Why the World Needs Taylor Swift

I'm pretty sure that if we were to comprise a list of people who ruled the world Taylor Swift would be pretty high on the list. Talk about motivating the masses to buy music and at times everyone is talking about her. Of course, with success comes backlash, and the ever popular 'she can't really sing' or 'I'm just so tired of her and her blatant, candy-coated optimism.' I used to have torn feelings about Taylor Swift and I would definitely agree that her voice isn't her strongest suit (but then again, neither is Katy Petty or Ke$ha's). But, after having listened to her new album 'Speak Now' about a hundred times, I have to come to terms with the fact that I really do appreciate Taylor Swift and no longer ashamed to admit it.

'Speak Now' is the kind of album that is like a buffet of material. Not only does Swift stick to what she does best, singing about storybook love and making it seem like it really is possible, she has branched out from singing about heartache to singing about other things, like losing one's innocence by growing up. I feel like she has expanded and grown and her songs are more mature. She's sometimes angry, sometimes hopeful, and sometimes wise beyond her years.

I feel a sort of sisterly kinship with Taylor. She's about four years younger than me, the same age as my brother, and I can relate to a lot of the things she has gone through. It's one of those, 'been there, done that, sister' kind of things. Surprisingly, even though she's constantly photographed and has a list of celebs she's been involved with, her reputation is fully in tact as a girl who just wants to love and enjoy life.

The other thing I like about Taylor is that she's not afraid to speak her mind, whether it's lamenting about how much pain she's in, pointing out flaws in others, or how much she herself has messed up. The album is so personal, yet so out there in the public. I think the thing I like most about the her is her bravery. The world needs people like her to speak for all of us when we are hurting or joyful. That's really why the world needs music to begin with.

Five Concerts to See Before I Die

I've been to some pretty good concerts in my time. John Mayer before he hit it big and became a terrible person, The Killers closing out Lollapolooza, and Sara Bareilles' recent show here in Denver which could only be described as awesome. I love going to live shows and my list is always growing, but there is definitely a divider between those I want to see and those I must see. Below are five acts I have to see in my lifetime (or theirs since most of them are older than me).

Bruce Springsteen

I think it's safe to say that the next time he tours and comes to Denver, I will be there. I don't care if I'm by myself, if I'm the youngest person there, or if I have a seat in the very last row, I've got to see Bruce sing some songs and really rock out. I hear it's awesome and I'm sick and tired of being left out. I've always read or heard how great he is live, how he puts everything he's got into singing and playing for his audience. I could go on and on about my love for this man, which only started about a year and a half ago, but feels like forever. If he songs get to me just when I listen to them, then I can only imagine what it would be like to see and feel them as well.

Paul McCartney

Since he's probably the closest I'll ever get to seeing the Beatles lives, I'm determined to see Paul McCartney before the man retires from music. Paul was always my favorite Beatle, really. He didn't attract attention like John Lennon did, but that doesn't make him less of a genius. I mean, the man wrote 'Hey Jude' and 'Let It Be,' two songs that our world would sorely miss if they never popped out of his head. Also, the man went on to write some pretty great songs with Wings and his own solor career. I hear he can still really jam when he's live. A friend of mine saw him in concert and texted me afterwards. The text read “face=melted.” If that's not a rave review, then I don't know what is.

Adele

Adele's voice is amazing, and it's definitely something I want to hear live and in person, but it's not just that. I want to feel Adele's voice live and in person. There's something about the way she sings that really gets under your skin and I have a feeling that going to her concert would be a moving experience. I've watched a few of her smaller, radio shows and she has a good rapport with her band and with the audience. She's witty and charming and even has that fantastically thick accent. Her show in Denver is sold out, so we'll see if I get to go or not.

Kanye West

Oh, Kanye. Such an enigma. While the man walks the fine line between world's biggest douchebag and world's biggest genius (a link to his Twitter account could easily prove both), there's something about the way he performs and the way his music is assembled that would make me want to see how he pulls it off in front of thousands. West feeds off an audience, too, and they seem to really energize him. Kanye concerts are just him rapping though. He puts on a show. I would much rather see him over other performance-based artists simply because he would give us something to talk about and even think about.

