RA Kerin's Essential Kick Ass/Celebratory Playlist

It's that time of year, ladies. Whether we're counting down the days 'til the end of class or bittersweet graduation, the school year is coming to an end and summer is just around the corner. That means I'm already making that special playlist that is going to bump from my speakers the second I get home and back in my car for the first joy ride of the season. Here are some of my favorites, old and new:

RA Kerin's Playlist of Five Kick Ass Songs for Good Times:

1. "Kick Ass" - Mika. I may or may not have named this playlist after this song. It's just so feel-good and every time I play it I want to jump up and down to a montage or Friends-esque sitcom intro. I put this one on for an energy boost or to psych myself up. And it sounds great on my sound system.

2. "Ocean Avenue" - Yellowcard. Y'all remember this one. I actually have a huge soft spot for Yellowcard. 'Ocean Avenue', the album, was the first album that I obsessed over and listened to so many times that I wore it out in the summer of the eighth grade. It was before I owned an iPod so I dragged my huge white boom box around the house everywhere I went. This one always reminds me of those days.

3. "We Are Young" - Fun. (.) Just getting into these guys now and this song has been all over the place, but rightfully so. It's such a good melody that makes you and all your friends want to sing along. I think what I love about it most is that it's not an upbeat song by nature, but it gets you feeling great anyway.

4. "Living After Midnight" - Judas Priest. This song makes me feel like a total bad ass. Period. This song is best played on the highway with your windows down, but I've substituted a good strut down the street with my headphones on for those days where I want the wind in my hair any way I can.

5. "Neighbors" - The Academy Is... Essential house party song. Surprisingly these guys have a lot of songs that I almost included on this playlist and if you were ever a fan of them back in 06 when they were hitting it big in pop punk, you should bust out your old copy of 'Almost Here', or even their newer album, 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High', and celebrate. Bump some Fall Out Boy while you're at it.

WE COULD LEAVE THIS TOWN AND RUN FOR EH VERRRRRR

That's it for a year of music on Gramercy Gals that I hope you enjoyed, maybe found some new stuff, and jammed out. Have a kick ass summer! RA Kerin, signing off~

RA Kerin's Essential Summer Playlist

The weather has been playing tricks on all of us lately, which has put me in the mood for summer even though we're just approaching the end of February. I have my short shorts all ready to go when the day we break 65 degrees finally arrives. But most of all I've been jamming to catchy, happy summer music like it's my job. Sad music, I love you, but for now we're all about the jamz.

So here are my Top 5 Songs for Anticipating Summer, both old and new:

1. "First Date" - Blink 182. This is the absolute essential summer song that will never die. Blink 182 is made for summer and during any other season I think they're repetitive and annoying. But if it's hot out, I'm jamming to this song on repeat.

2. "Point/Counterpoint" - Streetlight Manifesto. Shout out to my brother, who put this song on a perfect summer mix he made for me called Ska Ska Ooh La La (as a homage to my favorite Queen Gaga). Gang vocals and trumpets are all I need, baby. This song goes on as soon as I get in my car, every time, without fail.

3. Every Song Ever - Katy Perry. Seriously. We all know Katy is the queen of summer anthems ("Hot N Cold"? "California Girls"? Perf.) which is why I'm already dancing around to "Part of Me", her new single she debuted at the Grammys. Maybe her breaking up with Russell Brand is a sign of good things to come?

4. "Homeless" - Dia Frampton. No, I will not stop pushing her on this blog. The song title sounds incredibly depressing, but it's a catchy little love song that is perfect for those end-of-spring, almost-summer days.

5. "Here's To Us" - Halestorm. If you watch Glee, you probably watched New Directions do a way-too-cheesy version of this song this week at Regionals or whatever. Halestorm is a metal band that I have loved forever. Their singer is a bad ass bitch with tattoos and an amazing guitar. Trust me, their original version is much better, and I will be playing this song as soon as my thesis ends in celebration of coming out alive.

Throoooooowwwwwbaaaaaaaaack.

Album Reviews with Kerin: Dia Frampton's 'Red'

Does Dia Frampton sound familiar? She might, considering she was half of pop-rock duo Meg & Dia that peaked around 2007 and was recently runner up on singing competition The Voice. Up until last month she had been completely off my radar since I first downloaded her band's single, "Monster" (a la 'monSTERRRR, how should IiiIIi fEEEeeel), back when I was a sixteen year old scene kid (don't want to talk about it), but she's back and better than ever with her self-titled release 'Red'.

