Let Freedom Ring 'Cause This One's For The Girls

Well, needless to say it's been awhile...

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:" 

We are women, hear us roar.

RAWRRRRRRR (see?),

Kristin

They're Your CH-CH-CH-CH-CH-CH CHERRI BOMB!

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!

XOXO,

Kristin

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger...AGAIN

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.

XOXO,
Kristin

I Believe in You and Me: R.I.P. Whitney Houston

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!

XOXO,

Kristin

Stronger

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 :)

XOXO,

Kristin

Kelly Does The Nation Proud

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. :)

XOXO,

Kristin

R.I.P. Etta James

 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!

XOXO,
Kristin