I've had so much to say lately. So much I've wanted to write about on here. So much to catch you up on and too many words crammed in my head to get them all out in one place. It's been three months and I'm feeling a little rusty.
Forgive me. It's not for lack of ideas, or even lack of time, that it's taken me this long to write anything. Bridging the gap between an old habit and the feeling of starting fresh has been more difficult than it's ever been in the past. The more I thought about writing the harder it became, and the farther I let this blog slip away the easier it was to forget.
Maybe I'll fill in the gaps a bit more later, or maybe I won't, but for now I'll leave you with some music inspiration. Here's a full playlist option, or listen to each individual song below.
Do you have listening habits when it comes to music? I've always had the tendency to play a group of songs on repeat for a few weeks at a time and then I'll move onto the next phase. I cycle through my favorites and come back to them every so often, rediscovering lost loves from months or years before. Last week I picked up Sam Hunt's 2014 album Montevallo and Oh Wonder's 2015 self titled album. I've had both albums blasting on repeat since. They were great for my family's extended weekend road trip to Illinois.
Body Gold by Oh Wonder -
33 "God" by Bon Iver -
Raised On It by Sam Hunt -
Air 'Em Out by Clipping. -
Kevin (Ft. Leon Bridges) by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis -
Without You by Oh Wonder-
Into You by Ariana Grande -
Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash (This song has been stuck in my head all week. I blame it on Stranger Things. I'm currently on episode 5 and can't get enough.) -
Wherever Is Your Heart by Brandi Carlile -
Tonight (Ft. Gangsta Boo) by Clipping. -
House Party by Sam Hunt -
After writing this post and looking at the list my only thought was, "wow, this seems so white girl." But maybe that has more to do with the fact that I am a white girl (sitting here drinking a Pumpkin Spice Latte) and less to do with the actual compilation of songs. Are we all walking clichés in one form or another?
Ok, time to float back into the shallow end and leave this post on a lighter note. Music is good. Music is universal. It helps connect us. Hopefully these songs made you feel connected. Or maybe they just got you to dance around your room for a little bit.
I haven't made a playlist for this blog in a while so I figured it was about time for something new. Despite the majority of the songs on this list having been released prior to 2016, I tried to stay true to the music I've been listening to the most this month. The list is full of catchy pop songs and rounded out with the occasional folk and rock track. Pop songs tend to be my spring time jams since they're great at getting me pumped for summer. You can also tell my KOL phases is still going strong this month. I made a full playlist on Youtube for anyone who wants to enjoy!
Can you believe it's been 50 years since The Beach Boy's album Pet Sounds was released? (That makes it sound like I was there 50 years ago... I was not) Those songs never get old. It took me a long time to figure out the track order for this playlist so hopefully it turned out alright in the end.
I've been doing a bit of digital spring cleaning and rerating of iTunes music recently. The part I've been loving the most during the whole process is rediscovering old artists and albums I haven't listened to in a while. When you have a digital library of over 20,000 songs it's easy to lose music in the shuffle. Even though my taste in music is constantly evolving, I rarely (if ever) get rid of music after I grow tired of the sound. In a way, I think of my music collection as a scrapbook, something I can use to piece together different people, places, emotions, and periods of my life.
Some of the music on my computer is only there for nostalgia purposes, while other songs provide consistent background noise for my daily routine. The albums listed in my iTunes library don't represent a single point in time but many. There's a few playlists dedicated to high school and college favorites, songs that got me through some of my happiest and saddest days. Others that center on a specific mood, or songs from a TV show that I like to watch. I still listen to those old playlists, not to relive the past but to remind myself of all the directions my life has taken (that, and the music is still good). My musical tastes change at the drop of a hat but it tend to come back around sooner or later.
***
I honestly can't remember when or where I first heard of Kings of Leon. I don't think it was before 2008, but I could be wrong. I lay no claim on knowing the band before they were "discovered." As far as I can remember I found them somewhere between the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 (probably along with everyone else in America). I had heard Sex on Fire and Use Somebody on the internet somewhere (I know it was before the songs blew up on the radio) and enthusiastically downloaded everything of their's I could find online at the time.
