How I love Muse. Let me count the ways. Great soul channeled tunes: check. Amazing lyrics: check. Rock ballads that blow me away: check. Instrumental virtuosity: double check (seriously, have you seen Matthew Bellamy bring down the house as he literally dominates the piano? It's pretty much like watching Lang Lang perform, but with like, about 1000x more bass. Example: "Butterflies & Hurricanes" which I'd will use as the title of my unwritten book about my dating life. Dramatic title aside, it's a non-stop masterful instrumental.You couldn't come up with a better concert formula in my book. Piano AND rock? #givemeallthetunes
Bellamy is a phenomenally talented musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer. I actually borrowed that wordy sentence from Wikipedia without shame. Some of my favorite concerts I've ever been to are Muse performances, and the level of passion, skill, and showmanship is nothing short of amazing. I don't know about you people, but Muse has single-handedly handed me some of the best soundtracks for my life. Oh, I have wallowed on a sofa as I drank red wine and listened to "Undisclosed Desires." And yes, I did put "Super Massive Black Hole" on non-stop repeat when my now husband (and soul mate, you may throw up a little at that, sorry. I'm a Libra) and I broke up for a bit. And I definitely run faster whenever I listen to rock out songs like "Map of the Problimatique." It's so depressing but awesome and I burn so many calories. Thank you Muse. Lastly, you should probably know that I pride myself on my ability to play "Knights of Cydonia" on Guitar Hero like a rock star. I'm such a dork, it's kind of amazing I have so many non-dorkish friends. Anywaaaaaaaaaaaay. (But I'm really awesome at Guitar Hero.)
Muse is releasing Drones on June 8, and if it's anything like the single "Dead Inside," then I think we're all going love the whole album. "Dead Inside" is just the perfect mix of jamming guitars, depressing lyrics, crooning singing, and a little bit of a dark sound. BAM! You know I love that combo. I am happy. It's like Christmas came early. I still want more presents of course. Check out the single on Spotify here or watch the video below:
Well, I guess nobody knows how to bring all good things to an end like the Brits. First, Downton Abbey killed off a slew of my favorite characters (the Deaths That Must Not Be Named) and now M&S are abandoning their famous UK Folk style to reign in a more electronic sound. I mean, NO. Just stop the madness! It's like J.K. Rowling's horrible last battle against Voldemort, and I feel wildly betrayed. Never mind quality, you just can't go changing things up like this on a girl!
So here's the run down: we can apparently blame Texas. I blame Texas for most problems anyway, like my addiction to eating buckets of Guacamole and drinking on a patio if the weather is anything other than freezing. My list of vices links directly to the Lone Star state, I swear it. Apparently, Marcus Mumford was at a wedding in Texas when the song essentially just came to him and he got up and started singing it. The rest of the crew helped piece together the song which they titled "Believe." It seems like a weird wedding inspired song since it actually has a really depressing overlay that I usually enjoy oh-so-much. EXCEPT as a wedding song or when my mind is being blown to bits as I have to question everything I ever thought I knew about a band. "Believe" is the single for their upcoming album Wilder Mind. The track is pretty awesome, if it were, oh, say Coldplay putting out this tune, but who am I to tell musicians they can't shake things up?
The song is stripped bare for the first half and then breaks it down with drums and electronic guitars. And I'm like, banjos! Beards! Tambourines, oh my! What happened to M&S?!!! The group openly acknowledges that the new album is a huge departure from their previous albums. Well, that would be an understatement, I do believe. So here's the thing: the song is good. I would expect nothing less. It's just very different and pretty melancholy sounding (hope the wedding couple doesn't claim this as their personal love song). I also don't like the video, which basically makes me feel like I'm on a horrible Uber ride that won't end for 3 minutes and 47 seconds, which makes me question reality even more, because I love Uber.
But let's just cut to the chase and have you decide for yourself. There is not one ukulele in sight. Be strong, grasshopper. Love it or hate it? Are you a fan of the new M&S?
