Soundtrack of 2015

Can you believe it's 2016 already?! I know, I know, that's what everyone says. But, seriously. I'm more than half-way done with medical school... when did that happen?!

I don't plan on starting this year off with anything quite as drastic as last year (although that pink hair may make another appearance at some point... you've been warned), but I did want to put at least a little "New Year" something in my tiny corner of the internet. 

So. I'm probably a little late with this, but I thought I would share some of my favorite 2015 albums. But I don't mean the albums that I thought were "the best" of the year. These are the new albums that held some kind of significance for me this year --  the songs that were played on repeat to keep me from losing my mind studying for boards, that drowned out disappointments, put words to unprocessed emotions, kept me company on runs, car rides, and travels, and simply helped weaved together all of the memories and stories I have from this past year. So, in a sense, these albums and songs were my 2015 soundtrack.

This post may seem a bit self-centered, but I figured that if these albums meant something to me this past year, maybe they will mean something to someone who may read this for this new year. 

Interestingly, some of my new finds at the beginning of last year, stuck with me all the way through. Certainly makes me excited for new discoveries this year! 

Okay, here we go, in no particular order:

The Balcony - Catfish and The Bottlemen

Oh man, I listed to this album so much this year. Whether studying, driving, or running, and in times of frustration, happiness, sadness... whatever and whenever. I think it will be on regular rotation for me for a long time. There seriously is not a bad song on it (although personal favorite is still Cocoon). 

Our Own House - Misterwives

This was another album that I listened to constantly, in all types of moods and circumstances. And a big highlight of the year was getting to see them play live back in November with a dear friend. For some reason, it serves as a reminder to me to just have fun and be myself, other people's opinions be damned.

If I Was - The Staves

This album is so incredibly beautiful, yet so simple. These songs kept me company through both late nights and early mornings. They have stuck with me so much that I even find myself humming the melodies while walking around the hospital. Plus, I think I've said before, but their cover of "I'm on Fire" is an absolute must-listen.

Chaos and the Calm - James Bay

I love that this album has a little bit of everything. It just feels incredibly soulful to me. So much singing in the car with this one.




Live at Carnegie Hall - Ryan Adams

Not much explanation necessary here. This had me cracking up in the library during boards time, which is also ironic since most of these songs are beautifully sombre. But if you have listened to all 3.5 hours of this, then you understand. Ryan Adams' version of 1989 also gets an honorable mention.






Speaking of honorable mentions:

        


        

       



Okay, that's a lot of music. I kind of wish now I had done this for 2014 too (Hozier, Little Chief, little hurricane now that I'm thinking about it)!!


Hopefully this has inspired you to think about the songs that made up your 2015 and all of the memories that go with them.

Here's to a new year with lots more music and adventures!

New Music for the Summer

Hello!

I have come out on the other side of step 1 of my board exams.. also known as medical student hell, and started actual rotations. Um, whoa. I'm still in the midst of processing boards, moving out of Philadelphia for the next year and starting working in the hospital (in Psych!), but hopefully I will share some random, funny stories and maybe even a little insight in the next few months.

In the meantime, it's summer, and I figure everyone can always use some new summer jams so I wanted to share my favorite recent discoveries that have been clogging up my spotify playlists, focusing mainly on some kick-ass women (does anyone else find it easier to curse in writing than speaking?).

I'll start off  with the album that I would pick if I could only listen to one for the whole summer:


"California Nights" - Best Coast

Best Coast has made a few albums reminiscent of surfer 1960's meets girl rock, but their new album, California Nights, also has a 90's alternative feel.

The songs progress how I imagine a day in the California sun would; from the steady, upbeat, let's-get-this-day-started "Feeling Ok", through the mellow, sunset-vibes of "California Nights", all the way to the restless end of the night with "Sleep Won't Ever Come".






"My Love is Cool" - Wolf Alice

If you are more of a London grunge-rock kind of person, then look no further than Wolf Alice. This is a band that has been getting a lot of love lately, I'm just sad I didn't jump on the bandwagon sooner!

