PANDORA

Has anyone heard of Pandora? It is, by far, one of the best things to hit the internet, in my opinion. It is a website, where you just make a super simple account with your basic information, and it is like online radio stations that you make yourself.

You just type in an artist or song, and then the website will play that artist you typed in, along with other artists that have a similar sound or style. It's fun because you don't know what is going to come on next, much like the radio in your car, and a lot of the time it's a pleasant surprise. A lot of older songs that I forget about but love so much get played. I think I have about 15 stations set up on my account right now. Some of them include: Ray J, Lady GaGa, New Boyz, Kaskade, etc.

So if I feel like listening to house music, I know to go to my Kaskade station, if I feel like R&B go to Ray J, and pop, go to Lady GaGa. It lets you skip songs only so many times in an hour on one station, but I hardly do that anyways. I like it better than iTunes because there are NEW songs that I don't have downloaded, and can then download them like "Oh yaaaa I LOVE this song!"

So check it out. It's cool to listen to some music while doing a paper (or a blog) haha :)

XOOX
Lauren

Back to Square One

I got in my sister's car the other day and she was listening to what I thought was Sublime, some new stuff I had never heard before, but that didn't make sense in my head.

But it was this new demo CD she was listening to from a band called "Back to Square One." Seriously, when I first hear a new band I've never heard before and fall in love with them right away, I know they are amazing. ONe thing I really appreciate about music is how pure someone's voice can sound. Like you hear it, and it's just like "Damn...they have SUCH an awesome voice." Like it is almost effortless for them to sing how they do.

That's how this band sounds. They have a sound kind of like Sublime mixed with the Long Beach Dub All-Stars. Sort of reggae, slightly punk, beachy but hard sounds. It was hot. And I think that is the word that describes them the best. Plus, one of the guys was super hot in the picture :)

But anyways, thought maybe you guys would want to go check them out. I took the CD from my sis and have been listening to it ever since. www.myspace.com/backtosquareonetheband.

XOXO
Lauren

Adam @ the AMA's

OK...so I didn't actually watch the show, but I caught all the aftermath of it.

Adam Lambert who was on American Idol did a performance at the AMA's a couple nights ago, that apparently got people talking. He is an openly gay male, OK, and he is not one to shy away from expressing who he is.

There were moments in his performance where some would say he took it a little too far, there was him grinding a guy's head in his crotch, simulated sex acts between himself and female dancers, and then I also heard that he actually made out with another guy on stage.

Here's the thing, he's an ARTIST. I think people should get over it, because Britney, Madonna and Christina did the EXACT same thing a couple years back on MTV.

I don't really listen to Adam's music, but I see him plastered all over the TV and magazines, and I think it is awesome for him to embrace himself and his sexuality, and not give a shit if the world does or not. He still has people loving him, still has his fans, despite whatever controversy he may start.

XOXO
Lauren

1 Year Anniversary

Although this may have nothing to do with music, I wanted to take the opportunity of having this blog to notice the one year anniversary of a friend's death.

Frances Chang was someone I had known for as long as I can remember. We went to all the same schools from elementary to high school. Although we were never that close, we often played on the same soccer teams and had mutual friends.

Last year, Frances committed suicide while she was away at school in San Luis Obispo. She left behind a younger sister and her parents.

R.I.P. Frances.

XOXO

Lauren

Rihanna Speaks Her Piece

So Rihanna has recently graced the cover of "GLAMOUR" Magazine and finally opens up about the domestic violence recently put on blast in her relationship with ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown.

I just thinks it is very admirable that although she didn't come out right away talking about the fight between her and her ex that was all over the entertainment news and magazines, but that she opened up about it and was able to move on. Being a young woman, she has a lot of young girls looking up to her, and I think this is one of those times where a celebrity can use their fame and position in the world to do something good.

Getting a message out about domestic violence and that yes, even pop stars aren't immune to such events, was needed. Being young, and coming out with what happened not even a year afterward, is courageous. You usually hear and read about stories from celebrities about their childhood abuse or whatnot YEARS YEARS YEARS later, maybe decades. The fact is this can happen to anyone, guys and girls, any age, etc. It was just a matter of Rihanna becoming a stronger woman and being able to leave this in the past and move on.

XOXO

Lauren

"One Time"

Have any of you heard this song playing on the radio? It's called "One Time" by Justin Bieber.

