Songbird
Dec
27
Eleven Favorite Albums Of 2011
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This list is a long time coming and a little later than I would have liked it to be, but I do not take lists lightly so I didn’t want to rush it. For me 2011 was a great year in music. I have opened myself up and listened to a lot of stuff that I don’t think I would have given a chance a couple of years ago. I also saw a fair amount of shows in 2011. Alexi Murdoch, The Decemberists, The Kills, James Vincent McMorrow and these are all albums I consider to have made up a large portion of my 2011 soundtrack. Thank you for listening and reading. I am going on my sixth year of this and I still love it. Thank you so much for sharing this joy of music with me. Happy Holidays!
 
When I first heard the album the only thing I was disappointed with was how short it was. I wanted more. The thing about Radiohead is that they always surprise me. Their music is ever evolving and King Of Limbs is a perfect example of that. I have said from the beginning it is a mix of old and new. It has the eclectic layered sound of Kid A mixed with a new electronic beat driven sound. With each listen new layers are revealed and kudos to them for continuing to expand their music and keeping their fans on their toes. I am waiting impatiently for word of a show in California… Waiting with baited breath.
 
This album took me by surprise. I was and still am obsessed with it which is a strange because I have never been this smitten with any of her previous albums. Metals however is different than any of her other albums. The sound is bigger and more refined. Her voice is complimented so well by the bold melodies. It has been on constant rotation and deserves this spot on my list.
This band exploded onto the scene a couple of years ago and took my breath away. I have a spiritual awakening when I hear their indie rock booming through my speakers. This album is filled with whirling melodies and layered arrangements that are simply stunning. Currently opening for some Radiohead shows… I am determined to see them live hopefully with Radiohead.
Of Monsters and Men – My Head Is An Animal
Oh man I went back and forth on whether I should include this album. But I decided I have it and I have been listening to it constantly and it has been a big part of my life in 2011. This Icelandic band has quickly become my favorite new band. I love their upbeat sing along indie rock and this debut album is a must! It is totally worth the import cost.
p.s. I forgot to mention that there is a hidden track on the last song, Yellow Light. So good.
 
Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince kick so much ass! Blood Pressures simply rocks. I saw them live and I fell in love with them and this album just that much more. It is gritty and dynamic. An absolute must have in your music collection.
 
Boy & Bear is another band I waited patiently for… Their debut album was well worth the wait. Colorful arrangements matched with Dave Hosking’s unique vocals. Their music just makes me feel good which is why it was a definite favorite of 2011.
 
Alexi Murdoch – Towards The Sun
This album is a special one. I have actually been listening to it for about two years since I got a copy at his concert back in 2009 and I have been listening to it ever since. I finally got it on vinyl last night for Christmas thanks to my dear friend. If you are an avid reader or even just a casual reader of Untitled Records you know my undying love for Alexi Murdoch. Seeing him live this year at the intimate Bootleg theater really made me realize he is my favorite singer-songwriter of all time.
 
I wasn’t really expecting this album to make it onto the year end list honestly but here it is. It took me by surprise, I have always enjoyed their music, but on We Are The Tide I can put it on and let it play and play. Their music is infectious and this sophomore album is absolutely fantastic.
 
James Vincent McMorrow – Early In The Morning
Another singer-songwriter I saw live this year. He took me by storm with his delicate singer-songwriter arrangements with his unique vocals that will remind you of Bon Iver, but I feel James Vincent McMorrow has fuller arrangements that compliment his fragile vocals. His debut album, Early In The Morning has been on constant repeat throughout the year and he was such a treat to see live in a fantastically intimate setting which was just perfection.
 
I don’t think there is an album that Zach Condon creates that is not on my end of year list. The Rip Tide is one of my favorite albums since Gulag Orkestar. Trumpet galore mixed with that French Chanson style along with a modern twist that only Zach Condon can bring to the table. Light and beautiful. His prettiest album to date.
 
