Desk Jams

I protested podcasts for a long time. I protested talk radio for a long. And then I learned NPR has a plethora of podcasts solely based on music: All Songs Considered to World Cafe to First Listens and even Live Concerts. I’m addicted.

Then I came across a series of theirs they’ve had around for a few years now: Tiny Desk Concerts.

The premise: a band comes into their HQ and records a few songs with instruments at someone’s desk. The finished product: a spin on songs you never knew imaginable. And the best part? The artists/bands participating are the ones you want to see and hear. I nearly flipped out from Adele’s, The Civil Wars and the Blind Boys of Alabama. If you need a little moving break during the 9-5, you don’t have to leave your desk. (Good news for winter, whenever it decides to roll around).

I listened to this Passion Pit one at least 4 times today.

 

To Ease Your Pain

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.