Music Monday: Boardwalk

"High Water"


"I'm To Blame"


"Crying"


Boardwalk is LA duo Amber Quintero and Mike Edge. Their self-titled debut is out now and can be purchased here.

Favorite Tracks:
2. What's Love
4. Keep the Wolf
7. High Water
8. Oh Well
10. I'm To Blame

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Music Monday: Portugal. The Man

I've already mentioned ad nauseam that Portugal. The Man is my favorite band. But when you really admire a particular artist, your expectations rise with each record that they release. It's been nearly two years since Portugal's last album, In the Mountain in the Cloud, found its way into my heart. I had high hopes for Evil Friends and maintained an open mind (knowing well and good that the guys are notorious for changing their sound). I liked every single Portugal. The Man song I've ever heard (all of them) until this year. Like many fans, upon first listen, I admittedly didn't love the title track of Evil Friends. That had never happened to me before with this group. It has since grown on me a bit but it's still nowhere near a favorite. I was worried that I might not like the rest of the record but I stayed optimistic and purchased the pre-sale package anyway (that art better be worth something someday).

I recently had the opportunity to chat via Google Hangouts with a few of the guys in Portugal- Noah, Zach and Kane. With all the backlash out there, I asked point blank what evil means to them. In a roundabout way, Zach mentioned the band's affinity for contrast and compared the title of the new record to that of The Satanic Satanist (a previous release and one of my all time favorites). Anyone who follows these musicians knows that they're extremely accessible and dare I say, sweet, to their fans. Don't get it twisted. Or do?

Was my video off the entire time? Nah. It couldn't have been.

Evil Friends turned out to be a really solid record. It's not my absolute favorite from Portugal. The Man but it does include a few tracks that are "best of" material. I can safely say that I'll be playing it out until the next one.

"Purple Yellow Red and Blue"


"Atomic Man"


"Plastic Soldiers"


"Modern Jesus"


"Waves"


"Smile"


Favorite Tracks: Smile, Modern Jesus, Plastic Soldiers, Waves.
Least Likely to Play: Hip Hop Kids, Someday Believers.

Portugal. The Man are from Portland (by way of Alaska). Evil Friends can be purchased here. They're currently on an extensive tour. I highly recommend checking them out when they come to an area near you. They're best live and slightly buzzed.

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Music Monday: The National

"Don't Swallow the Cap"


"Heavenfaced"


"Pink Rabbits"


Other songs to check out:
2. Demons
9. Slipped
13. Hard to Find

The National have been one of my favorite bands for years. They're originally from Cincinnati but reside in Brooklyn. Their music is gorgeous yet manages to be performed even better live. The band is now on tour. Trouble Will Find Me is available for purchase here.

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Lebanon, PA

It was so hot yesterday that I spent the night at my sister's place. I napped. I watched some paranormal TV and then ordered a movie. I chose a little indie flick by the name of Lebanon, PA. I was in the mood for this type of film and I really, really liked it! I wouldn't recommend it to everyone but if you're in the right frame of mind and have the same way of thinking as I do, you might like it as well.

Lebanon, PA moved pretty quickly, the actors were fantastic and the music was nice. It's a drama/comedy but managed to make me laugh quite a bit. It was a smart film; very thought provoking. Rather than give a synopsis, I'll share with you the movie trailer below. It's a pretty good one.

4/5







Now Playing: "The Ghost Inside" by Broken Bells

Album Review: In The Mountain In The Cloud by Portugal. The Man

I've been a fan of Portugal. The Man for two years. I've seen them live twice and feel they are one of the most talented bands out there. I've been anxiously awaiting their new album, In The Mountain In The Cloud for the past few months.

I was beyond excited to find out via twitter that the album is streaming in its entirety a week before its official release! I love that bands are doing this nowadays. It makes so much sense. I've already heard the snippets and knew this album was going to be something I'd appreciate. There are few artists that I am compelled to support financially but P. TM is one of the select groups that I will see live time and time again. They have an uncanny ability to transport me into a magical state of bliss. I will definitely be purchasing In The Mountain In the Cloud when it comes out next week; on repeat status. Everything about Portugal. The Man's music makes me happy. On top of it all is singer, John Gourley; painfully good-looking, smart and uber talented. My heart skips a beat. Yes, please!


The entire album is genius but my initial favorite tracks are as follows:

"Got It All (This Can't Be Living Now)"
Reminds me of Led Zeppelin but better. Gorgeous.

"Head Is A Flame (Cool With It)"
I'm cool with it ;) I just love the way this flows. The vocals are perfect.

"All Your Light (Times Like These)"
Such a sexy song with an interesting sound. In the best way possible, it reminds me a bit of The Black Keys (one of my other favorite bands).

"Sleep Forever"
I admit I almost cried (okay, maybe I did) when I first heard this song. I've felt like this many times in my life. It's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. If I had to listen to only one song forever, this would be a strong contender. The video is also breathtaking. If you haven't seen it, go now!


This is an album that I will certainly be listening to for years to come. If there is a mountain in the cloud where music like this is played, I want to live there. One of the best albums of the year! I can't wait to see Portugal. The Man the next time they come back to Pittsburgh. I highly recommend the experience!

Nail Polish of the Moment: Sew Psyched by Essie

I picked up Essie's Sew Psyched on sale at the drug store (if you haven't heard, Essie is now available in various stores). Against my fair, cool skin, it has a blue tint to it but make no mistakes, it is an army green/dark khaki hue. I like this polish. I could have gotten away with one coat but I did two for safe measures. One thing I didn't love about Sew Psyched is that it dried darker than it appeared upon first application. This presents problems if you don't apply even coats. Other than this slight annoyance, it's a good polish. I think it's better suited for fall/winter but it compliments my coloring and matches a lot of the things I wear. I would repurchase.

Style: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Application: 4/5
Color: 5/5

FINAL VERDICT: B+
22/25 or 88%



Now Playing: "Life On Mars?" by David Bowie

Nail Polish of the Moment: Capri by Essie

2 coats of Essie Capri with OPI Base Coat and Top Coat

I saw Essie's Capri nail polish on one of my new favorite blogs, Could I Have That. The color looked like the perfect coral shade for spring & summer. I ordered it from Amazon but was disappointed when I received it in the mail. It looks practically orange in the bottle and on my nails. I already have a couple orange bottles and was hoping Capri was more of a pink/red coral. The formula is nice and was easy to work with but the color leaves a lot to be desired. I'll probably redo my nails in a few days.

Color: 3/5
Packaging Quality: 5/5
Application: 5/5
Style: 3/5
Value: 3/5

Final Verdict: 19/25
(76% or C)

Would I repurchase: No



Now Playing: "Surprise, Surprise" by Brett Dennen

Album Review: Torches by Foster the People

I feel like I've been listening to Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People for years. I don't recall where, when or how I first heard it. It wasn't on the local radio station (it seems like the indie one in my area is just now picking up on it). But regardless, Foster The People is a band that everyone is buzzing about. Their debut album, Torches, is a nice first effort.

Like the rest of the cult, I love Pumped Up Kicks. But other tracks that I enjoyed on this album include Helena Beat, Houdini, and Miss You.

The album will be a nice listen for the summer but it's a bit repetitive. It feels familiar in an excellent way at times but also in a cliche form at others. It's love it or leave it. I'm curious to see Foster the People live when they roll through Pittsburgh on August 8th.

Final Verdict: