Today: Something Borrowed

A few weeks ago I talked about Gotye's album, "Making Mirrors," and his hit single "Somebody That I Used to Know." Not only do I love the song (and am still listening to it a bunch) I really dig this awesome cover from Walk Off the Earth.



This is such a cool video and cover. It has gotten a lot of hype. I am so impressed with their musicality and the fact that they can create this sound from five people playing on the same instrument.

Today: Something New

This is an awesome song from The Staves. "Mexico" off their recent EP.



The harmonies are brilliant and their voices are so pure and beautiful. The song is haunting and wonderful.

Today: Something New

Album recommendation. "Go For It" from Rabbit! Somehow this record is both very simple and very intricate at the same time. It's happy and reminds me a bit of The Weepies or Tegan and Sara.



I love the electronic sounds combined with the really simple vocals of "When We Were Young." And I love the "Ahhs" on the chorus.



I love the harmonies on "Best Thing I Found." Many of their songs use "Ahhs" and "Ohhs" very effectively. The songs are just adorable.

Also, check out the whistling on "New Day Sunshine."

Today: Something New

More happy music. I love the piano and the chimes in this song.



"Pretty Eyes," a single from Dream Brother, is very summery. It is perfect for a snowy February day. Dream of being at the beach and listening to this song. I love the clapping and the energy.

Today: Something New

"Can We Really Party Today?" from Jonathan Wilson is very mellow. His sound is very folk/country. I especially like the different rhythms between the verses and the chorus.



This live version is faster than the version on the record but the different tempos are even more exaggerated. I like it. You can check out this song on his record, "Gentle Spirit."

Today: Something Old

The reason I like Van Morrison so much is because he uses his voice like an instrument. It's one more sound that he uses to create the overall sound of the song. It almost has the same effect as a trumpet or other brass in songs.



My favorite Van Morrison song is "Tupelo Honey" off his record of the same name. The record was released in 1971, but this song feels like it comes from another time. It's a beautiful blend of southern rock and old storytelling. The best line is, "Men with insight, men in granite. Knights in armor bent on chivalry."

Today: Something New

"Runaway" from Imperial Teen is a fun song. It is a dance around the room song. It has a simple, repetitive beat and melody but it is such a fun sound.



Their record is aptly named "Feel the Sound" because when you listen, you definitely feel the sound they are trying to embody.

Today: Something New

This is an addendum to my post last Friday about fun.'s new album, "Some Nights." I want to reiterate how great this wholealbum is. I think you should check out the record from the beginning to end. I get flavors of Queen and Panic At the Disco with their drama and showmanship. I hope I get to see them in concert while they tour this record. So I'm going to share a couple more songs off the album.



The title track, "Some Nights," is a rousing, boisterous party of a song. It wavers between a loud African-beat inspired chorus and the singular auto-tuned voice of front-man, Nate Ruess. I'm not usually a fan of auto-tune but fun. seems to be utilizing the specific sound for a specific purpose here. I could sing along with the "ohs" all day long.



Where "Some Nights" had an African feel, "Carry On" has some Irish influence. The strings combined with the accordion is amazing. Another loud, boisterous song but so different from their other ventures.

This album has solidified me as a fun. fan.

Today: Something New

I am definitely a fan of rock bands with female singers. I think that is why I am really enjoying the latest record from the Heartless Bastards, "Arrow." They are true rock and Erika Wennerstrom's unexpected vocals bring something very interesting to their sound.



I really like the guitar on "Parted Ways." It matches so well with Wennerstrom's alto and the whole tone of the song.

Today: Something New

I love, love, love the guitar in this song. The vocal melody lays simply over plucky guitar and the result is great. Check out Everyman Of Parts.



Each verses drive towards the refrain of "Arid Eyes."

Today: Something Borrowed

This is a really interesting cover of the Phoenix song, "1901." Birdy has a record coming out soon and the way her voice floats over the slowed down melody shows how good it will probably be. Taking the rock song and simplifying it highlights the lyrics and the feeling behind them.



