Want more Coheed and Cambria? You got it!

OMG!

How do they do it? How can Coheed and Cambria continue to amaze me?

So I had Ms. Amy from Young Adult go on a mad hunt for the Coheed and Cambria graphic novels and while she hasn't found them yet (don't worry, we're still looking!), she managed to discover the sheet music for their fourth album, "No World for Tomorrow". Brilliant! This is why it's good to have a librarian for a friend. They can find anything, even the weird stuff. I practically skipped to the hold shelf to pick up my copy. Wait, that's not all. I know all of you musicians out there are wondering what could be better then that, but let me tell you! Apparently, Guitar Hero even has one of their songs as a game option. Even the musically untalented (like myself) can tear it up Coheed style. Who knew? I am so stoked!

Okay, I know I am more then reasonably excited about these developments, but seriously, Coheed and Cambria rocks my socks. This may be the highlight of my week.

Want your socks rocked? Check them out!

Beyonce "Knowles" the single ladies

All the single ladies, all the single ladies...

I have to do it. There's no way to avoid it. I have to feature Beyonce's track, "Single Ladies", which you can hear on our MySpace page. I know that I usually display music that is complicated or underground, but sometimes the song that needs to be added to the rotation is the simple stuff, the stuff you dance to. I fell in love with Chris Brown because of one single line in one single song ("Look what I can do with my feet") and sometimes that's what music should be; randomness.

However this week's song is not completely random. I was inspired by three specific things. The first was an awesome GNO with my two cousins who are twelve and thirteen that have thankfully filled me in on a ton of Jonas Brothers/Miley Cyrus drama. These single ladies dig this tune. The second reason why this song is this weeks must play is honor of my niece, Phoebe, who turns one today. I kid you not, every time the song comes on, she starts shakin' it. Just imagine a baby doing a serious head nod to the beat while she gansta leans in her car seat. She even brings out the sideways thug point with her hand. It is HI-larious! But most importantly this song is getting its props as we approach the mother of all unreasonably, ridiculous romantic holidays. I don't know why New Years has turned into a couples holiday. Everyone has to change the calendar whether they have someone when the ball drops or not. Beyonce's okay with the singles, so why isn't Rockin' Eve?

So let's hear it for the single ladies (and guys) who know their worth no matter what. The people who are funny, thoughtful and good friends. The people who know how to ring the new year in style. Let's face it, if you are reading this blog on a regular basis, then clearly you have fabulous taste.

And if you like it, then you should put a ring on it. Or at least put us in your favorites.

Don't bury Charlie Bone!

Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

The other day and I saw the Twilight movie, again, and had my first viewing of the newest Harry Potter movie that will be released next year. (The trailer looks fantastic, by the way. Check out our MySpace page to get a sneak peak) Every time I see Harry Potter, I feel a little bit sorry for this fantastic series that got lost in the shuffle; Charlie Bone. Don't get me wrong, I love the Potter books probably more then is healthy. I was the person who waited in line at midnight to get the books on the day they were released, I still go to the midnight showings of the movies, and it is more then possible (cough) that I had my sister buy me a time turner for Christmas a few years ago. But in the mystical magic that is the Harry Potter phenomenon, Nimmo's fabulous series of books got overlooked.

Similar to Harry, Charlie is a boy who mysteriously discovers his magical powers and is sent off to a school for gifted students. Aside from them both having a father who died under questionable circumstances, this is where the similarities end. Charlie's gift is that he can communicate with people through photos. I used to think that if I had a supernatural power I would want it to be time travel or mind reading, but after the Bone books, I'm starting to rethink the photo thing isn't a bad gig.

Looking for something to listen to while your doing the dishes? This series also comes in audio book form. So for those of you who loved Harry Potter and are looking to fill the void now that the last book has been published, check out the Charlie Bone series. It's worth digging up.

Tugging String

A tugging string : a novel about growing up during the Civil Rights era by David Greenberg

I LOVE this book!

