Music Discovery Mondays - Indie Edition

In this day in age, what does it mean to be an 'indie' artist?  I recently witnessed a YouTube user categorize a Christina Aguilera music video as 'indie' and had a good laugh.

In order to embody the 'independent' essence, some people believe that an artist must sign unto an independent label, while others believe that your sound must strictly adhere to the 'indie' musical genre.

Growing up, I suppose I accepted both schools of thought.  Regardless of your definition of independent music, enjoy my latest serving of new singles by artists that rightfully own the title.


1.  Snakeskin - Deerhunter
Label: 4AD

Deerhunter's latest single "Snakeskin" will slither into your unconscious mind.  Invite this wry ditty to remain forevermore in your noggin.  You can anticipate the release of Deerhunter's latest album, Fading Frontier on October 16th.




2.  What Part of Me - Low
Label: Subpop

Formed in 1993, Low has remained true to their slow-core sound even throughout indie music's cultural metamorphosis.  Low's latest single "What Part of Me" instills a resilient though delicate arrangement. Their latest album Ones and Sixes is due out September 11th.





3.  Sparks - Beach House
Label: Subpop

This darling dream-pop duo is comprised of Baltimore, Maryland natives Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally.  With five noteworthy studio albums to swagger, Beach House's airy new single "Sparks" will keep you lost in thought and reverie.   Beach House's latest album, Depression Cherry was released earlier this month.   




Photo Credit - kaaybee.buzznet.com

The Best Movies on Netflix Instant You Aren't Watching - Volume 4

You still have nearly a month or so until new television programing returns for premiere season.  In the meantime, catch up on some hidden cinematic gems found on none-other than Netflix Instant.  Go ahead and magnify and diversify your already spectacular queue with the titles listed below.

Independent

Big Night

Tetro

Following

Comedies
Skeleton Twins
Jim Gaffigan - Beyond the Pale
Heathers

Dramas

Sophie's Choice

The Hours

Terms of Endearment

Documentaries

Wrecking Crew

Exit Through the Gift Shop

What Happened Miss Simone

Thrillers/Action

Nightcrawler

The Hurt Locker

Rosemary's Baby

Classics

To Kill A Mockingbird

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

From Here to Eternity

Romance

High Fidelity

Beyond the Lights

Bella

Foreign

A Trip To The Moon

Ida

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

For additional recommendations, be sure to check out my past editions: 1, 2 and 3

Which movies do you recommend on Netflix Instant?

Photo credit: Time For A Film

Top 9 Deep Thoughts By Jack Handy

For the sake of 90s' nostalgia, I'm presenting you with some of my favorite "Deep Thoughts" by Jack Handy.  You remember "Deep Thoughts": the bit on Saturday Night Live with the Footprints-like backdrop and scrolling text of deep but really just droll thoughts.   Which "Deep Thoughts" are your favorite?

1.  "Children need encouragement.  If a kid gets an answer right, tell him it was a lucky guess.  That way, he develops a good lucky feeling.

2.  "If you're a young Mafia gangster on your first date, I bet it's real embarrassing if someone tries to kill you."

3.  "If you ever accidentally drop your keys into a river of molten lava, let 'em go, because man, they're gone."

4.  "If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's ok to laugh, and let your hostages laugh too, because come on - life is funny."

5.  "I bet a fun thing would be to go way back in time to where there was going to be eclipse and tell the cave men, "If I have come to destroy you, may the sun be blotted out from the sky."  Just then the eclipse would start, and they would probably try to kill you or something, but then you could explain about the rotation of the moon and all, and everyone would get a good laugh."

6.  "The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face."

7.  "I hope if dogs ever take over the world, and they choose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas."

8.  "Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.  That way, when you criticize someone, you are a mile away and you have their shoes."

9. "One thing kids like is to be tricked.  For instance, I was going to take my nephew to Disneyland, but instead I drove him to an old worn-out warehouse.  "Oh no," I said, "Disneyland burned down."  He cried and cried, but I think that deep down he thought it was a pretty good joke.  I started to drive over to the real Disneyland, but it was getting pretty late."

