Je Garderai Chanter Votre Mélodie Douce

Ever written a love song to the house you grew up in? Koji On The Roof has.

I heard about Koji On The Roof from my friend, Jocelyn, who hosted a benefit concert at our school for Invisible Children featuring Koji and Suburu Stallions (another post;) It was so awesome. It was a Wednesday, slightly awkward night for a show in the dining commons, but it was sweetly suprisingly wonderful. Jocelyn knows Koji (whose full name is Andrew Koji Shiraki) personally. That may not seem like a big deal, but it is to me.

I have always secretly wanted to have lots of friends who happened to be musicians. Hannah Jordan wants musician friends. Anyone play anything? I've got a friend for you right here. I want to absorb your creative juices just by being in your presence, if that is at all possible. Doubt it. Oh well.

If you like any of the following artists, you should really check out Koji: John Mayer, Iron & Wine, Joshua Radin, Greg Laswell, Brett Dennen, The Plain White T's, Jeffrey Foucault, Elliot Smith, Nick Drake, Sufjan Stevens, Ray LaMontagne, Backseat Goodbye, The Rocket Summer, and probably many more.He's a great musician who's a pretty good guy.

This is the last song he performed, the one about his house. It's awesome. To me, it sounds like a morning song. Very beautiful and very light. Recommended with Tazo Earl Grey because that cup and this song make a lovely, harmonious marriage at 7:30 in the am. Try it.


You like? Go to http://purevolume.com/kojiontheroof/ to listen to the studio version of this track. While you're at it, pick up three free mp3 downloads including a Wilco cover =) Koji is acoustic mango, in case you couldn't tell that already.

Title: "I Will Keep Singing Your Sweet Melody" in French
In My Head: "Can't Stop" by Leeland (totally high off of Jesus right now. Heck yes!)

Tourner La Page, Faire attention à Votre Vocation

It is really sad. I have been on a spiritual, fairytale, Cloud 9 high for the past few weeks, but it is starting to fade. I think it has a lot to do with mid-terms in the near future and becoming self-aware of what I want to change in myself.

Yesterday, I went on my daily walk after class, and Kris Delmhorst's "To The Wire" came on. It was a great day after all of the anxiety of my psych paper melted into music notes containing Joshua Radin, Leona Lewis and Ms. Delmhorst. I didn't realize how much of that song seeped into my blood. I know what I don't like about myself, those little pieces of shyness left over from middle school; my quiet years. The track is so bittersweet because it's good to be reminded that I am stil the girl from way back when, but I am wiser now. I'm not trying to say I'm wise; What I mean is is that I am starting to settle into my own skin after many years of restlessness and doubt. Those whispering fears have definitely toned down, but have not completely faded. I am waiting to hit the bullseye of self-actualization...

Yes, all of these thoughts came from hearing "To The Wire" a mere three plays yesterday afternoon. I could keep flowing my stream of conciousness, but I still want to own your attention for a little while.

Kris Delmhorst knows what you need to say to yourself before you do. She's that good. Her music lets you know how you are doing, how you are feeling, and how to get better when you feel like you can't make that last top step. You feel like an idiot because her lyrics tell you what you need to hear, but deep down, you knew those words, too. That's what she does for me.

This track is so good, that you are going to have to hunt down this song. All I can find after an hour of searching are the 30-second preview clips of this song. First person to find the whole version of this song wins!! Email me if you find it, so I can post it =)

Title: "Turn The Page, Heed Your Calling" in French
In My Head: "Can't Stop" by Leeland

Mujer de Sr. Gibbard

My friend, Rachel, just introduced me to the female counterpart of Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie, The Postal Service).I'm serious! She told me to listen to listen to this. If you don't believe me, then you need to watch this, even more so. Crazy.

I told you, right? I'm impressed. Yup, they're getting married.
This is Rilo Kiley, also known as one of Rachel's favorite bands in the whole wide world.

One of the guys of RK is in The Postal Service. Funny.

Good stuff...

YouTube found this video for me. I'm crying right now due to laughter. Hilarious, my friend. But then again, you know it doesn't take much to make me laugh. Very funny. That's better.

