1. LCD Soundsystem - Daft Punk is Playing at My House
This is an older song that I fell into recently. I'm a big fan of their jam "North American Scum" and this tune has a similar feel to it. One listen and you'll find yourself singing it for the rest of the day, it's one of those kind of songs.
2. Jake Bugg - Lightning Bolt
The secret is starting to get out on this guy. I saw a commercial on MTV for his album, which doesn't bode well for his 930 club show in September, to which I have procured tickets. You may know this jam as it's from the Gatorade commercial with Michael Jordan in it.
3. Keston Cobblers Club - Beam
Sometimes you stumble onto an extremely artsy band that does everything right, and for me KCC is that band right now. If you like the indie stylings of Edward Sharpe or Of Monsters and Men then you should be quick to jump all over these guys. I linked to their video on YouTube because it's pretty fantastic. Thanks to my boy Hunter for turning me onto these guys.
4. Admiral Fallow - Beetle in the Box
This is definitely in the running to be my song of the summer, because I'm a 12 year old girl who still says things like "my song of the summer". Completely addictive.
5. He's My Brother, She's My Sister - The Same Old Ground
If you liked KCC or Admiral Fallow, then you'll love He's My Brother, She's My Sister. This is the third jam in a row in the June mix with a combination of male and female lead vocals. I'm sure this phase of guy/girl music will eventually fade out, but it definitely is the style du jour.
6. Sam Roberts - Partition Blues
Sam is an old staple in the collection, and it's always nice to find some new tunes from him. If you love Canadian singer-songwriters, and who doesn't, Sam will soon be a staple in your collection as well.
7. Mumford & Sons - Babel
Break it down, bring it up, rinse and repeat = almost every M&S song. Even knowing the formula, I still enjoy almost all of their jams.
8. Dropkick Murphys - Rose Tattoo
I linked to the studio version, but the one I really like is only available on iTunes and is a live version that includes Mr. Bruce Springsteen sharing the vocals. It has that standard Irish folky backdrop with a punk sound overlay that works so well for them.
9. Dawes - Hey Lover
Goddamn, these guys just ooze Americana. They are one of the few bands out there unabashedly delivering strong classic rock vibes. They make me want to wear jean shorts and set off bottle rockets.
10. Passenger - All the Little Lights
His voice has just enough of a meek timber infused with a Brittish accent to comfort my soul.
11. She and Him - I Could've Been Your Girl
Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward aren't breaking any new ground here, but if you like their older stuff this is a nice extension of their sound. Easily digestible, alternative, toe-tapping music.
12. Josh Joplin - Blue Skies Again
Like Sam Roberts, Josh Joplin has been getting spins for years. This is off of his new EP and it's nice to know that he's still making a go of it without much commercial success. If you like this song I implore you to go back and check out The Future that Was and Useful Music.
13. Denver - The Way It Is
I found this one on a Paste sampler and have been holding onto it for awhile. It has a slight country-twinged moody vibe that will work very nicely for fans of My Morning Jacket or Son Volt.
14. Ben Howard - Old Pine
I start this song 1:17 into it because the beginning is just a little too close to Pink Floyd's "Mother" for me. This is the last Ben Howard song I have in my bucket, so now he either needs to put out some new stuff or I need to move onto other guys for a spell.
15. Willie Nelson & U2 - Slow Dancing
The wife requested this one and I obliged. Nice collaboration between Willie and U2 on a song that, like it's title implies, was made for slow dancing.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
May 2013
1. Bruno Mars - Runaway Baby
My guilty pleasure cup runneth over when it comes to Mr. Mars. This jam is funkaliciously fantastic. Turn it up and let your best backup dancer moves flow freely.
2. Corrine Bailey Rae - Put Your records On
I saw her on Jools Holland and so I started digging into her bag of goodies and found this little ditty. Then three days later, they did this song on NBC's The Voice. This one puts me in the summer mood.
3. Dawes - From a Window Seat
This is the first single from the new record and I'm sure there will more to come in the next few months. If I had to talk about Dawes in five words or less i would say; "I fucking love these guys.".
4. Vance Joy - Riptide
One of my music advisors at work hooked me up with this song. It's not on iTunes or Amazon, but I found a free download online, so if you want it let me know.
5. Passenger - The Wrong Direction
Starting to become a big fan of this guy. I'm taking it one song at a time, but I have three tunes now, and I could see a nice future for him in my starting rotation.
6. Biffy Clyro - Many of Horror
This song starts out slow and builds nicely over its four minute run. If you like Blue October then these guys should be right up your alley.
7. Ed Sheeran - Lego House
This is a dry-humping on an old couch in your parent's basement kind of song. If you are a twenty-something girl who revels in poppy John Mayer and Jason Mraz then Mr. Sheeran will fit in nicely to your music collection.
