I'm not doing Music of the Month anymore. Partly because I'm lazy and mostly because finding new music seems infinitely harder suddenly.
I'm in the car a lot, driving Dave to and from school. In the past, this is when I'd scan the alternative stations for something interesting. I can't really do that here. At the time of day that I'm driving there seems to be a lot of "talk" on the stations and since I don't speak the language, it's not real entertaining.
Consequently, most of my new music is coming from scanning through Itunes. I keep hearing about a song, "Call Me, Maybe" but it seems a little pop-y. Maybe it grows on you?
So anyway, I'm on the hunt. Any suggestions? Here's some of my top selections to get a sense of what I've been digging lately.
I Am the D.J. and Still Young by Neon Trees
Bloody Mary by Silver Sun Pickups
Happy Pills by Norah Jones
October by Broken Bells
Down by the Water by The Decemberists
Simple Song by The Shins
Lonely Boy and Tighten Up by The Black Keys
Baby One More Time by Tony Lucca (awesome cover from The Voice)
As I've been going about my week, I keep replaying the lyrics of a Christmas song I listened to recently: "It's Christmas Time All Over the World". Here's a few applicable lines:
It’s Christmas Time All Over The World
It’s Christmas here at home
The church bells chime we 'ere roam...
Though the customs might change
And the language is strange
This appeal we feel is real
In Holland or Hong Kong
It’s Christmas Time All Over The World
In places near and far
And so my friend wherever you are
Ein fröhliches Weihnachten [German]
Kala Christougenna [Greek]
Yoi kurisumasu [Japanese]
This means a very Merry Christmas
To you
Merry Christmas, my friends and family. May the Spirit of Christ enter your hearts and stay with you all year long.
August's music of the month is Joss Stone's Don't Start Lying to Me Now. The new album dropped in late July and so far this is my favorite jam. Very sassy and soulful.
July's Music of the Month was really hard to pick. I initially thought I'd go with (1) You and Tequila by Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter. I love the blend of their voices, specifically the tone of his voice versus hers. I also feel the emotion the song conveys. It reminds me of Whiskey Lullaby by Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley, although You and Tequila is not nearly as tragic.
But because this one isn't very summery, I continued to look around. The next option was (2) We All Bleed Red by Ronnie Brooks. This is his first attempt as a solo artist after Brooks & Dunn. A great message in the lyrics and I'm always a fan of someone who will attempt something new, when doing the same-old-same-old is much safer. Go Ronnie!
But still not exactly the summer anthem I was looking for. (3) The Cave by Dia Frampton (a cover of Mumford and Sons) is next. If you don't watch The Voice (What?! You don't watch The Voice! It's the best thing on TV this summer!), then you may not know about Dia Frampton. All of her music thus far has been covers, but very well done covers. I am rooting for her, but she's got stiff competition from Javier.
Still...my attempts to find the perfect summer ditty continues to allude me. So I thought next of (4) Ingrid Michaelson with Maybe. It's light, bouncy and airy but it's kinda a breakup song––not really the thing I was envisioning.
So, I leave the choice to you. What would you have picked for July's music of the month from the offered choices? Or...do you have your own offering?
Yes, it's that time again. Another month has arrived. In fact, it's already June 2nd. In other words, I'm already behind. Oy! I've been trying so hard to get caught up.
Without further ado...June's music of the month is Lost in My Mind by The Head and the Heart.
This month's pick comes courtesy of my wonderful hubby, so thanks for that, but I chose this particular song from the album because I often feel a little lost in my mind. So many things bumping around up there, all begging for attention.
On a completely random note, the cover art for this album is slightly disturbing. The music=smooth, pure and folksy. The album cover of a short man wearing a sheep mask and smoking a cigarette standing next to an overly tall woman from the 70's=just plain weird.
Back in February, when we discovered that Arcade Fire was coming to Houston, the hubby and I snapped up tickets. Unfortunately the whole break-my-leg thing threw a wrench in our plans. Adam was pretty clear he didn't want me going, tripping and breaking something else. We talked about selling the tickets or finding someone who might like to go with Adam, but honestly, my heart wasn't in it. I wanted to go.
