Airwave: The Kooks act 'Naive'

The Kooks have a hit with the song, "Naive" off its album Inside In/Inside Out (Toshiba EMI Japan) and this Brits are good. Man, I was impressed with this song, and the lyrics:

I'm not saying its your fault
Although you could have done more
Oh you're so naive yet so
How could this been done
By such a smiling sweetheart.
Ohh and your sweet and pretty face
In such an ugly world
Something so beautiful.
Ohh that every time I look inside

How sweet it is and the music fits in well with what is being expressed. Who knew that such a song would be there for you to listen to. If you have wondered, just like me, who The Kooks are, you aren't the only one. When I first heard this song, I was like, "Whoa!" nice! But there was more to it that just that. I don't know I am big softy when it comes to song like this one.

What can I say? What can I do? Nothing that's what. Likewise with any song that makes people think. And not only that but, I saw the reprimand of having an understanding of everyone who lives in this world no matter what. I truly believe that myself. It doesn't happen often, and thank to The Kooks and this beautifully constructed song, it all happens...nicely!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Norah Jones 'Not to Late' and Katharine McPhee is herself

Norah Jones returns with her third album Not Too Late (Blue Note Records) and from the sound of this album she has lost the music that helped her with her previous two albums. I am not surprise, and how good does blues, jazz and a mix of pop blend in with her voice. It's not a wonder why I loved her debut. And not only that but Jones has a little more control over this one with songs such as, "Thinking About You." with lyrics such as:

Here I am lookin' for signs of leaving,
You hold my hand, but do you really need me?
I guess it's time for me to let you go,
And I've been thinkin' about you,
I've been thinkin' about you.

When you sail across the ocean waters,
And you reach the other side safely,
Could you smile a little smile for me?
'cause I'll be thinkin' about you,
I'll be thinkin' about you,
I'll be thinkin' about you,
I'll be thinkin' about you.

Love can hurt but she still loves you and Jones does it throughout the album. I know fans will appreciate her coming back, because I was asking myself the same question of "When is she turning?"

1. Wish I Could
2. Sinkin' Soon
3. The Sun Doesn't Like You
4. Until The End
5. Not My Friend
6. Thinking About You
7. Broken
8. My Dear Country
9. Wake Me Up
10. Be My Somebody
11. Little Room
12. Rosie's Lullaby
13. Not Too Late

I don't have to ask anymore.

Rating: 5 out of 5


Former "American Idol" Season 5 finalist Katharine McPhee finally has her self-titled album released (RCA Records) and forget the fact that Taylor Hicks won the competition or that she blew away the judge with the song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" because this album blew me away. Her vocal range is breathless that again I think that she could give Mariah Carey a run for her money.

I know she can. My thought was that she was the one who should have won the competition but hey, look what happened to Chris Daughtry. Not bad and now he's going on tour. McPhee should have won "American Idol." No, seriously I do because she does have that voice to project. Well, despite the fact that she DIDN'T win she won me over with this album and man, what I voice she has. I mean, what she do, take vocal coach training. All this stuff about her not being on tour after the conclusion of 'Idol' is bull because she is one of the highlight and 'Idol' judge Simon Cowell was right as when she sang that song that she was going to have her moment and she made the most of it.

One of the songs I like is "Dangerous":

I wish I never fell in love and maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much.
Inside, I tried to keep it in, my heart is screaming for revenge.
(Caution me before you cross that path, you never know, what’s up ahead.)
Don’t let him trap you up and get your love because…

He’s dangerous.
Dangerous. He’ll steal your heart away, then run and play.
He’s dangerous. Protect your heart, he’ll tear it apart.
Dangerous. He’ll steal your heart away, then run away.
He’s dangerous. Protect your heart, he’ll tear it apart.

1. Love Story
2. Over It
3. Open Toes
4. Home
5. Not Ur Girl
6. Each Other
7. Dangerous
8. Ordinary World
9. Do What You Do
10. Better Off Alone
11. Neglected
12. Everywhere I Go

Go McPhee!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Airwave: More Ureleased music by Madonna

Carrie Underwood is 'Wasted' in song

OK, I admit that I have given former "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood a hard time but I have gotten a soft heart for her now. With her new song, "Wasted" off her mult-platinum album Some Hearts (RCA Records) she get romantic with the man she loves and there she goes again that country cutie. Did I just say that? I did! Anyway, I love this song, because it is honest and she willing to talk about relationships that are a wasted of time.

