danapop

Can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow? I don’t know about you, but I sort of feel like I could just as easily be back in March at St. Patrick’s Day–this year’s been such a blur, though the vibrant-colored Atlanta trees and stocked shelves of canned pumpkin tell me otherwise.

Which means it’s time for the annual turkey tension playlist and as we near the close of 2011, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic, so making the cut is a mix of young and old. #grateful

Miss World by Hole (My teen angst years came a bit later than most—senior year of high school through junior year of college—and can be pinpointed to the “Live Through This” album introduced to me by an ex-boyfriend who used to listen to this song ad nauseum. Though I no longer love him, I do love this song, even in spite of Courtney Love’s coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs persona.)

I’ll Be Your Mirror by Velvet Underground (My brother’s all-time favorite band; for him.)

Parallax by Atlas Sound (Pitchfork loves the Deerhunter frontman’s solo project and I do too).

Winter Winds by Mumford & Sons (It’s always a lovely thing when our hearts and heads match, isn’t it? Here’s to syncing the two.)

Lay me Down by The Frames (I’m thankful this year has allowed me a bit of head space for taking time to just be—to lay down.)

Chasing Pavements by Adele (I feel like when I go home we all sort of revert back to patterns from when we’re children. An example: my twin sister is probably honing her ironing skills as I write this, preparing to press my brother’s work shirts the next time she sees him, like when we were younger. I’m certain money and bribes will be exchanged.)

Taxi Cab by Vampire Weekend (I’ve said it before: always, keep a cab company number in your contacts. You just never know when it’ll come in handy—it’s kind of like learning how to drive a stick-shift, a good thing to have tucked in your skill set of life.)

Bloodbuzz Ohio by the National (I had to put this band from my husband’s hometown on here.)

You Know I’m No Good by Amy Winehouse (For those we love and those we’ve lost.)

Somebody to Shove by Soul Asylum (Hold your fire. Think it through.)

Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads (There are better musicians that drum up memories of my family—specifically Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder—but for some reason Byrne’s voice captures the art of struggling relationships so well.)

Pumped up Kicks by Foster the People (Every turkey playlist has a song I drank the Kool-Aid on—see Katy Perry’s Hot N Cold in 2008 and Florence and the Machine’s Dog Days Are Over in 2010. This year follows the trend.)

The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy (There’s nothing quite like catching up with old friends over the holiday.)

Superstar by Sonic Youth (I love this version of the Carpenter’s hit.)

Cherub Rock by Smashing Pumpkins (I didn’t appreciate Smashing Pumpkins in the height of their career, especially the album this song comes from, “Siamese Dream.” This is when everyone in the band could stand to be in the same room as Billy Corgan.)

Cigarettes, Wedding Bands by Band of Horses (Have a rehearsed answer for bad habits you need to break, relationships that need explaining.)

Warwick Avenue by Duffy (You said it, gurl.)

Otis by Kanye West & Jay Z featuring Otis Redding (This one is for our boy, Otis, who will be playing to his heart’s content at doggie daycare while we’re feasting on deep fried turkey.)

Society by Eddie Vedder (“Into the Wild,” the movie (and book) this song is based on brings me to tears. Everyone has someone they are missing and people in their life they have to let go of. Or people in their life that are around that aren’t making the same life decisions we might want for them. Here’s to all the dreamers like Christopher McCandless out there.)

Congratulations by MGMT (Give props when props are due. With sincerity.)

Saturday Sun by Crowded House (If Crowded House can reunite last year to produce this beauty, anything is possible.)

(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Sara Bareilles (OK, you really cannot beat the Otis Redding version, but this one is goose-bump inducing with the piano backed by her stellar singing chops.)

Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying by Belle and Sebastian (It’s always drama, drama, drama.)

We All Go Back To Where We Belong by R.E.M. (The band’s swan song, its last release before the big breakup. Going home or welcoming others into our own home for the holidays is where we belong.)

