1. Los Campesinos! - By Your Hand
- I just wanna shout the chorus at the top of my lungs. I am so glad Los Campesinos are back. I know alot of their songs sound similar, but I must dig their sound cause I can't get enough of it.
Remember what your heart is for...
2. Foster the People - Call It What You Want
- Obviously not the best track off their album, but catchy enough.
3. Dirty Vegas - Never Enough
- The last time I heard this band I was wishing the radio station would please stop playing their hit, "Days Go By" But, this is a nice change and is quite catchy.
4. The Cinema - Satellites
- I think I want this guy's voice. Shameless, catchy pop. Don't hate.
5. Rabbit! - Pink Lemonade
- Oh so innocent. Maybe I'll teach it to my elementary students.
6. Twin Falls - Janie, I Will Only Let You Down.
- Depressing title, depressing song. But it sounds so nice.
7. Radical Face - Always Gold
- I love the harmonies and the way the song rises and falls. It is orchestrated very well.
8. Fun. - We Are Young (ft. Janelle Monae)
- That's right kids. I had it back in October. My students were asking me if I had ever heard of Fun. this past week. Kids, I own their first album. I knew them when they were still The Format and not touring with Panic at the Disco. It is my professional opinion that every song on the first album is better than this song. But, I will acknowledge the mainstream appeal of this song. I'm really glad they are getting the recognition they deserve. Tommie called it. So, let's set the world on fire. Oh, and check out this really weird video for it.
P.S. When did Glee become the new radio? Dear Kids, find music the old fashioned way.
9. Maia Hirasawa - It Doesn't Stop
- I love her sloppy voice and the cheekiness of this song.
10. The Rifles - Tangled Up In Love
- Wow, there's a lot of cheesy pop songs on this album... Hmm...
11. Mausi - sol.
- Ahhh. Hear we go. Some R&B, some exotic chords, and a great opportunity to get off your butt and dance.
12. Florence and The Machine - Shake It Out
- My dad persists and calling her, "Florence Plus the Machine." I find it hilarious. Another chance for her to show off her powerful lungs.
13. The Kooks - Carried Away
- The Kooks are usually hit or miss for me. This one sinks my battleship.
14. Boots Electric - Complexity
- I believe these guys. They sell this song so well.
15. Teenburger - Wake Up (feat. Jorun Bombay)
- Set this as your alarm song. Do it. Now. Such great rhymes!
16. 41st and Home - Wilderness Eyes
- Sing along with the chorus. You know you want to. Just pick a note and go. Mmmm.
17. Southerly - Without a Cause
- I am an optismist, I too shall conquer this. I am a dreamer still, I truly believe this.
18. Elizaveta - Dreamer
- This song sounds like it should be in a musical. I'd put it in my soundtrack.
19. The Moth & The Mirror - Fire
- She's got a nice voice and the music just speaks for itself. Interesting sounds, good syncopated rhythms, and perfectly timed harmonies.
20. Orca Orca - Change of Pace
- Say the band name 10 times fast. The sound is so nice. It reminds me of Jagged Gorgeous Winter by The Main Drag.
21. Heavenly Beat - Desire
- A nice way to unwind at the end of a pop-heavy disc. Just relax, man.
22. Hip Hatchet - Sun Can't Walk
- A simple voice, a sad story, and an unnatural melody structure. A lovely way to end.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
September 2011
1. 41st & Home - Gorbachev
- The way it builds makes it a perfect opener. Then you get trumpets, harmonies, and wonderful Cold War references. I truly appreciate a well-written song.
2. Ximena Sarinana - Different
- First sent to me by the lovely Tommie A., I love how careless her voice sounds and how quirky the music video is. Check it out! I think this established Latin star could crossover easily if she keeps this up.
3. St. Vincent - Cruel
- A weird little intro, but all doubts fall as St. Vincent belts the chorus. I'm also in love with all the odd sounds throughout it.
4. Oy Vey - Idiot
- When I have access to a recording studio, I want this fuzzy sound. Catchy and together well.
5. TV Girl - Lizzy Come Back to Life
- I told you, I LOVE the fuzz. This one also gets on for the ultra-catchy samples and the first song in recent memory to utilize vibraphone. You've also gotta give props for the name-dropping of the punk innovators.
6. Locksley - The Whip
- You probably heard this one on a commercial for NFL Play 60 or maybe for American Family Insurance. Either way, it's a glorious, top-of-your lungs type of song.
7. Sleeper Agent - Get it Daddy
- Rolling Stone and now SXSW are gaga for this band. I wish the guy would sing less and let the girl go. Apparently she's 17 and can rock the mic like a vandal.
8. Icona Pop - Manners
- Token Dance Track.
9. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Yellow Missing Signs
- They've gone electronic with their new album. Still, the nice harmonies, ambiguous lyrics, and catchy hooks persist. Still one of my favorite bands no one's ever heard of.
