Labels: Arcade Fire, Fireflight, For Those Who Wait, Month of May, New Singles, PS22 Chorus, Sing Yourself, The Suburbs, Travis Garland
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This is Sounds Good, a new music blog that specializes in reviews and predictions of what new artists of today will become the chart-toppers
of tomorrow. My posts get to the point so you can get back to what matters: music. DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the music that I link and any music offered for download on Noteworthy is free and legal. All content published here is original. My thoughts about a particular song, artist or video are mine and mine alone. Copyright 2009-2010. | |
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More New Singles
Thursday, May 27, 2010 @ 2:27 AM Kinda calm and toned down... sleepy almost. A slow driving song. Or something you can clean the house to. But only if you live in The Suburbs. Kidding. Lame joke. I guess it's a good single for a third album, but I didn't just love it. Put "The Suburbs" on at night and it'll probably lull you into a pretty dream state. Get your hammock ready. This is doubly upbeat. Much more so than "The Suburbs" while being a little more typical of the Arcade Fire sound. But not by a lot. Maybe it's just the quality (ripped from the radio - the only version out there right now) that makes it sound not as loud as it should be. Or was intended to be. I don't know. Both these babies need to grow on me. If you haven't seen any YouTube videos by the PS22 Chorus you need to. SERIOUSLY. Every cover these kids is straight up wonderful. Their latest is an original song called "Sing Yourself" with Travis Garland as a soloist. Like everything they do, it's gorgeous and watching them sing is a joy in itself. It's so lovely to see videos that have actual stories behind them these days. Even though it's a story that's been told ten million times (kid with a dream is told to give up, but fights on til they succeed). The production value is beautiful... maybe even better than the song and it's obvious 'Keep Hope Alive' message. Labels: Arcade Fire, Fireflight, For Those Who Wait, Month of May, New Singles, PS22 Chorus, Sing Yourself, The Suburbs, Travis Garland |
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Press Stop: Rihanna - Rockstar 101
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 @ 11:57 PM I thought that I'd enjoy a song and video with Slash and Travis Barker in it and after several months "Rude Boy" has finally grown on me. However, this "Rockstar 101" song? Meh. It's exactly what I've come to expect from Rihanna. The same old, same old. I was turned off by it when I heard the "I never play the victim" line set to images of her writhing around a snow-blanketed forest in black. Not that I should be surprised. Her album is titled Rated R and her last two hits are all about (more or less) graphic violence, graphic sex or a combination of both. You're sexy. You're tough. We get it. Give us a break. Chick is smack in the middle of a musical identity crisis. She's trying to prove over and over again that Chris Brown's physical assault did not make her a "victim" and it most certainly didn't effect her artistry. Instead it made her a badass. A "rockstar, babyyy." I'm not buying it. It's the same thing she's been selling since last fall, simply repackaged in grayscale. I'm not even going to give my two cents about the occult symbolism (Way to put those Illuminati rumors to death). The song alone doesn't have the club banger quality of "Disturbia" or the radio-friendly vibe that made "Don't Stop The Music" and "Shut Up and Drive" hits. I think the public is getting tired of her non-stop bondage party and wants to hear and see something different. Labels: music video, Press Stop, Rihanna, Rockstar 101, Slash, Travis Barker |
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New Singles
@ 4:41 AM Honestly, this isn't an impressive song. Sounds like all the other tracks they've already put out. That's bad since this is one of the songs from their new album. It's as if the band is testing their experimental ability to be creepy and then it automatically rebounds back into their pop rock comfort zone. I have no idea how you verbally say three exclamation points, but I need to learn how fast. This is really fun, trippy, move yo body music. Consistent bassline, repetitive vocals - what's not to love? I'm unsure if it's their official single, but Pretty Much Amazing says it's an opening track. That's good enough for me! Ahhh, we have officially located this summer's One Hit Wonder. A minimalistic easy-to-learn, hip rolling 'new dance craze' coming soon to a club near you. In case you were wondering, the Cali Swag District efficiently fills the vacant dance rap spot left by last year's flash hit makers the New Boyz... even though they make a cameo in the video - wtf? You're one hit wonders. You can't leech off somebody else's one hit wonder. That is SO a party foul. Knapp's been getting more attention due to her personal life than her new music which is a shame. Her second single "Dive In" is adding to her critically acclaimed comeback and guess what? It ain't half bad. It's all acoustic and makes the audience in the video up there clap their hands contagiously. It's strong and folksy with good lyrics and emotion. Former fans will adore it. Labels: AM/FM, Cali Swag District, Dive In, Exclamation Points, Figure It Out, Jennifer Knapp, Letting Go, New Boyz, New Singles, Pretty Much Amazing, Teach Me How To Dougie, VersaEmerge |