K, I first heard this song on MTV in between shows when they play a little snipit of a new and upcoming artist or song usually. I was embarrassed for MYSELF for the 30 seconds I had to sit and watch this video every time it came on. It's that bad.

First, he looks like a little girl. Second, he is singing about love and he is like, 13. Sooo...if that doesn't say enough right there, then I don't know what else to say.

He sort of reminds me when Aaron Carter first came out when he was like 12 or 13 and had all those ridiculous songs and videos of his house parties and they were all jumping and bobbing around. Except Justin seems to be a little more R&B than Aaron's cheesy pop music.

Ultimately though, I would put money down that he is a one-hit wonder, and if by some way of grace by the musical audience he gets more air time with more singles, I believe he will have a hard time growing out of this image he has now created for himself. So sad.

XOXO

Lauren

Better Late Than Never

I don't know what I was thinking, but I obviously wasn't because I never blogged about the death of Michael Jackson. His death honestly upset me. It was crazy. I grew up on MJ's music, much like the majority of our generation. And hearing his "Thriller" this weekend sparked something in me.

I remember watching his music videos when I was young and being fascinated with his dancing. He was a PERFORMER. And the best. He could keep you on the edge of your seat and was always outdoing himself. I remember watching him and Britney Spears do a duet at an award show. I remember watching the "Thriller" video for my first time with my dad at my cousin's house and being really scared. I remember the video with all the heads forming into each other (haha).

Without his influence, where do you think the music industry would be nowadays? I think it wouldn't be half of what it is and half of the artists wouldn't have the creativity or influence they do. Just thought I would share a little, even if it a little old news.

XOXO

Lauren

The Monster Mash

Did anyone notice the Halloween music being played like crazy this past weekend? I think I heard "Monster Mash" five times in one hour. Oddly enough, I didn't mind. It was fun driving around doing my last minute Halloween-errands and listening to "Thriller". It got me in the Halloween spirit and excited for the events that were to come that night.

I love hearing Michael Jackson anyway, and the song "Thriller" just takes me back to when I was a little youngin' scared SHITLESS of the music video. I remember sitting with my dad all freaked out by the zombies and the "scary Michael."

You know the holidays have begun when the radio stations pick up and start playing the holiday music. Like when Christmas comes around, I will get to hear Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" over and over again.

But yeah, I just thought it was fun with the old-school Halloween songs playing. Ahh made me feel young again :)

XOXO
Lauren

Weezy might get locked up :(

I was watching E! News this morning and in one of their little bulletins they said that Lil Wayne pled guilty to his possession of weapons charges that he got arrested for awhile ago. If he is convicted in February when his trial date is, then he might spend up to a year in jail.

THAT IS CRAZY!!!

Can you imagine having a whole year without new Weezy-Baby music? I mean, since T.I. has been in jail, you haven't heard any new stuff of his. Just re-runs of his old music. So it is obviously going to be the same for Lil Wayne.

I know February might seem like awhile away because it will be the start of next semester so we wont be in this class any more, and well it is in the year 2010. But it really isnt that far away. I wonder how stressed out artist's must be when that happens. When they dont have any work to do for a whole year and they just have to sit and wait for their release date. I think it would be crazy stressful. I just thought I would share since I just found this out.

XOXO
Lauren

Doctor Office Music

OK so I had to get up bright and early this morning for a doctor's appointment. Waaay too early for having a day off school and work where I could have easily slept in. But you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

So I am waiting in the well, waiting room. And I had finished my exam and was now waiting to get my blood drawn to finalize the doctor's visit.

Little background: I cannot, CANNOT stand getting my blood drawn. I have anxiety. And then I begin to feel nauseous. Then I blackout and have fainted before. It's not a fun experience for me. But today it actually went well and I think it was because of the music they were playing in the office.

Usually when I am waiting I am stuck in my thoughts with what is about to happen and what is going to come out of me and yada yada blah blah. But today I had a distraction and therefore, I didnt have anxiety or a profusice sweat-episode. No blackouts and no fainting. The soothing music seriously helped. I SWEAR BY IT!

So thanks old-person doctor music, you saved me a mild heart-attack this morning :)

XOXO
Lauren

Just Throw It In the Bag

HAHAH this song cracks me up! Seriously...

I can't help but make fun of it every time I hear it when I am with someone. I have at least five running jokes with this song. What does "throw it in the bag" even mean? What are you supposed to throw? And why?