Billy Joel

It's a simple things really, a man, a piano, and some songs, but with that man is Billy Joel, the simple thing becomes a beautiful thing. I've heard great stories of people at Billy Joel concerts, which attract all ages, getting up and just dancing to his music. The man has been around for what seems like forever, and his personal life may be in shambles, but he sure does know how to write a good tune filled with melancholy, heartache, hope, or a great beat that makes you tap your feet.

Letters to Musicians

When I was in college, a friend of mine's mother used to send letters to her daughter when she felt like she hadn't heard from her in a while. I was going through my iTunes the other day and thinking about certain musicians that have sort of fallen by the wayside that I would like to hear from soon. So, if I had a chance to write them little notes, this is what I would say:

Dear Justin Timberlake,

I know you are currently working on being a “serious actor” and I applaud your performance in “The Social Network,” but I really miss you in the music scene. You are charming and hilarious and we all love you, but I'm exhausted from playing Futre Sex/Love Sounds since my sophomore year of college. That was four years ago! You need to get back to what you do best, making music that makes women everywhere just want to dance. I read in Entertainment Weekly that you are spending some time in the studio this summer. Spend more. I love you!

Dear Amy Winehouse,

What I'm about to say comes from a good place, Amy, but you need to go back to making music because I'm afraid that you will die soon. I know you have health issues (the drugs and drinking don't help this, by the way) and you seem a little confused in matters of love, but channel it into your music. It will make you feel better. You were born to sing and I will be sad if you are not around to make the music industry more awesome. Pull yourself together!

Dear Santigold,

I've heard rumors that you are working on a follow-up album to your first, which was a great success considering you used to be one of M.I.A.'s back up singers and you've come a long way. Speaking of M.I.A., I really liked her but her last album sucked. There were like only two good songs on there. I hope that when you come out with your new, unique sound that it's good and something you are proud of. I'm excited to see what you do next.

Dear Shania Twain,

The other night at a club I heard one of your songs and it made me realize that I was in HIGH SCHOOL the last time you released a full length CD. A lot has happened then, and I'm not just referring to your dramatic personal life. Either way, I believe that you are a classy and fun lady and you can write some really wonderful songs from all of this. The music industry misses you! Come back!

Dear members of Coldplay,

If I have to hear 'Livin' la Vida' one more time on the radio I'm going to turn it off forever. Ok, I'm exaggerating, but seriously I feel like you have been gone for a while and not a lot of people are noticing. Well, I notice. And I want you back. I don't care if it's lame to like your band, but I do. I like the soaring piano epics and the interesting production behind your music. I wouldn't mind hearing some new things in the future.

Dear members of Modest Mouse,

So once upon a time you guys made this really great CD called “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank” and I listen to this album in it's entirty often. It's that good. I really want another great project from you guys because I think you could really be something. I have faith in you. Don't let me down.

Dear members of No Doubt,

Didn't you guys go on tour with the hopes of reuniting and making new music soon? Whatever happened to that? Get on it! I can only make the iTunes play count of 'Bathwater' go so high...

Dear Jack White,

I'm trying very hard to write this note with clear, concise thoughts, but the sadness and anger at the break-up of The White Stripes clouds it. You two reminded us what rock and roll could be and what it's supposed to be. Still, Jack, you're a genius. I watched 'Get Loud' and it was great. You really are one of those bizarre musical sevants and I say that in the nicest way possible. I hope you continue with your various projects, but that we will soon get to see you, your guitar, and your crazy rock voice front and center.

Love and peace to all of you, even you, Amy,

Emily

10 Things I Like Right Now

This Book

The Paris Wife

I absolutely love McClain's style and her depiction of Hadley Richardson, Hemingway's first wife. The language of the book is so well-crafted, fun, serious, and everything a good book should be. I simply cannot put it down! I find this time period, and Hemingway himself, more fascinating the more I read. Plus, it's got loads of references to the famous writers and painters who were scattered in Paris at the time. The English major side of me squeals with joy when the Hemingways encounter Sherwood Anderson, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

This TV Show

Parks and Rec

It got off to a shaky start, but the third season of this mockumentary set around Pawnee, Indiana's parks department is absolutely hilarious. I love that these characters seems fresh and exciting. This was once Amy Poehler's show, but now it's clearly an ensemble. Aziz as Tom Haverford is surprisingly deep, but at the same time funny in a "that guy" kind of way. The man who steals the show is Nick Offerman, who plays Libretarian Ron Swanson (who has his own pyramid of greatness). This show makes me howl with laughter every time I watch.

