I'm having a little fun for Friday and thought I'd look back again on a really important aspect of every year-- music, obviously. As the year came to an end, Pitchfork put out their Top 100 Tracks of 2013. To me, their lists are always ridiculously overly pretentious or predictable. I mean, how many of you know most of the bands on that lists, and three tracks for both Daft Punk and Kanye? Really? Really?
After an in depth conversation with my sister about how ridiculous Pitchfork's music preferences are, I decided to take a stab at my own version. However, to spare you the most ridiculous blog post of all time, I decided to stick with my top 10 tracks for 2013 (read-- top ten tracks I probably listened to the most in 2013). So here they are. I give you Heidi's Top 10 Tracks of 2013.
10. Wild Things - San Cisco
9. Railway - Boy
8. Heavy Bells - J. Roddy Walston & The Business
7. You Can Be All Kinds of Emotional - The Lone Bellow
6. Morning Song - The Avett Brothers
5. Farrah Fawcett Hair - Capital Cities
4. Departures (Blue Toowong Skies) - Bernard Fanning
3. Hope - Kopecky Family Band
2. Made Up Mind - Tedeschi Trucks Band
1. Just Beneath the Surface - Dawes
What are some of your favorite songs from the past year?
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Friday, January 3, 2014
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Departures - Bernard Fanning
With a post about Australia yesterday, it only seemed natural to write about Australian music today. One of the things that piqued my interest in Australia from a very young age was music. This began at the ripe old age of six and will have to be elaborated on during a different blog post (one in which you will think I am a crazy lady). What is important to know now, is that I quickly became a fan of Australian music.
One such band that I came to love was Powderfinger. They were like no other band I had heard, and their singer had a very distinguishable voice that was like none other. Their sound was an instant success in my book. A couple years back, Powderfinger broke up. I very was sad. Yes, I get sad over things like these, don't you?
There is, however, a happy ending. Bernard Fanning, the singer of Powderfinger, released his second solo album, Departures, this month. I was looking forward to the release of this album for two months. Yup, two whole months I was counting down to the release date because I'm crazy like that. When the album was released, I hopped on iTunes to download it and to my horror I could only download it if I had an Australian iTunes account. Say whaaaaaat?
By Australian iTunes account, they mean an Australian address and an Australian iTunes card or credit card. Sad face. I have neither. Until.....
Me being the crazy lady that I am, I posted on Facebook about my sadness over iTunes' inability to realize that I should be able to download Australian music. And to my rescue, came an old friend of mine that I met in college that just happens to be Australian and just happens to know how to trick iTunes so that I could listen to Australian music once and for all. Haha! Screw you, iTunes gods!
And that my friends, was the longest intro to some music videos I have ever written. Sorry for that.
To be a bit more serious, when it comes down to it, Bernard Fanning truly knows how to craft an amazing song regardless of having a band to back him or not. He uses uncommon melodies and beautiful harmonies in a way I have heard few songwriters do. I leave you with Battleships, his new single from the album, and Departures (Blue Toowong Skies), an exemplary of his songwriting abilities that is written about his father's passing.
What music have you been listening to these days? Do you know or love any Australian bands?
One such band that I came to love was Powderfinger. They were like no other band I had heard, and their singer had a very distinguishable voice that was like none other. Their sound was an instant success in my book. A couple years back, Powderfinger broke up. I very was sad. Yes, I get sad over things like these, don't you?
There is, however, a happy ending. Bernard Fanning, the singer of Powderfinger, released his second solo album, Departures, this month. I was looking forward to the release of this album for two months. Yup, two whole months I was counting down to the release date because I'm crazy like that. When the album was released, I hopped on iTunes to download it and to my horror I could only download it if I had an Australian iTunes account. Say whaaaaaat?
By Australian iTunes account, they mean an Australian address and an Australian iTunes card or credit card. Sad face. I have neither. Until.....
Me being the crazy lady that I am, I posted on Facebook about my sadness over iTunes' inability to realize that I should be able to download Australian music. And to my rescue, came an old friend of mine that I met in college that just happens to be Australian and just happens to know how to trick iTunes so that I could listen to Australian music once and for all. Haha! Screw you, iTunes gods!
And that my friends, was the longest intro to some music videos I have ever written. Sorry for that.
To be a bit more serious, when it comes down to it, Bernard Fanning truly knows how to craft an amazing song regardless of having a band to back him or not. He uses uncommon melodies and beautiful harmonies in a way I have heard few songwriters do. I leave you with Battleships, his new single from the album, and Departures (Blue Toowong Skies), an exemplary of his songwriting abilities that is written about his father's passing.
What music have you been listening to these days? Do you know or love any Australian bands?