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Future Hit: Katy Perry - E.T. (Futuristic Lover)
Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 9:56 PM
Part of Pop Star Sunday
This took some time to grow on me (especially knowing this song is about Russell Brand... ew). But the second time I was completely into the chorus. It's probably the only pop song I'll ever applaude for being over-produced. I mean it's called "E.T." What better song to slap a bunch of cymbols and electric keyboards over? It's the second track leaked from her upcoming sophomore album, "Teenage Dreams." Horrible title, in my opinion. And whoever suggested to release "California Girls" before this addictive gem needs to be slapped. Hard. Let's hope it catches on like a wildfire when it's released officially. Some of the lyrics are bad, though. Guess you can't have it all. The best line? "I wanna walk on your wavelength." If this video doesn't feature Katy dancing with green people or paying homage to the movie E.T. I will be sorely disappointed. Labels: California Girls, E.T., Future Hit, Futuristic Lover, Katy Perry, Teenage Dreams |
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The Independents: The Arrival
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 @ 1:36 PM 5 piece Alabama-based band The Arrival isn't what you think they are. I wanted to immediately stick them into the same pop rock, Alt. Press box that's already packed to the seams with sceney-boppers and All Time Low wannabes. However, there is one thing I had to remind myself of inbetween every song: The Arrival is unsigned. It's kinda crazy that a band recording out of somebody's house sounds this clean and high def. No. 1 reason to heart them: The lyrics. They aren't typical of their genre. "Is This What You Call Love," from their self-written and self-produced EP, opens with "Maybe we hit the bedroom way too soon/But I don't know why, I can't deny/I don't want to grow old with you." Okay!? The opposite sentiment continues in "Forget About The Forecast." A sweet slow jam in the same vein as "Umbrella," but more romantic. The Arrival has talent when it comes to the sweet stuff. They start off soft and go down smooth. YouTube "Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is" and "Surrounded." Not to mention, I'm a SUCKER for a good cover. I found myself swaying in my seat to their version of MJ's "Rock With You." Vocalist Jeff Mitchell's high notes are pitch perfect. It's 10 times better than Cobra Starship's "Billie Jean" cover and a million times better than any number of "Beat It" covers on the internet. Don't write them off as more of the same thing. The Arrival is not the same thing. Thank goodness! There are only so many sound zombies a person can take. Labels: Forget About The Forecast, Is This What You Call Love, Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is, Rock With You, Surrounded, The Arrival, The Independents |
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Heatseekers: Alexz Johnson
Sunday, May 16, 2010 @ 10:02 PM
Part of Pop Star Sunday
(Even though she's not technically pop anymore...) I remember when I used to watch Instant Star on The N as a high schooler. After every episode I'd go online and listen to all the Jude Harrison songs, performed by a then red-headed Alexz Johnson. Her voice always stood out to me, despite the falling quality of the songs after Season 2. Upon hearing all her incredible new music, I'm extremely excited for her and her career. Alexz had taken a major departure from her naive teenager image that was promoted so heavily in Instant Star. And this is the reveal she deserves after having her original 2006 debut album shelved by the evil Epic Records. This mature, indie (and dare I say sexy when referring to a former child star) sound she has now has been a long time coming. But as I listen to "Voodoo" and "Hurricane Girl" I guess all that time recording was worth it. Labels: Alexz Johnson, Epic Records, Heatseekers, Hurricane Girl, Instant Star, Jude Harrison, Pop Star Sunday, The N, Voodoo |
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Okay - I'm Back!