Music Discovery Mondays - Brit Pop Edition

The British pop/rock sub-genre otherwise known as 'Britpop' began its origin in the early 1990s.  Greatly influenced by 1960's, 1970s and 80s' independent pop rock, Britpop features a rather jangly guitar pop and modern rock n roll sound.

Britpop was in many ways a British response to the then 'current' American grunge music that embodied an edginess back in the 1990s.  I must say though, there is something inherently infectious but also cutting edge about the Britpop sound which is possibly why the genre still exists today.

But although Britpop is still alive and well, the sub-genre has most-definitely surpassed its prime in the late 20th century. Listed below are just a few of the many revered Britpop singles of yesteryear.


1.  Do It All Over Again - Spiritualized

Released in 2001 after Britpop's most realized heyday, 'Do It All Over Again' still possesses the foot-tapping catchy hooks that best define the sub-genre.    Do yourself a favor and listen to this ditty 'all over again.'





2.  Girls and Boys - Blur

Released in 1994, this dance-driven hit is most-likely a favorite at your local pub's Britpop nights.  If you'd like to listen to their most recent work, Blur has recently reunited and released their first album in twelve years entitled The Magic Whip.  





3.  Common People - Pulp

The 1996 class warrior anthem, 'Common People' perfectly incorporates Britpop's lyrical themes of politics, especially within the working class scene.  I can't recall another class-conscious tune that boasts such an upbeat sound.





What are some of your favorite Britpop songs?


Photo source: Keep Calm O Matic 

First 65 Days Logged Into Fitness Pal

For the first time ever, I have been counting calories.  It is a tedious process, but somebody's gotta do it....which is why I have the Fitness Pal app to figure out the calculations for me.

Because this is the first health conscious app I have ever used, I can't exactly give a reliable app review.  Instead, I will give you a captain's log of the excruciating though helpful experiences I've dealt with as a first-time dieter.

How Fitness Pal Works

As soon as you have created an account on Fitness Pal, you are asked to enter your BMI and your weight loss goal.  Once you have entered your personal information, Fitness Pal will allot a range of calories in which you are allowed to consume each day.

Fitness Pal functions a lot like a digital food journal.  You enter in what you ate, and the specific quantity of those particular food items.  Fortunately, Fitness Pal grants you with extra calories based upon its internal pedometer or any additional exercises you may login.

June - Month 1

For as long as I can remember, I've always enjoyed a brisk walk outside.  Having walked, jogged or hiked regularly for nearly ten years, I have always felt more productive, fit and happy afterwards.  Now that I had started using Fitness Pal, however, I became a tad bit more of a  'step' nazi.

For better or worse, I made excuses all the time to make extra trips to throw out the trash.  I woke up insanely early to work out so that I could beat the 114 degree weather.  "Steps!  Steps!  Steps!" became my obsessive motto.

I did manage to lose a few pounds the first half the month, however, I would eventually gain back those pounds as soon as I went on vacation towards the end of June.  Calories don't count on vacation, do they?

July - Month 2

Perhaps I've always been a bit more competitive than I give myself credit for.  In this particular instance, I learned how to become competitive with myself and continuously exceed myself.

Counting calories for the first time was disheartening.  I was appalled with how many calories most of my favorite meals possessed.  However, I wasn't going to allow that to discourage me.  Through discipline, I managed to shred off the several pounds I gained during vacation.

Unfortunately my birthday was coming up....of all birthdays, it was to be my 30th.  Therefore, I had a weekend vacation planned in order to celebrate.  I would once again, gain back the weight I had diligently lost.  Calories don't count on birthdays, do they?

August - Month 3

Five days into August, and I'm doing 'alright.'  I have not reached my goal, however, I don't weigh nearly as much as I had when I first began on June 1st.

The funny thing about Fitness App is that the more I log in, the more I think about dieting.  And the more I think about dieting, the more I think about food and how much I want it.

I need a distraction.  I've had to learn the hard way that Pinterest is the worst form of 'distraction' for dieters. This is where you can contribute dear bloggers.  Let me know what is new with you and what interesting projects you are working on.



Have you tried any fitness-related apps?  How have they worked for you?