Monday, March 18, 2013
Monday Music Gloom
Today is one of those days. I need music to fit the mood. And the mood? Gloomy. It's March and it is currently 37 degrees outside. I don't know what city I'm living it, but it's not Baltimore. Because Baltimore would be 60 degrees right now.
I tried to play music in my classroom this morning and failed miserably. Everything that I put on was just too much. Overbearing. I just couldn't make a choice that was smart. I started with Gary Clark, Jr. which was a poor choice. It was raucous and loud and made me want to grit my teeth in my half awake stupor. I also had this strange notion to play Justin Timberlake's new single Suit and Tie. I don't even freakin' like Justin Timberlake, nor do I especially like the song. I completely blame SNL for putting that song in my head because it has not come loose from my brain for the past two weeks. Curses. And lastly I tried U2's Joshua Tree. It just was not working.
Then I stumbled upon one of my old Aussie favorites, Missy Higgins. And I suddenly remembered she had a new album out last July that I still hadn't gotten around to adding to my iPod. Downloaded. Boom. It was perfection and this song was just what I needed to break through the fogginess and cold of the day.
Do you have music that helps you get through a gloomy and cold day? Are you experiencing colder than normal temps in your neck of the woods?
I tried to play music in my classroom this morning and failed miserably. Everything that I put on was just too much. Overbearing. I just couldn't make a choice that was smart. I started with Gary Clark, Jr. which was a poor choice. It was raucous and loud and made me want to grit my teeth in my half awake stupor. I also had this strange notion to play Justin Timberlake's new single Suit and Tie. I don't even freakin' like Justin Timberlake, nor do I especially like the song. I completely blame SNL for putting that song in my head because it has not come loose from my brain for the past two weeks. Curses. And lastly I tried U2's Joshua Tree. It just was not working.
Then I stumbled upon one of my old Aussie favorites, Missy Higgins. And I suddenly remembered she had a new album out last July that I still hadn't gotten around to adding to my iPod. Downloaded. Boom. It was perfection and this song was just what I needed to break through the fogginess and cold of the day.
Do you have music that helps you get through a gloomy and cold day? Are you experiencing colder than normal temps in your neck of the woods?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Lumineers vs Gangsta Rap
This is a story that happened last month, but I just can't shake it. You see, in Baltimore there are some things that you just get used to. Crazy cracked out lady walking down the street yelling "Stop! You're scaring me! Stop! I'm scared!" on the Fourth of July while people are shooting off fireworks? Yup, that's nothing.
Lady across the street waking you up at 3am from yelling, "Uhn uh, she just done disrespected me!" and then proceeds to say the same thing five million times as loud as she can to anyone that will listen including the cops that showed up because another neighbor was sick of listening to her? Not unusual.
Ditzy college girls walking back from the bar, drunk, and announcing that they're going to pee on your sidewalk so you get up to bang on your bedroom window to let them know you heard what they just said? Yup, definitely happened once.
The things that happen after midnight on our street are sort of typical Baltimore things. Until one night....
I shot straight up in bed and looked at the clock. 12:57am to be exact. And yes, what I tweeted was true. Clear as a bell (except for the fuzzy sound of speakers that were working much too hard) I hear the Lumineers. Blasting. So loud that it woke me up.
Excuse me? HUH??????? Is this truly what I was hearing?!?! I was so shocked that it wasn't gangsta rap that I literally thought I was dreaming and had to pinch myself. Then I nudged Andrew awake from his deep sleep and asked, "Do you hear that? Is that REALLY what I am hearing or is this just a dream?!" We both listened for a second and then laid in bed laughing before finally falling back asleep.
Now normally I would be mad. "Stupid car! I don't want to hear your stupid music with your stupid cuss words and your stupid pounding bass! I'm trying to sleep!" is the normal response when my windows are rattling from gangsta rap bass beats.
But this! This was just too much! I mean honestly all I could think was 1) Who blasts the Lumineers? Ever? At all? and 2) Who blasts the Lumineers???
As bizarre as it was (clearly, because I am still thinking about this a month later!) I can tell you, if I had to choose Lumineers or gangsta rap, I'd choose Lumineers every time.
I mean, would you prefer this (I apologize for the explicit nature of the video, but needed to make my point)--
Or this--
At one in the morning while you're trying to sleep? I think the answer is clear.
And NOW I think I have officially seen and heard everything in Charm City.
Lady across the street waking you up at 3am from yelling, "Uhn uh, she just done disrespected me!" and then proceeds to say the same thing five million times as loud as she can to anyone that will listen including the cops that showed up because another neighbor was sick of listening to her? Not unusual.