To me KOL has always sounded like a classic rock band with a successfully modern vibe, especially in the early years when their nods to the past were more than subtle. I like that you can pick out each individual instrument without the songs sounding like a hodgepodge of noise. Unlike certain pop or rock music these days, Kings of Leon is a band in whole. Much like rock bands of the past, each band member is showcased, and not there simply to play backup to the lyrics. You can tell it's a collaborative effort.
Like most musical experiences, my love and obsession went in phases. First I listened to just the singles, then to entire albums on repeat, then slowly developed connections with each individual song. I went months, sometimes a year, without listening to KOL until eventually they'd release a new album, or I would suddenly be in the mood for their sound again. I liked the edge I found in the songs, the sexiness of it and the angst. Only By The Night is the first album that I can remember loving every single song on the track list. Usually there's one or two weaker songs on an album; ones you aren't as inclined to listen to the third or fourth time around. That isn't the case for me with Only By The Night. When I did go back to KOL, it usually felt like returning home.
I studied their lyrics. I spent hours lying on my bed and playing certain songs on repeat until everything started blending together. KOL songs are like water to me, they're fluid. The music ripples and crashes in natural succession. Eventually it washes me clean, satisfying whatever it is that claws at my insides.
Last night, as I was listening to OBTN for the first time in over a year, I was amazed by how fast I fell back in love with that music. OBTN, and Kings of Leon in general, was a staple throughout my college years. The album made appearances off and on, but would always manage to show up at least once a year. The band has amazing albums both before and after OBTN, but my strongest connections are to those songs.
The live version of Manhattan reminds me of sitting around NMC during my first semesters of college. Songs like Notion and Crawl put me back on the train to New York City in 2010. Frontier City returns me to Western's campus and the walks between classes with Biggby coffee in hand. I Want You reminds me of a certain crush I had during those years, and Cold Desert usually brings me back to all those nights I cried myself to sleep after finishing a bottle of wine alone in my room. For all of those reasons that album feels as much a part of me as those memories do. OBTN got me through all of those times, and I'm entirely grateful for the tiny moments of understanding I felt along the way.
So I can't tell you if Kings of Leon is the most talented band out there, or if Only By The Night is one of the best album of all time. Music, like most artistic endeavors, is entirely subjective. These days it's enough just to play those songs again and tack new memories to the list of old ones.
Part of me feels like the list could go on and on, but we'll end it there. Other than the year they were released the songs are in no particular order. Most of the songs that were released prior to 2015 were released within the last couple of years and just managed to get played often throughout this year.
Time for another music update. I wanted to share with you some of the music I have been obsessing over lately.
My tastes have been all over the board recently. Swinging back and forth between older R&B, classical, and grunge rock. I know I listed a few of the rock sounds in my last links post, so if you're in the mood for that kind of music feel free to check that one out.
Reflections by Diana Ross and the Supremes: Since I've been playing they're Anthology records while editing videos recently, I've been completely hooked on this song. I spent an entire 6 hour shift quietly humming this to myself last week. Can't beat the classic Motown vibe.
And here's where we get to the songs I've been meaning to talk about since May and just haven't gotten around to it.
Ditmas by Mumford and Sons: I know people were surprised or upset that the band decided to make this album with electric guitars, but they really cemented their title as great musicians with this one (at least in my opinion). Musicians, as with all artists and people, evolve with time. Putting a band in a box, even if it's one they built themselves, never makes anyone happy. When I heard Believe for the first time I felt like they were almost trying too hard with random guitar heavy moments, but if you listen to the bands previous albums the songs are structured quite similarly. Same great band, same great musicianship and lyrical talent, only with a slightly different approach. It's nice to listen to interviews or watch sets now where the guys look revived by the new sound.
Fields of Gold cover by Joshua Davis: Talented musician and Traverse City native, Joshua Davis, made it all the way to the final four on this past season of The Voice. His sincere vibe and mellow voice is perfect for this song.
Have A Little Faith In Me cover by Will Chase and Maisy Stella: Along the lines of great covers, this song from the show Nashville had me singing along for weeks. Both Stella daughters have incredible voices but Maisy's really shines in this song. I can't even handle it. Also did you know that Will Chase played Roger in Rent?! I don't know how it took me this long to figure that out, but if you look at pictures he looks SO DIFFERENT.