STOP IT! Stop it right now! Whatever you're doing, I promise you, it's not as awesome as this musical mashup. The flawless singing, the perfectly blended lyrics, the gorgeous harmony is tooooooo much! But in the best way possible, like when you "accidentally" check out a shoe sale and leave with a rent's worth of shoes. Overkill? I mean, that's subjective. I call that a possible investment.
Ask me if I love Ed Sheeran. Go ahead. Answer: um, abso-freaking-lutely. How could I not adore that little ginger with a soul? His music is just lovely. And Sam Smith? Hello...probably some of the best pipes to come around in ages. I'm not really sure why I used the vernacular "pipes" to describe Smith's amazing vocals, because I'm pretty sure that's a term my grandparents would use, but I mean, retro is in.
I wrote about Sheeran here and did a review for Smith here, so if you are uber fans, you can read a little extra on our singers. In the meantime, Sam Tsui and Casey Breves blend together "Thinking Out Loud" and "I'm Not the Only One" and the internet is kind of losing its mind over how awesome it sounds. I want you to lose your mind too (but, in the best way possible of course), so check out this video.
It goes without saying that I love me some Beyonce. She's pretty much everything. I love Sasha Fierce and I love Mrs. Carter, and I personally think Beyonce is an amazing example of a modern woman who juggles being a wife, mom, business woman and performer. And she looks amazing doing it.
Having stated that, I think Beck rightfully won his Grammy for Album of the Year; he was up against the likes of Beyonce and other greats, but his album rocked. His gracious response to Kanye West's COMPLETELY ASSDOUCHE BEHAVIOR was stunningly imperturbable and gracious.
In case you are a few moments behind the life and times of pop culture, Kanye pulled a Kanye (which is officially a synonym for being an overbearing, obnoxious, arrogant, god-complex ridden person with zero sense of propriety) and jumped up on stage to take the mic from Beck when he was accepting his Grammy. He swiped for the mic, seemed to change his mind and walked off the stage. Flashback to infamous Taylor Swift Imma let you finish moment, anyone? Turns out, Kanye wasn't joking around. After the show, he said he refrained out of resepct for his daughter, but he was dead serious, "I just know that the Grammys, if they want real artists, to keep coming back, they need to stop playing with us. We ain't gonna play with them no more," he exclaimed. "And Beck needs to respect artistry and he should've given his award to Beyonce." Or not.
Beck was incredibly chill and kind about the whole thing. After the show, Kanye ranted and raved that Beck, out of respect for the industry, should give his award to Beyonce. HOW IS KANYE ALLOWED IN A ROOM WITH PEOPLE? Ugh. I can't stand that short, arrogant little man.
Why Beck Won Artist of the Year/Most Gracious Winner EVER:
1. Beck wrote, produced, arranged and sang all 13 songs on his album. He played 16 instruments throughout the track. It's a gorgeous, soulful album. The kind you can curl up next to when you're in a true blue mood, or need a moment of introspection and inspiration.
2. Beyonce (nothing but love for that goddess!) plays zero instruments, needed 16 songwriters, producers, and composers to complete her latest album. So yeah, I see Kanye's point about artistry. Not.
3. Beck's music is rich, emotional, and soulful. It's stripped down and deceptively simple, easy to fall into and connect with; it's true music: guitars, singer, songwriter. Beyonce does what Beyonce does so well: a loud and fabulous production of music that predominantly happens in a studio with a lot of assistance of modern technology. Sure, I love it. Yeah, I'd go dance my face off at her concert, but it doesn't equal a superior album.
