I love when songs tell unexpected stories. When songs look at something from a different perspective. Check out this acoustic version of Dear Reader's song, "Mole (Mole)"
Her song, about a mole of all things, is so clever while being super simple and beautiful. The entire record, "Idealistic Animals," is, as you would expect, full of animal themed songs. Quirky and fun.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Today: Something New
Caracol is a talented French-Canadian pop singer. Her record, "Blanc Mercredi," was released in the fall and I really like her single, "All the Girls."
I love the guitars in the intro and the harmonies on the alternating lines of the verses. Once again, I'm recommending a song with really sad lyrics but that is somehow upbeat.
I love the guitars in the intro and the harmonies on the alternating lines of the verses. Once again, I'm recommending a song with really sad lyrics but that is somehow upbeat.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Today: Something New
"Lost Communication" starts off with a very electronic sound but as the song builds, all the background sounds blend really well with the driving piano and rough vocals.
I hope to hear more soon from Anothers Blood.
I hope to hear more soon from Anothers Blood.
Today: Something Old
My taste in classic rock music comes from my dad. I have a somewhat unexpected love of Creedence Clearwater Revival. They were so prodigious in just a few short years. Their songs are so simple but so great. My favorite, "Down On the Corner," has a very basic verse and chorus pattern that is just repeated through the song.
John Fogarty's music is such a great example of the time period and makes me want to play a washboard or a harmonica. Ok, not really, but you understand.
John Fogarty's music is such a great example of the time period and makes me want to play a washboard or a harmonica. Ok, not really, but you understand.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Today: Something New
Another band that caught my ear this month is The Cosmic Eye. From the drums on the intro the happy, summery vocals, I feel like I should blast this at a beach party or on a summer drive. I know, I know, perfect for January. But hey, we all need a little more sunshine at this time of year.
I especially like the back and forth of the vocals between the male and female singers on "Shimmy Shimmy Breakdown." They end a lot of their phrases with very dissonant notes, creating some interesting harmonies. They have not yet released an official record, but keep an eye out!
I especially like the back and forth of the vocals between the male and female singers on "Shimmy Shimmy Breakdown." They end a lot of their phrases with very dissonant notes, creating some interesting harmonies. They have not yet released an official record, but keep an eye out!
Today: Something Told
Sometimes, I will also use this space to express some thoughts and opinions on music related things, not just give glowing reviews and recommendations.
Today, I'm going to talk about musicals, so if that's not your cup of tea, feel free to skip this. But, who knows, maybe you'll learn something new!
When they first announced that they were going to make the stage-production, Les Miserable, into a movie I was thrilled. I have seen the musical three times, sung "I Dreamed a Dream" and "On My Own" for voice lessons when I was younger, and the entire soundtrack is the most played of my Broadway playlist on itunes. Obviously, I'm a fan and I was ecstatic that soon I would have the opportunity to watch the musical whenever I wished.
At the same time, I had some major concerns. First, how were they going to turn the stage-production into a movie? The Les Miserable stage is famous for its circling floor that drives the action and the set, even leading to the creation of an original choreography step, the Les Mis side-step (including marching arm motions). The revolving stage and slums to barricade set pieces add to the breathtaking imagery that is the backdrop to the Revolution and the play itself. Obviously, the pieces that are involved in stage magic do not translate to movie magic and, for the film, a much more literal backdrop will be involved.
Secondly, Les Mis has no spoken dialogue. The story is told entirely through the music and the action seen on stage. Even taking into consideration "The Artist"'s recent Golden Globe wins, I don't think pop culture is ready for an entire film told through song. Will dialogue be added? Will that take away from the importance and necessity of some of the songs? What about the orchestral parts that do not even have singing? I wonder how disruptive inserting dialogue into the production will be for the overall feeling of the score.
Third, and probably most importantly, who will they cast? When musicals were in their heyday, producers predominantly cast people who could sing and dance and also act. True triple threats: Julie Andrews and Bing Crosby; Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. When actors were hired and couldn't sing, someone else did the singing: Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, Debbie Reynolds in Singin' In the Rain. Now, ever celebrity thinks they can sing and thanks to auto-tune and sound mixing technologies, they can produce a record without having to hit every note.
Almost immediately, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe were attached as escaped convict, Jean Valjean, and Detective Javert, respectively. I have no problem with Jackman doing musicals given his stage credentials. I'm slightly less thrilled with Crowe, though he does have a background in music, if not musicals. Adding even more star power was Anne Hathaway cast as Fantine. She will draw fans but I'm not sure her singing chops are up to belting out "I Dreamed a Dream" like the role calls for. But she has enough talent that I made peace with it.
