I swear we are not celebrity whores...

...though you might think so because we have made lots of references to popular media in the last little while. Well, here's another.

I saw Julie & Julia last weekend and loved it. Holy moly Meryl Streep nailed Julia Child & her odd idiosyncrasies amazingly. I don't really care for Meryl, but she really hit the ball out of the park in this movie.


But what I'm really excited for is The Time Traveler's Wife. Ohhh this is so one of my favorite books. I decided I want to read it again (3rd time) before the movie comes out this weekend. I am fascinated by how the author (Audree Niffinegger) came up with the story and the complexity with which it is unfolded. I pray they did a good job with the film and it's not a let down.

And don't you just love Rachie McAdams? And wasn't it so disappointing when she & Ryan Gossling split?

And finally some Josh Ritter. No, not the Ritter of 3's Company fame. This is Joshua. He is a singer. From Idaho. What could be better? Seriously.

I've been listening to Josh for just a few months. I've enjoyed his music, but after seeing him in concert recently I really love him. Watch this and you will see why. Make sure to note that he doesn't stop smiling. Ever. He had an ear to ear grin the entire show. If only I loved my job as much as he loves his!




I, um, kinda developed the biggest crush on him. I was thinking how much fun it would be if he was singing these words to me: "I'm a good man for ya" in a way as to convince me to fall in love with him. "Okay, fine Joshie. Go ahead and be a good man for me...see if you can prove to me that you are worth my time."

Sigh.

:) If you like him check out some other good tunes. I like The Temptation of Adam, Kathleen, and Girl in the War.

Love, Dove Ritter.

On this day, a dove was born to the world - by Pager Stalker

So, today is Dove's birthday. Birthdays are neato for some. I for one, am glad that Dove was born as she has become my friend and blessed my life with laughter and given me advice, like
"don't you think you should have this piece of gum?" - and her posts here are a real joy to read. You are the bomb.com Dove (a saying she taught me.)

One thing that Dove and I have discussed and shared is great music. So in great Dove-ish tradition, I would like to post some music for her to enjoy, as well as you all. Unfortunately, most of this is not new to her.

Sorry if it gets a little "mix CDish." You must understand this - that I have a little crush on the lovely Dove - and yes I understand that I don't have calf implants, and yes I live a LONG ways away from her, and yes I will be living about 8000 miles away from her very soon, and yes she is way out of my league - but a man can dream right? If I still had a pager, i would be stalking her with texts all day long.

So let's start out with a great birthday song. I love this song and have for many years. A line in this song is "i'm feeling thankful for the small things today." How appropriate for this day that we honor Dove. She is such a thankful person and I dare say I haven't heard her complain much about anything. She really is wonderful that way. Also, she is soooooo accepting of people, new ideas, and ways of doing things that are not her own, but yet sticks to her convictions. We could all use a little doveness. This is called "Happy Birthday" by Cracker. I saw these guys in early 90's at Park City. They are still playing great concerts.

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Of course Dove loves a great song, but the most important thing in her life are her daughters. This next song is from a father to a daughter - but the lyrics are great and I think the song is catchy, and with a little imagination, the song certainly applies. It is sang by Paul Simon. Strangely, I have heard that many are really annoyed by the guy. Sorry if that is one of you. Here is a lyric clip. (Oh yeah, and the video is kind of weird)

I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a [Mother]
Who loved [her] daughter(s) more than I love you

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And ya all know she lately loves MJ. Holy smokes. Well, in my mind, nothing showcases his voice like this next tune. And frankly, there aint' no sunshine when Dove ain't around.

"Ain't no sunshine when she's gone,
And this house just ain't no home anytime she goes away. "

Ain't no Sunshine

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Here is a birthday song which may or may not be sung by MJ. The Simpsons show that this aired on had MJ's voice talking, but I'm not really sure if he sang this song. Some say it isn't him because of contract issues - but it sure sounds like him.


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I had heard (barely) of Damien Rice before knowing Dove, but I was "Damien Rice" schooled after meeting her. If you have been following this blog for long, you know she is a huge fan. I think she said that he is rice pudding for her soul, or yogurt for her sinews, or celery for her solar plexus, or something like that. Anyway, his music is very emotional and often has a "rip your heart out" kinda quality. Anyway, here is the first song I ever heard by him.


