Jana Says

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Grammy thoughts

by Jana 15 Comments

If you want a full recap of the Grammys, my girl Erin has a good one. If you want a full list of snarky comments about the Grammys, then stay here.

This past Sunday was music’s crowning night–the Grammys. As a fan of music, I always look forward to this show if for nothing more than the performances. I love seeing talented performers from various genres coming together and singing and playing and showcasing just how amazing they can be. I don’t put much stock in the awards for reasons that are boring, and like all awards shows, the banter between presenters plucks every one of my nerves but I can usually deal with it because performances.

This year, though, left me feeling all kinds of ways. Here’s a few of my thoughts, not in chronological order of the show because I’m old and it happened a few days ago.

Oh, look. Taylor’s opening the show. What a fucking surprise. The only other surprise would be if Beyonce opened.

I love LL. He’s the only one who should host this show forever and ever.

OOOH! A tribute to Lionel Richie! I like Lionel Richie!

Is it just me or is Demi Lovato completely oversinging? She has a good voice but this isn’t doing it for me. Also, is she the one dating Fez from That 70s Show? I can’t tell the difference between a lot of these pop singers.

I don’t know any of these songs. At all. Maybe one or two. But if this is any indication of the state of music, I’m glad I live in a rock music bubble. Because this shit sucks.

HELLOOO, guy singing with Carrie Underwood. You are pretty to look at (no, Husband, I don’t care that he went to the Kansas City Chiefs’s training camp. But that is a fun little fact I will file away).

Does Ariana Grande have a cold? She sounds stuffy. Poor girl.

I’m not quite sure what Kendrick Lamar just said but his performance was pretty cool.

Did I just not hate Bieber’s performance? I can’t tell anyone that. It’ll have to be my secret shame.

Oh, this tribute to Glenn Frey is making me teary. Even if Jackson Browne just screwed up the lyrics.

FINALLY!! I get to see what all the fuss is about with Hamilton.

I totally get what all the fuss is about with Hamilton!! (checks broadway.com for tickets and realizes that I’ll probably never see Hamilton)

Alabama Shakes just won for best rock record? Who the fuck is Alabama Shakes?

What the hell was up with that Gwen Stefani song? It started off fun and reminding me of 90s Gwen but then it crapped out. And I want to understand the video but I think I’m too old to process all that.

Pink is covering “White Rabbit”?! Badass woman covering badass woman? Erin and I were on point with those selections!!! WE SHOULD BE VOTING ON THE AWARDS. (note: this was in a commercial. It’s okay if you missed it)

Elle King didn’t win anything. Disappointing.

Well, look at that. Meghan Trainor won Best New Artist. I wonder if that Best New Artist curse will apply to her.

Adele’s having some tech difficulties but I don’t care because I am mesmerized by the talent of her hair and makeup people. They should win an award because her hair and makeup always look amazing.

I am really enjoying Gaga’s performance. I’m glad she’s doing it because I really appreciate how seriously she takes her performing responsibilities.

Why is all the rock music stuff buried at the end of the show? Annoying.

Hollywood Vampire is a weird supergroup and the best thing I can say about that performance was a) glad to see Lemmy getting a tribute; b) Johnny Depp CAN hang with them; and c) at least now when I say that at the end of the day my makeup makes me look like Alice Cooper, the youngsters will know what I’m talking about.

It's this, in case you still don't know what I mean.
It’s this, in case you still don’t know what I mean.

Oh. There’s the Beyonce appearance we all knew was coming.

What did Bruno Mars just shout? Does he think they’re besties now because they performed together at the Super Bowl?

YES, TAYLOR!!! That was the best “fuck you” to Kanye ever!!!

I hate myself for staying up to watch the whole thing, especially with this closing performance. Joe Perry playing guitar with Pitbull is like a second rate version of Slash playing guitar for Janet Jackson (on “Black Cat”) and Sofia Vergara dancing around dressed like a taxi while douchebag Robin Thicke sings a few notes is basically the worst choice ever.

Also, overheard at my house while watching the show with The Child:

Child: Is that a tribute to Richie Lionelson?

Husband: Lionel Richie. Richie Lionelson works in a bowling alley.

