New Music Monday: Playing Catch-Up

I decided to play catch-up for music monday and fill you in on what I have been listening to so far this lovely spring we have been having (other than Mates of State).

Any of these artists/albums will clear out the winter cobwebs in your head and help to jumpstart your week.

 

The Shins - Port of Morrow

I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that I forgot just how wonderful the Shins are. But I remembered pretty quickly with the recent release of their new album, Port of Morrow, their first in about five years.

This is a must-listen for any Shins fan or anyone looking for some new lazy, spring afternoon listening.



 

The Shins - Simple Song

Tennis

This husband-wife duo started making music together following a 7-month sailing expedition. It may just be my imagination, but their songs do tend to have a nautical feel...definitely worthy of a sunny spring or summer day. Especially if you're sailing!

 

Tennis - Origins

Band of Skulls - Sweet Sour

I recently became enthralled by Band of Skulls' 2009 debut album, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey, and have now become just as enthuthiastic about their sophmore album Sweet Sour. Their music reminds me of a grungier version of Arcade Fire (although feel free to disagree with me on that); great mix of rock and indie-folk.

Band of Skulls - Sweet Sour

The Head and the Heart

This indie-folk band from Seattle has a great mixture of instruments and strong vocals. Judging by the caliber of bands that they have opened for (My Morning Jacket, Iron & Wine, The Decembrists, The Low ANthem, and fellow Seattle-ites, Death Cab for Cutie) this is a band to keep your eye on.

 

The Head and the Heart - Down in the Valley

The Hunger Games (Songs from District 12 and Beyond)

The Hunger Games trilogy and film have certainly been causing a big stir lately in the pop-culture world, and one recent addition to the Hunger Games-mania is the album The Hunger Games (Songs from District 12 and Beyond), artists such as Arcade Fire, The Low Anthem, Maroon 5, The Civil Wars, The Decembrists, and a few other big names as well as up-and-comer's.

Whether or not you are a fan of the books and film, this is a great album featuring a variety of talented artists who all wrote original songs relating to the story of the books/movie.

Arcade Fire - Abraham's Daughter

 

Edith Piaf

If you have never had the pleasure of listening to this French icon's one-of-a-kind voice, then please correct this error immediately.

If you enjoy jazz music, then why not kick it up a notch with some French jazz?

 

Edith Piaf - La Vie en Rose

Gotye - Making Mirrors

I was a little hesitant about Gotye a few months ago, but after giving his sophmore album (another five year album gap) a couple of listens, I jumped on the bandwagon.

If you are looking for something fun and a little different, give this album a go.

Gotye - Eyes Wide Open