At first I didn't know how I felt about her voice. She sometimes gets borderline cutesy with it and has a fairly interesting way of pronouncing things (sometimes her 'A' sounds make her sound like a sheep?) so my immediate response was to move on. Yet, I still had that song stuck in my head an hour later. Needless to say I went back and listened to it again, and again... and again and then I caved, downloaded the album and listened endlessly for maybe a week and a half. Everyone who got in my car at some point over winter break was subject to this album. I listened to it so much that even though it was released in the last week of December, it quickly marched its way up my Top Albums of 2011 list (where it sits among some of the other albums I've reviewed so far, check out my review on Benjamin Francis Leftwich, I'm proclaiming his album my #1).

'Red' is an interesting mix. It's clearly pop-driven, but her unique voice has been given an equally unique splitting of the tracks into half-indie-electronic-ish and half-acoustic. You've got your heavy hitting hooks with an Ellie Goulding/MGMT influence like "Don't Kick The Chair", featuring Kid Cudi (who I have no interest in but damn, that track is infectious) and "Billy The Kid", which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. On the opposite end of the spectrum there are the soft, break-your-heart acoustic tracks like "The Broken Ones" (her single and one of my favorite pop records this year) and "Trapeze". It's a good mix that keeps me from getting bored during 'Red's duration. At any given point I am feeling 'the fuzzies', dancing around, or probably crying. Not to mention, I think the lyrics for these tracks are phenomenally written. They're vulnerable, relatable and clever. It's an all-around home run for me.

If you like Ellie Goulding, A Fine Frenzy or even Colbie Callait, give this album a spin. Like what you hear? Check out Meg & Dia's album "Here, Here and Here". As you can imagine it's Dia's sound amplified; fuller, but with the same clever lyrics and great hooks. But even without her sister, you can tell this little lady's going places. Check out "The Broken Ones" here:

A Year in Music with Kerin 2011 (Part 2)

And now, the songs I wanted to include on part one of this list, but then said 'no wait, I have some dignity left', and then decided I probably don't after all when I saw the play counts on my iTunes...

11 Songs I Wish I Could Say I Shamelessly Played in 2011, But In Fact Played Them With Significant Amounts Of Shame

• "Blow" - Ke$ha.  Absolutely, hands down, my #1 pop song of this year that I was ashamed of. I put it on every mix CD in my car this summer. Every. Single. One. I didn't even hesitate. I love you, Ke$ha, have my glitter-covered babies.
• "Super Bass" - Nicki Minaj.  There is no greater feeling than being able to seamlessly rap every word of this song. I do it often. When this comes on if I had slightly less shame than I do now I would yell "THIS IS MY JAM, TURN IT UP BITCH."
• "Do It Like A Dude" - Jessie J.  Her voice is like warbly-Jamaican Katy Perry but just kidding, she raps and she's from England? This track is crude, and it's fierce as hell and I have no problem with either of those things.
• "This Is What Rock N' Roll Looks Like" - Porcelain Black (feat. Lil' Wayne).  Even though this is definitely not what rock and roll sounds like, Porcelain Black is hot. I can't believe I just admitted that to a blog. Bitch has hair like Cruella de Ville and her voice is growly and deep and I don't even hate Lil' Wayne that much on this song. THAT'S SAYING A LOT. I have tons of shame. But I love you, Porcelain, so the shame is worth it.
• "Moves Like Jagger" - Maroon 5. I feel like a hypocrite on this one because I proclaimed it "the dumbest pop song of the year". I stand by that. The lyrics are positively atrocious, I mean seriously? That doesn't mean I won't dance to it, though. Or sing all of the really dumb words. Regrettably, this one got me. You win this time, Adam Levine.
• "Stereo Hearts" - Gym Class Heroes (feat. Adam Levine). ......okay, maybe you win again, Adam Levine. 2-0.
• "You Make Me Feel" - Cobra Starship (feat. some chick). I once loved Cobra Starship. When they were good. And I loved them. Yes, this was an actual time in history, and no, it is not now, but that doesn't mean I won't jam out to this song. With the windows up.
• "I Wanna Go" - Britney Spears. Not gonna lie, I blasted a lot of Britney this year. She's makin' herself a comeback, y'all. I distinctly remember my brother and I whistling with this one in the car this summer. Sorry, Andrew.
• "Sexy And I Know It" - LMFAO.  Find me one person who did not turn the volume all the way up when LMFAO came on the radio this summer and wish they knew how to shuffle. That person is a dirty liar. Wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle. Yeah.
• "On The Floor" - Jennifer Lopez (feat. Pitbull). Only because Pitbull is in it and for some reason I will listen to any song if he just randomly starts rapping on it. And I think the way she says 'Africa' a la 'ah-FREAK-uh' is hilarious.
• "Tonight (I'm ((Explative of Your Choice))-ing You)" - Enrique Iglesias.  You know there are two versions of this song. One of them is the clean, good-for-radio version. That is not the version I love, worship and dance around in my short-shorts to. Be as crude as you want, Enrique. I will always dance even if it is with shame.

