Sunday, August 15, 2010

Songs for Your Listening Pleasure

So. It occurred to me that I have been hardcore failing at the whole 'songs of the week' business. Luckily for you, there is a whole slew of songs that I've been digging lately, so here's a nice barrage of songs that you should check out.

And just because I feel so badly about not giving you song suggestions, I'm even going to make this super easy for you and include links for you to listen to the songs. You're welcome!

Enjoy!


Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: Home (Love, love, LOVE this song! SO cute!)

Christina Perri: Jar of Hearts (Thank you 'So You Think You Can Dance' for introducing me to this one!)

Jesca Hoop: Four Dreams (Heard this song on The Current--aka the best radio station ever--and I was hooked instantly.)

The Undeserving: Something to Hope For (If you like OneRepublic, I think this will strike your fancy. Similar sound, in my opinion.)

Ryan Calhoun: Who We Are (Really pretty song, but a bit on the sad side. I tend to be drawn to that type of song. Sorry about that. Maybe that's why my best friend calls me emo?)

Barenaked Ladies: The Big Bang Theory Theme Song (I am absolutely obsessed with the show 'The Big Bang Theory.' Seriously. If you have not watched it, go do so. RIGHT. NOW!)

Joshua Radin: Sundrenched World (Another lovely but heavy one.)

Katzenjammer: A Bar in Amsterdam (Not sure which I like more...the song itself, or the music video for it. Both are faaaantastic!)


Florence & The Machine: Drumming Song (I love female singers whose voices are just naturally stellar. Eff autotune!)


Adam Lambert: If I Had You (Gotta admit...I think Adam Lambert is a fox. Seriously. And he can legit sing, too! Even better!)

Janelle Monae: Tightrope (I get to see her live next month! Yay! I've seen her perform on TV appearances and she is soooo talented.)

The Avett Brothers: Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise (Saw them live about a month ago. So. Freaking. Good. If you ever get a chance to go to one of their shows, I'd highly recommend doing so.)

Metric: Waves (One of my all-time favorite bands. First discovered them back in 2004 when they had an appearance in the movie 'Clean.' Insta-love. I've also been told I look like their singer, Emily Haines. So that's cool too.)

Sia: Soon We'll Be Found (Her hair makes me giggle, but DANG is this song gorgeous, and the video is one of the most unique I've ever seen.)

Devotchka: How It Ends (Sound familiar? If you've seen 'Little Miss Sunshine,' it's in there. Was also the song that two of my loves (Neil and Kent) from 'So You Think You Can Dance' danced to.)

Mumford and Sons: The Cave (Not even going to start about how I'm missing seeing them yet AGAIN. It's a tragic tale. Anywho, they're wonderful, so have a listen.)

The Antlers: Bear (The beginning of this song makes me smile. Reminds me of a lullaby.)

Wild Beasts: We Still Got the Taste Dancin' On Our Tongues (This song just rocks. Entrancing is a good word for it.)

Brandon Flowers: Crossfire (I've seen The Killers three times. The last time, Mr. Flowers was kind of a douche. I'm hoping he redeems himself solo. Because I really like this song.)

Tramgirl Karaoke Club ft. Maskopet: If Your Time Runs Out (Sorry I couldn't find a better video. Still a great song, though!)

Spiral Beach: Voodoo (This song is in one of my favorite movies, 'Charlie Bartlett.' EVERY time I've watched I've thought, "Wow, I like this song, wonder who sings it?" but never looked it up. Yesterday I finally did. Woot!)

H'ok. 21 songs for your listening enjoyment. I think that makes up for the 9 weeks I missed, don't you?




Friday, August 13, 2010

Hunters & Runners: Of Classic Renown

There are some albums that are good without knocking your socks off. There isn’t anything wrong with them; they’re just missing that extra oomph that would push them from a good album to a great album.
 
This is the case with Of Classic Renown, the spring release from New York City band Hunters & Runners.
 
From the outset, Of Classic Renown has what I would call a ‘comfortable’ feel. The music is played well, the vocals are good, and, overall, it’s pleasant to listen to. However, it doesn’t quite catch the listener in such a way that they’re actually invested in the listening experience.
 
Rather, listening to Of Classic Renown is an easy listen. The listener doesn’t have to pay too close attention to get the vibe of the music, nor is it music that the listener can just tune out. It’s simply enjoyable...MORE