To Whom Should I Write by Mojave 3 (This song will forever remind me of a past relationship that could’ve potentially changed me, and did for a while in all sincerity. You aren’t always how you’re treated. You can change your fate. You’re whatever you believe yourself to be. I think Thanksgiving reminds us of that. Stepping off soapbox.)

Hallelujah by the Helio Sequence (I knew I wanted to Hallelujah on this year’s list and was leaning toward the Jeff Buckley version of the Leonard Cohen song, but did the bait and switch with this tune. It’s such a goodie.)

Innocent by Stereophonics (I remember living in my parents’ house thinking everything was, in fact, possible. Even though I no longer live in that house, I still think anything is possible. And hope I always continue to believe that.)

The Only Exception by Paramore (There’s an exception to every rule. Bend a little, break a little.)

Within and Without by Washed Out (The title track off Ernest Green’s album … I predict this Georgia boy is about to make it big, big, big.)

Alcoholic by Starsailor (No matter the labels on family members or the ones we give to ourselves, deal with the elephants in the room accordingly. Some are worth brushing under the proverbial rug, others, might require a ‘come to Jesus’ moment.)

Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John (Sing-a-long numero uno … shine the light. PS-I saw Elton John sing this at one of my first concerts with my parents. During the performance they shined the light on the crowd and it was pretty awesome.)

Murder in the City by the Avett Brothers (I melt with the lyrics, “Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing like the love that led us to share our name.” Sigh.)

Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far) by The Thrills (From the day we were born my twin sister has been my best friend. Our birthday is the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This one is for her, and I’m thrilled she found her Santa Cruz. Happy birthday.)

Let’s Go Crazy by Prince (Sing-a-long numero dos … oh no let’s go!)

See a Little Light by Bob Mould (A lot can happen between holiday seasons: relish it while you’re in the moment.)

All I Need by Radiohead (Haunting. Love this song.)

Perth by Bon Iver (Find your happy place, no matter where that happy place might live. And thank your lucky stars daily that you have one.)

Bad by U2 (Sage advice from Bono, “If I could, you know I would. If I could, I would. Let it go…” Bury the hatchet.)

It’s hot in Atlanta. Feels-like-August-although-it’s only-June hot (and humid). But, this is always the time of year I want to listen to some good music, drink in hand, playing with the dog, outside. Or it’s the time we load up the car and head to the beach. Either way, you need a good playlist—here’s mine.

The Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti & Spearhead (My yoga instructor plays this in class and there’s something fantastic and powerful about doing a bird of paradise pose against a reggae beat).

Options by Gomez (Remember summer as a child when all that existed was endless possibility? The world was your oyster with all the options … sigh).

Ohio by The Black Keys (We’ve taken many a roadtrip to my husband’s hometown of Cincinnati).

Lovesong by Adele (Her Cure cover gives me chills).

I Believe by REM (XFM “25” just featured Life’s Rich Pageant as one of twelve influential albums released in 1986, and I officially feel ancient).

Hey Mama by Mat Kearney (Kearney’s new album Young Love comes out in August, but this track is already available on iTunes and it’s really good).

Time Has Told Me by Nick Drake (Nothing says summer quite like Drake’s complex voice).

Roll Away Your Stone by Mumford & Sons (This is my favorite song off Sigh no More).

Traffic by Stereophonics (Nothing worse than a roadtrip loaded with bumper to bumper false starts).

Game Time by Yo La Tengo (YLT does it again with an all-instrumental collection; this tune sounds like a wonderful buildup of anticipation).

Oh my Heart by REM (I realize REM made it on here twice, but they deserve it, yes? These Georgia boys had quite a year and this song off their latest album is gorgeous).

Ride Wit Me by Nelly featuring City Spud (An oldie but a goodie and begs for rolled down windows–thanks to hesseltime.com for a reminder of how good of a song this is).

Keep the Car Running by Arcade Fire (Just drive).

The High Road by Broken Bells (The road less traveled).

