#66: Miike Snow [Silvia]

All the Sylvia's I've encountered tend to be "B" words. This is one Silvia I was not appalled by. Thanks Miike for the introduction.

Album: Miike Snow

Released: 2009

Label: Downtown Records/Republic Records

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#65 Belleruche [Northern Girls]

Crazy voice, predictable beats = happy. A nice way to wake up in the morning. He pressed 'play' and suggested ice cream for breakfast - what a huzz. Northern Girls are spoiled.

Album: Turntable Soul Music

Released: 2007

Label: Tru Thoughts

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#64: Ceu [Bubuia]

Ceu's music makes me feel like Salma Hayek from the movie "Fools Rush In". Bad movie, btw. I too will dice tomatoes and dance in the kitchen with my hair down. Comprende, Bubuia?!

Album: Vagarosa

Released: 2009

Label: Six Degrees

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#63: Quantic and His Combo Barbaro [Linda Morena]

What I would give to be in the hot days of summer on a catamaran. Blue waters, tropical breezes and glowing skin. Set adrift on a memory bliss, Linda Morena. Bask.

Album: Tradition in Transition

Released: 2009

Label: Tru Thoughts

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#62: Mieko [Piano Song]

Mieko has perfected adorable in the form of Piano Song. I heart the Myspace star, thanks to my homie Luke and his homemade video of his keiki at the grocery store.

Album: Mieko

Released: 2008

Label: Myspace/Interscope Records

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#61: Lenka [Dangerous and Sweet]

Powell's Sweet Shoppe is the devil! Fudge, gelato, lollies - oh my - what am I to do? I dedicate Dangerous and Sweet to you, Powell's Sweet Shoppe because that's just what you are.

Album: Lenka

Released: 2008

Label: Epic

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#60: Mandy Moore [Can We Still be Friends]

I love, sigh, Mandy Moore. I'm not one for remixes, but I am one for covers. Who knew Mandy would do Todd Rundgren's Can We Still be Friends well? I didn't lose faith - pinky swear.

Album: Coverage

Released: 2008

Label: Epic

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#59: Mayer Hawthorne [Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin']

Sisters don't commend their brothers often. (Sorry.) So in this case, hats off to Stef for the Mayer reference. Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin' is a staple.

Album: A Strange Arrangement

Released: 2009

Label: Stones Throw

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#58: Music Go Music [Warm in the Shadows]

ABBA laced with guilty pleasure = Mini Cooper. The sportR in white pepper would be an amazing after wedding gift, yes? Okay - Warm in the Shadows, it is.

Album: Expressions

Released: 2009

Label: Secretly Canadian Records

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#57: MGMT [Electric Feel]

Tonight will be a good night... heck, this weekend will be good! There's a lot of good going on here... it must be the Electric Feel! Big grin, eyes crossed - so excited!

Album: Oracular Spectacular

Released: 2008

Label: Red Ink/Columbia

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#56: Teddy Pendergrass [Love TKO]

Sad news of Teddy's death was released yesterday. Only 59 years old, he left us too soon. Throughout his career he came out with great music - Love TKO being one of them.

Album: Greatest Hits Love TKO

Released: 2004

Label: Hypnotic Records

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#55: Spoon [I Turn My Camera On]

My brother Erik put on the best magic shows when we were kids. I wish he'd put on another show, his intro song is cue'd, I Turn My Camera On.

Album: Gimme Fiction

Released: 2005

Label: Merge Records

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#54: Fashwan [Stars]

Dylan the bike boy is my new bff. He had his IPod rather than 99.7 playing. Phew. He said, "Sshh the boss don't know - it's Fashawn." There at a Lafayette bike store (of all places) I met Stars.

Album: Boy Meets World.

Released: 2009

Label: One Records

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#53: Passion Pit [Folds in Your Hands]

Will someone send a memo to Virgin America and tell them to get on making individual jet-packs?! Also tell 'em, I've already picked out their music for the marketing - Folds in Your Hands.

Album: Manners

Released: 2009

Label: Columbia

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#52: The Bird and The Bee [How Deep is Your Love]

For a late night drive, I speed at 35mph with the windows down, heat up. A slow-drive with a side of song re-invention is the best - like How Deep is Your Love.

Album: Please Clap Your Hands

Released: 2007

Label: Bluenote

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#51: Little Dragon [Constant Surprises]

The Clift in San Francisco was heavily inspired by Alice in Wonderland. They play 'ish like this in their elevator. If only falls down rabbit holes had (not so scary) Constant Surprises.