8. Jake Bugg - Two Fingers
A strong Beatle-esque vibe on this track. Whenever I listen to Jake Bugg I feel like the early 60's just exploded in my ears.
9. Josh Ritter - A Certain Light
Mr. Idaho, Josh Ritter, drops his second song off the new record into the mix for May. Fresh off of a divorce this record harkens back to his earlier stuff, where it was just him and a guitar.
10. Avalanche City - Love Love Love
This isn't a track where I'd go to my friends "Holy shit dude, you have to hear this one...", but it's a pleasant enough background jam when you're pounding drinks on the deck.
11. Griffin House - Real Love Can't Pretend
This track is a panty dropper for all of the folks in relationships out there. A little on the sappy side, but I'll give Griffin a pass on this one.
12. Frank Turner - Photosynthesis
I have a thing for clap-along, cockney-accented, sing-along songs, and this jam meets the requirements for all of those categories. So hoist a pint and sing it loud and proud.
13. Bob Schneider - Honeypot
Bob has a new record coming out in June and so I was perusing his catalog for and I came across this track. Probably not in my top 20 songs from him, but enough to tide me over until his new tunes are released.
14. James Morrison - I Won't Let You Go
James Morrison could sing the Meow Mix Jingle and you'd believe that he was the hungriest cat of all time. The soulfulness in his voice is unforgettable.
15. Gaslight Anthem - Mulholland Drive
My wife has a thing for the grittiness of Brian Fallon's voice, and this song is extra gritty. I promise I'll lay off GA in the next few months to make room for some other newer artists.
3. Dawes - From a Window Seat
This is the first single from the new record and I'm sure there will more to come in the next few months. If I had to talk about Dawes in five words or less i would say; "I fucking love these guys.".
4. Vance Joy - Riptide
One of my music advisors at work hooked me up with this song. It's not on iTunes or Amazon, but I found a free download online, so if you want it let me know.
5. Passenger - The Wrong Direction
Starting to become a big fan of this guy. I'm taking it one song at a time, but I have three tunes now, and I could see a nice future for him in my starting rotation.
6. Biffy Clyro - Many of Horror
This song starts out slow and builds nicely over its four minute run. If you like Blue October then these guys should be right up your alley.
7. Ed Sheeran - Lego House
This is a dry-humping on an old couch in your parent's basement kind of song. If you are a twenty-something girl who revels in poppy John Mayer and Jason Mraz then Mr. Sheeran will fit in nicely to your music collection.
8. Jake Bugg - Two Fingers
A strong Beatle-esque vibe on this track. Whenever I listen to Jake Bugg I feel like the early 60's just exploded in my ears.
9. Josh Ritter - A Certain Light
Mr. Idaho, Josh Ritter, drops his second song off the new record into the mix for May. Fresh off of a divorce this record harkens back to his earlier stuff, where it was just him and a guitar.
10. Avalanche City - Love Love Love
This isn't a track where I'd go to my friends "Holy shit dude, you have to hear this one...", but it's a pleasant enough background jam when you're pounding drinks on the deck.
11. Griffin House - Real Love Can't Pretend
This track is a panty dropper for all of the folks in relationships out there. A little on the sappy side, but I'll give Griffin a pass on this one.
12. Frank Turner - Photosynthesis
I have a thing for clap-along, cockney-accented, sing-along songs, and this jam meets the requirements for all of those categories. So hoist a pint and sing it loud and proud.
13. Bob Schneider - Honeypot
Bob has a new record coming out in June and so I was perusing his catalog for and I came across this track. Probably not in my top 20 songs from him, but enough to tide me over until his new tunes are released.
14. James Morrison - I Won't Let You Go
James Morrison could sing the Meow Mix Jingle and you'd believe that he was the hungriest cat of all time. The soulfulness in his voice is unforgettable.
15. Gaslight Anthem - Mulholland Drive
My wife has a thing for the grittiness of Brian Fallon's voice, and this song is extra gritty. I promise I'll lay off GA in the next few months to make room for some other newer artists.
Monday, April 1, 2013
April 2013
1. King Charles - Mississippi Isabel
This guy must have the worst taste in lunch spots. My kid's a big fan of this poppy brit jam.
2. Pink - Just Give Me a Reason
This one is all over the radio right now, I'm sure you've heard it. It's one of my guilty pleasures, mainly because I sing exactly like Nate Ruess.
3. Passenger - Let Her Go
Caught a clip of this guy doing a duet with Ed Sheeran, so I checked out his goods. This track stuck out as a clear front runner. If you like Damien Rice, Cat Stevens or Xavier Rudd, this is your guy.
