Portada de Beautiful Mess - Live On Earth, lo nuevo de Mraz

Acaba de conquistar tierras sudamericanas y aun no termina de creérselo. “Siempre esperé conocer el fin del mundo, pero no imaginaba que lo haría con mi música, tampoco que la gente me esperaría al llegar. Es tremendo sentir que la gente se sepa tus canciones”, dice Jason Mraz, quien con su carrera meteórica ha conseguido entrar en el libro de los récords de 2008 por su hit I´m Yours, que permaneció 51 semanas en el ranking de singles de Estados Unidos.

El cantautor, oriundo de San Diego, comenzó su carrera musical en 2002 con un disco debut que al año siguiente lo llevaría a abrir conciertos de The Rolling Stones. Ahora, triunfando en Estados Unidos, Europa y Sudamérica, Mraz saca al mercado Beautiful Mess – Live On Earth, su primer lanzamiento en vivo en formato de CD y DVD, grabados en el Charter One Pavilion de Chicago, concierto que formó parte del Gratitude Café Tour, con el que recorrió su país.

El disco permite apreciar la frescura y el talento para las actuaciones en directo de este cantante y compositor especializado en composiciones sencillas, directas y elegantes, mientras que el DVD  incluye todos los temas del CD más Fall Through Glass, un falso documental titulado Un Beau Désordre y un video con imágenes inéditas llamado We Sing. We Dance. We Make Videos.

Sobre el futuro, Mraz dijo: “Termino el tour en diciembre y cuatro o cinco días después entro al estudio a trabajar en el próximo disco. Es mi opción. Estoy muy alucinado con lo que está pasando”. Esperemos que continúe alucinando, ya que por ese camino va muy bien.

Acho que esse é o nick mais longo que eu já postei até hoje … rs

Eu adoro esta música. Ela já significou muitas coisas pra mim, já ganhei até uma versão personalizada. Mas na verdade o momento mais marcante foi em uma viagem. Estava me sentindo o último acarajé do tabuleiro da baiana e a frase “Look into your heart and you’ll find love … love … loveeeeee” fez eu perceber que mesmo num momento ruim como aquele eu ainda tinha muito amor no meu coração.

¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯

I’M YOURS – JASON MRAZ

Composição: Jason Mraz

There are certain male musicians who while they seemingly have a unisex audience, it’s mainly women who are openly proud fans. Key examples: Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban.

Then there are those male musicians who seemingly have a feminine audience, yet they also earn the genuine respect of men who recognize their talent despite their charm. Key examples: Michael Buble and Jason Mraz. But the epitome of this category is none other than the 6’ 3”, tattoo-sleeved Connecticut native, John Mayer.

His most romantic songs are typically my least favorite- “Your Body is a Wonderland” and “Come Back to Bed”. What draws me most to his music is a quality found in his lesser hits like “83” and “Something’s Missing”. Half nostalgic, half philosophical.

In reviewing any genre of entertainment, I can’t say any one thing is the best. I can only say what is my personal favorite. Because my favorite is simply an opinion; I am not qualified to declare what is best- that would go beyond a matter of opinion.

That being said, my favorite John Mayer album is his 2003 Heavier Things. It features the hits “Bigger than My Body”, “Daughters”, and “Clarity” (“ah whoo-ew… ah whoo-ew”). Along with its less featured songs “New Deep”, “Home Life”, “Split Screen Sadness” and “Wheel”.

The cover of this album itself perfectly captures the style and direction of the music. It represents a simple sense of timelessness, yet at the same time somehow reminds of me of Eric Clapton and/or Sting between 1988 and 1993.

I say that to say this. John Mayer’s newest album, Battle Studies, is a hybrid of two of my favorite things of his: 1) The album Heavier Things and 2) his very much underappreciated song “I Don’t Trust Myself with Loving You” from his 2006 album Continuum.

Very bluesy: “Fell down on my knees, asked the Lord for mercy, said ‘help me if you please’” (“Crossroads”).

Very jazzy: “Who says I can’t get stoned?” (“Who Says”)

Very soft rock: “I’ve got a hammer and a heart of glass- I gotta know right now which walls to smash” (War of My Life).

I decided half-way through this decade that John Mayer is incapable of releasing an album that isn’t good. I stand by that. Battle Studies is completely up to par with all his other recordings. But just like how Dave Matthews Band will never be able to top their Crash album, in my mind John Mayer will never be able to top Heavier Things.

Actually I see Battle Studies as a direct sequel (yet not necessarily a continuation) of Heavier Things. So in other words, I love it.

A year ago I posted a review of my favorite albums of 2008, and in a prophetic moment, I praised the then unknown song “People are Crazy” by Billy Currington. A few months later it was released as a single and went to #1.

Therefore, I will predict the soon-to-be hits from Battle Studies. The most obvious is the industrial-infused groovy tune “Assassins”. John has never sounded more like an African-American lead singer of an alternative rock band than he does in this song. Maybe it’s because this song has so many Michael Jackson qualities about it.

Like it was written with “Smooth Criminal”, “Dirty Diana” and “Give in to Me” in mind: “I work in the dead of night when the roads are quiet and no one is around… I’m an assassin and I had a job to do… Little did I know that girl was an assassin too.”

Another song destined to be a radio favorite is “Half of My Heart”. Perfect catchy melody. Perfect opening line: “I was born in the arms of imaginary friends.” Perfect choice of a female vocalist to do a song with: Taylor Swift.