For one split second
She almost turned around
But that would be like pouring rain drops
Back into a cloud
So she took another step and said
I see the way out and I'm gonna' take it

I don't wanna' spend my life jaded
Waiting to wake up one day and find
That I've let all these years go by
Wasted

If you really think about 'Idol' judge Simon Cowell was right about one thing, that she would end up winning the competition before the top 12 made it. Crazy! But it's true. And look at her now with the success of a debut album, fanbase and so on. What I like about it is her voice and the way that she sings it, it's clear and don't have to wonder what she is singing. Underwood can give that other "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson a run for her money. Yeah, sure Clarkson has one a Grammy but I do believe that Underwood is not that far behind.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Video: My Chemical Romance's 'Famous Last Words' heard

Another gigantic hit from My Chemical Romance's album The Black Parade. When I hear this song, I just get chills. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE MCR!!!!!

Airwave: Joss Stone is 'Introducing' herself

From Harp Magazine:

Soulful singer Joss Stone additionally disclosed some details about three of her favorite songs on the upcoming album Introducing Joss Stone (Virgin Records) due out on Mar. 20.

“Music”: “It’s about my love for music. I was thinking, ‘Why am I looking for love – the unconditional, unbreakable, fairy tale type of love – in a human being?’ Because every love coming from a human IS conditional. I realized that the only love that really is unconditional is music—and God—because music will never let you down.”

“I Wish”: “That’s kind of like a calm ‘f--- you.’ Like, I was mad, but it’s kind of chillin’. At the end I get a little bit over the top then I bring myself back. The song fits my personality, because if someone does something really f----- up to me I will be upset but I don’t get screaming angry. I just get quietly p----- off. But if someone does something to my friends I’ll be screaming angry and I’ll stand up for them.”

“Baby, Baby, Baby”: “It’s like a feel-good, ‘up’ kind of song. Kinda Jackson 5-ish, but I made it my own. It’s classy, and musicians will appreciate it. Raphael played the bass and he f------ killed it—he’s my favorite bass player right now. And we used all live drums; we put in scratches and stuff, but the drums were played.”

Stone that for a good year now she’s been our unofficial “subscription mascot,” e.g., it’s her face that appears on the subscribe-to-HARP cards that are inserted into each issue.

“Oh my god!” Stone giggled, then burst into a gale of laughter. “Are you serious? That is so funny! You have to send me one of those cards so I can

Airwave: Madonna, David and Arthur

Here is Madonna on a recent appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman and again promoting "Arthur and the Invisibles" (out now) and as always she is beautiful as ever.

Airwave: Did Shakur see 'Changes' ahead?

Slain rapper Tupac Shakur releases "Changes" off the album Pac's Life (Umvd Import) and I have to wonder whether he saw the future sometimes as he was writing the songs that would make me the immortal icon he has been since he was tragically and mysteriously murder in Las Vegas in 1996.

There are fans that still believe that Shakur is still alive but someone has to keep in mind that just like Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean it is either the music and movies that each of them created that keeps them alive after so many years. The same thing is happening with Princess Diana.

Come on come on
I see no changes. Wake up in the morning and I ask myself,
"Is life worth living? Should I blast myself?"
I'm tired of bein' poor and even worse I'm black.
My stomach hurts, so I'm lookin' for a purse to snatch.
Cops give a damn about a n****? Pull the trigger, kill a n*****, he's a hero.
Give the crack to the kids who the hell cares? One less hungry mouth on the welfare.
First ship 'em dope & let 'em deal the brothers.
Give 'em guns, step back, and watch 'em kill each other.
"It's time to fight back", that's what Huey said.
2 shots in the dark now Huey's dead.
I got love for my brother, but we can never go nowhere
unless we share with each other. We gotta start makin' changes.
Learn to see me as a brother 'stead of 2 distant strangers.
And that's how it's supposed to be.
How can the Devil take a brother if he's close to me?
I'd love to go back to when we played as kids,
but things change, and that's the way it is.

How much more honest can he get, that was the gift he had when he went into the studio everyday to record the music and its lyrics. Just too band so paranoid gunman decided that it was time to end his life when it was only just beginning to shine but again it has shined the brightest posthumously.