Ditzy college girls walking back from the bar, drunk, and announcing that they're going to pee on your sidewalk so you get up to bang on your bedroom window to let them know you heard what they just said? Yup, definitely happened once.
The things that happen after midnight on our street are sort of typical Baltimore things. Until one night....
I shot straight up in bed and looked at the clock. 12:57am to be exact. And yes, what I tweeted was true. Clear as a bell (except for the fuzzy sound of speakers that were working much too hard) I hear the Lumineers. Blasting. So loud that it woke me up.
Excuse me? HUH??????? Is this truly what I was hearing?!?! I was so shocked that it wasn't gangsta rap that I literally thought I was dreaming and had to pinch myself. Then I nudged Andrew awake from his deep sleep and asked, "Do you hear that? Is that REALLY what I am hearing or is this just a dream?!" We both listened for a second and then laid in bed laughing before finally falling back asleep.
Now normally I would be mad. "Stupid car! I don't want to hear your stupid music with your stupid cuss words and your stupid pounding bass! I'm trying to sleep!" is the normal response when my windows are rattling from gangsta rap bass beats.
But this! This was just too much! I mean honestly all I could think was 1) Who blasts the Lumineers? Ever? At all? and 2) Who blasts the Lumineers???
As bizarre as it was (clearly, because I am still thinking about this a month later!) I can tell you, if I had to choose Lumineers or gangsta rap, I'd choose Lumineers every time.
I mean, would you prefer this (I apologize for the explicit nature of the video, but needed to make my point)--
Or this--
At one in the morning while you're trying to sleep? I think the answer is clear.
And NOW I think I have officially seen and heard everything in Charm City.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
I'll Follow That With Something Awesome
You know what guys? You all are pretty awesome. You know how to make a girl blush with your lovely comments on yesterday's post despite my crazy faces (I especially like the eyes squinted shut face). So thank you, thank you! I personally would struggle leaving such lovely comments for a person that makes crazy faces.
Case in point. This happens to be my super bored and overly zoned out during lunch face. Also known as my, why is my lunch only 25 minutes long face. I feel like I've got a new blog post idea here. Tomorrow will be the screaming at kids when they can't find their assignment face. Just kidding. Or maybe not.
So moving on to bigger and better things. And that's what I'm listening to these days. (Crap. I probably just lost a few of you now. Eh, why am I kidding myself? I probably lost you after that zoned out face photo.) You see, Andrew did well this Christmas in the music department as he usually does. He gave me not one, not two, not three, but four new albums for my own enjoyment. All albums were ones that I had wanted. He only forgot one, which we later went to pick up at the record store this past Friday night.
I know in this day and age I should be listening to everything on my iPod, iPhone, Spotify, computer, or whatever electronic device you can name, but I'm a music nerd that actually needs the album. I'd been listening to several of these albums on Spotify and 1) I felt like I was ripping off the artist and felt so guilty I couldn't sleep at night and 2) I need liner notes. Need them.
Either way, here are some of the songs that have been getting a lot of play from each of the albums I've been listening to lately. Hope you enjoy as a little Tuesday pick me up! :)
Case in point. This happens to be my super bored and overly zoned out during lunch face. Also known as my, why is my lunch only 25 minutes long face. I feel like I've got a new blog post idea here. Tomorrow will be the screaming at kids when they can't find their assignment face. Just kidding. Or maybe not.
So moving on to bigger and better things. And that's what I'm listening to these days. (Crap. I probably just lost a few of you now. Eh, why am I kidding myself? I probably lost you after that zoned out face photo.) You see, Andrew did well this Christmas in the music department as he usually does. He gave me not one, not two, not three, but four new albums for my own enjoyment. All albums were ones that I had wanted. He only forgot one, which we later went to pick up at the record store this past Friday night.
I know in this day and age I should be listening to everything on my iPod, iPhone, Spotify, computer, or whatever electronic device you can name, but I'm a music nerd that actually needs the album. I'd been listening to several of these albums on Spotify and 1) I felt like I was ripping off the artist and felt so guilty I couldn't sleep at night and 2) I need liner notes. Need them.
Either way, here are some of the songs that have been getting a lot of play from each of the albums I've been listening to lately. Hope you enjoy as a little Tuesday pick me up! :)
What have you been listening to lately?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Put the Gun Down
I'm usually not a big fan of female musicians. I'm not really sure why. I think it might have to do with having grown up during an era of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey diva competitions. It was always this thing with these ladies-- someone had the bright idea (or not so bright idea) of sticking these women on stage together (I think this happened on the Grammys or something, but I clearly remember it being awful for all parties involved). The outcome? They would all go at it trying to out-sing and out-run each other in the most totally out of control display of diva-ness I have ever witnessed. It can be scarring, let me tell you.
