It's a Big, Big World

As a baby, Ethan never cared too much for music. He still doesn't today, refusing to sing in school performances, and silencing me when I sing, with a "I don't like songs, Mommy!" I used to be a pretty big music snob, so I can't figure this one out. I've never heard of a child who doesn't like music. (He does like "Cotton Eyed Joe" though. Go figure.) Anyway, a few months ago, I came across this album by Renee and Jeremy. KATIE BELLE LOVES IT! Every single time the song, "It's a Big, Big World" comes on, she quiets down immediately. There have been times we just put the song on repeat indefinitely to make it through a long car ride. Anyway, just wanted to pass this great music along to those who have small ones at home. Click here to listen on YouTube. You can also find more songs on their website.

Any of you have some baby or toddler favorites? Did you know that They Might Be Giants makes some AWESOME toddler music?? Click here to listen to "Alphabet of Nations." It's fun to hear your kid say "ZIMBABWE!"

Mixed Tapes - A Tribute to '94

Yesterday marked an emotional turning point in my life. I retired the tape deck in my car & for a new cd player. I spent all weekend listening to mixed tapes that I’ve been enjoying for the past decade+. My high school years were full of mixed tapes shared with very cool friends. Many of the tapes I still like very much. As a tribute to this landmark moment, I've recounted the playlist from Joe's tape, from Christmas 1994. *Sniff Sniff.* Goodbye tape deck.

Side A
Panic – The Smiths
Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want – The Smiths
Photograph – Natalie Merchant & REM
Bittersweet – Big Head Todd & The Monsters
Circle – Big Head Todd & The Monsters
Calling All Angels – Jane Siberry & KD Lang
Waiting for Somebody – Paul Westerberg
Cherub Rock - Smashing Pumpkins
Without a Trace – Soul Asylum
Soulflower - Pharcyde

Side B
Sweet Potato – Cracker
Mr. Wrong – Cracker
Packin’ .25 – Jane’s Addiction
Black Girlfriend - Jane’s Addiction
I Heard Ramona Sing – Frank Black
We are in Love – Harry Connick Jr.
Girlfriend – Matthew Sweet
Jane’s Says – Jane’s Addiction
Rosemary – Lenny Kravitz
San Francisco Days – Chris Isaak

Ferraby Lionheart

Around here, you could throw a dead cat & hit a dozen waiters who want to make music. I’ve known so many people trying to “make it in the music biz" that it's hard to keep track. I even have a brother (pictured at r, from album cover) who released an album over 10 years ago. (Brother, this is payback not reading my blog or returning emails!) But I would never discourage someone for taking a go at it. You never know when someone actually will "make it", just like my old coffeehouse co-worker, Josh Rouse.

All that to say that I have an old friend, Ferraby Lionheart with an album coming out September 4. Check out this clip of him on the Late Late Show last week.

Also, check out the music of unsigned artists Newton Dominey and Paul Hadfield. And Zane Williams, who has a great album out. Best of luck to you fellas!

An Ex-Runner's Lament

I'm sad that...

Just a few months ago I ran a Half Marathon and now 2 miles leaves me worked. -- It’s hard to motivate yourself to run when it’s 102 degrees. -- I need to run for a full hour to work off the whole pack of cookie dough I ate in the last 2 days. Seriously. That was 2,160 empty calories I snacked away. -- When you stop running 15-20 miles a week and eat a half-pack of cookie dough per day, your metabolism starts to catch up with you. -- I haven’t added new music to my Shuffle in forever. Which brings me to the question…

Have any new music suggestions to motivate me to get my behind moving? Here are my former faves that make me want to move fast…

Your Cover’s Blown – Belle & Sebastian
The Sound of Settling – Death Cab for Cutie
Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand
Let Go – Frou Frou
Clark Gable – The Postal Service
Talk to Me, Dance with Me – Hot Hot Heat
Ready, Steady, Go – Paul Oakenfold
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
Yeah! – Usher

Looking for Kid Tunes

I'm a music fan who's not eager to transition from my music to "kid music." That's why this Top 20 list looks interesting to me. However, I feel the time has come for E to begin learning "The Wheels on the Bus" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider." So here I am, turning to you guys for help. Does anyone have any suggestions for music that's not too over the top? I'm specifically interested in the classics, like above songs, "Old McDonald had a Farm," etc. Thanks!

Musical Genius

I'm proud to say that my brilliant son has mastered the recorder. Well, really just one note. But anyway, he raced around the house playing his one note & I could barely catch a picture!

Last night was the first time he went to bed without dinner. Wouldn't touch anything on his plate, so I didn't make him any alternatives. He's up this morning, and doing just fine. For those who wonder if our kids will still live without their supper...