Did you guys watch the Grammys? What did you think?

 

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Badass songs from badass women: An Erin and Jana playlist

by Jana 23 Comments

This entry is part 6 of 8 in the series Playlists

One of the things you notice as a female rock fan is the absence of kick ass female fronted or all female rock bands but women can kick just as much musical ass as men, if not more, so in an homage to those women and the amazingly badass pioneer women of rock, Erin and I decided to assemble this playlist for you guys.

Badass songs by badass women

First, the originals:

Edge of Seventeen–Stevie Nicks. It’s Stevie Nicks. *Mic drop*

Bad Reputation–Joan Jett. The original rock badass chick. Please feast your eyes on this epic 80s video because Spotify does not have it available. Fun fact–this song is the theme song to Freaks and Geeks, one of Jana’s all-time favorite shows. 

Crazy on You–Heart. Ann and Nancy Wilson. Rock music queens.

White Rabbit–Jefferson Airplane. Grace Slick slays on this song. 

Left off but not forgotten: Janis, Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Debbie Harry

Now the next generation:

Celebrity Skin–Hole. Probably Courtney Love’s finest hour save for her stint on SOA.

Take it Off–The Donnas.  I don’t know what to say about this song except it’s fun and edgy and you should know it. Fun fact: this is the band featured in Drive Me Crazy. The 90s movie. Not that Britney shit.

I Think I’m Paranoid–Garbage. This was Erin’s pick and since I, Jana, am writing the post, I have nothing witty to say except I really liked Garbage when I wasn’t confusing them with The Cranberries.

Kiss Me Deadly–Lita Ford. She hung in there as essentially THE ONLY female rep for the hair band era (except for Vixen, who went platinum during the same time. Edge of a Broken Heart is a great song, by the way).

Left off but not forgotten: The Cranberries, Tori Amos, Alanis, Ani DiFranco

The current ladies:

I Like it Heavy–Halestorm. Lzzy Hale is one of my favorite female singers probably of all time and to pick one song by Halestorm is HARD, y’all. But this one seemed the most apropros for this particular playlist.

Rush You–Baby Animals. Aussie band led by the beautiful Suze DeMarchi. Fun fact: her ex-husband and babies’ daddy is Nuno Bettencourt from Extreme fame.

America’s Sweetheart–Elle King. This song is in heavy rotation in Jana’s playlists because THIS is how you do a female empowerment song. 

Make Me Wanna Die–The Pretty Reckless. Erin says she was initially judgemental knowing that a young actress from Gossip Girl was just being a poser and playing dress-up, but she’s actually fucking good. Jana concurs with this assessment. 

Left off but not forgotten: Amy Lee, Paramore, Flyleaf

Ladies who cross generations and don’t fit neatly anywhere, even though they all transcend decades:

Just A Girl–No Doubt. The scathing indictment of the way women are treated dressed up as a fun pop song. Wolf in sheep’s clothing, indeed.

U & UR Hand–P!nk. Both of us, Jana and Erin, had this incredible woman on our lists and this song is such a fuck you to the douchebag men in bars and clubs and society in general that it’s impossible not to include it on this type of playlist.

Other women we could have included: Dolly, Reba, Beth Hart, Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper. I’m sure there’s more so let us know. Who did we leave off?

 

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Holiday playlist with a Jana and Erin twist

by Jana 9 Comments

This entry is part 5 of 8 in the series Playlists

Jana’s note–Erin and I usually do these collaborative playlists on the last Thursday of the month but Christmas and New Year’s threw that schedule to shit. And besides, thanks to this, you might have some new tunes to rock out to on Christmas. Because after 24 hours of A Christmas Story, you might want to shoot your own eye out. Don’t do that. Listen to these instead.

​It’s that time again…time for Jana and Erin to bring you a playlist.  You know, the holiday season is upon us, and we’d be letting you all down if we didn’t bring you our own version of a holiday playlist.  Yes, there are many bloggers who have posted their own enjoyable playlists.  This is a holiday playlist with a Jana and Erin twist.

The Season’s Upon Us by the Dropkick Murphys:  What better way to kick-off a holiday playlist than with a group of aggressive Irishmen? 
 
