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The Summer Soundtrack

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Summer should have a soundtrack.

There are certain songs or CDs that I associate with specific events or road trips or outings. Fun, kicky music is often what I thought of as driving music or the backdrop to the carefree summer of my younger self. Now that I’m a mom with kids in school, I think more relaxed self-focused tunes fit better, because that’s what summer is to me.

It’s a three-month indulgence of no early-mornings at the bus stop, no afternoon homework wrangling. Instead I am free to enjoy the hours sitting on my front porch or back deck reading, surfing the net, or listening to music while the kids enjoy the great outdoors.missy.jpg

I have recently had the opportunity to review two new CDs, and one of you will be able to win one from the artist of your choice. Maybe one of them will become summer soundtrack.

Missy Higgins is a 23-year-old Australian singer/songwriter. If you are hip to the new music scene (which I am not), you have probably heard of her, because she has been featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard magazine and Entertainment Weekly. On her website, you can listen to many of the songs from her CD On a Clear Night. I love the mellow and introspective “Where I Stood” and the more upbeat “Steer.” Each song has it’s own distinct flavor, with her clear voice backed by guitar and/or pianoidina.jpg.

Idina Menzel is a Broadway Baby. This immediately makes me love her. In fact, it is her voice that I hear on my Wicked soundtrack as Elphaba, the role which she originated. I Stand is her first pop offering. You can hear three of the songs on her website. Every once in a while you can hear that voice that reached the back of the theater in Wicked and Rent, but I do wish that she would let loose and belt it out a bit more. You can also see if she is coming to a city near you on tour. I’m sure she puts on a great show.

Would you like to win a CD? Click through to both artists’ web sites. Listen to a bit of her music, and tell me which CD you’d prefer. I will randomly pick a name on June 13 , and send out the CD you requested.

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46 Comments

  4. My first entry didn’t go through so I am trying again.

    Wow, both have awesome voices but I am choosing Missy Higgins tonite!

    Reply

  10. Oh! I would just love to own Missy Higgin’s cd!

    Aside from her melodious voice, her lyrics are simply amazing.

    I’ve only heard a few songs from the cd, but from what I can tell it’s sure to relax even the most anxious of person.

    Hahaa, which is what I need considering I’m always on the move.

    Reply

  12. I’d love to win Missy Higgins CD. I think she has a great voice and I really love the songs that I’ve heard so far. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  13. O.K. now I have heard a lot of artist. While I like Idina, the relaxed stylings of Missy give me a much more relaxed attitude. Can’t wait to get her cd.

    Reply

  17. Hello, I enjoy “Missy Higgins” voice very much. The other lady has a lovely voice, but Missy is more my style of singer. Please enter me in your CD contest. I appreciate it. Thanks,Cindi

    Reply

  18. Missy Higgins has such a great sound – I actually heard “Steer” on a local radio show that features new music a couple weeks ago but missed hearing the name of the artist!

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  23. I definitely love Missy Higgins voice, what a great sitting back on the porch during a hot August evening soundtrack! LOL!

    Reply

  30. Don’t know why I hadn’t thought about it before – but I am so glad to know that Idina has a website, and more out there than just (although my favorite and my 4 year olds) Wicked. We would L O V E an Idina cd!!

    Reply

  34. I’d never heard of her before today, but her music is lovely. Her voice is incredible. I’d be thrilled to win the “On A Clear Night” CD.

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  35. It’s a hard choice but I would have to go with Missy Higgins. I’m a folk-er through and through. This is great music for when I get to listen to my OWN stuff in the car. 🙂

    Reply

  37. Ooh! Both have marvelous voices! I must admit, I enjoyed the song BRAVE by Idina Menzel the most though. Please enter me to win her CD. Thanks!

    Reply

  38. I got to see Idina as Elphaba on Wicked and aboslutely loved it. Her voice is incredible!! I would definitely love her new CD.

    Reply

  42. I love love love Missy Higgins. I saw her as the opening act for William Topley a few years ago, and just fell in love with her and her sound! She’s the bravest singer I’ve ever seen. Getting on stage with just her and her piano, and playing/singing her heart out. She is an amzing girl.. I adore her!

    I’d love to win one of her CDS!

    Reply