Rascal Flatts is back at it, with their eighth studio album, Changed (released April 3rd).

“Change isn’t always easy to go through,” says Joe Don, “and some of this was hard for us. But fortunately there’s another side to change. We’re all family men now, husbands and fathers, and there is so much stability to draw on there. Put it all together, and it’s life-changing stuff that can be scary, but beautiful at the same time.”

I like Rascal Flatts. They’re one of those groups you know just by sound, or at least I do. When I hear one of their songs I think of home, simplicity, and just smile. Even the sad songs make me smile. If you’re a Rascal Flatts fan, you’re going to love Changed.

Check out the official music video for the song Banjo, track 2 on Changed.

Changed was released on April 3rd and has 11 great new songs to give you your Rascal Flatts fix. As an added bonus, the deluxe version of the album has an extra track and 4 bonus tracks.

Rascal Flatts on Tour

For additional tour dates or to buy tickets go to rascalflatts.com.

**disclaimer: I received a copy of Rascal Flatts’ Changed for the purposes of this post courtesy of the One2One Network. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Rascal Flatts: CHANGED is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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This is a sampling of what I have been listening to today

K’s Choice – Not An Addict among other songs of theirs.

30 Seconds to Mars – This is War

Young the Giant – My Body

I think this is my all-time fav Weezer song. Weezer – Undone (The Sweater Song)

The Band Perry – If I Die Young

What music has moved you today?

Music Moves Me is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Two things come to mind when I hear the words cradle and rock in the same sentence.

1. Billy Idol – Cradle of Love

2. Rock-a-bye Baby… in the tree top

Although I love Billy Idol, this most certainly falls into the rock-a-bye realm, sort of.

Cradle Rock takes your favorite rock songs and puts you to sleep

How is that for a tagline?

“Cradle Rock” (http://www.cradlerockstore.com), a series of children’s lullaby albums produced and created by Brash Music and Tree Top Records, hit stores and digital distribution channels October 25th. Cradle Rock uses vibraphones, glockenspiels and mellotrons to turn iconic songs and albums by top artists such as Kenny Chesney and Johnny Cash into naptime-friendly listening material. With Cradle Rock, parents can introduce their children to some of the greatest albums ever recorded including the first ever urban album turned into lullabies, Michael Jackson’s Thriller (released 29 years ago November 30^th).

I was sent three Cradle Rock cds: Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, & Michael Jackson.

I like them. Now before you say ‘she’s just saying that because they were sent to her for free’ let me explain why I like them.

I have this cd called Merlin’s Magic. It’s about an hour long of one musical composition. In that musical composition you hear a lot of bells. And I’m not talking Christmas-time bell ringers in front of your local grocer; I mean soothing, meditate to, relax, drift off to sleep bells. The Cradle Rock cds give me the same relaxed feeling. And who doesn’t want that for their kiddos when you’re trying to get them down for a long winter’s na… uh, for bedtime.

Another thing I really like about the cds is you don’t have to be a fan of Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, or even Michael Jackson to like them. In fact, I don’t like Johnny Cash at all, but really enjoy the Cradle Rock version of his music. It’s not that you cannot figure out the song, it’s that it is not so overpowering as to distract from the relaxing nature of the music.

Price Point ~ $11.98 + shipping for one CD and a digital download.

Win Your Choice of Cradle Rock CD

Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, or Michael Jackson

Giveaway Rules:

Mandatory entry:

Tell me which CD you want if you win.

Additional entries:

Like Tree Top Records on Facebook.
Follow @TreeTopRecords on Twitter.

do both for 2 extra entries

Please complete the form below to enter this giveaway.

If you have problems with the form, please send me an email with your information [be sure to include Cradle Rock Giveaway in your email] and I will manually add your information to the form according to the time stamp on the email.

Giveaway will end on March 18, 2011 at Midnight EST and is open to residents of the U.S., 18 years of age or older. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Winner will be notified via email. Additionally, I will post the winner’s name on my site in a separate post on or around March 19, 2011. Winner will have 48 hours from the time the email is sent to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!

❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀
Disclosure: All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I would not tell you something was wonderful if I did not truly believe it so. Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Rock the Cradle of… a review and giveaway {closed} is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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This Year, Make …Featuring Your Go To Holiday CD

It is not full of Christmas songs or anything like that. Although it does make me think of family & friends, good food & conversation.