I'm so impressed for someone so young.

Today: Something New

It might just be my affinity for any band that has "whale" in their name (see Freelance Whales and Noah & The Whale), but I've been enjoying Said the Whale's EP, "New Brighton." Especially the title single. It's pure indie rock.



I especially love the clapping parts, makes me want to join in.

Today: Something New

Islands came out with a new record a couple weeks ago and I'm really digging their song, "Hallways." It has an old-school vibe and I really love the piano and the horns at the end of the song. The vocals are good and the song is a great addition to an indie playlist.



Check out the album as a whole, "A Sleep & a Forgetting."

Today: Something Old

If you are a Bones fan, you will know this song. I love it. It's pure 70s country rock. Amazing harmonies layered over simple guitar give the song a full sound with very little effort. It just sounds easy. Poco isn't as well known as Jim Messina's other ventures, Buffalo Springfield or his duo with Kenny Loggins, but they still perform today and have some great songs, my favorite being "Keep On Trying."

Today: Something New

This song is kind of dark and a little scary. But for all its lyrical dark matter, it's surprising upbeat in sound. The lyrics are interesting and there are a lot of great harmonies. "Burn Burn Burn" from Burning Hearts is a pretty song so check it out.

Today: Something New

fun. has gained some notoriety recently with their lead-off hit single "We Are Young" but I'm very excited for their new record out next week. Whereas "We Are Young" is an anthem of sorts, "One Foot" is a funkier mix of hip hop and dance beats.

I love all the different parts of "We Are Young." The contrast between the first verse of just simple vocals, drums, and piano and the powerful, sound-filled chorus is so interesting and wonderful.


There is no doubt that the infectious beats and crazy lyrics make fun.'s songs fun.

Today: Something New

My favorite thing about this song is that it is weird. The sound is quirky and the lyrics are strange. But it's great and it's fun. And if you watch the video, it's not all that surprising. King Charles is quite eccentric with "Bam Bam."



His voice isn't technically great but the overall sound definitely keeps my interest.

Today: Something New

I loved the first record from Tennis last year, so I'm so excited for their new record, "Young & Old," which came out on Tuesday. I really like "Petition" off the new record



It sounds so different from their first record but the vocals are so awesome. They are super clear and the melody is catchy. It's great as part of the overall record. Give it a listen!

Today: Something New

Andrew Bird has a really distinctive sound. He's an indie music festival and playlist staple. I love all his clever plays on the lyrics in "Eyeoneye" off his upcoming record. The song builds to a very energetic end and then finishes with a whisper.



I just love the whistling.

Today: Something Borrowed

The original "Tubthumping" was popular, if that's what it was, when I was in 5th grade. I thought it was a catchy, weird song when I was 10 and I think it is a catchy weird song now. This video shows how the cover even came into existence:



I'm glad that They Might Be Giants chose this to cover and highlighted the odd parts of the song. I think they made the song even better. Chumbawamba was just asking to be auto-tuned. And I just love all the people playing and singing in that small room. The crazy energy definitely comes across in the recording.

Today: Something New

I love that this song by Kithkin is called "Ampersand." I love the juxtaposition of the two voices trading lines in this song. And the different sounds of the verses and the chorus. Many instruments, many noises, especially the drums and the clapping.



This is a great song to dance around you room to.

Today: Something New

Eins, Zwei Orchestra is a pop/indie rock duo with a new EP featuring mostly acoustic covers of songs from their 2011 record, "100 Colors."



My favorite off the EP is new title song, "Peace and Love," which is perfect for today. The song is not so much about romantic love but love for life and music. I love the piano and their voices together. So simple and beautiful. "So can't we just agree upon a deal, a trade, or so."

Today: Something New

If Valentine's Day was in the summer, this would be a perfect anthem. In snowy February, this happy, beachy song is just what we need.



"I Will Love You" by Summer Twins has a happy simple guitar riff paired with sunny, bright vocals and a real 60s vibe. Enjoy.