3. His response was so stellar that it made me respect him not only as an artist, but as a person. Despite the fact that Kanye absolutely dissed him, his response was incredible: "I thought she was going to win. Come on, she's Beyonce!" In response to Kanye's rant, he said, "You can't please everybody. I still love him and think he's genius," he concluded. "I aspire to what he does. How many great records has he put out in the last five years, right?" No, no you certainly can't, Beck. But with a response like that, you prove that you are a rebel of the best kind. Beck is a person who is not only true to himself, but does so with humility. I'll endorse and support that ALL OVER THE PLACE. Want to hear the album that broke the internet? Here it is:
With a name like Zella Day, it should come as no surprise that she's one glorious little Boho chick. If I could pull off full fledged Bohemian, I would probably be decked out in non-stop hippie glory and mala beads every day. Alas, while my yoga loving, tree hugging heart would happily be swathed in tie dye, paisley, floral and drape-like wear, my body does not look particularly lovely in flowing, fringe covered garbs. And by not flattering, I mean I basically look like I rolled around in a linen tent and cinched it with a belt to give a go at fashion. First world problems all the way. Le sigh! Even so, my gypsy soul loves anything that's a tribute to being wild and free, so when I came across Zella Day, her music clicked with me.
A definite Boho-Chic gal, with a lush, modern style that's deeply seeped in Western Bohemian flair. It's fair to compare her to a less depressing version of Lana Del Rey, another singer I just heart all over the place. Their vocals and style have a similar sound, so if you like Lana Del Rey, you'll like Zella Day. Songs like "Compass," "Hypnotic," "Sweet Ophelia" and "East of Eden" are pure winners. I think "1965" might be my favorite of her songs. Hard to say. Totally a moody, fabulous tune though. I love moody. I just love it. I also adored her cover of White Strips "Sever Nation Army." I especially enjoy covers and remixes when they're done well, and she did it well. Some music purists find it annoying to have perfection messed with, but I think it shows the diversity of humanity and how we mentally and emotionally filter and interpret things differently. Mix it up, show me what you feel. That's how I like it. Have a lovely week, and may you listen to many, many new songs:)
Coachella is like Mecca for music lovers. If you've never heard of it, the Coachella Valley Music and arts Festival is an annual twoweekend music and arts fest held in California. Every year, the Inland Empire's Coachella Valley transforms to the ultimate music bash, and music lovers from all over the world flock to this spot for an all-you-can-attend concert. I've attended before, and it's like this mashup of hippie/Indie/hipsters and everything else in between. Coachella is the ultimate smorgasbord of genres, bands, and tunes, so there's something for everyone.
There is definitely a true euphoria that comes from riding a non-stop music wave, so it's a great time to say the least. And, it's important to add that the festival draws not only music fanatics from all over the world, but also some of the best musicians as well. The lineup is consistently awesome every year.
Not surprisingly, tickets always sell out ridiculously fast (and there notsocheap) so it's no surprise that none are available on the official Coachella website, but they've joined up with Spotify to produce a playlist of the bands who are featured on their lineup. It's a pretty sweet playlist, and a good way to sample to flavor and experience of Coachella (minus the famous ferris wheel, Boho crowd, and pricey tix...), and if you're heart is set on attending this famous music fest, then mark your calendar for 2016 and sign up for their email alerts. Have a wonderful, music filled day!
I collect new music in the way some women collect shoes. I have specific categories, special artists, and beloved songs. While I remain OCD in my compulsion to remain hyper-organized and clutter free, I'm a bona fide hoarder when it comes to my songs and vinyl records. I frequently go on Spotify binges to discover new tracks to tuck away into my increasingly growing stash. Ask me if I feel like I have a problem. Go ahead...ask. I know I do.
I recently came across the lovely singer-song writer Kina Grannis, and I just loved her right away. She has this breathy style of music that isn't overladen with the electronic beats and synthesized sounds of today's ridiculously vapid pop music. Emotionally meaningful and easy to listen to, her vocals are reminiscent of Ingrid Michaelson (another favorite of mine). And if I've said it once, I'll say it again and again and again: singers who write their own music will always have a superior edge in my opinion. There is a great mental and emotional collaboration that occurs when they sing their own music, because they're basically singing out their own diary. In addition to the incredible vulnerability this lends a song, who can interpret a song better than the actual writer? Great examples of this are Sam Smith, Adele, The Beatles and so many others.
Some of my current favorite Kina songs are "The Fire," "Write It in the Sky," "Oh, Father," and her cover of "Chandelier." Never heard her music? Catch it here, and have an amazing Sunday!