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Let's see, we covered MJ, Damien Rice, some birthday tunes...hmmmm, what else? Oh yeah, can't end this without sharing who she is crushing on lately. I happened to be in SLC at a concert that was SOOOOO great, and Dove saw the same Josh Ritter concert. How cool is that? Anyway, I don't know what to share of his - so many great songs and great lyrics. Here is a lyric which perhaps is the best line in all of music

"But I got a girl in the war Paul her eyes are like champagne.
They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain."

But I couldn't call myself a Dove pager stalker if I didn't share this lovely tune.

"All the other girls here are stars, you are the Northern lights."

Wouldn't this song make a great ringtone for when she calls you?

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Well, I seriously could do this all day (and night as it turns out.) But I will close saying that I hope your day is very peaceful and filled with love. Many around you certainly do love you as I am sure many of your readers do as well. With that, I leave you with this last happy song about the love from all those in your life that you bless with your coolness. I love all the hugs, and kisses, and kids dancing. It's fun. enjoy! And Dove, you certainly inspire us all. Rock on.

Say Hey (I love you)

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PagerStalker

Oh yeah, here are some links to some of the songs listed above if you want to add them to your collection - and also some other great tunes.


Happy Birthday
Father And Daughter
Cannonball
Kathleen
Say Hey (I Love You)
Don't You Worry
Oh No
Telling Lies

a song & a thought - brought to you by the letter d for dove

Another Ingrid Michaelson song (my apologies that it's one of those cheesy homemade lyrics videos - it was most easily heard of all the options). So sweet & simple. "I am giving up on greener grasses..." She means that she has given up on the thought of someone better being out there. She has found her one and only. Maybe he is perfect. OR...more likely...she has decided to focus her energy on making that relationship work. These lyrics remind me of something I've been thinking about a lot lately so I leave it with you to ponder.

The grass is greener where you water it.

Only You, on a road trip, in the mid 80's, with someone who can drive and anyone else that shares your last name

You know those groups you remember listening to on the family trips? Christopher Cross, ABBA, Jim Croce, Crystal Gayle - all 8 tracks in our car. Of course there were more. One of my favorites and still is, the old school Flying Pickets. Apparently there is a new group but I haven't checked them out. This is some of my happy music.

I love youtube. Only there would I be able to come across this. I love Men Without Hats (begins 1:43 ish) and the dancing of the synthesizerer (really, what are the people called who play the synthesizer called? and don't give me keyboardist, too easy)is awesome, not to mention the lead singer.

But the synthesizerer dancing reminds me of this

and who doesn't love Tom Jones or the Fresh Prince?

What songs remind you of family road trips back in the day? Dove, is this killing you softly?
~mavis

Paul Jacobsen and The Madison Arm

the music game rules have changed

Okay, I really need your participation on this. Please save your comment shyness for someone else's blog because I want to hear answers.

So you know the music games we play..........well, I know I play them, I assume others do as well. "What's your favorite band ever?" "If you could go to any concert, past or present, who would you see?" "If you could put together your own music festival - 3 opening acts and 5 supporting acts, who would you pick?" Blah, blah, blah. I am in the dating scene and these are make or break questions for me. I've honestly decided there was no future with one of my dates when he admitted that his favorite band ever was Def Leppard. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? There is so much beneath the surface of that answer. Nice guy, really nice guy, but there are some serious compatibility issues betwixt Def Lep & I that were revealed in that answer.

Well, here's a better question. One that can stir up some serious controversy, but I'm fascinated in people's answers.

If you could eliminate one influential band from history who would it be?

Now, there are some rules. It has to be an influential band. Brittany Spears doesn't count because she hasn't changed or shaped history. Also, remember that when you ax a band or musician, you also get rid of their influence. For instance, I first wanted to pick Elvis Presley because I don't care to listen to his music, but the dude was the king of rock. Without him the entire history of rock and roll would have been different. So choose carefully.

I said a while ago that I would tell you more about Mates of State later. Well, I have some friends who know them and went to see them perform in L.A. recently and they played this game, so I can tell you that their pick was The Doors.

Here's another Mates of State video for you to listen to while you decide. Can't wait to hear your pick.

Oh, and I will tell you my pick, but only after some other answers have rolled in. Again, I don't want to squash your creativity

-Dove

Music Monday - Thao and the Get Down Stay Downs

These groovers are playing in Salt Lake tomorrow night and all I know is I'm so gonna get down AND stay down at the show.



"It just soothes you doesn't it, like a lick of ice cream." Come on, how can you pass up a band that busts those kind of lyrics?

