I love this video! I’ve already watched it five times straight. It’s an affirmation of what humanity is capable of—that we can create something simple, happy, playful, beautiful, and cool for the love of it, of creating, of doing.
Many thanks to Emily for introducing me to Lykke Li and Bon Iver. If I ever take over the world, she’s definitely my top pick for Minister of Cool.
Listen this song by Okay—I just love it, both the driving-ness of the melody and the incredible textured quality of the vocals.
One of the benefits of having one of the editors of The Bay Bridged as a colleague is that I get introduced to some amazing music. Thanks, Emily Rose! You can read a much more articulate and comprehensive review of Okay at her blog.
The title says it all.
The first is from a nonprofit working on development issues. It’s an education/promotion piece about the Girl Effect. Check it out - it’s a wonderfully creative approach to educating about the benefits of helping women and girls in the developing world.
I saw the other piece on Emily’s blog, and it really is amazing. People are so creative! You have to be patient though — its coolness doesn’t manifest till about 1:08. Trust me though, it’s worth it.
Big Ideas (don’t get any) from James Houston on Vimeo.
Yes, the machines really are playing Nude by Radiohead.
OMG… Flight of the Conchords… these guys are hilarious.
And here’s another one.
Many thanks to my colleague, Emily, for introducing me to them. There was a day at work where - headphones on - I giggled all day listening to them. It made working with Excel so much more interesting.
I’m totally stuck on this song. It’s been looping through my head a lot lately. I guess it’s all the home-building. 
Over the past couple of weeks my living room has become liveable. New sofa, sidetables, coffee table. Just a few more pieces and some art to go.
Anyway, enjoy - it’s a great song…
Mushaboom by Feist
This is just… awesome.
Brilliant! Go AI!
Friends CC and Lowie are raving about a singer named Buika. They saw her live at a Latin festival the same day I was in Karatsu. Having listened to some of her tracks, I can only agree. She’s got a gorgeous, sultry, soulful voice. But… given that they’ve both blogged about it (here’s CC’s blog as an example), I feel obligated to do something different. No, not ABBA, but something very different from Buika certainly.
My god, it’s like drinking sugar isn’t it? Oh alright, since you asked for it, I also hereby present to you… ABBA, Olivia Newton John, and Andy Gibb messing around on TV. Enjoy!
Seriously, it’s kind of cute and worth watching.
It’s a travel day, so enjoy a visit with Natalie Merchant. This is one of my favorite songs by her.
It’s a writing day - the dissertation progresses slowly if steadily - so instead of a post, a musical interlude. If you haven’t heard of Travis, check them out. Some great stuff there.
A great version of Leaving on a Jet Plane by punk cover band, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.