Saturday, May 15, 2010 @ 11:12 AM
Woohoo! Champagne time.
Who the heck am I? In the good words of Jay-Z, allow me to reintroduce myself. I'm Melody. And my blog Sounds Good for a lot of different reasons. 1. I love great music and I wouldn't recommend that you listen to anything that I wouldn't listen to. 2. The only thing better than music in general is new music. 3. I always tell you why it's good. And if it's bad I tell you why it's bad. 4. I try my best to keep the posts short and sweet. You're busy. So am I. Who has time for a seven paragraph commentary? 5. I'm good at predicting what's next. My proof? I totally called Justin Bieber, Drake, The Pretty Reckless, Gloriana and Paramore's Brand New Eyes. With this revamp I've found new fire and this time the site's gonna be around for a very, very long time. Especially since I'll be utilizing that queue feature more often. Just keep coming back to me. I want to expose you to some wonderful new sounds :] - Melody Labels: Hello, introductions again, Melody, Sounds Good revamp |
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Revamp on Hold
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 @ 7:12 PM
I know, I'm terrible. But final exams take precedence. So hold on a little while longer. I want to polish the new layout some more, possibly even experiment with the new name some more and get my new posts more organized.
I have a list of things ready to go - but not until all these other little nuances are done first. Labels: Final Exams, Sounds Good revamp |
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Future Hit: Janelle Monae
Monday, May 3, 2010 @ 4:48 PM Anyone with Prince as a fan has to be working with something crazy original. From just one song you can hear how funky Janelle Monae is. It's like there's a brass section playing in her veins. To be fair, she isn't brand spanking new. She's done past projects like the "Open Happiness" Coke campaign and Outkast's 2006 film Idlewild. Her latest is the super danceable "Tightrope" and it's equally peppy music video. Which, if we lived in a fair world, would be owning the charts right now. Fortunately, it only gets better from there. "Wondaland" is artificial genius. "Sir Greendown" is old-school, but fresh. "Dance or Die" is my favorite cause it's so very innovative you can't put one genre on it. If you want to backtrack "Violet Stars Happy Hunting!", "Many Moons" and "Sincerely Jane" are cool and inspirational. I give it a few more months until people finally catch on to how awesome her music is. It really shouldn't take forever. Emphasis on 'should.' Labels: Dance or Die, funky, Future Hit, Idlewild, innovative, Janelle Monae, Open Happiness, Sir Greendown, Tightrope, Wondaland |
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New Music Video: Christina Aguilera - Not Myself Tonight
Saturday, May 1, 2010 @ 2:09 PM They called her xXxtina back in the day for a reason. Good Lord. The video for 'Not Myself Tonight' is Christina Aguilera's return to the business after her concept album 'Back to Basics.' It's also her first single from her new album. And while all the Lady Gaga and Rihanna fans are probably on YouTube right now claiming that Christina is just trying to jump on the Bad Romance bandwagon, let's be clear. Christina did it first. Her infamous 2002 album 'Stripped' made it acceptable for a lot of the things that are popular today. And it came out way before any of 2009's pop divas had the careers they have now. Just look at the video. It's soft-core Clockwork Orange crazy. There's bondage themed dancing in what looks like a church. Whips. Sparkly chains. An insane catsuit that makes Katy Perry's Complex photoshoot look tame. A choreographed orgy. Let me repeat: Christina did it first. And in my opinion, she's doing it again. Labels: Christina Aguilera, New Video, Not Myself Tonight, Stripped |
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More New Singles
Thursday, May 27, 2010 @ 2:27 AM Kinda calm and toned down... sleepy almost. A slow driving song. Or something you can clean the house to. But only if you live in The Suburbs. Kidding. Lame joke. I guess it's a good single for a third album, but I didn't just love it. Put "The Suburbs" on at night and it'll probably lull you into a pretty dream state. Get your hammock ready. This is doubly upbeat. Much more so than "The Suburbs" while being a little more typical of the Arcade Fire sound. But not by a lot. Maybe it's just the quality (ripped from the radio - the only version out there right now) that makes it sound not as loud as it should be. Or was intended to be. I don't know. Both these babies need to grow on me. If you haven't seen any YouTube videos by the PS22 Chorus you need to. SERIOUSLY. Every cover these kids is straight up wonderful. Their latest is an original song called "Sing Yourself" with Travis Garland as a soloist. Like everything they do, it's gorgeous and watching them sing is a joy in itself. It's so lovely to see videos that have actual stories behind them these days. Even though it's a story that's been told ten million times (kid with a dream is told to give up, but fights on til they succeed). The production value is beautiful... maybe even better than the song and it's obvious 'Keep Hope Alive' message. Labels: Arcade Fire, Fireflight, For Those Who Wait, Month of May, New Singles, PS22 Chorus, Sing Yourself, The Suburbs, Travis Garland |
