Genre: Alternative hip hop, comedy hip hop
First Listen: Yesterday
Released: August 2012
Found out through: My sister
Listen to this while you: sift through racks at the thrift store
This song has already hit KC101 (our local clear channel radio station; i.e. Z100 for you NYC folk) and I don't even care; this song is effing awesome. My sister was hesitant to show it to me but she said "I found this song you might like....you might not like their other stuff but this song is about thrifting and it's really funny soooo....."
She was so right about this track. Added bonus: I like their other stuff too! "Thrift Shop" has this kinda swanky sax riff for the loop with a nice, easy beat. The lyrics are clever, relatable, and absolutely hilarious if you frequent Goodwill. Wanz singing the chorus is the cherry on top.
First Listen: Childhood, but more recently last year
Listen to this while you: groooove
This song has been on heavy rotation in the studio as I'm working on my sculpture (because really that's where ALL OF MY TIME GOES). It really gets me in the zone and helps me concentrate, believe it or not. I think this song is a stress reliever for me. It's light, fun, and too groovy for it's own good,
So I'm not sure how many of you have ever heard this song; I mean K-pop isn't really big in the US...but there's this awesome new song out called "Gangnam Style!" lolz OK seriously though, if you haven't heard this song you've been living under a rock. A cold, dark, dusty rock. This song is boss and it's been stuck in my head for the past couple of days because it's highly addictive. It's everything I love about K-pop and J-pop! Dare I say the Asians do it better?
Listen to this while you're: dancing in tennis courts. Or treadmill dancing.
This is a sneaky sneaky favorite band of mine. I honestly don't realize just how much I listen to them! They've been a mainstay in my iTunes library since high school; a band me and my friends bond over. We got to see them perform at Toad's Place. (Click here for my first concert review/blog post ever. complete with grainy cell phone pictures) I got to see them again and do a meet n' greet at Bamboozle. A really cool, genuine group of guys. What I especially loved about meeting them is their sarcastic humor that's scattered about their lyrics was prevalent in their casual banter.
Speaking of lyrics, I'm pretty sure that's why I love this band so much. Filled with metaphors and euphemisms, their eloquence is sure to impress. Their sound on this album is also pretty upbeat (even when their lyrics aren't). I also have to note that every now and then I take style ques from these gents. They do not fear patterns, to say the least.
Found out through: Surfing Youtube, then watching their show
Listen to this while you're: Contemplating the world's troubles
I have a crush on these New Zealand gents. Funny, witty, good tunes, and they have an accent! *swoon* I had a hard time whether to review the whole album or just one track. I sided with reviewing this particular track because the message of the song is always on my brain and it's also my favorite.
This track questions what, what is wrong with the world today? It's pretty funny and light, but at the same time it's got a ring of truth to it, like most of their songs. For example, one of the lyrics in this song:
They're turning kids into slaves just to make cheaper sneakers. But what's the real cost? 'Cause the sneakers don't seem that much cheaper. Why are we still paying so much for sneakers when you got them made by little slave kids? What are your overheads?
This is one of those cases where I'm totally infatuated with the original, but the remix.....mmph. It's not fair to compare the two because they're two different vibes. The remix gets me pumped, the original mellows me out. Justice has a signature raunchy bass that I absolutely adore. I wish I could say more about it but....I have a hard a hard time describing how much I enjoy this song. So you'll just have to listen!
When I find a band that I really like, like, reeeeaally like, they are all I can think about for a good while. Right now, Alabama Shakes is that band. I got so excited when I heard them on Karen's blog that I immediately had to find out more and eventually purchase the album. Boys & Girls is their debut album. I almost wish it wasn't because that means I have to wait for another album and there isn't a mass discography for me to fall back on to fill my fix. I had the same issue last year with Sleigh Bells...I'm so greedy!
Alabama Shakes is an awesome blend of grit, Motown, and passion; kinda like if you were to cross Kings of Leon with James Brown and Marvin Gaye. I love the bluesy riffs in songs like "Heartbreaker" and "You Ain't Alone" and the funk on tracks like "I Found You" and "Rise to the Sun." The whole album is a seriously great mix. The band has already made their rounds on the late night talk shows, so their's plenty of opportunities to see lead singer Brittany Howard's magnetic stage presence. I have to say I LOVE that the frontman of the band is a woman and the band isn't your typical bunch of dudes. It's just so refreshing.
TTFN!<3
-Avé
P.S. OF COURSE they're playing at Terminal 5 in NYC and the tickets are sold out. I have yet to go to that venue but everyone I want to see plays there and I always find out a little too late. ~le sigh~
I leave NPR on in my car all the time. When they play music, it tends to be pretty rare, but pretty awesome. I was so stoked to hear Regina Spektor and I had no idea she has a new album out! "All the Rowboats" is from What We Saw From the Cheap Seats. I haven't gotten the chance to hear the whole album yet, but this song captivated me.
