Apr

13

5 Things You Probably Don’t Know

By Rachel | Album Picks | 7 Comments 

I am in a bit of a sharing mood and thought I need to open up a little more… The truth is once I gave up my anonymity I have felt a lot more restricted on the personal side of things. So I decided while listening to Dr. Dog’s new album that I am going to open up and tear down a bit of the wall I tend to keep up. Before that, just a quick mention of the new album from the wonderfully retro band Dr. Dog. Shame, Shame is pretty much awesome from beginning to end. A new producer and label has perhaps helped to refine their music, but at the same time still keeping the unique sound that is Dr. Dog. I am loving it. Now, five things you probably don’t know about me:

1. I have a hard time watching violence, even a gun shot can make my body squirm. Although I do see movies with violence, unnecessary violence like horror films… no way!

2. Only recently am I able to swallow 2 vitamins/pills at a time, I used to have to take them one at a time and I still only take them 2 at a time, too chicken to try 3.

3. I am a recovering addict. I am sure you all are racking your brains on what the addiction was but it is not really about what it was but more about what I have overcome, and that it is possible.

4.  I brake for all animals… Even insects. Truth be told I have actually stepped on the brakes for a butterfly.

5. Keeping with the same theme as #4… I try to put spiders outside rather then killing them. They are just lost.

mp3:  Someday

Shame, Shame 2010 (ANTI)

Available at eMusic

Tags: , ,

Apr

8

An Oldie But A Goodie

By Rachel | Album Picks | 4 Comments 

Mazzy Star seems to just put me at ease… When I listen to Hope Sandoval’s slow soothing vocals along with the dreamy pop melodies, I go straight into chill mode. A place I love being,  especially when I get home after a long stressful day of work. Seem to come back to this album time after time… It is quite simply gorgeous.

mp3:  Into Dust

So Tonight That I May See 1993 (Capitol)

p.s. I completely recognize this atmospheric melody dream pop kick I have been as of late, I think it proves I am ready for another vacation.

Tags: , , ,

Apr

6

My Have We Grown

By Rachel | Album Picks | 3 Comments 

I have found some joy in the Morning Benders new album, Big Echo… I couldn’t wait to share this album release. It actually was released a few weeks back, but was not available digitally until today. Love it. The last time I posted about the Morning Benders I threw them into a little 2007 mix and here we are again almost 3 years later to the date… Coincidence? Maybe… This new album is so much more atmospheric then they were back then in 2007 and oh how it suits them so very well. They have grown so much in the last 3 years and so have I. It’s interesting to look back on it now…

mp3:  Wet Cement

The Big Echo 2010 (Rough Trade)

Available at eMusic

Tags: ,

Mar

31

Exit Stage Left

By Rachel | Music Mix Up | 5 Comments 

Wow. I just feel really stressed… No one likes feeling like they just got the shit kicked out of them, that is how I feel when I am stressed, like someone beat me up and took everything I had. Rachie no likey… So whenever I am feeling a bit blue I turn to my favorite friends, Radiohead. Their music has gotten me through some dark times… Nothing like coming home, sitting back and putting the headphones on. Tune out all the chaos around you at least for a moment, nothing but that glorious Radiohead sound. So tonight I did just that.

mp3:  Exit Music (For A Film)

OK Computer 1997 (Capitol)

Tags: , ,

Mar

28

Relaxing Sunday

By Rachel | Album Picks | 2 Comments 

But it’s hot and I think we all know how I feel about hot weather. I am keeping cool listening to Emy Reynolds an LA based singer-songwriter who was most recently heard on Grey’s Anatomy a few weeks back. Very nice because she is not so easy to find especially if you are like me and rebel against the iTunes Store. Stupid m4a files, nobody likes you!

Anyways I hope everyone is having a lovely Sunday and hope this delightful music helps to brighten your day as it has mine.

