Leonard Cohen 1934-2016

Leonard Cohen, a truly great poet and musician, passed away today at the age of 82. He wrote many, many great songs, and I've posted a few favorites below. If you're intrigued I'd encourage you to explore YouTube; there are so many Leonard Cohen gems. Cohen's most recent album, You Want It Darker, was released just three weeks ago. The song below, "It Seemed a Better Way," is from this album. Leonard Cohen will be missed.

Chicago Cast of Hamilton Sings "Go Cubs Go!"

It has come to my attention that some members of the sixth grade class are fans of the musical "Hamilton." I thought you might enjoy this rendition of the Chicago Cubs' theme song "Go Cubs Go!" as sung by the Chicago cast. Enjoy!

The Hip-Hop Story of Henrietta Lacks

"The Immortal Rap of Henrietta Lacks" was written and produced by eighth grade students from KIPP Bridge Charter School in Oakland, California. To learn the background of Henrietta Lacks and the production of the video, read this article from PBS. If you want to read the full story of Henrietta Lacks, please read the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot.

Beck, "Heart is a Drum"

The Complete Basement Tapes Released!

For years and years and years Mr. Gacek has been waiting for the complete Basement Tapes to be released. And now, here they are! This is such a fantastic, incredible set. Essential in every way.

"Adventure Time" Closing Credits Song

Have you ever finished an episode of Adventure Time and thought to yourself while you were watching the end credits, "That song is so catchy. I wonder what it is?"

I know I certainly have, so I YouTubed it. It turns out the song is called "Island Song," and is sung by Ashley Eriksson. Ashley performs in an indie pop band called LAKE, which was formed right here in Olympia. They have released multiple albums on the Olympia-based record label K Records. Pretty cool, right?

Here is the full song version of "Island Song":


Here is the end credits sequence:


Here is LAKE performing "Don't Give Up" from their 2009 album "Let's Build a Roof" in Austin, Texas:


Here is a picture of Ashley at the Cartoon Network studios with topiary of Finn and Jake:

(photo: ashleyeriksson.com)

You can visit Ashley's website here.

Come along with me
To a town beside the sea
We can wander through the forest
And do so as we please...

Adele Dazeem sings that song from "Frozen"

It's Jimmy Fallon and The Roots with Adele Dazeem!

The two most popular things in the sixth grade: Sounders FC and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a bubblegum pop superstar from Japan.  She sings a lot about candy.  Back when I was growing up, music videos were played on MTV.  Music videos made Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Beastie Boys, Nirvana, Green Day, and countless others into stars.  Bands needed MTV to give them exposure.  Today a kid can go online and find video of musicians from anywhere in the world.  And I have to say, the Japanese take on pop music is very interesting.  It's very bouncy, for one thing.  I can see why the kids like it.

Sounders FC defeated FC Dallas 2-0 tonight.  We are now 7-1-1 on the season.  Fredy Montero came on for Mauro Rosales in the second half and scored two goals.  Brilliant game from him.  Also, the Sounders managed to pick up three points on the road while resting Ozzie Alonso for the entire game.  That's huge.  Granted, FC Dallas were missing quite a few of their key players.  But a win is a win, and we now have 5 in a row.  We're on a roll.

NOVA Sounders Alliance at Saturday's game vs. Philadelphia

(with Arvean's brother and Sounders broadcaster Ross Fletcher!)