The Decemberists – The King Is Dead
Oh Decemberists… How I love thee. How I loved seeing them live this year and being in their presence felt like coming home. Their music, their style, their spirit, their lyrics. Everything. This is one of my favorite albums since The Crane Wife but I feel The King Is Dead has taken the top spot hands down. So well done.
Jul
20
Top 5 Favorites At 30
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Here we are… I am thirty years old. A few days after the fact but still celebrating.
I can’t really believe it, where did the last 15 years go? I remember learning how to drive, my dad taking me to the CSULB empty parking lot. When I hit a parking space line he would say, “You just hit a car!” I would laugh.
I think these life milestones can really fuck with one’s head. I NEVERÂ thought I would still be finishing school, unmarried, no kids and in career I never took any college classes for, but here I am. And for the most part I am having the time of my life. I really feel like I am right where I need to be, I just kind of took the long way. There are no time lines here. People go at their own pace. I have learned so much, and gained so much life experience in the last 30 years, I wouldn’t take any of it back. Although there are some things I may have done differently I believe that the choices we make shape who we are.
Music has always been a pretty big part of my life, when I was younger my parents were my tip sheet. I listened to everything they listened to and I loved it. I was introduced to Simon & Garfunkel, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Kitaro and Enya at a pretty young age. It wasn’t until my early twenties where I really started to dig deep and find my own music. The music that resonates with me deep inside where all my fears, dreams and hopes are dwelling. It brought me confidence and freedom to be my own person and for that I am so thankful. I am forever a work in progress, but I think that is a huge part of life. As the years go by I want to grow and continue to figure out who I am and what I stand for, all the while listening to some good music.
The below 5 songs are some of my favorite songs throughout the years, songs that remind me of my childhood, that remind me of myself and they all make me happy. I can put them on at any given time and I want to listen to them again and again. Enjoy!
Mar
7
Alexi Murdoch @ The Bootleg Theatre
Filed Under 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)
Aug
9
All Time Favorite #23
Filed Under All Time Favorite | 5 Comments
Verona De Tessant: Burt, are we fuck-ups?
Burt Farlander: No! What do you mean?
Verona De Tessant: I mean, we’re 34…
Burt Farlander: I’m 33.
Verona De Tessant: …and we don’t even have this basic stuff figured out.
Burt Farlander: Basic, like how?
Verona De Tessant: Basic, like how to live.
Burt Farlander: We’re not fuck-ups.
Verona De Tessant: We have a cardboard window.
Burt Farlander: [Looks at window] We’re not fuck-ups.
Verona De Tessant: [Whispers] I think we might be fuck-ups.
Burt Farlander: [Whispers back] We’re not fuck-ups.
I have spoken about this movie before on my blog… But I have yet to induct it in as an All Time Favorite, which it is. If you have not seen it you MUST run right out and rent it. Honestly, I get teary eyes just thinking about it, not because it is sad but because of the beauty and truth that you will relate to on so many levels.
And then there is the soundtrack… The fucking amazing soundtrack is mostly made up of songs by the AMAZING Alexi Murdoch, a few taken from his Limited Edition album that has yet to have an official release (still waiting). After all of the years his music that I have heard 5,000 times still bring tears to my eyes,still makes me feel like I am sitting at the Hollywood Bowl and we are the only people there and he is singing directly to me. His songs calm my soul and remind me of the good things in life.
This movie and the songs that accompany it seem as if they were made for one another, it is a beautiful work of art that I will cherish forever.
mp3:Â Towards The Sun
Away We Go Soundtrack 2009 (Nettwerk Music)
Available at Amazon
Jun
2
Away We Go Soundtrack
Filed Under News & Info. | 3 Comments
The music from the new film Away We Go is available for download and you guessed it I am listening to The Ragged Sea right now. The other new songs from Alexi Murdoch are taken from the limited edition tour EP titled, Towards The Sun: Towards The Sun and Crinan Wood are new and available. Happy downloading!
The film comes out this week in LA and New York.
Apr
6
Away We Go
Filed Under News & Info. | 4 Comments
Away We Go Trailer – All My Days, Alexi Murdoch
Thanks to Tad via Facebook and of course my email update of Alexi Murdoch news… Sam Mendes has a new film coming out, which looks fantastic and the music in the trailer is from dearest Alexi Murdoch (weeee!).
p.s. Alexi Murdoch will be at the EL Rey this Wed. April 8th
p.s.s. Tis been declared Paul Haig Day go here to see why.
Dec
10
Alexi Murdoch
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***Edit***
Video has been removed. Sorry folks stay tuned for news on when this song will be available.
As you can see if you look over to the left of your screen Alexi Murdoch has returned to view… Although as many close to me know, Alexi is always on constant shuffle. But I must confess I have failed Alexi… *sniff sniff* I do not watch the TV show House and I have never seen the movie Gone Baby Gone (which after going to the imdb page I can see exactly why) I was unaware that Mr. Murdoch has debuted a new song… However, I did know that he was working on some new material before going on tour with Alanis Morissette (which is an odd pair but whatever the more exposure the better. Well, after I calmed down from the excitement I googled Through The Dark and found a little teaser from the end of House… And I can’t fucking wait.
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.
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