Wednesday, September 23, 2009

How the Day Sounds - Greg Laswell

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjK6wNIWzts

"I think I like how the day sounds through this new song."

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Wolves (Act 1 & 2) - Bon Iver

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mebt2holvps

I'm on a Bon Iver kick to say the least. When I go to watch/listen to a video on youtube, it's either this one or Blood Bank. without fail. Right now I don't even bother to click on something new.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Blood Bank - Bon Iver

www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-BZ0D92mtU

Beautiful Song. Soothing Video. An immensely talented yet underrated musician.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Monday, September 14, 2009

Meet Me on the Equinox - Death Cab for Cutie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrLIojeWLao

Apparently, this is the first full song to be released that will be used in New Moon. Admittedly, I am a fan of the Twilight Saga...in the most sane, respectful, but dedicated way possible. I do like this song in it's own right as I enjoy other work by Death Cab for Cutie. I especially appreciate that these movies are bringing a real sense of good music to a mainstream audience. Twilight had a wonderful soundtrack and I enjoyed Carter Burwell's score also. I read that he wasn't signed on again so I'll be interested to hear what they have picked out for New Moon. However, I heard the same underlying score in the newest trailer? I'm confident this soundtrack will be as unique as the previous one.

Her Morning Elegance - Oren Lavie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_HXUhShhmY

This is such a pleasant song. The video has been around for a while, but it doesn't seem to get old. One of the better stop motion projects I've seen in that they've managed to make stop motion even more innovative.

I do have to wonder though...who is ever really 'elegant' in the morning? Must be nice.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Say (All I Need) - OneRepublic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlaRDvzeqBY

This song has an amazingly addictive underlying beat. The lyrics are what speak to me the most though. The message really puts things in perspective for me personally. I actually keep coming back to their entire album. It features similar songs throughout, but is at once moving and relaxing, depending on what you need.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The Martian Child trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLTw0usyXU8&feature=related

This was such a heartwarming movie.
Below is one of the songs featured - it sets a great tone although I'm not too fond of the official music video. Oh well, just close your eyes. It fits perfectly with the film and is worth the listen.

You're My Satellite - Guster...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHQdHxq4S5s

Sia - Soon We'll Be Found Live on David Letterman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDDW5zwu6yE&feature=related

This performance is incredibly innovative. I remember watching this when it aired last winter and being completely captivated for those few minutes. I'm surprised it hasn't received more recognition. Or maybe it has and I'm just unaware because of the area I live in. I just picture this being rediscovered years from now as a classic.

Friday, September 11, 2009

5 Years Time - Noah and the Whale

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V2kQES8u38&feature=fvst

This video makes me wish I could whistle. It's carefree, lighthearted, and slightly sarcastic....the perfect remedy for my moving-out blues today.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Time Traveler's Wife Trailer

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqNgsnsMnsI

Simply wonderful. I was impressed in every way.

The Mixed Tape - Jack's Mannequin

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBWVw2UeeC0

Slowly, but surely, this band is gaining the recognition it deserves. The lead singer, Andrew McMahon, started Jack's Mannequin as a solo project after his struggle with cancer. He was originally the front man for Something Corporate, a band I followed in high school. Jack's Mannequin released Everything in Transit in 2005 and followed up with The Glass Passenger last September. It has been wonderful to hear his music grow throughout the years into what it is today. I had the opportunity on April 14, 2007 to see JM perform live in Tampa, FL. The experience truly set the bar for future concerts I attend. The energy seemed endless and even though there was only a small crowd that afternoon (most people weren't sure who the band was to begin with), McMahon conducted the event as if there were millions to impress. Meeting such an inspiring individual after the show was highlighted further by his humility. Flash forward to May 2009 and the concert at the House of Blues in Orlando was packed to brim with eager, hardcore fans. Our small group of friends was pushed all the way up against a wooden wall. I saw more of the ceiling than I did of the stage, having to stand on my toes when the moment was just right to even catch a glimpse of Andrew McMahon. He was literally able to move and sway the massive crowd with one motion of his hand. To see one individual person hold such talent, potential, and power was fascinating. This second experience may have been more rewarding than the first because a loyal following has obviously been building over the two years since the small Tampa show. We got the chance to see firsthand how universal JM's music is and there's something deeply comforting, despite the sweaty atmosphere, about knowing that at least hundreds of other people can relate to the same set of songs.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes - Kristin Andreassen

