KT Tunstall's Tiger Suit rocks it again

I've been a fan of KT Tunstall ever since she burst onto the scene with that big horse and the cherry tree in 2005. Tessa and I still love it when "Suddenly I See" comes on the radio, making the car shake with our enthusiasm.

I've been even more interested in Tunstall since I read some of her personal history. By birth, she is Chinese/Scottish/Irish She was raised by English parents, adopted as a newborn in Scotland in 1975. She has been in reunion with her birth mom since 2006, and there have been some bumps as she integrates her two families.
 
Starting tomorrow, you'll be able to get your hands on KT's fourth album, Tiger Suit. Its first hit, which you might be hearing already, is "Fade Like a Shadow." She'll be touring the US and Canada from Halloween through December 1. Is she coming to your city?

Click for a sneak peek at "Fade Like a Shadow."

With this new album, I'm even more firmly a KT Tunstall fan. Tessa and I now have 11 new songs to rock out to. Thumbs up on Tiger Suit, and I'm hoping to get to her concert when KT comes to Denver.

This review has been brought to you by my own personal opinion, which I believe has not been influenced by receipt of a review CD and a chance to win a gift card through One2One Network.

*** 

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Tami? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.

Rapture: Sex and the City 2 Soundtrack

Oh, ladies, this is a good one. I'll just tell you right now my thumbs are up.

I got to preview the brand new soundtrack for the movie Sex and the City 2, which opens in theaters on Thursday.

**Upfront disclaimer: Through the One2One Network, I received the CD Sex and the City 2 ($12 value) for purposes of sharing my honest opinion.**

This soundtrack has me at hello. It starts with "Rapture," which combines the retro-underground song by Blondie with the cutting-edge club stylings of Alicia Keys. You can hear the theme song from SATC as an overtone, and there's a bit of "Smoke on the Water" as an undertone. Masterfully done.

The liner says that a major theme of the movie is the personal evolution of the four iconic female characters. "The plot deals with who they ere, who they are, and who they will become."

Many of the songs look back and are familiar. Besides "Rapture," there is a fun rendition by Liza Minelli (!) covering Beyoncé's "Single Ladies." There are three familiar songs by the SATC Men's Choir, such as "Sunrise Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof. Also included is Cyndy Lauper's "True Colors."

There are original songs, as well. Jennifer Hudson and Leona Lewis sing the beautiful duet, "Love is Your Color." Dido, Cee Lo, Erukah Badu and Ricki-Lee each have new songs, too.

I particularly liked "Kidda" by Natacha Atlas because it reminds me of the years I spend in the Middle East. In my limited Arabic, I can hear Natacha plaintively singing, "Why, Love?" (Leish, Habibi?)

But the pinnacle of this soundtrack is sung by the iconic four themselves. Miranda, Carrie Samantha, and Charlotte join in the anthem "I am Woman" -- and I could not NOT sing along with them.

Would you like to win a call from Sarah Jessica Parker? Click to enter your mobile number in the sweepstakes.

You can sample the songs on One2One's Amazon page. See if your thumbs are flying like mine.

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Tami? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.

I Wanna Play Inside the Cardboard Box

When it comes to having a kid, there are some things I think every parent fears. Definitely, there's all those awful things I shall not mention as I don't like my mind to even GO to those places, but there's also those PETTY things, those WEIRD things, those things you swore UP and DOWN you'd never do when YOU had a kid, yet you know you probably WILL end up doing them anyway - it's just much more fun to live in denial and pretend YOU'LL be the exception to the rule...

One of those WEIRD things *I* personally fear, is having to listen to music that makes me want to pull my hair out - music that's the equivalent of fingernails on a chalkboard. And while yes, I DO understand that there will be times when the battle's not worth fighting, and listening to some CRAP will be a whole HELL of a lot easier than fighting to NOT listen to some crap, I also understand that if I'm going to listen to some of this on REPEAT for the next FIVE years or so, it'd be a real freakin' BONUS if it was something *I* liked too.

Enter, Mr. Whit - parent-friendly kids music.

A couple weeks ago, Mark Whittaker and Nick Stephens sent me a CD, asking if on the basis of receiving a free copy of their CD, I'd review it here on All Thumbs. I agreed, but got greedy and asked for 2 extra copies to give away in the review:-).

So in the midst of the donkey shift, and this whole ADJUSTMENT period the husband and I are going through with our 2 and a half week old little boy, we gave the CD a go. And I have to say, it's pretty fun stuff! Admittedly, it isn't music I'd buy if I didn't have a kid - meaning it's not the kind of music you have on as background music while your adult friends are over for dinner or drinks - but it IS fun stuff to have on if you DO have children.