Perfect blend of rock, alternative, edge, and cheekiness.






"Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit" - Courtney Barnett

Speaking of cheek, Australian rocker Courtney Barnett has tons. I can't help giggling as I listen to her fun and intelligent lyrics.

 (Apologies for the clown)

"If I Was" - The Staves

I first came across this trio of sisters a few years ago with their debut EP, "Mexico", but then they kind of fell off my radar unfortunately.  But they once again have my full attention with this new album, produced by Justin Vernon. The harmonies and melodies are stripped down and insanely gorgeous.

Live Cover of "I'm on Fire" - not on the album but had to share

After a long day of playing out in the sun, listen to this under the stars, next to a fire, maybe with some s'mores. Definitely with s'mores.

I know I said I was all about this ladies this post but I would feel incredibly selfish if I didn't share these other two new favorites...


"Coming Home" - Leon Bridges

You may listen to this album and think it was recorded in the 50's or 60's with the likes of Sam Cooke but I assure you it was only released a month ago.

Leon Bridges nails the 60's soul, blues vibe while still keeping his own modern twist. This album makes me so happy.






Moon Taxi

This  Brooklyn-based indie alternative band was a lucky discovery when I was at Governor's Ball last month (speaking of, Florence + The Machine: holy cow that woman is not human). None of us had heard of them before but we happened to catch them while waiting for the next set that we were planning on seeing- instantly hooked!

Their 2013 album "Mountains Beaches Cities" is addicting so I'm really looking forward to their upcoming release!




Okay, back to reading about personality disorders! Feel free to let me know what music you've been loving this summer!

Also this:

New New Music, Yay!

It's been so long since I wrote a music post. Too long. But that is about to change because lately I have been so excited by some new bands that I have come across and really really really want to share.

First, let me preface this post by saying that I've noticed a subtle shift in some of my music choices as of late. I am still a full on folk, blues, rock, alternative, indie-folk, etc. kinda girl but the past few months I've been listening to a lot more indie-electronic-ish type music. A girl has to stay awake while studying the brain, ya feel me?

No?

Well, check out some of these bands and maybe you'll understand.

First up: Misterwives

I first heard the single, Reflections, about a year ago, and ever since the EP has been on heavy rotation for me. So infectiously fun and awesome. I may or may not have danced down the sidewalk while listening and walking home from school (shhhhh!). Next week, their first full-length LP will be released, and I can't wait!

Listen. Listen now I say.

 And, then, you know, just because, Valentine's Day:

Catfish & The Bottlemen

Going back to some good ol' British rock music. Or I guess, technically Welsh rock music? Doesn't sound as cool I think. But these guys are so darn cool. They are starting to gain quite a following and are playing a sold out show in Philly this week (damn you med school). Their debut album has also been on constant rotation for me. In particularly, the song below helped me survive studying for my latest Neuro exam, so I thought the music video was pretty ironic when I came across it...

Pvris

Speaking of music that has been helping me survive studying lately: Pvris. Sometimes, you just need some angry girl rock music. Pvris is certainly a fresh new take on that: equal parts rock, electronic, pop, and bad-ass.




The Districts

Some more repeat-worthy rock music (with a bit of a folk-y touch if you listen close). But this time a little bit more local. Lititiz, PA? Anyone? Bueller?
Anyway, their first full-length LP dropped this week and I was beyond thrilled. I will definitely be catching these guys at the Governor's Ball in a few months.

Oh, yeah, I'm going to the Governor's Ball. To celebrate being done with board exams. Boom.

St. Paul and The Broken Bones

Moving from rock to some good old (new) blues and soul music. These guys will take you back to a different time. A time you won't want to leave as long as the music is this soulful.

Caught a Ghost

I first came across these guys because of their cover songs (Sam Cooke, Madonna, AND Rilo Kiley?! Coolest covers ever), but when I listened to their original songs, I was even more hooked. Think Fitz & the Tantrums but, dare I say, better? More soulful goodness. But with an extra spin.

