One Cool Mama

The older I get, the more I realize that I am sooooo not as cool as I use to be. I am starting to get irritated with the noisy crowds, clothes kids wear these days, and how can I keep up with their slang and lingo?! I am slowly slipping away from young, fun, hip, Melissa... and turning into home-body, quiet weekends, take my kid to the park Melissa. WHAT HAPPENED TO ME!? I use to be a social butterfly and planned parties, had fashionable clothes, and always new hot music.

It hit me that things were changing a few months ago. Curtis and I were visiting his family in Logan and we were hanging out with one of his sweet cousins. We were heading out to go snowboarding and she had brought her iPod. I was curious as to what music she liked so I asked if I could see it. She said , "Oh (insert slang I didn't know) yea, I have some pretty (insert more slang I didn't know) music on there, you will love it." So, I put on the head phones and got listening.... I was mortified! I didn't know ONE SONG! I had no idea what was on there. It then hit me.... I was out of the loop. Don't get me wrong, it isn't like I don't want to grow up. I like that I spend more weekends home with my honey curled up on the couch, but there are some things I liked and I didn't want to change.... my love of music is one of them. So, this post is for all of you moms out there that have noticed that you are finding it harder and harder to relate and connect with the young and hip. Here is a post to help give us moms back a little slice of cool. I have here a list of great bands that can help us ween ourselves out of the everyday mommyhood and out onto the edge :)

Jason Mraz - "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"
I liked Jason Mraz from the beginning with his fun upbeat song "The Remedy". Who can resist that fast lyricing temptation? He definitely has some fun songs, but they all kind of sound the same, until he broke his own mold when he made "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things". It's a very different mellower version of the Mraz we loved. Songs To Look For - I'm Yours, Lucky, The Remedy.

Matchbox Twenty - "Exile On Mainstream"
With many great CDs, "Exile On Mainstream" is great because it has a few new songs, but mainly a collection of some of their greatest. This is a great CD especially if you are looking to find someone new to like. This CD will win you over. Songs To Look For - How Far We've Come, Disease, Unwell.

Jack Johnson - "Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies For The Film Curious George"
Yes, you read that right. This CD is the Curious George soundtrack. Jack Johnson is a one of a kind musician that mixes reggae like rhythms with tongue tying lyrics. He is one of my all time favorite artists. Songs To Look For - Upside Down, Flake, Taylor, Better Together, Sitting Waiting Wishing.

Coldplay - "X&Y"
Coldplay is a great band that has released several amazing CDs. Whether you like rock, country, oldies, whatever... you will find a Coldplay song that you like. I'm not sure if it is their music, lyrics, or just their persona that they give off, but Coldplay is one of my favorite bands. Songs To Look For - Fix You, Speed Of Sound, Til Kingdom Come, Vida La Vida

50 First Dates Soundtrack
Okay, I know this isn't a band, but this is a great CD. Most of the songs are remakes that now have an island mellow feel to them. This is one of Curtis and mine's favorites. Songs To Look For - Hold Me Now, Drive, Your Love, Every Breath You Take.

The All-American Rejects
With two great CDs, "Move Along"(my personal favorite) and "The All-American Rejects", this is for you out there that like a little more rock. I am a fan of rock with a little punk in it and so I do love The All-American Rejects. But even if you aren't into rock or punk, just give a couple of their songs a try. Songs To Look For - Move Along, It Ends Tonight, Dirty Little Secret, Swing Swing.

Colbie Caillat
I can't comment on her CD, because I haven't heard the whole thing. But the songs I have, I love. Her voice is gorgeous and tunes delightful. Songs To Look For - Bubbly, Realize, Lucky.

Maroon 5
They have two great CDs, "It Wont Be Soon Before Long" and "Songs About Jane". Besides the main singer having some deliciousness about him (Sorry Curtis), his voice is unlike anyone else. His unique voice just makes their songs. Songs To Look For - I Wont Go Home Without You, Wake Up Call, She Will Be Loved, Harder To Breathe.
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Nickelback
This rock band has had hit after hit. With their scratchy voices and rockin' guitars, they seem to do no wrong. From songs about remembering the good old days, making fun of rock stars, and trying to give credit to the people who try to make a difference, they are truly a unique rock band. Songs To Look For - If Everyone Cared, Photograph, Far Away, Rock Star, Savin' Me,

Mika
This strange British singer can easily be compared to singers and artists like Queen, Elton John, or Scissor Scissors. His peppy happy songs are hard not to like and get easily stuck in your head. I haven't heard his whole CD but he does have some serious winners. Songs To Look For - Grace Kelly, Love Today.
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Sara Bareilles
She is a talented singer/writer/pianist. Her songs are simple but pleasant. With her voice and piano playing leading the songs, it is hard not to resist. Songs To Look For - Love Song, Bottle It Up.

The Killers
Here is an interesting band... they definitely go to the beat of their own drum. I have both of their CDs "Sam's Town" and "Hot Fuzz" and they're good, only because the songs that are good, are FANTASTIC. This is a band where I think most people don't love all their stuff, but definitely hit up iTunes and download a good chunk. Songs To Look For - When You Were Young, Mr Brightside, Read My Mind, Somebody Told Me.