Lately, it seems that the diva singer is no more and a new trend is appearing in which we have soulful singers that don't make my eardrums bleed. ZZ Ward is one of those. She's bluesy and original, and I haven't stopped listening to her album Til the Casket Drops since I first heard her song Put the Gun Down on my favorite local radio station. So now I'll let you be the judge. Would you rather listen to another diva singer battle or this?
I know which one I'd pick. How about you? What have you been listening to lately?
Lately, it seems that the diva singer is no more and a new trend is appearing in which we have soulful singers that don't make my eardrums bleed. ZZ Ward is one of those. She's bluesy and original, and I haven't stopped listening to her album Til the Casket Drops since I first heard her song Put the Gun Down on my favorite local radio station. So now I'll let you be the judge. Would you rather listen to another diva singer battle or this?
I know which one I'd pick. How about you? What have you been listening to lately?
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
An Automatically Good Day
I have this weird thing about music. It has to fit the weather, the time of day, my mood. Some people get me with this, some people don't. I have a difference between morning time music and music for other times of day. I actually have special playlists on my iPod that are strictly morning time music. (I also get made fun of for saying "morning time" instead of just "morning.") Some songs just help you off on the right foot and put you in a good mood.
The latest song that has been my go to for morning time music is Man on Fire by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. Soothing acoustic guitar and vocals start my morning off perfectly. The lyrics are most definitely uplifting and give me a positive feeling to start off my day. And if I feel like an extra positive boost, I just watch the video-- fantastic!
This is automatically a good day for me. Do you have any songs that help you to start your day off right?
The latest song that has been my go to for morning time music is Man on Fire by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. Soothing acoustic guitar and vocals start my morning off perfectly. The lyrics are most definitely uplifting and give me a positive feeling to start off my day. And if I feel like an extra positive boost, I just watch the video-- fantastic!
This is automatically a good day for me. Do you have any songs that help you to start your day off right?
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Two Things
Just two quick things for a Saturday morning read while you're being lazy in your yoga pants and drinking a coffee (at least that's what I'm doing).
One. I've probably asked this question before, but how in the world does Finn find this to be his favorite and most comfortable sleeping position? I am pretty sure that if I attempted such gymnastics I would need to head to the nearest chiropractor to get my back adjusted.
Thinking that he would eventually get tired of it, I come back 20 minutes later to find him in the same position. Only this time, he has such a contented look on his face. Weird cat.
Two. This amazingly awesome video is courtesy of a college friend of ours that had emailed me the link this week. I cannot take any credit for finding it, but it seemed completely necessary to share it. I present to you a history of rock and roll in 100 guitar riffs.
Whaaaaat? That's what I was thinking. Then I thought that clearly my guitar skills have been lacking lately as I might be able to remember how to play only seven of those. Good thing I have an entire wall full of these on which I can practice.
Clearly I've been putting them to good use lately.
Happy weekend my friends!
One. I've probably asked this question before, but how in the world does Finn find this to be his favorite and most comfortable sleeping position? I am pretty sure that if I attempted such gymnastics I would need to head to the nearest chiropractor to get my back adjusted.
Thinking that he would eventually get tired of it, I come back 20 minutes later to find him in the same position. Only this time, he has such a contented look on his face. Weird cat.
Two. This amazingly awesome video is courtesy of a college friend of ours that had emailed me the link this week. I cannot take any credit for finding it, but it seemed completely necessary to share it. I present to you a history of rock and roll in 100 guitar riffs.
Whaaaaat? That's what I was thinking. Then I thought that clearly my guitar skills have been lacking lately as I might be able to remember how to play only seven of those. Good thing I have an entire wall full of these on which I can practice.
Clearly I've been putting them to good use lately.
Happy weekend my friends!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Hooked on Vinyl
It's been a while since I shared what I've been listening to lately. There are plenty of new albums that have entered this house, played on the iPod, and even spun on the record player. Recently, I had dusted off a vinyl copy of Midnight Oil's album 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and blasted it on the record player. We were pretty much hooked all over again from that point on and vowed that the next time we went to the record store, we'd buy some more vinyl.
During a record store trip last week, I gathered the albums that were on my mental list and then headed into the vinyl portion of the store. So many records. So much to choose from. I didn't know what to buy. Should I get something that we already had on cd so that we didn't have to pay for the iTunes version too? I mean you have to have your music on the iPod as well for good measure! Or should I buy something new and pay to get the iTunes too?
