Songbird
Jun
21
Another Rose Wilts In East Harlem
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It has been a few years since we heard from Beirut. So when I heard they have a new album coming out I was extremely excited… And from what I hear on the single, East Harlem it is going to be good. The new album, The Rip Tide is set to be released at the end of August.
As unique as Zach Condon’s music is there is something comforting about it, his voice, the delicate yet powerful European Balkan folk music that is mixed with just the right amount of indie-pop to keep it modern. There is a reason why I have all of his albums and I have seen him live and will probably see him again at the next opportunity. He is one of a kind and in a generic world where American Idol popular contest folks are selling more albums than the Grammy winning band Arcade Fire, I tend to cherish bands like Beirut.
East Harlem – Beirut
East Harlem 2011 (Pompeii Records)
Jun
17
All Of This
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There is a lot to look forward to this summer. Weddings, friends have babies, my Mom is retiring from teaching after 35 years, parties and turning 30? I am super excited for the coming months ahead. It is going to be a good summer. I will tell you right now what is going to be at the for front of my summer music list? The Naked and Famous. Their debut album is unbelievable. A fantastic combination of electro-pop rock that just makes you want to dance. It will get you up and dancing no matter what time of day it is or how terrible the day was, you listen to this album and life is a party. And right now in my life I am all about the party.
All Of This (explicit lyrics) – The Naked And Famous
Passive Me, Aggressive You 2011 (Republic)
Previously mentioned here
Jun
13
Last Orange Hours Of The Day
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I think what attracts me most to Okkervil River is their lyrics. “West over water I rambled and paced/And the blood river raced like the sweat down my face/And the stadium roared, and the warriors embraced/And the golden shore groaned beneath the weight of my tastes/And I blazed in the last orange hours of the day/Until the dust hazed and hid us away.” They have always had great lyrics, but I think on this album Will Sheff pushes the envelope of his song writing capabilities. The lyrics are darker, more poetic and he opens himself up to the song writing process allowing himself musical freedom by becoming the producer. Rider is an indie-rock anthem that really stands out on their new album I Am Very Far as well as the opening track The Valley.
I Am Very Far 2011 (Jagjaguwar)
Jun
9
Morning Thought
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I needed to zone out and listen to music tonight, forget about the day and just live right there in the moment with the music. I know I sound a little kumbayaish right now but I am just going to roll with it. I am currently listening to, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., It’s A Corporate World and I highly recommend you listen to it too.
Morning Thought – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
It’s A Corporate World 2011 (Warner Bros.)
Jun
2
Tamer Animals, A Favorite
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Other Lives proves they are here to stay with their new album Tamer Animals. A collection of beautiful, dark, melodic, indie rock songs. I can hear they have grown as a band on this new album, you can hear it immediately with their opening track Dark Horse. They are not afraid to hold back and experiment with new instruments and sounds. They seem more confident in who they are and what kind of music they want to create, the outcome is an amazing album that is fantastic from beginning to end. One of my favorites in 2011 so far.
Tamer Animals 2011 (TBD Records)
May
27
No Windows
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Something dark and mysterious to take us into this long Holiday weekend. I for one cannot wait for 3 glorious days of relaxation and good times. This past week has been quite trying, looking forward to better times ahead.
I have been listening to a lot of new music recently but I have not had a lot of time to put my thoughts on the screen. The Antlers have released Burst Apart, the follow up to their 2009 debut album Hospice. Their new album shows that the band can sit down and push themselves even further. The experimentation with layers of electronic dreamy pop that is dark and emotive. Proving that their debut album was just the very beginning.
Burst Apart 2011 (Frenchkiss Records)
May
10
Everything Is Burning
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Meh. Sums me up right about now. I have very little left in me this evening. Just the music… Always the music.
Everything is Burning is a beautiful singer-songwriter folk song, absolutely what I need this evening. Check out the rest of their new EP, Fathers Be Kind, quiet gorgeous. They create unique indie rock folk songs about family, faith, disbelief and all around life.
Everything is Burning – Ivan & Alyosha
Fathers Be Kind EP 2011
May
4
Rivers And Roads
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It has been pretty quiet around here, I have been writing a paper for the last week of my life. Finally finished it last night then got to class tonight and he assigned the final. Eeeeeeekkkkk. Just 2 more weeks left and then I am free for the summer months at least.
Anyways, on to the music. Currently playing on my headphones The Head and the Heart. The Seattle based band has recently signed with Sub Pop and re-released their self-titled debut album. A collection of singer-songwriter Americana folk songs that will get you up dancing and humming along, I guarantee it. A new band, the passion and fundamental spark is there and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Rivers and Roads – The Head and the Heart
The Head and the Heart 2010/11 (Sub Pop)
Apr
29
All I Want To Give
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Short but sweet tonight. I am currently listening and loving Thao & Mirah, this is their first collaboration and it is filled with a TON of energy. Busy rhythms and fantastic folk-rock harmonies, the two together are an impressive marriage of sounds. Really well done.
Local Los Angelenos, Thao & Mirah will be at the Troubadour this Sunday (5/1/2011)
Thao & Mirah 2011 (Kill Rock Stars)
and you said you knew
how you were gonna take it
that you’d take it all
that you knew my heart was not that small
and how could we ever manage
carts and horses could never carryall I want to give
not give enough
I want to give
not give you loveI chose the strangest little cup
to drink you from and stir you up
and you were beautiful it’s true
and all I ever wanted was
to be good to youand when you see me cry
you ask me, but I think that
you already know why
I’m staring up at the skyand you said you understood
but promises are not that good
in this improper marriage
love and justice found miscarriage
at the only embassy
with an office for… (need remaining lyrics)and when you see me cry
you ask me, but I think that
you already know why
I’m staring up at the sky
Apr
26
The Days Whispered And Shouted
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Through the last few years I have enjoyed bits and pieces of Wye Oak. But on their new album Civilian they really give it their all. A beautiful blend of indie rock and dreamy folk-pop make this album so very, very good. I really am able to enjoy the entire album, which I have never been able to say before. So what has changed? The indie rock is soaring and Jenn Wasner’s vocals are dreamy and soulful. The sound is more developed and it is distinct. This album is a good surprise in 2011 that I wasn’t expecting, I love when that happens.
Civilian 2011 (Merge Records)
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