Dwntwn

More electro-pop-ness. This duo will have you bouncing up and down in your chair. Not that I've done that. No sir.

Violents

Violents is a series of EPs featuring different female vocalists (Annie Williams, Olga of Kye Kye, and Stacy DuPree of Eisley) and music and lyrics by Jeremy Larsen of Sucre. These lyrics are some of the most beautiful I've heard in recent memory and these ladies have gorgeous voices that take them to a whole other level.






Broods

Here is another electro-pop duo but these guys are brother and sister and make music that is moody and a little dark but soothing all at the same time. If you are a fan of Banks (which if you are not, there is something wrong with you), you will probably like these songs as well.

Valise

Over the past few months I've been looking forward to each new song from this indie rock group, slowly leading up to their first LP release, which is next week! Each song is a little different, but together they work so well and just make me plain happy.




Last, but certainly not least: The New Basement Tapes

I'm just going to quote Wikipedia on this one:

"Produced by T Bone Burnett, The New Basement Tapes is a collective of musicians—Elvis Costello, Rhiannon Giddens,Taylor Goldsmith, Jim James and Marcus Mumford. Lost on the River consists of a series of tracks based on recently uncovered lyrics handwritten by Bob Dylan in 1967"

It doesn't get much better than that.

Listening as of Late

It's officially Fall.

Did you know that?

I know I'm a little late with my official declaration, but I've been caught up in a whirlwind of cranial nerves, face and neck muscles, white coats, etc.

Oh, but I noticed.

Even in my med school-induced haze, I've been breathing in the smell of falling leaves, consuming pumpkin EVERYTHING, and just enjoying my favorite season.

And with a new season, comes, of course (my go-to writing topic) new music.

There have been a lot of new releases lately that I have very quickly become obsessed with. I love how the music released at this time of year just feels autumn-y, you know what I mean? Or just me?

Okay. First up:


The Paper Kites - States

Remember these guys? One EP and two whimsical music videos and I was smitten. Another EP, another smile-inducing video, completely hooked.

Well, the long-awaited (at least for me) LP (and, quite possibly, my favorite music video of all time...one word: Bubbles) was finally released in the US and I am officially head-over-heels in love.

The songs on States has a wider range than the two EP's partly because a few songs (Cold Kind Hand, In Reverie) feature Christina Lacy on lead vocals. While some songs, such as Tenenbaum, St. Clarity, and Young are as dreamy and soothing as ever, songs like A Lesson from Mr. Gray are a bit of a deviation from their up-to-now style (think: more guitar, less banjo), but still so good. (Side Note: Does anyone else hear a similarity to I Am The Walrus? Just me again?)

This whole album deserves a listen. It is seriously the perfect thing to listen to on a crisp (probably rainy) fall Sunday as you drink hot apple cider and read anatomy textbooks...whoops, that's just me again. Feel free to leave out the anatomy textbooks.


Agnes Obel - Aventine

Here's another new release from an old Fall-favorite!

Agnes Obel is back with her second album, Aventine, and it is just as gloomy and haunting and beautiful as her first.

So perfect for October. Her album artwork always look like movie posters for scary psychological thrillers. And her songs would then be the creepy underlying soundtrack. But, like a good creepy. Just maybe not listen at night, by yourself, in the dark. Whoops.

(Added 5 minutes later: So. Remember that so-called scary psychological thriller I was talking about? Apparently, it's her music video below. Again, don't watch by yourself, at 1 in the morning, in the dark. You've been warned)

Haim - Days Are Gone

Switching gears to more sunny-Fall-day music, this is another highly anticipated (by many people) first-release LP.

These three wacky sisters are crazy-talented, and have been getting a lot of well-deserved attention as of late. They have a very unique sound (Fleetwood Mac plus 80's-90's synth, with a little R&B thrown in for good measure) that you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

Echosmith - Talking Dreams

Okay guys. Let's stop, take a minute, and just watch (or only listen, if you must) to the video below:

Okay, now I can tell you that these three fellows and one gal that make up Echosmith are siblings and...wait for it... all under the age of 18. Craziness I tell you.