Merry Christmas  Baby by Sister Hazel – If you aren’t a fan of the sing-song type Christmas songs, then check out Sister Hazel’s entire album.  They have enough grit (but not too much) to make it feel like you aren’t listening to cheesy Christmas music.
 
 
 
I Won’t Be Home for Christmas by Blink 182 – Pop punk icons that are completely irreverent should record a Christmas song, right?  Makes total sense.  This is a fun one.
 
 
 
Oi to the World by No Doubt – Want more pop punk fun in your Christmas song?  How about this one that really doesn’t sound like a Christmas song at all?
 
All I Need is Love by Ceelo featuring The Muppets – More silly holiday cheer?  Yes.  But, is it a decent song?  Yes.
 
Christmas Wrapping by Spice Girls -The original by The Waitresses is probably a better version, but it’s a rare moment that I’m going to want to post the Spice Girls…so here it is.
 
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Anberlin – This song has been covered by many…admittedly, most aren’t too bad.  You might have assumed we’d pick U2 because they’d be the most obvious choice for women who like rock music that grew up in the ’80s and ’90s.  But, no.  We picked Anberlin’s.
 
Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid – Speaking of the ’80s, this song holds Jana’s title of “the only Christmas song on the radio I don’t turn off”. 
 
 
Christmas Canon Rock by Trans Siberian Orchestra – Trust me on this.  If you ever have the opportunity to see this live, do it.  Not kidding.  If you don’t get goosebumps multiple times in a TSO performance, well, then, I don’t know what to say about that.
 
Happy XMas (War is Over) by Winger – You didn’t think Jana & Erin would create this playlist without some hair bands, did you?  Don’t laugh at Winger.  This is a good version. 
 
Medley (Santa Clause is Coming to Town and Run Run Rudolph) by Bon Jovi – You didn’t think Erin would have a hand in this playlist without Bon Jovi did you?  C’mon.  It’s a live clip and Jon dances with Santa.  What’s not to love?
 
Please Come Home for Christmas by Jon Bon Jovi – Hey, Jon Bon Jovi and Bon Jovi (the band) are two different things.  Plus, this is the sexiest Christmas video ever created.
 
Dominick the Donkey by Lou Monte – Because Jana allowed Erin two Christmas songs with Jovi in the artist, Erin has allowed Jana this song.
 
Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You by Billy Squier – Every time this comes on, I can’t help myself, I sing, I sway, I want to say “I love you” to a loved one.
 
On behalf of Jana & Erin – Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Merry Festivus!

Thanksgiving playlist with Erin and Jana

by Jana 12 Comments

This entry is part 4 of 8 in the series Playlists

Ordinarily Erin and I do these playlists on the last Thursday of the month but since the last Thursday of this month is Thanksgiving, we’re bringing it to you a few days early. Also, we usually group all of our songs into one big list; this month, we’ve broken it down because we wanted to explain why we’re thankful for the songs we picked. So when you’re done reading my picks, go visit Erin to read hers. 

When Erin and I thought of the idea for this playlist, I thought picking songs would be easy. After all, there isn’t a day that goes by I’m not thankful for all the music in my life. But as I narrowed down the list, it became increasingly difficult to choose (only picking about 5 or 6 songs didn’t help). So I added some criteria: songs that I’ve listened to for years, songs that transcend stages of my life, songs that have a special meaning, and songs that I go to when I need something specific.
I confess that it didn’t make it much easier to pick but it helped some. So here’s what I’ve got for you:
Count on Me by Default–This song was a loose interpretation of popular when I was pregnant with the child way back in 2006 and maybe it was the pregnancy hormones, maybe it was the lyrics, but every time I heard it I got a little (read: a lot) weepy. It still makes me choke up at times and if I ever made a playlist of songs for my daughter, this one would be at the top. So, I’m thankful that this song gives me words to say to her when I’m at a loss, or the words that I will say to her when I can’t.

Reach for the Sky by Social Distortion, Troublemaker by Weezer, and The Middle by Jimmy Eat World–I’m lumping these songs together because they’re my go-to songs for motivation or when I’m feeling down about my career choices or stage in life or just a case of the blahs about everything. They’re my kick in the ass trifecta, if you will. Every time I listen to them, it gives me just the mood boost I need to realize I didn’t make all the bad choices and eventually, I’ll get to where I need to be. I’m thankful for these songs because it’s nice to have some rockin’ jams to help me when I’m feeling like crap.



