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"