Song of the Day: "Novocaine For The Soul" by Eels

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So songs need very little introduction.

"Novocaine For The Soul" by Eels

Song of the Day: "Ten-Twenty-Ten" by Generationals

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There are some bands you expect to dislike based on name only. And, normally, considering how much a name says about a band, you are correct. However, on a rare occasion, a band chooses to name themselves something so egregiously bad, and yet, avoid suckage. And with that sentiment, I give you the horribly named Generationals.

"Ten-Twenty-Ten" by Generationals

Songs of the Day: "Unfold" & "0% Percent" by Jason Mraz

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I am in a soft mood tonight. And I was looking over my favorite artists of all time, and I saw Jason Mraz on there, top ten no less, and I realized he has been grossly underrepresented on this here blog. So, these are two of my favorite acoustic songs. Not just two of my favorite acoustic Jason Mraz songs, just two of my favorites overall, like ever. I feel a list coming on....

"Unfold" by Jason Mraz



"0% Percent" by Jason Mraz

Best Noise in the Northwest, Now.

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So, we here at Listologies have spent more then a few words talking up the up and coming music scene here in the Great Northwest. This entry is here to celebrate the NOW of the northwest. From Canada to Portland, and all else in between. Now, in no way is this an all inclusive list, in fact, I am positive that I have missed more then a few. But, off the top of my head, this is the best noise in the nw right now.

I have them in a very very rough order, mostly just the order I remembered them.

The Head and the Heart (Seattle)

Hey Marseilles (Seattle)

Campfire Ok (Seattle)

The Lonely Forest (Anacortes)

Macklemore (Seattle)

Lemolo (Poulsbo/Seattle)

Pickwick (Seattle)

Youth Rescue Mission (Seattle by way of Bigfork Montana)

The Cave Singers (Seattle)

The Oh Wells (White Rock, BC)

Blind Pilot (Portland)

Loch Lomond (Portland)

BOAT (Seattle)

Typhoon (Portland)

White Hinterland (Portland)

Ravenna Woods (Seattle)

Bryan John Appleby (Seattle)

The Fruit Bats (Portland)

Mimicking Birds (Portland)

The BGP (Tacoma)

Fences (Seattle)

Beat Connections (Seattle)

Shabazz Palaces (Seattle)

Song of the Day: "Slow Motion" by Holy Ghost!

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I don't quite understand it myself, this fascination I have developed over the last couple of years this indie dance pop stuff. But, its a side of me I have decided to accept, and you should too.

Just let go and dance.

"Slow Motion" by Holy Ghost!

Songs of the Day: "(I Am) The Love Addict" & "We Sing In Time" by The Lonely Forest

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So, this is a band that I did not give the chance it deserved. I know, shame on me. I just buy music in bulk, like, I get the music buying bug, and 15 mins later end up with nine new albums. One is bound to get lost in the shuffle here and there. Now, generally, that is not a big deal, 50% of the stuff I buy falls well short of awesome. But I fucked on when I over looked The Lonely Forest. This northwest band is pretty fucking fantastic.

"(I Am) The Love Addict" by The Lonely Forest


"We Sing In Time" by The Lonely Forest

Song of the Day: "In Sleep" (live) by Lissie

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So, the other day, when I said that The Belle Brigade was my favorite record of the year, I may have lied. I think I am going to steal Lissie away from 2010 and have that be my record of the year. It is by far the album I listen to most right now, and it was released late in the year, so I think I can get away with it.

"In Sleep" (live) by Lissie

My Up and Coming Music List. Updated 8/24/11

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Inspired by Stevie's Up And Coming Book List, I am going to start the same thing with my music purchased for the year. I found this to be really useful in 2010, that I am starting even earlier for 2011.

My favorite blog to write is my year end music review. And to be honest, I start it in January of each year. I start collecting music as soon as possible, and use a smart playlist to amass them all in one place for easy listening and examining.

