Downloading

Date: Monday September 24, 2007
Posted in: Blogging, Sundry, Workin' It

Well, I’m home.

My contract employer will fly me to and from Vancouver whenever I have these work weekends. The flight options were a little inconvenient (there was NO WAY IN HECK that I was waking up at 4 am on Saturday to get there in time) so I opted to drive down on Friday and be paid mileage instead of flying. This option also worked out well in order for me to hit IKEA to get some necessary items for our laundry room renovation.

(Side note: We have been renovating for SIX YEARS. The laundry room is the LAST POSSIBLE ROOM THAT WE COULD RENOVATE. I’m so happy about this that I might have peed a little.)

The drive right into downtown Vancouver from our house takes about four and a half hours.

Each way.

I grabbed a bunch of my favourite CD’s to accompany me on my trip. I love me some classics. There’s U2, Jars of Clay, Sarah McLachlan, and even our friend Riley Armstrong.

The time alone in the car was amazing. Me. Great music. I might have even thrown a mic a few times.

But after nine hours? THE MUSIC IS GETTING OLD.

Now that I’m back at home the dynamic has changed a little.

Matthew’s work is quiet. Not dead, but quiet. Mostly due to the fact that the US dollar has decided to take a dirt nap.

We’ll be fine. We won’t starve, or anything close. The plan is for Matthew to run Daddy Daycare and for me to work full-time hours doing what I do best - writing accounting exams/updating course content.

Even though that is stimulating as all get-out, I like to listen to music as I work. It helps me block out that fact that I am writing about accounting get my creative juices flowing. Problem is, I am so very tired of my current stash of tunes.

Today I signed up for an itunes account. I know. I’m like eight years behind the times. Did you know that I have only texted ONCE? Maybe I’m so behind that I’m ahead? That’s what I keep telling myself.

I’m sure you’re dying to know what my first purchase was on itunes.

A bit of background first. The artist is one that I have never been a fan of. He toured lately and I saw post/Facebook photos from people who were SO EXCITED about seeing him in concert. My thought on his whole persona? Meh.

And then last week I saw him on Oprah. I finally understand what all of the hoopla is about. So today? My first ever itunes download was a single by none other than Justin Timberlake.

I would state that I am ashamed but I am not. THE DUDE HAS TALENT.

Mock me if you must, but I know there are closet fans out there.

I will be spending many hours working in the next while and need some more inspiration.

What else should I download?



38 Comments

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Get the soundtrack for the movie The Last Kiss. I watched it this weekend and the music rawked.

Comment by Amanda Brown on September 24th, 2007 @ 8:00 pm

My first iTunes download was Guns & Roses “November Rain”. Because it is 5 minutes long and I felt I was really getting my money’s worth!! ROFL!! And because I love that song and my old G&R DUBBED CASSETTE TAPES were lost. I’m soooo cool.

Comment by Hannah on September 24th, 2007 @ 8:29 pm

Ug. There were exactly FIVE songs that played all during the hours and hours of driving on my trip to the UK. And to think that I used to be fond of “Hey there, Delilah”. :S

Justin Timberlake is also just a funny guy. When he dressed up as a big omelette on SNL in bright yellow spandex, I about pee’d myself. “Bring it on down to Omeletteville”

Comment by Loralee on September 24th, 2007 @ 8:33 pm

BTW, my forehead, not as shiny as it seemed on Sun morning :-) Your picture of the library is gorgeous, my friend.

Such a talented lady you are!

I have yet to see the appeal of JT but he seems to be popular… As for suggestions… hmmm, I am a big Kelly Clarkson fan but otherwise my taste is a little bit country, which if I recall, is NOT your taste ;-)

Comment by Kami on September 24th, 2007 @ 8:37 pm

I am not ashamed to admit my love for JT and will never mock anyone for admitting they love him as well. I even saw him in concert earlier this month, and it was phenomenal! He was singing, dancing, playing multiple musical instruments, and blowing me away with his talent. He’s incredible.

I’m not too sure what your musical likes/dislikes are, but I’ll suggest one of my favourite bands because they are worth listening to. They’re called Tegan and Sara, and I don’t know how you’d describe their music. A little folk, a little rock, a little punk, and all sorts of other stuff mixed between. They’re fantastic, and definitely worthy of listening to. They’re even better live, which is not something you can say about many artists these days.

Enjoy your downloading! :)

Comment by Sharon on September 24th, 2007 @ 8:51 pm

ohhh. I am a big itunes fan. I get all my music from it. I never buy cd’s anymore. JT is awsome. It gets your bootie shaken. The new Kanye West song is a good bootie shaker too. The Cure is always good too.

