Tunesday With George: Introducing Daniel Romano...

Meet Daniel Romano, the soon-to-be newest edition to the Normaltown Records family (more on Normaltown coming soon). 

This Canadian country/folk singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer got his start in the Welland, Ontario based indie rock group Attack In Black. More recently, he's produced and been a touring member of City And Colour. But what I'm interested in, is the music he's making on his own. We will be releasing his new album Come Cry With Me later this year hopefully, but first you should check out his other recent albums. 2011's Sleep Beneath The Willow is an instant classic. 


Check the brand new video below for his single "Time Forgot (To Change My Heart)": 

Tell me that video doesn't make your day!


Here's another country gem from Willow: 

  
And when you're done with that album, go back one year earlier to his 2010 solo debut: Workin' For The Music Man. This song, which showcases his Jon Prine-esque folksier side, is fantastic:

 and one more to grow on from Music Man:

and if you're intrigued enough to have continued on this far....might as well check out his original project after Attack In Black, a folk trio knows as Daniel, Fred & Julie:  

13 going on 30

A friend sent this out the other day, and seeing that I just turned 30, I felt it was fitting to share. 


In 1997, Pamela Redmond wrote and article for Glamour about all the things she wished she had known/owned and was grateful for knowing by the time she was 30. The editors at the magazine put together a book featuring wisdom from women about what we all should know how to do and own. Here is Pamela's original list -- and my comments, because it is all about ME! 

By 30, you should have...

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come. -- definitely have the latter down.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family. -- I'm really cheap, but we have some neat pieces around our house. Nothing too splurge worthy, but things I like now, and am pretty sure I will continue to like in the future. 
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. -- I plan to never again have to wear a business suit or meet with a future employer that isn't myself ever again. 
4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying. -- I've never carried an umbrella, I prefer to get soaked in the rain and curse myself for not being a person who carries an umbrella. I've got the other 2 covered though!
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond. 
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age. -- I'm glad all those moments are shared with so many lovely ladies (and some gents), and we can laugh together reminiscing for many years to come. 
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age -- and some money set aside to help fund it. -- we'll see about that money set aside. Girlfriend loves to spend her some cash. 
8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account -- all of which nobody has access to but you. -- done, done, done. But don't expect me to listen to your voice mail. 
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded. -- more like a resume that will never need to be sent out. amen.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. -- ahhh bffs
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra. -- my cordless drill is one of my favorite things in the whole world. true story. 
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it. -- this is one I need to invest in, but see previous note about being el cheapo. 
13. The belief that you deserve it. -- I am woman, hear me ROAR!
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30. -- I haven't washed my face outside of the shower since puberty, I consider walking the dog to dinner up the block exercise, and I use my moisturizer as an eye cream. I've got some work to do. 
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better. -- now this one I really came into my own at the age of 30. I've got 2 amazing, new business ventures, the most supportive husband, and the world's most precious puppy and dreams of a family in the years to come. Hello, 30. It's great to meet you.


By 30, you should know ... 
1. How to fall in love without losing yourself. -- I think this one is more about falling in love with the right person, and I have been able to do that. 
2. How you feel about having kids. -- yes, please, but not right now. 
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship. I've got the quitting down, I plan to never break up with a man again, and life is too short to be so bothered by something that you need a confrontation. don't be friends with people who don't treat you well. simple as that folks. 
4. When to try harder and when to walk away. -- learned this one the hard way. thanks to all the friends who had to sit by idly while I had to learn for myself that some relationships can't be saved. 
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next. -- smooch
6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town. -- Dear Athens GA, Please get a decent tailor. That Jamaican lady I go to has ruined my last pair of pants. 
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to. -- done. 
8. Where to go - be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat - when your soul needs soothing. -- a bowl of mac 'n' cheese? 
9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents. -- or the fat roll that won't tuck into the waistband of my pants. 
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over. -- and i was blessed to have incredible parents 
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love. -- there's a drinking game in this somewhere... 
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long. -- damn you gingivitis.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally. -- don't take anything personally
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault. 
15. Why they say life begins at 30 -- Cheers, sister!