Below you will see a quick list of the albums I have picked up so far this year. I will try to update them every month or so. If I have an opinion of the record, will post a quick note, but keep in mind, I may change mine.

I realize this list has gotten exceptionally long, and I appreciate you reading it. So to help cut things down a bit, I have removed the records that I dislike from the main list itself, and placed them at the bottom under a subcategory. I have also removed the majority of those negative reviews. I just hate saying means things.

You will also notice, I have tagged some of the records with a new signifier, **In The Running For Record Of The Year**

Adele - "21" ----- **In The Running For Record Of The Year** So far, easily one of my favorites. I am not sure how long it will stick with me. It is so emotionally ripe, that it wears me out to listen to it. For now, that is a great ride, but it might get tiresome.

Alexander – “Alexander” ----- It’s like Edward Sharpe (understandably) meets Simon and Garfunkel (unexpected). I was anticipating it to be a little bit too one note, but it has actually gone the other direction. Not sure if that is a good thing or not yet, I’ll let you know.

**NEW** Amos Lee – “Mission Bell” ----- This singer songwriter finally has his groove back. Is it enough to bounce him into the top 13 of the year? Doubtful.

Angus & Julia Stone - "Down The Way" ----- Yes, this was released in 2010. But I consider the last quarter of last year, a part of this one. It is too hard to fall in love with a record in 3 months, let alone, digest it enough to know if its crap or not. But, so far, this one is NOT crap. It’s mellow and breezy and wonderful.

The Antlers – “Burst Apart” ----- Their journey continues. From the master piece that was “Hospice” to this, this band does not disappoint. I am afraid of how much this record might take over my life.

Architecture In Helsinki – “Moment Bends” ----- My good mood record. It carries a vibe into a room that cannot be hated.

Atmosphere – “The Family Sign” ----- It seems as though, Atmosphere cannot let me down. Now, I am not sure that this album will reach the peaks that “Sevens Travels” or “…Paint That Shit Gold” did, but it’s well on its way.

**NEW** The Barry Brother’s – “Yawnin’ in the Dawnin’” ----- This is a newer record, that to be honest, I did not expect anything out of. But, some songs have really really stood out.

Beat Connection – “Surf Noir” ----- **NEW Review** Seattle band, and although I have never been a dance/electronica fan, I have been sucked into Beat Connection.

The Belle Brigade – “The Bell Brigade” ----- **In The Running For Record Of The Year** So, a month ago, I thought this record was just “not so bad,” but now I love it. While I have been gathering nominees for my best songs of the year this, this band tops the totals. With 5 songs garnering 5 star ratings.

Big K.R.I.T. – “Return of 4Eva” ----- Good but not great. Nice flow, decent lyrics. Kinda a throw back. But middle of the pack.

Bon Iver – “Bon Iver” ----- Everyone keeps building this album up, and although it is dreamily good, I does not live up for For Emma, Forever Ago. Maybe, I need to let go of that expectation, and I will be able to love this record like it deserves.

The Boxer Rebellion - "The Cold Still" -----**NEW Review** Did not stand out, but now, as the summer wains on, it is starting too. 

Brandi Carlile – “Live At Benaroya Hall With The Seattle Symphony” ----- I generally steer away from live albums, I’d rather just see the show, but this is special. It’s full of beauty, life, sorrow, and perfection.

Brett Dennen – “Loverboy” ----- **In The Running For Record Of The Year** I fathom that when summer rolls around, this will be my album of choice. It is windows down music. I think I love it.

**NEW** Bryan John Appleby – “Fire on the Vine” ----- This NW singer songwriter is BLOWING up my iPod right now. There is not a spoiled track amongst the bunch.

**NEW** Campfire OK – “Strange Like We Are” ----- **In The Running For Record Of The Year** Another NW talent explosion. Special special special. If the Head and the Heart never happened, Campfire OK, would be the best band in the northwest.

City And Colour – “Little Hell” -----**NEW Review** Growing on me everytime I hear it.

