Best Of...

I guess it goes without saying that if you don't like "Hold On, We're Going Home" that you have no soul.

That being said, I'm clearly a huge fan of the song...so much so that I've committed a little bit (a lot of bit) of time incessantly listening to covers. I've narrowed it down to a few of my favorites. They're all pretty different stylistically, but keep a lot of the things we love about the Drizzy original...here they are...

Pia Mia

James Arthur

Holy Ghost

Thinking It Over

Dang guys it's been a while. Like two months a while.

I guess my only excuse is that, in addition to my love of music, my reason for starting this blog was an immense amount of downtime during the week. Not so much the case anymore. Okay cool now that that's settled-- gonna take a turn and try to make this post sound less like a Xanga and more like a music blog...

BANKS BANKS BANKS.

Love her. Can't get enough of her.

As you know I've been on quite the British binge over the last few years and she's another one to the add to the list. I'm really excited about this. Banks has the down-to-earth feel of Ellie Goulding stylized in a sort of Lana Del Rey way, BUT that being said, still doing her own thing. 

Sexy, fun, quality sound...

(She also does a killer Peter Gabriel cover, if you like her sound in the first one give it a listen)

                     Banks // Waiting Game

Banks // In Your Eyes (Cover)

I Need It

Hello hello all (as in all of you 5 people that are reading my blog, Nora...Mom...I see you) 

It's been a while!

I think I've finally calmed down a little bit since my Bastille discovery. I mean not to say that I'm still not completely infatuated but I've come to the point where I am slowly reintroducing other music into my morning commute...

ANYWAY. I have some great news. I found some Canadians and they are wonderful. I actually heard of Half Moon Run a few months back but didn't make the effort to thoroughly listen at the time (we all make mistakes). 

I'm seeing them tonight in New York so of course it's the perfect opportunity to spread the word. 

They have a super unique sound- I'd say a cross between Mumford and Sons and Jeff Buckley. Sounds like an odd couple but you'll understand once you hit...PLAY! Enjoy...

P.s. the 2nd is my favorite.

Half Moon Run // Call Me In The Afternoon

Half Moon Run // Need It

Forever Hold On

It's pretty crazy to me that I haven't mentioned Trevor Hall once in the last 7 months that I've had this blog. I guess I've been listening to him for a while now and he kind of fell through the cracks.

I just started reading Beyond Religion: Ethics For a Whole World and I was lucky enough to be reminded of the unique spirituality that Hall brings to his music. There is literally nothing that can replicate the feeling of listening to him with the air from outside coming through the windows and a candle lit just before sleeping. 

He might look like your average dirty hipster but I PROMISE you he is so so much more. I present to you...

Chapter of the Forest // Trevor Hall

All I Ever Know // Trevor Hall

How Am I Gonna Be An Optimist About This...

I haven't been this excited for a while. AMAZING, not to mention the lead singer is basically a British musician version of Ted Mosby. Do dreams come true? Why, yes. Yes, they do.

The fact that this first video- which is A CAPELLA- has under a million views is a miracle in and of itself. If the first one isn't your style, Pompeii is more of a "hit" (38 million views) so please don't disregard that one either.

Also can I just say that I am straight up LIVID that tickets to see them on craigslist are 5 times face value. (some) People suck. 

Bastille // Overjoyed (Acapella)

Bastille // Pompeii

Come Pick Me Up, Take Me Out

Was reminded of this gem in a honky-tonk the other week. Not sure why they were playing it there but sure glad they did.

                                            Ryan Adams // Come Pick Me Up
                  

The 1975

This is everything right now. That's all you need to know.

The 1975 // Woman (Live)

Gabrielle Aplin

Talent+ British + Adorable + Coldplay = happiness.

BROOKLYN BOYZ

SMALL BLACK. I am truly excited for this. 1) Because I just found out about them last week and they are amazing and 2) Because I really feel like I found them on my own and I have an ego about it (just being honest here).

Anyway this crew from Brooklyn is preeeeettty great and they put on quite the live performance too, which is always a plus. I'm talking about all out DANCE PARTY on stage. Go see them if you have the chance, but for now watch this--the video is great, the song is even better...

                                                       Small Black // No Stranger 

Still Going Strong

Not sure how I've made it this far without mentioning Andrew Belle. Been having a one sided love affair with him for about 4 years now and checking his set out last night at Mercury Lounge just reminded me how lovely his music is. Also--these lyrics are amazing. These empty halls held our disease before we caught it.