How do you stack up? Anything you'd add?

Tunesday with George: Jack White

(Tunesday on Wednesday. I told you'd I'd be a bad blogger this week)

Jack White -- Blunderbuss

Usually I like to wait a week after an album has been released to make a selection, so that I at least have a chance to give it a listen. But thankfully, Jack White and iTunes made the album available to stream from start to finish last week. Just about everything Jack White touches gets a seal of approval from me, I'm going to have to go ahead and give this album two seals.

He blends his new found rootsy-ness with enough rock and guitar riffs to satisfy White Stripes fans of old. All recorded, of course, on analog tape....giving the album a warm and organic feel.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Fonty!

It was very hard to find solo shots of mr. fonty without his hand in front of the lens

 Today is a most special day, the BIRTHDAY of my very own Mr. Fonty! 
He would be mortified if I got all mushy on how much I love and appreciate him, so I will save that for later. But I would like to say, Mr. Fonty, I hope this 31st year of your life is as wonderful as you have made the last (nearly) 6 years of mine. 
Looking forward to celebrating tonight at Deer Tick - and watching you squirm at all your birthday attention. Happy Birthday, m'dear!

Yipes! Stripes!

First off, many apologies for the inconsistent blogging. I have been slaving away in the Pop shop. I've never been busier, but I am loving it. Katie and I are launching Relish Your Thyme this week too, so I can't guarantee I will be any better -- and on that note, don't forget to place your order for dinner this week! So without further ado, an ode to stripes.

Nothing is more crisp and fresh-looking for spring than navy and white stripes. I am a huge fan of this combination. There are so many cute striped dresses this season - and all are very affordable. Pair these dresses with a pair of flat brown sandals for day or a fun fushcia pump to dress it up for a night out.

Ella moss dress
$188 - barneys.com

J Crew v neck dress
$60 - jcrew.com

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania striped jersey dress
$232 - theoutnet.com

Aubin Wills three quarter sleeve dress
$155 - net-a-porter.com

Miso flare dress
£25 - republic.co.uk

Stripe dress
$45 - delias.com

Dorothy Perkins blue stripe dress
$59 - dorothyperkins.com

Tunesday with George: Triple Play

triple tunesday this week...and that doesn't even begin to cover all of the exciting recent releases.


Alabama Shakes -- Boys & Girls

This group certainly doesn't need the significant "publicity boost" of a Tunesday selection, never before have I seen such a swift and meteoric rise from small town anonymity to super-media-hype-press-darlings. Their debut album just came out on the 10th, but nearly their entire tour of 1000+ seat venues was sold out in advance. But hey, it's not often that something organic and honest breaks through the clutter and into the semi-mainstream conscience. Plus, Brittany and the boys are good folks, and easy to root for. There is nothing really groundbreaking at all with this band and album, but what we have is a very solid, old-school R&B/Soul record with a great vocal force and very solid musicianship. It comes as no surprise that this group comes from the talent-rich nook of the Northern Alabama Muscle Shoals area (Fame Studios, Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell, Secret Sisters, 1/2 of the Civil Wars, and so on), but for me the deal is sweetened because they come from the nearby town of Athens, AL....made famous in my family circles by a certain clan known as "The Garths", lead by the great Juan (somewhat of a musical force himself). FREE LISTEN

Trampled By Turtles -- Stars & Satellites

This fish got away from us at New West twice, but there's no love lost here! Stars And Satellites is a beautiful album, with great singing, moving ballads, masterful instrumentation, and a few blistering bluegrass numbers to let you know they are still kings in that world. The Turtles may never get as big as the Avett Bros., but they've certainly carved out a place at the table.

M. Ward -- A Wasteland Companion

This one I haven't had much of a chance to listen to yet. But it's M. Ward, so I'm sure it's great...or at least really good.

Ready to RELISH!

I am so excited to share my latest venture with you all! My friend Katie and I have started a take-out catering company called Relish Your Thyme.
In addition to offering food for events and weekend  getaways, we will have a weekly Wednesday night meal. When you SIGN UP for our mailing list, every Sunday you will receive a menu for Wednesday's dinner. All you have to do to prepare the meal is reheat!
From a Thanksgiving dinner to dinner for 2, we can cook for them all.