I procrastinated the decision and so did Adam and suddenly we were a week away with no solution, so I pressed my case for just going ourselves. Who cares that I can't stand all concert long? Who cares that sitting for longer than an hour without propping my leg makes it go numb and tingly? Who cares that there are a million different ways in which I could trip on my lovely crutches and break my face? Well, not I!
Actually, it wasn't all that dramatic. I called the Pavilion and assured myself that they have handicapped services, which they did. We parked in the handicapped section, Adam got a wheelchair from one of the ticket takers. They wheeled me to our seats which we switched out for ADA seating, This allowed me to remain seated but see the stage despite the standing (gyrating and enthusiastic) crowds. A few perks to go along with the pains in the tuckus of breaking a leg.
So, as far as the concert...in a word, it was ENERGETIC. Really energetic. Like Energizer Bunny energetic. Arcade Fire defies the typical band formula, in that they have 7 band members, all of which play a variety of musical instruments and sing. During the concert we saw numerous guitars and keyboards, but also, two full sets of drums, a bass, two violins (or violas, not sure), a variety of tambourines and my personal favorite, the accordion. But it wasn't the number of musicians or the musical instruments that was impressive...it was the energy in which they performed. Seriously, they must burn some serious calories during their shows. You could see that they loved doing what they do. And it was fun to watch. Their enthusiasm was contagious. A great band to see live.
So glad we went!
Just a quick side note. The front man of Arcade Fire, Win Butler, grew up in the Woodlands and used to work at the Pavilion as a ticket taker. Late in the show, he went to the mic and announced that back in his day there was an unwritten rule that at this point in the show they (the ticket takers) would stop checking tickets and so 'come on down people'. The crowd enthusiastically complied. Hmm. Wonder what the current ticket takers thought of that?
May's music of the month is Colder Weather by the Zac Brown Band.
The harmonizing is so beautiful and contrasts with the melancholy lyrics. I've read that the song is about a man struggling with addiction or depression. I've heard it's about a service man or long-haul trucker dealing with a life of long absences from loved-ones. I've even heard it's about a man dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Whatever the meaning, the loneliness and longing is heart-rending. Here's my favorite lines:
Oh, I wanna see you again, But I'm stuck in colder weather Maybe tomorrow will be better, Can I call you then?
When I close my eyes I see you No matter where I am I can smell your perfume Through these whisperin' pines
The poignant imagery blends with the clear-voiced harmonies to create an emotional connection with the listener and to me that's what music is all about. I love it. Enjoy!
April's Music of the Month is Hellogoodbye and their song, When We First Met. The video is odd, but in a funny, amusing way. I love the montages of the band members wearing different wigs. Oh, It Is Love, is also a great song...any song that can incorporate a ukulele is a winner in my book.
March's Music of the Month is Mumford & Sons, The Cave. (All those M's were unintentional, let me assure you). The harmonies are simply amazing and the overall feeling of the song is of hope, but I don't get the video at all, so feel free to illuminate my mind, if you feel so inclined.
February's music of the month, in commemoration of their unexpected Grammy win last night, is Arcade Fire's Ready to Start. Just last night, Arcade Fire took home Album of the Year, beating out Eminem, Lady Gaga, Lady Antebellum and a flock of others. I'm always one to support a female drummer, so I say rock on Arcade Fire! Enjoy the moment.
For two weeks now, I've had nearly no motivation at all. It seems like I'm only able to manage the bare minimum...feed the kids, clothe the kids, wash the kids and occasionally work up to having a conversation with the good ole hubby. Beyond that, all I've done is read. Reading takes almost no energy from me...except going to the library to get reading material...and that alone, nearly put a kibosh on the whole reading thing. So, to get back on to the subject at hand, I've been in a funk and my blogging has suffered. Adam noticed.
One lazy Saturday afternoon he asked when I was going to post January's music of the month and I just about cried. Didn't he know? I'm in a funk. I can't possibly be expected to continue that music of the month thing...afterall, I'd only committed to a music of the month for 2010 and that task is complete. Besides, I'm just way to busy (read: in-a-funk) to commit to another year of picking a new artist/song for every month. Doesn't he understand me at all?
Okay, so don't judge. I warned you. I'm in a funk. But it's time to let go of the funk. Two weeks is all anyone has the right to ask. No more excuses. In commemoration to my renewed commitment to a non-funky life, I will hereby commit to another year of music. I even have a whole day left in January to get started. Hmm.