Across the Universe by The Beatles (Images of broken light—swoon).

Travelin’ Thru by Dolly Parton (Honky-tonk heartbreak, she’s releasing Better Day next Tuesday, such an impressive career).

Tin Man by The Avett Brothers (You know when you get signed to Rick Rubin’s label things will turn out alright—Garden & Gun’s feature on these guys back in February is a great read).

South Side by Moby featuring Gwen Stefani (One of the best lines in “Vacation,” is when they take the wrong turn in St. Louis and the guy says, (I’m paraphrasing) shoot, you don’t want to listen to me, I’m from the Southside of Chicago. This is just after Clark tells the kids to “roll ‘em up”).

From the Clouds by Jack Johnson (Grab your longboard—Jack Johnson has the Hawaiian life I crave … even if just for one week).

For the First Time by The Script (I’m a sucker for a Dublin accent).

Australia by The Shins (The ultimate spot on the map for 300 plus days a year of postcard-worthy weather).

Set Fire to the Rain by Adele (It doesn’t get much better than this for belting it out).

Ghosts by Florence + The Machine (I always get a bit nostalgic this time of year … longing for the ghosts of college breaks’ past).

Good Life by One Republic (This is my favorite time of year with long days loaded with sunshine … ‘tis a good life).

It’s time for the annual Thanksgiving playlist that’s often served with sides of tension and drama. This year, I’m bucking tradition and pairing it only with gratefulness–that’s the point of Thanksgiving, yes? I’m grateful for the hardest year I’ve had in about a decade, yet the most rewarding, by far.

The biggies–my mom’s through chemo and a stem cell transplant; my husband is happily employed. Last fall, I felt like I had a brick tied to my ankles and I was drowning in a gigantic ocean, scared of the unknown horizon ahead. I’m thankful for the support of dear friends and family who stood by us through the poorer and sickness parts. Some years aren’t exactly bottles of bubbly-worthy, but here’s a toast to the days that actually are. These tunes remind me of that and I’m publishing with ample time to get the iPod all loaded with turkey dinner party mood music.

Marchin On by OneRepublic (With the risk of sounding like Ricky Martin taping a PSA, it does get better. Time does eventually heal and sometimes you just have to tie the boots a bit tighter, hunker down, and drudge through it).

Revelry by Kings of Leon (During my underage tippler stage a.k.a. high school, the best parties of the year happened Thanksgiving night. Here’s to all the revelry of our youth and perhaps recreating some debauchery with old friends).

Home by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (I like the sentiment behind this one, basically home is wherever you are and whom you’re with. Here’s to home).

Thinking About You by Radiohead (This will always be one of my favorite Radiohead songs of all time. Period).

Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap (This is one of those songs that will not leave my head).

Teardrop by Massive Attack (Nothing like a good cry. I think I’ve released more tears this year than the last five combined. Plus, this song always reminds me of meeting my husband who was a huge Massive Attack fan while we were dating).

Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine (I drank the Kool-Aid the second I saw the Eat Pray Love trailer. No matter if I’m running, writing, or driving, this song gets a repeat play).

Such Great Heights by The Postal Service (I like their version {the original} the best. The Iron & Wine and The Shins’s attempts are too emo. This one’s got a good beat).

Let it Be Me by Ray LaMontagne (You know when you smell something like a bottle of shampoo {coconut scents remind me of summer} or drink say cherry cider and think, this is what fall tastes like {maybe this is just me}? Well, this is what sadness sounds like. His voice and this song pretty much sum up the tougher parts of this past year).

Maybe Not by Cat Power (Because of a writing project I’ve been working on this past year, I’m buried in Clermont Lounge tid-bits … did you know Cat Power’s first song ever was performed there? It was, and according to the owners she barely made it on stage because of nerves and they jokingly describe her as a scared kitten. Meow).

Falling Slowly by The Swell Season (I’m absolutely obsessed with this band lately).

Heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez (Here’s hoping for new tiny heartbeats in 2011…).