If I were going to be BFF's with any Hollywood person, I would chose Jennifer Lawrence hands down every time. Not only is she refreshingly real, eats pizza and refuses to be a size zero, but she has an impressive array of skills: she can shoot a bow and arrow (true story, she trained with an Olympic gold medalist to learn how to have Katniss worthy moves), dance moderately well and prob better then me (Silver Linings Playbook anyone?) chop off her hair and still look awesome, AND she can sing. I will confess I was a total doubter when I heard she was featured on the Mockingjay soundtrack, but what do you know, that girl can do it all. I'm sending her a BFF locket in the mail today...it's not creepy, she'll love it.
In addition to the song being a haunting American folk tune, the song "The Hanging Tree" is climbing charts both across the pond in the UK and here in the States. In Europe, it's currently sitting in the top 15, and here in America it's steadily climbing up the top 40 Billboard hits. I'm just thrilled to not be listening to Ariana Grande or Taylor Swift. It's like it's a brave new world out there! Jennifer Lawrence is quoted as saying she actually wasn't a fan of singing for the soundtrack, and she was actually terrified to do it. But, as they say, facing your fears can really pay off. The end product is a lovely song that perfectly fits the movie.
If you're a fan of the Hunger Games (meeeeee! I loved those books, even if they are like Lord of the Flies did a mashup with 1984...those are two of my favs anyway so who am I to complain?) and/or a JLaw devotee (I already claimed her as my BFF, find your own) you'll love this song. Check it out!
Being a Libra means life is a little bit of a paradox. I can be both incredibly spontaneous or I'll deliberate a situation forever and ever amen. I can make snap decisions, like packing my bag and jumping on a plane at the drop of a hat and without regret I might add. I love anything that lends itself to making memories or having an adventure. On the other hand, I can mentally paralyze myself analyzing at every possible angle of a situation. I'm talking a full on mind paraplegic over basic choices like ice cream: I can't move I don't know which flavor to chooooooooooseeee, waaaaah! (This actually happened to me oh...um, this summer. It's harder to decide than you might think!).
I carry my paradoxical tendencies over to the music scene. Most of the time, listening to music is a very organic process. I feel the song in my blood, the lyrics settle into my bones and I connect to the music in a very visceral and beautiful manner. There are other times when I have to think over a song, analyzing it and deliberating over it. When songs stand up to my scrutiny, I find they often become favorites. Simply put, I love anything that makes me laugh loud and long or leaves me deep in thought.
A musical group that I have a pure emotional, intellectual insta-love for is Daughter. Wistful, heartfelt, and somehow delicate and gut-wrenching, their songs have it all. Listening to Daughter's music is like reading through Pablo Neruda or Sylvia Plath (two favorite poets...don't get me started on poetry, I love it so!). The songs are written with a deep sense of pain and sorrow that is expressed in such a beautiful way that it's like musical poetry. The best genre description is that they're moody folk-music with a electronic blend that is a perfect snow day mix. Their second EP was released by Mumford & Sons label. Songs like "Youth," "Landfill," and "Medicine," and "Smother" are not easily forgotten and reach listeners one a more complex level in a way only music can. For fellow sensitive souls, I have a feeling (pun intended haha, ok, enough, enough) you'll also love this music. Be sure to check out "Still" which is just lovely in the most chill, reflective way possible. Much love and happy Sunday Funday!
If you cannot tell from my lengthy, verbose title, the Top Billboards are absolutely making me want to throw myself over a musical cliff. I mean, for the love of all that is musical, could there be a more annoying line up of tunes?! Certainly, I think everyone should listen to jazz on vinyl records and attend a symphony at least a couple times a year, but this is simply toooooo much. TOO MUCH I SAY! I shall now rant in a rather uppity manner that my yoga instructor would frown upon, so bear with me or skip to the end of this post and listen to a nice little mix. Also, if these are your top favorite songs in the whole wide world, this is no reflection on you...certainly not. Just your current top favorite songs in the whole wide world. See the difference? And now: THE RANT! I LOVE CAPITALS RIGHT NOW!