The Civil Wars - "Barton Hollow" ----- I love this band. This record, their first full length, is exactly as it should be. Is it for everyone? No, probably not. But, for a folk/blues/singersongwriter hound like me, it is wonderful.

**NEW** The Cool Kids – “When Fish Ride Bicycles” ----- I am excited to give this one a go. I have been scouring the world for a new fantastic hip hop record. I hope this one is it.

Cults – “Cults” ----- This record is garnering rave reviews from bloggers across the net, and although I do find myself a toe tapping from time to time, it is just pretty good.

**NEW** Cut Copy – “Zonoscope” ----- Much like their last record, it has a few stand out tracks, and a few clunkers. Middle of the road.

D/R/U/G/S – “Love/Lust EP” ----- They have a dance hammer dulcimer song on this record. But that is about all I can say about it.

Dawes – “Nothing Is Wrong” ----- **In The Running For Record Of The Year** This is a new record with serious staying power. It is one of those records that has teeth. I am very excited about it, and do not be surprised when you see it on the best of list at the end of the year.

The Dodos - "No Color" ----- This is the record I have been waiting for from the band. As I wrote on my recent Song Of The Day, "The band learned from their mistakes, simplified, honed into what made them stand out in the first place, and embraced it. So many bands think they need to evolve so much that they force it and fall short of themselves, most never recover from this mistake, but not the dodos."

Ellie Goulding – “Lights” ----- I love her voice. It’s a little poppy, but every nowandthen, that works for me. This is one of those times.

**NEW** Fink – “Perfect Darkness” ----- He is great at what he does, but does not stray far from that, although, I wish he would.

Florence + The Machine - "Lungs: The B-Sides" ----- **NEW Review** It is hard for me to hate this record. I has like 3 fantastic tracks and the rest are throwaways. It stands no chance to make my year end list, but it not bad enough to move to the short of awesome pile

Foster The People – “Torches” ----- This is a good mood record. Fun to listen too, but not the most memorable.

**NEW** Frank Ocean – “Nostalgia/Ultra” ----- I have only had this a few days, but so far, I am really really digging it. Strong, singular voice in the R&B game.

French Horn Rebellion – “The Infinite Music of French Horn Rebellion” ----- Picked this up hoping to find this year’s Chromeo, and so far, it is filling that void, not sure if it has the staying power. Has one great track.

**NEW** Generationals – “Actor-Caster” ----- Too new to review.

**NEW** Givers – “In Light” ----- I was excited for this record. Based on what Up Up Up sounded like, but in the areas where they do not overreach, they just are not very good.

Grouplove - "Grouplove" ----- My favorite "EP" (Not identified as an "ep" but with only 6 tracks, it is not a full length) of the year. Every track is keeper. This record makes me want summer to be here now. Listen and you will understand.

Hey Rosetta! – “Seeds” ----- This band has a sound that is hard to describe. It's like if you take the delicate mastery of Hey Marseilles and combine it with the chaotic perfection of Los Campesinos! you would stumble into these Canadians. It works.

**NEW** Holy Ghost! – “Holy Ghost!” ----- Great toe tapping fun.

Idiot Glee – “Paddywhack” ----- I have only delved about halfway into this record, but every new song I hear makes me want to listen to more. So, that is a good sign.

**NEW** Is Tropical – “Native To” ----- I think out of all the stuff marked **NEW** this record has the best chance to grow on me.

James Vincent McMorrow – “Early In The Morning” ----- People are calling him the Irish Bon Iver, and although I hate when people do that, it is not far off. He has a quiet genius about his sound. It is simply a beautiful record. One of my favorites.

Jessica Lea Mayfield - "Tell Me" ----- I didn't know apathetic could be sexy. But somehow, Jessica Lea Mayfield makes it happen. Her voice has an "I have feelings, but I don't give a shit" vibe to it that is impossible to describe until you hear it. Now, does that voice make this a good record? I think it might.

The Joy Formidable - "The Big Roar" ----- This is the kind of band that can only be played loud. Right now, one of my favorites, but I can see how it could become grating.