After a few months of speculation, Amanda Seyfried was announced as Cosette. Now as a life-long alto, I have an unfounded hatred for the soprano character of Cosette, who although as a child in the production has the well known number "Castle On a Cloud," as an adult she does little more than bop around the stage and annoyingly steal the guy away from poor Eponine. Seyfried has prior movie-musical in "Mamma Mia" but I was not blown away by what I heard and singing ABBA pop is a lot different than the serious stuff of Les Mis.
What I'm really dreading is the rumor that country-pop sensation, Taylor Swift, is up for the coveted role of Eponine. As the poor neighbor girl, hopelessly in love with Marius, Eponine is the heart of the play, capturing the audience with "On My Own" sung below by Lea Salonga, and breaking their hearts with "A Little Fall of Rain."
Now, I'm slightly biased as Eponine would be a dream role if I were actually capable of singing on Broadway, but I just don't see how Miss Swift can do the role justice. I think she is an incredibly talented songwriter with a voice that works for her country sound, but she has already proven that when she sings live, it leaves something to be desired. When the director announced that he wanted the actors to sing live on the sound stage, I grew even more concerned.
I guess all I can do is cross my fingers and hope that they don't destroy my favorite musical of all time.
Today, I'm going to talk about musicals, so if that's not your cup of tea, feel free to skip this. But, who knows, maybe you'll learn something new!
When they first announced that they were going to make the stage-production, Les Miserable, into a movie I was thrilled. I have seen the musical three times, sung "I Dreamed a Dream" and "On My Own" for voice lessons when I was younger, and the entire soundtrack is the most played of my Broadway playlist on itunes. Obviously, I'm a fan and I was ecstatic that soon I would have the opportunity to watch the musical whenever I wished.
At the same time, I had some major concerns. First, how were they going to turn the stage-production into a movie? The Les Miserable stage is famous for its circling floor that drives the action and the set, even leading to the creation of an original choreography step, the Les Mis side-step (including marching arm motions). The revolving stage and slums to barricade set pieces add to the breathtaking imagery that is the backdrop to the Revolution and the play itself. Obviously, the pieces that are involved in stage magic do not translate to movie magic and, for the film, a much more literal backdrop will be involved.
Secondly, Les Mis has no spoken dialogue. The story is told entirely through the music and the action seen on stage. Even taking into consideration "The Artist"'s recent Golden Globe wins, I don't think pop culture is ready for an entire film told through song. Will dialogue be added? Will that take away from the importance and necessity of some of the songs? What about the orchestral parts that do not even have singing? I wonder how disruptive inserting dialogue into the production will be for the overall feeling of the score.
Third, and probably most importantly, who will they cast? When musicals were in their heyday, producers predominantly cast people who could sing and dance and also act. True triple threats: Julie Andrews and Bing Crosby; Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. When actors were hired and couldn't sing, someone else did the singing: Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, Debbie Reynolds in Singin' In the Rain. Now, ever celebrity thinks they can sing and thanks to auto-tune and sound mixing technologies, they can produce a record without having to hit every note.
Almost immediately, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe were attached as escaped convict, Jean Valjean, and Detective Javert, respectively. I have no problem with Jackman doing musicals given his stage credentials. I'm slightly less thrilled with Crowe, though he does have a background in music, if not musicals. Adding even more star power was Anne Hathaway cast as Fantine. She will draw fans but I'm not sure her singing chops are up to belting out "I Dreamed a Dream" like the role calls for. But she has enough talent that I made peace with it.
After a few months of speculation, Amanda Seyfried was announced as Cosette. Now as a life-long alto, I have an unfounded hatred for the soprano character of Cosette, who although as a child in the production has the well known number "Castle On a Cloud," as an adult she does little more than bop around the stage and annoyingly steal the guy away from poor Eponine. Seyfried has prior movie-musical in "Mamma Mia" but I was not blown away by what I heard and singing ABBA pop is a lot different than the serious stuff of Les Mis.
What I'm really dreading is the rumor that country-pop sensation, Taylor Swift, is up for the coveted role of Eponine. As the poor neighbor girl, hopelessly in love with Marius, Eponine is the heart of the play, capturing the audience with "On My Own" sung below by Lea Salonga, and breaking their hearts with "A Little Fall of Rain."
Now, I'm slightly biased as Eponine would be a dream role if I were actually capable of singing on Broadway, but I just don't see how Miss Swift can do the role justice. I think she is an incredibly talented songwriter with a voice that works for her country sound, but she has already proven that when she sings live, it leaves something to be desired. When the director announced that he wanted the actors to sing live on the sound stage, I grew even more concerned.
