Pulp Free

While quite popular after her free Apple iTunes debut many months ago, I’m a bit late in stumbling upon Sara Bareilles’ latest tune entitled “Love Song”. I’m pretty much at a loss as to how she came across my surfing travels - but nonetheless, this tune has been stuck in my head ever since.

Be sure to check out the usual places - Wikipedia, her own Web site, or even MySpace if you need even more material.

I’m a casual listener of Maroon 5, which she actually has some history with - hanging around in the same circles while working on their music degrees at UCLA. But there’s just a really natural, soulful sound to Sara’s voice, similar to another favorite singer of mine, Norah Jones. (I might put Vanessa Carlson in there as well, but her music is becoming more hit and miss to me lately…)

For the important part, the song sample…

Sara Bareilles - Love Song - (Song Sample)

While I was visiting Sara’s Web site for more info, music clips and what not, I found the video to this song being actually quite good in it’s story telling as well. Feel free to play a bit of it on YouTube (the embedded video is disabled for some reason…) Not the best quality for sure - but you get the idea.

Of course while there’s plenty for the ears to enjoy, you can’t help but not enjoy Sara’s visual appeal as well…

Finally a new dance selection has filtered into my music collection. This selection is from Daniel Hoppe and it’s called “Star”. While essentially the same 16 beats repeated over and over (and over and over) with the normal layering and blending of tracks, it’s got a great vocal and synth hook that I haven’t been able to get out of my head! You can find a bit more about Daniel at his Web site, Myspace, or just Google it…

As always… a 30-second MP3 sample clip…

Daniel Hoppe - Star - (Song Sample)

(To be fair - this sample is mostly the synth & vocal parts… the beat & bass parts show up a bit later in the song…)

Hmmm… Seems that I’ve lost touch of keeping my song samples flowing here… But nonetheless - here’s my next up. I heard this song in a rental Acura TSX a few weeks back while my RL was in the shop getting new door handles. Basically flipping through the XML channels I came across this tune sitting on one of the Christian Rock stations. (No - I’m not a follower but good music is good music…) It’s quite catchy and seemingly (from what I have read so far) this song is allowing this band to make somewhat of a comeback… So - we’ll see…

As always - enjoy their Web site or linked below is a quick song sample…

Newsboys - Something Beautiful - (Song Sample)

Regina Spektor came across my ears probably a few years ago but the memory of her music faded until I came across her again with the release of her latest album “Begin To Hope“. One of the songs from that album “On The Radio” presents itself as my current catch tune that I can’t get out of my head. With the basis as a singer-songwriter, I believe that Regina definitely has a unique sound and presence that sets her apart from the the mostly cloned music on the radio. Of course, it’s hard for me to quantify “radio music” any more as I couldn’t tell you the last time I listened to the radio. (NPR perhaps… or XM in the car…)

In any case - check out Regina’s Web site for a few of her videos as well… Including “Us”. Creative indeed. You may also wish to browse some of her historic background and discography on Wikipedia…

Regina Spektor - On The Radio - (Song Sample)

After stumbling onto this Christmas gem after watching “Best Week Ever” - I had to track it down and watch it for myself. Usually…

Supermodel + Pop Christmas Music = Disaster

Well, at least that was the conclusion that most of the Internet and television shows are portraying it as… While I wouldn’t call it the worst song ever (the vocals do leave some to desire) - this tune as been stuck in my head for the last week!!! So in my Christmas good cheer - I’m now going to share it with you as well!

Heidi Klum - Wonderland - (Song Sample)

And as an added bonus - the video for your viewing pleasure!

“Wonderland, wonderland, shining stars, jingle bells.”

You have to love those types of lyrics. Especially when the singing children start helping Heidi finish the song. I also found this fantastic blurb from AV Club that sums it up quite well…

This song and video are the aural and visual equivalent of eating candy canes dipped in maple syrup sprinkled with gumdrops that have somehow been made into a Yule log which is then served on the back of a sleigh driven by the jolliest snowman ever brought to life by the magical love and good wishes of two adorable children.

Diabetes indeed…