Twice if You’re Lucky by Crowded House (I love that these guys are making music again).

Our Swords by Band of Horses (This song reminds me that it’s good to get out of your head … sometimes it is just nonsense that we create up there. Less thinking, more living. And that folks is why therapists make the big bucks).

Umbrella by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z (I’d be a bad Aunt if I didn’t include a track for my nephew to jam out to … um-brella … ella … ella. I might even bring a prop. On a serious note, it’s not a bad idea to have someone by your side when it’s pouring out, not just when it’s sunny {metaphorically speaking, of course}).

Skinny Love by Bon Iver (This is not the holiday for skinny jeans. Spanx won’t help you either).

Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding (I’ll be thinking of our dog who will be boarded while we’re in Kansas; he was named after the one and only from Macon, Georgia. And this tune works well as a proper sing-a-long during dish duty).

Hotel Song by Regina Spektor (While we’re hoping for less tension, never rule out alternate sleeping arrangements. Always have a Plan B. And this one is a fun one for mistaken lyrics, she really is saying, a little bag of cocaine. Easy there, tiger).

Time to Pretend by MGMT (I’m in love with the opening lyrics of this song, I’m feeling rough, I’m feeling raw, I’m in the prime of my life).

Dynamite by Taio Cruz (This year, I really want to see my accountant brother dance. Pardon me, I want to see him, rock this club and light it up like it’s dynamite).

Carrot Cake and Wine by Stereophonics (That’s what life’s all about, isn’t it? Finding our own quiet space to enjoy a slice and a sip of whatever suits your fancy? Sidenote–I’m pretty sure this isn’t really what this song means, but it’s my loose interpretation).

Crossfire by Brandon Flowers (While our family has weeded through a lot of drama this year, we’re still human, and it doesn’t really count as a true Hazels get-together without at least one blowup fight and an eff-you bomb being dropped).

Fruitcakes by Jimmy Buffett (This song will forever remind me of my father—he loved it and it truly does sum up his personality, particularly the beginning rant where Buffett gets on a soapbox about Junior Mints at the movies and twelve-pound Nestlé’s Crunch bars. Also, it’s an incredibly long-winded tune, coming in at about seven minutes … my dad would like that he got so much airtime).

Sleepyhead by Passion Pit (Home for the holidays is not the best time to catch up on sleep especially when there are children under the age of four involved).

These are the Days by Van Morrison (It’s not a decent playlist without a little boozy Irish influence … Irish Car Bomb intermission).

I’m Yours by Jason Mraz (After my mom was released from her stem cell transplant team’s care, my twin sister asked her if she wanted to play a song to celebrate. This disc is what she popped out of the glove compartment and the two of them rocked out on the ride back home. The image of this in my mind turns me into Niagara Falls … each time, I’m a blubbering mess. PS-Who knew mom had even heard of Jason Mraz, let alone owned the CD?).

A Moment Changes Everything by David Gray (Um, yeh, it does. For good and bad).

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa by Vampire Weekend (The Benetton reference in this song makes me think of when I pretty much exclusively wore that brand in high school. Well, that and Esprit. I’ve got pictures to prove it).

Foxey Lady by Jimi Hendrix (If he were alive today, Hendrix would be turning 68. My twin sister and I share his birthday and I’d like to think we’re bringing some foxy to 34, which we’ll turn the Saturday after Thanksgiving. PS—Not a typo, that’s how foxey is spelled on this track … honest).

We’re Going to Be Friends by The White Stripes (This reminds me of all the dear friends I get to see when I go back to my hometown. Plus, I’m so intrigued by the dysfunction that is Jack and Meg White).

Hometown Glory by Adele (Her voice is like an angel. A nice serenity now! breather).

If I Ever Feel Better by Phoenix (Right now in this moment I feel like the future is much more exciting than scary, a cause for celebration).

Volcano by Damien Rice (Sometimes even the best-intended conversations start off slow and build into disaster. As my sister-in-law says to my niece, use your words).