One Night by Ed Sheeran: I will listen to anything Ed Sheeran releases because that little ginger has some serious power over me. Talented musicians are my weak spot. When I noticed 5, a group of projects he released on iTunes one day, I immediately started throwing money in his direction. I would gladly go broke as long as he never stopped releasing music.
Welp that's it. May and June have been pretty mainstream music months for me. None of these are too out of the box, but it doesn't hurt to keep. So what music have you been loving lately?
I finished The Last Little Blue Envelope on Saturday and have the worst book hangover from it. I tried starting Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides but I can't get Europe and cute little romances with British men off my mind. There's nothing I want more than to explore the world and see all it's wonderful art (natural and human made). Maybe I'll re-read Anna and The French Kiss instead.
I started making iced coffee at home and it's the best decision I've made all week. Yay warmer weather! I honestly don't know why this makes me so happy, but it does.
These look so good. My mouth instantly started watering. Also this, and this.
Many hours were spent last week watching PlanWithMe videos and checking out plannerstickers on Etsy. I'm obsessed. The only good part about this planner obsession is that I'm actually getting stuff done. I've finally figured out a good system, although there's always room for improvement.
I started riding my bike to work recently and I've been trying to master the art of looking cute on a bike. My problem is the sweat. How do you bike somewhere and not melt once you get there? I mean it's not even summer yet. Showing up to work with makeup dripping down my face because I had to wear pants and sneakers in mid 70 degree weather is not going to cut it. Someone help. Teach me your ways of grace and stylishness.
This girl knows what's up. She's got the effortlessly cool style down.
In other fashion related news, I really want to try this.
A coworker recently shared this article about NYPL's #letmelibrarianthatforyou project. I giggled. I may not be an official librarian, but I get some pretty interesting questions in the computer lab. Just an FYI I had to use Google to find that article. I really don't know how people survived without the internet.... oh wait, they called the library.
Last but certainly not least, this young dancer blew me away. I can't watch her performance without getting a little teary eyed. Just a little reminder that dance and movement is a universal language, one that connects us all.
Three years ago I shared a list of my top 25 most played songs in iTunes and I figured it was now time for an update. There are quite a few songs on this list that overlap with the previous list, but then again the two are surprisingly different. When I look at the 25 songs below I can still pin point when each one joined the group. All the songs have a different meaning or memory that I can connect to the different parts of my life. For that reason, this list seems more like a representation of myself than anything else I could create.
Honorable Mentions:
26. Above The Bones by Mishka - 90 plays
27. Set The Fire To The Third Bar by Snow Patrol - 90 plays
28. The Galway Girl by Steve Earle - 90 plays
29. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston - 90 plays
It's fun to look back at the old list and see how my music tastes have changed, as I've discovered new musicians or gone through lulls in listening to certain bands. I think I'll always love these songs. Even if I go through times where I don't feel like listening to these bands at all, eventually I'll rediscover them and it'll feel like coming back home. Certainly this is only a small representation of the music that I listen to and greatly appreciate. It'd probably be more interesting to see a list of the top 50 or 100 played because I'm sure that would have varied much more over the years. Most of these have been near the top since the very beginning and I doubt some will ever really change that much.
What are your top played song? Do you think they represent your current music taste or a broader timeline?
-S
*fun fact: I chose this video because that Bonnaroo live stream was where I first discovered The Avett Brothers. I like to rewatch that performance every now and then to get a sense of the magical energy I felt that day, even from hundreds of miles away through a computer screen. My love has only grown for these guys and the beautiful music they create.
**After searching the interwebs for a while I was saddened to discover they must have taken down the original video. That recording (which I obsessively watched for months before they even released the song for purchase) was another favorite of mine. I was instantly captivated by the raw joy you could see floating around the performance. It honestly looked like they were having a blast and although I understand why they might take it down to get people to watch the official music video instead, I'm sad it's no longer available. The one I linked to just isn't the same.
It's been freezing lately and for some reason that's put me in a Keaton Henson mood. His soft, slowly drifting melodies can be played in the background or soaked up on their own for a full emotional experience. I hadn't listened to Henson in a while when I came across his song "Sarah Minor" on my Tumblr dashboard this morning. That spiraled into several hours of Henson background music as I got ready for the day. His music is the perfect combination of feeling and soothing, it's like the exact equation for musical therapy.