Here are the current Billboard Top 5 Songs and Why I Hate Them (In No Particular Order)
1. All About That Bass: it was mildly clever for a quick minute. What? No treble/trouble? Oh you don't say, you pithy girl! I instantly added it to a playlist. But if I hear this song one more time, you'll find me rocking back and forth in a corner, Blair Witch Project style. It's a song that grows old really quickly and is high redundant.
2. Shake It Off: Arrrrrrrghhhhh! Taytay! I cannot even handle her or her music. It's so poppy, so bubble gummy, so cotton candied that I feel like I get musical diabetes the second it comes on. I mean, does she even do country anymore or play a guitar? I'm so confused. But she does look fabulous in skinny jeans and fall booties with her long leggy legs and twig body. *open sigh of jealousy* Just hearing her music makes me feel more superficial and like I should be giggling over boys while I twirl my hair around my finger. I need to put on Miles Davis right now.
3. Anaconda: Stop it. Just stop it. Firstly, W.T.F was going on with the picture on her album cover. I mean....honestly. Children will have nightmares for years. I have loved a plentiful booty every since I heard Sir Mix-a-Lot sing about them, but madam! There is a limit! That advice is free of charge.
4. Black Widow: this song is just weird to me. The lyrics creep me out. Spiders creep me out. Vindictive lovers creep me out. That weird boop-boop-boop overtrack on the song creeps me out. I just don't like it. MILES DAVIS, PLEASE.
5. Bang Bang: this song is actually pretty catchy and a little sassy, and it came on a random Spotify list when I was blissfully biking around DC, ignoring the life threatening traffic around me. Here's the thing: I really, really, really do not enjoy Ariana Grande and therefore boycott this song. I could go into countless reason why, starting with her perpetual half up/half down hairdo (surely her stylists have heard of Pinterest at very least, no?), her iridescent go-go boots or the fact that she is yet another very young singer in a long lineup of singers to try to sell music with an overly sexed up image. I teach a ton of young girls who look up to these singers, and I would love to shake them (gently of course, but firmly) and tell them a woman can be an seductress by being goddamn smart, clever and true to herself and not pushing the sex image. I also find the lyrics to be overtly and almost ridiculously sexual, which doesn't personally offend me but I don't consider it talented lyrics.
So instead of inflicting you with the task of listening to these five tunes of mediocrity, I have this great ACL 2014 playlist brought to you by Spotify, which is like my personal DJ/bringer of great tunes. Why? Because I love ATX like I love cake, puppies, and a good shoe sale at Saks. I also love great mixes, and this one has quite the variety. Have a wonderful week, loves, and remember: sometimes disagreeing with the majority is a really good thing.
Ok, ok, it's time. I can't fight it any more, I just have to talk about Sam Smith. With a name as everyday-ordinary as Sam Smith, who would have figured that boy can sing? And I don't mean sing, I mean saaaaang. Like whoa, son. His voice is so beautiful it's almost pristine, and his lyrics are inquisitively soul searching. I'm not too sure about his hair do, but everything else is spot on so I can't fault him for this weird triangle-Mohawk thing he has going on.
Sam Smith is a Brit, born and raised in London. (I love me a British anything, actually, having had a strong case of anglophilia since the moment I realized I had no chance of becoming a princess and living in a castle if I stayed in America. Being a First Lady just doesn't have the same appeal.) His cousin is Lilly Allen, another highly talented musician with a true gift of singing/composing.
