Back At It: 2016

With a new year comes new changes and with changes comes action. So much has changed in my life since I started posting to this blog three years ago. There has been more success regarding this domain than I ever anticipated, so with the coming year I'm going to restart posting new Reviews, Previews and Life Views. Much of this will be related to college life, time management skills, college fashion as well as beauty tip, tricks, hauls and steals. Here's to starting the new year together!

Review: Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop

We Can't Stop and We Won't Stop

The young pop star has fully broken out of her Hannah Montana shadow, releasing her new hit "We Can't Stop," a provocative tune in which she discusses intense partying and drug use. 

Yesterday I was searching through the depths of Youtube and wandered upon Miley Cyrus' VEVO of the new music video. The first words that came to mind after watching included "what" "the" and "hell" and a whole lot of confusion. Within this daze, I watched it again, and again, and again. Many songs produced include deep bass drops, club beats and lack of content but Cyrus tones it back some. She includes synthesizer and basic drums, but incorporates gentle piano that creates an easier listening experience. We're all shocked when she starts making out with a doll, twerking, squeezing her friends' butts and gyrating across the screen but that seems to be the point isn't it? Truthfully, none of us would be happy if it was anything less than out of this world on the crazy spectrum. The lyrics are basic and easy to understand, ironically Miley sounds a lot like Molly which aided her in the drug discussion department, but they do hold some musical and emotional content, "It's our party we can love who we want," addresses a conflict many teens face when explaining to their guardians or parents their sexual orientation.

The track was definitely not intended to be an innocent piece, it was meant to spark controversy and inspire young people to never stop being themselves, enjoy their youth, and remind us to "Forget the haters because somebody loves ya."

Watch the video here!

10 Reasons Why The Jonas Brothers Will Always Be My Favorite Man Band

The "Jo-Bros" definitely aren't the same boys they used to be. Ditching their purity rings and taking a break from their boy band, these three brothers truly have reassembled better than ever before. Nicholas, Joseph and Kevin, the boys that stole my heart in late 2006 have majestically transformed into a new man band but still know how to tear on a girl's heartstrings. Recently I found a cover brilliantly sung by the three of Frank Ocean's "Thinking About You" and was in disbelief of how mature their sound has become, how controlled their music has developed, and more importantly, how passionate they continue to be about their craft. Let's be honest, I love the Jonas Brothers. (My favorite being Nick, of course.) But after so much time how can someone still be crazy about the boy band they grew up with?

1. That's exactly why. I grew up with them. Only being a few years younger than the youngest member, Nick, they became my inspirations musically as well as morally. After their "loss of innocence" (removal of purity rings) they showed their fans it's okay to grow up and move forward with your life. Not everyone will be a virgin, forever. Other than Steve Carrell. Or the pope.

2. They're constantly making "fun" music. No matter what your definition of fun is, it's the Jonas Brothers that will constantly match those words. Unless those chosen words are ones used in unhappy eulogies. It's difficult to stop yourself from dancing.

3. Nick's high notes. Truly, they're the best around. He's beautiful at hitting them right on the top and refusing to settle for anything less than perfection. He can make any girl swoon.

4. Joe's charming tambre. Although he doesn't seem as experienced as Nick, the youngest member and Broadway star, he's got a very exciting and happy tone to his voice. He's in the business because he loves it, not because he wants to be the best one of the three and it's easy to see whether he's cracking a joke or singing a verse.

5. Their love of their fans. Since day one the boys have constantly given back to their fans in however they possibly can. I've been a direct recipient of this love when I entered a contest set up by the boys to win tickets to see them at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and won. They're always very supportive as we are of them and it's never faded.

6. Band Instruments are always included. Whether it's a show or a track, they're always trying to incorporate the newest and most unexpected instrument into their orchestra.

7. Kevin's drive for entertainment. Kevin's the show master, always wanting  to give the best show out there, wanting to make sure his brothers and their fans get the best entertainment around. On his E! t.v. show following the life of his family, including wife Danielle Deleasa, or on the stage, he always gives his best, most honest performance.

