by Melissa | Arts, Blog Post, Music
Now that I have Spotify, I actually hear more new music when it is new and also by the original artists, and not just via covers from Glee.
As a result of this development, I’ve been listening to “Coexist” by The xx this week. And you should too. Seriously. Go. Listen.
This seems to be the perfect music for the fact that the weather is getting colder. Just the perfect amount of mellow with out being too angsty. I can’t wait to spend some time this weekend listening to this album while reading and just enjoying some me time. Maybe even while reading by the fire in my backyard. Decisions!
Oh, and if you’re Spotify, you can listen to this album here.
by Melissa | Blog Post, Random musings
Some may know this and some may not, but I must confess . . .I’m a bit of a musical theater geek.
I have been known to get into a mood where I’ll become a one-woman musical and just belt out my favorite songs, dance around and just have fun doing my own off-off-off-off-off-Broadway productions. It is actually one of my life goals to have a musical break out around me – I guess it would be more of a flashmob – but you get my point. I would not be sad in the least if someone came up to me and said that they wanted me to move to New York right away to be on Broadway for a few weeks. Granted my singing skills aren’t those of a Broadway lead, but I can totally sing back up and sway in the background – not. a. problem. And the campy dance numbers! Sign. me. up.
Growing up I saw a lot of shows in Chicago, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat about a bajillion times during its long run with Donny Osmond at the Chicago Theatre and Jesus Christ Superstar in religion class during lent. Not to mention my stint in choir in grade school included numbers from Phantom of the Opera and JCS and in band throughout the years we played various musical numbers and I have also done solo performances of some of my favorite songs. There is something utterly beautiful about musicals. Something that sets the music apart form the rest of the music that is out there. The strong chords, the beautiful ballads, the drama, suspense and emotion that comes through the songs is just almost unexplainable. You know what I’m referring to, that feeling you get when the music just hits you (i.e. ~2:30 in “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from JCS, ~4:30 in “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, ~1:00 in “One Hand, One Heart” from West Side Story, or ~3:08 in “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Mis).
I should get back to my tasks for today, which totally includes singing and dancing around my house. 🙂
by Melissa | Blog Post
In a change from recent years, I’m actually going to watch the Emmys this year. It has been awhile since I’ve watched an awards show on TV. However, I have been watching a few of the shows that are up for nominations, so actually feel like I can watch and actually know a bit about what is going on and have some opinions about the shows and who should win. And no, I’m not naively thinking Glee is going to sweep – I have other shows that I watch and like that are up for awards too. Not to mention that the 1st most famous person from my hometown – Jane Lynch – is hosting. Got to support my fellow Dolton native.
Without further delay, here are my picks for the 2011 Emmys:
Outstanding Drama Series – Mad Men
Outstanding Comedy Series – What do I want to win? Glee What will win? 30 Rock
Outstanding Actress in a Drama – Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama – Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Outstanding Actor in a Drama – John Hamm, Mad Men (although I could be happy with Hugh Laurie from House too)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama – John Slattery, Mad Men
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy – Who do I want to win? Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation or Tina Fey, 30 Rock Who will win? Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy – Jane Lynch, Glee
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy – Who do I want to win? Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock Who will win? Steve Carrell, The Office
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy – Chris Colfer, Glee(but I could see someone from Modern Family sneaking in here)
Outstanding Variety, Comedy Or Musical Series – The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Outstanding Reality Show – Top Chef (but I could see So You Think You Can Dance with a win here)
Outstanding TV Miniseries or Movie – Downton Abbey
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy – Matt Damon, 30 Rock
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy – Who do I want to win?Kristin Chenoweth, Glee Who will win? Tina Fey, SNL or Gwyneth Paltrow, Glee
Outstanding Leading Actress in a Mini-series or Movie – Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce
Outstanding Leading Actor in an Mini-Series or Movie – Greg Kinnear, The Kennedys
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Mini-series or Movie – Paul Giamatti, Too Big to Fail
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Mini-series or Movie – Maggie Smith, Downtown Abbey
My guess is that I will get approximately 3 of these correct, and that Rory will beat me. His guesses are here. Feel free to leave your own guesses in the comments.
In other news, we’re approximately 3 days out from the season premiere of Glee, and shockingly, I am a bit excited. However, before we get to Tuesday at 7pm (CT), I need to finish watching season 2. I actually missed a number of the episodes when they originally aired due to band practice (wow – am I a music nerd much?) and/or they ended up getting booted off of my DVR, so I have a few to catch up on. Granted, I know most of what happened, but still, I want to see them first-hand before we dive into season 3.
I know many people have said that they’ve drifted away from Glee and that season 2 was lame at times, but I think that season 3 is going to be much better. There have been a number of reports that they are going “back to basics” and not doing the over-the-top themed episodes and focusing on plot lines and such. Granted, I’m a sucker for campy over-the-top musical numbers, but I can always appreciate good dialouge, plot lines, character development. I think they’d probably take away my Broadcasting degree if I didn’t appreciate the latter over the former.
Also, let us not forget, a new season of Glee means that we get new Glee music! Yes, I have all of the music from the last two seasons & the 3D movie soundtrack and yes I listen to them often (but not all of the time), so this is very exciting for me. I love showtunes and campy over-the-top covers, so this is right up my alley. Plus, to be honest there are some gifted (and not so gifted *cough*Finn*cough*) singers in the cast, so it’s not bad to listen to either. So far, I’ve heard 5 tracks, including one from a new cast member, and I am liking what I hear. Great mix of pop and Broadway – and that’s all I’m going to say about that. 🙂
Outside of the world of watching TV, I’ve been spending time working on a big event I am helping plan in October, and also prepping for my trip (more on this soon!). I’m somewhat happy with the cooler weather that has settled upon Minnesota. It is keeping the ragweed under control, and making it easier to sleep. Can’t wait to see the leaves change either. However, I will freely admit, I am not ready for it to snow. I will get there, just not yet.
Alrighty – off to cook some breakfast for dinner. Have a great weekend!