Album: Little Dragon

Released: 2009

Label: Peacefrog

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#50: Kissey Asplund [Caos]

With bad-ass lipstick and crazy amounts of super soul, I have a new hero: Kissey Asplund. I must've been snoozing for awhile cause she passed me by. Caos is a nice way to wake up.

Album: Plethora

Released: 2008

Label: R2

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#49: Conya Doss [Find A Way]

When my day is not in order, meaning not going my way. Tsk. I will blast some angry woman song to commiserate. But, I'm mellow now, so instead I Find a Way.

Album: Love Rain Down

Released: 2006

Label: Uniquebeat Entertainment

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#48: Mr. J. Medeiros [Love is All]

Lets sit in the car, check the night sky view and talk about life, travel and Love is All. Those eves in Waimea are missed. Mr. J. Medeiros would have been a companion then.

Album: The Art of Broken Glass

Released: 2009

Label: De Medeiros

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#47: Greyboy [Bath Music]

I don't like being underwater, but recent research has sparked a fascination with submarines. Couped up in a sub is a recipe for hysteria but with pears and Bath Music, I could survive for 58 minutes.

Album: Mastered the Art

Released: 2001

Label: Ubiquity Records

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#46: Jem [It's Amazing]

I have to organize my headbands, they're going awry. I own 42 of 'em - is this of excess? Jem inspired my need for hair stuffs. It's Amazing will replay(x21) while I heed this task.

Album: Down to Earth

Released: 2008

Label: ATO Records/Red

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#45: Bonobo [Days to Come]

At the park with a journal and a harmonica. Both conductors for poetic thoughts. "Tickle the belly of the rays, embrace..." Walk in the Sky is a smart one, everybody meet cumulus.

Album: Days to Come

Released: 2006

Label: ninja Tune

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#44: Sia [Sunday]

Sunday is our day. More days should be like Sunday. No structure or reason, just captured moments. Bliss. Please rewind the day.

Album: Colour the Small One

Released: 2006

Label: CAT

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#43: Nightmares On Wax [Survival]

Some occassions call for good wine. This... would be one of those moments. A glass of Pinot, please? Our Survival is necessary.

Album: Carboot Soul

Released: 1999

Label: Warp Records

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#42: Foals [Olympic Airways]

I've been bitten by the travel bug. No anti-itch ointment necessary. Pack the Samsonite, Pat! Wisk me away ASAP on Olympic Airways.

Album: Antidotes

Released: 2008

Label: Sub Pop Records

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Look kids!

I know you're reading this 'ish. I see my little ticker increase in visits. I can't see you... but I know you're there. So damnit, leave a comment... become a follower, whatever. Tell me what other artists I should be babbling about. Tell me about an encounter we had over a song. Don't be afraid. No judgements will be passed. My dog says, hi, by the way.

P.S. Thank you Patricia for your support.

#41: Ryan Leslie [You're Fly]

Oh, are you speaking to me? Why, thank you. Weak in the knees, yes'sir. Tell me again... You're Fly. Will someone please play Ryan Leslie at the club?! Damn.

Album: Ryan Leslie

Released: 2009

Label: Casablanca Records

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#40: Peven Everett [One More Time]

Just roll me up in a blanket like a baby and coddle me 24/7, please. I find myself to be slightly giddy. One more time? I don't mind. Smile.

Album: Studio Confessions

Released: 2003

Label: ABB Records

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#39: Aloe Blacc [Are You Ready]

I hardly claim to have favorites. Okay, that's a lie, I do tend to favor. Who am I tending to nowadays? Nathaniel aka Aloe Blacc asks Are You Ready and I reply, "Of course".

Album: Shine Through

Released: 2006

Label: Stones Throw Records

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#38: Regina Spektor [On the Radio]

On the Radio is my karaoke choice. I practice this tune in the car on the way to the dog park. By the twitch of the dog's ear, I would have to guess she likes it. Good girl!

Album: Begin to Hope

Released: 2006

Label: Sire

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#37: Lisa Shaw [Grown Apart]

If breaking up is easy, this is your moving on anthem. Grown Apart tells it like it is with little regard for your dumpee's feelings. Lisa sings it so kindly though, you (almost) feel okay about the ordeal.

