Parisian Pop

Jessica Pare's recent performance of  "Zou Bisou, Bisou" on Mad Men totally got me thinking about an awesome tape (that's right, -- a tape) that I used to listen to in the 90's. The tape  was called Musique D'Express and it was from the clothing store Express. The tape was the store's soundtrack and the French pop songs added a sort of European sophistication to the the shopping experience. I listened to it over and over and over again. I could not understand any of the songs, but I just loved them and thought they were sooo chic! 


To my pleasant surprise, I found the tapes available on amazon.com and some of the songs  on YouTube with videos.  Who knew there were awesome videos to go along with these amazing songs???!!!

SIDE ONE:  

                      1. Claudia Phillips "Picasso" 

                      2. Niagara "Soleil d'Hiver" 

                      3. Francois Feldman "Joue Pas"

                      4. Luna Parker "Fric Frac" 

                      5. Vanessa Paradis "Soldat" 

SIDE TWO: 

                      1. Vanessa Paradis "Joe le Taxi" 

                      2. Serge Gainsbourg "Mon Legionnaire" 

                      3. Lio "Tu Es Formidable" 

                      4. Pauline Ester "Oui, Je l'adore" 

                      5. Francois Feldman "J'ai Peur"

I still have find that I have passion for French pop music, here are a few of my current favorites by Yelle and Vanessa Paradis. 

Music for a Frenzied Friday: Letters to Cleo

Sometimes I miss the 90's! Back then, I was in high school and the summer consisted of a minimum wage job, time by the pool, and lots of time to hang out with friends.

It's really hot here in Texas and today I can't hang out by the pool all day, but I can rock out to Letters to Cleo!

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you have a wonderful day!

http://www.blogaholicnetwork.com 

Music for a Frenzied Friday: Kylie Minogue

Today is sure to be another frenzied Friday, but at least it's donut day at work! Here's some Kylie Minogue to help kick-start your day!

Happy weekend blog friends! Make it a good one!

Music for a Frenzied Friday: Jamiroquai

There never seems to be enough time to accomplish all that needs to be done before the weekend officially begins. Because of this, I hope to post motivating music at the end of each week to help my readers and I power through what can often be a crazy day. My inaugural posting features Jamaraquai whose funky electronic beats inspire me to keep on dancing! I hope they will inspire you too! Happy Friday!

The Allure of the Circus

The movie Water for Elephants was exciting! Reese  and Robert were awesome. The costumes  were stunning! The animals were beautiful! I highly recommend you read the book and check out the movie. 

A brief history of circuses. The word circus is of Latin origin and it means the "circular region of the sky, oval space in which games were held." Think chariots, staged fighting, games, and wild animal on display in ancient Greece and Rome.

The modern concept of the circus was developed by the equestrian, Philip Astley in London, England. In 1770, Astley mixed equestrian and acrobatic acts with pantomime. This circus was performed within  buildings designated for circuses. 

In 1871 the United States was growing, people were heading west. Thus, the traveling circus was born. P. T. Barnum brought the circus all over the country by train. His circus involved a canvas tent, animals, and human oddities. Incorporating multiple rings and stages was also a unique feature of his circus. Because of competition that arose over time, P.T. Barnum's circus eventually merged with other circuses to form the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

In today's culture the circus is still alluring! Circus themed decor is popular for kids parties as well as weddings. I've posted some of my favorite circus themed events from the web below. Pop stars love the circus too! Take a listen and a look at Britney Spear's Circus video, it will get you in the circus spirit!  

It really amazes me that even after almost 300 years, circuses continue to capture the attention of audiences year after year. So what is it that keeps people interested in the circus especially with so many other forms of entertainment to contend with today? 

Circus Wedding via Once Wed

       

             Jude's Big Top Birthday via Hello Lucky

Circus Party Accessories via Acme Party Box 

Sweet Life Design Invitations via Style Me Pretty      


               

   Interested in learning about another circus, Cirque du Soleil? Click here to read an earlier post.

**Circus history sources circopedia.com and dictionary.com**

Crafting the Day Away!

I am working on a few projects today that I hope to post this week. Of course I had to find some sort of musical inspiration to keep me going, so today I find myself listening to Suzanne Vega. I used to listen to her all the time in my high school art classes. I can't get over how dated these videos look! I used to think she was sooo cool!

Wild Horses

I heard "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones in the store yesterday. I love the song and I think a lot of musicians do too because it has been covered by many artists. My favorite cover versions are a live one by Dave Matthews and  a version by The Sundays which was featured in the 1996 thriller, Fear.

I can't believe I am posting about this movie because it is sooo old and really not that great, but the song always brings it to mind. Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon star in this movie about a teenage girl falling in love with a very bad guy. I remember seeing the movie in the theater in high school and being totally freaked out! Who knew just how fabulous Mark and Reese would become??!!

Mr. Kweller

Ben Kweller just love him, his music just gets to me, it definitely takes me back! It's crazy to see how far he's made it, I mean I feel like I hear his songs everywhere now...movies, tv shows, and in stores! I remember him "back in the day" in the local Dallas music scene playing at places like The Door and Trees. He was part of the band Radish and he was just on the verge of success. I remember I about died when they were on David Lettermen.

Here are just a few of my favorites by Kweller. If he comes to your town, you should be sure to check him out!