This Singer

Robyn

Her music is dancey and her hair is weird, but there's something about this Swedish-born singer that I absolutely adore. Perhaps it's her style of defying the industry by releasing to EPs and then a full LP in the same calendar year. Or her disenchantment with paparazzi and being famous. More than anything though, it's her great lyrics and thumping beats that really get me. Very rarely does a song about heartbreak make me want to dance. The single above "Dancing on My Own" is great, but I encourage you to listen to some of her others, such as "Hang with Me" and her collaboration with Snoop Dogg, and her full length album "Body Talk."

This Movie

The King's Speech

Yes, I know it recently won the Best Picture Oscar and it's a period drama, but I promise it is anything but boring. Colin Firth, a favorite of mine, plays King George VI, a man who reluctantly became king of England during a turbulent global climate and despite a personal struggle with a stammer. Geoffrey Rush, not dressed as a pirate, plays his unconventional therapist. This is a heartwarming and truly lovely tale of class and overcoming not just personal handicaps, but the kind of baggage we all carry around. I absorbed every minute of it and loved it.

This Restaurant

The Cherry Cricket

I don't know about any of you, but I've always wanted breakfast in the form of a hamburger. Okay, I know that sounds disgusting, but in all reality you can get a combination of all kinds of crazy things on your burger at this little hangout in Cherry Creek. I love the atmosphere, the great drink specials, and the burgers really are very good. I never have a bad meal. Plus, it was featured on the Denver episode of "Man vs. Food" so you know it's good!

This Song

"Helplessness Blues" by Fleet Foxes

The Fleet Foxes managed to make a surprising, but blissful, ear concoction in this song off their upcoming LP. The lyrics can be interpreted as completely hopeful or completely depressed. The instrumentation is what I enjoy most. It blends haunting harmonies, border on bluegrass a la Mumford and Sons, and soars in an unexpected, quiet kind of way.

This CD

21-Adele

I'm pretty much obsessed with this CD, but before I praise this epic, timeless album, I must first say that Adele's voice is truly beautiful. It's so distinct and so flawless. Having a voice like her's is rare, and what's even rarer is that there are no cans of whip cream attached to her boobs and no popping out of egg and people are still paying attention to her. That's how powerful her instrument is, and she uses it on this album to lament heartbreak. Her experience is so personal and so raw that I feel like she's understood every crumbled relationship I've been a part of. Her best tracks, besides the Johnny Cash inspired ">"Rolling in the Deep", are "Set Fire to the Rain" and the beautiful "Someone Like You." I absolutely adore Adele.

This Man

Stephen Colbert

I find Stephen Colbert to be a giant ball of amusement. His sense of humor is unlike other's on TV. He's so good at his ridiculous 'character' on 'The Colbert Report' that I sometimes think he is that way in real life (not so, or at least so I'm told). I find him charming and smart, a lot of things that Jon Stewart is as well, but for some reason, Stephen seems more ridiculous and I love him for it. Also, I hear he is a huge nerd in real life and this makes me respect him more.

This Video Game

Beatles Rock Band

There are few things I love more in life than the Beatles and pretending to be a rock star, and this game is a heavenly combination of both. The graphics are trippy, cool, and make you appreciate the growth of The Beatles. I like playing Rock Band in general (even more fun when the roommate and I make it into a drinking game), but getting to rock out on 'Day Tripper' and 'Hello, Goodbye' is as close as I'll get to a rock and roll lifestyle.

This Cookbook

Hungry Girl

If you know me at all, then you know that I have quite an appetite. This is sometimes not a good thing, but I feel like I've found my kindred spirit in Hungry Girl. The book contains loads of recipes, all of which are good for you! True, she substitutes some of the good things in life with healthier options, but I figure it's fine when it still tastes good...and it does. Check out her plethora of books or her website!