Watermelon Bubblicious for the eyes and ears, I'm telling you is what "Breakin' Up" tastes like.

Title: "Mr. Gibbard's Wife" in Spanish
In My Head: "To The Wire" by Kris Delmhorst

Seien Sie Gut

Part Deux of Be OK is here.

"The Chain" is still on repeat. Let me just add one more post-it note to that track. The last minute and twenty seconds consists of a three-part round, as that is probably apparent if you saw the YouTube clip yesterday. It's so haunting. In a very strange way, the second half of the song reminds me of a contemporary, secular Gregorian chant. That may be bold to say, but the melody is so slippery..."The Chain" and Gregorian chants radiate that same feeling of mysterious beauty.

"Lady In Spain" is one track that I cannot decide fully how I feel about it. The beginning and the end are whispering you to sleep. I do love her impression of a trumpet during the instrumental. It's so cute, I can't even handle it. Although it's not one of my favorites, it's pretty and decent.

"Oh What A Day" is simply lovely, and is as smooth as marble. It's about basking in independence, which I can definitely relate to lately.

"Can't Help Falling In Love With You" reminds me so much of Greg Laswell's cover of "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". The songs themselves are so happy, but both artists perform them in a way that makes you want to shed a tear or two.

"You And I" defines Ingrid Michaelson as an artist. Her lyrics on this track put a spotlight on who she is: a fun, bubbly, adventurous, creative little chica. Her serious, melancholy side is missing, but the album together makes that apparent.

I was disappointed about how many covers and previously released songs were on Be OK. I was looking forward to a whole sleuth of new stuff, but it fell short. No doubt it's good, I just felt like less effort was put into this album for some reason. Oh well. It's different, and I can live with that. Go Ingrid!!

Title: "Be OK" in German
In My Head: "Be Be Your Love" by Rachel Yamagata

Prometa Não Prometer Mais

Sorry, I haven't been around much lately. I have been listening to the same few songs over and over. Those songs are the ones I have already written about, including "Nolita Fairytale", "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing",and "Desert Sunrise". But, have no fear! I just received two new albums in the past week! Let me tell you about my little adventures this week.

I pre-ordered Ingrid Michaelson's new album from Barnes and Noble with a lovely gift card. I'm listening to it as I type. Be OK is her album, which has discovered the cloudy days that lie below Girls and Boys' numerous hours of sunshine. It is very acoustic and wears a straight face. No more cute little ditties, like "Far Away"; "Be OK" is pretty warm, but is repetitive. That may get annoying, but one track has had me possessed today.



"The Chain" has been on repeat in my head and in my iTunes. The melody was sometimes hard to perfect during the day when it was only heard in my head. She played this song when I saw her in June at Terminal 5 in Manhattan. I forgot about this song completely until I heard it again on the album. Ingrid M. never took this into the studio. The recording off of Be OK is live from her show in February at Webster Hall, also in New York. This was also the first time she played it in public. Pretty awesome. Here's the four-part round (v. three-part round on album) during the Hotel Cafe Tour earlier this year.



More later about Be OK and Koji On The Roof (see 'In My Head')...

Title: "Promise Not To Promise Anymore" in Portugese
In My Head: "The Chain" by Ingrid Michaelson and "Little Bird" by Koji On The Roof (near future post ;)

So I Suoi Occhi Nel Sole di Mattina

I want to sleep so badly. Jesus got rid of the soap in my eyes. He gave me His sleeve.

With sleepiness comes tiredness. I want to curl up in cucoon of fleece and drift off on one of those steam clouds. That sounds pretty nice right about now. With tiredness sometimes brings randomness.

I keep forgetting how good The Bird and The Bee are. They're fantastic.

I think I have one song by them somewhere in my virtual files, but it isn't enough, especially when I begin to miss them like I am now.

Here is the light audio sleeping pill created by them entitled, "How Deep Is Your Love", covering The Bee Gees. Crazy good right here.


