I must admit I felt a bit silly when I realized that there was, in fact, a female rocker doing almost exactly what I have always wanted to do musically...and has been for years...I just didn't know about her yet! Grace Potter fronts the band Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and they are one of the most inspiring bands I have heard in years. While there are many female rockers out there, I have been personally dying for a female rocker reminiscent of the classic rock days of Heart and The Pretenders. Potter walks this line between country, blues and rock that is captivating and appealing to a wide audience. The raw quality of her bluesy vocals backed with intense and driving rock beats creates something that has been sorely missed in music for the last few decades, at least from a woman's perspective. And let's face it, any chick that rocks a Flying V is cool in my book. My favorite track is the title track from her new album titled "The Lion The Beast The Beat." Below is the video from her album release party which runs through her entire set, but you can hear "The Lion The Beast The Beat" right off the bat. Another one of my favorite tracks, "Timekeeper," can be viewed on the video to the right.
Not only is the album art cool, but she is too. So do yourself a favor and get this album:
"The tall blonde lets out a cry of despair says/ Would have cut it myself if I knew men could climb hair/ I'll have to find another tower somewhere and keep away from the windows"
Ouch. Not exactly the Rapunzel from the fairytales, right?
The above lyrics come from the song, "Fairytale," by Sara Bareilles. This is by far one of my favorite songs from her body of work and it's obvious why. Sara has this way of presenting biting sarcasm in such an adorable way. As I'm sure you are all aware, today is Valentine's Day! (cue the applause and most likely, groans) And let's be honest here, I'm sure there are many of you out there who feel some sort of sentiment similar to what "Rapunzel" is expressing in this song---"I'm done with this whole 'love' thing. I'll see you on February 15th." Trust me, I sympathize.
It can be very hard, as a single person (woman especially), to see boyfriends giving their girlfriends roses and not feel like you are missing out on something...or even just to be inundated by the constant reminder that you are in fact, single (making it seem like there is something wrong with that). The nature of the way the holiday is marketed makes you feel bad even if the other 364 days of the year you are perfectly content in your independence.
Personally, I miss the elementary school days when you would decorate your own bag and all of your friends brought Valentines and placed them in your bag throughout the day. I remember the excitement of going home and dumping it out to see who had left you one and if they had written anything special. Did your crush leave a super-hero-themed Valentine in your bag? Oh the joy!! But all joking aside, Valentine's Day as a kid pretty much rocked.
I fear the older that we get, Valentine's Day begins to symbolize failure in a lot of ways (in addition to commercialism, but that is a whole other blog post) - another year, and yet still no successful romance on February 14th.
One of the things I love about this Sara Bareilles song is that she debunks this idea that a fairytale just means one thing - boy meets girl, boy woos girl (and potentially climbs a tower), boy and girl live happily ever after. In the song, she fights back at this notion, singing "Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom/ Man made up a story said that I should believe him/ Go and tell your white knight that he's handsome in hindsight/ But I don't want the next best thing/ So I sing and hold my head down and I break these walls round me/ Can't take no more of your fairytale love." Can't take no more?
For those of you who know me, it's no secret that I love fairytales, and I would be lying if I said I didn't still hold out for this beautiful, fairytale-like love story. But this idea that romantic love is the only way to find that is kind of ridiculous. This past weekend I was blessed to have a really great weekend. It was such a good reminder to me that life can be pretty wonderful even in a time of heartbreak or singleness. Happiness can sneak up on you and so can love in all its forms.
So this year, let's take our Valentine's Day with a lot of sugar, a little bit of sass and a healthy dose of sarcasm, remembering that romantic love is not the only kind of awesome love that there is. Buy yourself some conversation hearts and tell someone you care. Happy Valentine's Day!