                                                     Andrew Belle // Static Waves

Pretty Girls & Starting Conversations

There's new exciting music out of Australia and that makes today a wonderful day. Vance Joy's already gained recognition in the land down under and he's on his way to American success. The one man show recently wrapped up a small American tour. I was one of the lucky attendees at his Rockwood Music Hall show last month where tickets went quick at an astonishing 12 dollars a piece. 

Don't count on that happening again anytime soon. The newcomer is in the midst of prepping for an Australian tour come August and has been spotted supporting Lissie in the states.

Listen here:

Vance Joy // Riptide

Sad Songs

Sorry for the recent posting hiatus. I don't know if I've ever mentioned it before, but I LOVE sad songs. It's not that I'm sad or that I even listen to them when I feel sad necessarily, but there's just some weird infatuation with it. It's probably something to do with an artist really revealing themselves in a way that you can't quite grasp from anywhere else. Mm pondering...here are some of my personal favorite, sad sad songs.

To Build A Home

Nicest Thing

In The Shallows

Cold Desert

New addition:                                                             Love More Cover

San Cisco's So Cute

Cute Alert.

So I’m about 3 EPs and 1 album behind on San Cisco but I just encountered them the other night, and they may just be the most adorable thing ever.  I was surfing YouTube sampling a bit of the much hyped new Daft Punk album, Random Access Memories, and stumbled upon San Cisco’s “Get Lucky” cover from Triple J. Ohmygosh so good. 

Then I decided to explore a bit further and got a taste of a San Cisco original, “Awkward.” Could these high school band mates BE cuter? Love the vocals. Not much depth lyrically in this one but it’s definitely the cutest song about stalking I’ve ever heard. 

   San Cisco // Get Lucky Cover

San Cisco // Awkward

Tweet Tweet

Hiiiii guys. I just heard this for the first time last night. I am head over heels in love with it. There is this distinct feeling that I get when an artist or song is just really THAT good. In addition to that feeling it usually results in my playing a song over and over again until my ears are about to pop off. Not sure if that's a phrase that's really used, but whatever. BIRDY YOU MAGICAL GODDESS YOU.

                                                        Birdy // Without A Word

What Am I Supposed to Do Now?

The Milk Carton Kids

So much good music coming out of California these days. Indie folk duo Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan have developed a unique sound in what one YouTuber describes as the lovechild of John Lennon and Jimmy Page. Needless to say The Milk Carton Kids have got some serious talent going on.

I showed the gents to my mom a few weeks ago and she said she couldn't tell if they are "actually awkward or trying to capitalize on their awkwardness". You'll see where she's coming from if you watch their Tiny Desk Concert. Valid point, but whatever they are doing, it's working...

The Milk Carton Kids // Tiny Desk Concert

Governor's Ball Spotlight: Day One

Ugh I miss the days when Young the Giant was performing in front of 40 people in D.C. and everyone was standing there completely awestruck.  Whatever.

Hadn't listened until Dillon Francis until tonight but I am liking it given that I'm in the right mood (not totally emo and girly). Here's a little fun electronic for y'all.

Just Can't Get Enough: More BH

I know I shouldn't be posting about him again...but I think it's really pertinent that everybody understand how talented Ben Howard is.

He's only 25 but his songs has so much depth to them I can barely wrap my head around it. 

At the same time he can be so lyrically direct, which I love. I love that he is only in the beginning stage of his career, truly can't wait see what's up next. 

"Nobody gives a fuck about you. Tell you it's a damn shame..."

Happy Friday: Two For One

Happy Friday, it's your lucky day! So I realized I could kill two birds with one stone by introducing you to two INCREDIBLE things in one post. 1) Local Natives and 2) La Blogotheque.

Local Natives-- probably familiar to a lot of you, but if not... I basically just became your new best friend. Local Natives are a California based indie band who recently released their sophomore album, "Hummingbird". They've been around for years but in the last few have gained notable popularity, and rightfully so.

La Blogotheque, according to its website, has been "changing the way people experience music for the last six years" and I could not agree more. The NY Times calls it one of the "most exciting web-video projects" yet. 

The first time I was exposed to to La Blogotheque was in 2010 when I heard "For Emma Forever Ago" live. It was also the first time I ever heard Bon Iver...obviously a monumental milestone in my musical journey. La Blogotheque filming is exquisite, the sound is impeccable, basically the whole project is flawless. Here's the best of both worlds below:

Local Natives // Who Knows Who Cares 

WHATEVER YOU DO WATCH THIS

The One & Only

Remember when I was sulking about how much I miss Jeff Buckley? Okay so I won't dare put him in the same category, but sometimes it kind of feels like he was reincarnated through Matt Corby. No freaking joke. 