4. Alexi Murdoch - All My Days
I seem to get a lot of songs from commercials these days. This one is from a Sprint ad, but damn it's solid. Slap on some headphones and let Alexi's voice wrap itself around you like a warm blanket.
5. The Airborne Toxic Event - The Storm
Big fan of these guys, and they just put out a new EP. This is vintage ATE, building rhythms, juxtaposed against distinct, emotionally laden vocals.
6. Emily Bell - Back to the Way I Was
You asked for a quirky female vocalist recommendation, well here you go. Ok, so maybe you didn't ask, but Emily Bell brings it on this clap-along percussion driven, rockabilly romp.
7. Terraplane Sun - Ya Never Know
This song will bring out the slow stoner head bob that lives deep down in every single one of us. If I released the compilation "That's what Erik calls groovy smooth rock jams" this would definitely be track 4.
8. Jake Bugg - Seen It All
Love da Bugg, I celebrate this 19 year old kid's entire catalog. Close your eyes and imagine a smokey room with 60's go-go dancers doing there thing in cages above a stage. That actually has nothing to do with this song, I just wanted to see if I could get you to think about tall shiny boots and short dresses.
9. Josh Ritter - New Lover
This is my first pick off of the new record. Ritter has been a staple in the Crawford collection for awhile now, and I'm looking forward to getting knee deep into his latest release in the coming months.
10. The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer - Roll with the Punches
Not sure how I feel about this one yet. It's kind of off kilter and fuzzy, but in a good way. Give it a spin and you'll know what I mean.
11. Allah - Las - Busman's Holiday
First off, great band name, unlike Phillip Phillips. I seem to have a lot of throwback sounding tunes in this mix. This one could easily be a lost Eric Burdon and the Animals track.
12. Rodriguez - Cause
True throwback jam here, since it was first released in 1970. The first line comes out of nowhere and lands square on the jaw "Because I lost my mob two weeks before Christmas". It'll knock you out.
13. City and Colour - The Girl
They really play the same song twice inside of this one song, if that makes sense. They play a slow version and then a faster version and you can decide which you like best, but if you choose the slow first part, you're wrong.
14. Greg Holden - She's Got Something
Oh Greg you make me swoon with your earnest voice and dreamy eyes.
15. Elbow - Grounds for Divorce
JC Penney commercial song. If Greg Holden's song made you feel a little pussified, this track will put some hair back on your chest. Strong finish to the April 15's.
This guy must have the worst taste in lunch spots. My kid's a big fan of this poppy brit jam.
2. Pink - Just Give Me a Reason
This one is all over the radio right now, I'm sure you've heard it. It's one of my guilty pleasures, mainly because I sing exactly like Nate Ruess.
3. Passenger - Let Her Go
Caught a clip of this guy doing a duet with Ed Sheeran, so I checked out his goods. This track stuck out as a clear front runner. If you like Damien Rice, Cat Stevens or Xavier Rudd, this is your guy.
4. Alexi Murdoch - All My Days
I seem to get a lot of songs from commercials these days. This one is from a Sprint ad, but damn it's solid. Slap on some headphones and let Alexi's voice wrap itself around you like a warm blanket.
5. The Airborne Toxic Event - The Storm
Big fan of these guys, and they just put out a new EP. This is vintage ATE, building rhythms, juxtaposed against distinct, emotionally laden vocals.
6. Emily Bell - Back to the Way I Was
You asked for a quirky female vocalist recommendation, well here you go. Ok, so maybe you didn't ask, but Emily Bell brings it on this clap-along percussion driven, rockabilly romp.
7. Terraplane Sun - Ya Never Know
This song will bring out the slow stoner head bob that lives deep down in every single one of us. If I released the compilation "That's what Erik calls groovy smooth rock jams" this would definitely be track 4.
8. Jake Bugg - Seen It All
Love da Bugg, I celebrate this 19 year old kid's entire catalog. Close your eyes and imagine a smokey room with 60's go-go dancers doing there thing in cages above a stage. That actually has nothing to do with this song, I just wanted to see if I could get you to think about tall shiny boots and short dresses.
9. Josh Ritter - New Lover
This is my first pick off of the new record. Ritter has been a staple in the Crawford collection for awhile now, and I'm looking forward to getting knee deep into his latest release in the coming months.
10. The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer - Roll with the Punches
Not sure how I feel about this one yet. It's kind of off kilter and fuzzy, but in a good way. Give it a spin and you'll know what I mean.
11. Allah - Las - Busman's Holiday
First off, great band name, unlike Phillip Phillips. I seem to have a lot of throwback sounding tunes in this mix. This one could easily be a lost Eric Burdon and the Animals track.
