don't really have much to add except WHOA!!

here are my favorite albums from the first half of 2010 (there are only 4, but that's a lot of new music for me!) they aren't really in order (except that beach house - teen dream is obviously number 1!!) get a coffee & go straight to your local independently owned record store and buy these 4 albums immediately. (yes, you will need to leave your computer for this) you will have an incredible week if you do this simple task... The Drums - The Drums (stand out track "Let's Go Surfing") Vampire Weekend - Contra (stand out track "Taxi Cab") Phosphorescent - Here's To Taking It Easy (stand out track "Mermaid Parade") Beach House - Teen Dream (stand out tracks 1-12)

if you think i'm missing something please put it in the comments below...

one of my favorite song writers around today playing one of my favorite songs he has written acoustic on a rooftop... via but i first heard about it here

if you don't know about this you should!

i was never much of a janis joplin fan before i saw this video a few years ago which really opened my eyes to what a mega talent she was. i heard this song on the radio the other day and re-watched this episode... the performance from the amazing classic variety talk show old grey whistle test (highly recommended) is so powerful, & the interview (not on youtube) is great as well! if you don't get goose bumps in the last 30 seconds, seek professional help immediately... there is a serious imbalance in your system! WATCH THE WHOLE THING... (you are not THAT busy!) you will be very glad you did. (if not, refer to my medical advice above)

i bought this box set when it came out but for some reason i didn't open it until tonight. anyone who knows me well knows that i think that nirvana is the best thing to happen to rock and roll since dylan went electric... which was the best thing since elvis shook it on live tv (with an accoustic no less)! annnnnnnnyway, i won't go on all night about why nirvana is the most fierce rock band of our generation (because it's obvious right?) but i will say that this set is, without question, the finest example of why they are. from 'tourettes' to the 'star spangled banner' they were that night, and continue to be, the most important, and influential band of modern time (by modern i mean 1990's until, well, now). (and anyone who disagrees can feel free to challenge me in the comments below but, fair warning, i will make you look small and pathetic) love -MA