Can't believe this guy was runner up on Australian idol. Thank God he didn't win because he turned into this little indie hipster a few years later leaving us with some pretty great music.

I think he vocalizes his take on the music industry pretty well (2nd video), but then again I could be brainwashed by his perfect face and charming accent... Anyway, watch if you please.

Blah Blah Blah Um Girl Power

Yeah I just quoted Spice World. What of it? 

So I came across two amazing female vocalists a few months ago but just started getting back to listening to them. 

Emeli Sande. Voice like butter. Pure pleasure to my ears. Nothing against Queen B but over the years I can't help feel that she's become a little manufactured. You know all the glitz and glamour and production on top of real talent. Emeli Sande is like Beyonce before all that. There is no shock value or popping and dropping in skin tight leotards (please little divas don't come after me, I love B, I'm just sayin')-- and guess what? She is still just as impressive.

Bridgit Mendler apparently was a Disney Channel series star. Who knew? Not me. But then again not surprising considering Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus all came out of the Disney can. Mendler has a more mature sound to her voice, which I love. She still has a lot of room to grow stylistically and lyrically but I am digging it and welcome her with open arms.

If I Had a Boat I Would Sail To You

I love what James Vincent McMorrow does. When I hear his music I feel that it's something refreshing, it doesn't sound like somebody else--instant peace of mind. Hard to convey through words so take a listen for yourself.

Best Thing to Come Out of X Factor UK

Okay besides One Direction, but that goes without saying (kidding, kind of...)

JAMES ARTHUR. I am so late on this it's actually embarrassing. But to my defense, this guy did come out of a reality talent show in the United Kingdom, which is not exactly my forte (I don't even own a television)

I don't know what I did to deserve this blessing from the YouTube gods but I somehow stumbled across an James Arthur's version of Impossible and then I just kept going. I must have listened to his audition 15 times, he turned "Young" by Tulisa from a sort of pop-song train wreck into something BEAUTIFUL. Love what he does by incorporating rap tangents into his songs, sort of Ed Sheeran-esque with a twist ya diiig?

Start with his audition, then follow up with his studio stuff....

I Just Wanna Misbehave

Get ready guys, I am actually posting sort of upbeat dancey music today. I know--shocking. I am even surprised by myself.

I figure it's Monday and we could all use a little pick-me-up to get us out of the back-to-work funk. 

First is a Strokes cover by Azealia Banks. She really rocks.

Second is a remix of Ellie Goulding's Explosions. Explosions is one of my favorite songs off Halycon and basically just incredible in general. I don't think the remix can live up to the original song but it still pretty damn good. Happy listening...

Lakyn

It's funny how a different artist can change a song entirely. You can go from love to hate, from hate to love, or if you're really lucky you're presented with multiple versions of a song that you like (amazing, right?).

Honestly, I'd rather not waste my energy disliking music but I have to say I am not a huge fan of the original Swedish House Mafia "Don't You Worry Child." I mean it's something I will listen to without cringing but I probably wouldn't listen to it by choice.

Which is why I was completely taken aback when I heard a cover of and developed an unhealthy attachment to it.

It's covered by Australian musician Lakyn Heperi. This guy knows how to cover songs, check out his other videos. MGMT/Bob Marley mash-up? Solidddd. Who would have thought?

An Angel Among Us

Angel Taylor is everything you'd want in a woman and more. She is soulful, raspy, and straight up adorable.

I first heard her years again in Baltimore when she opened for the amazing Mat Kearney. You don't always get so lucky with unknown opening acts, but this time I hit the jackpot. Taylor did a cover of "Sex on Fire" and I just about fell in love. That was years ago and I am honestly baffled as to why she hasn't gained more popularity--but hey just means she'll keep playing tiny shows which I am absolutely okay with. Only Angel Taylor could make no make-up, unbrushed hair, and a plain tee sound this good...

Also noteworthy yet another freaking brilliant cover of "Stay"

To Jeff Buckley

Dear Jeff Buckley,

I am feeling nostalgic and I miss you. I wish you were still here making music because you are really in a category of your own.

I feel like if we passed each other on the street and you weren't famous we maybe could have been friends.