Sign-up to receive our menus and "Like" us on Facebook.

Carmelized Onion and Gorgonzola Crustini with Fig Preserves

Sweet orange Madeleines

Pork Tenderloin Sliders

Tarragon Shrimp

Arugula and Mango Wrapped in Proscuitto

Manchego and Celery Stuffed Dates

And since we are talking about cooking, I thought I'd share this great post I saw on Pinterest with some helpful knife skills tips:

Illustrated Bites

Hanging Low



How true is this?!


I had a little too much fun at The Georgia Theater last night, and am moving a little slowly this morning. We saw the Screaming eagle of Soul. Charles Bradley and his Extraordinares, and it was INCREDIBLE. Do yourself a favor and find them on TOUR in your city.

Have a great Friday. I will be working all weekend selling pops at the Canopy Studios 10 year anniversary. Nothing like popsicle and trapeze artists to fill a weekend!

Splurge vs. Steal: Festival Flavor

The first weekend of Coachella is upon us. This festival seems to be just as much about the fashion and hanging out in the grass, as it is about the music - which is fine with me. Since the weather is hot, hot, hot, you'll want something to keep cool, and of course shoes that are easy to slip off, so you can go barefoot around the Polo Fields.

Forever 21 maxi dress
$25 - forever21.com

Missoni maxi dress
£1,031 - boutique1.com

Wet Seal gladiator sandals
$17 - wetseal.com

Marc Jacobs flat sandals
$698 - mytheresa.com

Chloé leather shoulder bag
$860 - nordstrom.com

Leather shoulder bag
$70 - topshop.com

House of Harlow 1960 circle pendant necklace
$45 - neimanmarcus.com

Gold cross necklace
$2,090 - shopbop.com

J Crew chain necklace
$50 - jcrew.com

Wet Seal chain link necklace
$8.50 - wetseal.com

Mulberry gold chain necklace
$270 - mulberry.com

Rag & bone acetate sunglasses
$350 - rag-bone.com

ASOS round sunglasses
$21 - asos.com

The Devil Hisself - Jesco White

So this past weekend, I got the greatest news ever. Johnny Depp will be playing Jesco White in a new movie, "White Trash: The Jesco White Story". Read all about it HERE

Jesco

I don't know if I can believe the reports that the premiere will be in a Boone County trailer park with kegs and an outdoor screen, but if this is true, I am in an even greater state of awe. Demi Moore will play Jesco's sister and Kirstie Alley will play his wife, Norma Jean.

Norma Jean

If you aren't familiar with Jesco, he is a force to be reckoned with. The 1991 documentary about his life in West Virginia, "The Dancing Outlaw", is incredible. His life and those of all his family members, has taken a somewhat drug-ridden tragic turn in since "stardom". I imagine the movie will touch upon this.

My friend Andrew introduced me the "Dancing Outlaw" one cold and rainy Nashville afternoon, and I was never the same. After Mr. Fonty and I met, we were long distance, and I sent him a little care package including a copy of the "Dancing Outlaw". In true Mr. Fonty form, he had to go and be 18 cooler steps ahead of me, and actually knows the guy who worked on the documentary. It's impossible to introduce this guy to anything new.

I am so looking forward to this movie. I would like to have a screening of my own in the backyard with plenty of gasoline for huffing, and don't worry, there won't be any sloppy, slimey eggs.

Tunesday With George: The Mastersons

Today's pick is New West Record's own: The Mastersons -- Birds Fly South

Check out their Birds Fly South video premiere at Paste HERE
And here is a little EPK:

Easter with Evie

We had a perfect weekend with the Stewarts. Celebrating Easter with children is just about the most fun thing ever! I have about 100 pictures of Evie on her Easter egg hunt, but here is a very small sample. It really doesn't get cuter than this little Gerber baby. And her little Easter dress?! I die.

And to top off an already great weekend, a Georgia Bulldawg won the Masters! The city of Athens is one happy place.

Thanks, Tish and Carlton for visiting this weekend. Come back soon -- or better yet, move back!