Such a pretty song coming at you this Monday. Really, Ring Them Bells is a Bob Dylan song, but Amnesty International is celebrating 50 years and recently released a Bob Dylan-inspired album, “Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International.” Lots of different artists sing his music on this album to raise funds for the human rights organization. I never listened to Bob Dylan, but this song is so beautiful and full of so much meaning. Natasha Bedingfield does a fabulous job!

It’s Monday. Yes, I said it. And I’m especially feeling this Monday because it’s my first one back after vacation. Ugh. I do have something, however, that will brighten your day. Take a look at the video below. I dare you not to smile at Brooke Fraser‘s “Something in the Water.”

AND, second thing that will make you smile: I’m giving away a $15 iTunes gift card so you can buy the song for yourself (plus, quite a few others)! The only thing you have to do to be entered in the giveaway is “like” Lane Baldwin Photography’s Facebook page. If you’re already a fan, you’re automatically entered! Random.org will help me randomly (imagine that) select a winner on Wednesday, Feb. 8. So, that means you have until noon EST on Feb. 8 to become a Facebook fan.

Good luck!

I sure need a little motivation this chilly Monday evening, and Ben Rector is the cure. In my opinion, this guy doesn’t get nearly as much publicity as he deserves, so please check him out! In case you like what you hear, you should also look for “Disarm.” One of my favorites of all time!

Here’s to a productive week!

I absolutely love this time of year: a nip in the air, cookies baking in the oven, the chance to see family and friends, hot tea and a good book, Christmas movies on TV … you get my drift. I’m definitely a Christmas girl.

I wasn’t officially in the Christmas spirit though until I drove back to Cleveland from Cincinnati last week and listened (OK, sang along) to three (THREE!) hours of Christmas music. And since I was listening to the radio that meant four Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeers, two Rockin’ Around the Christmas Trees and five All I Want for Christmas is Yous.

While I love all those songs, it’s definitely nice to change it up with some non-traditional holiday music, and that’s what I have for you today! If you don’t already have it, you might consider downloading The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs album. Along with Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, it features holiday music by Lenka, KT Tunstall, Priscilla Ahn and so many other awesome female singers!

Hopefully this one is a new one for you guys. I really like Jill Andrews voice and style. Definitely a favorite on the Creative Juices playlist. And a little secret for you: I found Jill Andrews on NoiseTrade.com–a website that lets you download albums and songs for free and helps artists connect with fans. Stuff is only available for a limited time, but it’s a great way to learn about new musicians!

I still remember the first time I heard Jon McLaughlin in concert. The only reason a couple friends and I went was because we heard an advertisement for his show on the radio (yes, those things really work!) and we were new to Cincinnati and looking for stuff to do. I really had no idea that me seeing him play live would start a semi-obsession with his piano rock music. Think Ben Folds meets John Mayer.

This guy is not super well known, and he plays in pretty intimate venues, but if you have the chance to go and see him–do it! Not only is his music awesome, he’s hilarious and is super entertaining to watch play. Clevelanders, he’ll be in town Oct. 27 at the Beachland Ballroom. I’ll be there, soooo you should probably check it out!

This one’s from his first album, and it was my original favorite:

And this one is from his new album and it’s my new favorite:

A couple nights ago I saw Moneyball, and it was goooooood! Way better than expected. Even if you don’t like baseball, I think you’ll like this movie. I’ve never been gaga over Brad Pitt, but I have to say, he is an A+ actor.

ANYWAYS, we’re talking about Creative Juices here! I promise there’s a segue between a baseball movie and a very quirky music video. Here it goes: In Moneyball, Brad Pitt’s character’s daughter makes brief appearances, usually to sing along with her guitar. Well, the song she sings throughout the movie is none other than The Show by Lenka! (See how I did that? ) I was so confused the whole movie because I thought maybe Lenka in real life was Billy Beane’s (Brad Pitt’s character) daughter, but alas it was just a Hollywood addition to the story. Still, hearing this song made me run home and check to make sure it was a part of my Creative Juices playlist. And it was! So, now I’m passing it on to you. If you haven’t heard it yet, enjoy! And check out some of Lenka’s other stuff.

Another installment of Creative Juices–Whooo! I am absolutely smitten with this song. How can you not be?? It’s so happy! I think my upcoming wedding and all the new things on the horizon have something to do with my obsession with Good Life by OneRepublic. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I just listen to this song and it picks me up. And, as a photographer, I also love the video style. So creative!