In honor of election day and all the women who have gone before me to give me a voice in the government, I thought of Martina McBride's heartbreaking hit, "Independence Day." Martina has always been an advocate for women's issues, most especially domestic abuse, and I felt that the patriotic setting of this video was especially timely given all the political frenzy going down all over the country today. Also, just reminder that women have endured much before us to give us freedom as women to exercise our voice politically as well as in the home.
Since I couldn't bring myself to make my return to blogging on such a depressing note, here is another, significantly more uplifting, Martina song, "Love's The Only House:"
And THIS is why I love country music, people.
It's good to be back. Hopefully it won't be another eight months before my next post. ;) Get out there and vote ladies and if you aren't registered this time, make sure you are for the next election, because believe it or not, YOUR VOICE MATTERS. Whatever you believe, whoever you support, make sure to let the world know it, because that is your right! It took me a very long time to truly appreciate this, because given that you may not like any of the candidates or just dislike politics in general, you may be tempted to ignore it all together. I understand wholeheartedly this position and have been there myself, but at the end of the day, it really is important.
It also doesn't end here. Just because the election will be over tomorrow, there are decisions being made every day on your behalf --- women's health care in Texas has been exploding lately with controversy and I admit, until quite recently, I was not aware or informed.
Here is the link to a great article that ran in the August 2012 issue of Texas Monthly: http://www.texasmonthly.com/preview/2012-08-01/feature2. Unfortunately, you have to register to read (although it appears free) and I cannot seem to find the full article anywhere, but this will at least give you a taste/good source for some current Texas happenings within women's health care.
Oops! Just kidding, I'm not actually done using Martina's music. Here is "This One's For The Girls:"
All I can say, is damn. These pint-sized rockers sure pack a punch. I was researching the list of bands slated to play at this year's SXSW 2012 looking for any names that might catch my eye. As a huge fan of The Runaways (hit song "Cherry Bomb"), the band name, Cherri Bomb, stood out...and I figured (secretly hoped) it was going to be an all-girl force of nature. I am pleased to see this four-pack of badass 12-14 year olds does JUST that. They would be great if they were in their 20s, but the fact that they are in their teens makes it even more incredible. I can not WAIT to see what these girls have to bring as they develop into young adults. As a side note, I was a little disappointed to find out that the name was not actually inspired by The Runaway's song...alas!
If you think these girls are as awesome as I do, check them out at SXSW 2012! They are performing several showcases, this one comes for FREE as long as you RSVP! Austin Rox
Below is the official music video for my personal favorite of their songs, "Let It Go."
Just for fun here is a video of The Runaways performing "Cherry Bomb" live in Japan 1977.
In case you saw the 2010 film made about The Runaways with Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart, here is their adaptation of the same performance:
As another aside, local Austin nonprofit Girls Rock Camp Austin provides incredible summer camp opportunities for young girls ages 10-18 to form rock bands, write songs, and perform them at a showcase at the end of camp. Check it out!
I've already written a post on Kelly Clarkson's new song, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," but per usual, Glee's rendition of some of my favorite songs inevitably worm their way back into my heart, and thus, onto my blog.
When you think "great singer of our time," Whitney Houston is sure to be high up on your list. Hits like, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "I Will Always Love You," are sure to come to your mind first. While these songs are prime examples of Whitney's wonderful gift, my favorite memory of Whitney is singing "I Believe in You and Me" in the movie The Preacher's Wife. I've included the video below. Enjoy!
The music world will never be quite the same without you, Whitney. You've inspired us all!
Kelly Clarkson's fifth studio album, "Stronger," was just released and given her stellar performance at the Super Bowl, I had to check it out. I've always been a Kelly fan, not necessarily because I have loved every song she has released, but more because she is an incredible talent and I respect her attempt to create music that reflects her as a person and that she believes in.
The first video is Kelly singing a cover of "Up To The Mountain" at an Idol Gives Back show. Jeff Beck plays guitar so you know this has to be good! This is when Kelly cemented her place in my mind as a great talent!