The music is happy, it's laid-back, and it's got kid-safe lyrics that you DON'T have to worry your child will repeat in front of grandma and have her jaw drop to the floor. And to make it a bit more fun for the parents? Some of the lyrics are even kinda cheeky with phrases like "I wanna play inside the cardboard box" - a song about a birthday party where all the kid wants it to play with the cardboard box... instead of all the cool gifts.

But if you're looking for something with a bit more feeling to it? The husband's and my favorite was definitely Homework Blues - a bluesy song that had the husband already looking forward to the days when Dayton wants nothing to do with his homework, and dad can commiserate with him over how much homework really DOES suck.

So if you're looking for something a little different to put on, or an idea for a great stocking stuffer, Mr. Whit gets two definite thumbs up from me. Through their website, the CD is available for $9, or single songs can be downloaded for $0.99.

Or... for 2 lucky winners, you could receive a copy free! Leave a comment between now and Sunday December 20th noting who the two songwriters are (hint: I wrote it above AND it's on their website), and using random.org I'll draw and announce 2 lucky winners!

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.

You Too Should go to U2

I don't know if we've done a concert review before, but I gotta say, after what I saw Wednesday night, you HAVE to go to U2 if they're coming to your city. Oh, and if you're a fan of course.

Wednesday night, at 37.5 weeks pregnant, we went to U2. For my first EVER U2 concert. To see a band who many many MANY times before I'd WISHED I'd gone, but many many MANY times before I'd cheaped out instead.

This time though, it was like the last hurrah. You know - what if they NEVER toured again? Or what if once we have Tiny B, we NEVER leave the house AGAIN? It was DO or DIE people! If we didn't go THIS time, we might not EVER go! And I just couldn't bear going to my grave never having seen U2.

And as a pretty big fan (ie. I know MOST lyrics to MOST songs, but I don't know EVERY lyric to EVERY song they've ever written), even at $120/ticket, and bone-sober, it was worth EVERY penny. Admittedly, when you first go in, the stage seems as OliveGirl said... ostentatious. But don't let it put you off, because once they start it up, you'll see it's actually just the gear AROUND the stage that's insane - everything else is pretty damn cool. And pretty damn smartly built to boot! (I refuse to give away secrets in case you go.)

They do a good mix of old and new, but if you haven't heard the new album, it's worth getting it ahead of time so you're familiar as they DO do a fair amount of it. However, they also do some acoustic versions of some of the songs you go SPECIFICALLY to hear (because you've played them for 10-20 years now!) - and well, they're wicked. RELIGIOUSLY so. Meaning there's DEFINITELY some songs in there that had this pretend-to-be hardass a little teary-eyed. Yea, it COULD have been the hormones, but really I think it's just that these SPECIFIC songs done acoustically were really just THAT powerful.

They also do some pretty damn cool things related to issues going on in the world right now. Again, I refuse to give away secrets in case you go, but even as a fairly NON-political kinda gal, this stuff was VERY cool. It wasn't over-done in ANY way, and it definitely wasn't overkill at all. Just some nice touches from a band who holds a lot of clout, so why NOT do some of these things.

And so without even being trashed (sometimes a necessary state to be in to enjoy a concert), U2 rocked my world Wednesday night. They also rocked Tiny B's world cuz good GAWD the vibrations had him going insane all night, but two BIG thumbs up from me. So much so that I'd go again if they were to ever come back.

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.

Give up the Ghost by Brandi Carlile

She defies classification. She rocks, she rolls, she countries. She's a strong alto, but does lilting soprano. She evokes Patsy Cline (lyrically, yodelly), the Indigo Girls (gorgeous harmonies with her band), and Pink (in timbre).

Yet Brandi Carlile is wholly unique as well.

Sheryl Crow says this about her: "She has the most amazing voice I may have ever heard. Soulful. Country. Perfect in every way -- and propelled by taste."

Listening to Brandi Carlile's new CD, Give Up the Ghost, is a delight. I adore every. single. song.

**Upfront disclaimer: Through the One2One Network, I received a download of Give Up the Ghost ($10 value) for purposes of sharing my honest opinion.**

You probably already know Brandi from her exposure on Grey's Anatomy (click for video montage). And if you like The Story, you're in for a treat with tracks like:

• Looking Out and Dying Day and Dreams, all with a foot-tappin' beat that gets into your head in a good way.
  
• And the delightful If There Was No You, a simple and lyrical song about a the bond shared by friends.
• And my favorite, That Year. Brandi explained during her recent concert that she wrote this song about a friend who committed suicide when they were teens. It brings me to tears, remembering some of my own losses. "You could have taken a long break instead of a long drop from a high place."
  
