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??

December 2 - Christmas Music That Isn't Too Christmas-y

I'm going to try to post something fun that is holiday-related every day for the month of December, because the holiday season makes my heart sing and I like to share the joy. Don't worry, I won't actually sing.


I know that not everyone is not like me, and some people need to ease into this festive time, so here are some of my favorite Christmas/Winter songs that aren't too Christmas-y (meaning, they are not constantly being played on the radio/in stores/on the street/on television/in your head during December).

Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

A nice, slightly sad, winter song that does not mention Christmas even once. Also, can these two lovely ladies do more duets? And how cute is the music video?

River by Joni Mitchell, Live

Again, kind of sad, but so amazingly beautiful. This one does mention Christmas, but it is not the main focus, and is part of a completely non-Christmas album (love love love Blue). There are many wonderful covers of this song, but the original is unsurpassable.

Winter Winds by Mumford and Sons

All you need to know about this song is that it is Mumford and Sons singing a winter song. Perfect for cozying up by the fire on a chilly night.

White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes

Take what I just said about Winter Winds, but replace Fleet Foxes with Mumford and Sons.

2000 Miles by Coldplay, Live (The Pretenders Cover)

Um, is anyone else starting to sense a theme? Apparently, I equate sad Christmas-ish songs with not being too Christmas-y. Either way, I love this version of this Pretenders classic.

Winter Song by Caesars

I also seem to think that if a song has the word "Winter" in the title, it's automatically appropriate for December without being too holiday-centric.

Did I miss any? 

Hope this helps ease everyone into the holiday season!