Friday's Favorite: OK Go

Ah, Friday’s Favorite… I remember back in January when I thought that I could write about something that I really enjoy (be it a book, movie, tv, etc.) each Friday.  Oh, sweet, naïve, hopeful Elizabeth…

But what’s that saying? Better every 8 months than never?  Something like that…

Tonight, I will be seeing OK Go for the fifth time in concert, making them the band I have seen the most live.  Hmmm, I wonder how they’ll celebrate…

I LOVE OK Go, and I’ve loved them since their eponymous debut album, long before the infamous “treadmill” video.  Their music is rockin’ good fun, they are amazing live and yes, they do create the most unbelievable videos.

If you’re thinking, “Huh, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of them…” you probably have.  Just click here: http://www.youtube.com/user/OkGo#p/u/54/pv5zWaTEVkI  Look familiar?  That’s because the video for “Here It Goes Again” is still one of the most viewed videos ever on the internet, for good reason. Genius.

For those new to OK Go, I present to you my OK Go favorites:

Favorite song to play on the guitar: “Do What You Want” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRHwoIvAUI0&ob=av2n Favorite song to work out to (especially if you’re in a bad mood): “Get Over It” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioBKXvWk_iY&ob=av2e

Favorite video (and favorite song off the new album): “This Too Shall Pass” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w

Second favorite song off the new album (and current single): “White Knuckles” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHlJODYBLKs

Favorite non-music video: “Danimal vs. Animal” (OK Go AND the Muppets?  LOVE IT!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHK0JVAqQgE

See what I mean about the videos?  (Plus, most of them are one take, which makes it even more extraordinary).  And they are truly a fun band to see live.  I have never left an OK Go show in a bad mood, or with much of a voice.  They’ve got a few dates left on their tour, so if they are coming to a city near you, check them out (http://www.okgo.net/shows/) – you will not be disappointed!

Hugs ‘n kisses!  Elizabeth

Friday's Favorite: Please Don't Stop the Music

My friend David does a music poll every year looking for people's Essential Albums.  I've already written about my love for K. Clark (that would be Kelly Clarkson) and Glee, so I thought I would share my list of other favorite CDs from last year. Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – I was counting down the days for this album to come out and love every song on it.  Out of any release in 2009, it still holds up for me every time I listen to it.  (I will have to admit that I was disappointed in their live show, they didn’t really add anything in person, but I’m willing to give them another chance live.  I’m generous like that.)

The Temper Trap, Conditions – I only got this CD right before Christmas, but I’ve been listening to it non-stop.

Passion Pit, Manners – If you ever want to see me dance around like a maniac, put on “Little Secrets.”  Plus, they are pretty amazing live – seen them twice in two months!

The Swell Season, Strict Joy

Empire of the Sun, Walking on a Dream

Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion

La Roux, La Roux

Metric, Fantasies

Green Day, 21^st Century Breakdown – American Idiot is one of my favorite albums of all time, so this had huge expectations for me.  It had some great moments.  Didn’t match AI, but still pretty dang good.

Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer (great Belfast duo who opened up for OkGo a few months ago – really unique and fun band)

Owl City, Ocean Eyes

Gomez, A New Tide

Franz Ferdinand, Tonight

Friday’s Favorite: The Swell Season

Since I listen to music pretty much 24/7 (seriously, I fall asleep to music, listen to it when I’m working, when I’m walking – the only time I don’t listen to music is when I’m reading), most of my Friday’s Favorites will be talking about bands that excite me.  First up: The Swell Season. I first noticed Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová in the movie Once.  If you haven’t seen this brilliant independent Irish movie, you should go watch it.  NOW.  Once follows the relationship of two strangers who meet and bond over music.  The Once soundtrack is on constant rotation on my iPod.  Glen and Markéta won an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly.”  Their acceptance speech was, to me, one of the most memorable in recent years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx8yLvb0gZM

Glen and Markéta have a band, The Swell Season, with members of The Frames (Glen’s earlier band).  Their latest CD, Strict Joy, was one of my favorite albums of last year.  The songs are full of honest lyrics and beautiful melodies.  “Fantasy Man,” “High Horses” and “Low Rising” are three of my favorite songs.  (Check out the brilliant video for “Low Rising” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5KV1Lf2NkY)

I recently got to see The Swell Season perform at Radio City Music Hall.  I see a lot of concerts, but this was one of my favorites.  The members of Swell Season are true musicians who perform with their hearts on their sleeves and evoke countless emotions from their audience.  As someone who plays the guitar and piano, seeing masters of their craft up close was very inspiring.  It was a truly magical evening.