Not Fair by Lilly Allen (It never is quite fair sometimes, but in the end, it all evens out in the wash).

She’s a Lady by Tom Jones (Another sing-a-long, but seriously keep it in check even if you have to repeat the mantra–the little lady full of style and grace).

We Get On by Kate Nash (Is there anything more British sounding than the phrase,  we get on? I’m grateful to the Brit settlers for finding that rock in Plymouth … a toast, now, pass the potatoes).

I’ve always been a fan of solid Brit pop. From the ’90s Blur, James and Oasis to today’s Travis and Coldplay. I’m a sucker for brooding scowls and accents duking it out with a catchy beat.

As I’ve mentioned before, we’re traveling for a wedding in mid-August and we’ve just begun the planning stage. It’s looking fairly certain that we’ll have three legs to this trip–England, Hungary, and Poland, or more specifically, London, Budapest, and Krakow.

For now, I’m putting together the London version of my playlist that includes a heavy dose of UK invasion, plus a few I think will be perfect for gazing out train windows, daydreaming

Time has Told Me by Nick Drake (One of my favorites by him, such a waste that he only made it to 26).

Maybe Tomorrow by Stereophonics (I don’t think I’ve made a playlist yet without including these boys … I never tire of them and my friend who’s getting married introduced me to them).

There Goes the Fear by The Doves (The great thing about traveling is you can step outside of your norm, fear included).

Dreams by Passion Pit (Their version of the Cranberries original is so beautiful).

Daylight by Matt & Kim (Fit it all in from sunup to sundown).

You Told a Lie by Camera Obscura (The summer before my own wedding in 2003, I went to Scotland with said friend, though we didn’t make it to Glasgow where this band is from).

Quelqu’un M’a Dit by Carla Bruni (Model, singer, and married to the President of France, a luxe life indeed).

Sleep the Clock Around by Belle & Sebastian (A sleep mask and dose of Ambien will aid in the time change).

Svefn-g-englar by Sigur Rós (Almost eleven years to the day the brilliance that is Ágaetis Byrjun was released; such a gorgeous album and particularly this song).

Daniel by Elton John (It’s so strange when you go to a new place how many people remind you of others you know, my interpretation of this song is a bit of that).

I Was Made For You by She & Him (I know Zooey Deschanel’s doe eyed act bothers some, but I do think she has a fabulous voice and everyone could use a sing-a-long).

Shiver by Coldplay (I was gifted this album long before it was cool to own and could not get this song off repeat).

Back to This by Helio Sequence (The trance-like beat on this one is unbelievable).

Young Americans by David Bowie (Can you really list Brit bands without Bowie? More importantly, we’ll do our best to blend in during our travels).

Subterranean Homesick Alien by Radiohead (We won’t be gone long enough to really get homesick–other than missing Otis the wonder puppy).

Holiday by Hourly Radio (It’s ironic how everyone but Americans call vacations a holiday. Going on holiday sounds so official, like you’re declaring it festive, period).

Lay me Down by The Frames (I adore this band from Dublin whose lead singer has since become one part of The Swell Season, equally as good).

Song to Say Goodbye by Placebo (This is an angst-riddled song that’s perfect to blast when you’re feeling frustrated or better yet, totally over it. The lyric, ‘you lying, trying, waste of space’ really sums it all up).

Talk her Down by Starsailor (This English band is said to be influenced by Jeff Buckley. I’ve seen them live several times and believe the comparison).

1901 by Phoenix (I gulped the Kool-Aid, love, love, love this song, muah).

In keeping with tradition, it’s time for the annual playlist fitting of all the turkey and tension your family can handle. This year’s list combines all the components of both food and family dysfunction with a side of past relationship awkwardness. The whole mess equals a true symbol of going home for the holidays in music form.

