Charts for 07 25 09 - kinda quite!

Maxwell's new CD debut at number 1 on the top 200. Otherwise, kind of a quiet week. So enjoy a song that is in heavy rotation on my Ipod.

Of course visual representation of data for the week is below.

Artistic use of words or The Black Eye Peas are Bees

Ha! Even the Black Eye Peas saw the pun in the title of Imma Be.

I was listening to the song one day in the car, getting into the beat and lyrics, when my guy said, "They're a bee!?"

I did a double-take.

The Blair Witch Project is 10 years old

Ah. The low-budget movie that swept us off our feet chased us around then made us stand in a corner in a dark room. Most people watched it and thought, "huh?!" Even ten years ago, we were enamored with tricky camera work and explosive special affects. I admit I like those too. However, take the Blair Witch Project. It had none of those fancy add-ons. Put the camera work of the film, the story telling and just watch it, let your imagination run like you were reading a book. Yup, it creeped me out. Just think how you'd feel if you were out in the middle of the woods and wierd things started happening.

Nevertheless, the spoofs came out. The Blair Witch Project was made fun of because popular opinion just loved to heckle the little movie that did. I'd like to think of them as an homage. Remember: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So here are a couple spoofs in honor of the Blair Witch Project.

Devil Ducky Strikes again

Yeah, you're seeing right. The sell by date for those cookies were 02/16/08 a good year and five months ago. Co-worker found it under his desk the other day and other co-worker bet me a dollar to eat one of of the cups of cookies that are in the bag. A dollar does not seem worth it, especially since we are all participating in the fat bet. However, I do make a point to calorie- watch; it really is my way of knowing if I'm eating too much. I've compensated for the extra calories and ate. The cookies were... interesting. Cardboard-like yet stale.

Next day, I was challenged to eat the rest for a dollar. I figured, sure it's just another cup. Oh but wait! There was a third. Nope, no, not worth it. Of course a second dollar was put in and I ate them. My stomach is now wondering what the hell I just did. But at least I'm three dollars richer. Good thing I work out daily and watch my calorie intake.

Are you gonna eat that?


Addendum: Today (7/15) I did not workout because the other half had to go to the dentist. Stomach is still churning a little, ugh!

Quote of the day.

"I was raised Catholic; thinking was a sin."

Capital Hill Block Party

The only way for me to experience new music is to actively seek out new music. Searching around the net and meandering through radio stations are a staple but the truly enjoyable is when I get to go to concerts. I may have left the mosh pit behind, but I wouldn't mind going out to a concert and listening to the music in the back or on the stands.

However, one of the more unique venues will be held out in the streets of a Seattle neighborhood. For two days, July 24 and 25, the Capitol Hill Block Party will commence where 50+ bands will play on three stages. Good music at a good price with good food and drinks nearby, what more can a guy ask for? Sonic Youth will be playing as well as Built to Spill. The great thing about this concert is that there will be a whole bunch of not so well known bands. Sometimes I have to say the most innovative bands are the ones that are not mainstream. These bands get creative to get noticed and it often works with me.

Either before or after the party, check out the bars and restaurants in the area. So far my favorite place for beer is Elysian Brewery, gotta check that place out. When I went there, the music in the background was 80s new wave - nostalgic. Condos and new developments are springing up all around the area so give time for construction/traffic woes. As for weather, I think the site's FAQ best said it:

It's Seattle, what if it rains?

It's Seattle, get over it already. But really, the festival happens rain or shine. Everyone listed in the schedule is confirmed to play, but acts are subject to change without notice. Please check back here regularly to find out anything about schedule changes.

For more info head to the website: Capitol Hill Block Party

Maxwell returns with "BLACKsummers'night"

There are times when I need to listen to something a little more soulful. Most of the songs I listen to amp me up or just have a good upbeat sound. But what about the more mellow times? Something to listen to as you unwind for the day or just to relax in general. Maxwell is one of those artists that come to mind. and now he has a new album coming out.

Maxwell's first album in nearly eight years, "BLACKsummers'night," is headed for a big debut next week on the Billboard 200 chart. Industry prognosticators suggest the Columbia set could move anywhere from 275,000 to 325,000 in its first week. The R&B singer's last offering, 2001's "Now," opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with a career-high 296,000 copies sold according to Nielsen SoundScan.

-Keith Caulfield

One of my major influence, as far as music taste, jumped on it as soon as she heard. She was actually a little disappointed. We both listened to soundbites from the album and she noticed some of the track had a more jazzy feel than previous songs. I actually like some of them, but I agree, I kind of sway to the older sound, the more mellow r&b soul. Nevertheless, the decision is always left to the listener.

Here are two songs from Maxwell, the first is the first single from "BLACKsummers'night", and the second is my personal favorite - oddly enough it is a Kate Bush cover.