12. Rodriguez - Cause
True throwback jam here, since it was first released in 1970. The first line comes out of nowhere and lands square on the jaw "Because I lost my mob two weeks before Christmas". It'll knock you out.
13. City and Colour - The Girl
They really play the same song twice inside of this one song, if that makes sense. They play a slow version and then a faster version and you can decide which you like best, but if you choose the slow first part, you're wrong.
14. Greg Holden - She's Got Something
Oh Greg you make me swoon with your earnest voice and dreamy eyes.
15. Elbow - Grounds for Divorce
JC Penney commercial song. If Greg Holden's song made you feel a little pussified, this track will put some hair back on your chest. Strong finish to the April 15's.
Friday, March 1, 2013
March 2013
1. Rodriguez - Sugar Man
Star of the Oscar winning documentary "Searching for Sugar Man", Rodriguez kills it on his biggest hit. If they ever make a movie of my life and I'm standing up in the front seat of my old man's brown Ford Pinto circa 1974, this song will most likely be on in the background.
2. M. Ward - I Get Ideas
"I get Ideas" is one of those cross-generational, head-bobber songs that is impossible to resist. It has that swing dance sound (minus the horns) that Brian Setzer tried to bring back in the mid-nineties. I dare you to try and not like it.
3. Jake Bugg - Trouble Town
Do you love old Bob Dylan? Do you love Johnny Cash? If so, you will love this Jake Bugg tune. Plus, he said that One Direction "Must know that they're terrible" in a recent interview, and I can't really argue with his point. I have a feeling we'll be talking more about Jake in future posts.
4. Fun. - Carry On
This song is a slight departure from their first two singles, but it still relies heavily on vocals and percussion which is prevalent in their sound. I certainly didn't have to dig too far into the archives to find this tune, as they are everywhere these days, but it's worthy of making the March mix.
5. Ben Howard - The Wolves
My boy Ben making yet another appearance. If you liked his other stuff, get this one too, if you didn't like the other stuff I suggested, then please skip down to the next track.
6. Eels - On the Ropes
This is my first pick from the new record. Everett's voice on his slower jams just cuts to your soul in a way that makes you feel like you're listening to your best friend talk to you over a few beers. "I may never get, everything I bet, but I'm a man who always copes. I'm hurting bad, and fightin' mad I'm not knocked out, but I'm not on the ropes."
7. Amos Lee - Windows are Rolled Down
Strong effort from a Northeastern guy who sounds like he's a Southern native. If you have a "drinking beers and playing cards" playlist on your iPod, and let's be honest who doesn't these days, this song will fit in nicely with that mix.
8. Pink - True Love
I have to officially come out and admit that I have a big soft spot in my musical heart for Pink. She writes her own stuff and can sing her ass off, which is a lot more than I can say for some of her counterparts in the pop world. I saw her perform this song with Lily Allen on Storytellers and moments later it was in my March playlist. Thanks for letting me indulge some of my guilty pleasures.
9. Atticus Fetch - So Long (As We are Together)
Every once in awhile Showtime's "Californication" steps away from it's infatuation with Warren Zevon and offers up some solid tunes from some other guys. I was going to say artists, but Atticus Fetch is really Australian comedian/actor Tim Minchin. He must be one hell of an actor, because he is a more than serviceable rock star on this ditty.
10. The Gaslight Anthem - "45"
I've already fellated these guys six ways from Sunday in this forum, so I'll just keep it simple, this was their first single from their fourth album and it took me this long to add it into the blog because they have so many other great songs.
11. Young the Giant - 12 Fingers
I don't know why I keep coming back to these guys, it must be something about their easily digestible sound. If you don't like to work too hard to get intimate with your music, then YtG will be perfect for you.
12. Frightened Rabbit - Keep Yourself Warm
Big thanks to my buddy, Eric Davidson, who turned me onto these Scottish Lads, and like their fellow Scots, Snow Patrol, they have just enough of an accent when they sing to make them interesting. As a bonus this song has the cheeky line "It takes more than fucking someone, to keep yourself warm".
13. Phillip Phillips - Gone, Gone, Gone
My utter disgust for American Idol really makes it hard for me to like this guy, but the fact that he writes or at least co-writes a lot of his music earns him a level of respect from this music snob.
14. Duffy - Warwick Avenue
I'm not a fan of diva voice, so this song is a total departure from 90% of what I listen to, but there's something about the production and soulfulness of her vocals on this track that really pulls me in. You might be familiar with Duffy from her song "Mercy", which had a 60's throwback sound, well this one has more of a 70's throwback sound, so at least she's moving up in decades.
15. Matt Hires - Restless Heart
Mr. Hires put out the song "Honey Let Me Sing You a Song" in 2008 that just took me to worlds, so I figured I'd check out his free download from iTunes. While I like this song, it does feels like he has spent a little too much time listening to Mumford and Sons.