I usually dont dissect hip hop songs because it is something my mom does that is super annoying because she hates that music. So she will make fun of it any chance she gets.

BUT SERRRIOUSLY...if anyone can explain I would appreciate it. I think also I am not the biggest Fabolous fan so he just kind of irritates me all together. But I just thought I would share this because I dont get pissed or irate when I hear this song like others that I cant stand.

I just laugh for a little and then change it. Hope everyones having a good furlough week!

XOXO
Lauren

Big Boy In The Morning

Since I have to get up at the ass-crack of dawn for school, (yes I know I did it to myself,) I've actually started to listen to morning talk radio shows since well, they sort of don't play music that early.

And I've actually started to like listening to them instead of music on some mornings, because they are F-U-N-N-Y!

They start my day off well. If I wake up laughing, it is going to be a good day. And one show that I have grown to love is "Big Boy In The Morning" on Power 106.

All they do is talk shit to each other and I think it is hysterical. I really don't understand how people could be that funny that early in the morning, but it is a good thing. They are either busy making fun of each other, making fun of people in the public eye, or prank-calling people. And this is where my immature side comes out because that used to be something me and my friends LOVED to do...was prank call.

I was never good at it because I start to crack up, but my friends could. So I guess maybe this show just takes me to a happy place where it's OK to be a dork and have some stupid fun.

Thanks for the entertainment!

XOXO
Lauren

Pink

Just like the Lil Wayne Behind the Music, I watched the one on Pink.

I've always been a fan of hers. I like how outgoing and outrageous she is with her music videos, fashion and commentary. Not to mention she has got incredible taste in men, (Carey Hart, yum.)

But her Behind the Music program made me more so fall in love with her as a person. Maybe because she reminds me a lot of me :) She's a respectable artist with an incredible voice. I like to find out about music artists as people and not just entertainers, because there is always more depth to them than just their songs.

She's not the cookie-cutter girl and she came out during a time when that was really big. She came from a real family with real problems. She went through real personal struggles in her life. And I think its admirable that she didnt hold back in discussing her drug life, her parents divorce and how powerfully it affected her, etc. But all that fed her music and her drive. And I love that.

Her voice is amazing. It has a raspy, edgy tone to it which I find to be somewhat soothing. (Weird?) Anyways, it stuck out to me when I watched it so I thought I would share with all of you :) Goodnight.

XOXO
Lauren

Jay-Z's retirement...please

OK so I was watching something on MTV the other day and Jay-Z came on.

FYI: I detest Jay-Z. I dont know what it is. His voice is SO annoying. I dont think he has good songs. His beats are lame. And he teams up with Rihanna who I also cant stand. I think it was ever since I heard an impression of Jay-Z by a comedian on Wild 'N Out that I dislike him greatly.

And when I was watching MTV I asked my brother, "Didn't he retire?" And my brother said ya, like five times.

OKAAAAY then why isnt he gone? Dont music artists feel stupid when they claim retirement and throw this HUGE retirement tour, but never go away? And then they announce it again. Kind of like Cher. She has been around foreverrrrrrr.

So I really wish that Jay-Z would just stick to it and be gone. He's old. He's annoying. I don't find him clever or appealing. Seriously. Just thought I'd rant about that, because my best friend gets mad at me every time I change his songs on the radio because she loves him for some reason.

XOXO
Lauren

"Can't Believe It"

I haven't been a fan of the radio for awhile now. It seems to play the same five songs that I detest over and over again. So I went into my CD case recently in hopes of finding some old songs that I miss and will not get sick of. This CD I started listening to, I came up to "Can't Believe It" by T-Pain. I liked it when it first came on the radio. And then just like they do with any new song, the radio stations made me sick of it because they apparently kept it on repeat.

But now...for some reason it has been like my favorite song. It puts me in a good mood. I guess you can say it is my 'happy song.' I just really enjoy the tone of T-Pain's voice. And I'm obsessed with Lil Wayne who is of course on it. And I think in a way it makes me think of a time when I was a little more care-free. Because that's how I was a year ago when it came out on the radio.

Just thought I'd share this, since it has been going on for about a month now. Now I have to get to class!

XOXO
Lauren

LIVE BLOG

OK so I was super sick all week and have finally found a moment and an opportunity to do my live blog...

And it is taking place from Hustler's Club in Westminster :)

NO I am not on stage, and I am simply accompanying my group of rowdy guy friends who wanted to come here tonight for the uh hem...entertainment.