8. Pom Poms. Their newest single is definitely following traditional sound with a slightly different content of lyrics. "Put your pom poms down for me," can be taken in many different ways and regardless of your interpretation, you won't stop yourself from putting it on repeat and singing along.

9. They're attractive. Does this really need explanation?

10. As much as they've grown, they haven't changed. They'll always be our Jonas Brothers, the family we love and will never forget about.

Check out their cover of "Thinking About You" by Frank Ocean at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, CA in November, 2012.

Midnight In Paris

It’s impossible to not be in love with Paris, France. It really is. 

No wonder the starving artist life is so glamorous; to be in love is to be without fear and to be without fear is to truly live. It’s a city so full of life that sitting in a cafe or talking a stroll or a run down the Rue de Bourgogne or watching le Tour Eiffel sparkle at night is never enough. To be completely consumed by the city is never enough. It’s not a culture shock but more so staring at the sun without the burning sensation, the wish to grow closer and closer but being unable to, the feeling of complete fulfillment and a yearning for more. A love that is truly passionate is one that fuels your inner flame in the midst of a thunderstorm, sizzling and flaring.

Tavi Gevinson: Still Figuring It Out

A Beautiful Mind

Tavi Gevinson

She may be trying to find her place in this world, in herself, and in this world, but Tavi Gevinson is on the right track. I stumbled across this while looking through my Facebook feed this afternoon and immediately fell in love with her bold, logical and fierce mind. She's a force to be reckoned with and I'm sure we'll be hearing about her in the future. Watch her TEDxTeen talk here!

Eyes Open: Upcoming Releases

March 2013

While many people are driving home, throwing their fists in the air and flipping their hair in their rear view mirror to today's current Billboard Top 20 hits on repeat, music eagles are two steps ahead, scouring and illegally downloading, looking for the next best thing. I'd like to say I'm a full time set of futuristic eyes but the occasional Carly Rae Jepsen (cringe) automobile dance party is unavoidable in my Nissan. Although it's great accidentally hitting my head on the steering wheel on more than one occasion, I've found a few new releases we should all be looking forward to instead of the bass drop over and over again in Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble," because let's be honest, reenacting the Youtube goat's "Ohh!" is quite amusing. With this eye, we self-proclaimed music critics can take a break from the Skrillex-ed era and focus on what's  to come.

Kate Nash - Girl Talk

March 4, 2013

The flowery vocals paired with intense bass lines throughout tracks like "Are You There Sweetheart?" radiate from this album by the beautiful Kate Nash. The brash girl power themes and repetition bring back the same style this soft rocker has developed for herself over countless years in the business. Some tracks bring back the indie storytelling vibe side of her as well, such as "You're So Cool, I'm So Freaky," complete with an acoustic guitar and group echos in the background. Unlike other artists, Kate released this album from her very own record label "Have 10pp" supported through PledgeMusic and the entire album can be downloaded here with bonus content. It's a new soulful feel with all of the parts of her that we have come to love so rigidly. This album is a movement towards a career of growth, empowering her female listeners and encouraging play in the world of constant work.

Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience

March 18, 2013

Since the days of The Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, Britney Spears, and even the Mickey Mouse Club, Justin Timberlake has ruled the airwaves. Now making his debut once again bringing chivalry and sharp menswear into light, JT is ready to release The 20/20 Experience. After his Grammy performance of the premiere track "Suit & Tie," stirring a mix of sultry vibes and gentlemanly class, crowds have been raving over the upcoming release. Not long after the hype of "Suit & Tie" was "Mirrors" unleashed, a love song bringing back the beat boxing sensation only heard in "What Goes Around Comes Around" years and years ago. The eight minutes transitions the listener from a catchy chorus to a deep and passionate bridge pushing forward into a light clap-a-long in the middle paired with a string section mirroring a famous riff, into a soulful R&B conclusion, wrapping the story up, adding a beautiful bow on top. Available March 18, 2013, Justin Timberlake's "The 20/20 Experience" will definitely be raved about for upcoming weeks.

