When I was in college, I was fortunate to be in an area with great music.  Every where you turned in Madison, there would be a show I had to catch.  Most of them were free, or super cheap!  One day crossing the street on my way to class, I passed Nikka Costa with her crazy hair.  I got my cheesy signature pose from Tim in Ok Go.  Selling merch, I met Matt Nathanson and Howie Day.  During a small show at the union, I realized I was standing next to James Iha from Smashing Pumpkins.  I miss those days!

Now that I'm old, concerts are a real treat.  Since tickets are so expensive, I have to REALLY like an artist to even want to consider going to a crowded show. 

Did you know that around 40% of concert tickets go unsold each year?  In this economy, I'm really not too surprised!  Score Big is a great new website that offers tickets at a reduced rate--up to 60% off!  Almost like a Priceline for event tickets!

How does it work?

You can search by location for selected events.  It's not just concerts, you can get theater and pro sports tickets too!  Unfortunately, there isn't much in the Grand Rapids area, but I don't mind making a trip to Chicago or Detroit for a fun show!

Not every concert in the area will be available, just ones they have tickets for.  I check about once a week to see what's new.

Before you get to pricing, you select what seating area you would like.  Sometimes only one area will be available and other events the whole stadium will have options.  No matter what area you pick, seats will always be together, which I love!  You just won't be able to pick exact seats.

There are two options for pricing: pay the fixed price, or make an offer.  I always try making offers, you never know how low the price can go!

It's definitely worth checking out!  I have found they are adding more and more each week.  Ricky is keeping tabs on some Bears tickets for fall.

What's the best concert you've ever been to?

Disclosure: I received a gift code as compensation for this review.  All opinions are my own!

CD Review: Chris Mann

I think I am one of the only people who doesn't love The Voice.  I'm actually surprised I don't watch it, since I love Christina and Adam.  Recently, I watched an episode when there was nothing else on and I did enjoy it!

Last season, Chris Mann was on the show and he has a new CD out, Roads.  I like to listen to all types of music, so I signed up to listen to and review.  Since I had only heard his name, I checked out some  YouTube videos and was impressed. 

This CD has covers of older and newer songs.  I was excited to hear "Blower's Daughter" with Christina Aguilera because I love Damien Rice.

I will be honest, this CD is not really my favorite.  I really liked his voice in other videos I watched, but I feel that he was holding back on Roads.  Mann's songs were all soft and mellow, they all kind of blended together. 

Also, I felt he should have been a bit more inventive with his song choices.  I have heard too many covers of "My Way" or "Always on My Mind".  I would have liked to hear more modern covers, like his "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay choice.  When I searched on YouTube, I saw him cover "Heartless" by Kanye West.  Something like that would have been much more exciting to hear.

I think Roads would be great to put on for background music at a dinner party or to listen to in the car.

Are you a Chris Mann fan? 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD by One2One Network, but all opinions are my own! 

Music freebie: Spin magazine

Get your free iTunes download here

Did you know that Spin Magazine offers free featured tracks each month?  If you like music, it's worth checking out each month! 

Ricky calls these "Ashleigh music"...I tend to gravitate toward alternative or different music.  Usually they feature new and upcoming musicians. 

Just go here and it will start up your free download on iTunes.  

NOTE: These tracks aren't edited, so you might want to be careful around little ones.

Free music: Spin magazine Best of 2011

Once again, Spin magazine has a free music sampler!  If you are unaware, each month they offer a sampler from their magazine.  This one is the Best of 2011.  I love these because I can find out about new bands!

You can check it out here!.  Note: you do need to download it with Itunes.

What was your favorite CD of 2011?

I have a few: Lady Gaga, Black Keys, Bon Iver and Kanye/Jay-z are all great.  I barely buy CDs anymore, I get most from the library.  Great way to keep up on music for free!

New free downoad: Spin's September mix

Every month there is a new set of music.  Check it out here!

Like indie music? 

Don't forget that every month, Spin Magazine offers a free download of tracks from that month's issue!  I usually like a majority of the music and it's a great way to find out about new bands. 

Who doesn't like free music anyways?!

Any new great bands that you can't get enough of? 

I'm loving anything that isn't Barney or Dora right now.  On non-stop rotation in the mini-van (yeah, Im cool...) is Mat Kearney , Robyn 'Body Talk' and the new My Morning Jacket.  Perfect driving music!

Spin: New music up from June issue!

New music up for June! Click here!

Remember I was telling you about the free monthly music from Spin? Well there is a new mix up from their June issue.  I am currently downloading it, so I haven't listened to it yet...but if you like indie music, you should be a fan.  Gotta love free music AND finding out about new bands!

Music lovers: Spin Magazine free downloads

Check out their picks every month!

I am obsessed with music.  I listen to everything, although lately it has been more Barney radio on Pandora than Jimmy Eat World or Postal Service radio.  Free music is a great way to bulk up your music collection AND learn about new bands.  Every month Spin magazine offers a free collection of their top picks from the magazine.  I may not love everything that they put on the mix, but I always make sure to download it! 

Looking for other sources of cheap or free music?

• Amazon digital downloads.  You can get new releases for as cheap as $3.99.  Use up your Swagbucks giftcards and you get free CDs!  They also have a lot of free songs, which change every week.
• Public library.  As you may know, I have recently have rekindled my love affair with the library.  My favorite thing to do now is to get new music from the library.  You don't have to waste money on a CD you may not like, and you can save so much money!  They also link up to a program called Freegal, where you can download 3 new songs on your library card per week.  Not too great, but its something!

Anyone else have any other great sources for music downloads?

Happy listening everyone!  What do you listen to these days?  I need to refresh my iPod! 

Love music? Try digital downloads from Amazon.

One thing you should know about me is that I love music.  I have always been interested in finding new bands and artists that are new and different.  That being said, I do find it hard to invest money in a CD which I don't know if I will enjoy or not.  Somehow I got a gift card for Amazon digital downloads and I discovered a new great site for music.  I have an iPod touch, but all downloads are compatible with iTunes.  Best part?  Most downloads are at least 50% cheaper than iTunes and they always offer specials and freebies! 

More highlights:

• Free singles downloads every week of new music, most of upcoming bands 
• Most popular new releases start at $3.99 for the week.  That is a great deal!  Most new releases start at $9.99.  Yes, you don't have the case and artwork, but do you really use that anyway?  You can still burn it into CD format.  Plus, artwork does show up on iTunes and your mp3 player.
• Cheap TV shows and movies, if you watch those on your player

Here's the link, sign up for weekly emails and you will find something of interest!

*UPDATE*  There is a new $3 credit off any MP3 album!  It is good until 11/29.  When you click on the CD of choice, you can redeem it right under where it says "Buy MP3" and "Add to wish list": GET3MP3S.