Star of the Oscar winning documentary "Searching for Sugar Man", Rodriguez kills it on his biggest hit. If they ever make a movie of my life and I'm standing up in the front seat of my old man's brown Ford Pinto circa 1974, this song will most likely be on in the background.
2. M. Ward - I Get Ideas
"I get Ideas" is one of those cross-generational, head-bobber songs that is impossible to resist. It has that swing dance sound (minus the horns) that Brian Setzer tried to bring back in the mid-nineties. I dare you to try and not like it.
3. Jake Bugg - Trouble Town
Do you love old Bob Dylan? Do you love Johnny Cash? If so, you will love this Jake Bugg tune. Plus, he said that One Direction "Must know that they're terrible" in a recent interview, and I can't really argue with his point. I have a feeling we'll be talking more about Jake in future posts.
4. Fun. - Carry On
This song is a slight departure from their first two singles, but it still relies heavily on vocals and percussion which is prevalent in their sound. I certainly didn't have to dig too far into the archives to find this tune, as they are everywhere these days, but it's worthy of making the March mix.
5. Ben Howard - The Wolves
My boy Ben making yet another appearance. If you liked his other stuff, get this one too, if you didn't like the other stuff I suggested, then please skip down to the next track.
6. Eels - On the Ropes
This is my first pick from the new record. Everett's voice on his slower jams just cuts to your soul in a way that makes you feel like you're listening to your best friend talk to you over a few beers. "I may never get, everything I bet, but I'm a man who always copes. I'm hurting bad, and fightin' mad I'm not knocked out, but I'm not on the ropes."
7. Amos Lee - Windows are Rolled Down
Strong effort from a Northeastern guy who sounds like he's a Southern native. If you have a "drinking beers and playing cards" playlist on your iPod, and let's be honest who doesn't these days, this song will fit in nicely with that mix.
8. Pink - True Love
I have to officially come out and admit that I have a big soft spot in my musical heart for Pink. She writes her own stuff and can sing her ass off, which is a lot more than I can say for some of her counterparts in the pop world. I saw her perform this song with Lily Allen on Storytellers and moments later it was in my March playlist. Thanks for letting me indulge some of my guilty pleasures.
9. Atticus Fetch - So Long (As We are Together)
Every once in awhile Showtime's "Californication" steps away from it's infatuation with Warren Zevon and offers up some solid tunes from some other guys. I was going to say artists, but Atticus Fetch is really Australian comedian/actor Tim Minchin. He must be one hell of an actor, because he is a more than serviceable rock star on this ditty.
10. The Gaslight Anthem - "45"
I've already fellated these guys six ways from Sunday in this forum, so I'll just keep it simple, this was their first single from their fourth album and it took me this long to add it into the blog because they have so many other great songs.
11. Young the Giant - 12 Fingers
I don't know why I keep coming back to these guys, it must be something about their easily digestible sound. If you don't like to work too hard to get intimate with your music, then YtG will be perfect for you.
12. Frightened Rabbit - Keep Yourself Warm
Big thanks to my buddy, Eric Davidson, who turned me onto these Scottish Lads, and like their fellow Scots, Snow Patrol, they have just enough of an accent when they sing to make them interesting. As a bonus this song has the cheeky line "It takes more than fucking someone, to keep yourself warm".
13. Phillip Phillips - Gone, Gone, Gone
My utter disgust for American Idol really makes it hard for me to like this guy, but the fact that he writes or at least co-writes a lot of his music earns him a level of respect from this music snob.
14. Duffy - Warwick Avenue
I'm not a fan of diva voice, so this song is a total departure from 90% of what I listen to, but there's something about the production and soulfulness of her vocals on this track that really pulls me in. You might be familiar with Duffy from her song "Mercy", which had a 60's throwback sound, well this one has more of a 70's throwback sound, so at least she's moving up in decades.
15. Matt Hires - Restless Heart
Mr. Hires put out the song "Honey Let Me Sing You a Song" in 2008 that just took me to worlds, so I figured I'd check out his free download from iTunes. While I like this song, it does feels like he has spent a little too much time listening to Mumford and Sons.
Friday, February 1, 2013
February 2013
1. Wiz Khalifa & Snoop Dogg - Young, Wild & Free
Maybe it was the sea air, maybe it was the rocking of the catamaran, maybe it was the alcohol, but this jam has been stuck in my head ever since I heard it in Jamaica last month. I'm not a big rap guy, but I do like me some Wiz and Snoop.
2. Alabama Shakes - Always Alright
This jam will not have to grow on you, it will donkey kick you between the eyes and you'll fall in instantly in love with it. Just a straight forward cock strong, rock song. Hey, that rhymes.
