"I saw your face on the Loyola website!!"

I've gotten that a lot this week, as I'm sure all of the other student bloggers got, too. Now that I know this blog is so easily accessible, I suppose I should watch what I type...? Nah.

First, I want to explain the title - My Life On The L-List. I must admit such cleverness was not derived from my own creative thought. It helped, though. Anyone who knows me or stalked me via Facebook knows that I am a huge, gigantic, enormous, Kathy Griffin fan. Some find her annoying, some find her offensive, and some find her genius - I love her for all three of those aspects, and more. Kathy has an incredibly hilarious reality show on Bravo entitled "My Life On The D-List," a nod to her celebrity status among the A-List Hollywood stars. Since the show's inception, Kathy was a D-List celebrity... she was on every game show or celebrity Mole that aired. Over the years, however, she has gained significant  popularity... even winning an Emmy for the reality show I so proudly lifted for my blog title.

Anyway, the title is a tip of the hat to Kathy, and also an umbrella name for all of my experiences both within and outside of Loyola.

Oh, and the second comment I got a lot this week after the debut of my face on luc.edu was, "Wait, you're a transfer student?? From where!?" And the answer is NO, no I am not. That's an error that will be fixed shortly.

I survived the first week of classes - I feel good about all of them too, which is rare. Hopefully, like last spring semester, it will fly by and I can embrace the warm weather and carefree vibes of summer.

I bit the bullet and bought a brand new 80gb iPod. My wallet is still crying but my ears are rejoicing over the return of the white buds they missed during the time my old iPod was out of commission. I've  acquired lots of new music since losing iPod access and have discovered artists both new and old that have made it all the more rewarding.

Finally, I want to musically enlighten you all and provide you with my favorite albums of 2007, in true countdown fashion:

10. Over The Rhine "The Trumpet Child"
*Jazzy songs fit for a Sunday from the Ohio husband-wife duo. Haven't heard of them? PLEASE do yourself a favor and investigate.
09. Rilo Kiley "Under The Blacklight"
*More accessible than their previous works, but more fun. Jenny Lewis can do no wrong, in my opinion.
08. Tori Amos "American Doll Posse"
*Very long, but very satisfying. Some of Tori's best songs in years. Proves that she still has some fire left in her and lots to sing/say.
07. Radiohead "In Rainbows"
*Perhaps the band's best album in a decade, and one of their best period. It made me investigate their previous efforts and I now swear by Radiohead like their legions of fans.
06. Feist "The Reminder"
*The iPod Nano commercial girl has more than just the breezy '1 2 3 4' song we all hummed. A distinct voice and an ear for brilliant melodies.
05. Amy Winehouse "Back To Black"
*Despite her personal life, Amy's music speaks for itself - classic, timeless, soulful. Here's hoping there are many more albums like this from her in the future.
04. Sara Bareilles "Little Voice"
*This up-and-coming artist has some of the best pop songs around. Everyone is singing 'Love Song,' and everyone should be.
03. A Fine Frenzy "One Cell In The Sea"
*Beautiful vocals, delicate piano, and rip-your-heart-out lyrics. I dare you to listen to 'Almost Lover' and not be overcome by sadness.
02. Brandi Carlile "The Story"
*What a voice this woman has! The chills never stop with this record. Her Grey's Anatomy-ready song, 'The Story,' is a beautiful anthem with raw, powerful vocals and stadium-rock ready lyrics.
01. Patty Griffin "Children Running Through"
*Yesterday, we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. A song from this album called 'Up To The Mountain' was written by Patty and inspired by one of his famous speeches. It is definitely one of her best songs she's recorded, and a true representation of the power and emotion that MLK represents, even today. The rest of the album is just as breath-taking.

Aaaaaaaand...scene.

Comments

[Jeffrey]

I must admit, Kathy Griffin is one of the few comedians that can get me to laugh out loud.

[Mike]

Hey Jake, nice music selections. And, way to be one of the faces of Loyola! The soft focus and your steely green-eyed gaze will definitely help bring legions of Jake-crushers to Loyola next year. Ha ha.

[Nicole]

Jake I think you're splendid. Keep up your blogging adventure, it's quite entertaining for a web junkie like myself.

[Johnathion]

Are you getting paid for this?