Taylor Swift album review – reputation

Taylor is my soul sista. She speaks to me and we definitely get each other. I got reputation when it first came out and have been listening to the entire album on repeat for the last few days since I purchased the album. The songs get better as you listen to them more. I enjoyed all of the songs and like how she balances with slow jams and techno pop. Taylor solidifies herself as every girl’s famous/imaginary best friend, a superstar Pop Star and a talented lady. Taylor is dynamic, shows great range, talented songwriting and has the voice of an angel. This album gets an A+

Favorite Songs:

…Ready For It? – A classic radio pop jam that can be fun to dance to while getting ready to go out or just cooking dinner at home.

This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things – Yes. This is my favorite Tay song right now. I can relate to the lyrics. This resonates with me.

Don’t Blame Me – This is my anthem right now

Delicate – Extremely catchy lyrics and a good song to bop to

Gorgeous – Literally a gorgeous song, parts of this remind me of Jewel 

Getaway Car – So fun, great jam and a sick beat. I got chills

King of My Heart – Reminds me of the old Taylor

Dancing With Our Hands Tied – So good. This sounds like a song that pulls inspiration from Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own”, with a cross between John Mayer's "Slow Dancing In a Burning Room"

Call It What You Want – A chill song that reminds me of “You’re Not Sorry CSI Remix”. A nod to Taylor’s former self here with that song.

New Years Day – A great way to end the album, it’s intimate and sensitive.

Other Songs:

End Game – Surprisingly really good despite a random collaboration of Ed Sheeran and Future. All three singers are amazing so this song naturally is great, just grows on you over time.

I Did Something Bad – This is a fun song, very reminiscent of Britney Spears “Oops I Did It Again”

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Dress – Sexy song that shows Taylor is stepping out of her “good girl” image.

Playlistism

Bird Peterson "Drankenstein 2" by Mad Decent





Air France "Fact Mix 280". Stay calm & everything will work out

FACT Mix 280: Air France by Fact Mix Archive on Mixcloud

Movie Muse

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper reunite to flaunt their chemistry on the big screen once again. This time it's in the American-French drama Serena directed by Susanne Bier and based on the novel of the same name. I really enjoyed the collaboration of Lawrence and Cooper in their first film together. Serena looks like it's going to be a major tearjerker with a dark plot, similar to Silver Linings Playbook. While the former deals with infertility the latter film does a great job covering issues with Bi-Polar disorder. I hope this next project is able to successfully handle such delicate subject matter. "Serena" is set to come out February 26th.  For now, here's a preview:

Mellow Mood

This week's Indie Spotlight goes to the Falls with "Home". They are a melodious mix between southern rock, folk and pop all rolled into one. Currently they are relatively unknown but will probably enter the mainstream very soon. Their album "Into the Fire" is available at iTunes and Amazon. More music can be found on their website.

On the Radar

A friend recently introduced me to “Ghosts” by Made in Heights. The duo consists of DJ/producer Sabzi and vocalist Kelsey Bulkin. Their collaboration began back in 2010 and they are currently based in Los Angeles. Together they create a magical fusion of pop, trance and hip-hop. It's an airy, catchy sound that the pair refers to as"mythical filth". For more music and info go to madeinheights.com

Tove Lo

Finally there is someone new to dethrone the likes of Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande. The next big thing in pop music comes from Stockholm, Sweden. Tove Lo emerged recently with a single called “Habits” about dealing with a difficult breakup. Tove lo tackles dark themes based on personal experience in her music. Her debut album “Truth Serum” is set to release this month.

New & Noteworthy

Calvin Harris "Blame" released September 5th

Matt Damon to film "Manchester-by-the-Sea"

Matt Damon returns to his roots for the filming of "Manchester-by-the-Sea" this fall. There have been many major motion pictures filmed in Massachusetts considering the appeal of a tax break. I'm looking forward to seeing how accurately this upcoming project portrays the seaside town. The media tends to depict Bostonians in a stereotypical way but Manchester-by-the-Sea is different. It's a hidden gem of the North Shore and I'm lucky enough to have grown up right around the corner. Can't wait to see the final product. Read more here

Girl From the North Country

Off Eddie Vedder's DVD "Water On the Road"

Guilty Pleasure

I'm not surprised by this considering gymnastics origins trace back to training of warriors. Early gymnastics started in ancient Greece, where the Spartans performed calisthenic routines similar to body-weight training athletes practice in this sport. American Ninja Warrior is quite a cheesy show but  you must watch how this girl dominates one highly difficult course.