The next video is her new single of her album "Stronger." The song is called "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)." Yes, it's poppy, and yes, the video is silly, but it is such a fun and uplifting song and I have found myself listening to it all week long! Also...I just have to say I think this would make a great flash mob...anyone else agree?
This last video is a live performance of "Dark Side," my favorite song from the album so far. This performance also highlights Kelly's ability to perform extremely well live!
I hope this post will at least make you take another look at Miss Clarkson and maybe give her some good PR out there in this big, bad music world...at the end of the day...girl's got pipes :)
Word on the web is that Kelly Clarkson blew the national anthem out of the water at Super Bowl XLVI. I am proud to say I agree completely!
I was blown away by her performance. Not only was her pitch near perfect, but she added her own personal spin to the rendition that was both tasteful and interesting. For the first time, I actually LIKED the national anthem. The kids choir in the back was a fantastic touch as well. Wow...I'm just so blown away by her performance. Way to go girl!
I've always been a fan of Kelly, but for all of those haters out there, you can't come close to arguing that this chick doesn't belong in the spotlight. She has some major pipes and deserves much more recognition that she is currently getting.
In light of this stellar performance, I immediately downloaded her latest album, "Stronger." Keep an eye out for a review...I just have to finish listening to it first. :)
Last week on January 20, 2012, the world said goodbye to a beautiful woman of music, the lovely Etta James, at the young age of 73. Etta was most known for her hit, "At Last," but gave the world so much more than that.
I'll never forget the first time I started listening to Etta James. To be honest, I can't for the life of me remember how I got the CD or why, but whatever the reason, I decided to take it with me on a summer trip to Thailand following my senior year of high school! I listened to that CD the majority of the trip and for that reason, I will always have an extra soft spot in my heart for the music of Etta James. It could not have stood more in contrast to my surroundings at the time, but something about her vocals fit perfectly with my experience. There was something so timeless and magical about her voice. She reached into my soul and gripped it, in the best possible way of course. Every time I hear Etta James, I remember the countless hours spent driving through back roads of Thailand in a tiny van and just looking out the window feeling so at peace. For that few weeks alone, I am so glad to have known Miss Etta James.
Below is a video of Etta James' hit "Stormy Weather," my personal favorite of her songs. Enjoy!
I can't say I thought I would be posting a Shania Twain video on here when I started this blog, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Fellas of my generation seem to have forgotten that it's usually a good idea to TRY and impress a lady...so here's a woman who puts it all in a tongue-and-cheek song that is oh so fun to sing along to! And fellas...maybe put off mentioning your Halo obsession or crazy ex-girlfriends until the third date?
I saw this number on Glee and absolutely loved it! (big surprise) Glee has been hitting it out of the park lately with their all-female numbers, but I gotta give props to Beyonce for the original song/video as well. Check them out below!
Okay. I'll keep this post short. I could rant and rave about how the Destiny's Child video for "Survivor" depicts women in a negative way blah blah...but let's face it...those three hot chicks in camouflage bikinis really make me wanna kick some butt! In this case, I say empowerment definitely wins out. I'm pretty sure if I was ever stranded on an island I would not only tear myself a skimpy outfit out of whatever materials I had available, but I would also be transformed into an Amazon warrior woman...singing and dancing in my spare time when I'm not hunting for food or protecting the others from vicious creatures. You may think I'm being sarcastic, but I'm actually completely serious...I. Love. This. Video. Enjoy!
Same song as part of a clever mash-up. Great performance on Glee! You go girls!
I don't know whether it's the approaching Valentine's Day that's got me feeling so lovey-dovey tonight (yes, the red and pink has ALREADY invaded the stores) or something else entirely, but I feel like highlighting two very special performances of the same song, "Fix You" by Coldplay.