Wavves - Afraid Of Heights

March 25, 2013

Wavves, the grungey punk band with an extremely rapid name, are back with another release entitled "Afraid Of Heights" including pre-released track "Demon To Lean On." If this says anything about the style of the album, classic Wavves fans have nothing to worry about in terms of altered style towards the fashion of the tunes and the vibes that encompass them. The ambivalent and young repetition within the guitar chords and lyrics with a burst of choral defiance make up the tracks that can only be defined as one word: chill. The same distorted Wavves sound previously spewing from their self entitled track are still in play with this new album, yet more matured and defined. Instead of an out of control rouge format, they've toned back the levels on their soundboard and exemplified a growth in musicianship, one that fans of all ages will appreciate. The album is out March 15th, something new and old fans alike should be looking forward to. 

Hometown Vibes

Seamus Palm-Baker (left)
 Sten Spinella (right)

After Bang Productions has found it's most successful musical duo after a semester of recording two of C-Town's Finest. In late 2012, Sten Spinella and Seamus Palm-Baker dropped their first mixtape of 17 tracks under the production of Randy "Rand-X" Menard, Justin Morano, and Seamus himself. With collaborations from Meredith Whaley, Emily Frese, and Humbert Polito, the first publication from these budding rappers has been nothing but a full success. Titled as a nod to the Truman Show, "Good Afternoon, Good Evening, And Goodnight" hits upon four distinct tones describing the love of music, the passion behind writing, and the creativity that lies within creating new sounds without boundaries.

Sten Spinella (2012)

Sten Spinella, high school senior and avid writer from the Tri-Town area knows what it's like to experience heartache, the fire of passion, and the exhilarating love for bringing his A game on and off the courts. As captain of the basketball team and contributor to the works of this album, the beginning was truly an accidental success. Sten worked with his some of his oldest friends, AJ Pearson, Ian Johnston, and Seamus on the catalyst of this movement, a track entitled "C-Town's Finest." After rave reviews and a begging for more from his high school peers, the movement began and gave height to a four month follow up entitled "C-Town's Finest Pt. 2," as well as "Take It Back" (feat Anna D'Agostino).

Seamus Palm-Baker (2010)

Seamus Palm-Baker, Hartford, Connecticut native, is new to "theTri" but has not arrived silently. Along with the use of breath on this tape, Seamus has worked in the creation of Valley Regional High School's unofficial basketball anthem, "The Perfect Storm," a source for the motivation of their success this season. His coarse and jagged flow pushes his lyrics into the hearts of listeners and makes them remember every word he spits, whether he's flirting with the subject of a song in "Cherry Blossoms" (feat. Meredith Whaley) or reminiscing on his childhood dreams in "Kids to Kings." There's a love of the game that's rarely found in rappers of his age, 17 years cannot even closely describe the caliber of his creations.

The mix tape, 17 songs with topics ranging from love to heartbreak, passion to disappointment, strength to weakness, conjoins all of our favorite emotions, even those we hate to love. Find the full mixtape HERE. With the album as a footstep towards their current success and reminder of the hard work put into their sound, the two are working separately on their individual mixtapes according to Sten. With continued support from the individuals who helped them along, the both are bound for success in the future, and are almost guaranteed to be great after their high school careers come to an end; Good Afternoon, Good Evening, And Goodnight.

Good Afternoon, Good Evening, And Goodnight

1. Beautiful Music

2. Let It Slide (ft. Emily Frese)

3. Skinny GIrl

4. Lunch Break

5. Good Afternoon

6. Reefer Man

7. Paradise (ft. Meredith Whaley)

8. Better Left Said

9. Everything (ft. Meredith Whaley)

10. Good Evening

11. Serenade (ft. Meredith Whaley)

12. Let Go (ft. Humbert Polito)

13. No Sunshine

14. Wait For The Sky (ft. Humbert Polito)

15. Dank Dreams (Drugs Are Bad)

16. At The End of the Day (ft. Meredith Whaley)

17. And Goodnight