Then I spotted something absolutely genious. Two of the newer albums that I wanted to get just happened to also have a free download code. Who knew?! Best of both worlds! Vinyl to listen to at home and a digital copy to pop on your iPod for on the go! Victory was mine as I snagged a copy of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals' The Lion The Beast The Beat and The Alabama Shakes' Boys & Girls.
I have not stopped listening to either albums. Not only do they sound great on vinyl, they are also both amazing albums. Between the two, the one song that I want to listen to over and over again is Keepsake from Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. Grace has got some amazing pipes, that's for sure. And another favorite from the new album is the opening song that shares the album title. It is of epic proportions in terms of overall production. Epic.
You are welcome for that. Again, she has some pipes. And now it's your turn. What have you been listening to lately? I'd love to know-- you just might find me meandering on down to the record store for some more vinyl and I may need a few more suggestions. ;)
P.S. The winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway is commenter number 16, Amy. Amy please be sure to email me so that I can get your info!
During a record store trip last week, I gathered the albums that were on my mental list and then headed into the vinyl portion of the store. So many records. So much to choose from. I didn't know what to buy. Should I get something that we already had on cd so that we didn't have to pay for the iTunes version too? I mean you have to have your music on the iPod as well for good measure! Or should I buy something new and pay to get the iTunes too?
Then I spotted something absolutely genious. Two of the newer albums that I wanted to get just happened to also have a free download code. Who knew?! Best of both worlds! Vinyl to listen to at home and a digital copy to pop on your iPod for on the go! Victory was mine as I snagged a copy of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals' The Lion The Beast The Beat and The Alabama Shakes' Boys & Girls.
I have not stopped listening to either albums. Not only do they sound great on vinyl, they are also both amazing albums. Between the two, the one song that I want to listen to over and over again is Keepsake from Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. Grace has got some amazing pipes, that's for sure. And another favorite from the new album is the opening song that shares the album title. It is of epic proportions in terms of overall production. Epic.
You are welcome for that. Again, she has some pipes. And now it's your turn. What have you been listening to lately? I'd love to know-- you just might find me meandering on down to the record store for some more vinyl and I may need a few more suggestions. ;)
P.S. The winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway is commenter number 16, Amy. Amy please be sure to email me so that I can get your info!
Monday, June 11, 2012
First Thursday: JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound
Hi friends! I'm so glad you're still reading because quite frankly, if I were you, I would have thought that I had ditched you by now. Let's just say that it's been quite the eventful past four days. And with only three more days to go to summer break, I'll most likely see you all here on my blog a little more often again.
One of those busy days last week happened to be Thursday. After a long day of end of year paperwork at school, I stopped by Andrew's office to pick him up and headed to the nearby park by the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon. Every first Thursday of the summer months, WTMD puts on a free concert in the park. I've told you all about these shows before here. This month's big act was JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, a post-punk soul band that I was not going to miss. You may have remembered me writing about this group previously. They did not disappoint in any way.
JC Brooks, the obvious front man of the group, is by far one of the best entertainers I've seen in a while. I don't know if he uses the same one-liners in each of their shows or if he's really that good with the improv, but he most definitely could entertain. That being said, his commentary as well as his shimmying and shaking, only comes as a distant second to his incredible vocal talent. The guy has got some pipes! And the Uptown Sound has this great funk crossed with Chicago-style Blues Brothers band thing going on. If you ever get the chance to see these guys, you have to know that dancing will be inevitable.
It began as a perfect night for a show with beautiful weather for the first two acts and great sunlight in the park.
Andrew was stoked for some good music. Cue over-excited happy face.
Then it started to drizzle. We were worried for a bit, but then didn't care as it let up and JC Brooks and Uptown Sound hit the stage.
And to make the evening that much more fantastic, as the drizzling rain disappeared a rainbow formed over the park.
Good music AND a rainbow?! Doesn't get much better than that, now does it?
One of those busy days last week happened to be Thursday. After a long day of end of year paperwork at school, I stopped by Andrew's office to pick him up and headed to the nearby park by the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon. Every first Thursday of the summer months, WTMD puts on a free concert in the park. I've told you all about these shows before here. This month's big act was JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, a post-punk soul band that I was not going to miss. You may have remembered me writing about this group previously. They did not disappoint in any way.
JC Brooks, the obvious front man of the group, is by far one of the best entertainers I've seen in a while. I don't know if he uses the same one-liners in each of their shows or if he's really that good with the improv, but he most definitely could entertain. That being said, his commentary as well as his shimmying and shaking, only comes as a distant second to his incredible vocal talent. The guy has got some pipes! And the Uptown Sound has this great funk crossed with Chicago-style Blues Brothers band thing going on. If you ever get the chance to see these guys, you have to know that dancing will be inevitable.
