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Big Time Rush, Country Music, Friday Five, Music

The Friday Five: Halloween Music Videos

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Happy Halloween, Fangirls!  This week, we’ve been listening to pretty much only Country music but we decided to get into the spirit of Halloween and bring you our favorite Halloween themed music videos.

1. Backstreet Boys – “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”
BSB really went all out and set the standard for Halloween themed music videos.  Jekyl & Hyde, a Mummy, a werewolf, the Phantom Of The Opera, and Dracula come together for a choreographed dance filled costume ball of epic proportions.  Why are they in costume?  Nobody knows.  And full disclosure, we still know these dance moves and definitely danced along at the BSB tours.

2. Big Time Rush – “Big Night”
The BTR Halloween episode is pretty amazing – we love Kendall as a werewolf, and James the vampire vs the vampire slayer.   Throwback to the BSB video?

3. Kristian Bush – “Trailer Hitch”
Zombies have taken over this country star’s new video and the only way to stop them is by the soothing sound of his guitar!

4. 5SOS – “Don’t Stop”
Doesn’t everyone want to dress up as their favorite super hero on Halloween?   Well, Aussie pop punkers 5SOS just gave you five brand new favorite super heroes. 

5. Patent Pending – “Dance Til We Die”
When we said that the Long Islanders in Patent Pending went all out for videos, we weren’t exaggerating.  The bands video for “Dance Til We Die” is perfect for any Halloween bash.  Gore and zombies take over as the band sings “and the dancing dead are taking over, never gonna make it out!”

 

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The Friday Five: CMJ Artists To Watch

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CMJ Music Marathon is a week long festival that literally takes over any and every music venue in NYC.  It’s an entire week filled with seminars on the music industry, concerts, and new emerging artists playing pop up shows all around the 5 boroughs.   It’s worth checking out a showcase or two, and we suggest staying to catch all of the artists – you never know, you might just find your new favorite band!  One of us worked the festival last year and it was one of the most fun experiences we’ve ever had!  Here are our top five picks for bands to catch at this year’s CMJ Music Marathon.

1. Born Cages
Coming back for round two at CMJ, Born Cages are ready to hit the ground running with their latest single “Rolling Down The Hill”.  The band are playing a few shows for CMJ this year so be sure to catch them this year.

2. We Are Stations
Playing their first CMJ festival this year, We Are Stations aren’t afraid to give it their all.  Armed with a Foo Fighters sound and positive songs that can turn that frown upside down, this is a show you don’t want to miss at CMJ this year.  When we spoke with the band over the summer, they teased each other as well as a possible EP!

3. The Ugly Club
If you like Walk The Moon, there’s a chance you might like The Ugly Club.  Despite their name, the band is actually really easy on the eyes but that’s just an added bonus.   Spot one of their stickers around the five boroughs and tweet a picture of it- there could be a surprise in store for you!

4. The Rare Occasions
Continuing the grunge trend in 2014, The Rare Occasions are here and they’re going to take over your playlists one song at a time. The bands latest single is huge and we will definitely have this in heavy rotation in the fangirl offices!

5. Bailen
Bailen (previously The Bailen Brothers), is made up of twin brothers, their sister, and a family friend and honorary Bailen.   They first caught our attention when they opened for CMJ alumni AJR earlier this year.   If you like infectious melodies and harmonizing siblings, Bailen is definitely worth checking out.  

Friday Five, Music

The Friday Five: Classic Weezer Songs

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Weezer’s 9th studio album, “Everything Will Be Alright In The End,” is out on Tuesday, October 7th.  Let’s rock out like it’s 94 and take a look back at some of their biggest hits.

 

1. “Buddy Holly” – 1994
One of the coolest music videos of all time – we still aren’t sure what sort of wizardry is happening here.

 

2. “Say It Ain’t So” – 1995
The song that defined the 90s alternative genre.

 

3. “Island In The Sun” – 2001
This song will forever remind us of the Olsen twin movie of the same name, where this track was played approximately every 5 minutes.  We hope Weezer got royalties for each use of the song!  (We estimate about 350 times in the film).

 

4. “Beverly Hills” – 2005 
The perfect song to drive around with your windows down, as we did for the entire summer of ’05.

 

5. “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To” – 2009
Relationship Goals: This song
Bae Goals: This song
Everything: This song

 

Bonus: “Back To The Shack” – 2014
An instant classic.

 

Friday Five, Music

The Friday Five: Songs Of The Week

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We’ve spent most of the last 2 weeks at the US Open, our favorite time of the year.  Here’s what we’ve been listening to this week!  We’ll be back to regular blogging next week after the finals.

1. Demi Lovato – “Really Don’t Care”
We think this is the US Open DJ’s favorite song, because we heard it at least five times a day.  Or maybe he’s just really excited about the Demi World Tour, which kicks off tomorrow?

2. MKTO – “Classic”
MKTO performed at Arthur Ashe Kids Day this year, getting the US Open off to a fun start with this classy jam.