Lissie – “Catching A Tiger” ----- **In The Running For Record Of The Year** Lissie reminds me of Justin Nozuka. Not in any tangible way, but in the way that both their records snuck up on me, and from song to song, they can become completely different artists. They are both chameleons.  I love this record hard.

Loch Lomond – “Little Me Will Start A Storm” ----- This is a record that I am excited to fall in love with. Seems like it is more suited for grey days, but we have plenty of those.

**NEW** The Lonely Forest – “Arrows” ----- Fantastic. I am actually pissed that I passed over this record for so many months. It is honestly great and has a very good chance to make the top 13.

Lulu & The Lampshades - "Cold Water EP" ----- Quirky and great. I wish there were more.

Lupe Fiasco – “Lasers” ----- Not bad, but not memorable.

Lykke Li - "Wounded Rhymes" ----- **NEW Review** **In The Running For Record Of The Year** Far and away the most well-crafted album of the year. It is nearly perfect from beginning to end and you know directs you through the ebbs and flows of her heart.

Manchester Orchestra – “Simple Math” ----- I have a soft spot for Manchester Orchestra. People who know me, know this, and accept it as one of my flaws. This record is no different. It is like a nice medium from where they were back on “Like a Virgin…” and their most recent release “Mean Everything….” And it is exactly what my year needed.

**NEW** Mat Kearney – “Young Love” ----- Standard Mat Kerney stuff. So, in other words, awesome.

Matt Nathanson – “Modern Love” ----- This record reminds me of all the reasons why I love singer songerwriters. It is fun, insightful, impactful, romantic, nostalgic, and warm. It’s like a blanket.

Middle Brother – “Middle Brother” ----- **In The Running For Record Of The Year** One of those supergroups (Delta Spirit, Dawes, and Deer Tick) that always seems to let me down, has my hopes up. So far so good. They kick the shit out of Monsters of Folk.

The Mountain Goats - "All Eternals Deck" ----- I have been converted into a fan. It has a quiet raw power that is hard to quantify.

The Oh Wells - "The EP that We Love" ----- This little Canadian band has made me realize that I cannot just blanketly decide to shun all things from a country. Great EP. Cannot wait to see what they can do with a full length.

Pearl and the Beard – “Killing the Darlings” ------ I love it. They have taken their sound to a whole new, refined, mastered place.

**NEW** Pusha T – “Fear Of God” ----- I have been searching for great hip-hop all year, and nothing has really stood out. But now, I have stumbled into the Pusha T “Fear of God” mixtape. And I have to say, this half of Clipse, has not lost his flow.

Psychologist – “Waves of OK EP” ----- 5 total tracks, and 3 of them have burrowed their way into my soul.

**NEW** Psychologist – “Propeller EP” ----- Psychologist, intended his record to be split into two EP’s, but I wish he would have just released a singular album. “Waves of OK” far out shines “Propeller.” But possibly as a whole, it could have worked fantastically.

**NEW** Ravenna Woods – “Valley of the Headless Men” ----- Yet another band that makes me so supremely proud to be a music fan in The Great Northwest. Closer to Fleet Foxes then THATH, but still uniquely their own.

Rural Alberta Advantage - "Departing" ----- **In The Running For Record Of The Year** This has moved from a record that I really wanted to like but was having trouble getting behind, to a record I cannot stop listening to. It is the frontrunner.

Seapony – “Go With Me” ----- Nice airy indie pop rock from Seattle does not disappoint. It does not illicit screams of joy either, but it is solidly in between. 

Seryn - "This Is Where We Are" ----- The Head and the Heart told me to buy this record. And since they are one of my favorite bands, I figured their advice in music could not be far off, so I picked it up. And, lucky for me, they were very very right. One of those bands that you take mental note of, so you can come back and enjoy more later.

Shabazz Palaces – “Black Up” ----- NW hip-hop is coming on strong this year. Yet another example.