If you don't check out iTunes' weekly free (!) Single of the Week, you really should...they have been hitting it out of the park lately in my personal opinion. And guess what this week's is?!

Which means, that up until a few days ago, if you asked me who Echosmith was I probably would have come up with some really terrible joke about a guy who lives in the mountains crafting echoes...

But today, if you said "Echosmith" I would echo (no more corny jokes after this, I swear) back: "Obsessed".

If you listened to the two above songs, some of you may be thinking: "They sound kind of pop-punk synth-y, and I've been too cool for that since, like, 2005". And you may very well be right, but, trust me, this is another album that has a lot of range with different sounds for different tastes. Even if you hate it, then you at least have to have a lot of respect for this troupe of siblings, just sayin'.

My favorite:




The Vernons - Volume I EP

Here is another recent free download I stumbled across (no longer available) that I instantly loved.


The Vernons are an Australian band that just released their debut EP in September. Blues-y rock, so good. Especially for Fall.




Arcade Fire - Reflektor

Dude. Arcade Fire has a new song. And if you listen closely you can hear David Bowie. And they have a whole new album coming out October 29. This is just awesome on so many levels.

And the music video is so weird and so beautiful in a way that only Arcade Fire can pull of.

The Head and The Heart - Let's Be Still

Guess who else has a new album out in a few days?! These guys (meaning The Head and The Heart...if you couldn't tell from above)!

I was excited to see how they followed up their debut self-titled album since each song was different from each other, but all lovely, and then when the first single was released, I got REALLY excited.

Based on this, I could tell that we were still going to get the same sound that we knew and loved (both playful and sorrowful indie folk), just kicked up a notch further.

Don't feel like waiting until next week to give the whole album a listen? Me neither!

Here you go! (Yes, that is a link to where you can stream the album in it's entirety for free)


Random

Great new(ish) albums to listen to for Fall that I don't have time to go into more detail about:






Here are a few honorable mentions of songs that have been on rotation on my iPod lately:

WE ARE TWIN  - The Way We Touch

A good song to help get you going in the morning. And, no, they're not actually twins, bummer. (Another free Single of the Week...seriously, check them out...they're free).


City and Colour - Unthinkable (I'm Ready)

One of my absolute favorite artists just released the third EP in his series of cover songs, and this Alicia Keys cover is addicting.




Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - Dance the Way I Feel

Best. Band Name. Ever.

And then, because, you just have to when it's Fall:




Enjoy.

Let's hope that we can get through October this year without some kind of Frankenstorm/Hurricane/Snow & Ice Storm playlist having to be made. 

Back...With Lots of Music for Spring (Part 2)

I'm back. Again. As promised.

This time with some new music releases I'm really looking forward to over the next few months.

Cold War Kids - Dear Miss Lonelyhearts

Coming off their success of 3 previous albums, indie rock band, Cold War Kids, released their fourth studio album just yesterday. Cold War Kids definitely have their own unique sound, one that you tend to either love or hate. But if you have heard any of their past songs then you will certainly be a fan of this new album.

Phoenix - Bankrupt!

This French band had more wide-ranging success after their 2009 release, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (possibly as a result of this).  Ever since, fans have been clambering for more, and on April 22 that wish will come true. 

She & Him - Volume 3

I love M. Ward. I love love Zooey Deschanel. So, I love love love She & Him and was so excited when they announced that they will release their new album, Volume 3 (their third, after Volumes 1 & 2, not counting A Very She & Him Christmas of course) on May 7. Based on the new single that was recently released, we can expect just as much 1960's-sunny-California-ukele goodness as before.



