The Civil Wars

Discovered a new band from a friend's suggestion. Think you'll like them too.

Cover Songs

Am thoroughly enjoying this album full of cover songs.

Miike Snow, "Animal"

I am having a horrible time removing songs like "baby you're a firework" and "it's a quarter after one, I'm all alone, and I need you now" from my head. It's driving me insane. But, I found the perfect antidote thanks to my Mix Club:

Watch the above video for Miike Snow's "Animal" a fun, catchy, can't-leave-head in a GOOD way song. Yes!

Happy Valentine's

I feel particularly lucky this Valentine's Day because I have two Valentine's this year.

And, for you, a download of a sweet, Valentine-y song!

Pictures from 2009 when I received gorgeous roses for Valentine's Day.

"An Education"

Though this movie left me feeling a little uncomfortable, I thought Carey Mulligan played her role perfectly. But, I particularly enjoyed the soundtrack- specifically, Beth Rowley's tracks from the movie. Thought they helped set a swag vibe to this '60'ish, British drama.

"Mango Tree" by Angus and Julia Stone

(Note: I am finally getting around to using a iTunes gift-card from husband for Christmas.)

I really enjoy this song. For the record, I love Angus' voice over Julia's.

The video is cute too.

This Year in Music

I usually do a write-up of my favorite music from the year, which I LOVE to do because it's a good way to assess the artists I really fell in love with. But, as you can tell, I was totally preoccupied this year with my sweet baby boy. So, now, I am relying on others to tell me who to tune in.

If you too want some suggestions for good albums from the year, here are some good resources:

• NPR's Discussion about picks for Album of the Year, Biggest Surprise, and Song of the Year. Listen here.
• AV Club's Best Album Picks for 2010.
• Truth Comes in Blows picks his favorite tunes from the year.
• Stereogum's Top Albums of 2010
  

And, if you have favorites from this year, I am all ears!

I Miss Music...

Now that I rarely have time to scout out new music, I'm happy that some of my old favorites are coming out with new albums. Like this beautiful song from Azure Ray (who will forever remind me of my college days). Also coming out soon, a new Belle and Sebastian, Sufjan Stevens, and rumor has it, Cat Power. Lovely.

Jenny & Johnny

As an avid fan of Jenny Lewis, I was excited to see that she's done a project with boyfriend/musician Jonathan Rice. Their first single from their album, "Scissor Runner" is totally catchy, sweet and free! (Download here.) Can't wait to hear the rest.

In the meantime, I need new music! If any of you are listening to something you're lovin' please share!

New She & Him

Here's something cheerful to listen to today- the new She & Him "Volume 2" album. Listen to it in its entirety here. Thanks NPR!

New Broken Bells

Are you a fan of The Shins? Then, you'll most likely enjoy James Mercer's new project- Broken Bells. You can listen to the new album in its entirety here. Enjoy!

Valentine's Mix 2010

I'm so excited to give this mix to Jeffrey... Here are just some tracks that will make an appearance on his Valentine's 2010 mix:

+ "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
+ "The Book of Love" by The Magnetic Fields
+ "If I Fell" by The Beatles
+ "Queen of the Surface Streets" by Devotchka
+ "Love of My Life" by The Everly Brothers
+ "Crown of Love" by The Arcade Fire
+ "My Favourite Book" by Stars

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

New Music... finally!

Sheesh- I feel like I've been in a music stump for way too long. I don't know if I'm more particular about music these days, but not much has tickled my eardrums as of late. However, these two bands have:

The Watson Twins


I was first introduced to this duo when they were the backing vocals for Jenny Lewis' debut solo album. So, to hear them as the main vocals is very refreshing. Listen here. (New album comes out next week.)

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros



I was introduced to this band on NPR's All Songs Considered Weekly Podcast- which I finally caught up with- and really enjoy them. They're different and catchy and awesome. Listen here. (The track "Home" will be sure to be on my Valentine's Mix.)

What are you listening to?

Favorite Songs of 2009

I wasn't planning on doing a "Best of" music post this year... mainly because I wasn't thee best listener this year. However, last night Jeff and I were going through all of our CDs looking for that one album we were dying to listen to, and I realized how much I love music. And, even though I wasn't the best music connoisseur this year, I still had favorites.

They include (in no particular order):

01. "You Told a Lie" by Camera Obscura from Maudlin Career (This is my favorite album of the year too.)

02. "You and I" by Wilco featuring Feist. Watch here.

03. "The Giant of Illinois" by Andrew Bird from "Dark Was the Night" compilation

04. "Basic Space" by XX

05. "Skeletons" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

06. "Cheerleader" by Grizzly Bear

07. "Eet" by Regina Spektor

08. "I Was Only Going Out" by Loney, Dear

09. "Gimme Sympathy (Acoustic)" by Metric

10. "Knotty Pine" by Dirty Projectors and David Byrne from "Dark Was the Night" compilation.

11. "Middle Cyclone" by Neko Case

12. "In These Arms" by The Swell Season

13. "Laughing With a Mouth of Blood" by St. Vincent

14. "All Is Love" From "Where the Wild Things Are" soundtrack by Karen O and the Kids

15. "The First Days of Spring" by Noah and the Whale. Watch here.

16. "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" cover by Julian Casablancas... this just made the cut this week. Jeff and I cannot get this song out of our head- I have a feeling it'll stick in your head too.

More fantastic "Best of" lists here and here. Enjoy!

Merry Mix 2009!

Confession time: this song will not leave my head-



It's that George Michael- his voice is just too catchy.

However, I made a mix for Your Heart Out to help get this pretty obnoxious song out of my head. It's a non-traditional mix full of new holiday songs. See it here, and enjoy!

seabear

Here's a lovely band to wind down to: seabear.

What are you listening to?

Noah and the Whale

The First Days of Spring Official Trailer from charlie fink on Vimeo.

Robin posted this lovely video by Noah and the Whale, who I've become a huge fan as of lately, and I had to share- perfect for this snowy morning. Enjoy.

Marketa + Glen

Who else became mildly obsessed with The Swell Season after the movie "Once" came out? I'm definitely a fan. SO, I'm so excited to see that you can stream their entire new album "Strict Joy" via NPR here.

Final thoughts on the album to come... In the meantime, I have some serious listening to do!

New FREE Music

If you've been in a music slump like me lately, Urban Outfitters is offering a free mix of music here.

Highlights include:
+ The Dodos
+ El Perro Del Mar
+ Islands

Go here. Enjoy.

A Very Special Mix

We created a very special mix to share with friends and family a very special announcement... Can you guess the theme?

01. Arrival/Sun Kil Moon
02. My Darling/Wilco
03. 2 Bodies 1 Heart/Noah and the Whale
04. He Really Needs Me/Jon Brion
05. Father and Daughter/Paul Simon
06. Edelweiss/The Innocence Mission
07. Forever Young/Bob Dylan
08. Real Love/Regina Spektor
09. What a Wonderful World/Louis Armstrong
10. Light Up My Life/Big Audio Dynamite
11. I Was Born/Billy Bragg & Wilco
12. All Is Love/Karen O and the Kids
13. Loves Me Like a Rock/Paul Simon
14. Feels Like Home to Me/Chantelle K.
15. Love/John Lennon
16. Danny's Song/Kenny Loggins
17. Bye-Lo/The Innocence Mission

And... if you cannot guess the theme, I'll give you a hint who the mix was compiled for- our baby due in March!

We're SO very, very excited.

But, a little sick, so please excuse the lack of motivation when it comes to blogging... hopefully I'll be back to it regularly very soon!