The only downfall is that there’s not enough Taylor Swift in this song. She just does background vocals towards the end. Every time I hear it, I keep hoping the song has magically changed since the last time I heard it and that the song has become a true duet like the immaculately crafted “Lucky I’m in Love” by Jason Mraz with Colbie Caillat. Great song though: “Half of my heart is a shotgun wedding to a bride with a paper ring.”

Often when a musician or actor becomes a superstar, showing up in the tabloid magazines, the authenticity of their art suffers. Despite dating Jennifer Anniston and Jessica Simpson (to name a few) and being a Twitter slut, his art hasn’t suffered (just his personal reputation). He’s still got the talent. Just as much as ever. Going beyond the rut of “the same three chords” compositions and “I miss you baby” lyrics.

And not that this takes away from his music at all, but this lifestyle definitely shows up in his song content. Like in “Perfectly Lonely”- “Had a little love but I spread it thin. Falling in her arms and out again. Made a bad name for my game ‘round town.” It’s also evident in the future hit which will inevitably be featured on several romantic comedy soundtracks, “Heartbreak Warfare”.

Gone is the charming, mysterious John Mayer from the beginning of the decade. Gone is the gentleman. Apathy and aimlessness are starting to show up in his attitude and lyrics. I don’t like his music any less because of it. But I do recognize the change.

Though this may actually be hurting him with his current single, “Who Says”, which is his lowest charting single, breaking his string of 5 consecutive Top 10 singles. This song much departs from his former classy charm, containing douchebagery lyrics like this: “Call up a girl I used to know, fake love for an hour or so” and “I don’t remember you looking any better. Then again I don’t remember you”.

Not to mention the song’s constant references to marijuana use. (Around 90% of marijuana users are male, according to Pot Planet, a book written by a “marijuana journalist”.) Like a Playstation 3 or a Hardee’s Thickburger, pot is a female repellant.

John Mayer is suffering from what I call “King Solomon Syndrome”. King Solomon had it all: Extreme wealth, fame, and wisdom. And 700 wives. And 300 concubines (sex slaves). But by the end of his life when he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, he said it was all meaningless. None of it made him happy.

At least at an early age, John Mayer recognizes something’s missing.

Here is one of my favorite songs. I play it on repeat on YouTube (how annoying is it to always have to push the button to listen again?). I need some honey after all that vinegar!

Hay canciones que no solo me gustan, me encantan. Esta es una canción que me mostró a un cantante absolutamente desconocido para mí hasta que, por casualidad, descubrí esta pequeña obra maestra. Él Jason Mraz, la canción, I’m Yours.

La canción la descubrí en el año 2008 y teniendo en cuenta que esta canción fue grabada en 2006 tampoco llevo un retraso tan descomunal.

Pero Jason Mraz no solo es esta canción, tiene más temas que demuestran que además de componer unas excelentes canciones es un gradísimo intérprete como en su tema Geek in the Pink o Lucky, de esta última tiene una versión en castellano con Ximena Sariñana, actriz y cantante mexicana que es todo un premio MTV.

Ritmo, musicalidad, alegría, optimismo y AMOR, SOBRE TODO AMOR, ¿qué más se puede pedir en una canción?

I’m yours

Geek in the pink

Lucky

It’s almost Thanksgiving!!!  It’ll be good to head back to Philly and take a break…although something tells me I won’t.  In the meantime, check out these bands for the soundtrack to your holiday season.

Eluvium – I was totally in the headspace last week for monotonous slow building epic orchestral ambient music and Eluvium aka Matthew Cooper is the KING at this shit.  Check it out.

Philip Seymour Hoffman – Don’t let the name fool you.  It’s actually a band that has nothing to do with the actor of the same name.  Lo-fi experimental pop similar, but inferior to Dan Deacon.

Brit & The Calvary – St. Vincent meets Andrew Bird  (that’s funny since they just toured together) with Grace Potter female rocker twist.  Her studio tracks don’t do justice to her live show, which I got to see a few days ago.

Junior Boys – Electro rock with hint of hip-hop and corny, but cool 80’s vibe to it (aka heavy on the synths).  Look forward to seeing them do a DJ set on Saturday with RJD2 and Lotus at Terminal 5.

Tristan Clopet – I wasn’t really sold on Tristan until I saw this video a few months ago, but for this and that, never added him until now.  Jason Mraz meets Jeff Buckley with a dash of funk (although this video is solo acoustic with a waltzy vibe to it).  Also, check out his cover of Bon Iver.  Note:  I would be lying to myself if I omitted that he’s a client, but I’m adding him for artistic reasons.

Natura Nós About Us foi simplesmente demais!!!

Não vou me estender sobre o espaço em si e o objetivo do evento (Meio Ambiente)….
Vou direto aos shows que foram sensacionais…

Explicações sobre Reciclagem, uso consciente de água e recursos naturais…
As mesas eram de cortiça e/ou papelão…e as cadeiras de pneus…muito legal…e colorido.
Vasos criados com garrafas pet…Copos de isopor…e várias lixeiras para a separação do lixo.

Muito legal.

Uma mensagem da Natura que marcou:
A Vida Acontece Todo Dia:
“Tododia…Abrir a janela…Espreguiçar…Banho Fresco…Um Raio de Sol.
Tododia…Uma gargalhada…Um cheiro gostoso…Um toque macio…Beijo de boa noite.
Tododia…Um abraço apertado…Encontro com os amigos…Momentos simples e gostosos…Estar bem.”

