shiny and new!

Here are some of the releases for today... September 25th, 2007

CD Releases

• Blue October- Foiled for the Last Time ***Sam's Pick***

As promised, the double-disc is out! What you're going to get here is a full version of the album Foiled with some additional remixes and a new version of Calling You. The second disc holds 14 newly recorded live tracks.... those were recorded earlier this year at Stubb's in Austin, Texas. Included in the extras are exclusive video content and some brand new footage of the band, previously unreleased, of course! Listen to the show today and I will have a couple chances to win the new CD.

• Rascal Flatts- Still Feels Good

This country crossover act has earned themselves a pile of awards and gained the respect of country music lovers (and some non-country lovers) everywhere. Their much anticipated new release is out today!

• Foo Fighters- Echoes Silence Patience and Grace **Sam's Pick**

This album marks Foo Fighters 6th full album and touts the return of producer Gil Norton, who last spearheaded a FF album in '97 (The Colour and the Shape). True, the FF have 'toned' it down a bit as the years have passed by, but you hardcore fans will have little to complain about as this evolved FF sound is still familiar, yet a bit more complex than the last couple projects. A solid piece of work from one of my favorites.

• Melissa Etheridge- The Awakening

Melissa has always held a special place in my heart... I saw her on the eve of my 21st birthday at the Opera House in Spokane, WA... shortly after the release of her album "Yes, I Am." I loved her guts, her lyrics, her powerful voice and her leather pants. Hehe. I saw Melissa here in our studio shortly after I began working for Alice. I was sitting in the studio, playing on the computer and I heard the studio door open. When I looked up, there was Melissa, standing there in the doorway. She was just poking around the building before a studio performance for us. Her hair was just starting to grow back after her treatment for breast cancer.

A truly amazing woman and this album shows that her experiences have truly enriched her life. I hear freedom of expression at its best with this release... Melissa's 9th studio album.

• Brian Setzer Orchestra- Wolfgang's Big Night Out

Setzer has done it again... well, not exactly again... in the sense that he's done THIS before, but in the sense that he's impressed me once again. He's taken a grouping of classical tunes and reworked them with his swing magic! Since Setzer departed from the Stray Cats to do his own thing, he's consistently cranked out fun, listenable, danceable and truly feelin' good albums. He's worked his genius on still another.

• Iron & Wine- The Sheperd's Dog

Iron & Wine has often been referred to as the new Simon & Garfunkel, but I think I&W's work stands nicely on its own. The folk meanderings of Sam Beam were first introduced to me with a tune I heard on the Garden State Soundtrack... a cover of Such Great Heights from Postal Service. At the time, I didn't know I&W was much more than that. If you dig folk, this is what I call modern folk at its best.

• Some other releases worth noting:

Jim Brickman- Homecoming (Holiday album)
Queen Latifah- Trav'lin' Light
Will.I.Am- Songs About Girls
Nelly McKay- Obligatory Villagers
Chaka Kahn- Funk This
Herbie Hancock- The Joni Letters (With bonus tracks)


Thanks for reading!

xo,
Sam

hot from the oven...

It is a BIG day for new music... here are some of the releases for today, September 18th, 2007

CD Releases

• James Blunt- All The Lost Souls ***Sam's Pick***

When I heard this CD several weeks ago, I was thrilled! James has once again proved he is a fantastic song-writer and a beautifully emotional singer. And he didn't make us wait too long for a follow-up to his 2005 smash album Back To Bedlam. I have to appreciate that! All in all? A great sophomore album. When James visited a few weeks ago, we recorded some acoustic versions of three of his new songs. You can listen to them by clicking: http://www.alice1059.com/pages/291004.php

• KT Tunstall- Drastic Fantastic ***Sam's Pick***

From her attitude to her ability to create songs that make you want to just open up and sing along, KT is a gem. This is her second album and you've been hearing the first single "Hold On" on Alice for a while now. She is amazing!! KT's existing fans will find this more than satisfactory. WAY more.

