Apr
19
Simmerdown
By Rachel | Album Picks | 1 Comment
Nostalgia 77 is the jazz and soul infused project of Ben Lamdin. On his new album he has recruited a German jazz-folk singer-songwriter that goes by the name of Josa Peit. Peit has so much soul pouring out of her voice you fall instantly in love with her. The Sleepwalking Society is a perfect blend of jazz, soul, British folk with an underlying bluesy feel,I listened to it throughout the weekend and have really enjoyed it from beginning to end. Thank you to a dear friend for introducing me to this wonderful album, I am in love. xx
Simmerdown – Nostalgia 77 & Josa Peit
The Sleepwalking Society 2011 (Tru Thoughts)
Apr
14
On A Silver Spoon
By Rachel | Album Picks | 2 Comments
Tonight I want to talk about The Kills. I enjoyed their 2008 album Midnight Bloom. Although it wasn’t my favorite album of the year, I enjoyed it. I am attracted to their sexy rocker pop style that oozes out of both Alison Mosshart’s and Jamie Hince’s pores. I have to say they have taken this indie garage rocker style to a whole a new level on their new album Blood Pressures. They combine a little old with a little new on this album and I think it is phenomenal. They went for a deeper sound, Future Starts Slow kicks the record off with a big drum beat and soars into a marvelous indie-rock song that I have on constant repeat. Then Satelitte strolls in with a slower steady beat, gritty guitars and a fantastic chanting vocal. The tracks keep getting better and better. The duo have so much style and confidence, they kick some serious ass. I hope they continue to kick ass together for years to come. xx
Blood Pressures 2011 (Domino)
Tags: Garage Rock, Indie Rock, Music 2011, The Kills
Apr
6
Once I Had A Dream
By Rachel | Album Picks | 4 Comments
For the record I am 4 beers deep and so tired that I may be writing this in my sleep… I may be drunk/sleep blogging… Just kidding. I am really quite tired though.
I recently came across James Vincent McMorrow and his music literally made me stop everything I was doing so that I could find out more about this amazing music that I just heard. This Irish singer-songwriter is a mix of Bon Iver meets Iron & Wine with a bit of Ray LaMontagne mixed in for flavor. McMorrow creates his own unique music, with lyricism and layers of melodies that will grow on you like wild fire. If I would have heard this album in 2010 Early In The Morning would have been a serious contender for my end of the year list. He is real, honest, creative and he has created a stunning debut album.
If I Had a Boat – James Vincent McMorrow
Early In The Morning 2010 (Vagrant Records)
Mar
30
Toe-Tapping Delight
By Rachel | Album Picks | 3 Comments
Currently listening to The Generationals. Their new album Actor-Caster is currently available via their website, Amazon, iTunes and through their label. They are currently on tour playing their upbeat, vibrant indie-rock all across the States. This album is a toe-tapping delight.
Actor-Caster 2011 (Park the Van Records)
Tags: Indie Rock, Music 2011, The GenerationalsMar
27
Fly Me To The Moon
By Rachel | Music Mix Up | Leave a Comment
I have never shared any Frank Sinatra on this blog… Terrible. I also realized I do not listen to him as much as I would like. His music makes me feel good inside. I was in a incredible funk today, just felt ever so blue. I would have hid in bed all day if I would have allowed myself to. Life is hard sometimes, this whole living thing that we have to do on a regular day basis gets quite old. ladyx.ch. But Sinatra’s music inspires me and makes me want to live. So tonight, the one and only blue eyes to cheer me up and hopefully start your week off with a smile.
Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) – Frank Sinatra
Tags: Frank Sinatra, LegendMar
21
Fresh Pair Of Eyes
By Rachel | Album Picks | 4 Comments
The music of my choice this evening is something quiet and somber. I am currently working on finding my peace. Finding that calm even when I am late to class and stuck in traffic. It is daily tests such as these that in the grand scheme mean absolutely nothing, yet these are the same types of situations where I lose my cool the most. This is something I am currently working on. It is a daily struggle and I will fail again before I succeed, but I can’t let that discourage me because I know deep down once I make this change my life will be so much better for it.
This song is stunning, indeed it is one of my favorites. Brooke Waggoner creates beautiful singer-songwriter folk melodies and she shares so much heart and soul in each and everyone of her songs.
Fresh Pair Of Eyes – Brooke Waggoner
Fresh Pair Of Eyes EP 2007 (Swoon Moon Music)
Tags: Brooke Waggoner, Folk, Music 2007, Singer-Mar
14
Trembling Hands
By Rachel | Music Mix Up | 2 Comments
This brought a huge smile to my face after a very long day. Explosions In The Sky has released a new song off their forth coming album, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. The album is set to be released in April and this single has me super excited for the release. So happy to hear new music and see that they are touring. You must catch them live, they put on an unbelievable show.
Trembling Hands (Download) – Explosions In The Sky
Take Care, Take Care, Take Care 2011 (Pre-Order)
Tags: Explosions In the Sky, Music 2011Mar
11
Who Among You Can Resist
By Rachel | Album Picks | Leave a Comment
Sinus infection + Tons of work + Tons of class work = Well earned weekend getaway in Mammoth. I am going to be a ski bunny for 2 days and I can hardly wait.
Currently listening to a ton of new music, thought I would share some new DeVotchKa. Their new album, 100 Lovers is quite wonderful. As usual they infuse so much energy and romance into their music and they create such a unique sound. I am currently obsessing over The Alley, it will definitely be one of my favorites of 2011.
100 Lovers 2011 (Anti)
Tags: Devotchka, Gypsy, Indie Rock, Music 2011
Mar
7
Alexi Murdoch @ The Bootleg Theatre
By Rachel | Show Reviews | 5 Comments
This was the third time I had the privilege of seeing Mr. Alexi Murdoch live in concert. Each time I have seen him I find myself completely and utterly lost in his music, in the quietness of his breath, in each note of his guitar. I feel an overwhelming sense of peace. It is such a treat to catch him live, like seeing a deer drink from a stream. I consider myself lucky as he does not come around often, but when he does it is just as beautiful and magical as the last. Thank you Mr. Murdoch, your music is a true gift to me everyday. Love Rachel xx
His new album, Towards The Sun is finally available for purchase. It has been part of my collection for over a year and I still love it just as much as the first listen. Enjoy!
Towards The Sun – Alexi Murdoch
Towards The Sun 2011 (Zero Summer)
Tags: Acoustic, Alexi Murdoch, Folk, Music 2011, Show Review, Towards The SunMar
2
The Last Living Rose
By Rachel | Album Picks | 5 Comments
In all honesty I am not the biggest PJ Harvey fan… Hopefully Richard from To Die By Your Side won’t disown me as a friend.
I suppose I have never really grasped her music as her fans have, however on her latest album Let England Shake I find myself open and exploring her nuances. Let England Shake is a bittersweet love letter to her homeland written with just the right amount of attitude and style. There is something incredibly sophisticated and unique about this album and I think for the first time people like me are really hearing exactly what makes Polly Jean Harvey so damn special.
The Last Living Rose – PJ Harvey
Let England Shake 2011 (Vagrant Records)
Tags: Experimental Rock, Music 2011, PJ Harvey, Singer-Songwriter