Music Monday: The Kinks

The Kinks always make me think of my mom's record collection. I remember drawing all over the Joni Mitchell records, tracing the weird lines on the cover of the Alan Parson's project and hearing her tales of the Davies brother's public battles. 

I heard this song at the end of a Soprano's episode (finally getting around to watching that show) and have listened to it obsessively all day. It is a great choice to continue the emotional connection to the hoop - or, if you are not ready for that mumbo jumbo so early in the week - it's great just to kick back and listen to.

Music Monday: Bass From Above

The music in my last two videos has been from this album. From the website they describe the project as: 

"The first in a series of all-original exclusive compilation albums from SubSynthesis & GlitchDrop brought to you by all our favorite electronic artists and mastered by the Master himself (Bil Bless). 

All proceeds of Bass From Above (Between March 20 and April 30) were donated directly to the Japanese Red Cross to support our disaster relief efforts there and to benefit all of those affected by the earthquake and tsunami throughout the Pacific. This is an extraordinarily charitable and generous cause and I hope everyone that enjoys the album will consider helping with the dire situation in Japan!"

Pretty rad, right? AND guess what? You can name your own price for the album when you buy it online. This has quickly become my  go-to for hoop practice because the music is great, the beats change up often so I never get bored AND (drum roll) YOUTUBE can't rip the music off of your videos! Hooray! 

Check it out here. Every track can be previewed before you buy anything. Enjoy!

Music Monday: Tegan and Sara

I've had a pretty big crush on Tegan and Sara for many years now, but I recently rediscovered them when I was letting pandora whine on in the background during a chill out practice. It's tons o' fun to just hit play and then challenge myself to get into the rhythm of whatever song comes on next. If I can't, it's the perfect time for learning/practicing new moves since I don't have a rhythm to break, making experimentation easier. Yeah, it's pretty much win - win.

Speaking of WIN:

the plant makes this picture

Go here for their webbysite

I was going to embed some videos, but I can't stand the thought of those freaking ads playing on the site before the songs. (UGH. I don't care about SUPER FANTASTIC FLASH LASH BLAST MASCARA! It's just eye goop.) Why do you have to be lame and stuff, YouTube. Oh, well. I still need you. 

Listen to Tegan and Sara.

Music Monday: Dum Dum Girls

He Gets Me High

There is a Light that Never Goes Out

The Pretenders meets The Craft. Swoon.

Regina Spektor: Us

^^ hello big Regina Spektor face.

I think I listened to this five times today. I desperately want to hoop to it, but I had to use it as hoop making music instead due to a few new orders that I really wanted to get knocked out. Regina is one of my absolute favorites for spinning. Her compositions always build, change, twist and stay interesting so that I find myself moving fast and slow, changing planes and trying new things without having to remind myself to do so. As fun as pop hits are to flail around to, music that is a bit more complex can really drive my practice into more complex places as well. Hmmm....

Music Monday: Boomtown Rats

I Don't Like Mondays.

Bob Geldof in The Wall

The background of this song makes it a bit more intense than simply not wanting to wake up for work. (A bit sad, yes?) Regardless, I love Bob Geldof's general weirdness and it translates well with this song from 1979. I remember when I first heard of the Boomtown Rats in high school, I was deeply confused as Bob Geldof plays the main character in Pink Floyd's The Wall and I definitely thought that he was Pink Floyd front man Roger Waters for awhile. I was sad that he wasn't though - I preferred his brand of strange over Mr. Waters.

/confused rant over

Enjoy the song.

Move without Thinking: Omega Dubstep

Yesterday I was introduced to Omega Dubstep by a fellow hooper and lovely lady  and I must say that I think I have found my new music obsession. I love it. ALL. (Clearly, as I am not waiting until Monday to post the music. Now you can jam out this weekend!)

There is nothing quite as wonderful as finding music that simply makes your body move without really checking in with your mind first. The tunes are very - well, dub-steppy (wordvention), so I wouldn't be surprised if it divided the masses into half love, half hate - but, if you fall in to the "love" category you will have lots and lots of new tunes for your hoop sessions. 

Here's a sample from his YouTube, but I highly suggest checking out his soundcloud for more tunes. 

Some of the best don't have videos. (And, yes... he made a song out of that kid who was, well...high, after his visit to the dentist. Very deep thoughts of a child, in the style of dubstep. I dig.)

Music Monday: David Byrne

From the Talking Heads to his solo projects David Byrne never disappoints. (Okay, that's actually not true - I remember a performance on the Daily Show awhile back that involved girls spinning in office chairs while he sang. That time I thought, hmmm I think this is a miss. So, he never disappoints except that one time.) 

I put up a song I hadn't heard before today, and of course - loved it. If you are not already familiar with his work please please check it out. He is an incredible singer, artist and performer and you are sure to leave inspired.

One more for good measure after the jump.

Blue Blue Electric Blue

Today's musical obsession: Sound and Vision. David Bowie is an everyday musical obsession - but I can't seem to stop hitting 'play' on this one today. The Labyrinth must've reminded me.

Music Monday: Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rodrigo y Gabriela are a bother and sister team of incredibly talented guitar and percussion players. I remember when I first went to see them I had never heard any of their music - and honestly - a 2 hour show of nothing but Spanish guitar music sounded like a terrible idea.