It began as a perfect night for a show with beautiful weather for the first two acts and great sunlight in the park.
Andrew was stoked for some good music. Cue over-excited happy face.
Then it started to drizzle. We were worried for a bit, but then didn't care as it let up and JC Brooks and Uptown Sound hit the stage.
And to make the evening that much more fantastic, as the drizzling rain disappeared a rainbow formed over the park.
Good music AND a rainbow?! Doesn't get much better than that, now does it?
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The Rifle's Spiral
Some songs are meant to be happy songs, but they can't be happy all of the time. I remember my mom telling me once that she couldn't listen to the Pink Floyd album Division Bell because it was too depressing. Depressing it may be, but sometimes good music is just good music even if it is a bit on the dark side.
Case in point, one of the songs from The Shins' newest album Port of Morrow. The title track The Rifle's Spiral is such a great song. And the video, just as awesome. But listen to the lyrics and it's definitely a bit on the dark side. Some recent interviews with James Mercer, the lead singer, revealed that the song was about religious violence. However, despite it all the title track of this album immediately propels us into a great set of tracks.
What have you been listening to lately?
Case in point, one of the songs from The Shins' newest album Port of Morrow. The title track The Rifle's Spiral is such a great song. And the video, just as awesome. But listen to the lyrics and it's definitely a bit on the dark side. Some recent interviews with James Mercer, the lead singer, revealed that the song was about religious violence. However, despite it all the title track of this album immediately propels us into a great set of tracks.
What have you been listening to lately?
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Speed of Dreams
A few things. First, I want to thank all of you amazing readers for your comments on this post last week. I was completely overwhelmed by the response and loved being able to engage with you guys further on the topic! You've all reminded me why I love this blog community!
Second, I've been missing for a few days, I'm posting late today, and I'm all out of whack! Guess that's what happens when you're given an extra day off over the weekend. I had an amazing Friday and three day weekend. More on that to come!
Third. It's hot. Way too hot. Like 87 degrees in our house hot. Andrew has finally agreed that something MUST be wrong with our central air. Even after suffering a bit (though not quite THIS badly) at the end of last summer. Hopefully he did what he was supposed to and called an HVAC company today during his lunch break.......
Despite the brutal temps in our house at the moment, upon walking in from outside it actually feels mildly cool. This may be hard to imagine, but at the peak of the heat today it was a wonderful 96 degrees without counting the heat index. And anyone not familiar with Baltimore, you must know that the humidity here drives up the heat index to ungodly temperatures. Thankfully, I get to teach in an air-conditioned modular building while the other half of the school had to suffer with broken A/C. But joke was on me when I had to return to a hot house and a furry cat that thought it was a great idea to cuddle in this heat. Gross.
Ok. So enough of my complaining and let's cut to the chase. I'm a seasonal music kind of gal. Growing up in Indiana, we lived in an old house with no A/C so I had to find ways to cool down. One way that helps me to cool down is to get in a cool state of mind. That starts with music. Driving home from the post office this afternoon, I heard one of my latest favorites on the radio. It's an effortless and relaxed sounding tune from ALO. Maybe it was really the cool air in the car, but when Speed of Dreams hit the airwaves, I could have sworn I felt a cool summer breeze blow in from the ocean. An instant cool down.
Second, I've been missing for a few days, I'm posting late today, and I'm all out of whack! Guess that's what happens when you're given an extra day off over the weekend. I had an amazing Friday and three day weekend. More on that to come!
Third. It's hot. Way too hot. Like 87 degrees in our house hot. Andrew has finally agreed that something MUST be wrong with our central air. Even after suffering a bit (though not quite THIS badly) at the end of last summer. Hopefully he did what he was supposed to and called an HVAC company today during his lunch break.......
Despite the brutal temps in our house at the moment, upon walking in from outside it actually feels mildly cool. This may be hard to imagine, but at the peak of the heat today it was a wonderful 96 degrees without counting the heat index. And anyone not familiar with Baltimore, you must know that the humidity here drives up the heat index to ungodly temperatures. Thankfully, I get to teach in an air-conditioned modular building while the other half of the school had to suffer with broken A/C. But joke was on me when I had to return to a hot house and a furry cat that thought it was a great idea to cuddle in this heat. Gross.