One of the more ingenious historical fiction books in a long time, David R. Greenberg presents a memorable story about growing up in the Civil Rights era. Not only does he tell a powerful story of twelve-year old Duvy, which in and of itself is a fantastic tale, but it's the presentation of historical information that really makes this book a gem. This is historical fiction re-invented. Instead of bombarding you with facts in the story, Greenberg uses footnotes to fill you in what was happening in the 1960’s. It's almost as if he's assuming he has a smart audience and uses the footnotes to fill in the gaps rather then trying to stuff a decade into the plot. Not everyone needs to have history spelled out for them, and Greenburg seems to respect that. Being able to choose when you want to be taken away from the story for a history lesson really makes the read enjoyable. Another bonus feature to this book is that he also includes numerous real life photographs from the time period.

Own Robert Pattinson

Can't get enough Twilight? Coming in spring of 2009, look forward to the launch of the Twilight Dolls!

Seriously, these dolls look a little weird, but somehow I know I'll be one of the first to buy them. I always thought I could use an Edward Cullen figure in my life, and apparently all I need is to fork up the cash to get him. I find it more then a little interesting that Edward's doll looks so much like Robert Pattinson, while the Bella doll is not really a match for Kristen Stewart. Really though, how obsessed with this series am I that I notice?

I want to give a little shout out to the people who leaked this fantastic information, my favorite blog, http://www.readergirlz.blogspot.com/.

It's not to late to see what the buzz is about! Request your copy of Twilight today!

Concert karma holiday style

'Tis the season for bragging rights.

By the mother of all things random, I have excellent concert karma. About three years ago, my friend and I went to Akron to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra. After a fabulous show, my friend and I waited in line for over an hour to have them sign our programs. In fact we were the very last people to go through the line. As we left, they started wrapping things up, and we heard the creator, Paul O'Neill, mention that they were going to head over to this restaurant across the street. My friend, an Akron native, turned to him and said, "I'm sorry to bother you, Mr. O'Neill, but I have to tell you, that restaurant is terrible. You'd be better off going to the grill around the corner". To make a long story short, this is how I chilled with TSO.

We became their pseudo tour guides for the night, and after four of the best hours of my life, we exchanged email addresses and contact information. I would have thought that would have been the end, but still to this day every time they come to the Cleveland/Akron area, someone gets in touch with us. I email back and forth with their light guy all the time. They treat me and my friend like more then just crazed fans. In fact, Paul O'Neill sent me a congratulations card when my niece was born last December. Oh yeah, and he has given my friends son a hundred bucks each Christmas since. So in appreciation to the coolest group of rockers that like to get down holiday style, the song of the week is "Wish Liszt" by TSO. Check out our MySpace page and see the awesome video of a Christmas light display featuring this amazing song.

Want to rock out this Christmas? Request a copy of their CD!

Happy Holidays!

K-Rock, what are you thinking?

I don't know if anyone has checked out K-Rock 92.3 lately, but there have been some serious changes. In protest to the excessive amount of talk radio that has been added to their competition, they have eliminated all of their DJ's, with the exception of their morning show. That's right, no more Mighty Eight at Eight, no more Rachel Steele, no more Verlane. Just music and the occasional commercial. On principal this is not a bad idea. FM stations should be about the music. However, a little talk is not a bad thing. It heightens the overall music experience. I like to know when a new album is being released, what the inspiration for the song was and which bassist is leaving which band. Also, because they have more time to fill, the station has expanded their play list. Again, not a bad idea, but the day you turn on an alternative radio station and the Counting Crows comes on, that's the day you invest in an iPod. Seriously, K-Rock, what's the deal? Music fans, tell me, do you agree? If you don't maybe you can explain their reasoning to me. Either way, I'd love to know.

Forget being in the know, be ahead of it

As you may or may not know, I like to keep my ear to the pulse of the underground music movement in Cleveland. Back in the day, I used to hit up the old Peabody's downtown to see Mushroomhead. This was back before they got "discovered" and were ruined by great reviews and conformity. This was also a time when mosh pits were a response to music, not a desire to get your face elbowed. Sigh...enough of my trip down musical memory lane. I still like to know what's hot before everyone else does. I like saying to people, "Oh yeah, I've been listening to them for years." I'm a little bit of a snob that way. On that note, let me introduce you to a stellar progressive rock band, Ruled by Reason.