It is a compilation of song collaborations, inspirations, and ruminations that will provide a nice musical backdrop for your holiday entertaining this year. Very adult and all of that. A grown up kind of thing.

My favorite?

Baby It’s Cold Outside

It could be the song, but I don’t buy that.

Various artists. Crossing genres. Crossing generations. Breaking stereotypes. Transcending the norm.

This is set the mood music.

Songs on …Featuring range from classics recorded by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, and Roy Orbison to new material by such wide-ranging innovators as Ryan Adams and Q-Tip.

1. Love Me – The Little Willies
2. Virginia Moon – The Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones
3. Turn Them – Sean Bones featuring Norah Jones
4. Baby It’s Cold Outside – Willie Nelson featuring Norah Jones
5. Bull Rider – Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson
6. Ruler Of My Heart – Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Norah Jones
7. The Best Part – El Madmo
8. Take Off Your Cool – OutKast featuring Norah Jones
9. Life Is Better – Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones
10. Soon The New Day – Talib Kweli featuring Norah Jones
11. Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John – Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones
12. Here We Go Again – Ray Charles featuring Norah Jones
13. Loretta – Norah Jones featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
14. Dear John – Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones
15. Creepin’ In – Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton
16. Court & Spark – Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones
17. More Than This – Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
18. Blue Bayou – Norah Jones featuring M. Ward

Available Tuesday, November 16th

Preorder your copy of …Featuring today.

Official Norah Jones website

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Norah Jones’ new cd …Featuring courtesy of the One2One Network for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received, yet I am eligible to win 1 of 5 $50 gift cards. All opinions are 100% my own.

Music Review: Norah Jones …Featuring is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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If you aren’t familiar with KT’s music, you definitely remember one of her previous hit songs – the Grammy-nominated Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, Suddenly I See, Other Side of the World or Hold On.

Tiger Suit heralds the beginning of a new musical adventure for KT.

Organic instrumentation is blended with dance-friendly textures, the results of which she has dubbed “Nature Techno” to encapsulate the album’s collision of raw, upfront rootsiness and sleek electronic textures.

The album’s rollicking first single, Fade Like A Shadow is available at digital retailers now and is already at Top 20 hit at radio.  Check out the video here.

My thoughts…

I’m not sure what I was expecting. Then again, if we didn’t expect and just went with things we would all be much happier, I think.

The songs were mostly upbeat, not fluffy, but catchy. Madame Trudeaux felt as if it were influenced some by the Beatles. I can’t quite put my finger on The Entertainer, but the melody sounds so familiar. And I know I’ve heard (Still a) Weirdo in a recent episode of Grey’s Anatomy (even if I can’t prove it).

At moments I felt as if KT was having mood swings while deciding the order of the songs, but it works.

Tiger Suit is now available.

Get more KT

Website
Facebook
Twitter

**********
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of KT Tunstall’s Tiger Suit from the One2One Network for the purposes of this review.  All thoughts are 100% my own and not influenced in any way. Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Reviewing the Situation: KT Tunstall, Tiger Suit is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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First, a little bit about the band

• One eskimO is a critically-acclaimed English band fronted by singer-songwriter Kristian Leontiou and includes musicians Pete Rinaldi (guitar), Jamie Sefton (bass, horns) and Adam Falkner (drums).

• They currently have the #1 adult alternative song called ‘Kandi‘ which you may have already heard since it’s the most played song on all adult rock radio 4 weeks and counting

• Billboard Magazine calls One eskimO’s self-titled debut album “…catchy, ambient pop.” and Los Angeles Times Magazine hails the song “Kandi” “a beautiful, aspirational track.”

What do I think?

OMG! Really, I am ♥ loving ♥ this album. The music is simple. To me simple is wonderful! I adore acoustic sounds and this album is full of just that. The only thing better than acoustic is acappella, in my opinion.

If I were to make a comparison of One eskimO’s sound to others I would have to say I am reminded of Switchfoot while listening to the song Astronauts. I also hear a little Paul Simon, Dave Matthews, Death Cab for Cutie, Snow Patrol and Cat Stevens. The beginning music in Kandi reminds me of the song Nowhere and Everywhere by Michelle Lewis (Practical Magic soundtrack).

