Macgirl Media Pick of the Week: Mermaid Avenue

This week- a classic album, a throwback to 1998, and a great collaboration.  After being contacted by Nora Guthrie (Woody Guthrie's daughter), Billy Bragg worked together with group Wilco to record previously unheard lyrics by Woody Guthrie.

Having just listened to the songs for the millionth time, I realize this has to be in my top 100, if not top 20 albums of all time.  If you aren't familiar with Guthrie's work, or with Billy Bragg, this is a great introduction.  If you're a huge fan, then this album is made for you. 

Find it on iTunes: Mermaid Avenue - Billy Bragg & Wilco

Macgirl Media Pick of the Week: DEVO!

Did I just hear new DEVO coming out of the living room speakers!  Yes!  Completely off my incredibly  short-range radar, DEVO is totally rocking with a new album, Something for Everybody.

I feel like a teenager again.  After delving in to the new music, it seems this record is more modern and mature than older works.   Or, maybe, I'm older and more mature!  Either way, its a great album and I'm glad they are still kickin it. 

You can check it out on their website, or find it on iTunes here: Something for Everybody (Deluxe Version) - Devo

Macgirl Media Pick of the Week: This is Happening

This is Happening.  LCD Soundsystem.  Turn it up folks. 

This is the third and possibly best album by LCD, (LCD Soundsystem is the musical project of producer James Murphy.  He also founded DFA Records).  It's also billed as the "last", but I hope down the line that is rescinded. 

A mix of dance and punk sounds, LCD never fails to impress, and I can't stress how much I enjoy this album.  Great lyrics, great music, great everything. 

Just trust me and get it- now.  You can order a limited pack on the LCD website, including the double vinyl cut of the album.   

Or buy here on iTunes:  This Is Happening - LCD Soundsystem

Macgirl Media Pick of the Week: She and Him (again!)

Not to be confused with being a fan girl, i waited quite a bit to grab the new album, Volume Two, by She and Him (She & Him are Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward).  Always a fan of Zooey Deschanel (did you find the Tin Man miniseries as awesome as I did?), I really love her voice.  The last album (Volume One) was very enjoyable, and I looked forward to this new creation.  I hoped it would be a strong follow to the duo's first album. 

And it is.  It's a solid record.  The song In the Sun is easy and smooth, Don't Look Back, with its strong retro sound is a fave, and what a great rendition of Ridin' In My Car!

If you like She and Him, this will not disappoint.  You can grab it on iTunes here :Volume Two - She & Him.

Till next week!

Macgirl Media Pick of the Week: Hello Dolly!

After my last viewing of Wall-E (also known as one of my favorite movies ever) I decided I had to see the musical referenced so heavily in the film. And so, a few days later, Hello Dolly was at my door in a nice little red envelope.

I was totally captured from the first scene.  The frozen streetscape provoked a deep concentration- what am I looking at?  Why isn't anyone moving?  Then, off in the distance, a tiny train started to move across the screen.  As the world opened up and became alive, I couldn't look away.  This is a musical with creativity and amazing actors.  I usually get bored when the "singing" parts happen- not in this case.  I was fully in love- with the scenery, the feeling of a play being acted out in miniature right in front of me in my living room.  Who knew I loved Barbra Streisand?  Who knew I'd watch it again the next day, and find myself singing the signature song, Hello Dolly, while making dinner? 

Hello Dolly is a wonderfully romantic and light comedy that anyone can identify with.  Starring Walter Matthau, Barbra Streisand and Michael Crawford, the cast is amazing.  The fun songs and great acting are not to be missed.  If you were intrigued by the music in Wall-E, be sure to rent Hello Dolly.  It is a fabulous fun ride, and I'm glad I caught it.