This Just Makes Me Happy

It's times like this that I wish real life were more like a musical.

Also, this is not as cheesey as other 'musical' moments in movies, like that painful karaoke song in SATC2.

Is Anyone Original Anymore?

Lady Gaga is a lot of things to a lot of people. One person's icon is another person's delusional weirdo. I personally really like Lady Gaga. I think she's everything overblown pop stars should be; talented, original and super weird.

But lately I've been toying with the whole idea of her being original. The release of another epic music video,'Alejandro,' confirmed to me yesterday that Mama Monster must be getting tired because her ideas are becoming less and less original as time goes on.

If you judge Lady Gaga based on her music, she's 100% original. I really like everything about her music from it's catchy beats to its detailed production. But if we're to judge Lady Gaga on her music videos, which may be what she wants us to do since they're all pushing the 10 minute mark, I'm finding her less and less original and more like Madonna.

For me, the Madonna comparisons started with the 'Telephone' video. I like that it continued the story from her 'Paparazzi' video and I liked all the stuff with her being in jail. But once Beyonce (who I also really like) picked her up and they went on their wild road trip, people cried 'this is a copy cat of Tarantino!' True, the video does have a certain Tarantino flavor to it, but I seemed to be the only person who saw it more like a Madonna video than anything else. Don't believe me? Watch the video of Madonna's 'What It Feels Like For A Girl' below.

Hmm...scorned woman picks up a partner in crime (substitute Beyonce for an old lady) and they go on their own spree of misdeeds in a yellow car. I mean, sure there are differences, but this seems more like Lady Gaga is giving props to Madonna than she is to Quentin Tarantino.

Perhaps it seems like I'm calling her out for not making something 100% original. Truth be told, I think it's fine that she's putting subtle references in there. But now that 'Alejandro' has premiered, I'm wondering if there are any original ideas in music anymore.

The Alejandro video is racey, raunchy, and definitely makes a statement against the Catholic Church. Bor-ring. Hasn't this been done before? I feel like it has...by Madonna! And well I'm pretty sure the 'Like A Prayer' video had lots of blasphemous images in it, or at least one's that were controversial, like burning crosses! In the background of one of the shots in 'Alejandro' there is a screen projecting something that's been set ablaze and I wondered if it was a scene from 'Like A Prayer'. Also, the shots of Lady Gaga dancing by herself in a room that are black and white reminds me of 'Vogue!'

My point is this, the whole blasphemous religious imagery has been done. People who have come before Lady Gaga have made those statements and made them well. I think she's capable of more than this. If this is a song for the gays, which is what she told Larry King, then I think bolder statements could be made. Statements on religion and religious groups are important, but I think Lady Gaga is riding a tired bicycle.

Has anyone ever told Lady Gaga that sometimes less is more? When you put so much in people's faces, which she does in all of her music videos, it may benefit her to pull back and just give us something raw and emotional with little production and little imagery other than just her, in all her psychotic beauty, singing. If you were to ask me which of her music videos was my favorite, or in my humble opinion, her very best, I would say 'Bad Romance' because I felt like it was the most original, the most fun, open to a lot of interpretation, and really showcased her and everything she is about.

Why Didn't You Perform Like this on 'Idol'?!

This is really good. Too bad he didn't sing like this on the Finale!

The Three Albums That Inspired Me

Recently I read a post in the LA Times about the three albums that influenced the last three contestants on American Idol (turns out Lee DeWyze, who has tool-ish facial hair, does not have tool-ish tastes). I started thinking about what I would list as the three albums that have most influenced me, as someone who has a casual passion for music.

At first it was kind of hard. I had to weed through the pre-teen crap, then the punk obsession, and now my current passion for female singers/performance artists. It's also hard because rarely do I listen to whole albums anymore. We are living in the playlist generation, the one where we can make a mix CD and transport it anywhere at lightening speeds. So, after some careful consideration, these are my three CDs.

Once more, I told myself they couldn't be CDs that I appreciate in retrospect. For example, I had a physical copy of Jagged Little Pill but it didn't make it's way onto my iTunes or into my heart until college. It had to be a full CD, that I appreciated when I first purchased it.