• Amy Winehouse- Maximum Amy Winehouse

This is NOT a music CD, it's a biographical CD. If you've ever wanted to hear Amy's story, this unauthorized biography may answer some of those burning questions.

• Eddie Vedder- Music For The Motion Picture Into The Wild (Soundtrack)

The Pearl Jam front man dives into the world of the movie soundtrack here. So far, big PJ followers are being forgiving to Vedder, only lightly criticizing the short length of the tunes. Make no mistake, this is not a PJ album, only Vedder's journey into something fresh and different.

• The Donnas- Bitchin'

Nothing like a bunch of chicks that really know how to rock. The title really tells all because that is precisely what this album is... bitchin'. Hmm.. kind of makes me want to revive the word. Ok, maybe not. Oh, the album art is fantastic too... gotta love a hot tush in leather pants.

• Ben Lee- Ripe

One of indie singer/songwriter fans favs, Ben has crafted a lovely sixth album. So, Ripe meaning... sweet and juicy and ready for devouring, NOT Ripe as in needing some speed stick. He has a couple interesting musical guests on this as well: Mandy Moore and Benji Madden from Good Charlotte.

• Ministry- The Last Sucker ***Sam's Pick***

Ok, I know.. you may wonder why I chose to include this release in my list today. Honestly, I always been a big fan of Ministry and a big admirer of Al Jourgensen. This album is the final installation in a Trilogy that we were made aware of in 2004 when Houses Of The Mole was released. The second piece, Rio Grande Blood followed last year. Jourgensen says this will be the final studio release from the band (I guess a solid dozen was enough?). The reason why I have always loved Ministry: The music rocks the face clean off, but it carries a message.... albet a bit rough in the delivery department, Jourgensen is intellegent. He thinks, he challenges authority and he was one of the first musicians I saw to climb up on stage and pretty much scream his political views. Before it was cool.

• Resident Evil: Extinction (Soundtrack)

I have a secret... I LOVE zombie movies and I have been looking forward not only to this movie, but the soundtrack release as well. For these flicks, there is always an eclectic grouping of rock acts that collaborate to bring slamming compilation. Of all the soundtracks I own, I've probably listened to the Resident Evil: Apocalypse the most. Well, maybe tied with the Matrix soundtracks. Those were genius.

• Across The Universe (Soundtrack)

Beatles fans.. they threw us a curveball on this one by releasing it on an off day (Sept. 14th), but here it is. Music from the movie... some VERY impressive performers like Bono, Joe Cocker and the Edge just to scratch the surface. If you get the deluxe release from iTunes you will get additional tracks that are missing from the CD version. Just so you know.

white after labor day? now why would i do a thing like that?

Antiquated fashion rules do not control me.

No, nobody criticised me for wearing a white sundress today, but one coworker thanked me for wearing white because she apparently gets teased when she does. Strange, if it's still 80 degrees and technically summer, I will wear whatever I please, white included... I told her to do the same. I mentioned the subject on the air and got a rather surprising influx of support which made me smile!

Even Goddess Duane (who sometimes pops in during the Alice Morning Show) called and said, "Girl... listen... if all women wear white on their wedding day (even though technically they are not supposed to.. wink wink) then you can wear it whenever you want. " Well, that makes some sense there.

However, HERE is the real reason I wore this dress today (speaking of antiquated beliefs... read on and you'll understand). I'm not embarrassed to talk about it, because I have commercials running on the Alice airwaves right now that talk about my recent surgical procedure. I've been very open about it. I just want people listening to know that if they are too shy to discuss things like weight loss or plastic surgery, I'll talk about it for them! :) Hey, the body is nothing to be ashamed of and Steve and I (Steve from Slacker and Steve) have had you along on our weight loss journeys.