Gem Read

Life Magazine's 2014 "The Loves of Marylin" is a gem of a read. The pages include uniquely gorgeous photos of Marylin Monroe and her high-profile partners, with insight into the icon's diverse romantic life.
"The Loves of Marylin" is a sentimental, nostalgic look back at Norma Jeane Baker and her many suitors. Of all the men Marylin encountered during her short existence, Joe DiMaggio stands out as the greatest love of her life. Their passionate (though sometimes volatile) union continued well after they got divorced, as he often came to her rescue while she was hospitalized and abandoned by everybody else - including Hollywood. He remained an integral part of her life up until her untimely demise and still sent flowers to her grave twice a week for two decades. There is a lot to learn from the original blonde bombshell's search for fulfillment in relationships and the effects fame has on love.

Ear Candy

"Latch" by Disclosure

On Rotation

The Knife "Heartbeats"

Buzz Worthy Band

This young group of talented artists from L.A bring a softer sound to alternative pop.  It's hard to believe these kids ever had a tough time fitting in from the way they sound.  Here's "The Cool kids" by Echosmith.

Another great track: "Talking Dreams"

Seasonal Picks

Before award season there's a rush of movies aiming for an Oscar nod. Movies that debuted this holiday season include:

"Wolf Of Wall Street" Martin Scorsese

 A flashy, comical and entertaining film about the real-life Wall Street d-bag Jordan Belfort (who also wrote the best-selling novel of the same name). There's a lot of nudity, swearing but strays from violence. Matthew Machanauhay makes a solid comeback, although he basically just plays himself. It is an enjoyable film that didn't feel too long despite sitting in the theatre for an entire three hours. Overall: Wait for DVD

"American Hustle" David O. Russel

 Leading a talented cast is a mega-transformed Christian Bale who packed on nearly 40 pounds for the role. Amy Adams, Jeremy Rinner, Jennifer Lawrence hold their weight to make a strong cast. If you're interested in schemers who win like Charlie Sheen, this is your flick. It is good for a few laughs but doesn't live up to the hype. Still, a smokin' hott Jennifer Lawrence captivates the screen and will grab your attention in her small but memorable role as Bale's wife. The New York Film Critics Circle named this best picture, best screenplay and best supporting actress for Lawrence. 

Overall: Go!

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" Peter Jackson

A visually stunning film with detailed graphics, epic battles and actors like Orlando Bloom with the beautiful Evangeline Lilly (Lost) to make this second installment better than the first. It brings you into an entirely new world and is a visual treat. It did start to feel a bit long by the end, but still shorter than the first film.  The final third film is set up to be a delight. Overall: Better than the first

"Secret Life of Walter Mitty" Ben Stiller

A cute, sentimental journey about Walter takes an ordinary man into an eventful pursuit of a phantom photographer. Sean Penn is on point as the super famous, earthy crunchy, deep-thinking artist. Ben Stiller did a decent job directing and has a unique visual eye. There are aspects of the movie that are questionable, like the necessity of mentioning Papa Johns and Cinnabon in the film. It also seemed as though parts of the film were inspired by a mid-life crisis on Stiller's behalf. On the other hand, the stunning background of Iceland and Greenland are enough to keep your eyes glued to the screen and the film never lagged as it was reasonably timed (only an hour and a half). Kristen Wiig is delightfully charming in her role . The film has plenty of humor but best of all it carries a touching message. This re-make of the 1939 short story has a warm ending that will win over any Scrooge. Overall: A sweet family flick

Ear Buzz

Ian Axel's "Say Something" is a soft melody, which many people might remember from his performance at the Victoria's Secret Fashion show recently. Probably don't remember what he looks like if you were staring at Karlie Kloss-- so here's a replay of the track:

On Rotation

Mariah Carey "Beautiful" feat. Miguel

The Neighbourhood "Sweater Weather"

Ellie Goulding "Let it Burn"

Ear Buzz

Before the radio overplays the hell out of this song I'm going to play it a million times myself. One Republic still cranking out hits with this gem: "Counting Stars".

Eddie Vedder Rules.

Pearl Jam's "Sirens"

Loving Gaga

 Lady Gaga can be outlandish and eccentric but you gotta love the voice on this girl. Besides, who else could bring R. Kelly out of the closet? You go Gaga, you go.

"Do What You Want" by Lady Gaga feat. R. Kelly