Growing Pains.

Is this the alum that will make MJB a pop star? Mary is in love and feeling fine. If you're like me and have followed MJB's career since the early days, you enjoy her writing about the pain, suffering, and joy that love and life bring to us everyday. On Growing Pains, she gets a song in an iPod commercial (the hot Work This) and has a song that sounds very much like Michael Jackson's Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough (the more than fine, Just Fine). The songwriting is terrific and the production slick and shiney and unique. Not Breakthrough, but lots of growth and fun.

Once.

Did you see movie that was a love fest to eighties music, complete with eighties child star Drew Barrymore, called Music and Lyrics? It was filled with a few moments of pop-up video fun and made me laugh on a flight from Seattle to Denver. Once. And only once. Oy.

I want to be the guy who selects music for movies. No, not just because I’ve had a crush on Cameron Crowe (yep, both the man and his work) since his debut with Fast Times at Ridgemont High. I want to be Cameron Crowe’s stunt double. Here is a movie that bests the work Crowe has done with music and movies and love stories: Once.

The movie Once is an independent gem. Made for what probably was literally a song, this is a brilliant love story with music and lyrics created by a couple while they fall in love with each other. I know, same story line as that movie I saw on the plane. Only this is music you want to hear more than once. It is not often that we get to experience such a wonderful matching of music and movie and love and heart. The couple from the movie are also the songwriters and they really are a couple in real life. A perfect match.

Glen Hansard, you know him from The Commitments, plays “guy” and Marketa Irgolov plays “girl.” It’s a basic story- girl meets guy, tells him to follow his dream, they become pals, fall in love, and then become each other’s dream. The music tells their story, and it’s a passion-filled journey. The camera work makes it feel like you are right there with "guy" and "girl" through the creative process.

This movie was released to theatres over the summer- the season in Seattle to be outside, so I missed it in the theatre. I have been enjoying the CD for months now and the music has even more impact when watched with the movie. In fact, the song "Falling Slowly" is also featured on this year’s edition of the KBCO Studio C collection. I think it could get an Oscar nod for best song from a movie.

Please, add Once to your NetFlix queue. Or purchase the DVD and help support independent movies and songwriters. I promise you will want to see it more than once.

FutureSex/LoveShow.

Justin Timberlake’s second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, was released in September 2006. Since then, most of the tracks have made it to video and released as singles. It’s not often that on CD can produce so many hit singles. And Justin’s success is, well, justified.

I guess sometimes I have the reputation of being a music snob- listening to artists until they become popular. Well, that can be true, but if anything I am a snob for quality. That said, I freely admit to being a big fan of Timberlake’s music. He writes and performs super infectious pop music-- Rock Your Body (made infamous by that Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction) and Sexy Back were easily the catchiest songs of their time. After last year’s Grammy Award ceremony, during which Timberlake performed no less than four times, I wrote about Timberlake’s dynamic stage presence and charisma. On this new DVD we get to see Timberlake dance—a joy to watch. Clearly he watched lots of MTV growing up as his ability to channel Michael Jackson (in a good way) is uncanny. Wow.

The DVD is a recording of Timberlake’s Labor Day Weekend concert at NYC’s Madison Square Garden that was broadcast live on HBO. I’ve kept the recording on my TiVo since then but now just bought the DVD as to free up some much needed hard drive on my TiVo. I’m glad to have the DVD, even though I needed to purchase it at its exclusive retailer, Best Buy.

Timberlake has managed his career well— without scandal or making a fool of himself as pop stars tend to do. Sure, he’s had a few high-profile break-ups, but he is JT after all. It was a brilliant move to hitch himself to uber-producer Timbaland. Together they have created a unique, genre-bending sound.

If you don’t already own the FutureSex/LoveSounds CD, it is worth a purchase—this way you’ll own one of the defining pop albums of its time. The DVD of his Madison Square Garden performance is certainly worth a spot in your rental queue. You will enjoy seeing one of today’s most talented male pop stars at his best- playing piano, singing, dancing, and charming the audience of a legendary arena.

Rufus Does Judy.

I love Judy Garland and I love Rufus Wainwright. I really was born this way. I bought this CD with such high expectations that I was afraid to listen to it. That fear quickly melted away and turned into giddy delight and chills. Rufus may have sung that “Old Hollywood is over” on the title track of this summer’s uneven-but-buy-it-anyway-because-it’s-Rufus CD Release the Stars. He demonstrates his love for things old and classic on this song-for-song recreation of Judy Garland’s famous Carnegie Hall concert, the LP of which won her an Album of the Year Grammy for 1961. Rufus admits that he has been training for this concert since he was a boy and “…wanted to be Dorothy…” He is now is the ultimate Friend of Dorothy with this true valentine to Garland. It takes lots of… confidence… to take on the concert of truly one of our greatest entertainers at her creative peak. Rufus does so flawlessly. His classically trained, carmel voice has never sounded better and the 36-piece orchestra is arranged as it was that memorable evening in 1961.