A month ago, I got a reduction... as long as I can remember, my chest just did NOT fit my frame and I always said that someday I would find the opportunity change it. The problem is: I don't like having surgery (who does, right?)and I'm very particular about who I trust with those sorts of things. I always worried that going to a plastic surgeon would make me feel vain. But a few months ago I was doing a bit of casual research and found this Dr. in Denver that had this incredible reputation, so I thought I would consult with him and just see what happened. His name is Dr. Ben Lee.

During my consult I dropped my misconceptions about plastic surgery. I knew that this was something that was going to make me feel MUCH better, more comfortable in my own skin and ultimately change something in the only way it COULD be changed. This was something that would make me more myself and there was no other way to achieve it... I know... I tried with excercise and diet. They were always going to be too large for my body. Naturally, I asked my mother what she thought and she was very supportive. She said "Honey, you have been uncomfortable since you were a teenager... go for it."

So I scheduled my surgery with Dr. Lee and tomorrow it will be a month since I had it done.

All the pre-op appointments, the reduction surgery itself, and the post care have been so great. His staff is fantastic and I'm so glad I was willing to do the research and find a Dr. that I could really trust. Dr. Lee is awesome and all my girlfriends have asked if I'd go back to him. I tell them that I wouldn't trust anyone else.

I digress... so, today was the first day I didn't have to wear a sports brassiere and I wanted to wear something ultra girly so I could reclaim my femininity! The white sundress was the choice. Ha! I have had several phone calls about Dr. Lee since I've spoken about him on the air... so I thought I'd add his office number in case you're considering plastic surgery of any kind. I recommend taking all of those decisions very seriously and I tell you.... do your research! I did and that's why I believe I got the best experience and results possible.

Dr. Ben Lee 303-783-9997


As always... thanks for reading.

xoxoxoxo,
Sam

there's new and then there's NEW.

Well... here we go.... some of the new releases for today, Sept. 11, 2007... a big day for the rappers, so if hip-hop is one of your loves, today is a pretty big one releasewise... read on:

CD Releases

• 50 Cent- Curtis

You probably knew 50 Cent's new one was going to be impressive to hip-hop lovers everywhere, that includes the guest list: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Akon etc... This is 50s third studio album.

• Kanye West- Graduation

This is Kanye's third album. He's teamed up with artists Daft Punk and Coldplay to create a more-than-relevant addition to his all ready very impressive collection of work.

• Hot Hot Heat- Happiness Ltd. ***Sam's Pick***

This is also a third release... if you saw these guys open for the original Killers show at Red Rocks in May (they also came back w/ Snow Patrol at Red Rocks earlier this summer), you all ready know their extremely unique sound. I love this band and have found every one of their releases delightful.. but if you're a long-time fan of the band, you will notice their sound keeps evolving with every release... In a good way!

• Ani Difranco- Canon (Best of Compilation)

Ani personally chose all the tracks on this 2-disc compilation and it spans her work from 1990-2007. She's released nearly 20 albums and the 30+ songs she picked don't necessarily come across as a greatest hits, but a carefully chosen blend of tunes that span her entire musical career. Five freshly recorded jewels are also included... and as always, with Ani, you know you're getting exactly what she wants to give. She's in control and she doesn't mind showing it!

• Jupiter Rising- Electropop

Hey, if you're looking for something fun, different and just plain grooooooovy.. check out Jupiter Rising's debut. Super fun.



There ya have it... a sampling of today's releases. I'm giving you early warning: Next week is going to be an amazing week for new music so don't miss my blog next Tuesday!

Thanks for reading.

xo,
Sam

i'm starting a new fashion trend....

Unmatched flip-flops!

Ok, it happened on accident and today I feel like a royal dork... but I've been laughing about it all day.

I have two pairs of flip flops that are the same brand and style, but different patterns. Anyway, both pairs are in my entryway and this morning as I was rushing out the door, I slipped my feet into a pair of flip flops and ran out.