On a side note, it turns out my favorite song by them is also Tommie's favorite song by them. How'd she ever hear of them without me, I may never know...
10. Young the Giant - Cough Syrup
- Last summer I lost my mind over Young the Giant's My Body. This song is a beautiful driving and melancholy ballad.
11. The Weather Station - Everything I Saw
- Oh give me a banjo and a sweet voice and let me die happy.
12. Milo Greene - 1957
Your house that sits behind me is covered in ivy green. The windows that we watch from are old and chipping at the beam. And it takes me away.
I'll go I'll go I'll go I...
13. Collections of Colonies of Bees - Lawn
- Odd name, unknown song title...but super catchy post-rock. Deliciousness in my ears.
14. Parachute Musical - Reflection
- Maybe this one brings me back. Clean-cut pop has it's place, people.
15. NewVillager - Lighthouse
- Keep it up. Don't Stop. Don't Lose Your Place.
I. LOVE. This. And the music video is equal parts ballet and Fifth Element.
16. The 2 Bears - Church
- If anyone knows what this intro is from, please let me know. A nice Caribbean vibe and such excellent lyrics.
17. CSS - Red Alert
- A nice, sexy groove.
18. Moustache Of Insanity - We Need More Awesome
- Predator went STRAIGHT to the top of my Netflix list after hearing this song. And it was AWESOME. This song makes me laugh so hard.
19. Bon Iver - Holocene
- I just want to sink into this song and have it surround me. I love bragging that he's from Wisconsin. The music video is so luscious and made me begin to start looking up plane tickets to Iceland. "And at once I knew I was not magnificent."
20. Feist - How Come You Never Go There
- This song sounds exactly like it came from what critics are calling Feist's break-up album. Bluesy and full of power.
21. Lana Del Rey - Video Games
- I missed the controversy surrounding her. Is it just that she doesn't perform well live? That's half of the pop-world. I think this song is sad and beautiful. It's cynical and satirical and probably a good commentary and the American family. Maybe I give it too much credit. But I think it's nice.
- The way it builds makes it a perfect opener. Then you get trumpets, harmonies, and wonderful Cold War references. I truly appreciate a well-written song.
2. Ximena Sarinana - Different
- First sent to me by the lovely Tommie A., I love how careless her voice sounds and how quirky the music video is. Check it out! I think this established Latin star could crossover easily if she keeps this up.
3. St. Vincent - Cruel
- A weird little intro, but all doubts fall as St. Vincent belts the chorus. I'm also in love with all the odd sounds throughout it.
4. Oy Vey - Idiot
- When I have access to a recording studio, I want this fuzzy sound. Catchy and together well.
5. TV Girl - Lizzy Come Back to Life
- I told you, I LOVE the fuzz. This one also gets on for the ultra-catchy samples and the first song in recent memory to utilize vibraphone. You've also gotta give props for the name-dropping of the punk innovators.
6. Locksley - The Whip
- You probably heard this one on a commercial for NFL Play 60 or maybe for American Family Insurance. Either way, it's a glorious, top-of-your lungs type of song.
7. Sleeper Agent - Get it Daddy
- Rolling Stone and now SXSW are gaga for this band. I wish the guy would sing less and let the girl go. Apparently she's 17 and can rock the mic like a vandal.
8. Icona Pop - Manners
- Token Dance Track.
9. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Yellow Missing Signs
- They've gone electronic with their new album. Still, the nice harmonies, ambiguous lyrics, and catchy hooks persist. Still one of my favorite bands no one's ever heard of.
On a side note, it turns out my favorite song by them is also Tommie's favorite song by them. How'd she ever hear of them without me, I may never know...
10. Young the Giant - Cough Syrup
- Last summer I lost my mind over Young the Giant's My Body. This song is a beautiful driving and melancholy ballad.
11. The Weather Station - Everything I Saw
- Oh give me a banjo and a sweet voice and let me die happy.
12. Milo Greene - 1957
Your house that sits behind me is covered in ivy green. The windows that we watch from are old and chipping at the beam. And it takes me away.
I'll go I'll go I'll go I...
13. Collections of Colonies of Bees - Lawn
- Odd name, unknown song title...but super catchy post-rock. Deliciousness in my ears.
14. Parachute Musical - Reflection
- Maybe this one brings me back. Clean-cut pop has it's place, people.
15. NewVillager - Lighthouse
- Keep it up. Don't Stop. Don't Lose Your Place.
I. LOVE. This. And the music video is equal parts ballet and Fifth Element.
16. The 2 Bears - Church
- If anyone knows what this intro is from, please let me know. A nice Caribbean vibe and such excellent lyrics.
17. CSS - Red Alert
- A nice, sexy groove.
18. Moustache Of Insanity - We Need More Awesome
- Predator went STRAIGHT to the top of my Netflix list after hearing this song. And it was AWESOME. This song makes me laugh so hard.