Rufus has only performed this show in New York, London, Paris, and Hollywood. The DVD version of this concert was filmed at the Palladium in London. You will get so happy watching him show you his affection for this music and get exhausted watching his performance. If Rufus were not enough, the boy-wonder orchestra conductor (also a FOD?) is brilliant and a joy to watch.

Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall is officially the second classic CD from Rufus, the first one being the 2003 gem Want One- still one of the finest pop albums of the decade.

A Dead Heat.

Even with today's endorsement from the Des Moines Register, Senator Clinton is in a dead heat with Senator Obama for the win of the traditional, but-how-important-is-it-anyway, Iowa caucus. The paper also endorsed GOP candidate john McCain. It sure would be cool if the plot of The West Wing could happen in real life. Can you say Clinton-McCain? Here's the endorsement from today, some of the best written support I've seen for future President Clinton:


The Des Moines Register: December 16, 2007:
A deep, talented field in the Democratic caucus race offers both good and difficult choices.

No fewer than three candidates would, by their very identity, usher the nation to the doorstep of history. Should the party offer the nation the chance to choose its first woman president? Or its first black president? Or its first Latino president?

Or should the party place its trust in two senators, Joe Biden or Chris Dodd, who have served their nation with distinction for more than 30 years each? Or should it heed John Edwards’ clarion call to restore opportunity for all Americans?Beyond their personal appeal, the candidates have outlined ambitious policy proposals on health care, education and rural policy. Yet these proposals do little to help separate the field. Their plans are similar, reflecting a growing consensus in the party about how to approach priority issues.

The choice, then, comes down to preparedness: Who is best prepared to confront the enormous challenges the nation faces — from ending the Iraq war to shoring up America’s middle class to confronting global climate change?

The job requires a president who not only understands the changes needed to move the country forward but also possesses the discipline and skill to navigate the reality of the resistant Washington power structure to get things done.

That candidate is New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

From working for children’s rights as a young lawyer, to meeting with leaders around the world as first lady, to emerging as an effective legislator in her service as a senator, every stage of her life has prepared her for the presidency.

That readiness to lead sets her apart from a constellation of possible stars in her party, particularly Barack Obama, who also demonstrates the potential to be a fine president. When Obama speaks before a crowd, he can be more inspirational than Clinton. Yet, with his relative inexperience, it’s hard to feel as confident he could accomplish the daunting agenda that lies ahead.

Edwards was our pick for the 2004 nomination. But this is a different race, with different candidates. We too seldom saw the “positive, optimistic” campaign we found appealing in 2004. His harsh anti-corporate rhetoric would make it difficult to work with the business community to forge change.

Unfortunately, for many Americans, perceptions of Clinton, now 60, remain stuck in a 1990s time warp. She’s regarded as the one who fumbled health-care reform as a key policy adviser to her husband, President Bill Clinton, or as a driving force in the bitter standoff between the “Clinton machine” and the “vast right-wing conspiracy.” Her record in the Senate belies those images. Today, she’s widely praised for working across the aisle with Sam Brownback, Lindsey Graham and other Republicans.

Determination to succeed and learning from her mistakes have been hallmarks of Clinton’s life. She grew up in Park Ridge, Ill., graduated from Wellesley College and earned a law degree from Yale. As first lady in Arkansas, she was both strategist and idealist, borne out by her commitment to children and families. As the nation’s first lady, she in essence spent eight years as a diplomat, traveling to more than 80 countries and advocating for human rights.

In the Senate, she has earned a reputation as a workhorse who does not seek the limelight. She honed knowledge of defense on the Senate Armed Services Committee. She has proactively served rural and urban New York and worked in the national interest, strengthening the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Clinton is tough. Tested by rough politics and personal trials, she’s demonstrated strength, resolve and resilience.

Can she inspire the nation? Clinton is still criticized in some quarters as being too guarded and calculating. (As president, when she makes a mistake, she should just say so.)

Indeed, Obama, her chief rival, inspired our imaginations. But it was Clinton who inspired our confidence. Each time we met, she impressed us with her knowledge and her competence.