I have memories of lying on the beach in Delaware when I was younger listening to my mom's iPod and hearing "Lover, You Should Have Come Over." I was 4 years old when you released it. I was 12 when I heard it that day and I didn't understand it but I instantly loved it. And I still think it is one of the most powerful, beautiful songs I have ever heard.  And needless to say, your version of "Hallelujah" tops anybody else's out there.

You are missed, always.

Another Reason to Love M.E.

Mikky Ekko does it again. Obviously the obsession isn't wearing off. 

Ekko just released his EP on iTunes this week. The EP is only 5 songs so I was surprised and a little skeptical when I saw one was a cover. For such a small taste of what Ekko has to offer I was looking forward to all original work. BUT skepticism aside, I was more than happy after I heard his epic rendition of Chains by XX. I might be biased (no definitely biased) because I think XX is incredible, but him doing this cover justice and putting his own flare on it speaks for itself.

Check it out, BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge:

And here's his EP "Tracks"

Shiny, Happy People

The following three bands have that happy-indie sort of vibe that is sure to lift your spirits wherever, whenever. Of Monsters and Men, Imagine Dragons, Lumineers. They probably sound familiar to most of you but I am posting this to encourage you to listen, listen, listen. While their singles are without a doubt great they have a lot more up their sleeves and it would be a pity to miss out on it.

A friend shared "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men with me a long while ago and I made a mistake of stopping there until recently. Now I am hooked and sad I wasted so much time NOT listening to them. Sidenote: Of Monsters and Men Pandora, probably the greatest thing ever.

And I have the honor of seeing two of the three LIVE at Governor's Ball in June. Who's excited for me? Come on no need to be bitter...

Of Monsters and Men // Yellow Light

Imagine Dragons// Demons

Lumineers // Big Parade

British Babies

If you haven't heard of either Birdy of Nina Nesbitt you are in for a serious treat.

Birdy and Nina Nesbitt both come out of Great Britain (Birdy from England and Nina from Scotland) and they are equally amazing. Nesbitt is 18 years old and Birdy is only 16. Sixteen as in born in 1996, okay that is CRAZY. Their music and emotion is wise beyond their years.

I first heard of Birdy for her cover of "Skinny Love" which is absolutely transcending. I am also a big fan of her "District Sleeps Alone" cover in addition to some original material she's released.

Nesbitt caught my attention when she appeared in Ed Sheeran's video for "Drunk" and after noticing her name a few times in the comment thread I saw what all the fuss was about.

Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for these two. 

Birdy // Skinny Love Cover

   

Nina Nesbitt // Hold You

References: Ed Sheeran Drunk Video
                         Birdy District Sleeps Alone Cover

Remember That Time...

 We're all in love, get over it.

Remember that time I met St. Lucia?

Remember that time I met Jason Reeves?

Remember that time I met Matt Corby?

I Can't Help Feelin'

This is fairly old but if it slipped through the cracks for any of you I thought I'd post it anyway. 

Adele + Childish Gambino + Crazy Beats= MIND BLOWN.

Yeah, Adele is great for sobbing over ice cream and that kind of behavior but she actually works really well for upbeat mash-ups too. Who knew? Well now you do...

By the way, while this is mixed pretty well I am particularly obsessed with Childish Gambino's verse which doesn't start until 2:44 so feel free to fast-forward if your patience wears thin, it is too good to miss.

Wow girl that's what you really wanted, a Michael Cera knockoff? Guess I wasn't white enough. 

YEAH TAKE THAT HANNAH HORVATH.

Childish Gambino//Rolling in the Deep Remix

From NY to CA

St. Lucia and The Neighbourhood are two of those bands where it was love at first listen. It felt effortless. I've had to give many songs a few tries until they really grow on me but I was instantly attracted with these ones.

St. Lucia, aka Jean-Philip Grobler, hails from South Africa but he and band-mates have become a household name around Brooklyn, where the frontman now lives and frequents for shows.  I first saw St. Lucia back in September at a free show where until 10 minutes after playing there was no crowd... fast-forward four months and I am standing without a centimeter of spare room at Terminal 5 while he's opening for Ellie Goulding. Needless to say, things are escalating pretty quickly.

The Neighbourhood comes from L.A. and are pretty new to the music scene with their first album still in the works. The band consists of five gentlemen. This song is so damn catchy I just can't stop...

                                           

                                           The Neighbourhood // Sweater Weather

         St. Lucia // Closer Than This