Album: Cherry

Release: 2005

Label: Naked Music

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#36: Rodrigo Y Gabriela [Diablo Rojo]

Run with the crazy! Take the damn tequila shot! Hustle! A favorite tee of my dad's "Look Busy, Jesus is coming." Just that - done and done. Diablo Rojo is red-quick.

Album: Rodrigo Y Gabriela

Released: 2006

Label: BMG/ATO/Red Ink

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#35: Fat Freddy's Drop [Flashback]

Today is Jessica's birthday! Yay! An ode to my jah loving sister. Flashback is for you. May your days be joyful and fruitful. Your friendship is appreciated.

Album: Based on a True Story

Released: 2005

Label: Kartel

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#34: Koop [Koop Island Blues]

Everything I adore materially is French. To live in Marseilles and own a scooter is ideal. In the meantime I'll have a double order of Koop Island Blues.

Album: Koop Islands

Released: 2007

Label: Atlantic Records

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#33: M83 [Run into Flowers]

I envision tulips blooming in the snow! Is that possible? M83's Run into Flowers says it is. So therefore it has to be truth.

Album: Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts

Released: 2003

Label: Mute Records

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#32: Kelis [Goodbyes]

Kelis, I know you're busy with baby, divorcing Nas, etc. but that's not enough reason for you to be hiding. Can you make more music, please? Goodbyes is gorge.

Album: Kelis Was Here

Released: 2006

Label: Laface Records

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#31: Asobi Seksu [Me & Mary]

Her bangs are part psycho, part 60's therefore I like her. Asobi Seksu's freakishly fanciful tune, Me & Mary is my favorite.

Album: Hush

Released: 2009

Label: Polyvinyl Record Company

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Time's not wasting away!

Eek - I'm busy these days! What the heck? Between this and that, I've been neglecting my blog! I hate it. So in an attempt to keep up with life, my dog, Pat and my blog - all blog posts will no longer be a story but a snippet/blurb. I've battled this one as I love the stories involved with each song, but oh well! Here goes.

#30: She & Him [Sweet Darlin']

My favorite season is Autumn. All that Autumn entails is nothing short of attractive - the falling leaves, the seasonal items appearing, the families gathering, the sport of cuddling. With such warm and fuzzy feelings brewing why not listen to something equally sweet? My lady-lover, Zooey croons her way into your heart with Sweet Darlin'. Croon away Zooey, the cold weather that accompanies such Autumn perfection can only be warmed by your song. Volume One (released in 2008 on the Merge Records label) brings the summer all year long no matter where you are.

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#29: Coconut Records [Minding My Own Business]

Jason Schwartzman and I are in an intense relationship. He serenades me to sleep with his synthesizer. I awake him with the smell of blueberry pancakes. Every Sunday we go to flea markets searching relentlessly for toys of nostalgia. On Wednesdays we ride our beach cruisers to La Bamba's for their Burrito Especiale. While of course none of this rings true, a girl can't help but imagine. Minding My Own Business is easy and cheesy. Which reminds me, Pat ran out of cheese whiz. Why does he love that stuff? Nighttiming (released in 2007 on the Young Baby Records label) has become a staple in my home for clean-up, get ready and visitor time(s). On second thought I am in an intense relationship with Jason - he just comes in the form of my nerdy Pat.

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#28: Mum [We Have a Map of the Piano]

My cousin, a talented ballerina was practicing for her Juliard audition. Hours were spent perfecting the tedious dance routine. She would speak of brise, eleve and arabesque - ballet positions. All of this was a foreign language to me, but what spoke volumes was her audition song, We Have a Map of the Piano. It was modern, almost technical and had such an eclectic feel for her dance piece. She had poise and grace, I knew her dance routine coupled with this song would ensure her place at Juliard. Did she make it? Yes, she did. As a celebratory piece and a "thank you" for the support, she sent me the album, Finally We are No One (released in 2002 on the Fat Cat Records label). I still get goosebumps like the first time I saw her dance, every time I put this record on.

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#27: The Blow [Parentheses]

"Stop pointing!" Every now and then, I'll hear her voice in my head. "Danielle, stop pointing - it's rude!" (Yes, Mom.) My right index finger has a mind of its own. Maybe hidden in my nail bed a magnet lives and is drawn to fashion faux paus, disgusting groping, and/or weird hairstyles. I don't know, to this day I still point. I don't do it as much as I did when I was between the ages of 18 - 22 but it's an old habit and as they say, old habits die hard. Parentheses slowly cues in when the urge to point happens. When the point actually occurs, the chorus starts yelling! "If something in the deli aisle makes you cry, Of course, I'll put my arm around you, and I'll walk you outside." That's a hint, Danielle, you should walk away when you feel the urge to point/mach someone. "It's bad karma." (Thanks Gloria, I know.) Paper Television (released in 2006 on the K Records label) makes for interesting TV watching and NON finger pointing.