Tennis – “Cape Dory” ----- The perfect summer record. It makes me want to play this with my windows down on a road trip somewhere.

**NEW** Toro Y Moi – “Underneath the Pine” ----- Considered by most as Chillwave artist, Toro Y Moi has never been my thing. However, with this most recent record, he has surpassed that label and really come into his own. Strong album.

TV On The Radio – “Nine Types of Light” ----- This is one of those records that you do not realize you like until you already like it. It’s got that familiar, yet new, feeling to it.

Typhoon – “A New Kind Of House” ----- So far so good. Unique kind of noise.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – “Unknown Mortal Orchestra” ----- **NEW Review** Great songs, scattered amongst throw away tracks. But the good far out weighs the bad.

The Vaccines – “What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?” ----- Impressed with this debut album. Some great things here, and if the band can hold steady, they will make very big noises. 

**NEW** The Weeknd – “House of Balloons” ----- An R&B record that holds no punches. It is so overtly honest; it is sometimes hard to listen too. But then, when you do, you realize how brilliant it actually it.

We F.A.M. - "Reality Check" ------ NW Hip-Hop group that at times is spectacular, and at times has too many cooks in the kitchen. But unlike most hip-hop records the good far out ways the bad on this self produced album. Some tracks stand so far out, that I am sure the will pepper this website by years end.

Wye Oak - "Civilian" ----- **In The Running For Record Of The Year** One of my favorite records right now. I just sings to me. I am not going to get all over wordy for once. It's just super good.

Youth Rescue Mission - "Youth Rescue Mission" ---- This Seattle band, by way of Montana, has me all in a tizzy. This group of siblings make noises to die for. I keep trying to string together other artists to give you a good description/comparison of style/sound, but all combo's fall short. Yes, you can hear a bit of The Head and the Heart, a dollop of Blind Pilot, a tad of Hey Marseilles, and a smidge of Choir of Young Believers, but in only the littlest of amounts. They are distinctly their own. And I am loving it.

Yuck – “Yuck” ----- In all the ways that Crystal Stilts does not work, Yuck does. I feel like this is going to be like when I found the dodos back in 2009 and they took over my life. It’s good.

Albums that falls well short of awesome.

Apollo Brown – “Clouds”

BOAT - "Dress Like Your Idols"

Bow Ribbons - "Bow Ribbons" ----- **NEW Review** The worst record I have picked up in 5 years.

**NEW** Bright Eyes – “The People’s Key” ----- I wish I could get on the Bright Eyes train. But, I just can’t.

**NEW** Clams Casino – “Clams Casino” ---- Aside from the “Cold War” remix, the album is unspectacular.

Cold War Kids - "Mine Is Yours"

Crystal Stilts – “In Love With Oblivion”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – “It’s A Corporate World”

Death Cab For Cutie – “Codes And Keys”

Eddie Vedder – “Ukulele Songs”

Eisley - "The Valley"

Elbow – “Build A Rocket Boys!” Fleet Foxes – “Helplessness Blues”

Friendly Fires – “Pala”

Hercules & Love Affair - "Blue Songs"

**NEW** Howie Day – “Ceasefire” ----- What happened to Howie Day? I feel like he was trying so hard to find himself successful, that he just flat lost who he was.

J Mascis - "Several Shades of Why"

James Blake – “James Blake”

Julianna Barwick – “The Magic Place” ----- **NEW Review** It is like indie-elevator music. I cannot, for the life of me see the big deal.  