So in case you're like me and you need a little soothing on these harsh winter days, I thought I'd share some of my favorites. Starting with Henson's Tiny Desk Concert featuring three of his amazing songs off the album Birthdays, "You Don't Know How Lucky You Are," "Sweetheart What Have You Done To Us," and "You."
La Naissance ft. Ren Ford is a song off Henson's album Romantic Works. The album has been added to the long list of music that proves songs do not require words in order to make you truly feel something. I had a really hard time just choosing one song from this entire album, so I'd definitely recommend checking it out.
And lastly, the song "Sarah Minor" from the album Dear.
"Young love I feel you know me better than most. In spite of real distance we'll always be close."
2015 has welcomed album announcements from some of my favorite bands. So far The Decemberists and The Lone Bellow have exceeded my high expectations. Although I'd recommend listened to their entire albums, since every song is worth sharing, I thought I'd try to choose favorites that maybe you haven't heard yet. The other songs on the list have all been stuck in my head at one point or another this past month.
The Lake by The Decemberists
Watch Over Us by The Lone Bellow
Elastic Heart by Sia (I think a lot of people have found this video weird, but I absolutely love it.)
Von by Sigur Ros (Not new but definitely a top contender this month. It's been the perfect song to fit my mood lately.)
Earned It by The Weeknd (Yeah this is from 50 Shades of Grey. The soundtrack for the movie has begun to look like another Twilight style gold nugget in what might possibly be a horrendous film, but we shall see. I've always really liked The Weeknd's musical style and this song immediately jumped out at me. It's sexy and it knows it.)
You know when you hear a record and it's like the first time you're hearing those songs? Maybe you've heard the same song ten times before, but you never really felt anything until that moment? That happened to me recently.
When I was in Kalamazoo for my great grandma's birthday party my dad, brother, and I went to the local record store, Green Light Records. I wasn't there for anything in particular and was just browsing the shelves when I happened upon The Gaslight Anthem section. Gaslight was a band that I became interested in around Freshman year of college (right around The '59 Sound). I was discovering all this new music at the time and really expanding my tastes, so it wasn't long before they got lost in the pile.
I remember trying to keep up with the band, listening to their newest records as they were released and playing some of my old favorites every now and then. American Slang passed me by quickly and I just wasn't interested in that kind of music at the time. Then came Handwritten in 2012. I remember the release mostly because a couple of tumblr blogs I followed were run by really cool chicks from the UK who loved the band. They made me want to love the band again too, and I really tried to become captivated with Gaslight's sound again. Anyway, after listening to 45 and Handwritten a few times I once again gave up. I liked the songs, but just couldn't seem to connect to the album.
That's why I found it so strange that once I put my hands on Handwritten in the record store, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I knew that I liked a few songs on their newest album Get Hurt and it would have made much more sense for me to buy that record. Even the guy at the counter commented about not getting the newest album. It's hard to explain, but something about it just felt right. It's like the album came back into my life to help me. To create this perfect moment. To remind me that there are other people out there who love music the same way I do.
The Handwritten vinyl has this great packaging; the liner folds out and the lyrics are on the inside. Plus the record itself is blue vinyl. It's the type of quality that sets the record apart and something I was disappointed in when I purchased the Get Hurt record. Yes what I really care about is the music, but quality packaging should be a priority as well. While I sat listening, I discovered this note by Nick Hornby printed on the inside cover. His words are a reminder that although The Gaslight Anthem's sound might be clearly influenced by bands of the past, they are a talented composition of all those influences.
"And the second is this: you think, write, play and sing as though you have a right to stand at the head of a long line of cool people - you recognize that The Clash and Little Richard got here first, but they're not around any more, so you're going to carry on the tradition, and you're going to do it in your own voice, and with as much conviction and authenticity and truth as you can muster. And if you can pull that off, you'll be amazed at how fresh you can sound."
The picture is kind of small but you can read the whole thing here.
"And the Gaslight Anthem sound fresh. Anyone who has ever been frustrated by anything - a girl, a boy, a job, a self (especially that) - can listen to this music and feel understood and energized."