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Press Stop: Rihanna - Rockstar 101
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 @ 11:57 PM I thought that I'd enjoy a song and video with Slash and Travis Barker in it and after several months "Rude Boy" has finally grown on me. However, this "Rockstar 101" song? Meh. It's exactly what I've come to expect from Rihanna. The same old, same old. I was turned off by it when I heard the "I never play the victim" line set to images of her writhing around a snow-blanketed forest in black. Not that I should be surprised. Her album is titled Rated R and her last two hits are all about (more or less) graphic violence, graphic sex or a combination of both. You're sexy. You're tough. We get it. Give us a break. Chick is smack in the middle of a musical identity crisis. She's trying to prove over and over again that Chris Brown's physical assault did not make her a "victim" and it most certainly didn't effect her artistry. Instead it made her a badass. A "rockstar, babyyy." I'm not buying it. It's the same thing she's been selling since last fall, simply repackaged in grayscale. I'm not even going to give my two cents about the occult symbolism (Way to put those Illuminati rumors to death). The song alone doesn't have the club banger quality of "Disturbia" or the radio-friendly vibe that made "Don't Stop The Music" and "Shut Up and Drive" hits. I think the public is getting tired of her non-stop bondage party and wants to hear and see something different. Labels: music video, Press Stop, Rihanna, Rockstar 101, Slash, Travis Barker |
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New Singles
@ 4:41 AM Honestly, this isn't an impressive song. Sounds like all the other tracks they've already put out. That's bad since this is one of the songs from their new album. It's as if the band is testing their experimental ability to be creepy and then it automatically rebounds back into their pop rock comfort zone. I have no idea how you verbally say three exclamation points, but I need to learn how fast. This is really fun, trippy, move yo body music. Consistent bassline, repetitive vocals - what's not to love? I'm unsure if it's their official single, but Pretty Much Amazing says it's an opening track. That's good enough for me! Ahhh, we have officially located this summer's One Hit Wonder. A minimalistic easy-to-learn, hip rolling 'new dance craze' coming soon to a club near you. In case you were wondering, the Cali Swag District efficiently fills the vacant dance rap spot left by last year's flash hit makers the New Boyz... even though they make a cameo in the video - wtf? You're one hit wonders. You can't leech off somebody else's one hit wonder. That is SO a party foul. Knapp's been getting more attention due to her personal life than her new music which is a shame. Her second single "Dive In" is adding to her critically acclaimed comeback and guess what? It ain't half bad. It's all acoustic and makes the audience in the video up there clap their hands contagiously. It's strong and folksy with good lyrics and emotion. Former fans will adore it. Labels: AM/FM, Cali Swag District, Dive In, Exclamation Points, Figure It Out, Jennifer Knapp, Letting Go, New Boyz, New Singles, Pretty Much Amazing, Teach Me How To Dougie, VersaEmerge |
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Future Hit: Katy Perry - E.T. (Futuristic Lover)
Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 9:56 PM
Part of Pop Star Sunday
This took some time to grow on me (especially knowing this song is about Russell Brand... ew). But the second time I was completely into the chorus. It's probably the only pop song I'll ever applaude for being over-produced. I mean it's called "E.T." What better song to slap a bunch of cymbols and electric keyboards over? It's the second track leaked from her upcoming sophomore album, "Teenage Dreams." Horrible title, in my opinion. And whoever suggested to release "California Girls" before this addictive gem needs to be slapped. Hard. Let's hope it catches on like a wildfire when it's released officially. Some of the lyrics are bad, though. Guess you can't have it all. The best line? "I wanna walk on your wavelength." If this video doesn't feature Katy dancing with green people or paying homage to the movie E.T. I will be sorely disappointed. Labels: California Girls, E.T., Future Hit, Futuristic Lover, Katy Perry, Teenage Dreams |