• And my other favorite, Oh, Dear, which kicked off her concert with only a mandolin as accompaniment. She had us at hello.

Check out Brandi Carlile talking about her latest creation to the backdrop of her tunes, and then get your own Ghost. You'll thank me.

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.

Kings of Leon

It's not often that I pick music as the thing I want to review, and while part of the reason is that there's just SOOOOO much out there to choose from, the other part is it's just plain hard to find an album/CD I'd actually RECOMMEND people buy.

Because while yes, there IS a tonne of good music out there, what there's NOT a tonne of is good CD's. Meaning, I download a lot of music off iTunes, but I download an individual SONG (or two), because when I preview the entire CD, well it's often just kinda "meh".

But recently, the husband and I stumbled upon the most recent CD by Kings of Leon - Only By the Night. And holy, am I in LOVE with this disc. It's the kind of music you can listen to in the car really really loud, or have as background music while you're cooking. The kind your parents could probably tolerate because it's not TOO rock, but that you'll enjoy because it's also not what I'd consider "pop" in the sense of some of that bubblegum crap that's out there right now. It's just good basic rock.

And yes, I fully admit, I too listen to bubblegum crap cuz there's moments where it just WORKS for the mood I'm in, but most of the time, I can't take it for an entire CD, or on repeat, or on a long roadtrip. But this Kings of Leon CD? It's good for all of that - for the entire CD, on repeat, AND on a long roadtrip. We've had it for a couple months now, and BOTH the husband and I, BOTH default to this CD more than any other we own right now.

As for some REAL details on what's it's really like? Well, I'd rather leave that to you to decide. There's definitely a bunch of bands I'd say they're similar to, but I worry that doing that will make someone NOT want to buy this CD just because maybe they personally, don't like that particular band, even if it's the same "type" of music. So I'm just going to keep this short and sweet, and say I've got two big thumbs up for this latest CD. For $10, if you're looking for something new to throw into the mix, you should preview some of the songs here.

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.

C'mon Feel the Noise (with your big ol' 80s hair)

Riddle me this.

What new Broadway musical soundtrack...

• Has a cadence so much like Rent that I had to check the libretto to see if Mark, Roger and Mimi were singing?
• Is like MammaMia!, in that the story was written around a collection of songs, rather than the other way around?
• Is like Footloose in that The Mayor is trying to take away something edgy (rock vs dancing) from the youth of the city?
• Makes you want to get out your big hair and tease it up to the ceiling while you air guitar to The Final Countdown (which will forever conjure Gob from Arrested Development)?
  

That's right, boys and girls, it's Rock of Ages, starring the voice of Constantine Maroulis, American Idol finalist (I've never watched, so this might be more impressive to you than it is to me).

Upfront disclaimer: Through the One2One Network, I received a CD ($12 value) for purposes of sharing my honest opinion.

Promotional material reads:

"Rock of Ages is the new Broadway musical... set in 1987 in a legendary Sunset Strip rock club, a small-town girl meets a big-city dreamer and they fall in love to the greatest metal songs of the 80's. The musical is an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake, and more."

Click here for the track list. Lots to love on it.

The voices are wonderfully plaintive, the music driving, and there are moments of humor in the script. I also enjoyed the memories of various dance floors in my college town, evoked by the reworked songs.

My only ding is the lack of originality. While enjoyable enough to listen to, the soundtrack sounds just a little too familiar.

Which, when it comes to the 80s, isn't a bad thing. I *heart* the 80s. Those were some mighty fine dance floors.

What's your favorite 80s song? Hit me with your best shot.

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.

Yoga Roundup #1 (with Giveaway)

UPDATED WITH WINNER AT BOTTOM

(This is a jam-packed post with 3 reviews and a giveaway. Read or at least scan all the way to the bottom.)

Upfront disclaimer: I received a free sample of each product for purposes of sharing my honest opinions.

#1: Yoga-Paws.

I've been practicing yoga for nearly 3 years now, and there is just one thing that holds me back (besides a lack of flexibility and strength and balance):

Sweat. Specifically, on my hands. It keeps me from being able to go more deeply into basic poses such as Downward Dog, in which about half your body weight is on your palms, which must be stable on the mat.

I have tried a hand-towel, which has helped, but I still experience slippage when there is an abundance of internal or external heat and the resulting sweat. Which is nearly every session.

Image from PPOnline.

So I was very excited to try Yoga-Paws.