As the record begins to spin there's this moment of anticipation before 45 starts playing that just sucks me in every time. The Gaslight Anthem has this raw vintage rock sound that begs to be played on vinyl, or blasting from a car radio on a dark night drive. There's something magical and transformative about their music. Sometimes I imagine myself going back in time. Other times I just picture a different life in the here and now. I picture myself lying under the stars on a warm summer night next to this guy that loves me, someone who understands how music can make you feel so many things at once. I'm sure that sounds crazy, but it gives me hope that maybe there is someone out there waiting to share those moments with me.
I love this acoustic version of Mae.
I know that The Gaslight Anthem isn't for everyone and that's okay. You don't always have to like everything all the time. Like I said, when the album was first released I didn't even like it all that much. You never know what might make you feel differently in a week, a month, or a few years. When I listen to Handwritten now I feel this part of me connect, like something latching into place. It's like the music is there to keep me going. Part of me wants to scream along, sing those words with every bit that I have, but part of me just needs to lie there listening. It's like needing a good cry, or going for a run, or just listening to the songs on repeat until something inside of you is finally healed. Often you don't even know what it is inside of you that needs fixing, but there's a realization that this music is what you needed all along.
Part of me feels like the record is meant for some angsty teenager, but I'm just a hopelessly lost human being. One who is floating around in her mid-twenties desperately trying to find the door that will let her out of this mess and onto something better. God knows I've never been good with directions. Too often I get stuck running in circles, getting no where fast, just going over the same thoughts again and again.
Maybe all of this sounds silly to you. Maybe I'm weird for thinking music can hold this much power. But for me music is like a religion. It's the one thing I have total faith in. It gives me hope, it keeps me going, it's there when life is good and when it's bad. Sometimes it's the only thing that makes me feel alive. It makes me feel like I have a future and a purpose. It's records like Handwritten that reinforce my faith in something bigger.
And I'm not saying all music has to have meaning. Like all forms of art, sometimes it's just there for you to appreciate. There doesn't have to be a story behind it. There's no need to analyze every detail until you can figure out what the song is about. A song can have however much meaning you want it to have.
Just take a moment to listen, feel your heart beating, and remind yourself that you are alive.
Hey Guys,
It's been all summer and I don't think I've done one music update since my Spring Playlist. Three months is a long time to cover when trying to condense my ever-changing musical taste, but I'll give it a try. A lot of the new music I discovered or chose to listen to this summer was from movie soundtracks. A great movie soundtrack might be one of my favorite things in the entire world; it's like an instant playlist, blending new with old and bringing artists that you might never discover elsewhere to the forefront of your mind.
1. Head.Cars.Bending by The 1975
As far as I remember the first time I heard of The 1975 was from missglamorazzi in some Youtube video of her's a while back. Then my friend sent me some early videos of their's when the EP was just coming out and I fell in love with the songs Sex and Chocolate. A while later when they're full CD was released, I bought a few songs here and there, going through phases and slowly adding to the collection. Saturday night I finally broke down and bought the whole Deluxe Edition; and I have no idea why I waited this long. I think sometimes bands are like a good meal, you don't want to jam everything in your mouth at once but chew each bite slowly giving yourself time to enjoy every piece of food.
2. At Your Door by Nathaniel Walcott, Mike Mogis & Big Harp (Stuck In Love Soundtrack)
Stuck In Love is amazing and the soundtrack just added to my big, giant love for the movie. Immediately after watching the film for the first time, I rushed to my computer to check out the album. Basically every song on the soundtrack is good.
3. In Remission by The Menzingers
"If everyone needs a crutch, I need a wheelchair..." Oh Menzingers how I love you so.
4. Hero by Family of the Year (Thanks for Sharing Soundtrack)
Another movie that encompassed everything I love. Not only was it a great story, but I adore every single actor/actress in it, and the soundtrack kicked serious ass.
5. Afterlife by Ingrid Michaelson
Lights Out is definitely one of my favorite albums of this year. Ingrid is awesome and I didn't stop listening to this entire album on repeat for about a week. Like all great albums, there's a perfect balance between catchy pop songs and slow emotional melodies. Go check it out.