3. Hunter Hayes – “Wildcard”
This should be the theme song for every player that gets a wild card into a tournament.   Would have been a perfect song for Hunter to perform at Arthur Ashe Kids Day!  But we were totally okay with hearing “Tattoo” twice.  Tickets are on sale now for the “Tattoo (Your Name) Tour!”

4. Nick & Knight – “Switch”
We got a little break from the tennis action on Wednesday when we headed to Nick & Knight’s album release show at the Highline.  The show was a preview of what to expect on their tour this fall, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it.  Their harmonies, choreography, and bromance are amazing.

5. NKOTB – “Single” & Backstreet Boys “The One”
Another US Open DJ favorite is “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay.  Which just brings back memories of the NKOTBSB tour opener mashup of NKOTB’s “Single” and Backstreet Boys’ “The One.”  So naturally we just start singing NKOTBSB anytime we hear it.

Friday Five, Music

The Friday Five: Summer Love Songs

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It’s hard to believe that we’re already nearing the end of summer.  (Seriously, how is Labor Day next weekend?!)   Which means you’ve got just a couple weeks left to find (or enjoy) that summer romance.  Here’s the soundtrack to your summer love.

1.  “19 You + Me” – Dan+Shay
This nostalgic track paints the picture of a perfect summer romance.  From sweet tea kissin’ to that first dance in the sand, just listening to this song makes you feel like you’re spending a hot day on Myrtle Beach back in 19–.

2.  “Alice By The Hudson” – AJR
One of AJR’s biggest influences are The Beach Boys, and you can certainly hear it in this track.  “Alice By The Hudson” sounds like a modern day update of the ultimate summer love song, “Surfer Girl.”

3. “Young Love” – Jesse McCartney
We’re loving the retro-pop vibes of JMAC’s new album, “In Technicolor.”  A great love (or a great love song) will make you feel like you’re 17 again.

4. “Shower” – Becky G
This catchy track is everything you’d want in a summer romance, and will have you dancing in the mirror and singing in the shower.

5.  “Vacation” – Sam Hunt
Okay, so this is more of a love song to summer itself and an ode to being on vacation.  A reminder that you’ve got 2 weeks of summer left:  use them well.

Bonus: “Summer Love” – Justin Timberlake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiMhRwHP6sg

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The Friday Five: Summer Tour Jams

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We’ve been to a lot of shows in the past week, and after a good concert a song will stick with you for days.  Here are the songs we can’t get out of our heads after seeing them live.  All of these artists are on tour now, so be sure to check out when they’re coming to your town!

1. Rixton – “Wait On Me“
We love the Ace of Base vibes of this track. (did we just age ourselves?)   Rixton put on a very solid show at Irving Plaza, impressing us with their musicianship, stage presence, and fan boys.  You can catch them on the Broken Heart Tour across the US this summer.

2. Jesse McCartney – “Punch Drunk Recreation“
If you saw JMAC in the Lifetime movie “Escaping Amish,” then you’ll recognize this track as the song his DJ character is playing the moment A.J. Michalka falls in love with him.  And who wouldn’t with this beat?   Check out the dates for the In Technicolor Tour here.

3. THE HEYDAZE – “Adderall“
There’s nothing we love more than a bad (good) pun.  Especially in this cleverly crafted pop song by NYC’s THE HEYDAZE.  See them on The In Technicolor Tour with JMAC through August 23rd!

4. Patent Pending – “Hey Mario”
Patent Pending’s American Meltdown Tour just wrapped up, & they’ll be hitting the UK & Germany later this Fall.  The band are unleashing the Mario & The Brick Breakers documentary soon which we’re sure will have us in stitches like their “Twilight” remake did in 2010 (and still does today).  Make sure you have your copy of the Mario & The Brick Breakers “Greatest Hits EP” on iTunes US and iTunes UK now!

5. MKTO – “Forever Until Tomorrow“
We still can’t get over how great Tony Oller sounded, even when battling laryngitis.  Surely it helped that MKTO has songs that are fun to sing along to, like this one.  The American Dream Tour wraps up this weekend and they’ll be joining Demi Lovato on tour this Fall!

Bonus:  Tiffany Houghton – “Band Boy”
Because this is our theme song, and she totally rocked on the American Dream Tour.

Friday Five, Music

The Friday Five: Breakup Songs

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Sometimes, there is just nothing like a good breakup song, no matter what you’re going through.  They can help vent your anger, remind you to stay positive.    Here are some of our favorite breakup songs.

1.  Brandyn Burnette – “Thanks For Nothing”
Brandyn Burnette’s new single “Thanks For Nothing” shows one way to deal with a breakup.  Be positive!  That is, be positive that the person you just broke up with is, in Lauren Conrad’s words – “a sucky person!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHa4nguI2T0

2. Hunter Hayes – “More Than I Should”
Hunter is so sweet that makes us wonder who broke his heart so badly that he penned one of the angriest breakup songs we’ve ever heard.   You can feel the anger in this song from the first note to the end. The guitars come in, guns blazing, while Hunter sings “I found out the hard way, I loved you more than I should”.  We always find ourselves feeling better after listening to this track!