3. Anthony Hamilton - Freedom
Tarantino knows how to put together a soundtrack, so when Django came out I headed straight to iTunes and found a couple of tunes worthy of making the 15's. This song has a gritty, driving pace that could make the town whore shake her ass at the local dive bar, and by town whore, I mean me.
4. Imagine Dragons - On Top of the World
I'm a sucker for songs with clapping in them which might explain my affinity for moderately successful 70's classic rock (Styx, Steve Miller Band etc...). This song has a grandiose reggae vibe to it.
5. Calvin Harris - Feel So Close
My brother-in-law turned me onto this guy and he has a clubby alt rock thing going on. I feel like I should be rolling at a rave to fully appreciate this jam, but even sans pacifier and bottled water it's most a enjoyable ditty.
6. Metric - Breathing Underwater
Saw these guys at some festival on the Palladia channel last summer and I finally got around to around to checking them out. They have that Brit pop/rock sound that could easily be dismissed if it weren't so damn catchy.
7. Macklemore - Thrift Shop
Being over 40 I shouldn't like this jam, but the 15 year old dude that still lives in my soul fully enjoys the comedic take on shopping at thrift stores. "Ah, he got the Velcros", damn right I do.
8. Amos Lee - Southern Girl
Saw him open for The Avett Brothers on new year's eve and he absolutely killed it. The couple behind us kept yelling for him to play this one and he eventually obliged. I will warn you that this is a slow jam, but if I had this one in my tape deck during high school I would have dry humped the hell out of my first girlfriend to it.
9. Phillip Phillips - Home
American Idol winner, shitty name, yada, yada, yada, all that aside, this is just a straight forward, kick ass acoustic track. A little known fact, his favorite type of screwdriver is a flathead.
10. The Killers - Here with me
I quickly passed over this song on my first few listens of their new record, but then I saw the video that Tim Burton did for it and that was all she wrote. It's a little on the ballady side, but I'm OK with that.
11. Frank Turner - If Ever I Stray
"Come on everybody sing it 1-2-3-4!!!!!". Frank has been getting a lot of airplay from me lately.
12. Brother Dege - Too Old to Die Young
This is my second selection from the Django Unchained soundtrack and is really different from the smooth sounds of Anthony Hamilton's "Freedom". Lots of slide guitar over a thumping bass drum on this raucous ride of a tune.
13. Fiona Apple - Dull Tool
Despite all of the critical praise that gets levied on her, I'm not the biggest Fiona fan, but this track from the "This is 40" soundtrack was interesting enough for inclusion in this months mix. She seems to be at her best when she's pissed about something or someone, which is the case here.
14. Ben Howard - Further Away
Really glad to see he'll be opening for Mumford & Sons on part of their tour this year. This guy needs to get some exposure in the US, because he is Matchbox Twenty Money. Check out the video for this one on YouTube.
15. Ryan Adams - Let It Ride (Live in London)
There's something about the stripped down live version of this song that really brings the lyrics to the forefront and even further endears it to me. Someone get me some free weights stat, I'm starting to sound like a chick.
2. Alabama Shakes - Always Alright
This jam will not have to grow on you, it will donkey kick you between the eyes and you'll fall in instantly in love with it. Just a straight forward cock strong, rock song. Hey, that rhymes.
3. Anthony Hamilton - Freedom
Tarantino knows how to put together a soundtrack, so when Django came out I headed straight to iTunes and found a couple of tunes worthy of making the 15's. This song has a gritty, driving pace that could make the town whore shake her ass at the local dive bar, and by town whore, I mean me.
4. Imagine Dragons - On Top of the World
I'm a sucker for songs with clapping in them which might explain my affinity for moderately successful 70's classic rock (Styx, Steve Miller Band etc...). This song has a grandiose reggae vibe to it.
5. Calvin Harris - Feel So Close
My brother-in-law turned me onto this guy and he has a clubby alt rock thing going on. I feel like I should be rolling at a rave to fully appreciate this jam, but even sans pacifier and bottled water it's most a enjoyable ditty.
6. Metric - Breathing Underwater
Saw these guys at some festival on the Palladia channel last summer and I finally got around to around to checking them out. They have that Brit pop/rock sound that could easily be dismissed if it weren't so damn catchy.
7. Macklemore - Thrift Shop
Being over 40 I shouldn't like this jam, but the 15 year old dude that still lives in my soul fully enjoys the comedic take on shopping at thrift stores. "Ah, he got the Velcros", damn right I do.
8. Amos Lee - Southern Girl
Saw him open for The Avett Brothers on new year's eve and he absolutely killed it. The couple behind us kept yelling for him to play this one and he eventually obliged. I will warn you that this is a slow jam, but if I had this one in my tape deck during high school I would have dry humped the hell out of my first girlfriend to it.