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The Independents: The Arrival
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 @ 1:36 PM 5 piece Alabama-based band The Arrival isn't what you think they are. I wanted to immediately stick them into the same pop rock, Alt. Press box that's already packed to the seams with sceney-boppers and All Time Low wannabes. However, there is one thing I had to remind myself of inbetween every song: The Arrival is unsigned. It's kinda crazy that a band recording out of somebody's house sounds this clean and high def. No. 1 reason to heart them: The lyrics. They aren't typical of their genre. "Is This What You Call Love," from their self-written and self-produced EP, opens with "Maybe we hit the bedroom way too soon/But I don't know why, I can't deny/I don't want to grow old with you." Okay!? The opposite sentiment continues in "Forget About The Forecast." A sweet slow jam in the same vein as "Umbrella," but more romantic. The Arrival has talent when it comes to the sweet stuff. They start off soft and go down smooth. YouTube "Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is" and "Surrounded." Not to mention, I'm a SUCKER for a good cover. I found myself swaying in my seat to their version of MJ's "Rock With You." Vocalist Jeff Mitchell's high notes are pitch perfect. It's 10 times better than Cobra Starship's "Billie Jean" cover and a million times better than any number of "Beat It" covers on the internet. Don't write them off as more of the same thing. The Arrival is not the same thing. Thank goodness! There are only so many sound zombies a person can take. Labels: Forget About The Forecast, Is This What You Call Love, Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is, Rock With You, Surrounded, The Arrival, The Independents |
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Heatseekers: Alexz Johnson
Sunday, May 16, 2010 @ 10:02 PM
Part of Pop Star Sunday
(Even though she's not technically pop anymore...) I remember when I used to watch Instant Star on The N as a high schooler. After every episode I'd go online and listen to all the Jude Harrison songs, performed by a then red-headed Alexz Johnson. Her voice always stood out to me, despite the falling quality of the songs after Season 2. Upon hearing all her incredible new music, I'm extremely excited for her and her career. Alexz had taken a major departure from her naive teenager image that was promoted so heavily in Instant Star. And this is the reveal she deserves after having her original 2006 debut album shelved by the evil Epic Records. This mature, indie (and dare I say sexy when referring to a former child star) sound she has now has been a long time coming. But as I listen to "Voodoo" and "Hurricane Girl" I guess all that time recording was worth it. Labels: Alexz Johnson, Epic Records, Heatseekers, Hurricane Girl, Instant Star, Jude Harrison, Pop Star Sunday, The N, Voodoo |
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Okay - I'm Back!
Saturday, May 15, 2010 @ 11:12 AM
Woohoo! Champagne time.
Who the heck am I? In the good words of Jay-Z, allow me to reintroduce myself. I'm Melody. And my blog Sounds Good for a lot of different reasons. 1. I love great music and I wouldn't recommend that you listen to anything that I wouldn't listen to. 2. The only thing better than music in general is new music. 3. I always tell you why it's good. And if it's bad I tell you why it's bad. 4. I try my best to keep the posts short and sweet. You're busy. So am I. Who has time for a seven paragraph commentary? 5. I'm good at predicting what's next. My proof? I totally called Justin Bieber, Drake, The Pretty Reckless, Gloriana and Paramore's Brand New Eyes. With this revamp I've found new fire and this time the site's gonna be around for a very, very long time. Especially since I'll be utilizing that queue feature more often. Just keep coming back to me. I want to expose you to some wonderful new sounds :] - Melody Labels: Hello, introductions again, Melody, Sounds Good revamp |
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Revamp on Hold
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 @ 7:12 PM
I know, I'm terrible. But final exams take precedence. So hold on a little while longer. I want to polish the new layout some more, possibly even experiment with the new name some more and get my new posts more organized.