19. Bon Iver - Holocene
- I just want to sink into this song and have it surround me. I love bragging that he's from Wisconsin. The music video is so luscious and made me begin to start looking up plane tickets to Iceland. "And at once I knew I was not magnificent."
20. Feist - How Come You Never Go There
- This song sounds exactly like it came from what critics are calling Feist's break-up album. Bluesy and full of power.
21. Lana Del Rey - Video Games
- I missed the controversy surrounding her. Is it just that she doesn't perform well live? That's half of the pop-world. I think this song is sad and beautiful. It's cynical and satirical and probably a good commentary and the American family. Maybe I give it too much credit. But I think it's nice.
The Times They Are A-Changing
Lots have been happening in the AK lately. I'd really like to share it all with all of you and post more (you know, in case people out there read it...), but putting in 10-14 hours at school some nights makes that hard.
Tomorrow I have a concert at Kenny Lake.
In 2 weeks my plays open for a 3-night run.
3 days later I have a concert at Glennallen.
The next afternoon we leave for a 5-day trip to the Region II Music Festival which includes a concert at Houston High School on the way, solo/ensemble for about 40 acts, and way too much constant time with kids.
2 weeks later is State Solo/Ensemble
Graduations follow shortly after.
And then I'm done.
My goal is to put in the hours now (and since February really) so everything goes much smoother and better than last year. I think it's working. I feel less stressed at least...
However, now I have to search for a job.
You see, my district is $334,000 in the hole for next year and something needs to happen. That something is the elimination of my position. Please note that as of this posting, none of that is for certain. The official meeting is next Tuesday and there are alot of maybes. The State may give schools more money in June and they'd be able to keep the position. However, I can't be sitting here in my lovely shack waiting to see if they'll have a music teacher opening, no matter how beautiful the mountains and rivers are.
So, I'm applying all over again. The trick is that I know much more about what I like and what I need after teaching for 2 years. I'm focusing my efforts into the Pacific NW, Colorado, the pretty sides of Montana and Wyoming, and Wisconsin and Michigan. I might be willing to think East Coast if it were the right job.
The other wrench is that I love this girl who is going to England for a year starting in September. Ah, love...you cruel temptress...
In any case, a Winter's worth of CDs are sitting on my floor right now waiting to be wrapped and mailed (which will happen next week cause we get paid Friday). March is in the whittling down stage and I am feeling good. I absolutely love making music for all of you.
In personal music news, I have grand aspirations of fixing some old songs and finishing some leftover FAWM ideas and including a homemade EP in a summer mailing.
I'm also looking for a musical partner to renew the Cover Challenge with (Nick and Tim, the offer is still on the table). If you are interested, please let me know ASAP. I have also come up with the entirely metaphysical idea of starting a Cover of Covers Challenge.
So, tonight I'm going to crank out playlists for the CDs I've finished while I do some laundry. Enjoy!
Tomorrow I have a concert at Kenny Lake.
In 2 weeks my plays open for a 3-night run.
3 days later I have a concert at Glennallen.
The next afternoon we leave for a 5-day trip to the Region II Music Festival which includes a concert at Houston High School on the way, solo/ensemble for about 40 acts, and way too much constant time with kids.
2 weeks later is State Solo/Ensemble
Graduations follow shortly after.
And then I'm done.
My goal is to put in the hours now (and since February really) so everything goes much smoother and better than last year. I think it's working. I feel less stressed at least...
However, now I have to search for a job.
You see, my district is $334,000 in the hole for next year and something needs to happen. That something is the elimination of my position. Please note that as of this posting, none of that is for certain. The official meeting is next Tuesday and there are alot of maybes. The State may give schools more money in June and they'd be able to keep the position. However, I can't be sitting here in my lovely shack waiting to see if they'll have a music teacher opening, no matter how beautiful the mountains and rivers are.
So, I'm applying all over again. The trick is that I know much more about what I like and what I need after teaching for 2 years. I'm focusing my efforts into the Pacific NW, Colorado, the pretty sides of Montana and Wyoming, and Wisconsin and Michigan. I might be willing to think East Coast if it were the right job.
The other wrench is that I love this girl who is going to England for a year starting in September. Ah, love...you cruel temptress...
In any case, a Winter's worth of CDs are sitting on my floor right now waiting to be wrapped and mailed (which will happen next week cause we get paid Friday). March is in the whittling down stage and I am feeling good. I absolutely love making music for all of you.
In personal music news, I have grand aspirations of fixing some old songs and finishing some leftover FAWM ideas and including a homemade EP in a summer mailing.
I'm also looking for a musical partner to renew the Cover Challenge with (Nick and Tim, the offer is still on the table). If you are interested, please let me know ASAP. I have also come up with the entirely metaphysical idea of starting a Cover of Covers Challenge.
So, tonight I'm going to crank out playlists for the CDs I've finished while I do some laundry. Enjoy!
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