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#26: Joy Denalane [One in a Million]

Prom was never a big deal to me. The fuss and work to get ready for that night was less than appealing. Weirdly though, what was appealing to me about prom, was what my fellow classmates were going to choose as our song. (Schools in the states have themes, while the schools in Hawaii have a song represent as a theme, so to speak.) Song title was everything, "Forever Be Mine", "Could You Be Loved", "On Bended Knee". All songs that I remember being printed on various prom photos traded between giggling girls and boastful boys. Fitting right in with decent song titles (definitely better than On Bended Knee - I love Boys II Men, don't get me wrong - that song title just sucks to be printed at the foot of my prom picture) is One in a Million. Not only is the song's name worthy of being a prom theme but the track itself is soulful. Born & Raised (released in 2006 on the Four Music label) needs some recognition. Tell your sister who's the prom chairperson to suggest this to the committee. Prom = Danielle barfing.

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#25: Georgia Anne Muldrow [Lo Mein]

She wore a faux hawk, strands of chunky pearls, v-neck t-shirts tucked into high waisted skirts and the most perfect of platform heels. Her flawless style that is completely on trend now, was on point two years ago. I'm pretty sure she wasn't Euro either. This lovely lady was ahead of the style game. (Fantab.) Recently, she was featured in a night-life magazine. Come to find out she's an aspiring singer. She goes by the name, Georgia. This local Georgia reminded me of another Georgia I admired. Georgia Anne Muldrow. Often referred to as beyond her musical time, Worthnothings (released in 2006 on the Stonesthrow Records label) is nothing short of experimental interest. Lo Mein is so beyond the radar it had me naming my future daughter Georgia... NOT! Not as in I'm never having kids. Ew. Though I must thank local Georgia and not so local Georgia for being you(s).

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#24: Jamie Lidell [Figured Me Out]

I have found yet another geeky item to add to my stash. This geeky piece comes in the form of a 5 o'clock shadow rockin', cig smoking guy. Jamie Lidell, be his name. Bonus: he wears glasses. Another bonus: he reminds me of Jamiroquai. I have an affinity for collections and lists and lucky for Jamie, Figured Me Out has made it onto both. Who does he think he is? Some funky, soulful guy that makes Danielle want to boogie?! Yes, I said boogie. The last time I got my "boogie" on was at Asia SF on their basement of a dance floor. Perhaps a visit with the prettiest boys in the world is in order sometime soon? Ella, you down?! Clearly Jamie and his album, Jim (released in 2005 on the Warp Records label) have struck a chord.

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#23: Annie [I Don't Like Your Band]

When not doing anything I ponder silly 'what ifs'. "What if I could bowl a perfect 300?" "What if I had my own show on the Food Network?" "What if I met Johnny Depp, what would I say?" "What if I had eleven toes total rather than ten?" And most recently because of a re-run of Kirsten Dunst's "Bring It On" on TV, my wonder of, "What if I was a cheerleader coach?" came up. I'm loud (not all the time, Dad!), completely enthusiastic and when passionate about something can often become completely (borderline overly) spirited! Maybe this is a new career calling? Hhmm. First thing, I'd have choreographed routines to sassy (not that kind of sassy), upbeat (but not too poppy), lyrically interesting tracks. Case in point, Annie's, Don't Stop (released in 2009 on the Smalltown 12 label) is jam packed with, "Our team is way better, we're going to kick your ass!" cheerleader anthems. Minus some tracks for being quasi-racy but perfect for Homecoming Season is, I Don't Like Your Band. See? The team spirit has already kicked off!

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#22: Janelle Monae [Smile]

A vacation home in South Carolina by 2030 would be ideal. Sycamores draped in moss, wrap around porches and over-stuffed chairs is how I see spending summers in my later years. My imaginary best friend Janelle Monae, originally a Kansas resident would visit monthly and we'd have the best conversation over mint tea and biscuits. She would share stories of her musical career as the doe eyed girl in some of Outkast's videos. She'd even shed some light on her choice to sign with Diddy. Who knew?! I knew! Janelle and her robotically harmonious track, Smile makes me do just that - smile. Metropolis: The Chase Suite (released in 2008 on the Bad Boy Records label) is that of an acquired taste that I don't mind. Yum for the ear! Come visit me in the South sometime.