So I thought I would blog about some of the music choices made by the ladies...

I will say I like Tom Petty, but when a girl is stripping to it, not so much. I feel like it is more depressing that way. I am a fan of Aerosmith being danced too, maybe it's just because I have a Steven Tyler fetish anyways.

I would have to say the best strip songs have a good drum beat, some good rock n' roll, no mushy/love songs, something that can get the dancer moving without being too vulgar and what not. (I know that is probably the way the guys like it, but I dont have guy-junk in between my legs so I dont get it.)

But I have to give my friend's Blackberry back to him, he is kind of throwing a fit right now without it.

XOXO
Lauren

Silence

I feel like I constantly have music playing. Everywhere I go. Work, driving, between classes, home, doing homework, driving, driving, driving, driving.

Last night, me and my friend that I haven't seen in a really long time were driving to the jacuzzi. And his radio was broken, so there was no music.

But it sounded SO good.

I don't think we realize it because I think as people, we are constantly in communication with others, we are constantly surrounded by noise, and to just get away from it for a second is something we need every once in awhile.

The silence allowed for conversation. For genuine conversation. It allowed for us to catch up and just talk. I love music. It's a huge part of my life. And sometimes it could express the things going on in my life a lot better than I can myself. But sometimes, I think I would just like the chance to do the expressing.

We didn't need the background of music to fill any awkward moments, (cause there weren't any,) and we didn't need music just to fill the air. It was very clear and open. I just really enjoyed the feeling.

XOXO

Lauren

-Stripped-

So this past weekend was probably the most exciting weekend I have had in a long time, but not in a good way. Had to let go of someone I love that has been a huge part of my life for the past 3 years because he can't keep his junk in his pants.

On a lighter note, what have I turned to besides my therapeutic ranting talks with family and friends...music.

I was looking through my CD case and found Christina Aguilera's "Stripped" album, that is one of my all-time favorite CD's. It's got a good mix of different styles of music. This album is one of those that you can put in your player and just belt out to the songs. God knows I'm not the best singer, but I forgot how good it can feel to sing super loud by yourself in your car to music that is explaining everything you're going through and feeling. (I know I probably sound like a huge dork right now, but it has been one of those mornings.)

Her song, "Impossible," is a collaboration with Alicia Keys playing the piano, and Christina just belting out with her powerful voice. As much as I love my hard beats and good hip-hop songs, I think it is nurturing for the soul to take it back to the more soulful music that can really touch on your heart and what is going through your mind. Her lyrics of "Impossible" pretty much explains the relationship I got out of and the toll it has taken on me. It's almost as if you need to listen to that kind of sad music to release more emotion so you can just drain yourself of the negative and be able to move on. It made me feel lighter.

So thanks Xtina :)

"Stripped" doesn't just contain the sad heartbreak songs, it contains those songs that can put you in a sexy mood, that can assist you in celebrating something good happening in your life, and I'm sure every girl knows and the music video that every guy can remember, "Dirrty."

XOXO

Lauren

LiL Wayne: Behind the Music

I was watching on VH1 today "Behind The Music" (which, by the way, I am super excited they are bringing back.) And it happened to be on my favorite rapper: Lil Wayne.

I think he is a musical genius. There is no other rapper out there with his style and his swagger. I don't think he tries to be this gangster/baller image that a lot of them do. He's real and he is talented. And I learned a lot about him from watching this episode.

I really respect the fact that he doesn't even write down his rhymes or thoughts. It's all improv. He just listens to the beat and comes up with the rhymes in his head, then goes into the studio and lets loose. He did one album from written rhymes. And after that album he never wrote again. I'm sorry, but I don't think there is ANY other artist with that magnitude of intelligence, passion and creativity. It's amazing.

I hear a lot of people say how annoying/played out Lil Wayne is because he's on every track you here, remixing and collaborating with different kinds of artists. But I think that is what makes him amazing. He can team-up with any style of music artist and make it work and put his own spin on THEIR song. This makes him smart to expand his type of audience and reach out to other types of music. Keri Hilson, Jason Mraz and other hip-hop artists like Drake and Fat Joe have all taken a partnership with Lil Wayne at some point or another.

I find him to be refreshing that he isn't just another rapper. He's driven. He's good at what he does, and whether you like him or not, it seems as though he is not stopping any time soon. So enjoy his work ladies and gentlemen.