The times demand results. We believe as president she’ll do what she’s always done in her life: Throw herself into the job and work hard. We believe Hillary Rodham Clinton can do great things for our country.

Buy These Albums Now.

Gift the gift of music this holiday season. I think these are the best CDs of the year-- the order of importance depends on mood.


LIFE IN CARTOON MOTION by Mika
Like a mix tape from a best friend, there is hardly a throwaway song on this album. Mika is the love child of Robbie Williams, Scissor Sisters, Queen, and Elton John. Of course, this makes him just a bit “too gay,” even for me, and therefore not fit for pop stardom in the US. He dances, he plays the piano, and he writes lyrics that are both playful and fun. So infectious that you will find yourself singing along, not quite sure what some of the songs are about, but you’ll be happy. Mika is a superstar in the UK, the single “Grace Kelly” being the island’s biggest seller of 2007. This is sugar-sweet Brit-Pop at its finest.


SONGS OF MASS DESTRUCTION by Annie Lennox
An album of emotion: raw, powerful, expressive emotion. Songs of anger about AIDS, poverty, global warming, the Iraq War. No one but Annie herself can best describe this album: "a dark album, but the world is a dark place. Most people's lives are underscored with dramas of all kinds: there's ups, there's downs. Half the people are drinking or drugging themselves to numb it. A lot of people are in pain.” To that end, each song on this album is better than the one before it. PLUS “Songs of Mass Destruction” has possibly the greatest all-star song ever, “Sing” featuring 25 of the most prominent female singers in the world. It’s a sonic delight- her voice is arranged beautifully and remains one of the most under-appreciated in music today.


RIPE by Ben Lee
Yep, ripe and ready to be a star. I saw Ben Lee this summer in Seattle and knew I was watching a singer-songwriter who wants to move you by making you laugh and think. Oh and hum along too. Perfectly constructed pop songs, even one that asks the question “What Would Jay-Z Do” and instructs “Love Me Like the World is Ending.” Ben is a songwriter who rewards you for listening to the words. If Fountains of Wayne were a solo act, this is what they would sound like.


RAISING SAND by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
When two of the most distinctive and beautiful voices in music get together with T-Bone Burnett at the dials, the world listens. Plant defined rock and roll with his voice and business-savvy and Krauss has one of the sweetest voices ever and she has more Grammies on her mantle than any other woman. From the opening song to the final note, you know you’re experiencing a very important work. Chilling harmonies, understated arrangements that are a little bit country and a little bit psychedelic. Buy the CD and listen to what will no doubt be a classic.


BACK TO BLACK by Amy Winehouse
I read once that Amy is to the UK as Brittney Spears is to the US. Not so. Yes, yes, yes, Amy needs to get to rehab. This is an amazing album- the best soul of the year. Deep in its emotional, honest lyrics and hip but old school production. Don’t let the tabloids keep you away from this one. Listen to “Tears Dry on Their Own” and see if you can guess which Motown classic has the exact, to-the-note arrangement. Buy this CD and listen to pain from Amy’s point of view.


LITTLE VOICE by Sara Bareilles.
No little voice here- a big pop album filled with gems. This Sara listened to lots of Sarah McLachlan, took that influence, and added more piano and layered arrangements. Songwriting that has both depth and simplicity and a voice that will give you chills- and might even bring you to tears. Really. You’ve heard her music featured on TV programs, often during those contemplative relationship scenes in Brothers and Sisters. Buy the CD and use it as a soundtrack for your own contemplative scenes.


NEON BIBLE by Arcade Fire
The best retro-80s album of the year. Daring arrangements and sounds-- the storm of different instruments will stop you in your tracks: church organs, heavy woodwinds. Let this one grow on your ears and you’ll be very satisfied. “No Cars Go” is one of the best songs of the year – coming soon to a Hummer commercial near you. Heavy sigh.


MAGIC by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
What more can I say? The title track alone speaks volumes for the depth of The Boss as an artist and an American. A great journey through rock and roll’s emotions and power. And a crime that MAGIC did not get a Grammy nod for album of the year. An award that Springsteen has never won. OK, I admit, I’m still smarting that Norah Jones stole the award from 2002’s THE RISING.


AS I AM by Alicia Keys
Alicia is the soulful voice of her generation. Filled with anthem-like writing and style-blending from pop to neo-soul to old-school-Chaka Kahn-R&B. Keys is maturing into a classic before our very eyes and her voice is so strong and full. As if that’s not enough she recorded a song with John Mayer and gave a stunning performance of “Gimme Shelter” with Keith Urban at LIVE EARTH. What’s not to love?