9. Phillip Phillips - Home
American Idol winner, shitty name, yada, yada, yada, all that aside, this is just a straight forward, kick ass acoustic track. A little known fact, his favorite type of screwdriver is a flathead.
10. The Killers - Here with me
I quickly passed over this song on my first few listens of their new record, but then I saw the video that Tim Burton did for it and that was all she wrote. It's a little on the ballady side, but I'm OK with that.
11. Frank Turner - If Ever I Stray
"Come on everybody sing it 1-2-3-4!!!!!". Frank has been getting a lot of airplay from me lately.
12. Brother Dege - Too Old to Die Young
This is my second selection from the Django Unchained soundtrack and is really different from the smooth sounds of Anthony Hamilton's "Freedom". Lots of slide guitar over a thumping bass drum on this raucous ride of a tune.
13. Fiona Apple - Dull Tool
Despite all of the critical praise that gets levied on her, I'm not the biggest Fiona fan, but this track from the "This is 40" soundtrack was interesting enough for inclusion in this months mix. She seems to be at her best when she's pissed about something or someone, which is the case here.
14. Ben Howard - Further Away
Really glad to see he'll be opening for Mumford & Sons on part of their tour this year. This guy needs to get some exposure in the US, because he is Matchbox Twenty Money. Check out the video for this one on YouTube.
15. Ryan Adams - Let It Ride (Live in London)
There's something about the stripped down live version of this song that really brings the lyrics to the forefront and even further endears it to me. Someone get me some free weights stat, I'm starting to sound like a chick.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
January 2013
1. Imagine Dragons - It's Time
After being asked by several people if I've heard of the Imagine Dragons, I decided to grab the last seat on their bandwagon and throw this one in the mix. If you dig Fun.'s "We are Young" then this song will be pretty easily digestible for you.
2. Tim McMorris - Overwhelmed
If you get an un-explicable urge to drink a Sam Adams when listening to this track, then they have done well with their advertising. This is the second month in a row that Tim has made the 15, will he get the triple crown? Tune in next month and find out.
3. Bruno Mars - The Lazy Song
Hmmm, a song that talks about being lazy, putting your hand in your pants and learning how to Dougie, sounds like an instant classic to me. This ditty has a strong summer flavor with it's reggae backdrop, which is perfect timing since I'll be in Jamaica in two weeks. Suck it bitches!
4. Mary Wells - You Beat Me to the Punch
I know what you're thinking, Motown doo-wap from 1962, really dude? Yeah, well, the wife requested this one and I like sleeping in my own bed, so here it is for your enjoyment. Who knows, maybe if you throw this one on, you'll get lucky at the soda shop after the homecoming dance.
5. Ryan Adams - Lucky Now
I once crowned Mr. Adams the greatest songwriter of all time, because I love talking in superlatives. He's made a career of cranking out great song after great song, and this one is no exception. Check-plus in the grade book.
6. Gaslight Anthem - Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
I was watching these guys play a concert on TV the other night and the wife asked why this tune never made the 15's, so here it is. I'm pretty sure she likes this jam because they mention Tom Petty, and I can't really argue with that.
7. The Shins - No Way Down
I know, I know, enough with the fucking Shins already. Sorry, they just have songs that blend nicely into every mix. They're like that nice, dependable person in every group of friends who you don't really notice or miss until they're gone.
8. Feist - Train Song
I watched this indie flick called "Take This Waltz" and during one of the scenes Feist covers an old Leonard Cohen tune called "Closing Time". My internet search for that song led me to this gem. Shit, I sound like I'm on an episode of Storytellers.
9. Various Cruelties - If It Wasn't for You
If you're thinking to yourself, damn I know this song but can't place it, then I'll put you out of your misery and let you know that it came from a Zales commercial. There's no rule that says good tunes can't be used to hock shitty jewelry.
10. Frank Turner - I Am Disappeared
It's a little known fact that Frank studied at Eton College with Prince William. Don't say you never learned anything from this blog. Thanks Wikipedia!
11. Men - Candy
People think I'm being a dick when they ask what I'm listening to and I just say "Men", but this tune just kind of stuck in my craw. There's something about the mix of the vocals in this song that is bit off kilter and gives it a really raw vibe.
12. Broken Bells - October
Most people might not know Broken Bells, but I bet they know the sum of its parts. They are made up of James Mercer (Shins) and Brian Burton (Danger Mouse). Every time I start digging around for tunes this album shows up time after time. If you like Bright Eyes, you'll love Broken Bells, if you like The National you'll really enjoy Broken Bells, if you like rubbing one out with your left hand, then you should do it while listening to Broken Bells. Damn I better check these guys out already.