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#21: Oddisee [Such is Life]

Thursday nights in Honolulu used to be a no-fail situation. The times of Baci, Sansei and The Wave. The times that I was out with my homie/bff/sister, Trish. Sigh. Gone are the nights we tipped the bartenders overly well (cause we knew 'em all). Gone are the nights we wore loafers rather than hooker heels because we thought hooker heels were just that - hooker heels. But not gone from those nights for Trish and I is our search of music. When I first heard Oddisee in 2006, I wondered "Damn, where have I been?" He took me back to those Thursday nights. Those nights listening to boys battle in the parking lot, those nights at Eggs and Things where the phrase, "Bitch, where's my money?!" was not uncommon. Dirty, gritty times but brutally honest for both Trish and I. Fitting enough my track of choice off his album, Foot in the Door (released in 2005 on the Halftooth Records label) is Such is Life.

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#20: Vampire Weekend [Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa]

I own a t-shirt that reads, "I heart nerdy boys". It's true, I do. Not too long ago I said "Indeed" to my nerdy love, Pat. Underneath a blue November sky and watched by 45 pairs of eyes we became Mr. and Mrs. He fulfilled my dreams of spending the rest of my life with a dork (not a whale's penis, thank you very much). Our wedding theme revolved around the mere fact that we can't see well and wear black framed glasses day in and day out. We gave eyeglasses as favors. Pause. Other nerdy things I heart: suspenders, library books, messenger bags, Star Wars fan clubs, Michael Cera and of course Vampire Weekend. A truly nerdy delight from beginning to end these boys reek of pb&j. Especially Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa. They might drop an F bomb here and there on their album, Vampire Weekend (released in 2008 on the XL Recordings label) but it's really a ploy to make you think they're slightly "tougher" than originally perceived.

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#19: Cassie [Miss Your Touch]

Here's one of those songs that I'm embarrassed to admit I enjoy. Let alone own. Yes, I did buy the critically slammed album, Cassie (released in 2006 on the Bad Boy Records label). I bought it for that guilty ridden, sexy song that I get completely excited about hearing in the club, Me & U. Ugh! So bad. Surprisingly I liked the whole album. I frown when people would talk crap about Cassie. "She's sleeping with Diddy." "Too bad she can't sing as well as she looks." "She got the deal cause of blah blah blah." I would frown but not having much to stand on other than, "I like her album.", I'd keep my mouth shut. Free of judegement in my car or my livingroom I'd bump my favorite, Miss Your Touch really hard! HA!

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#18: Florence + The Machine [Cosmic Love]

I awoke at 2:32am to rain the other night. Not an odd finding as the weatherman did say it was going to rain lightly in the early morning. I readjusted in bed, sighed lightly, touched Pat's face and went back to sleep. The dream to ensue shortly (or what seemed shortly) after was that of beautiful umbrellas and song. Florence + The Machine's entire album, Lungs (released in 2009 on the Universal Records label) played softly in the background. Tons of umbrellas rich in color, texture and design were falling gracefully to the Earth. The girl next to me (with a blurred face of course) pleaded for me to catch the falling umbrellas. She said, "Cradle them before they hit the ground... save more." She hummed, Cosmic Love the entire time. I awoke to the doggie's heavy breathing and Pat getting ready for work. I want a new umbrella.

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#17: Ladyhawke [Magic]

This time a year ago I was living on a sheep farm in New Zealand. They were of Merino and Sussex. They each had names and of course like dogs responded when called. My mornings (EVERY morning) would play something like this (give or take a few details): Stagger out of bed, blindly pee into the boar water toilet (sounds much worse than it is), shiver - bbbbbrrrrr (it's always cold in a farm house even in the dead of summer), change into my workout clothes and head outside for either a jog/walk/bike around the 5 acres of farm with my IPod in hand. Spike, the most friendly-dog like of all the sheep would run up, "bbbbaaaahhhh" and rub his wooly head against my knee in hopes of a scratch and piece of toast. This one particular morning though, he nibbled my IPod and managed to press, "play". Mmm, yummy IPod (tastes nothing like an apple). What should play? None other than Magic off of Aussie's Ladyhawke self-titled album, Ladyhawke (released in 2008 on the Decca label). A wipe of the IPod, a pat on Spike's head and a jogging I went.

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