Mas vamos aos show…
Pois bem…ficamos na Pista Premium…isso significa ficar em frente ao palco…e quando digo em frente, quero dizer na grade…pertinho!
Foi Demais!

Chegamos na pista no meio do Show do AfroReggae…e os caras são loucos de mais, que batida gostosa…que som contagiante…
Muito legal…pena que perdemos o começo.

Em seguida veio o Show do Arnaldo Antunes…o cara é um figurassa….dei muita risada com a apresentação dele…é divertidissimo…
Só pela roupa deles você já nota a diversão…

Logo depois: Carlinhos Brown…como ele está velho…meu Deus…rs*
Que show…que showzasso…o cara é demais…completamente sem noção…foi para o meio da galera, sem medo, sem dó…

Fiquei pertinhooo dele quando ele saltou a grade…
E ele tocando caixa, o que que é aquilo…que som animal…arrepia só de lembrar…
Foi o mais agitado, alegre e contagiante do dia…demais!

Após isso, tivemos o show do Lenine, muito mais calmo e sereno do que o anterior…e as meninas enlouquecidas para acabar logo esse que o seguinte era o mais esperado por elas.
Eu adoro Lenine…e quando ele tocou ‘Paciência’, me valeu o dia…foi master emocionante:

“Será que é tempo que me falta pra perceber…Será que temos esse tempo pra perder…
E quem quer saber…A vida é tão rara!”

Ele tem cara de bravo…rs*

E então…que suba Jason Mraz…e que mala que esse cara é…entrou todo posudo no palco…caminhando bemmmm devagar…maior sarro…
E a galera enlouqueceu…o show dele foi muito bom…ele é demais…as músicas dele são muito gostosas de ouvir…

A foto abaixo é sem zoom…será que eu tava perto?!

Ele cantou Lucky com a Sandy…eu adoro ela e acho que foi a escolha perfeita…ficou lindo…pena que o microfone dela estava um pouco baixo…Mas foi muito legal…

No finalzinho do show dele caiu o mundo…muita chuva…muita lama…uma pena…o dia estava perfeito até então…
Não consegui ficar para o show do Sting…eu estava pra lá de cansada e a chuva estava muito forte…
Pensando agora, lamento, deveria ter ficado…o cara é bom demais…Gosto das musicas e aposto que foi  O Show…
Mas sei que terei outras oportunidades…

Valeu cada minuto do dia…foi simplesmente sensacional o festival.
Curti demais…Obrigada Meu Lindo por esse dia tão especial em nossas vidas. Te Amo!

Espero que ano que vem tenha outro desse…quero ir novamente.

Ps.: O pessoal do Idolos estava  lá…Vi a Priscila Borges, Hellen Liu e Dani Moraes…pelo telão…mas eles estão bem próximos…pena que não consegui sair do meu lugar (para não perdê-lo antes do show do Jason Mraz), queria uma foto com a Priscila…

Bjoo.

This week I’m going a totally different route as far as my selection goes. I think this is going to be the new format for “New Music Monday”. (If you don’t like it or if you do, let me know!!) I end up coming across a lot of information on artists when I do these posts and I think most of my readers would enjoy learning as much about the artists as I have. I love learning their story and when you listen to their music you get an even better appreciation for it.

Last week, I believe it was Tuesday or Wednesday, I went through my recent followers and did the whole, “Hmmm…lets see who’s following so I can follow back” thing. I came across an interesting avatar, saw the name @seanfournier, clicked the link and read the bio: “Singer/songwriter, FREE ALBUM http://www.sean-fournier.com/ohmy, designer” So I thought, “Eh…what the heck, its free and new…” So I downloaded the 6 song EP and spent most of the day listening to it.

As I mentioned last week, sometimes it takes a listen or two or four to really start to like a new artist, but the first song on the EP, Oh My, is “Broken Stereo” and it had me hooked about 6 bars in! I instantly had Donavon Frankenreiter/Jack Johnson flashbacks.

Later that day, I did a little bit more digging on Mr. Fournier and came across his blog and started reading. The first post that really caught my eye was an interview he did with The Creative Uncommons.

SF: I’ve heard many descriptions. One that I like is, ’soft yet edgy”. Gary Allen from the Charlie Daniels Band said, “He reminds me of an early Paul Simon that has no job opportunity for a Garfunkle.” My grandmother says my style is “love songs”. Without actually naming a genre I would say that my music is Jason Mraz meeting Jack Johnson in a house with Tom Waits peering in through the window.



Of course, I see my homeboy Jack Johnson mentioned and I’m instantly intrigued (in case you live in a cave, I LOOOOVE Jack and all his Jackness). But its a very unique self-description. So I read on, hoping to find out why this guy is literally giving his music away and to be honest, what I found was amazing.

TCUC: Your free album ‘Oh My’ has been incredibly successful so far with 126,000 listens on Jamendo alone, not to mention its spread through all the other outlets you’ve used for promotion, plus you’re still actively trying to get it out there for people to listen to, do you feel like you’ve ‘made it’ as a musician? Or is there more left to do?



SF: I feel very satisfied with where I am right now. I am by no means this huge mainstream artist, but I think the music industry is shifting and artists no longer have to be signed to a label. With the use of the Internet, the power has begun to shift to resourceful unsigned artists. So with that said, then yes, I do feel I’ve ‘made it’. I have signed licensing deals with VH1 and MTV by myself and that, to me, is something that I am very proud of.



TCUC: As well as being an online hit you’ve also done extensive live shows, how’ve you found the experience of performing to a crowd? Something to look forward to? Or just an interlude between the song writing and creation?



