Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Rediscover: Talking Heads

For a while I was listening to Talking Heads every Friday afternoon while I worked. It always made the day better. Since I left that job I haven't listened to them as much and it kind of makes me sad. So let me introduce you to the brilliance of Talking Heads and David Byrne.
Learn more about Talking Heads here.


Monday, December 29, 2014

Discover: Beaty Heart

I just came across Beaty Heart the other day. Pretty interesting tropical-influenced pop (trop-pop?) going on here. Hey, anyone that works a kalimba into their music is going to get my attention.
Learn more about Beaty Heart here.


Friday, December 26, 2014

Five For Friday: Winter

Congratulations! You've successfully made it to the first weekend of Winter. Let this week's playlist help you settle in to Winter. Make your favorite warm beverage, sit a little closer to the fireplace (if you have one) and make the best of the long, dark nights. Have a great weekend!


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Rediscover: System Of A Down

Oh man... It's been forever since I've listened to these guys. When I first heard them, I couldn't stand the lead singer's voice, but over time it grew on me.
Learn more about System Of A Down here.


Monday, December 22, 2014

Discover: Young Wonder

Sometimes you just need some Irish electronic pop music to make your day go better. Luck for you, Young Wonder fits that bill perfectly and is here to save the day!
Learn more about Young Wonder here.


Friday, December 19, 2014

Five For Friday: If I Were A Jellyfish

If I were a jellyfish, I'm pretty sure I would listen to these songs as I floated along in the magical ocean.


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Rediscover: The Rosebuds

I came across The Rosebuds when I was shopping Media Play's "Going Out Of Business" sale so it's safe to say that that was a long time ago... I came across their album "Birds Make Good Neighbors" and bought it because of the album artwork. I had no idea who they were at the time, but I'm glad I picked it up. It's still a rather enjoyable album that I don't listen to often enough.
Learn more about The Rosebuds here.


Monday, December 15, 2014

Discover: Phoria

If I were to have a soundtrack for floating along freely, deep within the (preferably warm) saltwater like a jellyfish, Phoria would definitely be on that list.
Learn more about Phoria here.


Friday, December 12, 2014

Five For Friday: 24HR Records

I've always been fascinated by working within constraints. That's one reason I enjoy poetry. There are set rules and you have to create something compelling from the limited supply of words/stanzas etc., but within those same constraints you are free to do absolutely anything you want. It makes you think about what you're saying and how to say it differently and compellingly. You often find yourself making connections you never would have if you had no rules to adhere to. 24HR Records is based on similar, very tight constraints.
Within a 24 hour period, they bring together artists that have never worked together, put them in a studio and have them create a three song album. The results are pretty fantastic (though I think they rely a little too much on reverb-heavy vocals)! Do yourself a favor and check out their website after you listen to this week's playlist.
Have a great weekend!


Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Rediscover: John Lennon

This is probably one of my favorite John Lennon songs. I don't know why, but the slap delay on his vocals is perfectly delicious. Is that weird? Maybe... But after I say "Yoko Ono", nothing else is weird.
Learn more about John Lennon here.


Monday, December 8, 2014

Discover: Kofelgschroa

Don't ask how I came across these guys because I don't remember. That's the magic of stumbling around the internet. Secondly, don't ask me how to pronounce their name. I have no idea. Thirdly, don't ask me what they're saying. I have no idea. I don't speak German. Even though I don't know any of those things, I do know that I find foreign music very intriguing (and horns and accordions are pretty awesome).
Learn more about Kofelgschroa here (I just hope you can read German).


Friday, December 5, 2014

Five For Friday: "Life Is Pain, Highness."

"Anyone who says differently is selling something."
Life isn't always smooth sailing, but that doesn't mean that it isn't good. You find out who you are when you're abruptly reconnected with the earth; when it scrapes your hands and knees... when you bleed. These songs are for those times. Not songs of despair, but of hope in the hard places.
Embrace life. Celebrate that you have survived the fall. Pick yourself up and have a good weekend.


Monday, December 1, 2014

Discover: Roger Sellers

My first encounter with Roger Sellers was a video of him with a banjo, and between his nose and his upper lip sat a little mustache... I will go ahead and say that if you're a young guy with a mustache and I don't know you, I'm going to instantly judge your musical credibility (you can blame the hipsters for that). Yet as I continued to watch and listen, I was pleasantly surprised. Depending on when you catch him, he may be a one-man band armed with loops and keyboards and computers and such, or you may find him simply playing a piano... or, as stated before, playing a banjo with a full band. I'm not quite sure who Roger Sellers is yet, but I'm looking forward to discovering his music.
Learn more about Roger Sellers here.