But his music, oh his glorious music! It connects to a deep place in each person, because he writes about the desire to love and be loved in return. In the Lonely Hour was inspired when he fell in love with a person that didn't return his love. Like so many people, the exquisite pain of unrequited love drove him to a dark place and taught him a definition of loneliness he hadn't experienced before realizing he had never received true, romantic love before. One last thought: if I hear one more person say "Stay with Me" glorifies a one night stand, I will shake my fist at the sky and protest the lyrical ignorance of our nation. This would never happen if people paid attention during their literature classes or read more books. Never! But I digress. If one listens to the words, it's about the deep desire for love, and how love in random places and faces and brief interludes cannot and does not fill that need or end that quest. But that deep desire drives an individual to try to fill the void and make believe that their is a true connection, all the while still longing for the real thing. It's actually a tragically beautiful, gut wrenching song, truth be told. And yes, I love it and I sing it like I'm part of a Southern Baptist choir whenever it comes on. Yes, people. I saaaaang it out, real loud and real proud. Sam Smith's music is a beautiful mix of talent and soul. His own inspiration comes from soul greats like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Adele. Anyone that can mix that up successfully is sure to produce a great album. See for yourself here:
How can you not like Lana Del Rey? Listening to her music is like being transported to those dervish years of Studio 54, back when it was swanky, star studded and detrimentally sinful. I don't know how she gets such a legit late 60's sound and look without seeming like a poser, but she does it kids, she does it. She even has that lank, long hairdo and sad 60's bedroom eyes that can only be accomplished by layering on about 20 coats of mascara, partying all night, and going to bed without washing your face, then rising and repeating. Seriously, that's how you get that eye makeup look. I should do a youtube video on how to get the perfect smokey bedroom eye look, except I hate makeup and lack this basic life skill.
Lana Del Rey's music is soulful, sad, and sensual. It aches with the emptiness of a faux-glamorous lifestyle and unkept promises; she music is alive and haunting. It should be listened to in original vinyl format, because it's just such an experience. I feel like I need to be in a retro lounge and broken-hearted to fully grasp it's greatness, but even with my wildly-happy-super-in-love heart, I deeply appreciate the atmospheric, vintage style pop tracks that she produces.
It's no wonder her albums Born to Die and Ultraviolence have skyrocketed to success. Ultraviolence is definitely an even more mature and darker look at Lana's exquisite emotional tunes, and is quite lovely and depressing all at the same time. Lana is the queen of internal sadness and struggle, but her music makes it sound glam for sure. Some people really enjoy lovely and semi-depressing music, and if you're one of them, then this album has your name written ALL OVER IT. Or, actually a spin on the famous Isabelle Colling Dufresne's name, more widely known as Ultra Violet. She was a muse of the American Pop Art culture and one of Andy Warhol's superstars. She even worked closely with Dali. Now, there's a biography worthy reading at the beach! Forget those lame chick-lit books, I'm getting under an umbrella, avoiding the sun at all cost and diving deep with some Lana Del Rey tracks with a book about Ultra Violet. BAM! For those of you who long for the way back when days, here's some music to guide you!
Hypocritically, I do not always enjoy ginger boys. I know, I know, shame and degradation be upon my redheaded self for uttering such words, but hear me out. Sometime ginger boys look and/or act creepy. It's just a fact. Examples: Carrot Top (terrifying creeper to the max, and in my humble opinion not one bit hilarious), Ronald McDonald (probably eats children, which has McDonald has neither denied nor confirmed), and Southpark's Cartman, whose original case of Gingervitus launched the belief that ginger kids have no souls and such other urban legends. If ever there were a ginger boy I adored, it would have to be Ed Sheeran. The only fault I have with him is that he's besties with Taylor Swift, but I won't fault him for his horrible taste in friends. Ed Sheeran is quite possibly one of the sweetest singers in the music industry, and his new album is fraught with emotion and a feisty flare that of course comes naturally to a ginger kid post-breakup. And this is definitely a post-breakup album. Sheeran himself admits the songs served as cathartic healing after his relationship with Ellie Goulding dissolved with rumors of her cheating circling around the two singers.
Tracks like "I See Fire" are simple and have a folk edge that makes it both haunting and heartbreaking at the same time. Other not to be missed tunes are the hits "Sing" and "I'm a Mess." And not to be missed: "Don't" which chronicles the short-lived relationship with Ellie Goulding in the a bluesy, funky style that somehow musically jumps the shark and neither sounds mopey nor bitter. It's quite a fabulous little tune, truth be told. The other thing to love about Ed Sheeran in addition to his writing talent is his gorgeous voice. I could listen to it ALL DAY LONG. Talk about fabulous. If you haven't checked out his latest, you can listen here. And do yourself a favor, kiss a redhead. They're probably not Irish but will pretend to be if that's what it takes.
