It’s an account of the Animation Studios in Disney from about after Walt passed up until they made The Lion King. It’s a really good account of how Disney went from nearing rock bottom to reaching the top with their classic films. It’s really interesting to see how some of the films were made, what they believed in and what almost didn’t even get made.

In other words, it made me remember why I love animation. Not the politics and what was going on with management there, but just the actual animation studios. It’s just better you take a look at the trailer:

Give it a shot. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Stornoway

I was right. The original is better. And let me tell you- I LOVE Sophie’s version, so this is saying a lot. So much, in fact, that I went scrambling to seek their album. I may or may not have found it somewhere, but immediately after the first…. 10 listens I wound up purchasing it. I am not kidding.

There is something very refreshing about Stornoway. Their music truly has a mark of its own. Fishing around for more information about them (which is scarce in the US/FL department, let me tell you), I found that they’ve been compared to Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend. They have influences, sure, but their harmonies and instrument repertoire give them a name of their own. The lyrics are not only beautifully written, but beautifully sung as well. Brian’s voice narrates you through each track, and the atmosphere created by the surrounding music is so infectious that I’m inclined to keep listening to this adventure filled with bass, mandolin, guitars, pianos, and everything else.

I’m loving these guys so much that I am going to share two videos:

Zorbing:

I Saw You Blink:

I advise you not to.

Hanson

They’re older. They can grow beards. And have babies. And they do. Have babies. And grow facial hair.

But what I find most remarkable about this group is that they have grown, musically. They didn’t just stick to that pop music they liked to make when they were kids. They didn’t stick to the transition into a deeper sounding alternative rock they did with This Time Around. Even through the next handful of albums, their music consistently progressed, but kept the same harmonies that make them so incredible to listen to. They basically stayed true to themselves, and to what they’re feeling, and that’s awesome.

You probably remember the ambiguously gendered trio you saw everywhere if you were alive or listening to the radio in 1997, and maybe you don’t want to forgive them for that. I liked the song, and I still don’t think it’s that bad. But for the rest of the world, you really shouldn’t hold a grudge. It isn’t healthy. And you know what? You’ll probably like this new thing going on. Their voices are solid, their latest record entitled Shout it Out has wonderful oldies/motown influences, and you’re just going to want to dance in general when you hear it.

You know what, check out this track:

You’re welcome.

More Hanson:

Myspace
Facebook
Twitter
Official Site

Sophie Madeleine

I think the best way to describe her voice is toddlers popping bubbles in the air. maybe kittens. maybe bunnies. maybe all of the above.

It’s not a surprise that I love this style of music. Her weapon of choice is also the ukulele, and her music is very happy sounding, even when the subject is not so much. The music sounds simple, but at the same time you can hear all the little frills and complexities in them, as the layers in each track of her newest album enhance her music that much more. I own a copy of “The Rhythm You Started,” and within the first week of receiving it I listened to it about 8 times. I usually don’t do that, because I don’t want to get tired of something quickly, but I don’t think I will be getting tired of this release any time soon.

I’m bad at comparing artists, so check out her newest music video:

More Sophie:
Bandcamp
Myspace
Facebook
Twitter
Tumblr

Rachel Goodrich

so I am a little late in the game, and discovered this local gem not too long ago. I’m not exactly sure how I did- maybe it was an article or something, but I found her “Light Bulb” track and found it refreshing to hear this music coming from Miami rather than what I usually hear.

Rachel Goodrich labels her music as “shake-a-billy”, which I find rather accurate- I constantly find myself wanting to dance when I listen to her Tinker Toys album that I have since purchased. her tracks are seasoned with ukulele (my fave!), kazoos, string bass, and other little goodies, as well as the standard guitars and drums. I think the best way to recommend her is by offering a track for you to listen to, so I present you to this performance of “If You’re Mine”:

EDIT: I realized I should let you know where to find her:
Myspace
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube

Anyway, here it is:

TiM from Ken Turner on Vimeo.

If you haven’t seen it, I highly advise you to check out Vincent- it’s an amazing film and great look into early Burton work.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? I found this website on this project the other day (dayzeroproject.com), and I was considering doing it.

The problem is, I can’t think of 101 things. I don’t think I am thinking enough. In fact, I think that maybe I am just restricting my thoughts and thinking I won’t be able to accomplish things.

Then why the block, if I am aware of this? I don’t know. I am not even sure why I am bringing that part up. I’ve always been interested in these online projects (I started a 365, and have looked into other projects like blogathon and the mirror project), so I think I’ll try this one out once I have thought of 101 things. So far, I’ve got 27 things. A lot of my list has to do with other projects I want to do, but haven’t gotten around to. I know I have other things I want to add to this list, but I can’t think of them right now.

If you were to do 101 things in 1001 days, what would you do?

So far, I have not succeeded in my painting. Of course, I haven’t expected to. I have the idea for it, but no sketches have succeeded in attempts to pursue this piece. It is a self-portrait of sorts, and that may be making me even more critical. To already be exposed is one thing, so it needs to be done right, I suppose. I’m thinking this may be the issue.

2010 is going to be a renaissance for me, in a way. I find that I need a rebirth in the way I create and the way I think, and I’ve taken complete advantage of a new decade appearing to do so. So far, I have found progress. I have completed two songs on my ukulele, and have two more to work on. I have kept my secret resolution of completing at least one book a month, and I even have a few in a queue to read in my spare time. I have, somehow, improved my work flow, and have found myself to become more productive.

Most importantly, I have found that I have pushed myself to learn and accept, as well as move forward. Some things I find pushing back towards, but there is always a struggle of sorts if you’re alive. I mean, what’s the point in living if you’re not learning or working on something? Whether it be yourself or a project that has nothing to do with your soul, humans need to work and to pursue. I’m grateful to be open to this idea of challenge.

I have a very large and very personal list of things I need to do. There is no deadline for many of them, but, like most clients do, I have set each list item to be completed “A.S.A.P.” That’s okay, though. I’m glad that I do not feed this added stress of rush, of impending doom, or of just falling apart. It’s a nice and new feeling for the girl more paranoid than most.

I am going to continue working on this song, and maybe recording it. I like recording these things so I can see what I need to fix. I’m my worst critic, and I am interested in listening to myself head-on.

How’s your year going so far?

In other news, pixel is not feeling well :[ I hope she gets over it tonight!

Check out the sweet post here, as well as see which picture I submitted with Pixel. You may not be able to tell which one she is in the photo, as she’s with friends :p