Onward, people.
SO...for those interested, I will list 2010's picks and then throw out the newest selection.
January: Uprising by Muse
February: I and Love and You by The Avett Brothers
March: A-punk by Vampire Weekend
April: Skinny Love by Bon Iver
May: All I Ever Wanted by Kelly Clarkson
June: If I Die Young by The Band Perry
July: Airplanes by B.o.B
August: White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes
September: Secrets by One Republic
October: At Last by Etta James
November: Animal by Neon Trees
December: Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri
And finally...January 2011 Music of the Month: Dog Days are Over by Florence + the Machine. The video is wild. The costuming and makeup is mad! I love the juxtapose between her haunting voice and the skippy-beat.Adam deserves the credit for introducing me to this band. Kiss with a Fist is also pretty good, but the message trends toward abusive, so maybe not the best song to advocate---but I personally, think it's meant to be tongue in cheek. Or not? Who knows?
Yes, I'm still here. Just busy, like we all are these days. Better late than never. So, December's music of the month is Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri.
It's reminiscent of Alanis Morissette and the Jagged Little Pill days, but with an acoustic, soulful vibe. But don't worry, she's got lots of bitterness and angst to go around.
About two weeks ago I was listening to the radio and a new song came on. Oooh. I liked it and I knew that it could be November's music of the month. BUT, I had to discover the artist or title, at least. Adam had already loaded this app on my phone that enabled a user to hold the phone up to the speaker and then the app will magically tell you the name and artist of the song being played, but if you think texting causes accidents...seriously, I could've killed myself trying something like that. So instead I just listened to the lyrics and tried to remember enough to google it later. This plan was flawed. I was the flaw. It's what happens when you have too many other things to remember.
Anyway, ten days later, I was waiting in the parking lot for Adam to finish an errand and the station I was listening to was doing interviews with artist from BuzzFest...and...yes, as you can guess, I heard my new song. Consequently, I now own the whole album. I'm excited about this band and had a hard time picking just one song. And as an awesome kicker, the drummer is a girl and she totally rocks!
The official song of November is Animal by Neon Trees but also try In the Next Roomor 1983. Good stuff people!
I'm in a bit of a nostalgia rut lately, so the music of the month for October is more like a visit from an old friend.
At Last by Etta James is, well, a classic. I recently added her and Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker to my digital music collection and feel they are well worth the cha-ching. By the way, I should really buy stock in Itunes. A fortune, I say, a fortune.
Happy September everyone! The Music of the Month is Secrets by OneRepublic. I heard it first on the movie, Sorcerer's Apprentice. I love the introduction of the strings, (cello, I think) and the images drawn by lyrics and then the drums pick up and carry me away. Good stuff, people.
Favorite lyrics:
Need something that I can confess
'Til all my sleeves are stained red
From all the truth that I've said
What about you? Any new favorite songs or bands of 2010?
August's music of the month is "White Winter Hymnal" by the Fleet Foxes. It reminds me of wintery days and snow covered hills––of tunneling paths with heavy boots through fields of white. I'm desperate for those images right now, as the temperatures surge into the triple digits. I've heard the lyrics have a darker meaning but I refuse to acknowledge it. I relish my utopian wintery visions, clinging tightly to the idea that someday cooler weather will indeed prevail.
I promised new music every month and it didn't take but five months before I became a slacker. So I'm here to repent of my sorry ways in offering up three new songs.
May's Music of the Month: All I Ever Wanted by Kelly Clarkson.Back in May, I was really into this song and I still really like it. It's got a bluesy feel that I really dig. Favorite line in the lyrics: "...all I ever wanted was an in between to escape this desperate scene..."
June's Music of the Month: If I Die Young by The Band Perry.
I heard this song early one Saturday morning and just fell in love. It is kinda sad and tragic but the lead's voice is so tantalizing. Favorite lyric: "...a penny for my thoughts, oh no i'll sell em for a dollar, they're worth so much more after i'm a gonner and maybe then you'll hear the words that i've been singin'. Its funny when your dead how people start listenin'."
July's Music of the Month: Airplanes by B.o.B. I'm not usually one for a lot of rap but this song just sticks with me and I love the imagery. Favorite lyric: "...So here I stand and then again I say, I'm hopin' we can make some wishes outta airplanes..."
