Ryan Adams ‘1989′

Today, Ryan Adams released his full album cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘1989.’ I have been a fan of Ryan Adams since Heartbreaker, which was one of the first three albums I bought on CD and still remains amongst my favorite albums of all time. While I do know who Taylor Swift is (though in your defense, electradaddy, I was clueless about Taylor Lautner), I cannot say I have ever really been “hooked” by her music (at least in the same way as my current recent gold pop standards: “Run Away With Me” or “Teenage Dream”). But hooked or not, all credit to taylorswift, she knows how to craft some phenomenal pop. And from her music, to her videos, shows, presence, and persona is probably only rivaled on that scale by Beyonce.

I am not always crazy about covers, and there are all sorts of ways that Ryan Adams could have missed on this full album set. Not only is translating Top 40 pop out of its original context challenging, but a full album of covers is a very different animal than a single song. I am curious to see what ‘1989′ fans think of this set of covers, Taylor Swift herself seems to be a big fan, but I personally found (most) of these to be pretty great. If you like either Ryan Adams or Taylor Swift this is probably worth a listen through.

“Blank Space”

“All You Had to Do Was Stay”

“Shake It Off”

“Bad Blood”

ifjanetranit

I like Ryan Adams, and I have enjoyed several of his albums. I also like Taylor Swift and have enjoyed many of her singles. She has rebuffed Spotify, so I haven’t listened to all of her albums.

I have listened to Ryan’s “1989″ several times in the last 24 hours (thanks Spotify!). At first I wasn’t that impressed. I liked “Welcome to New York” a lot, but felt it went downhill from there. But after multiple listens I am pretty sold. I believe I had to “shake off” the originals.

I approve.

#trans-parenting #ryan adams #taylor swift #i approve

ifjanetranit

trans-parenting tagged me in the six selfies game again (thanks Kat!). I already posted six pictures of my mug earlier this week, but it just so happens I had six more selfies. Because I’m really a closet Kardashian.

#trans-parenting #six selfies

ifjanetranit

Five Random Things About Myself

trans-parenting tagged me and challenged me to list five random things about myself. I wish all challenges were this easy.

My family went to the World's Fair in Spokane, WA in 1974. I don't remember much about it. I only recall fleeting bits, and I sort of remember the cabin where we stayed. President Nixon presided over the opening ceremonies, but he resigned before the fair--and the summer--ended. I don't remember any of that, of course. I was too stressed out about starting kindergarten to care about Watergate. I actually remember the skills test my teacher gave me before school started. I aced it. I was good at kindergarten.
I have very nice handwriting, and when I was in the 3rd grade I was tasked with writing the class letter to Washington Governor Dixy Lee Ray.
Despite my lovely penmanship, I can't draw for shit. I'm really quite awful. The thought of drawing an animal makes my hands sweat.
I have religiously taken birth control pills for over 25 years, and I can count on two hands the pills I have missed over the years. That said, I can't remember to take vitamins more than three days in a row even though I have bottles right by the kitchen sink and my work computer. I clearly resent having to take vitamins.
I usually never shop early for Christmas, because I typically end up giving the gifts away ahead of time. I can't wait! "Want to know what I got you?!!" It's pretty pathetic. This year I shopped early, and I'm practicing restraint. It's killing me.

#five random things #trans-parenting #world's fair #dixy lee ray

ifjanetranit

Ten Books!

I was tagged by trans-parenting to list ten books that have stuck with me over the years. I will try not to think too hard about this. Gonna try that whole Stream of Ponch on Chips approach.