John Mayer--"Room for Squares"

So I first stumbled upon John Mayer when I was a sophomore in high school and I was desperately trying to escape a musical past littered with 'NSync posters from Tiger Beat and roll on glitter. I feel like this CD was my introduction to the singer-songwriter genre, as well as an the first one that seem much more introspective and less whiney than a lot of the punk music I was listening to. "Why Georgia" and "3x5" are still two songs that I play over and over again. It's even nice to listen to this CD and think back to the days before John Mayer grew up to the be The World's Biggest Douchebag.

Lifehouse--"No Name Face"

"Hanging By A Moment" was by far a loved song on the radio when this CD came out, but it was actually one of my least favorite songs on the CD. I liked it that much. Lifehouse, who were formally a contemporary Christian band, were now mainstream, but the metaphysical, religious undertones were still there. I appreciated the hooks as much as I appreciated the lyrics. The songs could have been about love, or they could have been about God. I don't love the CD as much now as I did then, but I played it to death and still listen back on some tracks, like "Unknown" and "Everything."

Michelle Branch--"The Spirit Room"

I'm pretty sure I have Michelle Branch to thank for getting me to pick up a guitar when I was 12. I haven't touched a guitar in years, but I still listen to this CD. On countless trips with my family, I listened to this CD from beginning to end, pretending that I was her, strumming along, and singing my heart out. "Goodbye to You" is a great song about a break up and "If You Wanted" and "Everywhere" were good, almost creepy, but still cute songs about relationships and crushes. She's got some groovy, catchy tracks and some great, quiet moments that show off her perfect pitch. I'm just sad she never did very well after this CD (though The Wreckers CD is pretty good).

Secret Shame #6: Guilty Pleasures Playlist

Sometimes I like to think I am a music snob, but a quick glance at my 6,000+ iTunes library will show you that it's not true. At all.

I have music from many different genres and time periods. It's hard to classify what I like exactly. The majority of my iTunes is alternative rock with some pop and hip-hop thrown in there. But if you look carefully you will come across some songs that are just shameful to own. And now I'm laying it out there for the Internet to see. Behold, my Guilty Pleasures Playlist.

"Crush" by David Archuleta

"See You Again" by Miley Cyrus

"Penny and Me" by Hanson

"Crash and Burn" by Savage Garden

"Bye Bye Bye" by *NSYNC

"Hero" by Chad Kroeger

"Heaven" by DJ Sammy

"Back Here" by BBMak

"Holler" and "Stop" by the Spice Girls

"Lose Yourself" by Eminem

"Only One For Me" by Brian McKnight

"Battlefield" by Jordin Sparks

"He Loves U Not" by Dream

"La La" by Ashley Simpson

"Punk Rock 101" by Bowling for Soup (oh, high school...)

"Build A Bridge" by Limp Bizkit

"Why Haven't I Heard From You" by Reba McEntire

"Nobody Wants To Be Lonely" by Ricky Martin & Christina Aguilera

The Entire Soundtrack to "A Very Potter Musical"

"Show Me Love" by Robyn (this song is still awesome)

"No Scrubs" by TLC

"Be Like That" by 3 Doors Down

Oh, this song too....

So much denim on denim.

There's Always That One Person You Don't Like

I am proudly on the Glee bandwagon. I really enjoy the show and it's like a breath of fresh air on television, not only because of the music, but the writing is great. I think the cast is so wonderful. Everyone is very talented in many ways and even supporting characters, like the parents, are good.

I really enjoyed last night's episode. True, it wasn't the bombastic in-your-face type of episode like 'The Power of Madonna,' but a nicer, quieter, more emotional Glee was pleasant to watch. There's another reason why I enjoyed last night's episode; no Rachel Berry.

I like almost every character on Glee except Terri and Rachel. I can't stand Rachel. I have a lot of problems with her, starting from her character-type on 'Glee' and I even harbor a little dislike for Lea Michele.