All of this is music to my ears, truly. One eskimO’s self-titled debut album is quickly becoming my must listen to while driving to town. It’s so calming. Music is more than a listening thing; it’s a spiritual journey. Like writing, I see colors, movement, dancing when a rhythm moves me just so.

Where to find more One eskimO

on Facebook
on You Tube
the newsletter
Deluxe Edition on iTunes
Free Download of “Astronauts” via Twitter
Upcoming Tour Dates

Disclosure: Thank you to the One2One Network for sending me this album for free. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. For more information, please read my disclosure policy.

Review: One eskimO is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Okay, this was taken in 1988, but I don’t have one of me from 1987 handy.

In reading and hearing about Bret Michaels in the news, I’ve started thinking about my first introduction to him all those years ago. Ya know, when MTV still played music videos and had VJ’s. And just like Alternative Rock is my musical preference today, those hair bands of the 80′s were a favorite of mine back in the day.

So, in honor of Bret Michaels and spurred by some dancing and singing in my living room, to which Amanda joined in with the flipping of the hair, here is my second favorite Poison Song [You can here my favorite here - Something to Believe In].

Don’t they look like they were just having the time of their lives!

Get Well Soon, Bret!

1987, You & Me Had Such Good Times is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Amanda, Jessica, and I drove over to Radford last night to listen to Megan play in the Flute Recital. It really is something to hear just one or two instruments play as opposed to the typical orchestra. After the girls played their individual pieces, we listened to the flute ensemble play a few selections.

Here is Megan, accompanied by Nitza Kats on piano, playing Scherzettino by Joachim Anderson (1847-1909)

If you like my writing why not subscribe and never miss an update. Let’s be friends. Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter, too.

Scherzettino, Performed by Megan Bender & Nitza Kats is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Spring Sampler from Beehouse Records

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I ♥ music! Especially when it’s free. You’ve heard me say that time and time again. Oh, sure, not literally “heard” me, but I’ve written those words for you to read many times before. Better?

Yet, there is something special about this sampler. Maybe it’s my trip down memory lane. Maybe it’s something in the air. Maybe it’s just really that good. Whatever the case may be, I would recommend checking this one out.

Ten songs taking me back to a time when I was wee little. Ten songs reminding me of times I never experienced, but have read about in books, watched in movies and on television, and listened to in the many songs played over the years.

To give is a listen, just click on Beehouse Records Spring Sampler – 2010. Close your eyes and let the music take you back.

A word of warning to those new to Amazon downloads, you will need to download the Amazon Downloader. This is a small program required to download anything from Amazon. You music will be automatically added to your iTunes list as well. Very convenient.

If you like what you see why not subscribe and never miss an update. Let’s be friends. Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter, too.

Disclaimer: All opinions are 100% mine. No compensation was received, but affiliate links were use in this post. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.

SPRING SAMPLER ~ I ♥ Free Music is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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I’ve been enjoying the Spring-like weather we’ve been having over here in Virginia and I celebrated by opening up some windows, cleaning out those winter cobwebs, and playing music – REALLY LOUD!

There is not one song on the album The Beautiful Letdown that I do not like. Not one. All of these songs make me want to close my eyes and envision the movement of colors in a beautiful ballet. Swirling and dancing, getting brighter, then fading only to grow and pulse with the changes in tempo. Try it while listening to the Dare You To Move video.

I just want to twirl [although the last time I tried I did get a bit nauseated so I'll stick to twirling in my mind].

I love the upbeat tempos of Meant to Live, Adding To The Noise, and Gone. Then there is the mellow and rhythmic nature of On Fire and Twenty-four. I could go on an on. In fact, when I first bought the cd [when it first came out no less] I listened to it in the car for about a month. I gave my kids a break when they were with me, but I enjoyed the melodies and lyrics so much that nothing else seemed right.

And I always reflect when listening to the song Dare You to Move.

Maybe redemption has stories to tell
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell
Where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where you gonna go?
Where you gonna go?
Salvation is here

I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened before

I love music. It’s such a great way of expressing yourself with sound and words and movement. From Christian Rock like Switchfoot to something a little more headbangerish like System of a Down I always find music speaks to me on a deeper level than just about anything else.

What about you?

What music moves you? What do you see, feel, do?

Disclaimer: I was listening to Switchfoot, among other things today and wanted to share this with you. All opinions are 100% mine. No compensation was received, but affiliate links were use in this post. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Music That Moves Me – Dare You To Move is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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