Songs of the day: 7/21/09 at 3:36 PM

So this is something I'm going to try to do every day, just to keep me blogging every day. I listen to a lot of music and thought I'd share what I listen to, especially since I'm at work while I do this haha. Here goes:

George Nozuka - "Butterfly"

You might recognize the last name. Around last summeron VH1, they were highlighting an artist named Justin Nozuka and his song "After Tonight". This his brother. He's got a more R&B feel to his music; I like it.



Butterfly - George Nozuka

Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody"

I just heard this song last week and wondered where I've been. The leader singer's voice is incredible and the production and music behind this song really make you feel the lyrics of the song. Good song for sure. Makes me want to pick up the whole album and see them live.



Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon

Drake - "Houstatlantavegas"

Drake's "Best I Ever Had" is ridiculously popular. I remember when I heard this particular song, I thought it was The-Dream, but was surprised to learn it was Drake. I like that Drake can be both a singer and a rapper; maybe someday he'll come up with an album that focuses on either talent. He's going to be an artist to watch (and it does help people know him from Degrassi already haha)



Houstatlantavegas - Drake

Josh Rouse - "Sad Eyes"

I'm not going to lie...I heard this song on Grey's Anatomy and had to download it haha. I don't know what it is about this song, but it's pretty chill and a good song to lay back and enjoy.



sad eyes - Josh Rouse

Let me know what you guys think! It's a little mix of everything; I've never been able to settle on just one style of music. But, if I had to pick one, it'd definitely be soul music.

Random Vent at 2:43 PM

So I've been going through a personal struggle this last week and I'm kind of freaking out. Something happened between me and my old roommate, and let's just say I'm homeless now because he's someone that cannot be trusted. So I have a month left at my current job which thankfully provides me housing, but after the month is over, I currently have nowhere to live. Who does that? Seriously? If he had issues with me, he should've confronted me about the face-to-face ahead of time instead of sending me a message on facebook AFTER going behind my back. But, all this complaining and contempt for him won't solve my issue of finding a new home.

It's a difficult task finding a place to live, but I'm glad I have friends who offer encouraging words and even a few who have offered a couch for a little bit. And a few who said they'd beat my roommate's ass if they could (though I'd advise them not to because frankly, he's kind of big).

I learned the hard way that I shouldn't think highly of everyone I meet or be optimistic about everyone. I'm usually an easy going guy, and it really hurt that someone would go behind my back like that and not even man up to it. I'm sure I'll find a place, with people I know I can actually trust this time. I'm not going to let this happen to me again, because the stress, pain, and anger is not worth my time or anyone else's.

-Ray

Music on Rotation at 12:06 AM

Hey guys,

I know it's been a really long time, but I've been introduced to such good music lately that I feel I should share what's been on repeat on my iPod and you guys can get a sense of what I listen to:


Raphael Saadiq - "The Way I See It"

So I've known that he's been around for awhile, without being in the spotlight too much. I listened to him a little bit when he created Lucy Pearl, but never got into his solo music until this album. This album has a really old-school vibe to it, and I really enjoy it. Tracks I recommend are "Let's Take a Walk", "100-Yard Dash", "Never Gonna Give You Up", and "Hope You Mean It".







Maxwell - BLACKsummers'night

Another artist I didn't start listening until just recently. His last album came out 8 years ago, and it's safe to say that I really didn't relate to it much and at that age I didn't really appreciate the production of music or soul music for that matter. That's definitely changed. This album is so good, I'm still in shock. The production and instrumentation on each track and the way Maxwell delivers his music is so strong and passionate, you can tell why he's still popular even after disappearing for almost a decade. Modern soul music doesn't get as good as this, and I'm glad he's provided this album for people to hear. Tracks I recommend: "Pretty Wings", "Bad Habits", "Love You", and "Fistful of Tears". But really, the whole album is great.

BLACKsummersnight


Then there's a few songs here and there that have caught my ear:

Jason Mraz - "If It Kills Me" (Casa Nova Session)
This song is something I can relate to. It's about a guy who wants to cross that line of friendship with a girl who seems to be his best friend, but he feels he may not be bold enough to do it because of what may happen. I really like the stripped down version of this song, and I feel it's one of his strongest songs. Check it out.