6. I Want What You Have by Willamette Stone (If I Stay Soundtrack)
I finally got around to reading If I Stay last week and loved how strong of a role music played in the story. Mia, her parents, Teddy, and Adam's lives all revolve around creating and appreciating music (something I can definitely relate to). I figured most of the music on the soundtrack I'd already own, but I was still excited to hear the songs from Adam's band. I know it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea (it did take me a bit to decide whether I actually liked it or not), but I think they nailed down what I had expected from a popular high school band that's still developing their sound. The film also has a great cover of The Smashing Pumpkin's song Today.
7. Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: 1. Adagio - Moderato by Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli
Since The Brothers Karamazov takes more focus than usual to read, I've had to be more selective with the type of music I listen to while reading. Anything with lyrics distracts me too much from the words at hand, and I catch myself zoning into the music more so than the book. After reading If I Stay I felt inspired to listen to more cello music and this famous Elgar concerto performed by Jacqueline du Pré was a great place to start.
8. Afire Love by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is another artist that can do no wrong in my book. Pretty much everything he's released, I've felt a connection to. He's such a talented musician.
9. The Last Thing On My Mind by Stark Sands ft. Punch Brothers (Inside Llewyn Davis Soundtrack)
It wasn't really a surprise to me that I loved this film or it's soundtrack. A good folk song always gets me. I watched the film back around Oscar times, but wasn't able to get my hands on this album until last month.
10. Two Fingers by Jake Bugg
I first discovered Jake Bugg when his song Simple As This was on The Fault In Our Stars Soundtrack. That song quickly became one of my new favorites and I knew I had to get my hands on more of his music. Bugg has a unique voice that really sets his music apart from other songs of his kind. Bugg released a few albums now and they're all gold nuggets.
What's your favorite music from this summer? What songs have you been loving lately?
-S
I haven't made a playlist in a while so I thought I'd share some of the music I've been listening to most for the past couple of months. I purchased The Fault In Our Stars soundtrack when it came out and I've been obsessed with that lately, so I've added a few songs from that list. I've also provided links to each individual song on youtube if you want to have a listen. It's kind of a grab bag of music but I think they ended up fitting together nicely.
To celebrate Record Store Day, last Saturday the 19th, my dad and I made a trip to our local record store, RPM Records. Saturday was the first time I had been to RPM and now I can't wait to go back! They had a well stocked store and plenty of variety. Record stores are always a little less overwhelming to navigate when you have an artist or specific album you're interested in, but browsing the stacks can be really fun too.
I had no idea what I wanted at first but when I spotted the "No Time For Dreaming" album from Charles Bradley, I had to pick it up. I just finished making a playlist of music from the show Suits (which has some killer music) and they play Bradley quite a few times on the show.
I felt a little like Harvey Specter listening to my record. Now all I need is a fancy leather couch and a scotch.
After my dad and I got home, I decided it was my duty to catalog my parent's entire record collection. I don't think I ever realized how many records they owned. My parent's records have been stashed on shelves in our basement for a while now and they didn't even know exactly what they had (my dad almost bought two records on Saturday that he and my mom already owned).
Not gonna lie, I was really excited about organizing everything. I am definitely the weird girl who loves for everything to have it's place. I'm okay with messes, but I enjoy spending time filing and organizing. By the end I had made a list of all the record in the collection and cataloged each album alphabetically by the artist's last name and genre of music. The biggest category was general music, which included bands and artist which my parents listened to most often. Other categories were movie soundtracks, musicals, children's records, comedy, classical, holiday, and Christian albums.
Even as I was making the list and feeling like the piles might never end, I realized how many artist and albums are still missing from the collection. Sure my dad may own a large majority of Elton John albums, but we somehow only have one Beatles record. Now I can't wait to start a wish list for upcoming record store trips.
Do you ever hear a song and then become completely obsessed with it? I mean can't stop listening to it even if you wanted to, stuck in your head for days, have to hear it just one more time before you leave the house. This happens to me all the time. Even if it's a song I've heard before, I'll still get in moods where I have to listen to it again.
Clementine by Sarah Jaffe. This song was played in a movie I watched the other night (Life Happens) and ever since then it's been stuck. I know I've heard it before but for some reason I can't get enough of it right now.
Adore You by Miley Cyrus. Say what you want about Miley but this is actually a pretty great song.
Lately by Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen. I think I've loved every song from these two, their voices sound incredible together. Nashville has been so good lately, but I just want Scarlett and Gunner to get back together.