For Christmas, I got the new Glee Volume 7 cd...so. stinking. excited. Anyway, one of the songs, is the cast's rendition of Coldplay's "Fix You." Driving back to school, I found myself listening to the song over and over, and it reminded me of a stunning performance on So You Think You Can Dance that used the same song a few years ago. For a little bit of background, the piece was inspired by cancer survivors and the desire of a loved one to "fix" them. It's a beautiful piece and I think you will enjoy it.
Now back to Glee! In this episode, Will sings this song to Emma after a particular rough visit with her parents that causes her OCD to flare up. In an extremely moving gesture, Will sits down next to Emma to engage in her ritual with her. He realizes for now, he can't make her pain go away, but he can be there with her. As an OCD sufferer, this moment was particularly moving to me. Isn't that what we all want after all? To find that one person who will JOIN us in our pain? The writer's of Glee have done a fantastic job with Emma's character and I hope you will be as moved by this scene as I was.
Lately I have found the desire to fix situations incredibly strong. I want to take on the pain of my loved ones away and spare them from feeling it. If you're like me and you've ever had this tendency, you understand it can be a devastating one. Ultimately, you cannot take someone else's pain away and it would be unhealthy to do so. But at the same time, I think the desire to do this for people we love is truly one of the most beautiful aspects of humanity.
Hello all! I owe this post to Glee. In one of the recent episodes, "I Kissed A Girl," Glee club members work to convince Santana that being a lesbian is nothing to be ashamed of and that they will have her back no matter what. The assignment for the week is to sing songs written by ladies, and for the ladies! Woohoo!
Needless to say each song in this episode could get a blog post shout out, but the first song, sung by characters Kurt and Blaine, really touched me. The song is "F**kin' Perfect (Perfect)" by P!nk. I had heard it before, but when they sang it on the show to Santana I really paid attention to the words. Here is the best video I could find of the scene:
Naturally, after seeing this episode, I was dying to look up P!nk's original version. I have pretty much had it on repeat since then. I have included the video below for your viewing and listening pleasure!
WARNING: This video/song contains expletives, images of sex and self harming, so use your own discretion before you view.
"F**kin' Perfect" by P!nk
I don't know what it is about this song exactly that gets me so fired up, but all I have to say is AMEN SISTA! I gathered some statistics from the web on suicide and depression that I bet a lot of you will find pretty shocking:
In 2007, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24 (National Institute of Mental Health website)
The top 10 leading causes of death in the United States in 2007 for adults ages 18 to 65 shows suicide is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States for adults in this age range, surpassing other causes including diabetes, stroke, and homicide. The data are based on death certificate information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Vital Statistics System. (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/3AGES1865.shtml; NIMH website)
Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020 -- and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease. (http://www.upliftprogram.com/depression_stats.html#3; WHO report on mental illness released October 4, 2001. Health news stories:Depression Link to Heart Disease,Hostility, Depression May Boost Heart Disease)
It's hard to watch P!nk's video and not want to cringe and look away. The thing is, we can't look away, because this stuff is happening around us all of the time...right now...this second. Clearly, looking at these statistics, this is not something that is a "small group" of people. Don't you ever wonder why we live in such an unhappy world? Doesn't it bother anyone else? We just accept it, saying it's "how it is," but is it really how things are supposed to be?
I say no. I say we change things. And for God's sake people, open up! Stop hiding your heart and pretending you don't feel, because we all do. Love those around you even though you might get totally broken in the process. And most importantly "pretty, pretty please don't you ever feel like you're less than perfect!" LOVE YOURSELF!
I love that she ends the video in a positive way, because so often we don't see happy endings in cases like these. I love P!nk for bringing this beautiful song and music video to the world. Mad props, girl!
Okay, if you still aren't convinced, here's the deal: I fail at this daily. I realized writing a blog about empowering/empowered women and praising their awesomeness, I wasn't walking the walk myself. I'm not saying this will go perfectly (haha...get it?), but I am going to make a pledge here and now to all of you lovely readers to make a change in my life. I'm sick and tired of letting how a guy treats me bring me down. And I'm done tearing myself down in the process. I deserve to be treated the absolute BEST, and you do too. Let's not give up on that...okay?