They're billed as "mini-mats," since you simply place the hand-paws and foot-paws on your extremities and you're set to do yoga on any smooth surface, even without a mat.

Yoga-Paws put eco-friendly mat material right on your palms and soles to help you keep from skidding. There is also mesh netting to help keep you cool on the non-contact sides of your hands and feet, allowing them to breathe.

I've used Yoga-Paws for several yoga sessions now on a mat, and here are my findings. The hand-paws work very well in avoiding sweaty skids. I was able to hold poses longer and get into them more deeply thanks to the stability of my hands -- so I got what I sought.

When at classes at my gym, on a hardwood floor, I have no problems at all. Oddly, though, at the yoga studio, where there is a linoleum floor, the webbing between my fingers (that hold the paws on) bother me with chafing. I am not sure if or why the flooring would account for the difference, but I did want to share my observation.

The foot-paws are not as imperative for me, since I don't have much trouble with foot skid. But in using the foot-paws I did feel a little more stable on upright balance poses (such as Tree).

However, when I flowed into horizontal standing poses (such as Warrior 3) , I realized that there is a subtle adjustment I must make in my foundation when I wear the foot-paws. It changes my balance just a skosh, making me more conscious of my lower body. Not a bad thing. I'm sure as I practice with foot-paws, I will get used to my new "stable."

Image: WebThatWorks

Yoga-Paws are $35 for a set that includes both hand and foot paws. Also included is a mesh carrying bag.

Yoga-Paws join my mat and my water bottle in my yoga kit. See below for giveaway information.

#2: Chant Dance

I've been listening to Sonic Bliss for a couple of weeks now, and one time it even led to a Perfect Moment.

Each of the 7 lengthy songs make me want to move and sway and release -- joyously. The chants use ancient Sanskrit words that evoke love, joy, peace harmony, rejuvenation, balance. I especially love Remover of Obstacles (Mantra to Ganesha) and Goddess Power (Mantra to Kali and Durgha, about the cycle of death and rebirth). The CD insert gives insight into each song's meaning and purpose. This is my first introduction to Bliss Wood, and I'll be checking out more of her stuff. $19.

#3: New Day Revolution: How to Save the World in 24 Hours

OK, this isn't a yoga book, but it is a delightful and short (140 pages) manual on small things we can do to save the world.

The chapters, which are not necessarily meant to be read consecutively, are designated by time -- times of day or week or year -- with small do-able tips on living more mindful of our interconnection with each other and the earth. For example:

• Chapter 2: Stop & Go has a short section on "A/C or Windows?"
• Chapter 5: Surf's Up has a suggestion to add your favorite charity to your email signature
• Chapter 9: Cleaning Up and Cleaning Out is full of tips to remover clutter and make the world a better place
• Chapter 11: Happy Holidays details the impact you have on the world if you declare one "Buy Nothing Day."
  

You don't have to be a Big Shot or do Big Things to make a different in your world. Authors Sam Davidson and Stephen Moseley intend to get many people doing millions of small things. Consciously. $12.

GIVEAWAY info

Yoga-Paws is offering a giveaway of one set of Yoga-Paws to a lucky All Thumbs commenter. Leave a comment below by 6 am MDT on June 8. Using random.org, we'll select a winner and let the winner know either in this space or by email (if available). Yoga-Paws will be sent directly from the kind people over here .

You can get extra entries by tweeting this post (if you're already on Twitter, just click the ReTweet button at the bottom of this post), by linking to this post on your own blog, or by putting the All Thumbs button on your blog. Just come back to let us know where to find your shout-outs.

A reminder that we HUGELY appreciate you telling your friends about AllThumbs and spreading the word on your blog with this button so that we can keep these giveaways coming.

RANDOM.ORG spit out #2

So the winner is Campbell. Thanks to everyone for entering and for supporting All Thumbs! Another yoga post with giveaway will come June 15.

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.
.
.

Kid Rock

By virtue of my husband being related to the drummer, we recently took the kids to a concert by Justin Roberts and the Not Ready For Naptime Players. How cool a name is that?

The event was held at a regular concert venue. There's an unbearable lightness of being when you rock out in the middle of the day and watch a bunch of babies, toddlers and school-kids moshing in the pit. The bar is open if you need want to lubricate your nerves. Being around hundreds of screaming kids can require that.

But these were screams of ecstasy, of freedom, of feeling good and sharing a rhythm. Justin Roberts has a way with kids, with music and lyrics.

He comes by it honestly. While building his fan base, Justin daylighted as a Montessori preschool teacher. According to Justin's website:

"In 1998, Justin released his first CD, Great Big Sun, and the critics took note. Sesame Street Parents Magazine named the collection its "Best Music Gift of the Year." The only one who remained unimpressed was Oscar the Grouch."