"All the Rowboats" is layered with driving riffs, dark undertones, and imagery in abundance. Her classical training definitely shines but what I love is the percussive noises she makes with her mouth throughout the track. You can tell she has evolved as an artist since Begin to Hope. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album!
Genre: Alternative, neo-psychedelia, lo-fi, indie rock
Favorite track: "Southern Point"
First listen: April 2010
Released: May 2009
Found out through: Last.fm recommendations
Listen to this while you're: dreaming
Funny story about Grizzly Bear. In 2008, Zack a couple of his friends and I went to see Radiohead. The venue was about two or three hours away. We were about two thirds of the way there when we realized we left the tickets at home. We make a very panicked u-turn and called his aunt to see if she could look up any way to get in without the tickets or have her meet us half way or ANYTHING really. We thought we were screwed. She called us back and said to show the card used to purchase the tickets at the booth and they'll print us new ones. Wiping the sweat off our brow, we make another u-turn and make it to our seats just in time to hear Radiohead open with "Reckoner." We missed the opening band but we didn't care! We didn't miss anything Radiohead did.
Almost two years later I stumble Upon Grizzly Bear. I'm really diggin' Veckatimest--like on repeat pretty heavy--and I mention it to Zack.
"Oh yeah, they were the opening band we missed when we went to see Radiohead,"says fiancé ever so nonchalantly.
I cried on the inside. All I could think is IF ONLY.... *Le sigh*
Found out through: NYLON Mag free playlist download
Listen to this while you're: at the beach.... :)
"King of the Beach" from Wavves' album King of the Beach certainly sounds like it belongs on the beach. With hints of The Beach Boys, this track is fun, energetic, and has a dgaf attitude...kinda like the cat/dog/animal thing on the cover. I don't know any other songs by Wavves, since this song was one of twenty four freebies offered by NYLON magazine. I'm always on the look out for free music (legally!!)
I picked this song for today because...you guessed it! I'm going to the beach today!
OK SOOO You all already know I love Radiohead right? Well what better way to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics on my blog than by talking about my favorite UK Band?! I toyed with the idea for a while and talking about an entire radiohead album seemed like an overwhelmingly daunting task, so I'm going with one song, picked solely for the title, "The National Anthem."
Everyone, Everyone around here, Everyone is so near, It's holdin' on
That's the gist of the lyrics in the song, which were randomly picked out of a hat (all the lyrics for the songs on Kid A were done that way). So I don't think there's any meaning behind it, although there can be especially when talking about the olympics amirite??? This is just a badass song, with the most addictive bass line I know. It's the type of song that gets me pumped. For what? No idea. The entire song is one big crescendo with a climax of several horn solos going on all at once, then brought together at the end. Of course my favorite of the horns that I can pick out is the bari sax. IT'S JUST SO GOOD. The space noises in the beginning and media clips at the end really point out the direction radiohead was going at the time; prior to Kid A was OK Computer and The Bends and I suppose I'll mention Pablo Honey--not too much of that electronic stuffon those albums.
I'll admit, this track isn't for everyone. My sister thinks it's too weird and creepy to listen to. I'm alright with that.
A-1's After School SpecialIS my childhood. The mix tape opens with him telling his mom how "sick" he is and she lets him stay home; of course what he really wanted was hours of quality channel flicking. The album takes you through the 90's as he samples some of the most popular shows (and commercials) of the time. Literally every track got me buggin' out over the awesomeness that was 90's television. Not only does he sample All that, Pokemon, Power Rangers, The Price is Right, and Golden Girls, his rhymes are sick. The Needle Drop calls it a nostalgic mind fffff....and he's basically right.
My favorite track on this mix tape is "All That!" because I relate to it so much. It's basically about growing up and appreciating your childhood while you're in it, because adulthood isn't what you expect when you're a kid. Although, my favorite lyric comes from "Charizard"
~ Still tryin' to fit all of my dreams in a pokéball ~
TTFN!<3
P.S. A-1 might still have this mix tape up for free download :)
Found out through: his music video for "Sitting Waiting Wishing" on vh1
Listen to this while you're: Relaxing.
