Nightsurf

This is beautiful filming and a genius idea!



It made me think of this song, one of my favorites.



Rem - Nightswimming

Animal by Neon Trees

This is a current favorite. Once it's in my head it's stuck there for a while:



A few months ago I was at Red Robbin with some friends when we overheard the waitress and the guy at the next table.

Waitress: "Have you ever heard of the band called Neon Trees?"

Guy: "Yes."

Waitress: "Has anyone told you you look exactly like the lead singer?"

Guy: "Um. That's me."

Of course, our whole table had to turn to see Tyler Glenn of Provo, Utah and Neon Trees.

King of Anything

Both this video and the song are one of my favorites:

Meiko

I few years ago I got to see Meiko in concert with Lenka, who I absolutely love. Both were really entertaining performers and the concert was a blast. Meiko has some great songs that are light and fresh. This is one of hers I really like.

This has been in my head lately....

Michael Buble

I love, LOVE Michael Buble. This behind the scenes video really shows his personality. It also has a montage of his music.



One of my favorite songs: Save The Last Dance For Me.

Michael Bubble - Save The Last Dance For Me

David Gray Concert

Last night I went with a couple friends, Ryan and Jason, to a David Gray concert in Salt Lake. Wow, was it fun! David Gray is a great artist with real musical talent. He wore his signature suit while he pounded away at the piano, strummed on his guitar and sang his heart out, all without breaking a sweat. I really like how his lyrics are so full of feeling and the instruments really add to the whole experience. It was nice because the venue, Kingsbury Hall, is really not that big and more intimate. We had great seats. Here are a couple of my favorites: This Year's Love and Babylon. If you aren't familiar with David Gray, I highly recommend you look him up and start listening!

West Side Story

When I was down in Texas a few weeks ago I got to see the musical West Side Story at the amazing Artisan Center Theater. The theater is "in the round" which means the stage is in the middle and the seats are all around. The action takes place on stage as well as next to and even behind the seats. With sections only four rows deep, it felt like we were in the thick of a gang fight.

I gained a whole new appreciation for West Side Story, in fact, I almost cried at the end. The performers were so talented and their voices were amazing. The set was great and the dancing was so well choreographed.

Jason Mraz

I've always loved Jason Mraz but lately I've been on a kick and can't get enough of his music. It's so light and catchy. I love the words to his songs, he fits so many in and talks so fast. It's funny because I once heard him doing an interview on the radio and he talks SO slow and sounds SO laid back when he's not singing. This video kind of gives you the idea, you should watch it! Also check out his site for some sweet music videos. I also recently discovered his blog which is a great; he's a talented writer. Just a warning, if you read the blogs, be prepared to skip a few posts, they aren't all totally clean, but most are ok. He's so entertaining and his music is awesome. Someday I'll see him in concert...

Simple Grace

My friend Burgundy is in a music group called Simple Grace. They sing religious songs and are really good! Simple Grace goes to girls camps, firesides, etc. sharing their message. There was recently an article about them in Deseret News. I love good, uplifting music -- check this group out!

Awesome Combo

Two great songs, "Love Story" by Taylor Swift and Grammy Award-winning "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay, are combined into an amazing piece by Jon Schmidt. You must check out the music video! I love both songs and what could be better than them combined into one?

Les Miserables

Although It's been a while, I've seen Les Mis three times and absolutely love it. I've been listening to the music lately and it has reminded me of what an amazing score and plot it has. I think I was only about twelve when my dad took me and my sister to see it for the first time in Salt Lake City. I remember getting all dressed up and feeling so grown up. From the moment the music started to the last number, I was enthralled by the story, actors and music. I still am.

The tale of Jean Valjean working to change and prove himself is intertwined with issues of justice, revenge, good and evil, and love. The story is a great commentary on human nature and society. The development of the wide range of characters tells an amazing story of life. The musical is so moving and is not only beautiful to listen to but to watch! The turning stage and lighting create some wonderful effects.

Someday I would really like to read the book. If you haven't done so, you must see Les Mis once in your life! At least listen to the wonderful music!

Vampire Weekend

One of my friends introduced me to this great band called Vampire Weekend. They are fresh and up beat. It would be way fun to see them in concert! But for now, this video of them on Letterman will have to suffice.

Called To Serve

You might have caught this great video between conference sessions. It's a music video style rendition of the hymn Called to Serve. I love it! On a related note, check out the blog my dad updates about my brother's mission.

Walk the Line

The other night I watched one of my favorite movies: Walk the Line. I like Johnny Cash's music and I love the movie portrayal of his life. Walk the Line is not just good entertainment, but it's a touching story of the importance of life and our relationships with others and doing good. It is also full of wonderful music and great scenes that depict the inspiration of some of Cash's songs. Joaquin Phoenix actually sang for this movie but the song below is Mr. Cash himself! If you haven't seen Walk the Line you're missing out!

I Walk The Line - Johnny Cash & the Tennessee Two

Lenka

A while ago I went to a Lenka concert in Salt Lake with my best friend. It was such a great concert! It was actually part of the Hotel Cafe Tour so there were quite a few other artists there. Some were great; others were....different. Anyway, Lenka is fairly new to the music scene and her music is catching on. One of her most popular songs, "The Show" is on the radio quite a bit. Lenka's vibrant personality and great stage presence made for a great concert. She interacted with the audience a lot and got a kick out of several fans on the front row that offered to hold her mic when it kept slipping. At one point she started to introduce "The Show" and two words into the explanation the crowd started shouting "The Show! The Show!" to which she asked "How do you know?!" She looked like she was having the time of her life as she danced, sang and played the piano while the audience sang along. If you haven't heard her music, check it out!

The Show - Lenka

Simon and Garfunkel

I have always liked Simon and Garfunkel's music. They both have beautiful voices and their songs are so fun and mostly upbeat. I just saw this article about their surprise reunion. Apparently, Paul Simon was having a concert in New York and totally surprised the audience and brought Art Garfunkel out part way through and they did some songs together. I think this is great! They are so infamous together that it only seems right. Here's a quote from the article:

But there was a buzz in the air, probably because yours truly spotted Garfunkel’s singer wife Kim in the audience. At least a couple of us knew what was going to happen: Garfunkel, flown up on a private plane from the middle of a Florida tour, took the stage to a thunderous ovation. I mean, people were screaming — even Paul McCartney.

You know you're big when even Paul McCartney screams for you!

Carole King

My dad is a huge Carole King fan. Lately I have been going back to my roots and listening to her music. Tunes like "I Feel The Earth Move," "Smackwater Jack," "You've Got A Friend" (this version has James Taylor too) and "Where You Lead" bring back memories of Dad's Thunderbird and cleaning the house on Saturdays. You'll probably recognize "Where You Lead" as the theme song of Gilmore Girls. My current favorites are "Up On the Roof," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" and "It's Too Late." Carole is a wonderful and talented artist with way too many good songs to mention here.