Let's have a moment of honesty, shall we? I think the Grammys are a little to a lot overrated. It's kind of like someone put together the worlds most affluent, expensive playlist and we all are pretty sure who's going to win before it happens. Some of those songs happen to be soooo awesome, and some of them are sooooo...how shall I put this? Not. Not awesome at all. I don't even know how or why certain songs get nominated, let alone win. But nominated they are, and sometimes even WIN. What?! Ayn Rand would weep over this example of blind acceptance via Collectivism. For those of you who neither know of Ayn Rand or Collectivism, to the Google! Or better yet, to the book!
Some very popular bands that are particularly fabulous were overlooked, and this came as a surprise to everyone, including the bands themselves no doubt. Why, you might ask? I don't know. There is not a magic 8 ball in the world that can answer that perplexing question. But know who was nominated? The World's Most Unpleasant Rapper aka/i.e./e.g. hashtag Kanye West. Seriously. I'm totally over him and the whole Kardashian Klan. GO AWAY. First of all, his songs are racially offensive and ignorant. Reverse discrimination and promoting this concept of racism is stupid. Plus, his lyrics are out of control. "I keep it 300, like the Romans, 300 b****s, where are the Trojans?" The real question, where were you in a history class of any sort? OMG. I can hardly stand it. The Spartans weren't Romans. Um, hello? At very least, did he not ever watch the movie 300????! I know not everyone is a super nerd like me, but come on.
Some of my favorite songs:
1) Get Lucky by Daft Punk (oh Daft Punk, )
2) Around the Block by Pretty Lights, because it is sassy pants ON.
3) I also really like Jack White's "I'm Shakin'" because it's just the right amount of blues dancing up to punk rock. Although, can we talk about the pics he chose for his album? I'm all for the vampire look (what with being the exact same shade as one myself), but I think a dab of bronzer would have done wonders for his look (said the Libra, nevermore).
4) Stay: I'm not really a fan of Rihanna, but I love the song "Stay." Maybe it's because a love songs between my fiance and me, or maybe (probably really) it's because of the fab, simple piano arrangement that totally wins me over.
5) Young & Beautiful ,in which Lana Del Ray hauntingly asks whether or not love can last when youth and looks have faded. The answer, darlings, is if your heart remains youthful and lovely and you've done more to invest in the inward beauty than the outward, than yes...true love can go the distance. Think about it. Here's a gorgeous rendition:
6) Lego House by Ed Sheeran, which was the exact kind of breathy, guitar, mushy sentimentality that I was crazy about when Howie Day was Colliding into all of us.
7) ZEPPELIN> enough said
Want to hear the complete list of nominees and winners? Have it it! Some songs are definitely playlist keepers!
Arcade Fire was one of those bands that any music purist was crazy about before they became, well, Arcade Fire. They were the underground Indie group that everyone loved to love, and it was really no surprise hat they became a huge success in the mainstream world of music. Still, we music snobs like to point out frequently that we stumbled upon their music and adored them with a deep devotion before the rest of the world discovered them, handed them several Grammy awards, and therefore made concert tickets about four times more expensive.
Whenever my favorite off-the-beaten path bands produce a new album post-fame, I always get nervous for them. What if they cave in and sound mainstream? What if they lost their je ne sais quoi quality? What if they start buying $500 grudgy looking tops and skinny jeans to still look hispter but really aren't anymore? I held my breath for Arcade Fire with each album they release. Despite their success, this band refuses to lose their Indie appeal. Following their wildly successful album The Suburbs, the band just recently released their album Refelktor and Her. Good news, kids: the album is quite good. It has a bit more of a 70's flare with a dash of funk than former albums, but it's still the same great vibe that we've come to know know and love. It has a bit more sass as well, which I'm always a fan of as I'm sure any regular readers know. Be sure to check out their latest album. I've included their former albums so you can pull a marathon Arcade Fire music session if that's the way your day needs to play out. Enjoy!
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