I have a list of things ready to go - but not until all these other little nuances are done first. Labels: Final Exams, Sounds Good revamp |
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Future Hit: Janelle Monae
Monday, May 3, 2010 @ 4:48 PM Anyone with Prince as a fan has to be working with something crazy original. From just one song you can hear how funky Janelle Monae is. It's like there's a brass section playing in her veins. To be fair, she isn't brand spanking new. She's done past projects like the "Open Happiness" Coke campaign and Outkast's 2006 film Idlewild. Her latest is the super danceable "Tightrope" and it's equally peppy music video. Which, if we lived in a fair world, would be owning the charts right now. Fortunately, it only gets better from there. "Wondaland" is artificial genius. "Sir Greendown" is old-school, but fresh. "Dance or Die" is my favorite cause it's so very innovative you can't put one genre on it. If you want to backtrack "Violet Stars Happy Hunting!", "Many Moons" and "Sincerely Jane" are cool and inspirational. I give it a few more months until people finally catch on to how awesome her music is. It really shouldn't take forever. Emphasis on 'should.' Labels: Dance or Die, funky, Future Hit, Idlewild, innovative, Janelle Monae, Open Happiness, Sir Greendown, Tightrope, Wondaland |
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New Music Video: Christina Aguilera - Not Myself Tonight
Saturday, May 1, 2010 @ 2:09 PM They called her xXxtina back in the day for a reason. Good Lord. The video for 'Not Myself Tonight' is Christina Aguilera's return to the business after her concept album 'Back to Basics.' It's also her first single from her new album. And while all the Lady Gaga and Rihanna fans are probably on YouTube right now claiming that Christina is just trying to jump on the Bad Romance bandwagon, let's be clear. Christina did it first. Her infamous 2002 album 'Stripped' made it acceptable for a lot of the things that are popular today. And it came out way before any of 2009's pop divas had the careers they have now. Just look at the video. It's soft-core Clockwork Orange crazy. There's bondage themed dancing in what looks like a church. Whips. Sparkly chains. An insane catsuit that makes Katy Perry's Complex photoshoot look tame. A choreographed orgy. Let me repeat: Christina did it first. And in my opinion, she's doing it again. Labels: Christina Aguilera, New Video, Not Myself Tonight, Stripped |
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profile
Hey! I'm Melody, yes it's my real name and I kinda love it! I love music, art, film, television and any overall combination of them all. One of these days I will create a tv show about a band of traveling musicians and the insane music bloggers that stalk them with original songs and Glee-like dance numbers every week. Until then, I'm a part-time fan, full-time journalist. New music is the most addicting thing to me, next to lemon pound cake and fresh baked cookies. Whenever I have free time I'm with friends or wondering why I don't read books as much as I used to. I love Jesus Christ and NOT ashamed of it. Jesus Freaks, where you at!? My day is not complete unless I watch the news and I am a terrible, terrible procrastinator. But I'm getting better at it <3 Life is about the journey afterall, not the destination. Unless you're going on vacation. Or patiently awaiting graduation. Then it is all about the destination. |
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Credits:
Layout ;
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Inspiration .
Previous Posts: New Video: She & Him - Fools Rush In ; More New Singles ; Press Stop: Rihanna - Rockstar 101 ; New Singles ; Future Hit: Katy Perry - E.T. (Futuristic Lover) ; The Independents: The Arrival ; Heatseekers: Alexz Johnson ; Okay - I'm Back! ; Revamp on Hold ; Future Hit: Janelle Monae ; Previous Months: April 2009 ; May 2009 ; June 2009 ; July 2009 ; August 2009 ; April 2010 ; May 2010 ; June 2010 ;
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