Ok. So enough of my complaining and let's cut to the chase. I'm a seasonal music kind of gal. Growing up in Indiana, we lived in an old house with no A/C so I had to find ways to cool down. One way that helps me to cool down is to get in a cool state of mind. That starts with music. Driving home from the post office this afternoon, I heard one of my latest favorites on the radio. It's an effortless and relaxed sounding tune from ALO. Maybe it was really the cool air in the car, but when Speed of Dreams hit the airwaves, I could have sworn I felt a cool summer breeze blow in from the ocean. An instant cool down.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The War on Drugs
Always on the lookout for new music (at least new music to me) I found myself chatting with a former co-worker of Andrew's at a party a few weeks back. He had just returned from his annual SXSW trip. Of his favorites this year were The War On Drugs. I made a mental note like I often do to check the band out and I like what I heard. They have a bit of an ambient sound to them with hollow vocals and airy guitars. Hope you enjoy a few of my favorites from their most recent album.
What have you been listening to lately?
What have you been listening to lately?
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Friday Night Surprise
In case you missed my Instagram or tweet, this was the fun surprise for Andrew last night--
And it was pretty awesome. Except I'm really bad at not taking photos so this is all I've got. Let me just say this-- the show was raw and stripped down which is the way music is supposed to be. And it was a perfect night for a show at Merriweather.
Andrew had read an article about The Black Keys several weeks ago. They were freaking out about their huge tour because they didn't know what to do about their stage concept. A big tour like this is a totally new concept for them. In the article, they had mentioned that they finally decided on putting some big lights on stage and getting a big disco ball. During the show, they definitely had some big lights and nothing more. During the encore, they definitely had a big disco ball. And the surprise ending for the finale? A big light up sign reading The Black Keys.
There are songs in which Dan Auerbach, the guitarist in the duo, switches from acoustic to electric guitar. All fine and dandy when you can edit tracks and make it seamless on an album. When playing live, there is literally a 30 second gap in the middle of the song while he leaves stage, swaps guitars, and starts back into the song. Things like this make the music true to what it is-- stripped down and naked. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
While they played the songs that everyone wanted to hear, they also dug back to some of their original records. My favorite part of the show was when they played as just the two--drums and guitar--without their touring musicians. The sound dynamics from hushed, quiet notes to loud, raucous, crunchy guitars was great. Some might be disappointed in a show like The Black Keys because it isn't by any means a spectacle. But those are the kinds of concerts that I love the most and last night was by no means an exception.
(Oh yeah, and the Arctic Monkeys were pretty raucous and fun too!)
And it was pretty awesome. Except I'm really bad at not taking photos so this is all I've got. Let me just say this-- the show was raw and stripped down which is the way music is supposed to be. And it was a perfect night for a show at Merriweather.
Andrew had read an article about The Black Keys several weeks ago. They were freaking out about their huge tour because they didn't know what to do about their stage concept. A big tour like this is a totally new concept for them. In the article, they had mentioned that they finally decided on putting some big lights on stage and getting a big disco ball. During the show, they definitely had some big lights and nothing more. During the encore, they definitely had a big disco ball. And the surprise ending for the finale? A big light up sign reading The Black Keys.
There are songs in which Dan Auerbach, the guitarist in the duo, switches from acoustic to electric guitar. All fine and dandy when you can edit tracks and make it seamless on an album. When playing live, there is literally a 30 second gap in the middle of the song while he leaves stage, swaps guitars, and starts back into the song. Things like this make the music true to what it is-- stripped down and naked. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
While they played the songs that everyone wanted to hear, they also dug back to some of their original records. My favorite part of the show was when they played as just the two--drums and guitar--without their touring musicians. The sound dynamics from hushed, quiet notes to loud, raucous, crunchy guitars was great. Some might be disappointed in a show like The Black Keys because it isn't by any means a spectacle. But those are the kinds of concerts that I love the most and last night was by no means an exception.
(Oh yeah, and the Arctic Monkeys were pretty raucous and fun too!)
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Hold On
Recently I've been really into the raw sounds of the Alabama Shakes. Fronted by Brittany Howard's soulful and explosive voice, the Alabama Shakes originated as a high school band. Now, I don't know about you, but if our school's best high school band (or even my short stinted high school band) sounded as good as the Shakes, I would have been a pretty happy camper. The Alabama Shakes have created their own original roots sound that is unlike any other group I've been listening to lately. There's not much that I don't like about this band.
What have you been listening to lately?
What have you been listening to lately?
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Gold On The Ceiling
I first heard The Black Keys in 2006 while working at a coffeehouse in Syracuse. A girl that I worked with had a burned copy of their debut album The Big Come Up. The album was raw garage rock-- a totally different direction than most of the music trends happening at the time. Everything I was listening to seemed overproduced and to hear something so raw, taking it back to the nitty gritty of rock and roll, was refreshing.
In the next six years, The Black Keys began to emerge slowly from their cult following, underground fan base, to what they are doing now-- playing large venues and touring internationally. However, through the entire experience, the duo seem relatively humbled and unsure how to deal with it all. And I think I'm pretty much ok with that. There are just too many musicians that let fame get to them. Either way, my current favorite off of their latest album El Camino is one that just simply wont' get out of my head.