Today: Something New

This song reminds me a little of one of my favorite artists, Josh Ritter. "Chimes" by The Pines has great guitar and a rough voice is very much like Josh Ritter's.




You can tell their record, "Dark So Gold," has been heavily influenced by the midwest indie rock scene and greats like Bob Dylan. I'll definitely be checking out more from them.

Today: Something Old

In honor of Valentine's Day this week, here is a classic love song. You know you have a good song when it's covered many times over. I can't decide if I love the original Elvis version or Ingrid Michaelson's more.





Elvis has such a rich voice but Ingrid is such a song-smith and takes the original melody and makes it something else.

Today: Something Told

Last weekend Madonna performed the half-time show of the Super Bowl with special guests: LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, MIA, and Cee-lo Green. By far, it is the most widely watched television program in the United States. Madonna has entered her fourth decade of pop culture dominance. At 53, she still "strike[s] a pose" and is releasing a new album. She opened with "Vogue" and closed with my personal favorite, "Like a Prayer," as well as performing her new single, "Give Me All Your Luvin'" which has already made it into the top 10 on itunes.



My question is, does Madonna still have the music magic that first made her a star? Is the music she is releasing today as good as her music when she first emerged on the scene? To me, "Give Me All Your Luvin'" feels recycled and, frankly, boring. But I'm sure it will still be played to death on the radio and her new record will sell millions of copies. Why? Is the music good or do certain media icons carry so much pop culture clout that we are no longer consuming the products they produce, just their image. Do we buy and listen to Madonna's new songs because they are actually good? Or do we buy and listen to Madonna's new songs because they are "Madonna?"

The "hipster" anti-trend of the past few years, that is in fact a trend itself, emphasizes culture as anti-culture; music being a large part of that expression. The idea of relating to music because it is NOT mainstream; because you feel like you choose it for yourself instead of the media shoving it down your throat. These hipster bands have cult followings instead of broader success, but does that mean their music is good?

Where does the value of music come into play? Commercial value leans towards wide-ranging notoriety and records sales. Ethical value (not selling out) leans towards the artist creating music they are proud of. Considering the wide variety of personal music taste, it's hard to make a judgement on whether one type of music has more value than another.

What I have come up with is a two-fold argument: Just because social media has made it incredibly easy to put music out there, in various forms, doesn't mean that everyone with a guitar and a recording device should form a band. If you value indie band success, put out music that you will be proud of, that your loyal fans will be proud of when they are sharing with their friends who've never heard of you.

On the other hand, if you achieve worldwide fame and success with your music, take great pains to release music that you are proud of as well. Don't rely on your reputation as an artist to sell your records. Sell music that is new, is fresh, and has meaning.

Today: Something New

Porcelain Raft release their first LP a couple of weeks ago, "Strange Weekend." They are an alternative band with an electronic edge.



I'm not usually a fan of heavily electronic sounding music, but I really like "Drifting In and Out." Apt to the name of the song, it gives you the feeling that you are floating with the song. It's a good song to put on in the background and relax. I love the female vocals drifting over the top.

Today: Something New

Another album recommendation: "Thao & Mirah" from Mirah & Thao. I've been a long-time fan of Thao + The Get Down Stay Down so I was super excited for her collaboration with Mirah. This record is a little more folky and a lot more funky than stuff with her band, but I like it.



I love this live version of "How Dare You" on KEXP. It shows off the strength of their voices.

My other favorite on the record is "Hallelujah."


The song is haunting and beautiful. I love the simple guitar and how it matches Mirah's voice perfectly. I especially love the harmonies Thao provides.

Today: Something New

I've been a Ben Kweller fan since he collaborated with Guster in 2003. He just released a new record, "Go Fly A Kite." Not only do I love the Mary Poppins reference, but I really like that he continues to be true to his rock vibe and happy melodies.



Although the record is brand new, Ben Kweller has been playing "Jealous Girl" live for a couple years now. The lyrics are pretty simple but that does not take away from the quality of the song, especially live with just his piano accompaniment.