3. Tiffany Houghton – “The Best”
Fresh music from Tiffany Houghton, this break up song is one of our new favorites.  We can’t get over how upbeat and happy the music is while Tiffany sings about the jerk who broke her heart.  Bless his heart, she’s just wishing him the best.  HA!

4. Taylor Swift – “Picture To Burn”
Oldie but a goodie from the queen of writing the songs that are the soundtrack to our young lives.  Taylor Swift knows how sucky guys can be,  but as far as she’s concerned, they’re all just another picture to burn!  Does anyone else miss Taylor’s country days?

5. Jonas Brothers – “What Do I Mean To You”
When we first heard this song last summer on tour, we had no idea that it would be the last time we’d ever see the brothers together as a band, playing music on tour and stuff.  The chorus just punches you right in the gut – like when he said those fateful four words “we need to talk”.  By the way – Kevin/Joe/Nick, WHAT DO WE MEAN TO YOU!!?

Bonus:  78 Violet (Aly & AJ) – “Potential Breakup Song” & Jonas Brothers “Move On”
You can’t talk about breakup songs without mentioning this iconic song by Aly & AJ and it’s companion song, “Move On” by Jonas Brothers.   “Move On” was never recorded, and only performed once, at Bamboozle.  But we’re sure it felt good for Joe to get that off of his chest!  They both sure seem to have issues with their stuff.  We hope you got your stuff back.

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The Friday Five: Beach Playlist

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We had a lot of great ideas for a Friday Five this week.  Then we realized that since we’re on vacation, we’d much rather be at the beach.  Here is our playlist for the week!  We’ll be back to regular blogging next week.

1.  Sam Hunt – “Leave The Night On”

2. Cody Simpson – “Surfboard”

3. Dan + Shay – “Somewhere Only We Know”

4. Weezer – “Back To The Shack”

5.  Hilary Duff – “Chasing The Sun”

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The Friday Five: Timeless Summer Jams

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Every year, it seems one song and one alone must be anointed the “Song of the Summer.”  While this year’s SOS is still under debate (we’ve already shared our picks!), we prefer those songs you can play year after year that will instantly transport you to summer.

1.  LFO – “Summer Girls”
This was a huge hit for the Lyte Funky Ones in the summer of ’99.  The lyrics made no sense, but that’s part of the beauty of this song and it’s educational pop cultural references. (Macauley Culkin was in “Home Alone.”)  We wonder how many guys have tried the line “you look like a girl from Abercrombie & Fitch.”

2. New Kids On the Block – “Summertime”
Jones Beach 1998.  Come on! New Kids on the Block have a bunch of hits, like their first official single after their reunion 2008!  This was one of the most exciting things to have ever happened in fan girl history.

3. Aaron Carter featuring Baha Men – “Summertime”
Nothing screams summer like AC and the Baha Men hangin’ with the honeys and enjoying the sun. 

4. Selena Gomez – “Summer’s Not Hot”
The temperature says 99 and it can get much hotter so come on over Romeo and Vamos a la playa!

5. Jessie James – “Boys In The Summer”
Because we totally agree, boys DO look so much hotter in the summer.  The video for this is everything summer should be – swimming in a lake with your friends and driving around in an open top jeep singing at the top of your lungs.

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The Friday Five: 90s Country Songs

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Possibly the biggest country singer of the 90s, Garth Brooks, just held a press conference to announce that he is coming out of retirement and releasing a new album this fall.  And going on a world tour!  And this comes just days after another 90s icon, Shania Twain hinted at a tour next year (We need this to happen please!).  Country music was a lot different back then, before the development of the “bro-country” genre.  Here are some of our favorite country songs of the 90s!

1. Shania Twain – “That Don’t Impress Me Much”
It took much debating to decide which Shania video to include on this list.  But that leopard outfit alone made this video the clear front runner.  (Runner Up:  “Man I Feel Like a Woman”)

2. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Achy Breaky Heart”
We used to jump rope to this song in gym class.  Billy Ray’s mullet is out of control in this video.  And check out the amazing ensembles for inspiration – 90s fashion is back after all!   And did you catch Tish Cyrus dancing in the front row?

3. Faith Hill – “This Kiss”
There was no escaping this song in 1998, no matter what music genre you listened to.   Everything about this video is so 90s it hurts.  We’re still not sure why she’s riding on a peach.

4. LeAnn Rimes – “How Do I Live”
The original blonde teen pop-country crossover released her first album at the age of 13.  We’re pretty sure this song was played at every middle and high school dance that took place in the late 90s.

5.Lonestar – “Amazed”
Another song that was inescapable in the late 90s, and played at school dances and weddings nationwide.  You’ll probably still be able to sing along, even if you haven’t heard the song since.

Bonus: Shania Twain – “Man I Feel Like A Woman.”
We just couldn’t resist.  Let’s go girls.