Short but sweet sums up this post and this lovely little EP.  Enjoy!

mp3:  Tonight

Ode to the Stubborn 2009

Tags: ,

Mar

23

Just Hit Play

By Rachel | Album Picks | 2 Comments 

Short post tonight as I just want to relax with a glass of wine and some delicious Brie cheese, I came home and hit play and smiled. Jason Collett’s new album is growing on me more and more each day. Sit back with me and enjoy some wine, cheese and good tunes? Yes please!

mp3: Rave On Sad Songs

Rat A Tat Tat 2010 (Arts & Crafts)

Available at eMusic

Tags: , , , ,

Mar

18

Beautiful Diamonds On A Unlikely Album

By Rachel | Music Mix Up | 8 Comments 

Yeah… So I am not a Twilight fan, I haven’t read any of the books nor will I ever see any of the movies. Just not my thing… However, the Soundtrack is quite brilliant, like finding gold. It was not on my year end list as I have never really considered any past years Soundtracks to make the cut (although it might be a nice extension to next years year end lists). Anyways this album is jam packed with some indie heavy hitters (I sound like a sports caster). Lykke Li, Anya Marina, The Killers, Grizzly Bear, Thom Yorke, Bon Iver and I can go on and on. I don’t even know where to start to be honest, there are so many wonderful tracks but considering it was Lykke Li’s Birthday today why don’t we start there. This song will haunt you in only the best way.

Weather Update: On my way home from work I saw a dense marine layer begin to roll in with all of it’s glory and I smiled. Cold and crisp is just the way I like my weather.

mp3:  Possibility

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack 2009 (Chop Shop)

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Mar

16

So Very Tired

By Rachel | Album Picks | Leave a Comment 

I am so tired and  this is partly due to the fact that it was 82 degrees here in Southern California today and according to the weather people it will be like this for the rest of the week! What ticks me off the most is when the weather people get all chipper about it, “It’s a BEAUTIFUL day!” “SHUT UP!”. It is not beautiful in fact it is disgusting and smoggy and my nose hurts, eyes burn and I am sweating in March… This is not my definition of beautiful by any means… Sigh.

Sorry about that rant there… Someone had to say it. Anyways… What is beautiful? Seabear. Atmospheric melodies mixed with a kooky indie-pop creating something truly unique. The lead singer, Sindri Már Sigfusson might sound familiar from another project of his Sin Fang Bous. We Built A Fire is the bands second full length album and one that I have been playing over and over. Enjoy!

p.s. Do some rain dancing for me please! I need all the help I can get.

mp3:  Lion Face Boy

We Built A Fire 2010 (Morr Music)

Available on Emusic

Tags: , ,

Mar

11

Ola Podrida Inspires

By Rachel | Album Picks | 3 Comments 

This week really just flew right by didn’t it? Yay! This weekend I am going skiing at a local mountain for the day so I am really looking forward to that. Me, hopping along like a bunny on the slopes with my iPod keeping me company… Yes please!

I was wondering what I should post to lead us into the glorious weekend that awaits us, so I was looking through some of my “Saved For Later” and I came across Ola Podrida… An indie-folk rock singer-songwriter type, music that is right up my alley and he is also participating in SXSW this year (double bonus). His 2009 album Belly of the Lion had a handful of really great tracks on it and I recommend you check it out if you have not already, I think David Wingo’s delicious voice and delicately crafted melodies will inspire you as well.

mp3:  Sink Or Swim

Belly of the Lion 2009 (Western Vinyl)

Available on eMusic

Tags: , , ,

Mar

9

New Band-Loving Feeling

By Rachel | Album Picks | 5 Comments 

The debut album from James Mercer (The Shins lead singer) and Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) has gotten some notice to say the least. Two guys who are extremely gifted in making music get together decide to make an indie-rock experimental record that has the music scene all salivating and hailing praise… And they do it in a matter of months…Yes please! I look forward to enjoying this album for years to come.

mp3:  Citizen (mp3 removed)

Broken Bells 2010 (Sony)

Broken Bells

Tags: , , ,

← Previous Page — Next Page →

  • Disclaimer

    Music found on this blog is for sampling only. If you like what you hear then support the artist. Buy their music, attend a show and spread the word. If you own the rights to any of the music featured here and you would like me to remove it contact me and I will remove the link immediately.

    Click the tag to listen, right click the song title to save. If you find that an mp3 is not playing chances are it has expired.

  • Contact

    Rachel - Music, Film

  • The Breakdown

  • Comment Love

  • Aggregator Love

    The Hype Machine

  • Last.fm

  • Archive

  • Meta