And there you have it. My favorite songs I would never admit to liking were some of my favorite songs of the year.  Well, I guess I kind of admitted to liking them on this blog.  I hope no one will remember because my music cred will be gone forever.

A Year in Music with Kerin: 2011 (Part 1)

I will forever remember 2011 as the year I discovered Spotify, the equally beautiful gift and curse given to music lovers by the internet. Using this wonderful program I made playlist after playlist that I jammed out to all year. Here are some of my favorites that got put on repeat that I hope you'll check out for yourselves (It's really easy. With Spotify. I've even linked all of the songs to Spotify for you. TRY IT.)

So, in no particular order...

5 Songs I Found in 2011 That I Shamelessly Played on Repeat Because They Are Perfect In Every Way

• "I Wish" - Eisley.  The DuPree Sisters use their hauntingly beautiful voices to create unreal harmonies. If honey made sounds and had a broken heart, this is what it would sound like.

• "You Sleep Alone" - Hellogoodbye.  Gone are the days of techno-pop and autotune, thank god. Their album this year easily made my Top 10 as they transitioned (seemingly effortlessly) into folky pop. This song is upbeat and has hints of ska with a killer bassline.

• "If I Die Young" - The Band Perry.  This song was all over radio this year, but that was the crappy pop-turned-country edit. Listen to the original if you like The Dixie Chicks or Taylor Swift.

• "Pumped Up Kicks" - Foster The People. If you haven't heard this song you've been living under a rock. Peek your head out and fall in love with that bass line. Hot damn.

• "You & I" - Lady Gaga. I worship the ground Gaga lays for all other pop artists walks on and this song is astonishing. Since you've probably already heard this one, check out her solo-piano version on Youtube:

Album Reviews with Kerin: Chromeo's "Business Casual"

Ladies, if you haven't heard of Chromeo, prepare to swoon. Really, really hard. Listening to Chromeo is like having a crush for the first time, and then realizing that your crush is really hot, speaks French, plays half a dozen instruments and sings songs about loving you right. It also feels like drowning while dancing, in the BEST WAY.

'Business Casual' is their latest full length and I have been non-stop jamming to it ever since it came out. It's one of those albums that I am always in the mood for, especially when I'm walking down the streets of New York and need something with a good beat. There is no feasible way to stand still and listen to Chromeo; they're infectious and get stuck in your head but not in the way that makes you want to listen to something else to make it go away. It just makes you want to listen to more Chromeo. They're undeniably smooth in their approach to get ladies (and men, because even my boyfriend has fallen victim to their charming ways) to fall in love with them. This album is the definition of swag and is for every kind of music lover, especially if you've got a soft spot for Michael Jackson who was an obvious influence.

My favorite tracks are probably all of them but since this is about giving recommendations and not just being under the Chromeo spell (can you tell that I am? This will be you in a few hours) I'll highly recommend their singles, "Hot Mess", "Don't Turn The Lights On" and "Night by Night." One listen is all it will take and then you'll illegally pirate the entire album and then the entire discography. Also, if you ever get the chance to see them live, I highly recommend it. I had the time of my life dancing and singing for two hours when they came to Terminal 5 this past November and it was the most fun I've had in a long time. Also the singer is incredibly gorgeous and definitely doesn't hurt the eyes. His name is Dave 1, and he dances like this:

Boom. I bet you just fell in love.