OK. Lets be honest. What female can resist Johnson's melodies? His music is relaxing, catchy, and ukulele's scattered about. This surfing Hawaiian native certainly brings the island vibes. Almost any one of his songs can instantly transport me back to that band trip I went on to Hawaii, because that was as relaxing as his music is for me (side note: I need to go back there one day. Maybe for the honeymoon? ;))
I listen to an obnoxious amount of Jack Johnson. The funny thing is, I would have never noticed I listen to him as much as I do if it weren't for my Last.fm. I never know how it happens, really, but After RHCP and Radiohead, he's in 3rd! And I can't just talk about one album or one song here, since every album of his that I own sounds pretty similar, and put me in the same sorta moods...which is fine by me of course :)
Found out through: flicking channels, She did mtv's Unplugged
Listen to this when you're: enjoying a rainy day
Lykke Li's sound is exotic and mysterious, yet soulful. It's almost like she's lurring you into her world, the beat of the drums driving you further and further in. It's hard to pinpoint the vibe of this album because each track evokes it's own emotion. For example, "Get Some" awakens an inner vixen, while "I Know Places"is a small tear drop rolling on the side of her cheek. This Swedish artist is truly a musician who is dedicated to her work.
Listen to this when you're: driving along the beach at night
I found it fitting since Independence Day is tomorrow that I pick something American...I mean it was this or an album by All-American Rejects.... Niether of which are exactly patriotic but America's in the name so...ANYWAYS....
This brings me way back to when I was in my rebellious teens; I listened to nothing but music of the punk persuasion. My musical taste has definitely broaden since then but certain bands still hold a special place in my library. This is certainly one of them! I would (and still) blast tracks like "Sweetness," "A Praise Chorus," and especially "The Middle." I love the message of "The Middle" because it's pretty much my outlook on life. It just takes some time, little girl, you're in the middle of the ride. Everything everything will be just fine, everything everything will be alright alright...
Listen to this while: Driving in the morning to start your day ^_^
Lately I've been getting into pop music from the other side of the world. I had no idea where to start originally, until I found out my friend knew a couple of groups in the KPop and JPop scene. I asked her to make me a mix tape and she made me two!
This. Is. My. JAYUM. I have dubbed this my official driving song. It's incredibly perky and full of sunshine--I mean come on, it's in the name. I may not understand what they're saying but you can bet I can understand their message. After looking this song up for more information other than it's super uplifting, I found out that this song was specifically written to lift the spirits of Japan after the earthquake. I think it's safe to say mission accomplished with this one.
here's a live version followed by the (shortened) music video:
Listen to this when you're: hosting a dinner party
Back in high school I was in the bassist in the jazz band. I didn't really listen to jazz on my own until Zack introduced me to this album. It's light, fun, and the solos are tight; not to mention the vocals of Flora Purim. This album is always one to put me in a good mood. I got the chance to see a Return to Forever reunion concert and they are still as amazing as ever. If you've never listened to jazz, this just might get you hooked.
Listen to this when you're: Getting lost in your artwork.
This is the sort of album that you listen from start to finish. Each track flows so well into the next that it's easy to lose track of time. I absolutely love all the exotic and funky sounds they incorporate with their music. FUN FACT: I used to play the bass clarinet, so when I heard it on tracks like "Kaili"I was so excited! I found this album to be pretty upbeat and motivating. I listen to this album while crocheting and it was pretty easy to get into the groove. They were pretty good live, but I'll get to that when I talk about the concert from last week.
This is the first time I've listened to Swim, and it's just the sort of thing I've been looking for. I want more!
Listen to this when you're: Relaxing on the beach.
Summer is almost here! You'll want to have this album for the season. The combination of the voices of these three lovely gents is something I just cannot resist. They have that rugged, slight rasp in their voices that girls (or at least I do) fall for in a heart beat. I have a soft spot for harmonies and they go hard. In addition to singing, they play harmonica, bongos, guitars, and a bunch of other instruments.
I chose the live version over the studio because you can feel their love for performing. Some bands are meant for the studio, and some are just better on stage. I'm so excited to see that they're coming out with a new album and a tour (you can bet I'll be at the NY and/or MA show!) Their sound is funk, reggae, jam rock. It's just so much fun.
Genre: Electropop Released: October 2011 First Listen: December 2011 Favorite Track: Limbo Found Out Through: Free music video download via iTunes Listen to this when you're: Cleaning
Kimbra is a breath of fresh air. Unique, alluring, and talented. I'm a sucker for harmonies and her tracks are riddled with them. You can hear influences from jazz, R&B and even some indie. Some tracks like "Settle Down" and "Limbo" I just can't help but to groove to.
Every now and then I go through iTunes free downloads and download whatever they have to offer. I mean come on, it's free! Kimbra was by far the best free download I've gotten so far. I immediately purchased the EP, craving more. She's New Zealand born and raised; her album Vows is the first to hit the US; comes out today, I'm pretty sure!
*note: Tune in Tuesdays is a new segment for me to gush about the music I love. and I love ALOT of music. hope you enjoy!*