PS. favorite word this week: Truck

Patty Starter Set

Last night’s Patty Griffin concert was SO good. And this now makes the 4th time I’ve blogged about her, and the 5th time I’ve seen her. In honor of the event, I’ve put together a Patty Starter Set. I can’t call it her Top 10, because I have about 40 Faves. Last night, she totally rocked out on “No Bad News,” which you know is unusual, if you’ve ever seen her play live. Often it's mellow throughout the show. Good news for folks in my neck of the woods – she plays again tonight, and is bringing a “Special Guest” (which probably means Emmylou Harris.)

Sweet Lorraine – Living with Ghosts

Change – Flaming Red

Christina – Flaming Red

Mil Besos – 1000 Kisses

Rain – 1000 Kisses

Top of the World – Impossible Dream

Useless Desires – Impossible Dream

Heavenly Day – Children Running Through

Up to the Mountain – Children Running Through

Burgundy Shoes – Children Running Through

"I Love Thursdays"

I love…that Patty Griffin is loved by Emmylou Harris, Dixie Chicks, and even Kelly Clarkson. Did you hear Kelly's version of Patty’s “Up from the Mountains” last night?



And I love my perfect beach wares, which I'll be wearing all summer:
1) Patagonia’s Morning Glory Dress
2) Patagonia’s Highline Top
and 3) Beth Rodden’s Dream Catcher Hoodie

The Beatnick in Me

I can’t even remember the last time I went to a concert. But Monday, I saw an ad for the Rickie Lee Jones concert last night. I had to go…seeing as RLJ was the first and last fan letter I ever wrote…and the first tape I ever bought. Yeah, weird kid, I know. I knew just the girl to call - Laura. The only person I know who even knows who she is! I was a little disappointed b/c she played almost all new stuff, but she did play Stewart’s Coat and Flying Cowboys - both good songs. Anyway, I decided to make a little RLJ starter set for you guys. I know I'm an old beatnick for listening to RLJ, but if you want to be one too, download these songs...

1) The Albatross
2) Chuck E’s in Love
3) Love is Gonna Bring us Back Alive
4) The Horses
5) Woody & Dutch on the Slow Train to Peking

ps. thanks for all the love for my shirt. i'm very excited, and it's so nice to have you guys share that with me!!

"I Love...Wednesdays"

So this week, it's "I Love Wednesdays."

1) Rockabye Baby! albums - If you’ve had it with the traditional lullabies, these guys have put together lullaby renditions of Radiohead, Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Beach Boys, U2, and more. We have the Radiohead & Coldplay albums (thanks Chuck!) and they are a lot of fun. There is a lot of glockenspiel usage, but I’ve really enjoyed them. If you missed this post, you really should download the songs from E’s Lullaby Playlist.
2) DesignMom.com - She's so creative, and her Rock Climbing Birthday Party Invitations are so cute.
3) Ecological Footprint Quiz Take this quiz to find out your level of impact on the environment.

Heavenly Day

If you were cooped up in an office today, I AM SORRY FOR YOU! Yesterday was the most amazing day. The weather was gorgeous, and Lance bought me the new Patty Griffin CD. The album highlight is “Heavenly Day,” and yesterday certainly was one.

After my run, Ethan & I met with local artist Julia Martin, who will be painting his portrait.

I rushed home & put on my new Wal-Mart top that’s been just waiting for a warm day. This afternoon we met Kerry & her awesome dogs at the park. And then finally, I came home to find Drew & Lance visiting on out back patio. It was great to visit with him & talk about his upcoming arrival!!

Oh, today made me so excited about spring!!!

Good News

Good News - Patty Griffin's new album came out a few weeks ago!!!

Sweet Lullabies - a playlist

For me, the early days of motherhood consisted of 8 hours of feeding, followed by several hours of consoling a crying baby, or walking around the block. Any remaining hours would ideally be spent napping. For those waking hours, the following songs provided a peaceful backdrop for Ethan & I as we bonded. Even if you aren’t a new mom, these are some great relaxing tunes for your iPod.

ETHAN’S LULLABY PLAYLIST (no, they aren’t all technically lullabies):
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) – Billy Joel
Daddy’s Baby – James Taylor
Golden Slumbers – Ben Folds
How to Make a Baby Elephant Float – Yo La Tengo
I Love NYE – Badly Drawn Boy
Lullaby Baby Blues – Keb’ Mo’
Naked as we Came – Iron & Wine
Angeles – Elliot Smith
Wrong Turn – Jack Johnson
Lullaby – Jack Johnson & Matt Costa
Slumber My Darling – Alison Krauss, Edgar Meyer, Mark O’Connor, Yo-Yo Ma
Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwi’ole
Alright for Now – Tom Petty
Didn’t Leave Nobody But the Baby – Emmylou Harris, etc.
Rowing Song – Patty Griffin