Here’s to not taking our issues, others, or ourselves too seriously this season. Oink oink, my good man!
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An ode to the season of heat…the ultimate road trippin’ summer set playlist loaded with lots of oldies and some new goodies, perfect for parties or long rides on the open highway…

Load up the iPod, gather your friends, get out the map, throw caution and inhibitions into the wind…Jack Kerouac would be so proud.

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It’s pretty inspiring to meet people who do what they love, and if what they love has taken them off the beaten path, even more so. My friend Melissa Simmons does just that. She manages musician Edwin McCain as president of Harrington Management. You might remember McCain’s 1993 hit, “I’ll Be,” better known as the first dance wedding song anthem. But, he’s so much more than that…a platinum-selling singer songwriter who crosses into folk, soul, and rock genres seamlessly – and a nice guy to boot.

This summer marks her 10^th year working with Edwin and I recently spoke to her about the ever-changing music business, memorable travel, and of course, those pesky groupies. And just to amp up the coolness factor in a bit more – Melissa’s in Japan right now…for her job. Jealous.

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In On the Road – Jack Kerouac’s defining work of the beat generation – the existential query,  “What’s your road, man?” served as a siren song that lured thousands to answer the call of the open road, leaving the establishment behind in search of new meaning.

Beat Studies Productions - an Atlanta-based independent hip-hop label, like Kerouac, calls out the establishment (the hip-hop one) on its complacency when it comes to the commercialization of the genre. Beat Studies is paving a new road for a new generation of hip-hop artists who want to make what founder B.J. Alden calls “intelligent music.”

One of those artists is SIMP (a.k.a Duran Butler). For the record, SIMP is just about the freshest thing to sprout out of the South since, well, the Dogwood.

Here’s my enlightening Q&A with SIMP.

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I’ve always had a special appreciation for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations – my top three reasons:

1.    One of my nieces was born on this day…she’ll be celebrating with shamrock shaped birthday cakes and green Bud Light (post-21, of course) for the rest of her life. Happy 3, E.

2.    One of my best friends was born and raised in Dublin – she and her family are just about some of the dearest people I’ve ever met.

3.    The first St. Patrick’s Day my husband and I spent as a married couple we were at an all day pub crawl – I kept complaining about side ache – he told me to just keep drinking – some 12 hours later we realized I was having an appendicitis. Oh, and apparently, I’m HILARIOUS on morphine. Good times.

So, in honor of the Irish, I’ve put together a playlist of my favorite artists from the Emerald Isle.

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Pop life. Everybody needs a thrill. Pop life. We all got a space to fill.

This is my space to fill and I can’t help but fill some of it with music.  After I chose the name danapop I kept coming across songs with the word “pop” in the title or lyrics.  One day while brainstorming with my graphic designer (the fabulous Kristen Alden) when the site was still in its peanut of an idea phase that morphed into the idea for a pop playlist. A few of these songs’ lyrics made it to the site’s sidebar menu, but so many others that I love didn’t survive the necessary design cut.

So now that we’re up and running, here’s the extended playlist for you to enjoy – a token of my affection and appreciation for the fabulous readers and those in my life who’ve supported every step of this crazy mess of a concept. So, pop your collar, pop the champagne, and just keep it poppin’.

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I’m running a half marathon in February. I signed on for the race partly because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and also because it’ll hopefully curb my tendency of eating and drinking my way through the holidays.

I’ve found with the training, the iPod playlist is crucial. Working out is one of the rare times I adore pop music. But, with running I need a bit of pop, plus motivation – so, here is a running list, filled with an equal mix of boys I find sexy (lead singer of The Killers) plus pop tart girls that have the tummy I’m striving for (pre-Federline Britney), a dash of pissed off angst (any tune that makes me think of images of things breaking or people marching in protest), and the old stuff that reminds me of my family (the John Lennon, Mick Jaggar, Elton John trifecta). (more…)

Thanksgiving is just weeks away, so I’ve put together a little holiday tension playlist. This includes ex run-ins and dinner table tunes, as well as, family meddling melodies. (more…)