Yup, you guessed it. My left foot is clad in a flip flop that's brown w/ blue polka dots and the right foot is in black with white piping.

So very hot. I think I'll start doing it more often.

Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend.

xoxoxo,
Sam

has anyone ever told you....

that you look like someone else? I get that a LOT. For some reason, I remind people of either a celebrity, a singer or someone that they just knew in high school or college. Some of the more interesting comparisons I've had have not necessarily been the most complimentary. Oh well, what do you do?

When I had long, dark brown hair- I got Brooke Shields, when my hair was blonde I got Laura Dern (EW)... I get told I'm like a thinner, younger Kirstie Alley. And then of course, there's the you-remind-me-of-my-college-roomates-best-friend.

One thing I always think during these encounters... "why can't I just look like.. ME!" Hehe.

Well, last night at Red Rocks, I was waiting for Louis the IX to begin and the woman sitting beside me with her boyfriend tapped me on the shoulder. I turned and she said "Hey, has anyone ever told you that you look like (I braced myself)... Sam Hill from Alice?"

It took me just a second to recover and say, "Uh, well... I AM Sam Hill from Alice."

Priceless.... so, thank you Jen. That was one of the most amusing things to happen to me lately.

In honor of Jen, today's AuNaturAlice Song of the Day was Mat Kearney's "Crashing Down."

Thanks for reading.

xoxoxo,
Sam

AUNATURALICE II !!!

This morning I announced our second AuNaturAlice show and I'm pretty excited about it.

In May we brought Jon McLaughlin, Vega4, Sick Puppies, Emerson Hart and Mat Kearney to the Soiled Dove Underground for a night of acoustic yumminess!! It was honestly one of the best nights of my career. And I said I would do it again (if the big bosses let me).

Ok- AuNaturAlice II has been officially announced. Thursday, September 27th we are back at the Soiled Dove Underground with:

Vanessa Carlton
The Click Five
Saving Jane
Steve Bertrand (of Avion)

Get back to the website now to get your tickets at a discounted price. That's only for A-List Members for the first several days, but you can certainly join. Hint Hint!

http://alice1059.com/pages/802643.php

I'm so excited for another fanstastic night of live, acoustic... stripped music from some fanstastic artists and I hope you can join me.

xo,
Sam

fresh meat... er... music!

Yes, it's Tuesday and time to talk new music. It's not a terribly exciting day, but I have found a few fun new releases for you:

Check 'em out!

CD Releases

• Ice Cube- In the Movies

Now, when it comes to hip hop/rap/r&b... I'm veeeery particular. Ice Cube has always been one that I've not only admired, but have made that effort to watch. He's political, he's angry, but most of all, he's smart and relevant.

• The Perishers- Victorious

This is the Swedish band's 3rd full-length release. Though their name may not be familiar, you'd certainly recognize their tunes if you are a frequent viewer of the OC, One Tree Hill, Kyle XY, Grey's Anatomy etc. Some call 'em sappy, some just call 'em sensitive. I just say listen when you're not in a great mood, yet not in a really crappy mood either. Heh!

• Kate Nash- Made of Bricks **Sam's Pick**

Ok... this woman is amazing and I truly believe, THEE next big thing. Her debut release unfortunately is only available as an import currently and it's a whopping 35 bucks. But, if you want something, you'll pay, right? Well, I will! If you want to wait, her label should be releasing the album sometime early next year in the US. I will remind you again. :)

• Ted Nugent- Love Grenade

Ok... it's Ted Nugent and he hasn't lost one ioda of what makes him... well, Ted Nugent. From the early days to now (even though he made his fans wait 5 years for something new), he's just Ted and for those that get him and like him, here's a welcome addition to the catalog.




See? I warned you it was a little slim this week... but trust me, as we get deeper in September, we are going to have some incredible volume in releases that you will not want to miss!

Thanks for reading.

xoxo,
Sam