Title: "I Know Your Eyes In The Morning Sun" in Italian
In My Head: "Awakening" by Switchfoot

Ma Dernière Affaire d'Amour Musicale

I cannot lie. I am not in the happiest of spirits because I desperately want to see Iron and Wine in NYC at Terminal 5 Monday, November 17th. Obviously, I can't go by myself, plus I underestimated the fare cost from Philly to NY by about $50. Yeah, not cool. If anyone is interested in going with moi, comment me or email me asap. To distract me from this recent sadness, I have enlisted a certain gentleman to make me feel better. Mr. Kweller was willing to help me.

I heart Ben Kweller. Chico introduced me to this musical wonder oozing with sunshine melodies. Mr. Kweller is dazzling, leading you to places that make you stop, and "Oh." Not a shocking "OH!", nor a sigh of an "oh". It is the kind of expression in which you find yourself presently surprised and satisfied at the marvel.

"Sundress" is a happy little ditty in which you will feel lonely the first time at hearing it because you'll want to learn the words to sing with him. Here is the live version (a little shakey, but still good):


"Commerce, Texas" reminds me of Stephen Kellogg and Old 97's(who are both AWESOME, by the way. Future post stars). This is a very cool song. Me like it.


He and I just began our love affair recently. I shall keep readers up to date of our latest endeavors. <333

Title:"My Latest Musical Love Affair" in French
In My Head: "Sundress" by Ben Kweller and "My Funny Valentine" by Over The Rhine

Tantas Histórias

One of the simplest videos I have seen is by Brandi Carlisle for her song, "The Story". It's been on a GM hybrid commercial and Grey's Anatonomy. Crazy, right?

The song is purely delicious and echoes Alanis Morissette with a hint of country in this melody. She has said that she loves the dramatic tone from her voice, contrasting her personality.

Great late night song, so maybe you should wait a few hours...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNFIgIwNDXI

I love that theatre. I could easily live in there. Awesome cinematography and lighting here.

Title: "So Many Stories" in Portugese
In My Head: "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Sufjan Stevens (see old post ;)

Il Mio Cuore Sembra Sapere Sempre

I am happy. I have been saying that a lot lately. I am fully content about where I am right now. I have taken for granted my freedom for the past few weeks, but not anymore. I'm good; so when someone asks me how I am, I can honestly tell her that I am good. Went for a little nature photoshoot/walk/iPod session. Just got back. Hannah Mills is very satisfied with her pictures and the song in her head.

"Nolita Fairytale" by Vanessa Carlton is awesome song. You probably think that "nolita" means something really cool in Spanish, Greek, or Italian. If you picked Italian, then congrats!! You get a gold star...kind of. It's the name of a baby town in Manhattan meaning, "North of Little Italy". She lived there for two years after "breaking up" with her record company and wrote her album Heroes and Thieves. I'm focusing on the "yay-happy-free-independent-unafraid-go-with-the-flow-nonchalant-creativeness" of "Nolita Fairytale" because that is how I feel.


I hope you feel just like I feel 'cause
I found some kind of fairytale =)


Title:"My Heart Always Seems To Know" in Italian
In My Head: "Nolita Fairytale" by Vanessa Carlton

我的愛，有一天你將死亡

"I Will Follow You Into The Dark" is such a beautiful lullaby that it is decaying into cliche. Devastating, isn't it? Its exhuisiteness keeps being taken for granted. There are many arguments as to what the song is actually trying to say, but I like to cuddle up to a new theory everytime I hear it, especially one that reflects the mood I am in. A friend of mine told me that this song was about Ben Gibbard's grandmother. That's probably true since Chico is a pastor. I trust him. Whatever the song means, it is still great in my eyes. The video is for this is awesome, by the way. Most Death Cab videos are.

Here is the almost cliche of a masterpiece:


In June, I saw Ingrid Michaelson at Terminal 5 and was pleasantly suprised when she began playing this mellow-dy. Here is the performance I saw that night. Very good. Very talented young lady playing a delicously brilliant tune:


Title: "Love of Mine, Someday You Will Die" in Chinese
In my head: "They Bring Me to You" by Joshua Radin (I have been having him a lot in my head lately because I was preparing for his new disc, so I was listening to his old stuff. Now that I have Simple Things, that has been hogging my laptop pretty frequently this week. I am not complaining.)