Comment by Kacie on September 24th, 2007 @ 8:58 pm

I love JT. This is why I get along so well with my high school aged students. Seriously, I might need to grow up soon…

Hmm, to download? Like others, I do not know what you like, but I’ll tell some artists I’m currently listening to. Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Joshua Radin, Pete Murray. These are all pretty mellow, (but not boring). Looking at the music you listed, you might like these. Just thought I’d throw it out there :)

Comment by carla on September 24th, 2007 @ 9:28 pm

Lately, I love:

Mark Ronson’s “Version”
Ray LaMontagne
Peter Bjorn and John
Amy Winehouse
Spoon
Wilco
Martin Sexton
Lily Allen
Molly Jenson
Su

Comment by Meg on September 24th, 2007 @ 9:29 pm

…fjan Stevens
Ryan Adams
The National
Elliot Yamin

Comment by Meg on September 24th, 2007 @ 9:30 pm

Justin Timberlake eh? I don’t think I’ve listened to him since he was a part of N’Sync. (That was his band wasn’t it?!?!) I usually don’t talk about the music I like, cause people laugh!!!!

Comment by Michele on September 24th, 2007 @ 9:49 pm

mmmmm…..justin timberlake. he got me through outreach :)
download the greys anatomy soundtrack…they have wicked music. Try snow patrol too.
and you must get ‘you are my joy’ by the reindeer section. It’s my current fav!

Comment by daybe on September 24th, 2007 @ 11:41 pm

I know its silly, but I LOVED the soundtrack to Hairspray. That was such an awesome movie (the new one) and the soundtrack rocks!

Comment by Dana on September 25th, 2007 @ 4:47 am

I was closeted about my luuuuve for Justin Timberlake until last year. You are so right - he has talent, is funny, and just seems like a nice guy. He definitely won the break up between him and Britney. Look where she is now…

Anyway, I have been loving Mat Kearney, Maroon 5, and Mandy Moore (yes, I admit it!) lately. Must be the “M”s.

Comment by Sara on September 25th, 2007 @ 6:05 am

I think you might like Brandi Carlisle.

Comment by Jennie on September 25th, 2007 @ 6:32 am

iTunes and I are BEST friends!

Comment by Randi on September 25th, 2007 @ 6:59 am

I’m with Meg, download some Amy Winehouse. It’s stuff you can sing to or, in my case, at least try. :)

Comment by some girl on September 25th, 2007 @ 7:09 am

I’m a JT fan (went to the concert, posted the photos, etc) but originally I was a JT-Fan Mocker. It all started a few years ago when I snuck a listen to a CD of my cousins and I secretly adored it for months before someone else found out that I had become a fan.

So, welcome to the club.

Comment by bitetherabbit on September 25th, 2007 @ 7:10 am

Meant to Fly ~ Eva Avila
Big Girl’s Don’t Cry ~ Fergie
Little Wonders ~ Rob Thomas
Breathe Again ~ Toni Braxton (really, anything she does)
Chasing Cars ~ Snow Patrol
Crushed ~ Rosette
It’s Not Over ~ Daughtry
Over It ~ Katherine McPhee
Through Glass ~ Stone Sour
Weak in the Knees ~ Serena Ryder

How’s that for a start?

Comment by Shannon on September 25th, 2007 @ 7:37 am

First, I am a BIG drinker of the Justin Kool-Aid. He’s amazing, and, yes, on Oprah he reminded me why I ever bought an NSync CD. He’s just wow.

Comment by Jennie on September 25th, 2007 @ 10:00 am

Someone already mentioned Joshua Radin (good for them!).
You may enjoy John Mayer’s new cd - there is another talented dude.
If you feel like taking a risk, there’s a really talented soul/gospel group that I heard live - “NewWorldSon”.
Then of course there’s always the Dave Matthews classics, or Pearl Jam…
Holly McNarland…
Damien Rice (for acoustic tracks) …
Corinne Bailey Ray for smooth tunes
Amanda Falk for Christian stuff similar to Sarah M.
(BTW I went through a huge Riley Armstrong phase!)

Comment by Tricia on September 25th, 2007 @ 10:24 am

I shamefully saw that episode of Oprah, too, and he impressed me. Very professional and down-to-earth.

I edit tax & accounting-related law books, so yeah, I listen to music while I work, too. I have Sirius satellite, which is PERFECT.

Comment by Assertagirl on September 25th, 2007 @ 10:59 am

I wish I saw that Oprah, and I’m not suprised you got JT — BSB, anyone?

Anyhoo, I’m in the same boat, but on the mellow side, David Gray is awesome, Jack Johnson, and Corine Bailey Rae (think I spelled that wrong)… otherwise I’m just as lame.

And I have NEVER texted. how old fashioned is that.