SF: Playing shows is a ton of fun! I love connecting and interacting with fans. I mainly play colleges in the Northeast and it’s cool to allow people to hear my music in a different way. I’ve made the choice to not become a touring artist with the interest of my future wife and family in mind. I do not want to have a family with their father always on the road. So shows will be a fun thing to look forward to here and there.



TCUC: With ‘Oh My’ you invested a lot of time, effort and resources into promoting it and getting new listeners, has it been worth it? Is self promotion a viable model for you or are you still keeping half an eye out for that big commercial release?



SF: It has been more than worth it. If it weren’t for ‘Oh My’, I never would’ve signed those licensing deals and most of all, never would’ve gotten my music out there as much as I did. My fanbase practically grew tenfold. My biggest dream for my music right now would be to be featured in a movie or on TV.



TCUC: You’ve said that you’ve got enough material together for a new album, when will it be emerging into the light of day? And what can people expect from it musically?



SF: I am currently recording another 6-track EP. It will hopefully be seeing the light of day early 2010, realistically. Musically, fans can expect to hear a little acoustic songs, piano, even a slight hint of hip hop. I like to change up styles, so I can guarantee each song will be a little different.



TCUC: And, to satiate the fans who hate parting with their money, will your next effort be another free release?



SF: I’m still deciding on that one. I need to somehow support the album financially. I have a few ideas in the works of how I’m going to manage that. I have found that it’s much more fun to give things away, but we’ll have to see!



TCUC: From the point of view of the free music community yours is undoubtedly one of the biggest names but you’ve also gotten a lot of mainstream attention, not least from MTV, which is pretty impressive, do you feel that you’ll one day reach the point where you’ll move away from the Creative Commons and free music scene to do more within the traditional music world?



SF: At this point, no. I think the traditional music world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I love giving ‘Oh My’ for free. I just want people to hear it. That means much more to be than being signed with a label. I just love making music and I want people to help me spread the word. If I can somehow make cover costs and still make it easy to get my music out there, I will be happy.



TCUC: You’ve undoubtedly got your own online following going on but do you feel like part of something bigger? There are an increasing number of musicians putting out their work for free, some coming from an established career in the commercial world and most just starting up, is there a sense that you’re part of the movement that’s emerging here?

SF: I definitely feel like it’s part of something big. I think it’s going to separate the music industry into those who are out to make money, and those who just want to get their name out there. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to make money on my music, but I feel I have to get my music out there even more so. Maybe one day people would donate to the cause or something.



TCUC: Have you got any particular favourites particular favourites from the free music world?



SF: I thought it was cool that Coldplay gave out a free live album called, ‘Left Right Left Right Left’. Went to one of their concerts and I received it. I thought they were pretty cool.



TCUC: What’s the ultimate goal for Sean Fournier? Where, in a few years time, would you ideally be with your music? Yachts full of groupies and mountains of cash or still dealing with the fans on a more personal level?



SF: I would love to be able to have such a following that I could record albums at my house, release them, cover my costs, and get featured on soundtracks.



It is SOOO refreshing to see an artist honestly love his music so much that he’s willing to just give it away for free. And the fact that he has no intention of being a touring artist so he can stay home with his family is amazing. In the age of hip-hop superstars making BOAT LOADS of money on mediocre music, its almost SHOCKING to come across an artist willing to sacrifice so much to simply give people a chance to listen to their art for practically nothing, and in this case…literally, nothing.

He’s also going to be creating a compilation CD made up entirely of cover songs from “Oh My” done by fans. How cool is that?! He says,

I’m excited to hear what people will record. It’s always interesting to see what kind of personal spin someone puts on a song when they are covering music. This project aims to celebrate the diversity among my listeners. Whether the cover songs are rap, country, electronica, or whatever… It should make for an interesting project.

I’m actually quite excited to hear it! The CD will be titled, “Oh Brother Take Cover”.

Now on to the other tracks on the EP…

The song “Another Like You” is one of my favorites (truth be told, its so hard to say that because I really do like them all). Its one of the most honest and sweet love songs I’ve heard in a long time. The lyrics are very sweet and I can’t help but feel a little Ben Folds Five-y when I listen to it. The arrangement is just wonderful to my ears and to be quite honest, I can’t find any flaws.

Ok, I lied before…”Falling for you” is my absolute favorite. Its cute, catchy and I heard it a few days after having a dream about someone texting me to say they were coming over, and I woke up from my dream fully expecting that person to just be there…and when you hear the song, you’ll see where that fits in. So I guess its a bit of a sentimental attachment here, but regardless, its a great song. The piano is very simple and lovely, almost makes me thing that he’s just a guy who sat down at the piano one day this song just fell out of his brain. Kind of like something you’d see in a movie.

The last song I’m going to post is “Holding The Hand Of The Hurricane”, when I hear it I get the Sesame Street song, “One of these things is not like the other…” in my head for a minute. Once you listen you’ll see what I’m talking about. Its got a very latin sound-think Shakira ballad or Enrique Iglesias-ish, which when you compare to the others I’ve posted, its very different. That being said, the lyrics fall right in line with the previous tracks but it does provide a nice contrast to the other songs on the EP.

I suggest you download the free, yes, it’s absolutely free, EP and give the whole thing a listen. He’s a great artist and is working very hard to promote his music. Fact of the matter is, I’m a fan now. And damnit, you should be too!