Are you a fan of The Black Keys? What have you been listening to lately?
In the next six years, The Black Keys began to emerge slowly from their cult following, underground fan base, to what they are doing now-- playing large venues and touring internationally. However, through the entire experience, the duo seem relatively humbled and unsure how to deal with it all. And I think I'm pretty much ok with that. There are just too many musicians that let fame get to them. Either way, my current favorite off of their latest album El Camino is one that just simply wont' get out of my head.
Are you a fan of The Black Keys? What have you been listening to lately?
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Dirty Guv'nahs
I saw the Dirty Guv'nahs last summer during a First Thursday event in Baltimore. They are a pretty rockin' band out of Tennesee. After seeing them live, the only question that remained was-- How can they go from a pretty rockin' band to a super awesometastic rockin' band? The answer is simple. They can ask their fans what they'd like to see in a music video and then do all of those things. Watch the end result. You won't be disappointed. Especially when it involves things getting blown up.
Oh, and did I mention that their music is pretty good too? ;)
Oh, and did I mention that their music is pretty good too? ;)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Whatever's On Your Mind
This week I can't get the newest album by Gomez out of my head. The album called Whatever's On Your Mind has been playing non-stop on my stereo, and there is a lot about it to love. Acoustic pop, elaborate orchestrations, glitchy electronics looped over dance beats, some brass band sounds, and a handful of anything else that I failed to mention.
The album's title track has been hard for me to shake.
And Song in My Heart takes on a totally different vibe that I love as well.
It is truly hard to go wrong with these guys. What album or song can't you shake these days?
The album's title track has been hard for me to shake.
And Song in My Heart takes on a totally different vibe that I love as well.
It is truly hard to go wrong with these guys. What album or song can't you shake these days?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Punch Brothers
I grew up with a lot of bluegrass. My dad played a lot of it, and still does, in band that he plays with these days. Bluegrass isn't the only thing that he plays, but that is how I was exposed to it. Needless to say, I love it. And one thing that I love about it is it's versatility. It can be percussive, jazz-like, or carry a bit of a twang.
I've been a bit obsessed with the Punch Brothers lately, a bluegrass quintet fronted by mandolinist extraordinaire Chris Thile. I first heard Chris Thile when he played for Nickel Creek. Myself and a bunch of college roommates had gone to see John Mayer, and Nickel Creek was opening for him. John Mayer is an amazing guitarist, but I was definitely impressed with Thile (consider Thile the rock star of all rock stars of mandolinists).
Most recently, Andrew and I were lucky to see the Punch Brothers open for Bruce Hornsby this past August. And they are absolutely fantastic. After buying their latest album, Who's Feeling Young Now?, I've quickly found that their music is some of the most original and experimental in their genre. It's hard not to like it.
No Concern of Yours has quickly become my favorite song on their album.
Movement and Location shows influence from greats like David Grisman and Stephane Grappelli.
Hope you enjoy the Punch Brothers just as much as I do! What have you been listening to lately?
I've been a bit obsessed with the Punch Brothers lately, a bluegrass quintet fronted by mandolinist extraordinaire Chris Thile. I first heard Chris Thile when he played for Nickel Creek. Myself and a bunch of college roommates had gone to see John Mayer, and Nickel Creek was opening for him. John Mayer is an amazing guitarist, but I was definitely impressed with Thile (consider Thile the rock star of all rock stars of mandolinists).
Most recently, Andrew and I were lucky to see the Punch Brothers open for Bruce Hornsby this past August. And they are absolutely fantastic. After buying their latest album, Who's Feeling Young Now?, I've quickly found that their music is some of the most original and experimental in their genre. It's hard not to like it.
No Concern of Yours has quickly become my favorite song on their album.
Movement and Location shows influence from greats like David Grisman and Stephane Grappelli.
Hope you enjoy the Punch Brothers just as much as I do! What have you been listening to lately?
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Empty House
One of the bands that Andrew and I listen to a lot as of late is Delta Spirit. We loved this San Diego band's album History From Below and were excited to hear a new album was on the way. Their music is raw, sometimes with hints of blues and Americana. Their songs on each album range from calm and mellow to poppy and raucous. Last week during my Spring Break, I headed down to Fells Point to stop into The Sound Garden to pick up some new music. Delta Spirit's latest album, just released on March 13, was on my mental list of what to pick up. The opening song, Empty House, on their new self-titled album is my favorite so far after three listens.
What have you been listening to lately?
What have you been listening to lately?
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