I guess all I can do is cross my fingers and hope that they don't destroy my favorite musical of all time.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Today: Something New
Alright, another record rec. I've been loving on "Never Trust a Happy Song" by Grouplove for the past few months. This is more happy music with driving pop beats and catchy hooks. Singer, Christian Zucconi, has a great voice for the indie rock sound, rough but pleasant.
In true hipster spirit, I'm recommending two songs that are not listed on the "Top Songs on iTunes" from the record.
"Cruel and Beautiful World" is a little more melancholy that the rest of the record but I love the guitar/banjo combo with Zucconi's voice, especially the harmonies and when he opens up on the chorus.
My other recommendation is "Love Will Save Your Soul." This song has a lot more energy than "Cruel and Beautiful World," but the harmonies remain precise and beautiful. And I'm a sucker for echoing, so the verses of this song are fun.
In true hipster spirit, I'm recommending two songs that are not listed on the "Top Songs on iTunes" from the record.
"Cruel and Beautiful World" is a little more melancholy that the rest of the record but I love the guitar/banjo combo with Zucconi's voice, especially the harmonies and when he opens up on the chorus.
My other recommendation is "Love Will Save Your Soul." This song has a lot more energy than "Cruel and Beautiful World," but the harmonies remain precise and beautiful. And I'm a sucker for echoing, so the verses of this song are fun.
Today: Something New
Most of what I post on here will not be all that mainstream. Sometimes though, I like a good pop song. For all of her flaws, Katy Perry can definitely produce catchy music. Her second record, "Teenage Dream," has been on top of the charts for the last year and a half. This doesn't always mean that it is good music, but I really enjoy the acoustic version of her latest single, "The One That Got Away."
Stripping away the pop arrangement and focusing on her voice and an acoustic guitar makes the lyrics and song more poignant than her original pop sound. I really like the different choices she makes for the melody, especially around the 3:30 mark.
Stripping away the pop arrangement and focusing on her voice and an acoustic guitar makes the lyrics and song more poignant than her original pop sound. I really like the different choices she makes for the melody, especially around the 3:30 mark.
Today: Something Borrowed
Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" was everywhere in 2011. A catchy melody with a different sound made for an infectious song that became very popular. Owl Eyes has released a cover of the song, with Brooke Addamo putting a female spin on it.
I really like Addamo's voice and the simplicity of the somewhat stripped down version. It's not quite different enough to be mind-blowing and there is something a little lacking without the layering of voices during the choruses from the original, but I really like where she is going with the song.
And of course whistling always adds a little something.
I really like Addamo's voice and the simplicity of the somewhat stripped down version. It's not quite different enough to be mind-blowing and there is something a little lacking without the layering of voices during the choruses from the original, but I really like where she is going with the song.
And of course whistling always adds a little something.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Today: Something New
Poetic lyrics. Interesting harmonies. Quirky voices. Makes for a great sound. Swedish sister act, First Aid Kit, has graced us with their sophomore record, "The Lion's Roar." I love their folksy sound and the twang they have in their voices without being too country.
The bonus track, "Wolf," has a haunting melody with a driving beat. The chorus gets stuck in your head in the best of ways with its clever lyrics.
The bonus track, "Wolf," has a haunting melody with a driving beat. The chorus gets stuck in your head in the best of ways with its clever lyrics.
Today: Something Borrowed
If mimicry is the highest form of flattery, covering a song is the musical equivalent. Not all songs should be covered, but there is something interesting and satisfying about hearing a new take on a song you love.
This is one of my favorite songs by an amazing songwriter:
"Lioness: Hidden Treasures" is a record of many covers by Amy Winehouse, posthumously released back in December. In the 2011 version of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" Amy uses her unique voice to infuse this classic standard with vulnerability and strength: roughness and purity.
This is one of my favorite songs by an amazing songwriter:
"Lioness: Hidden Treasures" is a record of many covers by Amy Winehouse, posthumously released back in December. In the 2011 version of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" Amy uses her unique voice to infuse this classic standard with vulnerability and strength: roughness and purity.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Today: Something New
Ingrid Michaelson released a new record today. "Human Again" is full of her usual sound. I'm really enjoying the song "Do It Now" off the record.
Here is a live version from a recent show:
This song showcases Ingrid's unique voice and the melody is very catchy. The music is more intricate than some of her earlier recordings. I really like how she keeps evolving as an artist.