[Bridge w/ changing ad libs]

(Come on, come on) That's just the way it is. Things'll never be the same.
That's just the way it is. aww yeah...
[Repeat]

I see no changes. All I see is racist faces.
Misplaced hate makes disgrace for races we under.
I wonder what it takes to make this one better place...
let's erase the wasted.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Norma the News Editor

Hello, to all of you. Here my mug shot of who I am. Why do I look so serious you ask. I don't like to have my picture taken that's why. I love it when I am like, "What's up?" in each and everyone of my pics. I am the world famous Norma on campus at Cerritos College. Everyone knows who I am and I know who I am too. This semester I am the News Editor for the student newspaper the Talon Marks and I will give my opinion on each story that I cover on my other blog Campus Correspondent. And of course continue with more music on this blog and its sister blog Airwave Blog 2.

Note: I will change the picture I have the blog for this one. I like this picture better but of course looks can be deceiving. If you look at this picture and think that I'm not nice or if I can't along with everyone, there's where you're wrong. I am not that mean and my look is not always this way. But, that up to you if you want me have communication with you. I have gone through enough judgement in my life to know that everyone of us is racist. Actually, that is one of the things I'm learning in college.

However, through the process of listening and understanding I know that I can learn from the past and remember what I'm on this planet for. SO, again I ask that you not judge me because of this picture. All you have to know is that I am a college studying,yoga practicing, Madonna fan who is a music loving maven and who isn't afraid to be honest with you, and without you. What I find most appealing is that I love books and I could spend all day at Borders looking at shelves and shelves of books and that I love Madonna and those who I have come to know, know exactly what I'm talking about.

Videos: Madonna on 'Today' for the movie 'Arthur and the Invisibles'

Airwave: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins wear a 'Rabbit Fur Coat'

Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins could out swinging with this album. And as I listen to it feminism has not and will not go away as long as we have women artists' like her around. Bold move of rythum, music and lyrics. That's what I love about this album title Rabbit Fur Coat (Team Love Records).

Channeling the evocative storytelling of Laura Nyro and the soulful sexiness of Dusty Springfield, singer/songwriter Lewis skips all contemporary studio gimmickry to proffer a near-perfect solo debut. The front-woman for indie darlings Rilo Kiley breaks away from the songwriting democracy she shares with that band's co-leader Blake Sennett (also of the Elected), drawing inspiration from the crackling vinyl albums of her youth. And from the opening notes of "Run Devil Run," an acapella gospel hymn sung with the Watson Twins, through the note-for-note cover of the Traveling Wilbury's "Handle With Care" (with Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst and Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard).

That to be describes her all together. Bam! and Bam!

1. Run Devil Run - (with Jenny Lewis)
2. Big Guns, The - (with Jenny Lewis)
3. Rise Up With Fists!!! - (with Jenny Lewis)
4. Happy - (with Jenny Lewis)
5. Charging Sky, The - (with Jenny Lewis)
6. Melt Your Heart - (with Jenny Lewis)
7. You Are What You Love - (with Jenny Lewis)
8. Rabbit Fur Coat - (with Jenny Lewis)
9. Handle With Care - (with Jenny Lewis)
10. Born Secular - (with Jenny Lewis)
11. It Wasn't Me - (with Jenny Lewis)
12. Happy (Reprise) - (with Jenny Lewis)

Rating: 5 out of 5

Airwave: Neko Case gets 'Blacklisted' and has her 'Boyfriends' play the 'Fox'

I admit I was trying to stay away from making my blog too much about feminism and all but for the next few entries and just like the Los Angeles Times did at the end of last year had a listing of feminist artists who made an impact with their music and the first on my list and the Times is Neko Case with three albums that have made her famous...and than some.

I have hardly bought CDs in the last five years from anyone but I made the exception recently to buy one by Lady Sovereign with her CD Public Warning (Def Jam Records) because she is, yes this British born rap star the self-proclaimed "Biggest Midget in the Game." AND lets not forget any CD single or album by my love Madonna. Right on! Long live the Queen of Pop!


However, back to Neko Case: Yes, I am as proud to say that with these album I am glad that someone has created music that they love. I am a rare one to let someone express feminism as it is and there have been so misconception about feminism in general but for my part that is absolutely NO judgement toward anything that deals with feminism. All I can do is listen, learn and appreciate.