Then they started playing. I was completed enchanted the entire time and it ended up being one of the best concerts I have ever experienced. Not only are they mind blowing players - but they were both the sweetest and most grateful performers I ever saw. There was none of the usual insecure cockiness and 'rockstar' persona that I am sooo accustom to (and bored by) at many shows. They were genuinely thrilled to be playing for an audience who loved their music - shouted requests were happily honored and their was a palpable growing happiness throughout the room as the show went on. The dynamic of a bother-sister team continued the charm of the whole even. 

Give 'em a listen. The high intensity beats usually lead to a hoop session.

Look At These Now:

Chris Brown - Look At Me Now ft. Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes

Watch this ^^ version for about 2 minutes so that you can truly understand how impressive the following video is (which, is far superior to this version.) Would you ever think that these people could rap like Busta Rhymes?

No.

Karmin - Look at Me Now

Whaaaat? Most impressive. Check out more here, for more awesome covers and originals.

Music Monday: Pogo

I have done a lot of music and video posts lately - and even if you've skipped listening to everything before -you really should listen to these. Nick Bertke takes clips, chords and sound bites from movies and mixes them in to some truly amazing songs. Listen to "Alice" and try, just try, not to bob your head. Find many more songs here.

Alice

also... what is she saying?
"There is a long way to love the depths of trouble"? No? What is it????

Murmurs of Middle Earth

You do not need to like Lord of the Rings to like this song.

Whisperlude

Uhm. SOMEone was obsessed with A Little Princess as a child so this was very exciting.

Feel Better Playlist

Knowing when to quit is just as important as working hard. 

After about an hour of hooping outdoors in the beautiful breeze (and with my blindfold) I finally have to admit defeat. There were a few moments that I was in the zone, but I was largely distracted by knee pain. My right knee is now noticeably bigger than the left so, I think it's time for an ice pack, music and some coffee.

Often times when I am not hooping up to par (to my self imposed standards) I will try and push through it - work harder! But, why take the joy out of something I love (and hurt my knee further)? Would I tell a student to do that? Nope. It's time for a feel better playlist. Seriously, just sit back/hit play/get lost in the music. 

I love doing that.

Time to fill the page with YouTube finds

MNDR - I Go Away

Jessica Lea Mayfield - Our Hearts Are Wrong

Foster the People - Helena Beat

Wye Oak - Civillian

Radiohead - Lotus Flower

Music Monday: Glasser

Haunting female vocals - it just does it for me.
Found Glasser this weekend and couldn't wait to try some slow, melodic hooping to it.
I LOVE finding new music that instantly makes me want to hoop. Maybe some sustained spinning?

Music Monday: Mindless Self Indulgence

I too like my coffee black, just like my metal.

No, that's a lie. I like my coffee full of French vanilla cream. But you'll get me after listening to the song.

NSFW - some naughty words in this one.

I had completely forgotten about Mindless Self Indulgence until about 2 weeks ago, when I was reminded of them thanks to a Grooveshark.com radio station. They were big in the high school days, but then I went to college, and my music got college-fied. As in, slower and more moody. Heavier on the artistic integrity than the rocking beats. Or something.

Anyway,  When I heard this, I couldn't help but think of the time in hoop class where I  had specific requests that I change up my music for something faster.

Prepare to get more than you bargained for!

(But seriously, you how can you not move to this - turn it up and flail about!)

Music Monday: Small Black

Listen to this:
Despicable Dogs by Small Black



As a choice YouTube commenter put it: I am on LSD right now, this music is aiding me on my journey through the cosmos.


Well, it definitely captures the feeling of the music. Also enjoyed quite nicely sans LSD.

Music Monday: Sean Kingston feat. Nicki Minaj

Look
Haters gon' hate. But this is a GREAT song for hooping. 
Do I know what "Dutty Love" means? Nope. But, if you are like me, a former (or current) music snob I highly suggest playing this and trying to hoop to it. It may change your mind about (some of) the mainstream.





Also - I apologize for that sorta scary screen shot. hmmm. Don't forget to check out the past Music Monday posts for more hoop tunes.

Music Monday: Zola Jesus

One never forgets their goth roots. 

Night/Zola Jesus

Hoop Music - Current Obsession:

Hello Everyone, 

In case you haven't noticed - I am updating the ol' bloggy more often here. For everyone reading - THANK YOU - it really means a lot.


So - Music!

I love when I find songs that I listen to over and over and over again. Currently:

Emiliana Torrini

Unemployed in Summertime

Favorite Line: "I'll just stay awake to the morning, with make-up all over my face"

I remember doing that. Ah, memories. Don't you miss staying out all night? Why, just this week I actually made it a point to watch Wheel of Fortune, so you know, times have changed.

This image says "party animal"

Still, this song is nostalgic and catchy with smooth flowing beats that make it great for hooping. 

I leave you with images from yesteryear ('08) that I was inspired to find when listening to this song on a loop. Pre-hoop Kym! With make-up all over my face.

And kickin' dance moves.
Literally.

Happy Hooping -

Music Monday: The King of Limbs, Radiohead

Hello Hoopers!


As you may have heard Radiohead just released their new album The King of Limbs. While I have only listened to it a few times through - I can already tell that there are some hoop gems in the mix. 


Would you like to check it out? http://www.thekingoflimbs.com/
Enjoy!!!


Happy Hooping -