Today: Something Borrowed

Sometimes songs shouldn't be borrowed. Skylar Grey released a compilation of demos, including the original version of "Love the Way You Lie." I could really take or leave the Eminem/Rihanna version even though it was played everywhere. Grey's original version is beautiful however, and I really wish that she had been the one to release it, or at least sing on Eminem's track.



Granted, the chorus works more than the verses, so it is understandable that it was chosen for the hook behind the rap. She's a great songwriter, so I hope she released some of her songs on her own.

Today: Something New

This song is a walking cliche. But in a good way. No, seriously, the lyrics are all idioms. Clever, Dr. Dog, I see what you did there.



"That Old Black Hole" is very catchy and kind of rock and roll. I especially love the bridge around the 2:15 mark.

Today: Something New

"Dreaming About the Sea" by The Sea and City almost seems like two different songs. It starts off acoustically and simply and then builds into a much more massive sound. It really picks up when the rest of the band comes in. And I like it. I'm definitely a sucker for a mandolin.

I really like the contemplative lyrics. This is a good song to put on your "while I'm working" playlist and enjoy."

Check out the band playing the song in a cathedral (for awesome acoustics) and his guitar is super cool as well!

Today: Something New

I love female singers with folksy, interesting voices and a new favorite is Cate Le Bon with her new record, "Cyrk."

"Ploughing Out, Pt. 1" is a simple melody that showcases Le Bon's voice as she jumps from low to high notes and back again. Her voice is accompanied by folk rock instruments with a twangy twist.

And since this song can't be found on youtube (though I still recommend trying to find it) check out "Fold the Cloth," which also incorporates her folk rock sound with her unique voice.

Today: Something Old

I love classic rock. Maybe one of the best songs ever is "The Weight" by The Band. This song is just the epitome of cool. If this song was a person it would be the guy who is not trying to be cool. It doesn't even care what you think about; it's just effortlessly cool. "He just grinned and shook my hand, 'No,' was all he said."



The mixture of religion-inspired lyrics and folk-country feel make this song feel old and nostalgic and classic and timeless at the same time. It makes me wish I was around to see them play live at Woodstock or their Last Waltz concert.

Today: Something New

I've heard this song a lot of different places lately. It's great. I love the way she uses her voice as the background, acapella style. Boom-she-clack-clack. I always love singers who treat their voices as real instruments. "Concrete Wall" off Zee Avi's new record, "Ghostbird," is awesomely funky.



Please enjoy.

Today: Something New

The lyrics of "Ali Baba" by Emil & Friends are strange but catchy. But, then again, so is the band. I really love the guitar on this track as well.



To start the melody bounces above the guitar riffs and makes this song great to listen to or sing along to. Then the electric guitar and the violin come in and add depth. By the end of the song, you end up with a beautiful song.

Today: Something New

Howler's first full-length record, "America Give Up," has an old school indie rock vibe with lots of variation.



The single, "Back of Your Neck" showcases the band's mellower side as well as their interesting vocal sound. It is understated without being sleepy. This is one I wish I could see live.

Today: Something New

M. Ward is the male half of one of my favorite duos, She & Him. He has some great solo stuff as well. Yesterday he released a new song from his upcoming record.



"The First Time I Ran Away" combines his always amazing guitar with great percussion that drives the song. His vocals just kind of float over the track. Great chill out music. I can't wait for the whole album.

Today: Something New

This song is almost a year old, but I think it's fun and a funny story told from an interesting perspective.



Maria In the Shower has a really interesting sound. "The Bee Song (The Plight of the Bumblebee)" has an old school story-teller vibe. I love the buzzing onomatopoeia.

Today: Something Borrowed

I loved the record, "Cape Dory," from Tennis last winter. Such a fun, 1960s beach vibe. Which makes them perfect to cover "Tell Her No" by The Zombies.



The simple arrangement fits great with Alaina's voice and the harmonies are great. I love when she breaks into the chorus of "No, no, no, no, no."

I seriously cannot wait for their new record, out in a few weeks.