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EELEjeYzfjM

This youtube video was sent to me in july. What a cheerful afternoon song, rain or shine! My little cousin, Tommy (6), sat mesmerized as I played it for him the first time and asked to see it again several times over the following two weeks. Occassionally we would hear him humming the tune while setting the table or playing with his toys. I was glad to be able to introduce him to such a fun, upbeat folk song. I fully intend to put this on a mix cd to send to him in the mail soon along with pictures from our adventures this summer.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

!!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNJwBaYAtcM&NR=1

I am going to bed a happy, happy girl after listening to this cover of To Love Somebody sung by Damien Rice and Ray LaMontagne. To see this live would have been incredible. I can only hope they'll work together again in the future. On a side note: If you ever wondered what I personally consider lyrical genius to actually be..it is either one of these two gentlemen. My old roommate Allison introduced me to LaMontagne last fall. That intro is the best thing she's ever done for me...other than...well...offering me a lifelong friendship so comfortable that I forget we're not related...I suppose that's pretty significant too. :)

I Don't Know - Lisa Hannigan

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSaPbVjcrp4

She started out as a backup singer for Damien Rice.
I just adore her voice. It's pure and true. I received two cds (and a book called The Shack) in the mail today from my friend Taylor. I haven't made it past Lisa Hannigan's album as it takes the length of Sea Sew for me to get to the college...which works out perfectly for now. :) At first listen, I wasn't impressed with the lyrics. However, they are beginning to grow on me. I still don't consider her a lyrical genius, but I think the power of them lies in the concepts she addresses. Friendship, for instance, is handled with a refreshing twist in her song Ocean and a Rock. Hannigan uses the unexpected imagery to convey the sense that a long distance friend really isn't so far away. Subtle, but beautiful throughout.

Run - originally done by Snow Patrol

www.youtube.com/watch?v=83ITQsLv8Es

As if you have a choice.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcpWQC9prm0

Monday, September 7, 2009

Viva La Vida vs Love Story

Good morning!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfH2BY5pdLw

So I admit that Viva La Vida is one of only a few Coldplay songs I can't get into and Love Story became wayyyy too overplayed on the radio, but what a wonderful, refreshing mix of the two.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Volcano - Damien Rice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZduDvIBu3EU&feature=channel

This is from an album that I would wholeheartedly recommend buying.
In fact, you should already have this in your collection!
I'm currently listening to "O" as I fall asleep.
There are such wonderful memories attached to this music.
Yet, it never fails to reach me in new ways.

Paper Aeroplane - Angus & Julia Stone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly0fz0T_lQE&feature=channel

I've had this on repeat for two days now. I also bought their EP last night. Their music is very unassuming. Great for kicking back, reading, or doing other various things around the house.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Poem by Linford Detweiler

There's a communion wafer moon
Dissolving on the blue tongue of the sky

Sometimes the whole world is nothing
So much
As an altar inviting us
To kneel

Moving Pictures Silent Films - Great Lake Swimmers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjGsLt0bDqQ&feature=channel

I sent this song up as a prayer today.

Breathe Me - Sia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghPcYqn0p4Y&feature=fvst

I first heard Breathe Me featured on a postsecret video. I've rarely seen any criticism of it despite the raw, unpolished sound it has. I think that's because it carries a universal message. I believe this song has the power to remind us that we are in fact vulnerable, whether we admit so or not. When I listen to this, it gives me the strength to forgive myself and allows me a moment of weakness, past or present, with no shame.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Oh, La - Ra Ra Riot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaXLirWrG-8

This is currently my favorite song. I came across their live recording last week. The attic creaks at the beginning, giving it a close to home feeling. When they first began, it reminded me of people at a party who randomly picked up instruments and started playing and dancing. Yet, their individual talents blend together well.