Advertising and commercials can be great tools to keep people in the know.  Of course you do have some commercials, like the Forever Lazy, that make you cringe every time it starts to come on.  Or how about that ASPCA commercial where Sarah McLaughlin sings “Angel” while all the sad hurt animals stare at you.  I know that’s enough to bring on the tears in my house.

Anyway, there are some commercials out there that I really do like.  Maybe it’s the music or the message or they just make me laugh, but sometimes advertisers do it right.

The commercial below is one for the Chipotle chain of restaurants and the message is clear, they are going back to the start.  Originally farming was free range and based around the farmer.  Now it has become incredibly industrialized and the hormones pumped into these caged animals is sad.  The video clearly shows going back to the old ways of farming.

Now, does Chipotle really use meats and veggies from organic and free range farming?  I have no clue, but I do know that I love the idea of the video and the voice behind it.

That is Willie Nelson singing Coldplay’s “The Scientist.”  It’s incredible and I can listen to it over and over again.  Now it’s your turn to hear this!

I know we aren’t the only family out there that has always had a special spot for music.  So many people feel like music has been an influence on their lives and family.  Why are we as people so drawn to music though?  What is it that compels us to listen to and enjoy music of all kinds?  There are four main reasons as to why humans connect with music.  The rhythm, harmony, melody, and the impact of music on our brains all combine to make listening to music something that people desire to do.  I love the infographic that I found below that explains why we like music so much.

Like any competition, some groups did much better than others.  There were two performances that really stuck out to me, and one that kept me entertained and excited the whole time.  Check out my favorite performances below, and if you have not watched The Sing-Off you are missing out!

My favorite of the night goes to the jazzy and soulful group Afro-Blue.  I love their effortless style, but lately they have not been really impressive.  The version of Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” turned it all around though.  They kept their signature sound, but kept the song true even to the original where it was tastefully done.  The two leads of the song did an amazing job, and I love the bass.

I think my favorite group this season is Pentatonix, but don’t hold me to it because I change my mind every Monday night. They are just always so impressive, and I can’t get enough of their sound. They chose to do Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue,” which is a fun, upbeat song. It was the least intricate arrangement they have ever done, but I loved it.

And lastly, the performance that made me want to dance and corral around in my living room was from the always entertaining Dartmouth Aires. These guys are just plain fun. The sang Big & Rich’s “Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy.”

To help you find that perfect song for you, here is an inforgraphic that I found that shows “Songs to Live Life By.”  It gives you a list of daily life activities and based on your mood a song that you can listen to that will enhance your activity and maybe even your life.  I love that the creator of the infographic even included a tune for you to crank up when you are peeling a banana.  Of course the only mood give was curious, but aren’t we all a little curious when peeling a banana?

Miranda Lambert Blames Katy Perry

She blames her for a rousing game of “Y’all Ask” on Twitter that is.  On the 23rd, Lambert was having a bit of insomnia thanks to the new Pistol Annie’s record coming out that day.  To help her get through not sleeping, she asked her fans to take to Twitter and ask her some questions which she would answer.  Wanna know more about Miranda?  Her guilty pleasure happens to be Toddlers & Tiaras, and when a date night with her husband, Blake Shelton, comes up boots and flip-flops are out of the question, she is usually barefoot in the kitchen.  See more on Miranda Lambert’s Twitter.  She apologized to those who receive a notification for each tweet, and said to “blame @katyperry for the brilliant idea…”

Concert Date Changes

Due to the possibility of Hurricane Irene hitting the east coast, Kenny Chesney and the other bands on the Goin’ Coastal Tour (Billy Currington and Zac Brown Band) made the decision to move their Sunday show at the Gillette Stadium located in Foxboro, Massachusetts to Friday evening instead.  The bands want to keep everyone as safe as possible, and those who cannot make it on Friday will be offered a refund.

Swift Gets Some New Digs

Taylor Swift reportedly just purchased a home in Nashville for $2.5 million.  It is a historic home referred to as the “Northumberland Estate.”  With four bedrooms and four bathrooms, the house is approximately 5,600 square feet.  Congrats to Swift on her purchase!

Pistol Annie’s Take the Top

In more Miranda Lambert news, her band Pistol Annie’s just released the Hell on Heels album on the 23rd.  Fans have made it the number one album overall on iTunes, which is wonderful for the band.  Many customers who have purchased the album are raving about how it is real to country music and the talent that is so obvious on the record.

Find out if your dad influenced your musical tastes by answering the questions and following the answers.  My dad really listened to a bit of everything when I was growing up.  So, I have a ton of musical interests.  My favorite genre, country, is very underrepresented on this infographic, which is okay I guess.  It’s still neat.

One of my favorites is “Twenty-One” which is his radio single that I have probably played millions of times since I first heard of him, but it still speaks to me just the same.  I love to turn this on and reminisce.  Most people are ready to “grow up” too soon, and life goes by quick and that is the theme of the song.  When I hear it all I can think is “Damn, I wish I was 21…” Here’s the official video for “Twenty-one” for you to enjoy.I’m from the south and I live quite close to South Carolina so needless to say I have some good memories of the state.  Corey Smith helps me to go back in time yet again with his song “Carolina.”  I love how he tells a story through his music and lyrics.  Not only do I hear this and think of past trips in South Carolina, but I also go back to listening to the song years ago on the way to the coast.  There is not an official video for this tune, but you can check it out on iTunes…it’s worth a listen.

His new songs on the album still have a way that tell an incredible story and I have to admit I can see them becoming favorites just like his older songs.  Now you have been introduced to the Corey Smith go listen now!  For more about him and his tour (he is amazing live) visit his site coreysmith.com.

“If you’re gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band.  That lead guitar is hot but not for ‘Lousiana Man.’  So rosin up that bow for ‘Faded Love’ and let’s all dance.  If you’re gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band“

There it is clear as day.  Some may argue that the fiddle was something for shall we say “less contemporary” hits, but that is definitely false.  Let’s take a look at some more recent acts who carry on the fiddle love with their hits.

Taylor Swift - Our Song

This country-pop girl can surely do know wrong.  Like all of her other songs, this one was a hit the instant it played on the radio. The fiddle intro to the song is classic, fun, and upbeat.  So who says the fiddle is done?

Brad Paisley – Mud on the Tires

There are many awesome things about Brad Paisley, but one of my favorite things is his ability to play create current country hits and still hold on to the traditional country flare.  I love that.  His song Mud on the Tires features the fiddle, and during his live shows the star fiddle player would have a fiddle break that is amazing. Have a look for yourself.Josh Gracin – Nothin’ to Lose

Another fun and upbeat country song that features some playful fiddle.  This Josh Gracin song is just fun in every way.