13. Green Day - Amy
"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road...", This song is like that one, but totally different.
14. Ed Sheeran - The A Team
iTunes named his record the breakout singer-songwriter album of 2012, so naturally I said to myself, let's see what this joker is all about. He's pretty much the standard issue singer-songwriter that you'd find at the local coffee house in town. If you like the sensitive, introspective guys like Damien Rice and Glen Hansard (after he left the Frames) then this should be right up your alley.
15. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Fiya Wata
This one really took a long time to grow on me, but there's something infectious about the way Jade delivers this song. It's one thing to have the musical chops and great lyrics, but something that gets overlooked far too often is the ability to deliver a song. She harkens back to the haunting vibes of Layne Staley, one of the masters at taking a song to the next level just by the way he emphasized certain words and let notes linger in the air.
After being asked by several people if I've heard of the Imagine Dragons, I decided to grab the last seat on their bandwagon and throw this one in the mix. If you dig Fun.'s "We are Young" then this song will be pretty easily digestible for you.
2. Tim McMorris - Overwhelmed
If you get an un-explicable urge to drink a Sam Adams when listening to this track, then they have done well with their advertising. This is the second month in a row that Tim has made the 15, will he get the triple crown? Tune in next month and find out.
3. Bruno Mars - The Lazy Song
Hmmm, a song that talks about being lazy, putting your hand in your pants and learning how to Dougie, sounds like an instant classic to me. This ditty has a strong summer flavor with it's reggae backdrop, which is perfect timing since I'll be in Jamaica in two weeks. Suck it bitches!
4. Mary Wells - You Beat Me to the Punch
I know what you're thinking, Motown doo-wap from 1962, really dude? Yeah, well, the wife requested this one and I like sleeping in my own bed, so here it is for your enjoyment. Who knows, maybe if you throw this one on, you'll get lucky at the soda shop after the homecoming dance.
5. Ryan Adams - Lucky Now
I once crowned Mr. Adams the greatest songwriter of all time, because I love talking in superlatives. He's made a career of cranking out great song after great song, and this one is no exception. Check-plus in the grade book.
6. Gaslight Anthem - Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
I was watching these guys play a concert on TV the other night and the wife asked why this tune never made the 15's, so here it is. I'm pretty sure she likes this jam because they mention Tom Petty, and I can't really argue with that.
7. The Shins - No Way Down
I know, I know, enough with the fucking Shins already. Sorry, they just have songs that blend nicely into every mix. They're like that nice, dependable person in every group of friends who you don't really notice or miss until they're gone.
8. Feist - Train Song
I watched this indie flick called "Take This Waltz" and during one of the scenes Feist covers an old Leonard Cohen tune called "Closing Time". My internet search for that song led me to this gem. Shit, I sound like I'm on an episode of Storytellers.
9. Various Cruelties - If It Wasn't for You
If you're thinking to yourself, damn I know this song but can't place it, then I'll put you out of your misery and let you know that it came from a Zales commercial. There's no rule that says good tunes can't be used to hock shitty jewelry.
10. Frank Turner - I Am Disappeared
It's a little known fact that Frank studied at Eton College with Prince William. Don't say you never learned anything from this blog. Thanks Wikipedia!
11. Men - Candy
People think I'm being a dick when they ask what I'm listening to and I just say "Men", but this tune just kind of stuck in my craw. There's something about the mix of the vocals in this song that is bit off kilter and gives it a really raw vibe.
12. Broken Bells - October
Most people might not know Broken Bells, but I bet they know the sum of its parts. They are made up of James Mercer (Shins) and Brian Burton (Danger Mouse). Every time I start digging around for tunes this album shows up time after time. If you like Bright Eyes, you'll love Broken Bells, if you like The National you'll really enjoy Broken Bells, if you like rubbing one out with your left hand, then you should do it while listening to Broken Bells. Damn I better check these guys out already.
13. Green Day - Amy
"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road...", This song is like that one, but totally different.
14. Ed Sheeran - The A Team
iTunes named his record the breakout singer-songwriter album of 2012, so naturally I said to myself, let's see what this joker is all about. He's pretty much the standard issue singer-songwriter that you'd find at the local coffee house in town. If you like the sensitive, introspective guys like Damien Rice and Glen Hansard (after he left the Frames) then this should be right up your alley.
15. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Fiya Wata
This one really took a long time to grow on me, but there's something infectious about the way Jade delivers this song. It's one thing to have the musical chops and great lyrics, but something that gets overlooked far too often is the ability to deliver a song. She harkens back to the haunting vibes of Layne Staley, one of the masters at taking a song to the next level just by the way he emphasized certain words and let notes linger in the air.
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