This is the Time by Billy Joel–I know! A HUGE departure from the rock songs you’re used to from me. But once I explain, you’ll get it. If there was ever a song that encapsulated nostalgia for me, it’s this one. Not only does it bring up many, many fond memories of sleepaway camp, but I feel like it’s what describing living in the present and cherishing all the moments should sound like. I’m thankful for this song mostly because it’s just so beautiful. (see also: Here’s to Us by Halestorm)


Subdivisions by Rush–If you read Ready Player One, you most likely remember (or don’t) the reference to this song. I threw a bit of an excited fit because it’s basically my favorite Rush song. I first heard in high school, around 1991 or 1992 (it was released in 1982 but I was 5 so it makes sense that I didn’t hear it for another 10 years), and my first thought was “OMG, this song! It gets me! This is exactly what it’s like living here!” And then it was on repeat on my CD player. I’m immensenly thankful that this song came to me at a time in my life when I needed it and helped a very weird, very lonely girl feel not so lonely and weird.

Honorable mention: If You’re Going Thru Hell by Rodney Atkins. Yes, it’s a country song. Yes, I know that’s WAY off base for me. But this song meant a lot to me when I was in the deepest recesses of my depression and I’m thankful for its understanding and message that yes, things are bad now but don’t let it get you. Ask for help. It’ll get better.

I had a dozen or so other songs I could have used but many of them are by women and Erin and I have a playlist devoted solely to badass women coming up in January and I didn’t want to duplicate songs.
While these are the ones that stand out, I’m mostly thankful for music in general. It means as much to me as books do. I appreciate music like some people do a painting or a photograph and it makes my life that much fuller when I can put a song to an event or memory. It reminds me of people who’ve come and gone, times and places I might have forgotten, and helps me work through emotions, good and bad.
music quote
What are some songs you’re thankful for?

 

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Under the Covers with Erin and Jana: A Playlist

by Jana 19 Comments

This entry is part 3 of 8 in the series Playlists

So, about a month ago Erin and I put together this crazy awesome playlist of hairband songs (WHAT?! You missed it? Well, you’re in luck because it’s still available for your listening/reading pleasure) and then we had the idea that we should do yet another crazy awesome playlist. Except this time we decided we’d take rock band covers of non-rock band songs. Think things like Train covering Aerosmith’s “Dream On” (which I suppose is really the reverse of what we’re trying to do here). DAMN. SO GOOD. Also, you should listen to Pat Monahan singing “Love Me Two Times” with the surviving members of the Doors. Well, the ones who were surviving in 2009. I think at least another one is dead now. I’m digressing big time here, as a music fan does when discussing music but perhaps I should circle this back around to the main point of the post.

Cover songs. That Erin and I picked for you to listen to and assembled into a handy list.

Have at it and let your ears feast on these:

Mr. Big, “30 Days in the Hole” (originally by Humble Pie)

Disturbed, “The Sound of Silence” (originally by Simon and Garfunkel)

Social Distortion, “Ring of Fire” (orginally by Johnny Cash)

Guns N Roses, “Live and Let Die” (originally by Wings)

Halestorm, “Bad Romance” (orginally by Lady Gaga)

I Prevail, “Blank Space” (orginally by Taylor Swift)

Steel Panther, “Don’t Stop Believin'” (originally by Journey)

Marilyn Mason, “Sweet Dreams Are Made of This” (originally by The Eurythmics)

Seether, “Careless Whisper” (originally by Wham!)

Van Halen, “You Really Got Me” (originally by The Kinks)

Metallica, “Turn the Page” (orginally by Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band)

Shinedown, “Simple Man” (originally by Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Breaking Benjamin, “Enjoy the Silence” (originally by Depeche Mode)

Fall Out Boy ft/ John Mayer, “Beat It” (originally by Michael Jackson)

To summarize:

playlist

There were a TON of great covers we left off the list in the interest of space and time and not wanting to bore anyone. But let us know–what are some of your favorite cover songs?

 

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