If It Kills Me (From The Casa Nova Sessions) - Jason Mraz


John Mayer - "Split Screen Sadness"
For some reason, I didn't really listen to John Mayer's music when it came out, so it took me a while to get around to his 2nd album, "Heavier Things". I was really missing out, especially because of this song. It's about two people in a relationship that's taken the energy out of both of them and they both don't know what went wrong. I think it's bold when he says " "All You Need is Love" is a lie". In a way, he's calling out the Beatles for giving some false line in a song since his relationship isn't working. Production's great, lyrics are great. If you haven't heard this song yet, I definitely recommend it.

Split Screen Sadness - John Mayer

I think that's it. If you want, let me know what you think of the music I've listed and give some recommendations. I'm always down to listen to new music. Until next time.

-Ray

Late Sessions at Pedro Arrupe at 12:30 AM

Hope you guys enjoy it! It's me singing a few songs. (The ones on top are the most recent. You can see how much shorter my hair is now compared to when I recorded the first video haha)

In this one, I'm singing "Simple, Starving to be Safe" by Daphne Loves Derby.Instrumental by some user on YouTube hahaha.



This one's "Don't Speak" by No Doubt.


This ones "To Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan


And this last one is "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers


Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions for what to do next!

Spring Break and Random Thoughts for the Day at 4:36 PM

I vowed to make this Spring Break awesome for me. My freshman year, I went home and did nothing. Sophomore year, I stayed at USF and did nothing. This year, I had to stay because I needed to work, but it actually turned out to be my best spring break. Highlights (and lowlights):

MONDAY: Work...work...work.

TUESDAY: 9 hour shift (3am-noon). Worst shift in the history of the world. BUT...birthday dinner for one of my best friends and a mini-reunion with high school friends. Slightly awkward at first but it felt like old times by the end of the night

WEDNESDAY: SIB came to visit! His name's Chip...from UCSC. He's my Bigs' little from UCSC ( have one too but she went home to LA) and a bunch of us hung out. Probably the most spontaneous day I've had in awhile. Original plans: Academy of Sciences and party. What actually happened: Drive and hike to Stinson Beach, drive to San Jose and have dinner at Smoke Eaters/Cluck U with Mu Zeta, Gamma Beta, and OZ...and being too tired to party haha. Best day in awhile!

The WIND family over at Cluck U's (along with John from MZ haha)

The Sibs (Me, Chip, and Tim) and our Bigs (Eivette)! Yeah....we're a little strange

THURSDAY: Back to work....but went to Popscene for the first. Probably the best time I've had clubbing in college.

FRIDAY: Finally had a chill day. From this day on...just studied and got ready to go back to school.


Random thoughts:

I fell asleep for about an hour at work...

I arrive 30 minutes late to my only class...yet I don't miss anything. Awesome.

Ok...I officially sat in the most awkward lecture I've ever experienced. Didn't need to know why hyenas masturbate in comparison to why humans do.

I wish I was there more for my littles, Cristina. If only I had a car and if Santa Cruz was just a little bit closer :/.

Monday was probably the worst day I had in awhile....but I'm glad these last two days have made up for it since.

I've learned that not having a laptop is difficult, but manageable

My top 3 from AI this week (in order): Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, Danny Gokey. I'm probably in the minority here...but I think Kris can win this thing. Adam Lambert is too much for me.

Songs on Repeat:
Kelly Clarkson - Save You
Sara Bareilles - Gravity
Day 26 - Got Me Going

I Love You, Man: Definitely the funniest movie I've seen in awhile.

'Til next time,

Ray

Home at 6:33 AM

I miss home. I know I'm always working so I can make ends meet...but it doesn't mean I don't miss home and my family. As of right now...next time I'm going home is August for one weekend...4 whole months from now. Gotta make the best of the city I guess.

-Ray

AI Top 11 at 1:22 AM

After watching tonight, I'm convinced this is the best group AI has put together in a long time. Aside from maybe 2 or 3 singers...anyone can pretty much win it at this point.

Top 3:
1. Matt Giraud: "So Small"
2. Anoop Desai: "Always on My Mind"
3. Kris Allen: "To Make You Feel My Love"

Man, Matt killed it again for me. I know everyone loves Gokey...but I think Matt can win it if he keeps it up. I'm also pulling for Allison...I think she's the best girl left.

LEAST FAVORITE:
1. Matt Sarver: "Ain't Goin' Down 'til the Sun Comes Up"
2. Scott McIntyre: "Wild Angels"
3. Alex Grace: "Jolene"

Who I think will go home? Matt Sarver (PLEASE!)
Who do I think will win? Gokey or Adam Lambert at this point still
Who do I want to win? Matt Giraud of Allison Iraheta