Here is a live version from a recent show:
This song showcases Ingrid's unique voice and the melody is very catchy. The music is more intricate than some of her earlier recordings. I really like how she keeps evolving as an artist.
Today: Something New
Usually I recommend songs, but today I'm recommending a record. I listened to Gotye's new record, "Making Mirrors," after a friend reminded me how much I like his hit single, "Somebody That I Used to Know," featuring Kimbra.
This single is infectious and gets better the more you listen to it. Wally De Backer plays with an awesome blend of simple melodies backed by interesting instrumentation, many times influenced by his Australian sound.
I also like the first single, "Eyes Wide Open," and the fun, "In Your Light," which is more upbeat and raucous compared to the rest of the album.
I definitely recommend giving this entire record a full listen to, from beginning to end.
This single is infectious and gets better the more you listen to it. Wally De Backer plays with an awesome blend of simple melodies backed by interesting instrumentation, many times influenced by his Australian sound.
I also like the first single, "Eyes Wide Open," and the fun, "In Your Light," which is more upbeat and raucous compared to the rest of the album.
I definitely recommend giving this entire record a full listen to, from beginning to end.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Today: Something Old
The thing about a good song is that you can listen to it over and over again. Great songs last years and years. A really great song takes you back to the place you were when you first connected with it. An incredible song is a visceral memory. Here I will be posting some of my favorite songs, classics and unknowns alike.
First up is a song off one of my all time favorite records:
Elvis Costello is a genius and "My Aim Is True" is a record that I can listen to from beginning to end on repeat. Of course "Alison" and "(The Angels Want To Wear) My Red Shoes" are well-known singles off the record. However, I think my favorite song is "Less Than Zero" because of his quirky lyrics. Specifically, "Well I hear that South America is coming into style." When I was in high school studying Latin American history and politics I would listen to this record and think about the discrepancies between the image South America had in the 1960s and 70s and the reality. It was in style to vacation or escape there, oblivious to the conditions most of the region was living under.
First up is a song off one of my all time favorite records:
Elvis Costello is a genius and "My Aim Is True" is a record that I can listen to from beginning to end on repeat. Of course "Alison" and "(The Angels Want To Wear) My Red Shoes" are well-known singles off the record. However, I think my favorite song is "Less Than Zero" because of his quirky lyrics. Specifically, "Well I hear that South America is coming into style." When I was in high school studying Latin American history and politics I would listen to this record and think about the discrepancies between the image South America had in the 1960s and 70s and the reality. It was in style to vacation or escape there, oblivious to the conditions most of the region was living under.
Today: Something New
I love happy music. Sometimes I love quiet, contemplative, dark music. Sometimes I love loud, intense, rock music. But my favorite is happy music. Music that makes you smile while you sing along.
Today that song is:
Team Me is a relatively well established Norwegian indie band that released "With My Hands Covering Both of My Eyes I Am Too Scared to Have a Look at You Now" back in December in anticipation of their new EP coming out in March. I hope their EP "To the Treetops!" is as boisterous and upbeat as this lead-off single.
I especially love the string and "Ahhhs" section at the 4:00 minute mark. Though the wordy title and lyrics aren't the happiest, I can't listen to this song without smiling.
Today that song is:
Team Me is a relatively well established Norwegian indie band that released "With My Hands Covering Both of My Eyes I Am Too Scared to Have a Look at You Now" back in December in anticipation of their new EP coming out in March. I hope their EP "To the Treetops!" is as boisterous and upbeat as this lead-off single.
I especially love the string and "Ahhhs" section at the 4:00 minute mark. Though the wordy title and lyrics aren't the happiest, I can't listen to this song without smiling.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
I Listen. I Sing. I Write.
Following the suggestion of a very wise friend, I've decided to begin posting various thoughts of my greatest passion: music.
I listen to A LOT of music. Daily, if not constantly. I more often than not wake up with a song stuck in my head and annoy everyone around singing under my breath.
I like very eclectic music, though I lean towards an indie rock and singer/songwriter sound. Most of what I post here will be in that vein with some random surprises thrown in.
Another thing you should know about me is that I'm kind of a dork. I like lots of silly and random things, so I hope you can find some things you like on here.
I listen to A LOT of music. Daily, if not constantly. I more often than not wake up with a song stuck in my head and annoy everyone around singing under my breath.
I like very eclectic music, though I lean towards an indie rock and singer/songwriter sound. Most of what I post here will be in that vein with some random surprises thrown in.
Another thing you should know about me is that I'm kind of a dork. I like lots of silly and random things, so I hope you can find some things you like on here.
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