My musical tastes are a bit eclectic and neglected. Yes, I'm one of those people who fondly remembers the music from when they were 13 - but I have to admit that I've been trying to branch out of early '80s music. It's good to try new things. Especially to find out if I like things that other people do, too.

One eskimO's self-titled debut album is out in stores and I was given the opportunity to check it out and do a review. Knowing that their hit #1 song "Kandi" was the most played song on all adult rock radio stations for the past four weeks, and counting, was impressive. Then I heard it and found it running through my head over and over again. But in a good way. Wanna check out the video?



There are other songs on this album that are equally as engaging in a vibe-music kind of way. Here's the playlist: Hometime, Astronauts [download for free via Twitter], Kandi, Slip, Simple Day, Givin Up, Chocolate, All Balloons, Chosen One, UFO, and Amazing.

One eskimO is touring in May and June so if you're interested in finding out how to see them in person check out their Facebook  or their website page to learn more. Hop on over to check out their tour dates ,too. The music is interesting without being the same thing you're going to hear from every other band. At least that was my impression. I'd love to know what you think.

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of One eskimO's album to review. All thoughts and reviews are my own.

I'm old enough to remember going to see the movie "When Harry Met Sally" in the theatre and hearing "It Had to Be You" and thinking "Wow, that guy sounds great. I wonder who that is." Since then I've followed and enjoyed Connick's music since - of course it doesn't hurt that he has the face of a male model! - and admired the work he's done in his native New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina so when One2One Network gave me the opportunity to review his new album Your Songs I jumped at the chance.

This album includes classic songs that you'll know from other places and by other artists. Like:

• All The Way
• Just the Way You Are
• Can't Help Falling in Love with You
• And I love Her
• Close to You
• Besame Mucho
• The Way You Look Tonight
• First ime Ever I saw Your Face
• Your Song
• Some Enchanted Evening
• And I love You So
• Who Can I Turn To
• Smile
• Mona Lisa

While I appreciated the music and enjoyed Connick's interpretation of these songs I can't say that I thought these were the best versions of these songs I've ever heard or his best work. Sometimes I just think his voice wasn't the best match for the song. However, I think this is a good album and good background music and if you are a die hard Harry Connick, Jr. fan then you'll want to get this album for sure.

We made it to the beach and for a few days here we'll have internet until we move on. Comfort and Joy are enjoying the ocean so much more than last year when all they would do was throw the sand at the water. So much more tiring for me as the parent but I'm happy to see them growing up.
First of all today I want to make sure you saw this giveaway at Common Sense with Money. Mercedes is giving away a $100 VISA gift card if you leave a post with your favorite back to school memory. For additional entries you can twitter, facebook or blog about the giveaway so head on over and add your memory to the comments.

Secondly, here is great end of the season deal from the WNBA and One2One Network .There is a special offer for One2One Network members and bloggers to share with their friends, readers and fans for the remainder of the WNBA regular season.

Just go to TicketMaster.com/wnba and enter the promo code WNBABLOG and experience what exciting, affordable, family-friendly entertainment the WNBA really is!

Atlanta Dream - For the remaining regular season games (Excluding 8/23 vs LA):
Get $25 seats for $15; Get $19 seats for $12

- For the game on 8/23 vs the Los Angeles Sparks
Get $25 seats for $24; Get $19 seats for $18.

Chicago Sky -Up to 34% off the regular ticket price.

Connecticut Sun - Get $18 seats for $10; $22 seats for $18; $27 seats for $23

Detroit Shock - Get $15 lower level sideline seats or $50 VIP seats.

Indiana Fever - Buy 1 ticket and get 1 ticket of equal value free.

Los Angeles Sparks - Get 15% off tickets in all sections

Minnesota Lynx - Get $8 seats.

New York Liberty - Get 33% off tickets and $10 parking.

Phoenix Mercury - Get $43 tickets for $16; $26 tickets for $10.

San Antonio Stars - Get over 50% off the gate price.

Seattle Storm - Get 50% off all Storm tickets.

Washington Mystics - Get $35 tickets for $15

And here's another Giveaway. This time from Parenting Magazine. There's a different giveaway every Monday - Friday for the month of August and a special Grand Prize. Check it out and be sure to enter every day.

Also, I saw that the 2010 IKEA Catalog is out and as a way to celebrate back to school shopping IKEA has Kids Eat Free until August 30, 2009 so if you need to pick up a few things feeding the kidlets is a piece of cake - literally - at IKEA!

And Not to Be Missed - It's the beginning of the month - coupons have reloaded on the coupon bars so don't forget to print out what you want for the month!

I had the opportunity to review the CD Bible Belt by Diane Birch and as I was loading it in the CD player I realized that NPR was doing an interview with her. Not bad. Not bad, at all. And she holds her own. The music is mature as is her voice.

And here's some background for you - For singer-songwriter Diane Birch, music was a refuge. Although Diane was born in Michigan, her childhood was spent on the move as the daughter of a preacher, living between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia, before her parents finally settled in Portland, Oregon. When she was in her early teens, Diane absorbed a unique and cosmopolitan perspective on life that shines through her music and makes a simple categorization of it impossible.

The result? Diane Birch sounds like an old favorite, with all the sparkle and magic of a breakthrough talent. People says she sounds like a combination of early Carole King, Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks, with a little Joss Stone and Cat Power mixed in. Bible Belt is only her first record, but it’s one of the most accomplished albums you’ll hear all year. From the opening track “Fire Escape” to the closing “Magic View,” Diane’s stunning voice is mesmerizing.

Check out the links to tracks and listen to some great music. Then do yourself a favor and cash in some Swagbucks or Amazon cards for the album. You won't be disappointed. If you need to get hooked up with Swagbucks check out the link under "Stickies" for more information.

Link to MP3 of ‘Fire Escape’ http://www.rcrdlbl.com/artists/Diane_Birch/track/Fire_Escape

Myspace = http://www.myspace.com/dianebirch

The fact that the Ballas Hough Band's new album features eleven songs to get you moving and dancing around probably isn't a surprise. My mom is a huge fan of Dancing With the Stars and only mentioned these guys a 'few' times and even though I'm particular about my music this is nice to have playing in the background and then turn up when you are ready to get up from the chair and move around.  They wrote the majority of the material themselves and I'd say this bodes well for future work from the team. Check it. It's A Cool Idea.