Let’s Wrestle – “Nursing Home”

LMFAO – “Sorry For The Party Rocking” Kate Bush – “Directors’ Cut”

**NEW** Marissa Nadler – “Marissa Nadler” ----- Not very good.

Musiq – “Musiqinthemagiq”

My Morning Jacket – “Circuital”

Noah & The Whale - "Last Night On Earth”

of Montreal – “thecontrollersphere

Panda Bear – “Tomboy”

Peter Bjorn and John – “Gimme Some”

SLOWWAVE – “Drag Lake Sin”

Talib Kweli - "Gutter Rainbows"

The Beastie Boys – “Hot Sause Committee Part Two”

The Cave Singers - "No Witch

**NEW ** The Middle East – “I Want That You Are Always Happy” ----- The most disappointing follow up to a super fantastic EP ever.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - "Belong"

The Unthanks – “Last”

The Wave Pictures – “Beer In The Breakers”

Tune-Yards – “W H O K I L L”

White Denim – “D”

William Fitzsimmons – “Gold In The Shadow”

Song of the Day: "I Know Places" by Lykke Li

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This song just makes sense to me today. It's like musical spackle, fills in all the holes whole, and smooths out the rough edges of life. 

From one of the strongest, and most complete records of the year....

"I Know Places" by Lykke Li

"Everlong" by Foo Fighters: Cover by Sandalwood

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I just stumbled across this today- like literally was using that app Stumble Upon, you know it? So up comes this site and the tag line gets me right away because it has two of my favorite things: 1st graders (I'm a teacher, give me a break) and the song Everlong by the Foo Fighters which my friend Ryan played as my husband and I walked down the aisle together. Lo and behold its like the most bad ass kids I've ever seen just killin it! I love this video so much I just had to share:

Song of the Day: "Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger

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This is one of those songs that brings you back to a moment. And like literally forces you to move your body around. And shout out different parts of the song "I'm and Amputee GOD DAMN YOU!!" Even if strangers are around. Then they join in "I want to publish 'zines..." So yea, go do that.

I might hijack Song of the Day from Addi on Wednesdays and make it "Way Back Wednesdays" - or is that only something old people do?

Song/DVD of the Day: "Round Here" by Counting Crows

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August and Everything After is, hands down, the best album of my life. Easily. Far and away. Which is why I am going to do something I swore never to do. I am going to buy a live concert DVD.  I feel like live in concert DVD's cheapen the experience of seeing the band live. And I know that is a noble concept that has zero merit, but I have always held firm to this belief. But, now, I am going to have to break that rule.

The Counting Crows are releasing at the end of the month, (end of August no less), a live DVD of them playing the ENTIRE August and Everything After record, in order. It is the record, live and in concert. Nothing else. And it seems like the best idea I have ever heard.

Here is a snippet.

"Round Here" by Counting Crows (from "August & Everything After" DVD)


Amazon.com: August & Everything After: Counting Crows: Movies & TV

Song of the Day: "Putting The Dog To Sleep" by The Antlers

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Some songs sound like dance. And no, I am not talking about "dance" music. One of my favorite shows is So You Think You Can Dance, and yes, to reiterate, I am a straight male. One of the reasons I love that show is because they hear music differently the I ever could. It is mind blowing to me how they can hear a sound and see a movement. Ever since I realized that I lacked this skill, I have been searching for it.

Now, to me, this song sounds like dance. And it's also one of my favorites of the year.

"Putting The Dog To Sleep" by The Antlers

Song of the Day: "Belt of Orion" by The Belle Brigade

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So, I think there is a good chance I have found my favorite album of the year. And it really sneaked (I hate this word) up on me. But, it has grown and grown and grown on me. I have found myself listening to it so much more then I ever could have expected when I purchased it.

Now, I reserve the right to bump this from the perch of my favorite spot if the Slow Club record blows me away as I half expect it to do.

"Belt of Orion" by The Belle Brigade

The Best of the Worst? Pop Singer turned Actress Movies

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So it's summer and one of my favorite summer past times is watching dumb dumb dumb movies. Now hear me out. This list is going to be completely biased, totally based on my opinion and you should also know (if you haven't already figured it out from reading our songs of the day) that I don't listen to pop singers so much. So the Katy Perry's and Nicki Minaj's of the world are kind of lost on me. With that being said there are a few pop songstresses of my high school years that I can't help but watch whatever terrible film they happen to make and shockingly a few I actually like (and even some I LOVE). So here are the contenders: Britney Spears (yup, I'm going there), Mandy Moore, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, and Hilary Duff. Here's the Best of the Worst: Pop Singer Turned Actress version.