City and Colour - The Hurry and The Harm

I do believe I could listen to Dallas Green's voice crooning songs under the name City and Colour every single day for the rest of my life. So it's probably a good thing that he is releasing his fourth studio album, The Hurry and The Harm, on June 4th. This small taste released yesterday makes me think we will get the same "sad music" style that he has come to be known for, but a little bit more rock'n roll perhaps.




The Postal Service - Give Up: 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

This may not exactly count since this is just a re-release, but there will be two new songs as well as new versions of previous songs, and, I mean, this is The Postal Service. Re-releasing the one beloved album they have ever released. It's kind of a big deal. To some people anyway...including me; music nerd that I am. This drops in less than a week, on April 9th.



I have a feeling I am forgetting some others. Any ideas/suggestions?

Back...with Lots of Music for Spring (Part 1)

So. It's been awhile.

Do you ever feel like you have so much to say that you avoid having to actually write it all out? Well, that's how I have felt about blogging over the past few months. But I've decided that I don't have to blog about everything that I would like to...if I don't write it all down then that's okay. I need to just do what I can.

For those of you who may still even be remotely interested in what I have to say, I thought I would make up for my absence with a lot of new music.

Spring is a time of year when I love to try new things, and am usually itching to explore new music. Fortunately for me, this spring also seems to be a time for lots of great new releases from old favorites to add to some new favorites.

Here we go.

First some new discoveries that have really been putting me in the spring mood:

Lord Huron

An LA-based indie folk band (my favorite kind!) that makes me feel like running through the desert yelling and dancing. You'll understand once you listen. Hopefully.




Haim

I had heard mentions of Haim, made up of three LA sisters, this past winter and made a mental note to give them a thorough listen. But to my delight I got to see them perform live shortly after! You see, these three cool chicks have recently been touring with Mumford & Sons. And I had the SUPREME pleasure of going to the Mumford show at the Barclay's Center in February. I was blown away by how much these sisters could rock out, and for an opening act, they really knew how to work the crowd. I don't think you can get higher praise than Marcus Mumford saying you're the greatest band in the world. (On a side note, the other opening act was Ben Howard. Score. And the finale consisted of Haim, Ben Howard, and Mumford & Sons all performing The Weight. Life made.)



The Lighthouse and the Whaler

The Lighthouse and the Whaler is another indie-folk band, but an indie-folk-pop band (is anyone else starting to get confused by the ever increasing names of music genres?). Their most recent album, This is an Adventure, does indeed make you want to go on an adventure. A good up-ity, road-trip album.




Lemaitre

Speaking of up-ity, Norweigian duo, Lemaitre, is a little outside of my comfort zone being an indie-electronic band, but it's infectious. And the music video below makes me giggle.

Houses

Slowing it down a bit with the "dream-pop" band, Houses, their music is perfect for a rainy spring day. Beautiful, peaceful, and melancholy all at once.

Beach House

Staying in the realm of slower, dream-pop indie music, the name alone of this Baltimore-based duo makes you think of warmer weather and salty breezes.




Ski Lift

In contrast, the name "Ski Lift" may not put you in the mind of springtime, but their music would beg to differ (more indie-folk-dream-pop type stuff, go figure...getting sick of those words yet?), and I'm obsessed. Maybe it's because they have connections to this band. Fifty points to the person who can figure out the connection.

Youth Lagoon

When I first saw a picture of Youth Lagoon, a.k.a. Trevor Powers, and read his description of his process of writing music, I immediately thought of a modern-day Bob Dylan. But his music sounds like anything but Dylan. More dream-pop. More imageries of exploring woods on spring mornings.

Langhorne Slim & The Law

However, if you are on the lookout for some modern-day Bob Dylan-esque music, then check out this fellow-PA'er. Courtesy of the big brother.

Father John Misty

I'll admit, I only gave Father John Misty (also known as Joshua Tillman), a listen because the title of the song below caught my eye for certain reasons. But then I immediately liked it. Tillman was once a member of Fleet Foxes, which I think you can pick up on, but he definitely has his own style with lots more folk influences.



