So I was thinking today that it would be fun to get a dialogue going on what peoople are listening today.  If this turns out to be a monologue, so be it. 
I am fortunate enough to have a job that allows for me to listen to my ipod all the livelong day.  I generally load up a bunch of albums onto it every week.  I thought I'd share with you what I'm digging on this week.  Feel free to let me know your thoughts on the music as well as what you've got in your ears this week!

Alicia Keys - Diary of Alicia Keys

I LOVE ALICIA KEYS!!  I think she is one of the most talented people in the music industry today.  Her voice is phenomenal and her melodies are unforgettable.  My favorite song on this particular album is "Diary".  I would consider doing this in a show sometime if I thought I could do it justice.

Kings of Leon - Only By the Night

I have friends that have been telling me to give KOL a listen for years now, and I've finally caved in with their newest release.  I love the frontman's voice and the simple yet effective structure of their songs.  "Sex on Fire" is a badass tune, despite the mental image of charred genitals it conjures.  The song "Use Somebody" is an even better tune in my opinion.

Ryan Adams - Cold Roses

If you've been to any of my shows, you know that I love Ryan Adams.  I end up covering one of his songs at almost every show.  I've been enamored with his music for about a year and a half now.  I tend to spend a few months on one album at a time.  Recently I've taken up Cold Roses.  In my opinion, Adams is one of the best American-born songwriters of all-time.  I'm not going to rank him, as that could start a whole other debate.  Suffice to say, I have a lot of respect for his songwriting ability.  On Cold Roses, I currently find myself gravitating toward "Meadowlake Street" and "Now That You're Gone".  "Meadowlake Street" is a beautiful song with a great crescendo at the end...who doesn't love a good crescendo?  "Now That You're Gone" illustrates my favorite thing about RA...his ability to write the most depressing shit you've ever heard.  He writes about heartbreak and loss better than almost anyone I've ever heard. 

Well that's all from me now.  If you're still reading this, I encourage you to check out my show this Friday at Altar Bar.  Y'all be well!  Oh yeah, LETS GO STEELERS!!!!!

B
E
N

Hey Friends,

Happy New Year!  I'm so excited about 2009, and I wanted to explain to you what's going on.  Brock, Eric, Markus & myself will no longer be performing under the name Second Favorite.  The reasons for this are not important, but what is important is that it is an amicable dissolution.  They will all still be performing with me as often as schedules allow, and I am thankful and blessed for that. 

To everyone who has supported Second Favorite since its inception, I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.  I hope you will continue to support and enjoy my music.  I'll do my best to make it supportable and enjoyable :) 

I'm also going to be more proactive with this page.  Now that I'm only speaking for myself, I intend to do a lot more speaking on this blog...yikes! 

 

Most importantly, I'm finally going into the studio this month to record my first EP!  I'm overwhelmed by all of the peopleat shows that have asked for recordings, so my first priority of the new year is to give you just that.  I don't want to give a timetable, but I hope to have it out for you soon. 

 

Happy Holidays to you and your families, and we'll be seeing each other real soon.  Be well!

B
E
N

Just want to give a huge thanks to everyone who came out to Geno's last night.  It was our largest endeavor to date (as evinced by my lack of a voice today), and it was incredible to play in such an intimate setting packed with friends.  We look forward to seeing everyone again on the 22nd at the Serbian Club.  Peace, love & penguins hockey!

Pgh's Second Favorite Ben