THE REMINDER by Feist
Quick, how many iPod commercials does it take to make a star? 1-2-3-4. This song introduced the latest generation of a iPod iconography, and made her a star at the same time. Enjoyable jazz-pop-folk with smart lyrics and arrangements. And there’s that sweet and haunting voice.

Download These Songs Now.

Here are the best songs of 2007, each among the most played on my iPod, and never fail to bring a smile to my face.


SHUT UP AND DRIVE by Rihanna
This year’s “Little Red Corvette” as it combines plenty of innuendo and well, gear-shifting power. Plenty of people stepped under her Umbrella, but really should step into her car instead. This song explodes with all kinds of energy and tension. Play it loud.


APOLIGIZE by Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic.
Take an unknown, nothing special, Colorado band in the right place at the right time with a catchy ballad and partner them with uber-producer Timbaland and you have a hit. The old-fashioned, pre-American Idol way. Timbaland has a unique and addictive sound and brings a hip vibe to this and to…


NITE-RUNNER by Duran Duran (featuring Timbaland and Justin Timberlake and Jim Beanz)
…this sleek, sexy club hit from the boys who made us Hungry Like The Wolf. JT certainly has the wild boys to thank for his career, but also Timbaland, with whom he made one of 2006’s most important pop albums “FutureSex/LoveSounds.” Just like what JT mixed with Duran Duran should sound like. Hot.


BETWEEN MY LEGS by Rufus Wainwright
I had the pleasure of seeing Rufus in concert in Seattle this summer. What a showman. This song is both funny and sexy and spooky and one of the better cuts from his uneven-but-buy-it-anyway-because-it’s-Rufus CD “Release the Stars.” And he does a spot-on Judy Garland in concert.


NIGHT AND DAY by Bebel Gilberto
There might not be a more perfect pop song than this gem from Cole Porter. Gilberto’s version brings a breezy feeling to a heavy song and turns in a version as good as the one by U2 and by the Chairman.


THE STORY by Brandi Carlile
Listen to this song just once and you will be haunted by its power. I had the joy of watching Seattle’s own Carlile and I was blown away by her presence. Wisdom and pain beyond her years.


PLANET EARTH by Prince.
It helps to get a gig at the Super Bowl, which is how his royal badness started 2007. A great track with stunning guitar work and an Al Gore-friendly message. Still an under-valued influence on today’s music, give Prince a chance again.


SOCCER GIRL by Brother Love
The Tom Jones of his generation- woman threw underwear at him when I saw him this year. NYC’s BroLo is in love with a podcast host. From his second album, this track is playful for its driving drums and guitar work. Nowhere near as amazing as the work from his appropriately titled “Album of the Year” from 2004.


WHAT HAPPENS TOMORROW by Melissa Etheridge
A song of hope that was a showstopper that moved Davey and I at LIVE EARTH this past summer. A gifted storyteller, Etheridge writes this one for her kids, both literally and figuratively, and convinces us to believe and work to become the change we want to see.



THE UNDERDOG by Spoon
If Phil Spector were to produce The Jam, this is what it would sound like. Infectious power-pop with a message. This is one of those songs that makes it into a TV commercial and will be a hit in four years. Stay tuned.

Sunny Day.

This week brought lots of rain to the Pacific Northwest. Seattle did not have nearly as much as southern Washington and northern Oregon. After 10 days of gray, we swept the clouds away yesterday afternoon and had a glorious sunny Saturday today. I was getting tired of the gray. This was the most rainy week I've seen since I've been here. In New York, it's not the heat, it's the humidity. Here in Seattle, it's not the rain, it's the gray.

Joey and I took a great city walk and quick run to the world's coolest dog park- almost 10 acres of leash-free heaven with a dog beach with dog-only swimming in Lake Washington. Joey's not much for the water, but he is turning into quite the social creature. I have no idea where he gets it from.

These are two shots from the corner near my place here in Seattle, today. It's kinda cool to see a great American icon everyday. The mountains, the water, the Space Needle-- when the sun is out, there is hardly a more beautiful city in the lower 48.

Snow Patrol.

It snows in Seattle just a few times a year, and it is such a damp cold. When it snows it hardly accumulates and the city shuts down. The buses don't run and Seattle-folk really should not drive. Today we had a dusting of snow and people were stocking up at the Safeway. Before I headed into the office for a little bit today, we took a journey into the snow. Joey is not a big fan of the snow, or the rain actually. Who's dog is he anyway?