Whatever it is for you...image, sexuality, relationships, broken body...figure it out and think about making a change. None of us are perfect and we wouldn't want to be. Maybe you should try hanging a picture crooked or misspelling a word on your next assignment...it's kind of a rush. Relish in your imperfections!!
If you haven't watched the music video for "Gimme Sympathy" by Metric, then you MUST....now...RIGHT now. It's safe to say that a few years ago this song/music video changed my life...now before you go thinking I'm being melodramatic, let me just explain.
This video came into my life at a time when I was starting to realize that I have this inner badass DYING to get out on the stage. In everyday life, I'm goofy and I like to think adorable (hehe), but sexy and badass are not probably words that would come up if people were asked about me. In terms of being in crowds, I HATE when people are all looking at me...HATE. IT. I (still, unfortunately) run and hide when group games are being played. By now you are probably thinking, "and THIS girl wants to be the front woman of a rock band?" I know.
What caught my attention about this video was the way in which, front woman, Emily Haines, carries herself. From the very beginning, when she is donning her final glove, to the moment where she grabs the mic to begin singing, to her adorable leg dance (just watch and you'll understand) she commands the attention of the viewer. It was this video that helped me to realize that being "badass" doesn't just mean one thing. It's not so much about being ostentatious or outrageous, but more about a sense of power and confidence. Now this, is something I can do! :)
The music itself is light, fun, and somewhat poppy, but her attitude definitely earns her video a spot on this blog. And I mean, really...have you SEEN those heels?!
As the new year begins, I'm sure we are all thinking about new year's resolutions and things we would like to do differently this year. Personally, I've found resolutions to be completely useless in the past, serving not to inspire, but rather defeat. I mean let's be serious...even if you want to read more "read 10 books this year" is really not an effective way to make it happen. It's sort of setting yourself up for an automatic defeat. If you read 8, that will be awesome, but you will feel bad, because you didn't make it all the way until book number 10. And at the end of the day, is that really what we're going to remember come December 31, 2012? I have a feeling that most of you have probably had similar experiences. If super specific resolutions work for you, then more power to you; however, I've found in the last few years that having a new year's mantra is far more effective. What kind of changes can we make in the way welive? That's what I want to focus on.
So what's my mantra for 2012?
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment
that there is something more important than fear."
Ambrose Redmoon
I'm going to let you in on a little secret...figure out how to do THIS (above) and your life will be constantly changing in a positive way. One of the upsides to dealing with OCD from such an early age and having to overcome intensive treatment, is that I learned first hand that fear is just a smoke-screen. Once you realize that something abstract is holding you back from virtually everything in life, it all comes down to you. Are you going to let fear run your life today or are you going to kick fear in the ass? No, it's definitely not easy, but let me tell you it is MORE than worth it!
This year, I want to apply this mantra to my music. I've come along way (I have started recording now!), but I still have a long way to go before I am up on stage shaking my thing (ugh, stage fright)! But I have decided that my musical aspirations and the inner Sasha Fierce that I know I have inside of me is far more important that the fear I have about doing those things. I think a lot of times people think that bravery comes from a lack of fear. Thank God, I've finally realized courage is one of the most terrifying things you can be...fear DOESN'T go away, courageous people aren't supernaturally brave...they've just decided that something is more important than that fear.
So for any of you out there afraid to take a chance (me, me, me!), be afriad, be TERRIFIED, but DO. IT. ANYWAY.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and/or holiday season!