I hope to see you there. Kilby Court. 7 bells. 10 bones.

And don't forget to enter the contest below. Even if you don't have a baby - surely you know someone who does.

-Dove

Hit Me Baby One More Time

I saw Travis play recently at The Depot. (Travis is a great band from Scotland). The show was great. Brittany Spears was playing across the street at The Delta Center. Travis covers Hit Me Baby One More Time often, and certainly wasn't going to miss the opportunity to do so when Britt was in such close proximity.


The show ruled and this was one highlight. Enjoy!

Today is the last day to order stella and lux super cute jewelery. Get on it!

-Dove

Monday is for music

I was recently invited to join a Google group for sharing music. I have so much music up my sleeve now that I want to share with you. I'll share a few faves today.

This is Ingrid Michaelson & Jason Mraz. My kids & I haven't stopped singing/dancing to this since I got it. And mad props to Ing & Jase for such a brilliant idea (let's get rich & buy our parent's homes in the south of France, let's get rich and buy everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance). I think if I ever did get rich I would do exactly those things. Except teach people how to dance. First someone needs to teach me. Unless they want to learn this great African dance I know. I guess I know a couple latin dances also. Furthermore, I keep telling my kids to get rich and buy me a home in France.



Here is Romantica singing The National Side.


Madeleine Peyroux is cute & has a sultry voice.


If you didn't already, don't forget to enter the contest for a free photo sesh below. Such a generous offer Heather extended!

-Dove

Keep on rockin' in the free world.

Music Monday - Anberlin

Music Monday

It's no secret that Damien Rice is rice pudding to my soul. Many of you know him intimately and the rest of you have probably never heard of him. He's sort of hit or miss, depending on the social circle you run in. I am utterly taken with his first album, O. Damien is an Irish folk singer who's lyrical skills are brilliant and who's songs are charged with emotion that sometimes causes me honest physical & emotional pain.

I have this love/hate relationship with that i-tunes Genius Bar because it always introduces me to music I end up loving, but (and let's give mad props to the Apple marketing team for this) I always end up having spontaneous shopping sprees on there. Last night I was listening to a recent Damien Rice purchase, Lonelily (which I'm in love with) and noticed a song of his called Unplayed Piano on the side bar. Intrigued, I clicked on it and found that it was written for a Burmese Nobel Peace Prize winner named Aung san Suu Kyi, who has been on home arrest for most of the last 20 years for protesting her government. Damien wrote this song for her. It was performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo and has a special treat at the end...Cold Water. (And if this is your first Damien Rice experience, be aware that this is a little different than most of his stuff, in that he plays piano in it, but it's wonderful none-the-less.)



If you are so inclined, follow these links for more information about Suu Kyi. The quick version. The long version.

by dove

Dust it off

I L.O.V.E Wilco. Love them. I have them on my iPod all the time. They are my go-to band for kitchen clean-up. My kids can dance to most of their music. In my limited music lingo adjective giving vocab I would say that they are rock with a bit of banjo twang. I consider them happy music. Being There from 1996 deserves a super listen. It includes two discs, with the majority of both discs making you want to hear and hear and hear it again. My faves? Disc one has Outtasite (Outta Mind) and disc two has Outta Mind (Outta Site).

And although I have watched this video, I can't guarantee that it is G rated - after seeing Michael Phelps hit the bong with such gusto, I am suspicious of even Anthony from The Wiggles.

by mavis

Music Monday

An album I have been loving lately:

The Great Lake Swimmers, Ongaria

Obviously music must emit a sound that is joyful to my auditory receptors before I can embrace it, but music has so much power beyond the sound it generates. I've found that for me to really love a song or album, it has to have some other elements as well. It has to speak to me. It has to give my soul a reason to connect with it. I've always been very drawn to lyrics, so well written words are a must. Take some intelligent and poetic lyrics and mesh them with well written music and you've struck gold to me.

This Great Lake Swimmers album does both. It's mellow & emotionally charged. I am tempted to say that it is easy listening because it is music that is low maintenance, or doesn't demand your attention, but let's be frank, if I throw out the phrase "easy listening," all you are going to think about is Michael Bolton or Perry Como. So let's just say that it's a pleasant listening experience without being overly anything.

I don't die over every song on it, but I do die over Your Rocky Spine. It is that sensual tune that you wish your boyfriend/husband/lover wrote because he was inspired by you.