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.
This past week, Chicago welcomed the annual Just for Laughs festival. Last year, I was able to attend a couple of smaller shows, but this year, all bets were off.
After Rochelle’s boyfriend was unable to go to the Conan show, I got the invite. We posted up outside at 6:30 a.m. to ensure we scored great seats. It paid off as we received the fourth row! Anna (my mentee and Rochelle’s sister) made shirts for us to wear throughout the work day and it was a struggle to stay focused. At 4, we all headed over to the Chicago theatre for the taping. Despite boasting a guest list I wasn’t too thrilled about, the show was phenomenal (though to be fair, those seats were the main reason). Aziz Ansari popped out of nowhere and did a little something, at which point, I sat shell-shocked in my seat.
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A few days later, Amanda and I went to see Nick Offerman‘s show (Ron Swanson for those Parks & Recreation fans out there). He’s married to Megan Mullally (neé Karen from Will & Grace), so I was equally pumped when she made an appearance and performed for a bit. Offerman’s set was so incredibly fantastic. I felt like Leslie Knope receiving advice from my mentor as he went through his 10 tips for prosperity. I firmly believe we should clone him.
After leaving the set, we ran into Retta, who plays Donna on Parks & Rec. In the last season, Donna and Tom (played by Aziz Ansari) do a bit about “Treat Yo Self.” It’s a day (“The Best Day of the Year”) devoted solely to yourself and everything you love. Amanda and I took this idea to heart when we booked a northeastern adventure in August to see Mumford & Sons in Maine and the Lumineers in Central Park. So naturally when we saw Retta, we had to do “The Best Day of the Year” pose.
I cannot wait to see what’s in store for next year’s Just for Laughs Fest!
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!
The Chiclone was a huge disappointment, though I will say, I woke up freaking out that the window was going to bust in and a tsunami was going to form over the Lake.
But that’s not the kind of wind I’m talking about.
I’m talking about Winter Winds. By the one and only Mumford & Sons. I know I’ve written how much I love them, but last night, they FINALLY played this song in Chicago. This is the song I first heard from them and what made me totally fall for their music. It was their third show here since May (third time’s the charm!) and I went yet again in tow with an old musical buff named Dan who introduced me to the world of Ray LaMontagne and Joe Purdy. We literally had the time of our lives. And here’s some Winds for you all to enjoy. We went in costume, so once Dan sends me the photos, I’ll be sure to show you Dottie Hinson and a Boy Scout partying with the Sons.
For those new to the game, I’ve been obsessed with Mumford & Sons since The Frisky pointed me in their direction on a “Tuesday Tunes.” So after patiently awaiting their North American tour, I snatched up tickets for the roomie and I. Alas, she had to work, so I went with an old school friend from STL and we had a stellar, stellar time. We’re the two whitest people standing in awe in the front row barely moving.
Due to my tweets, one Katie Moulton learned of the band and got the assignment to review them for their STL show. Her review is superb, top-notch, brilliant! Loved these lads way too much.
“The song acts like a tornado – smearing in slow rhythm across the horizon, then bursting into crashing frenzies of banjo, guitar, piano, cymbals, drums – touching down then lifting for a menacing moment of calm.”
Spot on! Read the rest of Katie’s review (and sulk that you missed this show): http://tinyurl.com/2b2vkg2
Hanna (Non)Tana 