Columbine by Dave Cullen — I think what struck me most about this book was that Columbine really wasn't about the dangers of bullying, but unfortunately that’s the story that’s been fed to us over the years. Columbine should be a story about mental illness and how to recognize sociopaths. That’s a simplistic explanation, but if you have kids in school I encourage you to read it.
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes — A book about relationships and memory and how we tend to remember what we want to remember. I LOVED this book.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson — I was so happy when my BFF Terry finally read this book. I was all ready to join a book club just to discuss it with someone. Kate Atkinson is brilliant.
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer — I have ZERO interest in climbing a mountain, mountain climbing, or mountain/snow activities in general. This Mount Everest story was riveting.
John Adams by David McCullough — I’m a big fan of history books, and this one is probably my favorite. The HBO series was awesome too.
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore — Laugh out loud funny. Brilliant. I own it. Might read it again later this week.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole — Just Google it. There have been repeated attempts to turn the book into a film. In 1982, Harold Ramis was to write and direct an adaptation, starring John Belushi and Richard Pryor. but Belushi’s death prevented this. Later, John Candy and Chris Farley were touted for the lead, both of whom died at an early age, leading many to ascribe a curse to it. Steven Soderbergh remarked “I think it’s cursed. I’m not prone to superstition, but that project has got bad mojo on it.”
Ishi: Last of His Tribe by Theodora Kroeber — I read this in junior high and it really stuck with me. Ishi was the last member of the Yahi, a group of the Yana people of California. Ishi lived most of his life completely outside modern culture. At about 49 years of age, in 1911, he emerged from “the wild” near Oroville, CA. My junior high Humanities teacher was a real hippie, and I am forever thankful for the types of books we read as a class. I think she helped change the way I looked at the world—the kind of stuff great teachers are supposed to do.
The Great Santini by Pat Conroy — This is one of the first “adult” books I read as a grade schooler, and I love, love, loved it.
The Wicked Pigeon Ladies in the Garden by Mary Chase — My BFF Carla’s sister Liz had this book, so I borrowed it. It’s a kid’s book, and I read it as a kid, and it freaked me out. Old abandoned house. Portraits of beautiful women that move. Time travel. Eek!

So there you go! In fact, I wrote this post in quick order. Just went with the flow (and back in time as I wrote). I’m sure I’ve missed some great stuff (like any book I read in college strangely enough), but there you go.

#10 books #trans-parenting

ifjanetranit

11 Things

I was tagged by trans-parenting, so I’m going to answer these cool questions. I’m not going to create new questions or tag people today, however, so I shall seek forgiveness and tag another time.

What is your favorite kind of flower? My mom loved lilacs, and so do I.
When during the day are you at your highest/lowest energy points? I’m a morning person, but if the party is fun I’m totally the last person awake. I don’t require much sleep. That said, 4 pm is my low point. This is why I tend to exercise during this time.
What is your favorite pop song in the last decade? I thought way too long about this question. I probably could have cooked a fine meal or done the ice bucket challenge or something. First off, what’s the definition of pop?! Argh! I’m going with Kanye West’s “Stronger.” Will Kanye be mad that I called this pop? I still don’t know all of the lyrics even though I’ve worked out to it a million times. Me likey.
How long have you been on Tumblr? Did you blog before this? Three years! No!
Where do you get most of your news from? The elevator in my building. The news channel was out today, and I was really disappointed! Probably The Daily Show and various Twitter news links.
Which character from The Breakfast Club are you most like? Duh, Brian. I totally would have freaked out about flunking shop (although my parents never pressured me about grades), and I would have gladly written the letter on behalf of all the other kids. In fact, I would have insisted.
Do you drink tea? If so, what is your favorite kind(s)? Nope.

Have you ever met a celebrity (or pseudo-celebrity), what was the experience like? This is a trick question, right? You know I met Vanilla Ice once, right?
When was the last time you sent someone an actual, physical letter? I sent a birthday card last week. I also write some letters every Christmas. I still believe in snail mail.
Are you someone who forgives easily or holds a grudge? I forgive very easily. Sometimes too easily, if that’s possible. I have a short memory for bad stuff. I cut a lot of slack. I mean, come on. I still dig Vanilla Ice.
What is the oddest compliment you have ever received (or given)? My family doctor retired when I was in high school, and I went to a new local doctor when I was in college. After my exam he asked me if Scott and I planned on living locally, because he was a football coach. Apparently I looked like a woman who might give birth to some potential recruits. I never went back.

#11 things #trans-parenting #vanilla ice