Now, before everyone goes flying off the handle at me criticizing her, I will admit that she is insanely talented. I agreed with Ryan Murphy when he said on Oprah that Lea has a 'once in a generation' voice. I got chills when she first sang 'Don't Rain on My Parade' and I've listened to it no less than 36 times on my iPod. I like her voice. I also appreciate that she, like me, is tattooed (she has seven and if you look closely sometimes you can see the poor job they do of covering up the one on her wrist and the one on her shoulder). But I've read about how she can be a real bitch and the epitome of a diva. I know she's got a good sized ego because she was on Broadway and everything, but I get a sort of weird vibe from her when I watch her interviews.

The other thing about the character Rachel is I have a hard time sympathizing for her. I really cannot stand her type-A bossy personality. It turns me off to her. Plus, when compared to the other characters, Rachel's story line is hard for me to accept and it's not nearly as compelling. A girl raised by two gay dads (side note: WHERE ARE THE GAY DADS?!) is struggling with the pains of growing up and fitting in. This is a simple story line, but I do not feel any sort of emotional connection to her at all and I should! She has the every-girl story line and it should work, but for me it doesn't. I can' quite pinpoint why this is. Maybe it's because she uber-talented to the point of it being unbelievable. Maybe it's because Lea is an attractive girl and I can't understand her problems with boys because boys like attractive girls. I also find her character to be too much of a Tracy Flick imitation and that probably factors in there somewhere.

Now Jonathan Groff was brought in to to play the male equivalent of her and it turns out that I find him obnoxious as well! His voice is fantastic. I would love to listen to him sing for hours and hours. I just don't feel any connection to his character and it's hard for me to feel connected to Rachel.

My three favorite characters on Glee are Finn, Kurt, and Mercedes. Last night's episode had great scenes with all three of them, especially Kurt, who really is the emotional core of the show. Plus, I feel connected to Finn and Mercedes. Finn is essentially a man-child, but he's not a hallow man-child and he's one of those characters that is changing some. Plus, I feel bad for him that he doesn't have a father. I love Mercedes because she loves herself and that's great to see on screen. And Kurt is wonderful because he's so real and so hilarious. He truly is the emotional soul of the show and they give him great lines!

Compared to these three, Rachel does not really do much, except for dwell on the men in her life. Relationships are very important, but they aren't everything. I find no enjoyment in watching her and Jesse St. James together. I do not care about whether or not he breaks her heart. I don't even want her and Finn to get together just yet (though I think they should). Does Rachel even have any friends? Usually I feel sorry for friendless people, but I don't feel sorry for her because even I wouldn't want to be her friend! In the back nine, so far, I haven't seen Rachel grow as a person. During the first half, she had some remarkable things to say to Quinn and to Mr. Schuester, but now those remarkable things have gone out the window. In fact, I enjoy Quinn more than Rachel now and I used to HATE Quinn.

I guess this is the nature of television. Some characters step back so other ones can develop. So far I find that I can't appreciate, love, and connect with Rachel as much as Kurt, Mercedes, Finn, Tina, Artie, Emma... the list goes on. This could very well change because you never know what the Glee gurus have up their sleeves (and I don't read spoilers).

Dream Themes on American Idol

My mounting frustration with the ratings-juggernaut that is American Idol seem to grow exponentially week after week. When I found out that this week's theme is the Shania Twain songbook, I was positive that it was a sign of the apocolypse.

This theme week comes after Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Elvis weeks, all which seem super-legit (Rolling Stones was cool), but at the same time it seems that American Idol is way behind the times. They're known for having old themes like Rat Pack week, Grand Ol' Opry Week, etc, etc and a lot of these theme nights have been repeated. How about something new and refreshing? Below I have listed some awesome themes that I think American Idol should tackle that would be challening but workable for all styles of the contests. Now, I just wait for my phone call from Fox...

-Tom Petty (with or without Heartbreakers): Seriously, how has his catalogue been almost completely ignored for so long?

-Foo Fighters week: They have been around for almost 20 years and have quite a collection of nice rock tunes (Hero, Times Like These, Best of You) and ballads that everyone enjoys (Everlong...I love that song!).

-Songs chosen by your parents: How cool would this be?!