XOXO
Lil Lauren (haha)

The VMA's...

So I didn't get to watching the VMA's last night, but on my way to school this morning I heard PLENTY about it.

On KIIS FM, Ryan Seacrest was playing clips from the award show when Kanye West decided to be his really cool self and interrupt Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for her winning "Best Femael Video."

Since Kanye thinks he is God's gift to the entire earth and that it revolves around him, he decided to get up on stage in the middle of Taylor's speech and express his opinion on how he thinks Beyonce should have won for that category.

UMMM HIIIIII you tasteless bastard, WHO DOES THAT!?

I didn't even need to watch the show to be shocked. I think that is so ridiculous and who do you think you are KANYE? Are you trying to get the whole world to hate you and no longer respect you as an artist and person? So dumb. I am by no means a fan of Taylor Swift, but seriously, can someone ELSE have a moment other than you?

And I would be slightly embarrassed if I were Beyonce. Why is Kanye trying to stick his nose in somewhere it doesn't belong? He needs to go away. But as classy as Beyonce is, when she won "Best Video" award, she called up Taylor Swift and let her have her moment that was taken away from her earlier in the night.

XOXO
Lauren

Before the Millennium...

So I was driving to work the other day when none other than TLC came on the radio with "No Scrubs."

I might be the biggest dork ever but I still love them. Was saddened when "Left-Eye" passed, and I still get super excited when I hear their music. I was a huge fan when they came out.

I started thinking then how far music has come along, how the sounds have changed, the style, the beats, and what is big now compared to 10 years ago. So I did some research. 10 years ago, these are the artists that blessed us, (or lack there of,) with their talent:

-We saw the first (but definitely not the last) of Slim Shady a.k.a Eminem. I personally hated him when he first came out, because his songs and voice were super obnoxious. It wasn't until he became angry that I liked him :)

- Destiny's Child was still a threesome and not just Beyonce.

-We could find Blink 182 running across our TV screens naked.

-Both Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears came out with their first songs...

-Will Smith was trying to make us "Get Jiggy Wit It" at every school dance/birthday party/bahtmitzvah that we went to

AND

-Justin Timberlake was rockin' his bleached-blonde curly-Q hair. He sure has come a long way.

BACK TO THE FUTURE:

-Our rap music isn't so gangster these days as it was in the '90's. It has more of a "pop" feeling to it, and I don't think any of the artists are true gangsters like Tupac or Ice-T were.

-Our pop music isn't so "bubblegum teeny-bop" as it was in the '90's either, (except for the likes of Miley Cyrus or Taylor Swift, but who really listens to them anyways?)

-House music has evolved and become really big. It's often played in clubs and can be found remixed with hip-hop on the radio as well. (LOVES IT!)

I just thought this would be a little fun to compare/contrast how our music has changed. I am sure there is a lot that I missed considering all the "really cool bands" we have.

But now I have to get back to my life :)

XOXO

Lauren

"dRoP iT lOw"

So sometimes I feel like listening to the radio is torture because I sWeAr they have the same 5 songs on repeat. It's soooo frustrating.

So when a new song comes out, especially a good one, I find it refreshing!

I'm sure you have all heard it, but "Drop It Low" by Ester Dean ft. Chris Brown is my new song. It has all the elements of a song that I find enjoyable:

Good beats, fun lyrics, it can make my feet move, and it pumps me up :)

I enjoy dancing to hip hop so when I find a good song with a beat that I can choreograph to and has a lot of energy to it, it's exciting! It makes for good car rides, especially if I am stuck in traffic like let's say...ON THE WAY TO CLASS!

And not to mention, Chris Brown's voice brings this sexy, masculine tone to the song. OoOoO LaLa!!!

SoOoO when this comes on in the club ladies, "drop it drop it low girl" ... And boys ... enjoy the view! :)

xoxo

Lauren

InTrO

Hey guys!

So this is my first blog ever. My name is Lauren and I am 22. I'm a senior at CSUF and seriously can't wait until May when I will be done with school forever :)

I decided to do a blog about music because honestly, music obviously hasn't, and never will go out of style.

When no one else is there for you, music is. It can boost your mood if your bummin' about something, or it could mellow you out and help put you to sleep.

Music doesn't talk back. It doesn't flake out on you. And you have complete control over it...what more could a girl ask for!

Hope you guys like my musical choices for my blogs.

XOXO
Lauren