ช่วงลมหนาวที่กำลังมาถึง ศิลปินชายที่ชื่อขึ้นต้นด้วย  J  กำลังมีอัลบั้มชุดใหม่ ชาร์ตเพลงทั่วโลกคงร้อนเป็นไฟเป็นแน่น เริ่มที่  John Mayer กับอัลบั้ม Battle Studies และซิงเกิ้ลแรก Half of My Heart โดยรวมแล้วอัลบั้มน่าได้รับความนิยมได้ไม่ยาก แนวเพลงฟังสบายๆ แต่ละเพลงได้ยินเสียงไลน์กีตาร์ ของ  John ​Mayer  กันเพลินเลยครับ

สำหรับศิลปินชาย J คนที่สอง  Jamie Cullum ผลงานชิ้นล่าสุด  The Pursuit ชื่ออัลบั้มแสดงเจตนารมย์ ของศิลปินอย่างชัดเจน คือของทำตามใจตัวเอง เพราะฉะนั้นผลงานชุดนี้ที่มีกลิ่นแนว Jazz ร่วมสมัยออกจะเข้มข้นกว่าชุดเดิม เห็นภาพรังเปียโนแตก คงจินตนการออก ว่าหลาย Trackในชุด อาจไม่ติดหูในครั้งแรกๆ แต่ อยากให้ลองฟังจนจบ สัก 2-3 รอบ  แล้วจะค้นพบว่า เพชรเม็ดนี้ ในรอบกว่า 30ปี  Jamie Cullum ผสมสานแนว Acid Jazz , Fushion ,Blue และ ความช่ำชองทางด้านดนตรีทั้งหมด มาบันทึกลงผลงานชุดนี้

สำหรับนักร้องชาย  J  คนนี้คอเพลงสากลในเมืองไทยรู้จักกันดี  Jason Mraz อัลบั้มชุดนี้เป็นบันทีกแสดงสด แต่อยากบอกว่า หา DVD live ของ Jason Mraz มาชมน่ะครับ ไม่รู้ว่าจะรู้สึกเหมือนผมเปล่าว่า  Mraz นี่เป็นนักร้องชายที่แสดงสดได้อย่างมีเสน่ห์จริงๆ ถือเป็นนักร้องชายที่มีเสน่ห์มาก มีอารมณ์ขันตลอดการแสดง โดยไม่จำเป็นต้องมีแขกรับเชิญเป็นขโยง หรือ ใส่ละครเพลงจนวุ่นวายคิวกันไปเปล่าๆ

Hey Mr. Curiosity
Is it true what they’ve been saying about you
are you killing me?
You took care of the cat already
And for those who think it’s heavy
Is it the truth?
Or is it only gossip?
Call it mystery or anything
Just as long as you’d call me
I sent the message on did you get it when I left it see
This catastrophic event
It wasn’t meant to mean no harm
But to think there’s nothing wrong is a problem.

I’m looking for love this time
Sounding hopeful but it’s making me cry
Love is a mystery
Mr. Curious…
Come back to me

Mr. waiting ever patient can’t you see
That I’m the same the way you left me,
In a hurry to spell check me
And I’m underlined already in envy green
And pencil red
And I’ve forgotten what you’ve said
Will you stop working for the dead and return
Mr. curious well I need some inspiration
It’s my birthday and I cannot find no cause for celebration
The scenario is grave but I’ll be braver when you save me
From this situation laden with hearsay.

I’m looking for love this time
Sounding hopeful but it’s making me cry
And love is a mystery
Mr. Curiosity
Be mr. please
Do come and find me.

I’m looking for love this time
Sounding hopeful but it’s making me cry
(Trying not to ask why)
Cause love is a mystery
Mr. curiosity
Be mr. please
Do come and find me

Love is blinding when the timing’s never right
Oh who am I to beg for difference
Finding love in just an instant
Well I don’t mind
At least I’ve tried, well I tried, i tried…

After the disaster that was the January Jones Saturday Night Live debacle, Joseph Gordon-Levitt swooped in and hosted a truly legendary show. It was clear from his opening monologue that we were in for an evening of delight. I implore Lorne to invite “Joe” back for hosting duties as soon as humanly possible.

Here is one of the classic skits from last Saturday’s episode featuring a shockingly believable Ozzy Osbourne played by the famously mellow Dave Matthews:

Hemp Necklace.

I was out with friends tonight and on my way home I thought, “This is it. I’ve procrastinated far too long. It’s time to get blogging again.”

Is Toca moonlighting as a Hawaiian guitarist?

Why tonight? Well, earlier today my friend asked if I wanted to join him, his sister and her husband for a concert of Hawaiian music. It sounded like something different to do on a saturday night, so I said yes.

When we got to the venue we were waiting to go in and they asked if I knew anything about this kind of music. I said, “Not really, but I have seen Makana before. Does he count?”

That threw them off.  Makana wasn’t part of this show, but they knew who he was and were impressed that I’d heard of him. I explained that Makana toured with Jason Mraz a few years back as part of the Curbside Prophets tour, and I got a couple of eye rolls, but I told them, “Sorry, but all roads lead back to Mraz.”

(Our YouTube culture is still so new that I can’t find any clips of Mraz and Makana from the 2004 CP tour. Instead, here’s one of them doing “I’m Yours” last year.)

So I got home around 11:45, after a wonderful night of music (including an awesome hour-long performance by Willie K, who could be Toca’s brother from another mother) and thought about writing up the Mraz-Makana-Hawaii connections.

I turned on the tv to keep me company while my laptop was booting up and… what’s this? It looks like Jason Mraz. It sounds like Jason Mraz. It sings like Jason Mraz. But it’s Joseph Gordon Levitt playing Jason Mraz on SNL.