Album Reviews with Kerin: Benjamin Francis Leftwich's 'Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm'

If you asked me a few weeks ago, I would say it was purely by accident that I stumbled onto Benjamin Francis Leftwich's music video for his single, "Atlas Hands". Now, however, I liken it something more equivalent to fate because the album from which it stems, 'Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm', has become one of my most played records in recent years. In fact I was so hooked that I played the song once, downloaded the entire album on the spot and never looked back.

Album Review with RA Kerin!

Last year I had the pleasure of watching Swear and Shake, an indie/folk four-piece from Brooklyn, and it was love at first listen. Their five-track EPExtended Play is what I’ve been playing pretty much non-stop ever since, and I can almost guarantee that no matter what genre of music you find yourself most at home in you will fall in love. It’s got the makings of a great EP; yes, it’s short, but every song packs a sensory punch that leaves you wanting more music from the group (good news, they’re in the middle of recording a full length!)

Even while singing about the darker parts of love, Kari Spieler’s voice manages to be smoky-sweet, strong through every note as the lyrics take you on five separate journeys. On “Johnnie”, she sings of a man’s imperfections and her willingness to love them while the drum playing of Tom Elfante trots along behind her, bass playing of Shaun Savage warming with its deep tones. “Truckstop Flower” features the vocals of guitar player and co-songwriter Adam McHeffey, a perfect compliment to Kari’s warm tone in the upbeat track. They come to a close with “Bones”, my personal favorite, which is an honest and raw track that tugs on your heartstrings from start to finish and leave you wanting more still.

Fans of Mumford & Sons and Arcade Fire are sure to love Swear and Shake. Really anyone with a heart open to soft, sweet, but soulful music will welcome them with open arms. You’re gonna love them. You’re welcome.

Check out Swear and Shake’s track “Johnnie” below.

New to Gramercy...RA Kerin!

Though I am blessed to be a new RA at Gramercy this year, this ain’t my first rodeo. I spent the entirety of my Sophomore Year of Pain, as it has become known in the Illustration department, as an RA on the sixth floor of the George Washington. This is where I took up residence in a space I liked to lovingly call, My Shoebox - for both its shape and sometimes its familiar smell.

Between work and my RA responsibilities, my shoebox and I became pretty well acquainted. Spending a year at the George Washington did give me something I didn’t have any of before - Experience. A lot of it. I was surprised how much I could encounter, learn, and push myself in the span of one year. There were days when I felt on top of the world, and others where I was merely a lifeless heap upon my boss’ desk. And others where I stormed through the hallways in search of the jerk that ruined my fancy music-oriented bulletin board, all of which helped me realize how much I truly love what I do. It was a wonderful experience that I will take with me wherever I go.

Still, I wanted more. Maybe not more, but definitely something different. I wanted an experience that allowed me to get to know residents better; dare I say I was in search of a family away from family? Growing up in a massive family, and then moving to an isolated building where I spent most time working on my own terms, was the residence-hall-equivalent of culture shock. I wanted people who would be there for me, to quote Mean Girls with, have people to cry to when the Illustration department would inevitably beat me to a pulp, and even read my blog entries.

And so I moved to Gramercy! I’m sure you can imagine my excitement upon knowing that my new home would be a beautiful building with high ceilings and wood floors overlooking the illustrious Gramercy Park. I have an unhealthy love of organization and shelving and now I can display all of my cute little James Jean postcards in frames and my vinyl resin red ray gun, that I may or may not have purchased at four in the morning for fifty dollars, on tiny little ledges in the windows.

(Clearly the face of a futuristic assassin. Pew, m*therf*ckers.)

I take that back. What I am most excited about is the fact that being a part of Team Gramercy is like coming home and realizing you had a family you didn’t know existed. The ladies that make up the staff you are all going to know (and love) are some of the most wonderful, sweet, bad-ass individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Not to mention that I’m moving into a hall full of awesome chicks with a million different talents, personalities and stories that I’m really stoked on getting to know and see and make members of my family. You do not have a choice in that, by the way. I am going to unconditionally love all of you whether you like it or not and if this sounds like a threat then we’re already off to a great start.