Je Roule Sur Vos Rayons

The first time I heard this song was on Thursday. It has been like a fog that won't settle in my mind since then. It is exactly what it's called. I know I just wrote about Mr. Dennen, but this song is becoming one of my favorites. That's a big deal for me. Mr. Dennen compares himself to a lizard. That's not even the best part. There's this line, "Music drips from your lips like sweet sips of a summer's kiss". I just stopped dead in my tracks. Literally. I was on my way back from class to my dorm and my steps came to a halt. Yeah, it's that good (to put it lightly).

Here is "Desert Sunrise" aka Audio Sinking Sand.


Title: "I'm Coasting On Your Rays" in French
In my head: "Just Like The Moon" by Brett Dennen

Jeg Føler meg Temmelig

So, today I have had a fabulous day. I am slighly tired, but "tired with joy". I stole that from Snow Patrol's "Hands Open" (awesome song). Anyway, I woke up early to work on my psychology paper after breakfast and before class. I had to finish the last half today, stressing me out and pushing me for time. At 2 something, I handed it in and then went on a web adventure.

I had to find what my hair would look like by the end of the day and would last a very long time. I found my dream haircut in an old picture of Jennifer Lopez. Yes, I know. It's just her hair, though. My roomate cut my hair and let me tell you...

I look marvelous. Sorry to sound cocky or obnoxious, but I do.
I look really good.
I feel really good.
I feel pretty.
Oh so pretty.
I feel pretty, and witty, and bright.
And a pity any girl who isn't me tonight.

Take a peek at the original:

The funny part is is that my hair is almost the same length as Maria's, maybe a little shorter. For those of you freaking out and dying to see my newly sheered locks, I will be having a photoshoot this weekend with my friend to pose with my new 'do and it will probably go on Facebook. Calm down.

I have never seen West Side Story. I should. It's been on my to-do list since I don't even remember when. Should get to watching that soon.

Title: "I feel pretty" in Norwegian
In my head: "Back To You" by John Mayer

Solo I Crepacuori Mi Hanno Dato Avvista

I am still floating on that pillow cloud I mentioned earlier. I found out its name. It's called Cloud 9, tentatively nicknamed Joshua Radin.

I am sinking in "They Will Bring Me To You" off of his brand new Simple Things release from a few weeks ago. I feel like it's so rare that I ache for a song that I own and do not have to worry about listening to iTunes' 30 second previews fifty times in one sitting to satisfy. Its title sort of freaked me out a little bit, but then I heard this and felt like a filled parachute, taking its time to glide to earth. Here is the song that makes me melt like my Ben & Jerry's in the "freezer" of my fridge at school. Quickly.


Joshua Radin is amazing, P.S. Flaws are hard to find on Simple Things. The only one that I can find after listening the entire thing twice is the fact that "I'd Rather Be With You" sounds too much like Jason Mraz. That's it. That's the worst I can say. He is so very talented and I am just sad that I cannot see him live anytime soon to soak Simple Things in live. If you have a problem with Radin, you have a problem with me. Seriously. Kidding...sorta.

Title: "Only the Heartaches Have Given Me Sight" in Italian
In My Head: "These Photographs" by Joshua Radin v. "Disturbia" by Rihanna

Canções Felizes

I am so very happy right now. I have a tendency to think the worst, but tonight I was blessed enough to receive more than I would have ever asked for. I found hope. I love hope. It comes from prayer, friends, hugs, and songs. Here is my happy playlist with commentary, of both song and video, one that makes me float away on a pillow cloud.

1) "Blessed" by Brett Dennen always makes me realize how over the top I can get sometimes. This song pinches me, making me remember to get over myself and that my "problems" aren't worth stressing over so much. Humble, self-aware and grateful are the traits that find in myself when I listen to this. Maybe you will feel the same way.


2)Watching David Crowder Band taking myspace pictures can potentially cure a bad day. I probably love watching this clip too much, but oh well. Its humor for me keeps growing because I anticipate what is to come. So funny. I wish I was best friends with these awesome gentlemen.


3)"Love" by Great Big Sea is the song I crank up and dance obnoxiously to when my roommates are out of town for the weekend. Yeah, when Kristine and Tanzania were gone two weeks ago, I put this song on repeat and went insane. I doubt that anyone gets as excited about this song as I do, but that's okay. I claim it mine. You can borrow it if you like. It's not on YouTube, sorry!! Look it up!!