10. Chasing Liberty - Mandy Moore

So after choosing the other 9, choosing number 10 is much more difficult- I had the choice between this and any Britney or Jessica movie so alas, this is the first of the worst. Don't worry they get better.

9. License to Wed - Mandy Moore

I wanted to love this one more. John Krasinski and Robin Williams and yet its not funny. So was this movie great? No. Was it good? Not really but I'm down to slim pickins' now (and I refuse to put "Crossroads" on this list either- yup, that's right no Britney).

8. Burlesque - Christina Aguilera

I wanted to hate this. Like truly. I mean I hate Cher. I don't like Christina Aguilera's music so much although I do think the girl can sing. Plus the whole plot just seemed contrived. All that being said, it had its moments. And was at the very least better than all the movies Jessica Simpson ever made combined (yes, you won't find her on this list).

7. A Cinderella Story - Hilary Duff

Meh. Not much to say here. It's a cinderella story so it doesn't exactly have an original plot. Dan Byrd is in this and I love him in Cougar Town.

6. The Perfect Man - Hilary Duff

A movie where I actually like Mr. Big- yes, he plays Ben Cooper here but still. Heather Locklear makes me cringe the whole time but its kind of a cute movie.

5. Because I Said So - Mandy Moore

Probably Diane Keaton's worst movie. That being said I love Mandy Moore in this movie. There's this part where she freaks out on this guy Jason and it's just so authentic.

4. Raise Your Voice - Hilary Duff

Again Hilary Duff but I liked this one more because 1) I'm a sucker for Aiden, er- John Corbett and 2) I love Oliver James- totally underrated. I appreciated this movies attempt to be Sister Act 2 even though it failed. Alot.

3. Cheaper by the Dozen- Hilary Duff

Now to be truthful here, Hilary Duff is technically in this movie but Steve Martin and the brilliant Bonnie Hunt are the true stars.

2. A Walk to Remember - Mandy Moore

If you didn't cry during this movie you have no heart. A-dor-able.

1. Saved - Mandy Moore

This one I actually LOVE. Like seriously, Macauly Culkin as a roller skate? Great. Plus I've always been a big Jena Malone fan. I am FILLED with Christs Love!

Song of the Day: "The Ornament" by Gold Leaves

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One of the few beautiful joys in life is finding a band thats both awesome and that my co-blogger Adam has never heard of. The kicker is if they're also from the NW. I may... maybe... have found just that band. Think Fleet Foxes meets Arcade Fire. Introducing Gold Leaves, a solo project from the male part of Arthur and Yu. I wanted to post for you the song "The Companion" but alas the internet is wholly empty of Gold Leaves vids yet- perhaps after the release of the album on Aug 16th we'll get some more. In the meantime the equally great title track "The Ornament." Thoughts? The next big Seattle Indie band?

Quick Thanks.

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Our readership has grown and grown and grown over the last several months and I wanted to take this time to thank you. Stevie and I have been working very hard on this little passion project. Listing things, and finding music is what we do, and it's great that you all are here to read.

Now, we have opened up a few new ways to keep track of us...

We have created a BlogLovin page, where our posts are automatically updated, so you can follow us, and all your other favorite blogs in one place.

We still have our Facebook Fan Page. That we update all the time. Please if you like what you see here, "like" us over there too. Help us spread the word!

And we are always happy to hear from you. If you have any questions, or have a list suggestion, please email us here.

Again, thank you all so much. Here is a song for you to enjoy for reading all this.
"Hacienda Motel" by Pickwick

Song of the Day: "Hunting Season" by the dodos

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Now, this dodo's album, still cannot hold a candle too their 2009 debut Visiter, but it is a strong step back in that direction. This is one of the stronger tracks off of it.

