I’ll never forget the first time I heard the song, “If I Needed You.” It was in Stepmom and Julia Roberts sings it to Benjamin when he’s in the hospital after getting stitches. Ever since then, it’s a song that willingly pops into my head whenever I’m having a not so great day.
Yesterday, while listening to NPR’s World Cafe with Mumford & Sons, I got a sweet, sweet surprise. There, at the end of this fantastic podcast, is their rendition of the very song.
With the Film Fest going on, working and volunteering with Chicago Cares (all this week), it’s just what I need to keep myself going.
Note, I have no idea who this woman is featured in the film.
After a few hectic crazy weeks with work and moving Mom, it’s finally happened…I’ve gotten sick. And luckily, Mumford & Sons dropped their new album yesterday in the States so I have a soundtrack to go along with my sneezing, coughing and jackhammering from construction outside (happening right outside my window). Seriously though, their new album is insane. Just when I think I have a favorite song (“Hopeless Wanderer“), another song comes on (“Holland Road“) and I find myself unable to declare a favorite. Give your ears the joy.
In high school, and college, I was a major Dave Matthews Band fan. But since I left college, I haven’t had the urge to see a Dave show. But this morning, I couldn’t help but watch his latest music video for “Mercy.”
And I’m back on the wagon.
From over 14,000 video submissions, the band released the music video for “Mercy.” It’s amazing, inspiring and so simple. Mumford & Sons did something similar encouraging fans making the pilgrimage to Red Rocks to capture their adventure to create the music video for “I Will Wait.” I’ve seen crowd-sourced materials in way of advertising, but seeing bands and music use this method is truly fantastic. Seeing Dave’s video only makes me more excited for Mumford’s to drop.
I for one, cannot remember the last time I have devoted the whole day to listening to a movie soundtrack. Granted, every St. Patrick’s Day, I find myself rocking Waking Ned Devine soundtrack, but that’s out of respect for the holiday.
The minute I saw this trailer for Brave, I knew, I would be counting down the days until its soundtrack released. The last song playing on this trailer just sends chills down my spine.
On the soundtrack, there are some lads from England: Mumford & Sons. Their song Learn Me Right, along with Birdy, is utterly fantastic and is sure to get you jazzed for their impending second album. You can listen to the full song over at their blog. Clearly I just cannot get enough of the celtic influence.
Mum and I had a Mother/Daughter trip to KC a few weeks ago for the Mumford & Sons show. We had no idea what we were walking in to, but I must say, Mom put up quite the fight and survived 5+ hours in this after driving across the state of Missouri:
Your It List had a bunch of their contributors write in on their favorite things of 2010. I wasn’t asked this year, but there’s always next year, so I stole their questions and will answer them here.
Favorite Film As a film addict, this is a dangerous question. A very dangerous question. We saw two much anticipated serial movies in Harry Potter and Toy Story. Black Swan is just as crazy good as everyone says it is. And the Film Fest delivered some gems in Trust and Nice Guy Johnny this year. If I’m going mega blockbuster style, I’ll have to throw in Inception as well. So really, this year delivered in movies for me. But okay, hands down favorite that I want everyone to see? Convictionand/or The Town. Ben Affleck proved he’s still got it in Town (both on camera and behind) and Hilary Swank delivers another character driven piece in Conviction.
Favorite Album It’s no surprise how much I love Mumford & Sons. But sadly, Sigh No More came out in 2009, at least, that’s when I first heard about it, then it crossed over the pond to here. That’s probably the album I listened to the most this past year. And then David Gray‘s Foundling wasn’t a personal fav, but it sure was when he played it live in Millennium Park this past summer. But Brandon Flowers‘ Flamingo was quite surprising and duh, Kanye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy proved he’s still got it. Favorite: Kanye.
Favorite Book I really got into non-fiction books this year and the best was Jerry Weintraub’s When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead. He literally knows or did know anyone worth anything in Hollywood. And his stories are insane. He’ll make you rethink your sales techniques. Close runner up: Jonathan Tropper This is Where I Leave You.
Favorite TV Show 30 Rockwill forever be a favorite/staple in my life. But I’m so excited I finally hopped on the Modern Family bandwagon. Also to note: Mad Men really delivered this past season. So props goes out to the people of Sterling, Cooper, Pryce & Draper.
Favorite Twitterer He was late coming in the game, but man, he is fantastic. @lord_voldemort7
Favorite YouTube Video Every week a fantastic one comes out. But this one from Google that premiered during the Super Bowl is epic. And it also has paved the way for the latest Google Ad.
Most excited for in 2011 Having one W-2 form. After multiple years of multiple jobs, I’m ecstatic to have just one for the 2011 year.
Who you want to kiss at NYE Jake Gyllenhaal. But I’m sure he won’t be where I am. But just in case, I’ll be sure to curl my eyelashes!
Holiday Gift
Seeing as Edward Burns broke my camera during the Film Fest (yea, I’m never going to let this one go or stop believing it), I should probably get a digital camera. But Mom did get me some stellar rubber boots for the Chicago winter!
Hanna (Non)Tana 