I don't know what it is about these songs that make them special. I think it's typically the combination between lyrics and the type of mood I'm in. Usually after a week or so of constantly listening to the song over and over again I make myself sick of it. As much as we complain about the radio overplaying songs, I think it's a common mistake we all make. The joy of not listening to the radio often is that once you are sick of a song you have the option to not listen to it for a while.
It's time for a music update. Here's some songs that I haven't been able to get out of my head lately.
1. Stay The Night by Zedd
Also I really love the dancing in this video.
2. Grown Woman by Beyonce
Absolutely love this song. It's a good confidence boost. Also if you can find it on tumblr check out the version with the clip of Eartha Kitt at the beginning.
3. California (Cast Iron Soul) by Jamestown Revival
A recent band discovery thanks to iTunes suggestions. Good job iTunes.
4. Satellite Call by Sara Bareilles
This song was on The Vampire Diaries a while back. I remember checking it out and deciding not to buy it. Then I heard it on Pretty Little Liars this past week and finally caved.
5. XO by Beyonce
Another Beyonce song because I've been Beyonce obsessed since the release of her most recent album.
I discovered London based artist Sam Garrett via Youtube recently and have loving the mellow vibe of his music. Garrett's sound reminds me of musicians like Ben Howard and Mishka, landing comfortably between the two.
If you like these songs, Sam Garrett's EP is available on iTunes and is definitely worth buying.
For some reason I thought I had previously posted a winter/holiday themed playlist on this blog, but apparently that has not happened. I normally wait to play Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but because the holiday falls so late this year I am officially starting today.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by Nsync
A Mad Russian's Christmas by Trans Siberian Orchestra
Last Christmas by Jimmy Eat World
Snow by Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen
I'll Be Home for Christmas by Michael Buble
White Christmas by Otis Redding
Away in a Manger by Bright Eyes
Waltz of the Snowflakes by Tchaikovsky
Christmas in the Room by Sufjan Stevens
Fireside by Jim Brickman
Christmas Lights by Coldplay
Christmastime by Smashing Pumpkins
It Snowed by Meaghan Smith
Kiss Me at Midnight by Nsync
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jack Johnson
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 by Trans Siberian Orchestra
Wish List by Neon Trees
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! by Dean Martin
Run Run Rudolph by Chuck Berry
Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Frank Sinatra
Blue Christmas by She & Him
Seasons of Love by The Original Broadway Cast of Rent
The First Noel by Bright Eyes
Silent Night by Josh Groban
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
The Suite from the Polar Express by Alan Silvestri
Winter Wonderland by Aretha Franklin
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by She & Him
Christmas Auld Lang Syne by Bobby Darin
I love this time of year and had a lot of fun putting this list together. I also made a Playlist for this on Youtube so you guys can listen to all of these songs too if you'd like! Happy Holidays everyone!!
I haven't been able to stop listening to this song lately. I don't know what it is about love songs that keep pulling me back in even with the lack of love interest in my life. I think it's been so long since I've had even a crush on someone I'm convinced I'm trying to fill some sort of gap. Love songs always balance the line of giving me hope and making me sad.
This isn't even the type of music I normally am interested in either (then again, I guess I don't really have a "type" of music), I just really love it. A byproduct of following a plethera of YouTubers is being exposed to the music they love. I found Landon Austin through FleurDeForce, though I was slightly surprised I hadn't checked him out previously by way of Luke Conard.
It's probably one of those songs I'll end up overplaying, be sick of for a year, and then rediscover my love for it again at a later date (this happens often enough). Anyway, I thought I'd share. Hope you guys enjoy!
So I'm a little late to the game on Fall Out Boy's Save Rock and Roll album, but I finally discovered just how good it was yesterday. Now I'm obsessed. I am loving their recent series of music videos too. I think my favorite songs so far are Phoenix, Alone Together, and Young Volcanoes.
I've also recently started liking Paramore's Still Into You and Panic! At the Disco's Miss Jackson and This is Gospel. I feel like I'm back in Junior High seeing these bands in my playlists again.
I have also still been loving Bastille and The 1975 (it's been an all summer long kind of obsession with these two). Bastille are masters when it comes to covers. I can't stop listening to this one lately.