I couldn’t believe it. Has Mraz really become that mainstream? Sure, ”I’m Yours” has been on the radio for two years now, but I thought most people still didn’t know his name. But in this skit, not only did they joke about his mellow sound, but also about his avocado farm and his hats. So I guess America is pretty familiar with our Mr. A-Z. (Jason’s buddy, Dave Matthews, also made an appearance in the sketch as Ozzy Osbourne.)

I have to say, JGL did a kick-ass job of the whole thing. He’s done a really impressive job of going from child actor to adult star, and he’s looking really hot.

That’s my story of how a simple evening out with friends turned into a Mraz-centric night of music and sketch comedy. The People’s Choice Awards are coming up in January and Jason is nominated, so I guess we’ll see just how much of a household name he really is.

Clockwatching,
Lisa

A cantora Sandy participará do show que Jason Mraz fará em São Paulo neste domingo, 22,  na Chácara do Jockey. Sandy fará um dueto com o cantor na música “Lucky”, cuja versão original conta a cantora Colbie Caillat. A própria Sandy confirmou a informação via Twitter.

Jason Mraz é atração do festival Natura About Us, realizado neste sábado e domingo na capital paulista.

Confira a programação:

Programação do dia 22:
12h00 – abertura dos portões
14h30 – 15h00 AfroReggae
15h15 – 15h45 Arnaldo Antunes
16h15 – 17h00 Carlinhos Brown
17h30 – 18h15 Lenine
18h45 – 20h00 Jason Mraz
20h30 – 22h00 Sting

21 e 22/11/2009 – São Paulo/SP
Chácara do Jockey – Av. Pirajussara, s/n, altura do 5.100 da av. Francisco Morato
Classificação etária: Livre (dia 21) e 14 anos (dia 22)
Horário: 10h00 (dia 21) e 12h00 (dia 22)
Ingressos: Dia 21 – R$ 50,00 (inteira) e R$ 25,00 (menor de 12 anos); Dia 22 – R$ 120,00.
Informações: www.livepass.com.br

So it’s been 10 days since my last post. I’ve tried writing a few posts, but they all felt very lackluster, uninspiring, and, well, boring. I mean, I know I’m not the liveliest or most talkative person to begin with, but through my writing, I’m usually more able to express a side of me that I don’t usually expose to the “real world”. So I’ve decided that even though this post may not be especially interesting or creative, and may be all over the map, I’m going to post it anyway.

34 Maitland Street, Toronto. They have an apartment available right now, but I’m looking to move for January 1st. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and praying that no one takes it! I’m not going to say too much about why this place is absolutely perfect for me because I don’t want to jinx my chances of getting it, but if you were to see this place, you’d think “that’s so Aminah!” (for those of you that actually know me, at least!)

I have one more interview to go, but I already know I have it in the bag – I mean, who can resist my charm, right? (haha,  just kidding!) When you really want to become part of a certain team, it’ll show, and well, as much as this also serves as my concrete means of survival (freelance work is too unstable), I actually love the vibe of their environment and everything this company has done to show their support of world issues. It would be an absolute pleasure to grow with them! Once again, I’m not giving details just in case!

They say to surround yourself with like-minded people and those who’ll encourage strength, resilience, and courage, and to leave behind the rest. Have no doubt, I’m weeding out the fear-mongers and anyone else who tells me  that I should anything else but fly. It’s time I spread my wings and show this world what I’m made of.

(Thanks to Josh aka sugar daddy, Red aka chug buddy & Jay aka ‘jiggaman’ for introducing me to this place!)

Modern, classy, exquisite service, and the executive chef was on Iron Chef!

I had their crab tacos (REAL crab meat!) and chinatown lettuce wraps.

Add this to your list of places to dine because it is AMAZING!

Website: Joey’s

What it is:
A pigment-rich mascara containing Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran.

What it does:
Korres Deep Colour Mascara provides glossy, deep color while conditioning and nourishing to promote maximum lash health. This brand favorite contains Provitamin B5 , a proven hair-strengthening agent that conditions and strengthens lashes, while Rice Bran expands (just like rice does in water) to provide maximum lash length, volume, and fullness.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
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- Petro-chemicals
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- GMOs
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes

Available at Sephora, $18

OH! So, this song by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat called Lucky really puts a smile on my face and a noticeable bounce in my step!

I’m Yours — Jason Mraz

Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you’re so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
Now I’m trying to get back
Before the cool done run out
I’ll be giving it my bestest
And nothing’s going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it’s again my turn to win some or learn some

I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I’m yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you’re free
Look into your heart and you’ll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment babay sing with me
I love peace for melody
And It’s our God-forsaken right to be loved love loved love loved

So I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I’m sure
There’s no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours

Scooch on over closer dear
And i will nibble your ear

I’ve been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and laughed
I guess what I’m be saying is there ain’t no better reason
To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons
It’s what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue

But I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I’m sure

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you’re free
Look into your heart and you’ll find that the sky is yours
Please don’t, please don’t, please don’t
There’s no need to complicate
Cause our time is short
This oh this this is out fate, I’m yours!

the tag was from dheyski. and since matagal-tagal na din ako hindi nakakapagpost, pinatulan ko na haha time to spread out again!

========

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 20 people and include me. Try not to repeat a song title. It’s actually a lot harder than you think.