Comment by Karen on September 25th, 2007 @ 12:38 pm

The new KT Tunstall album is really good (so is her last 1.)
The Foo Fighters’ latest was released today - haven’t heard it yet but it’s safe to say it will be a good one.
I looove Snow Patrol - especially their latest album.
Paolo Nutini is fun.
Stars “Set Yourself on Fire” is 1 of my favorites.
Amy Winehouse, Lilly Allen and Kate Nash are great.
Willie Nelson is always a winner :)

Comment by Hills on September 25th, 2007 @ 12:51 pm

Yeah, I have an appreciation for Timberlake as well. Plus, after seeing him in some interviews and on SNL, I think I really like him as a person too and not just his musical abilities.

I’ve liked Maroon 5’s latest album. If you want upbeat and fun stuff, they’re great. Pink’s fun for the road, as well as The Raconteurs, Panic at the Disco and Fall Out Boy. Christina Aguilera’s ‘Candyman’ is a fun song, I just got that single recently. But I also enjoy the White Stripes and lots of alternative rock stuff.

Comment by Jill - GlossyVeneer on September 25th, 2007 @ 1:48 pm

Corrine Bailey Rae
Jill Scott
Robin Thicke

I’ll be back with more as they come to my mind!

Comment by cndy on September 25th, 2007 @ 2:28 pm

U2 is my favorite! I also like JT. I recommend Regina Spektor - great for working music.

Comment by Keri on September 25th, 2007 @ 2:40 pm

Anna Nalick. My room mate introduced me to her music and I have seen her in concert twice. She’s amazing. Her songs are catchy, some are fast, some are slow, beautiful voice.

Maroon 5- SOOOO Goood!! And SOOOOO hott!!

Comment by Kendrah on September 25th, 2007 @ 2:41 pm

My husband and I have always been fans of Sarah McLauchlan…music we love similar to hers is: Feist (Let it Die, The Reminder), The Kings of Convenience, Rosie Thomas, Neko Case (Fox Confessor Brings the Flood), and Hem (Eveningland album-not so fond of the newer stuff). My favorite band of all time is Radiohead. I also love electronica and my other favorite band is The Thievery Corporation (The Mirror Conspiracy). Buddha Bar 7 is also great mood music. We love our ipod so I will also confess that we wholly enjoy podcasts. Our top three favorite free podcasts are: This American life (put out by NPR), Radiolab (WNYC)-both are weekly radioshows about an hour long that tell interesting stories. Last but not least we love to listen to our pastor preach to us if we miss a sermon-his name is Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hil Church in Seattle. His sermons are AWESOME (at least we think so….and they have helped change our lives for the better). All of these podcasts are available on itunes and will update your ipod automatically if you set it that way-if you have an ipod;).

Comment by Ruth on September 25th, 2007 @ 8:22 pm

These are awesome guys! I plan on working through the list as I’m working the next few days. Add more if you have them - I’m trying to convince Honey to let me use our Airmiles to get an IPOD :)


Comment by angella on September 26th, 2007 @ 8:36 am

I love iTunes for being able to download just one song instead of having to buy the whole album. Then I can my favorite songs from the artists I’m a closet fan of. I hope you enjoy finding fun music to work with!

Comment by Amanda Franks on September 26th, 2007 @ 11:22 am

Amos Lee, and ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING Casting Crowns they’re lyrics are soooooo convicting. Also Sara Groves can sing a pretty mean song.

Comment by christy on September 26th, 2007 @ 12:37 pm

Oh yeah… Matt Kearney, Jeremy Camp, james Blunt, John Mayer, Kutless, Norah Jones, Downhere, Maroon Five, Shawn MacDonald. All AMAZING!

Comment by christy on September 26th, 2007 @ 12:40 pm

CASTING CROWNS

They’re amazing!

Comment by Jen on September 26th, 2007 @ 1:12 pm

i have a JT magnet in my fridge…
jenny lewis is pretty awesome. and how about Stronger by Kanye West

Comment by Rebecca on September 26th, 2007 @ 3:48 pm

Imogen Heap, Jose Vanders, Megan Slankard, KT Tunstall, Emmy Rossum’s new album comes out on October 25th and the preview single sounds phenomenal!, Niko Case, Tegan & Sara…

Comment by Shareen on September 26th, 2007 @ 5:49 pm

[...] you all are well. I hope to get caught up on my blog-reading (and do more downloading; you guys rawk) this [...]

Comment by Dutch Blitz » I’m Not Just Any Slob. I’m A Sobbing Slob. on September 27th, 2007 @ 7:07 am

Go on with your sexy back self. I love me some JT too…ain’t no shame. I recommend Mat Kearney and Matt Redman. I am a big fan of Beck, Matt Pond PA…they are amazing…so fun and chill. Um, SnowPatrol, Eva Cassidy. That is all that is popping in my head right now.

Comment by Filtering Life on September 27th, 2007 @ 10:47 am

I went to my first ever concert last week and it was to see JT!

Comment by karen on September 27th, 2007 @ 10:09 pm