More: There more to music that I wish most people would understand and this is only the beginning of what should and is more women coming out saying I can be just like the guys. Michelle Branch did it, and my idol Madonna did too that was long before Gwen Stefani decided to metamorph into her Madgesty. (Yes, she admits to it). But anyway, feminism is not all that of a bad thing.

Perhaps I can be objective about what feminism is and as I am learning by reading books I know that was it is not is a man-hating orgazination or cult. There is so much that I want to learn about it that it's no wonder I want to know what it is myself. There I am someone who is not the most exciting person in the world because the thing that I find more exciting is going to a bookstore like Borders and I could spend hours and hours of looking at books, and I know that makes me looks like a totally ****. In all honesty, my sister is the most exciting person of the two of us. But, in any case feminism has a long history and the fact that the message and its cause is important.

That is what listening to Neko Case, and coming soon reviews of Miranda Lambert, (finalist from USA Network's Nashville Star), Jenny Lewis, Dixie Chicks, Corinne Bailey Rae, Case, and others has taught me; learning to listen to everyone and any type of music, but I have found feminism appealing. OK, now if I am scaring you or anything let me know I'm either a freak or a stalker. But it's f******* truth and I don't give a s*** about that...I want to learn; is that so hard to ask?

Overall, these albums by Case are great to listen to because she is not afraid to honest about anything and that a great thing.

Ratings: 5 out of 5

Airwave: A timeout from music for books

Sorry for the delay but for today anyway I am taking a timeout from music and I must admit that this was one of the strangest things I've done. I first heard about Inga Muscio by "word of mouth" and I was inspired by the person who read a poem from the book at the Spoken Word event that was held last Nov. 30 just before returning to school on Jan. 8 I read her first book Cunt in one day. I could put the book down and the reason was because she is as honest as I've heard anyone be.

In all seriousness you need to pick up this book along with her second book that I'm currently read called Autobiography of a Blue-Eyed Devil, where she said that we all need to F*** Colombus Day as a holiday because he was a murderer who supposely discovered the New World and that there is more to the Civil Rights Movement than there is currently portrayed in history books. (I believe there is, that's why I'm reading the book!)

As far as I've gotten through the book, I think that she could make Los Angeles Times' columinist Steve Lopez read her books. When I first pick up the book I was trying to imagine who this person was and I as you know person aren't who you imagine they would be, and she makes no bones about her life experiences as well as that fact that she is a "homo" (that's a homosexual, people) as she has termed it. She said that when she told her Grammy that she was a "homo" that her Grammy had been cool with it because as she told Muscio "I would hope that you would go to nice gay places" or some to that effect.

I thought wow! I WISH that my parents would be that cool with it. But than again that is wishful thinking on my part.

These are just a small tid-bit about what these books are about but a person like you and everyone else would have to read the books to find out why and what she has to say. I am and I will. And by the way you will know more about life and what classes DON'T teach in history class.

Rating for both books: 5 out of 5

Airwave: Mickey Avalon has 'Jane Fonda' in mind

First, greetings to everyone and I hope that you all had a great break and a happy new year. Anyway, I am back with the first new single from Mickey Avalon titled "Jane Fonda" off the album Mickey Avalon (MySpace Records) and from the first note how refreshing of a song it is:

I had a baby named Jane
she could shake that thing
said her daddy used to hang with Johnny Coltrane
she sang the soul train with a friend named Jen
her booty was bigger than a Mercedes Benz
Jen was a hurty burty dirty little girlie
I heard it from a birdie she could cook a mean turkey
with gravy
Baby Baby Baby...
Baby was Jen's best friend
and maybe if you were lucky
licky licky sucky sucky
Mickey Mickey, f*** me f*** me
more junk in her trunk than a Honda
I know you wanna do the Jane Fonda

One, two, three, four
get your booty on the dance floor
work it out, shake it little momma
lemme see you do the Jane Fonda
five, six, seven, now
if you don't know, let me show you how
to work it out, work it little momma
I know you wanna do the Jane Fonda

No wonder rock station KROQ 106.7 love this song and that's just the beginning of it. But not to be forgotten is the man himself Mickey Avalon and whatever inspired a song about the award-winning actress, I'm sure she is flattered by it.

I mean look at what British singer Robbie Williams did will his dedication love for my idol Madonna. Yes, he too wrote a song about her titled, "She's Madonna." NO wonder her husband Guy could be jealous. But in any event love the song and you will too.

Rating: 4 out of 5