Of the songs I heard, this is my favorite. Be sure to check out the cute drummer.



If you are nowhere near a Justin Roberts concert, you can buy Yellow Bus for $16 here through Amazon.

Justin Roberts' latest CD is baseball-themed. Pop Fly is only $14 (also here through Amazon). It includes a heartwarming tribute to "Stay-at-Home Dad" as well as the nostalgic "From Scratch." I also enjoyed "She Sits," which you might think is about an 8-month old baby, but is really about that 16-year old relief pitcher, The Babysitter. (Click on over. You can preview prehear the songs.)

Of course these songs are kid approved. I'm here to tell you that they are also adult-approved. Score! In the same league as They Might Be Giants' No (a MUST for any new parents' music library), this kiddie music won't make you take a knitting needle to your ears when you hear it over and over and over and over and over and over and over...

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.

I'm into He's Just Not That Into You UPDATED WITH WINNER

Winner announced at bottom.

I usually see the movie first and if I notice and like the music, I buy the soundtrack.

But this time, the soundtrack arrived in the mail for He's Just Not That Into You, a complimentary CD for me to review. Before the movie comes out.

So this is what happens when I have no images from a movie to play in my head:

The classic songs (such as Human League's Don't You Want Me Baby and Talking Heads Naive Melody) take me back to my own he's-just-not-that-into-you moments. Like the time I squatted for 45 minutes below John's dorm window to hear if he talked to his roommate about me, apparently oblivious to the fact that stalking is a sign of mental derangement.

The newer songs -- and there are some terrific ones (Smile by Lily Allen and, surprisingly, Last Goodbye by star Scarlett Johansson), make me try to figure out how women like Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly and Scarlett Johansson could possibly experience men just not into them. Did any of THEM ever squat under a dorm window hoping to hear a morsel of insider information that would make the guy say, "yes, YOU are the one!"?

There are other tracks I really like: Keane's Somewhere Only We Know, The Ting Ting's Fruit Machine and The Cure's Friday I'm in Love. If you like Corinne Bailey Rae, R.E.M. or Wilco, you'll find even more reasons to be pleased with this CD.

My thumbs are up, and every song made it on to my iPod.

I'm posting this for the audio (which I love). The video of Lily Allen's Smile, however, is a bit too revenge-ful and schadenfreude for my tastes (though I admit that spiking John's coffee with Ex-Lax might have been fun).

I have a copy of He's Just Not That Into You to give away. Comment to enter, and say something to make me know you're kinda into me.

(I'll use random.org to draw a winner February 16. Please make sure your email address is easily accessible.)

Random.org chose #6. Kaci, come on down! I'll be trying to reach you to get your mailing address.

Thanks everyone for supporting All Thumbs Reviews.

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.

Long Weekend Hit n Miss

So, for the long weekend, we did us some shopping, some hiking, and some driving. And with THOSE things, came THESE two things for the list. The review list.

First, I'm not really a fan of WATER. It's boring, and it's boring, and OH... it's BORING. So more often than not, I end up with bottled water, cuz there's something about the BOTTLE, that makes it more appealing, and if there's something that makes it more appealing, at least it gets me DRINKING the damn stuff.

The problem is, once in awhile, I like to throw me in some ENERGY water or FLAVOURED water - you know, to mix it UP! So this weekend, for the hike, we tried us some Propel Fitness Water. And while the berry flavour's *okay*, the lemon, I would NOT recommend in any way, shape, or form. It's just way too TART and overdone. While I wouldn't RECOMMEND the berry flavour either - not in comparison to OTHER flavoured waters out there - it's not bad and it DID seem to give me a little kick. Whether that was just the fact that I was drinking WATER and getting refreshed, or it was this SPECIFIC water that gave the kick, I dunno, but I can't say I DIDN'T have energy after drinking it. So a mixed review - one thumb up, one thumb down.

What I DID love this weekend however, was our latest CD purchase - Duffy. If you HAVEN'T heard her, you MUST hear her. She has a CRAZY wicked voice that's all raspy without being BAR HAG raspy, and the tunes, well they mix from a little bit soul to a little bit pop to a little bit... I don't know. And the "I don't know" part, is what's so GOOD about this CD. It's not common AT ALL, and even the touch of pop I mention? Well, it's probably more SPUNK than pop. She's just got something that makes you wanna listen. Two BIG thumbs up for Duffy.

--------------------------------

And if you're keeping track, the winner of Fully Fertile is Rebecca! I'll be emailing for a mailing address, congrats!

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.