I'm pretty sure no one actually reads this, but for some reason I find these blog posts to be very cathartic and so tonight, I write for me! I'm hoping, however, that somehow by the end of this I will find a way to make it relevant to the women in music theme of my blog...stick around to find out if I can! ;)
Has anyone else started to hate the holidays? They are supposed to be a happy time full of love and laughter, but I always end up feeling that despite those things I feel emptiness. I try to focus on my blessings and all the wonderful people in my life, but it just isn't the same anymore. As a little girl, Christmas was the most exciting day of the year. It was so magical. I wish I could bring that magic back. I wish I could get excited about putting up the tree and wrapping the presents...instead of it all feeling like a chore. In some ways, I think the fact that it ISN'T the same anymore causes my sadness...
This Christmas was one of the best I have ever experienced with my family, but it also marked the end of childhood traditions and the beginning of something entirely new. I won't go into details, but things are pretty rough right now and tonight I'm really wishing I had someone to be there for me through all of these changes.
So, I wanted to find a song that could both lyrically and sonically capture my feelings tonight. Here we go: "Answer" by the beautiful and talented Sarah McLachlan.
I will be the answer At the end of the line I will be there for you While you take the time In the burning of uncertainty I will be your solid ground I will hold the balance If you can't look down If it takes my whole life I won't break, I won't bend It will all be worth it Worth it in the end Cause I can only tell you what I know That I need you in my life When the stars have all gone out You'll still be burning so bright Cast me gently Into morning For the night has been unkind Take me to a Place so holy That I can wash this from my mind The memory of choosing not to fight If it takes my whole life I won't break, I won't bend It will all be worth it Worth it in the end 'Cause I can only tell you what I know That I need you in my life When the stars have all burned out You'll still be burning so bright Cast me gently Into morning For the night has been unkind
I chose this song because, well to be honest, I searched my iTunes and it was one of the first songs I saw haha...but truthfully, the melodic line, tone, and lyrics of this song are so in line with how I'm feeling tonight. I like it, because, even though it's a love song, it sounds kind of sad. All I can say, is I would give anything for someone to "cast me gently into morning, for the night has been unkind." I know we are supposed to be positive all of the time and focus on the future outcome, but I honestly think that is just crap. Change sucks. And it sucks right NOW. Truthfully, I don't care how happy I will be about it a year from now. That being said, I'm not saying change is bad...it's just tough. And boy, wouldn't it be nice if we had someone to hold our hand through it all? If you're lucky enough to have that someone, don't let go!
I was wandering around Book People and found this book recommended by a staff member in the music section. Given that I collect vinyls, I figured this would be the perfect Christmas break read! So far, I'm LOVING it. Check out a few excerpts below!
"So, I've always empathized with women who want to play in a band, and I'm doubly impressed by ladies who manage to pull together an all-girl band. It sounds simple, but practically speaking, it means finding a group of women who've braved the music-store guys who end to think any female who wanders in is looking for a clarinet or is just someone's girlfriend, women who possess the drive and wherewithal to pursue the very unglamorous lifestyle of a touring musician, women who have a passion for music that is so all-consuming that they want to make it their life in spite of having very few female role models for inspiration. Oh, and then once they form a band, they all have to get along. And they'll have to confound the expectations of their male road crew, who will assume they can't play."
CAN I GET AN AMEN?! I can't tell you how many times I've had to nearly throw something at Guitar Center employees to get them to notice me.
"Girl bands have gone quiet for the time being, but I keep hoping for a new set of idols who will convince the next generation of girls to buck the stereotypes and pick drums over the clarinet."
Any takers on the whole female band thing? I'm down! :)
Since this blog is titled "Hell on Heels" I figured I should write a post on women kicking men to the curb in, well, hells! Gentlemen, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. It's a simple fact of life that you're going to have to accept at some point. No matter how sweet our disposition, we are all capable of keying your car if you break our hearts...or worse. So you wanna avoid our wrath? It's quite simple really. Don't break our hearts! Here is a selection of some of my favorite country ladies putting their extremely well-manicured feet down and showing these men who's boss...you go girls!
"Before He Cheats" - Carrie Underwood
"Kerosene" - Miranda Lambert
"When God Fearin' Women Get The Blues" - Martina McBride