"Hunting Season" by the dodos

Best of: Empire State of Mind vs. Posse On Broadway - Part Two - NW

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When this blog was started, back in 2007, it was orchestrated over many many miles. 2871 miles to be exact. Stevie, at the time was a very proud New Yorker, and I myself have always been a lifelong Washingtonian. Now, even though Stevie has returned to her roots, she still celebrates her time in NYC on a daily basis, as it lives within her. And as for me, I do not think you will find a bigger Tacoma/Seattle Whore, as it is more then just a home, its a culture.

These two blogs will celebrate the cities/areas that makes your bloggers who they are. These are our best of lists, now it's Addi's turn. (You'll see my list focuses mostly on Tacoma, with a few splashes of Seattle)

Best Eats (Fancy): Over the Moon Cafe. Opera Alley, Tacoma. {Now, when I think fancy, I don't think champagne and caviar, I think romance. And this is my favorite 3rd date restaurant.}

Best Eats (Cheap): Frisco Freeze, 6th Ave. Tacoma {easy easy easy pick}

Best Place to People Watch: Ruston Way Waterfront. {This picture does not do the scene justice. During the summer it is crammed with people watching people, and 1 roller skating juggler}

Best Neighborhood: Even tie between the charm of the Proctor District and the old world beauty of the Stadium District. {Yes, in Tacoma, we have districts instead of Neighborhoods.}

Best Place to see Art: Museum of Glass, Dock Street, Tacoma {incredible place to just meander}

Best Band from The NW: The Head and the Heart {Like Stevie, I could have picked like 30 others, but I decided to go with a right now caveat to make it easier}

Best Trend: the word "Filthy" {Seattle tends to have its own language. From Hella to Filthy we are unique. This video, about the making of "My City Is Filthy" tee-shirts gives you a good glimpse into the word"}

Best TV Show based in the NW: Grey's Anatomy {the list to choose from was not nearly as long as Stevie's, so, this will have to do}

Best Landmark: Point Defiance Park {From Owen's Beach, The Zoo and Aquarium, The Five Mile Drive, The Rose Garden, The Native Garden, Camp 6 Museum, The Rhododendron Garden, The Ferry Docks, to all the other nooks and crannies of the decrepit Neverland Park, this 702 acre park (second biggest public, urban park in the country, behind Central Park, will keep you entertained all day}

Best Book based in the NW: The Art Of Racing in the Rain {Again, not a long list to choose from, had to pick something I have not even read, but is on my shortlist. Stevie loves it at least}

Best Movie Based in the NW: I Love You To Death, 1990. {Filmed all over Tacoma, it was an easy choice, as I have already written this list. Hometown Love: Best Films Filmed in Tacoma}

Best Movie Based in the NW part 2: Say Anything, 1989 {Filmed mostly in Seattle, this is one of my all time favorites, and I could not leave it off. The famous, Friends with Potential scene below, was filmed in Tacoma at Bob's Java Jive}

Best Quiet Place: The cliffs of The Five Mile Drive {I call this, my thinking cliff. Not the sign, but the cliff the sign is warning against. If you find that sign, you can find my spot}

Best Breakfast: Marcia's Silver Spoon Cafe, Tacoma. {Not the place to be if you are short on time or on a diet. This small, often pact dinner is still one of Tacoma's Hidden gems. I almost cringe at posting it. But this blog has got to be honest. Just take this tip, ask for cheesy browns}

Best Movie Theater: The Grand Cinema, Stadium District, Tacoma. {An arthouse theater, run completely by volunteers, this is what independent cinema is all about. Not to mention some great films roll through here long before the go elsewhere.}

Best Place to see a Show (Fancy): The Triple Door, Seattle. {Granted, I have only been here one time, but the place took my breath away. Fantastic}

Best Place to see a Show (Dive/Cheap): The Tractor Tavern, Ballard, WA {There are about 4 places all within a 4 block strip in Ballard that could fill this bill. The Sunset Tavern is a very close second. The Conor Bryn Pub is right up there with them, and not far behind, for those who like a harder sound, is the 2 Bit Saloon. I think I have just decided I want to live in Ballard}