Throwback Thursdays

#TBT

Damn, I miss me some Lauryn Hill circa ’98.  She was happy, focused and her music was everywhere. Life was good.

Michelle

 

Songs of the moment

I normally feature just one song of the moment, but there have been a few songs out that I enjoy. Here’s my short but sweet list of my fave tracks.

Songs of the moment

I must admit, I initially had the same reaction Kanye did when I first heard Justin Timberlake’s song – Suit and Tie – featuring Jay Z.  I thought it was okay, but nothing too spectacular.   The more I heard the song, the more it grew on me.

On Suit and Tie, Justin masterfully meshes old school Motown orchestration with his sexy yet playful falsetto.  It also doesn’t hurt that it’s an infectiously upbeat song played everywhere you go.  It’s damn near impossible not to like it!

The other song that I listen to religiously is Drake’s - Started From the Bottom.  Started explains how Drake got his start in the game and how his hard work made him the megastar that he is.   

This song gets me pumped!   Whenever I feel like giving up on my goals, I listen to this song. It totally motivates me to work harder. 

Do you wanna know what really made me love the song?  .........The video.  This video is practically an ode to Toronto.   I looove the opening shots of Drake working with his boys at Shoppers Drug Mart (Drake + Shoppers uniform = delicious!), Matte Babel (ex-MuchMusic VJ and correspondent for ET Canada) dancing in a club and the shot of the iconic CN Tower.  Classic.  Drake is sooo Toronto. I love it!

Although I do love the aforementioned songs for their swagger, the last song that I can’t get enough of is Bruno Mars’ Locked Out Of Heaven. I realize that he’s speaking about his mind blowing sexual escapade, but it still comes off sweet and endearing.

I love this song because the vocals are undeniably flawless. Bruno can sing any genre and still sound amazing.  Which is probably why he took on a multitude of genres on this song.  Locked Out is a mélange of rock, pop and reggae.  So reminiscent of The Police (Bruno performed with Sting from the group Police on the Grammys—AH-mazing!).

I catch myself singing this song in the shower every day—which is a true sign that I love the song.

Those are a few of the songs that I am digging right now.  What are your song(s) of the moment?

* Bonus track

R&B queen Melanie Fiona has released her version of Drake’s Started From The Bottom track on YouTube.  Check it here

Michelle

App of the month

Some of my go-to apps tend to be very practical and useful.  For instance, I can’t live without my dictionary, weather and Google search apps. 

Although I find myself using those utilitarian apps on a daily basis, I also enjoy the apps that are not necessarily functional but are just for fun.

Pixlromatic

Pixlromatic is an app that allows you to add funky effects and frames to beautify your pictures. You can choose from a bunch of filters to get your desired look.  Think Instagram but on a smaller scale.

It’s super simple to use. You start by opening the app.  You can either take a pic, or upload an image from your camera roll. You then tap the filter you would like to use to modify your pic and voila, you have a piece of art! Don’t forget to save your changes!

Check out the before and after pics

taken from a camera and uploaded to my phone

Check out the cool effects!

Bonus app of the month

AutoRap

This app has no real purpose in my life, but I refuse to remove it from my phone. This app turns your normal speech into a rap song.  Yes!  You choose a beat, and start talking. A few moments later you have a “rap song”.  Love this app!

What are some of your fave apps?

Michelle