Pick Your Artist:
JASON MRAZ

01. Are you male or female?
Only Human

02. Describe yourself:
A Beautiful Mess

03. Describe your significant other:
O.Lover

04. How do you feel about yourself:
Lucky

05. Describe where you currently live:
Common Pleasure

06. If you could be anywhere, where would you be:
Coyotes

07. Your favorite form of transportation:
Plane

08. Your best friend is:
Geek in the Pink

09. Your favorite color is:
Not So Usual

10. What’s the weather like:
The Forecast

11. Favorite time of day:
Clockwatching

12. What is life to you:
Life is wonderful

13. What is the best advice you have to give:
Please Don’t Tell Her

14. If you could change your name, what would it be:
The Remedy

15. Your favorite food is:
You and I both (LOL)

16. Thought for the Day:
Make It Mine

17. How I would like to die:
Sleep All Day

18. My soul’s present condition:
On Love, In Sadness

19. The faults I can bear:
Tonight, Not Again

20. My motto:
Live High

=======

I’m tagging:

all of you!!!!

Here’s a fun little mashup that gives Jason a techno beat.  Not my best work, but I’ve been working on this mashup too long for it to warrant any more wasted time.  Enjoy…and let me know what you think!

Jason Mraz – Life is Wonderful

Adam K. and Soha – Question (Original Mix)

Break Formation – Life is a Wonderful Question

Dia 28 de Outubro de 2009
Eu estava a toa no Twitter quando vejo um post do Tiago Iorc: “Show confirmado em São Paulo! 17 de Novembro na Mercearia Jockey”. Meus olhos não podiam acreditar na palavra “confirmado”. Depois de rumores que o show seria em setembro no Tom Jazz, finalmente o maior cantor brasileiro (ainda que de músicas em inglês) na minha opinião, faria um show em terras paulistas. O último show do Tiago Iorc foi em dezembro e nem foi um show. Nós tivemos que nos contentar com um pocket na Fnac Morumbi, mas não importava, afinal, era Tiago Iorc. Mas… Quem afinal é Tiago Iorc?

by Mariana Jansen

Tiago Iorczeski, ou só Tiago Iorc
Um garoto de 23 anos, meio mestiço, cabelos pretos, alto, com presença de palco, uma voz hipnotizante e composições singulares. Esse é o candango que morou na Inglaterra nos seus 5 primeiros anos de vida. Retornou ao Brasil, foi abrigado por Passo Fundo (RS) onde se alfabetizou e estudou guitarra, piano e violão. Mudou-se para os Estados Unidos, onde morou cerca de um ano e meio e, desde o ano passado, mora no Rio de Janeiro.
Sua paixão pela música e pelo sul do país, fizeram com que Iorc composse diversas músicas, incluindo Nothing but a song, que nada mais foi do que um teste para medir seu nível de compositor. Pelo jeito foi um nível bom já que, em pouco tempo, a música era ouvida na trilha de Malhação, da Rede Globo. Depois veio Scared que fez parte da novela Duas Caras, Blame que entrou para a trilha internacional de A Favorita e My Girl, música que está na novela Viver a Vida. Em 2008, Tiago Iorc lançou o CD Let yourself in que inclui 9 singles de autoria do cantor e 2 regravações (Ticket to ride, da branda britânica Os Beatles e My Girl, da banda The Temptations).

Tiago Iorc cantando Blame durante o show na Mercearia do Jockey, em SP - foto by Marina Burini

Dia 17 de Novembro de 2009
Até essa data, a expectativa me visitava todos os dias. Primeiro porque eu assistiria um show que, certamente seria inesquecível. Segundo porque existia uma possibilidade de conversar com o Tiago Iorc.
22h era a hora marcada para o início do show. Antes disso, eu conversei com o pessoal da Mercearia do Jockey e da produção da banda (um abraço pro Maizena e para a Mônica! Valeu por tudo gente) e perguntei se realmente eu poderia bater um papo com o cantor. Estava tudo certo. Ique, produtor do Tiago (Ique! “Tu é firmeza brother”) foi muito antecioso e me disse que o Tiago Iorc conversaria comigo depois do show. Mais um motivo para que a apresentação fosse inesquecível.
Teoricamente, o show começaria ás 22h, mas houve um pequeno atraso (o que só fez com que eu comesse mais batata frita e tomasse mais vinho) de 1h e pouco. Enfim, os primeiros acordes de No one there tomaram conta do lugar que estava mais feminino e teen do que nunca. Era legal ver que, junto com as garotas de 15 anos tinham os pais, avós, tios e tias, dando o maior apoio e curtindo o show. Foi arrepiante. A paixão pela música, mais uma vez era facilmente notada nos gestos e olhares do Tiago Iorc. Algumas vezes parei de cantar e fiquei reparando. A voz dele não saia da garganta, mas sim do coração e isso me deixava surpreso e contente. Apesar da noite quente que fazia, me pegava suando frio e não era de medo e sim de admiração (e ansiosidade, afinal, conversaria com o cara!). Entre bilhetinhos que eram entregues a ele durante o show, um macaco de pelúcia chamado Tiago e um parabéns para duas meninas, ele fez alguns covers: New Shoes (Paolo Nutini), Stand by me (Ben E. King), How much it hurts (Just Off Turner), Let’s stay together (Al Green) e Fake plastic Trees (Radiohead).
Fim de show? Acho que não. Iorc ia se despedindo e tocando When all hope is gone quando absolutamente todo mundo pediu a música Fine. Ele desceu do palco, ficou no meio de todo mundo e mandou: “He’s never been lonely / She takes his hand and all his troubles step aside” e a música presseguiu até que a Mercearia do Jockey foi invadida, meia noite e dez do dia 18 de novembro, por uma única voz: “Uhh / I’m feeling like my life has just begun / And I’m feeling fine / So fine, fine, fine“. Era um momento único.

by Marina Burini

Behind the scenes
Depois de fotos, autógrafos, beijos e abraços, conversas com os pais das pessoas (ele atendeu todo mundo que estava no lugar), chegou a hora do Blaah Blog finalmente conversar com o Tiago Iorc.

