need you.

You need me, I don't need you.

You need me, I don't need you.

This LSS is dedicated to, but not pertaining to my roommate. Repeat the chorus until you believe it! and I know who you should be singing it to. ;)

Kimbra - Good Intent

Out to feed that habit when you've sowed that seed
Nothing made you feel out of the ordinary
But the air turns sombre and the night took heed
Took you on a waltz of hypocrisy

Bob Dylan - Make You Feel My Love

In the past couple of months, I've noticed that I've been watching a lot of content in Youtube lately. Some people spend hours and hours on Facebook, 9Gag or Tumblr, but my addiction is composed of 60 percent of those three, and  40 percent Youtube. My addiction percentage for Youtube would be much bigger if only it were not banned on the university campus network from 8am-5pm, which means I only get my doses at night.

Youtube has become my new television and radio, and I've never been happier with an alternative. My favorite channels are of the YTF gang, (KevJumba, NigaHiga, D-Trix, Chester See and the rest), Wong Fu Productions, TEDtalks and most especially The Nerdfighteria Community, lead by the vlogbrothers, John and Hank Green with notable nerdfighters Charlie McDonnell, Alex Day, Michael Aranda and of course fiveawesomegirls.

Enough with the introductions! Cutting to the chase, a video was recently posted on Alex Day's channel, of him and his friend Bryarly Bishop singing a wonderful cover of Make You Feel My Love. I love Alex, but I'm honestly not the biggest fan of his voice, (sorry Alex) but the harmonies him and Bryarly made was absolutely perfect. I've been playing their cover on repeat since they uploaded it last Tuesday.

In recent years, it is Adele's version that made this song popular again, and like what Adele's voice does with any song, she makes it really poignant. Several others have also done wonderful covers of this song, but it's the lyrics that makes this song so beautiful, and we have Bob Dylan to thank for it.  

When the rain
Is blowing in your face
And the whole world
Is on your case
I could offer you
A warm embrace
To make you feel my love

LYRICS

Kimbra - Settle Down

"Settle Down"

Kimbra

Written by Francois Tetaz, Kimbra Johnson

Vows (August 2011)

Single (June 2010)

*I intend to write something about this, and I sort of have, but I don't feel like editing it yet (because it's not coherent for anybody other than myself.) But as a treat for whoever is reading this right now, here's the most recent song that's stuck in my head. It's not just the song that's awesome. Kimbra herself is amazing!

If you don't know her yet, now is the time to get yourself acquainted.