-Foreigners Appreciation Week: The list of songs would be from people not born in the United States

Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac Night: I put this on the list with some trepidation, just because no one has done 'Landslide' justice on that show. But I'm always open to the idea of redemption.

Break-up songs: A chance to show vulnerability for the contestants because they can either go the hurt route or the angry route. Both would be great.

90s week: Sure, some people say the decade was a bum one as far as music was concerned, but every dark cloud has a silver lining. After all, isn't this when Madonna did 'Ray of Light'?

(Speaking of Madonna, I will not put on this list a Madonna theme week because I don't think American Idol can top Glee when it comes to the Queen of Pop. )

Super-group week: There are bands and then there are super-groups. This week would offer contestants a variety of songs from The Eagles, Dave Matthews Band, U2, and many other groups that sell out arenas and light up music charts.

Music-critics choice: I'm sure that any music critic with an ounce of pride would steer clear of this show, but maybe if they came in and chose songs for the contestants it would open up a whole new avenue for them and the show. People like Rob Sheffield would maybe be open to doing it.

Woodstock Week: Songs by bands that rocked Woodstock way-back when

Protest songs: Nothing like a little political and social drama to make Idol relevant and interesting

Any others?

*Editor's note: It seems that Sir Michael Slezak at EW has done something similar and I agree on a few of these themes. P.S. He is awesome.

10 Things: The Music Version

So I just now noticed that I did not do one of my '10 Things' entries for the month of March. As I hastily tried to put something together, I realized that I am sort of tired of that format and I need to change it up. So instead I decided that I'll do four '10 Things' installments about music, movies, television, and books over the next few weeks. So here we have my 10 songs that I am really enjoying at the moment.

Mumford & Sons "Little Lion Man"

This British band is probably my current favorites. They sound familiar, yet so different at the same time. 'The Cave' is a fantastic song, as is this one. I recommend the CD that both of these singles are from, called "Sigh No More."

Marina and the Diamonds "I Am Not A Robot"

Another British singer! Marina has a very unique voice, sometimes I like it and sometimes I don't. This song in particular is very catchy. I think she will find some success when she comes stateside. Check out their other song "Hollywood" which is also really good.

Jay-Z "A Star is Born"

I say this as the whitest of white girls, but I am really enjoying Jay-Z lately. I appreciate how great of a performer he is, how he appreciates music of all types, and how his songs can be anthems but also speak to current topics. Jay is the best!

B.o.B. featuring Hayley Williams "Airplanes"

This is kinda an emotastic teen anthem, but it's catchy as hell. I think Hayley Williams has a truly fantastic voice (see her band's cover of 'Use Somebody' and her singing 'Bad Romance' if you aren't convinced). B.o.B. is certainly making a name for himself in making songs that don't involve rapping about stupid shit. Me gusta.

Bob Dylan "The Times They Are A-Changing"

A lot of people claim that Bob is a "prophet" which is a tall order, but he sure is perceptive. Written in the advent of the 1960s, the general themes of this song are still relevant in modern times. Bob Dylan proves why he is one of the best.

James Morrison "Please Don't Stop the Rain"

Not to be confused with the dead Doors frontman, James Morrison has a unique and really beautiful voice. I absolutely love his tone and this little song makes me smile every time I hear it.

Local Natives "Wide Eyes"

The vocals on this song, which sound either like two guys are singing the lead or there is a slight echo, are very haunting and I really find it to be easy to listen to and engaging. I think Local Natives will enjoy some nice indie success that will put them in similar categories as other former indie bands.

The Killers "All These Things I've Done"

This is probably not only my favorite Killers song, but also one of my favorite songs ever, which is not easy for me to say. I once read that "All These Things I've Done" is like U2's "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" in that it's a song about looking back on life and trying to go forward. I completely agree.

The Shins "New Slang"

I first discovered The Shins on the Garden State soundtrack and I really liked them. There's something in their music that reminds me of the early Beatles. They have catchy hooks and I find myself going back to this song constantly.

Regina Spektor "Us"

I love Regina's writing style and her voice is very elegant and distinct. I liked this song before it was perfectly featured in the opening credits of '500 Days of Summer,' which only made me like it more. Her songs have novel-like imagery and it's fantastic.