Veja alguns trechos da entrevista:

Sobre o clipe de My Girl, lançado naquele dia: “Foi meio que de surpresa. A gente simplesmente decidiu fazer o clipe. Procurei por um violão que correspondesse com o clima que queriamos dar para o clipe. Foi feito na sacada de um prédio, a noite, com objetos mais antigos. Acho que deu uma sensação legal“
Medo do “vício de músicas de novela” passar: “Não tenho medo. Eu só faço minha música. Qualquer forma de divulgação, se não prejudicar ninguém, é válido. As minhas músicas tocarem em novelas é bom pois dá as pessoas mais acesso a ela”
Mister Twitter Brasil: “Foi engraçado porque eu fiz uma super mobilização. Era desleal competir com todos eles, mas conseguimos dar uma reviravolta na votação. Minha mãe virava para mim e dizia: ‘Tiago! Eu cansei de clicar aqui!’ (risos)“
Música na internet: “A música faz parte da internet e não tem como dizer o contrário. Eu baixo música dos meus cantores preferidos. É uma tendência e tenho certeza que a grande maioria também faz isso“
Com quem ele faria um dueto: “Tenho muita vontade de compôr alguma coisa com a Norah Jones“
Planos para o novo CD: “Estou gravando devagar, sem pressão alguma. Acredito que será lançado no começo do ano que vem“
Presente para o Papai Noel: “Pedi mais shows em São Paulo! (risos)”
Blaah Blog: “Um abraço para o Blaah Blog!”

Tiago Iorc e Thiago Ghougassian (eu) num bate papo para o Blaah Blog - foto by Mariana Jansen

by Mariana Jansen

Dia 18 de Novembro de 2009
Tiago Iorc postou ás 11:10 da manhã em seu Twitter: “Acabei de voltar de São Paulo. Muito obrigado paulistas e não paulistas que estavam no show de ontem! Foi foda!“

A última novidade: nosso querido Tiago Iorc vai abrir o show do Jason Mraz no Vivo Rio, dia 26 de novembro. Um presente para ele e para os fãs que tem mais um motivo para se orgulhar desse profissional e pessoa execelente.

Setlist do show autografado. Reparem que Fine não estava nos planos - scan by Marina Burini

De Tiago Iorc para Thiago Ghougassian e Blaah Blog - scan by Thiago Ghougassian

Uma baladinha que combina:  swing de Djavan;  batidas  e instrumentos de jazz ;  letra maliciosa.

Did you know most people stumble upon Foxy Academy looking for Jason Mraz above anyone else? Who knew he was so in demand? In fact, this site received one of its very first visits because someone typed in “jason mraz penis” in a search engine. We couldn’t ask for more.

To our amusement, Foxy Academy has appeared as a result in the following Web searches:

• Aladdin (This is surprisingly drags in a large quantity of viewers)
• Pizza (This is too!)
• Jason Mraz underwear
• Josh Hartnett shirtless (I don’t blame you.)
• Hot dudes (What Foxy Academy was founded on.)
• Does Danny Masterson smoke weed? (Good question.)
• Does Jason Mraz have a boyfriend? (Another good one!)
• Kill the Beast (Must you?)
• Colonel Sanders full body (Not sure we want to know. Okay, yes, we do.)
• Jim Halpert friend zone (We’ll show you our friend zone for Jim Halpert.)
• A good lay (Also what Foxy Academy was founded on.)

Por Juliana Gomes

}Vai rolar nesse final de semana Natura Nós About Us @  Chácara do Jockey Club.

O festival Natura Nós About Us irá acontecer nos dias 21 e 22 de Novembro, sábado e domingo, terá 2 palcos, uma para atrações infantis e outro para as “grandes” atrações.

A programação do dia 21, sábado são:

Um festival que visa unir pessoas que querem construir um futuro com mais harmonia.

Acontece durante dois dias, 21 e 22 de Novembro, na Chácara do Jockey de São Paulo.

É sobre Você…Sobre Nós…Sobre o Planeta.

O mundo é formado por pequenos sistemas complexos e cheios de vida.
Processos que acontecem ao mesmo tempo.
A Terra é composta por bilhões de microplanetas…e um dele é VOCÊ!

Você. O outro. Gente. Gente e terra. Terra e ar. Ar e gente. Gente e água. Água e terra. Terra e Gente!

E essas relações inspiram o Natura Nós About Us a buscar um mundo melhor, mais feliz.
Um mundo coletivo feito com consciência por nós e para nós.

Um festival que engloba: Música, Arte, Vivências e Descobertas.

Falando um pouco mais sobre música, teremos no Palco do Festival:

- AfroReggae
- Arnaldo Antunes
- Carlinhos Brown
- Lenine
- Jason Mraz
- Sting

Um evento em prol do Meio Ambiente!
Espero que tenhamos um domingo lindo…de Sol no céu…

Porque EU VOU!!!
E será demais!

Para saber mais: Natura Nós About Us

Depois conto para vocês como foi!

Bjoutro!