MS MR

This one is probably the least like the rest of the bands in this post (although another boy-girl duo as many of these are....hmmm) but their EP, Candy Bar Creep Show, has seemed to be popping a lot lately, and I don't just mean on my iPod. And then there is the music video for the first single off of their debut album (see below). I can't stop watching as much as I would like to sometimes. Watch and you'll see. As the name of the EP and the music video would suggest, their songs are dark but still captivating and grand. "Chillwave"was one description I read...is that another weird new genre name??

Okay, I think that is plenty for today. Come back tomorrow and I'll do some new old favorites. I promise. And I'll try to keep the weird imagery stuff to a minimum.

In the meantime, feel free to let me know what great new Spring-like music you've been listening to lately.

Summer Fever: Music

I have not blogged in a bit. Nothing to blame but a scattered brain, busy-ness, and trying to spend more time outdoors. Summer fever. (In fact, I started writing this post over a week ago)

That probably did not make sense but my brain is not making much sense to myself lately either.
Here are some new things that I have been listening to lately to try to help keep me focused.




Edward Sharpe and the Magentic Zeroes - Here

Following up their debut self-titled album featuring the by-now staple song, Home, Edward Sharpe & the Magentic Zeroes have released their possibly even more soulful second album, Here.

Although, nothing can beat this:

The Neighbourhood

Indie? Rock? Pop? Hip Hop?

Indie-Rock-Pop-Hip-Hop? (Now say it five times fast)

Not sure. But I can't stop listening.

Some mystery surrounds this LA quartet, but I recommend downloading their EP for free here!




Charlene Kaye

I had the supreme pleasure of seeing Charlene perform live this week when she opened for these guys, and let me tell you: Girl can rock.



Theo Katzman

And while you're at it, check out Charlene's friend and fellow University of Michigan alum (seriously, what the hell was that school putting in the water 5 years ago?!), Theo Katzman.

Dude's got soul and funk pouring out of him.


Sara Bareilles - Once Upon Another Time - EP

Produced by Ben Folds, this EP is a small gem. But Sweet As Whole is particularly wonderful in my opinion, though surprising.

I think almost all girls will agree with me.


Imagine Dragons

I have to say, I'm not really 100 % blown away by these guys, but this song has been traveling the radio, movie trailers, etc. circuit, and is definitely a great "anthem of the moment" if that makes sense. And the rest of their EP, Continued Silence, is pretty catchy too.


Regina Spektor - What We Saw from the Cheap Seats

Her best yet I do believe.





One more just for fun?

Again, nothing earth-shattering, but delightfully catchy!



What have you had on repeat these past few weeks??

New Music Monday: Once (Motion Picture Soundtrack)

I realize that it is in fact Tuesday, and not Monday. Just go with it.

I know I'm a bit behind the times with this, but over the weekend I finally watched the superb indie flick Once.

If you have never seen it, do so immediately. Then read about the filming process and the backgrounds of the two main characters and prepare to be even more amazed. Then buy the soundtrack. And then go see the Broadway show version that was recently nominated for 11 Tony awards (and take me with you!).

The soundtrack consists of all of the songs that are featured in the film, all written and composed by the two stars and real-life musicians of the movie, Glen Hansard and Marketa Iglova.

The song "Falling Slowly" won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for the 2008 Grammy award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture.

The soundtrack itself was also nominated for the 2008 Grammy award for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture (I told you I was a little behind).

The songs are both beautiful and raw, combining Glen Hansard's powerful voice and guitar playing, and Marketa Iglova's soft vocals and extraordinary piano melodies.

The duo have also collaborated and recorded songs together under the name The Swell Season. Glen Hansard was also the lead vocalist for the band The Frames, has contributed on many collaboration albums, and is releasing a solo album next month; while Marketa Iglova recently released her own solo album. Together or on their own, these two create some magnificent music, although I don't think anything will be able to surpass their collaboration on this soundtrack.



Spoiler alert! If you don't feel like waiting, here is what is in store for next week: Animal Kingdom. Love.