This band is so new to the scene that their songs don't have names only numbers. They haven't gone to the recoding studio yet. It's worth a listen, though. I found out about this group because I work with Chris Glavac, the bassist. He is unbelievably cool, and then when we started talking music I realized he had fab taste. Seriously, check out their MySpace page and look at their friend list. The list of bands is amazing. And this band is amazing. If they don't blow up the prog rock scene, there is be no justice in the world. I do want to give you a heads up that this band is not for the faint of heart. It is intense, heavy, deliciously beautiful metal. Those brave pop rock listeners what are looking to push the envelope are in for a shocking, unexpected treat. Check out our MySpace page and you'll see what all my hype is about.

Sleigh Ride with Relient K

Love the holiday's but getting a little tired of the same old seasonal cliches? Seriously, how many times can we hear Mariah Carey sing "All I Want for Christmas is You"? If you're like me and want a fresh sound to the holiday's, then check out this hilarious video by Relient K of a classic holiday tune, "Sleigh Ride". You can either follow the link above or check it out on our MySpace page. The intro is a little long, but when you get to the part where snowmen start spitting out giant sized snowballs, it's totally worth it! Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like giant sized snowballs!

Under the Rug

It’s pretty rug but still it’s a rug. And fairly dusty for that matter.
Oh yeah. Let’s get everyone on the same page.
Other vampire series lost in the Twilight shuffle.
Yes, they do exist! Like most books some are good some are bad. Some just are. You can sort through the plot lines and writing styles to find ones that you like. Note: not all of these are romances. But they would all be shelved in the YA room if there wasn’t a waiting list…..

(Vampire Kitty Says "READ")

Book Series
Vampire kisses By Ellen Schreiber
Peeps By Scott Westerfeld
Blue Bloods By Melissa De LA Cruz
Vampire academy By Rachel Mead
Chronicles of Vladimir Todd By Heather Brewer
Morganville Vampire series By Rachel Caine
House of Night By PC Cast
Bloodline by Kate Cary
Atwater-Rhodes series.
Cirque De freak By Darren Shan
Vampirates by Justin Somper

Graphic Novel/ Comic book style
Trinity Blood By Sunao Yoshida
Chibi Vampire By Yuna Kagesaki
Vampire Knight By Matsuri Hino
Vampire kisses By Ellen Schreiber (No, I didn’t make a mistake. It comes in both formats. Each one gets a different sub title though.)

Twilight + Robert Pattison = Heaven

On Monday I went and saw the Twilight movie. OMG. That's all I can say. Any one who has read the books can tell you that Stephenie Meyer is a supernatural master. I don't know a single person who has read them and been disappointed. But that is always the downfall of a great book; you run the risk of the movie being a bust. This movie was a bust alright. It busted through any worry I had and wowed me beyond belief. Not only was Robert Pattison hot, hot, hot, (come on ladies, that was a given!) but this film was intense. Even though I knew what was coming, I gasped, cringed, and wanted to become immortal. I don't care that the characters didn't look like how I imagined. I hardly noticed because I was so sucked in, pardon the pun. And don't even get me started on the music. Paramore, Linkin Park, and whatever the name is of Robert Pattison's band as background music is a guaranteed off the charts listening experience. You have to see it. It should be a law. This movie proves that there is still a place for a low budget film. All you need is a hot leading man, a stellar soundtrack, and a killer story.

On a little side note, Edward in the light is amazing. Bella is so lucky.

I'm loving it!

Have you heard the latest song by Kanye West, "Love Lockdown"? It is amazing! For the life of me, I don't know exactly what it is about this song that I'm addicted to. Unlike most of the music I like, this song isn't too complicated, it isn't too wordy, and it's slightly repetitive. Despite myself, I keep hitting the repeat button over and over again on my CD player. When I first heard it on the radio, I couldn't get to iTunes fast enough. I'm a little surprised by my reaction. As an individual Kanye is so self-centered that he makes my blood boil. I hate to admit it but his music is sheer genius. I can't get enough. Normally when I have an ear worm (those songs that get stuck in your head) I get really annoyed. This tune has been floating around like my own personal soundtrack, and let me say, I'm digging it. I've even caught myself strolling through the library to the mental pulsing beat. Check it out on our MySpace page and get back to me. I need to know if I'm the only Kanye West fan locked down out there.