4)"Dela" by Johnny Clegg is my audio fix. Yes, that is a drug reference because I get so high off of hearing this song. It's so ironic because for the past few months, I defined this song as freedom to myself. The song isn't like that at all; it's about the vulnerability of falling in love. If you see me running around campus,this is the song that is oozing into my ear drums. Future blog post devoted to this song only, by the way. This is a cute video...if you're a girl who likes Little Mermaid =)


5)"Dancing Alone" by Ashlee Simpson is my guilty pleasure. I should be arrested, kind of guilty. I cannot lie though. This song has made me appreciate my independence in lonely times. It tells me that things are going to be okay and that I don't need all of the answers right now. With every listen, I cherish who I am a little more each time because in between listens, I grow. It also definitely helps that I just love to jump up and down to this song on a late summer night in my favorite skirt with my hair out one foot from my head. Well, she did something right.


6)My Favorite Song. (Not telling! =P Not many people remember, care, or even know about it. You can know that this song is as much a part of me as my eyes are blue. That may sound extreme, but I have been in love with song since I was twelve. It's just like Advil to me or a tranquilizer gun sometimes. This brings me back to Hannah Mills, to where I am supposed to be mentally and emotionally. It's paradise for me on Earth; it's a free all-inclusive vacation draining into my ears.)

7)"Painting By Chagall" by The Weepies gushes luscious harmonies that will make you weak in the knees. See the video in an old post devoted to this favorite band of mine.

Title: "Happy Songs" in Portugese
In My Head: "Far Far" by Yael Naim (previous post about it)

Il Louise Ha Preso Solo Da Me la Poesia Innocente

Sam Beam is a magician. If that name rings a bell, it's not because he is a magician. He is the mastermind also called Iron and Wine. I just like to think of him as a mysterious charmer because his lyrics just make me stop dead in my tracks. Everytime I listen to anything by Iron and Wine, I will not pay attention to what he is actually saying. I am much too occupied hearing the instruments sway and how the song is orchestrated. It's not until the fourth of fifth play that I hunt down the lyrics like it's a thirst.

I recently discovered that Iron and Wine is the perfect soundtrack for not only in Princeton, 10 minutes from my hometown, but also at Eastern at night. Sam Beam can hang out with my anytime he wishes.

"History of Lovers" - Reminds me of Whiskeytown at the beginning.Such a catchy, prideful song. Awesome.


"The Trapeze Swinger" - Bittersweet audio scrapbook.


Title: "Louise Only Got From Me Innocent Poetry" in Italian
In My Head: "Fast Car" by Wyclef Jean feat. Paul Simon

Afine el corazón para cantar Tu gracia

Sufjan Stevens is incredible. I don't even want to say anything else. Let him humbly convince you himself. Here is his cover of "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing". It may be tailored to the holiday season, but I cannot let go of this beauty.

Warning: I got shivers the first time I heard this.

Enjoy with some English Breakfast or Earl Grey.




Title: "Tune my heart to sing Thy grace" in Spanish
In My Head: "Work" by Jimmy Eat World

Quelque Chose Arrive, C'est Pour Moi ?

So, my youth pastor, who is also a close friend of mine, is the biggest Toad The Wet Sprocket fan on the planet. He introduced to the awe...someness of Toad and Glen Phillips, its lead singer/songwriter. For most of us in the dark, there are this early 1990's band that is underestimated and too often overlooked. I think they are just fabulous.

Thanks to Princeton Record Exchange in my native Jersey, I got two of their albums, Fear and Dulcinea. I highly recommend these brilliant gentlemen. Very talented folks.

My current favorite of theirs is called "Is It For Me". It's awesome. It's such a great, youthful song. Here's the original video.So old school and cool!! :


Now, here's where the fun begins. Spongebob and Patrick lip syncing to "Is Is For Me?". Awe...some. (Inside joke, sorry.)


Title: "Something is happening,is it for me?" in French
In My Head: "Before There Was Time" by Caedmon's Call