Happy Mortal » singing

January ‘10 music is…

pebble — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:56:30 +0000

Yup, getting the list out earlier this month. Yay for me. Perhaps this bodes well for the upcoming posts in 2010. Probably not but perhaps.

So in the interest of full disclosure, Januarys list is not as complete as I would like it to be. I’ve been feeling a change in the air lately. An artistic change that I am desiring in my music, but I’m not finding anyone who is fulfilling my unspoken and unwordable desire. So instead I opted for a few songs that are almost there, songs I can dance to and songs that you just can’t help but sing along to.

January

Whatever You Like (Single Version) – Anya Marina

I would be lying if I said that after hearing T.I. perform this song I didn’t imagine someone (maybe him) saying this to me. And hearing Anya sing it makes me happy because now I also want the opportunity to say it to someone (maybe T.I.)

Promise – CocoRosie

Just recently discovered this duo and am really digging them. This may be sacrilege, but I feel like there are pinches of Lauren Hill attitude in here. Add to that a large dash of innocence and a much less developed sense of rhythm (in a pleasant way) and this song is an interesting recipe.

Bourgeois Shangri-La – Miss Li

Yes, this is the newest nano commercial song. And no, it doesn’t make me feel like a sell out. (If this disturbs you do not continue down this list.) I can’t help but dance to this song. And yes, this is what I felt like when I went to a private college.

Japan – CocoRosie

Some funny lines about going places. And try listening to the song and not singing the tag line throughout the whole day. I dare you.

Sleepyhead – Passion Pit

Seems otherworldly and juvenile in the best way.

Anthems for a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl - Broken Social Scene

Great mellow sound, sprinkles of banjo and her voice is so great.

The Iliad – Tapes ‘n Tapes

Not sure what I like about this song. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of being in high school and listening to boys play guitar in their bands or singing around the campfire. Yup, that’s it.

Believe E.S.P. – Deerhoof

This song has just the perfect amount of cowbell. Dark and upbeat at the same time.

Boom – Anjulie

Love the gritty sounds in the background with her smooth vocals over top.

Love Letter to Japan – The Bird and the Bees

Quirky pop. Pleasant.

Love Story – Taylor Swift

( You can’t say I didn’t warn you.) I was a hater. But this last year won me over. I can’t listen to a Taylor Swift song without singing along at the top of my lungs. Try it. You might like it too.

Please Don’t Leave Me – Pink

Of all the “pop/rock” artist out there, Pink has some of the most honest lyrics. Yes, I’ve been here. And I love how she can mix strength and vulnerability into her songs.

You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift

Another one. These last songs are here simply for sing out loud and dance like crazy fun and enjoyment. That’s what I’m doing right now. (The dancing isn’t so great sitting, but at least I’m keeping the beat.)

For Your Entertainment – Adam Lambert

Think what you will of his AMA performance, this song is just satisfying trashy pop and we need that. Plus it totally harkens back to the eighties in that hair metal way. Pass the eyeliner and blue eyeshadow.

Hot Mess – Cobra Starship

I love Cobra Starship! And I’m not a gambling person, but I would put money on the fact that these guys are fully aware that they are satirizing pop music.

Unstoppable – Kat DeLuna & Lil Wayne

If I were still into the club scene, this would be one of those songs that I just couldn’t stay on the sidelines for. It must be danced to.

Yes, this list was full of pop music. And no, I haven’t sold out. (Is anything selling in this economy?) However, you were warned both in my first post and early on in the list. There is no genre of music that I don’t love. So feel free to pick through the list, choose the “cool alternative music”. Or just listen to it all and relish in the fabulousness that is music.

November (09) Music is…

pebble — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:18:29 +0000

What? November music now? (you might be saying to yourself.) Yes. Now. There’s still a solid twelve days left in November. That’s almost two whole weeks.

And yes, I tend to procrastinate. But I also wait until I have a perfect number of songs that really hit me before burning my CD. And last night I found the last one.

So here it is folks. Enjoy.

November 09

I’m a Stranger Here Myself – Masha Qrella (Fun, quirky and I love the title.)

Hollow Talk – Choir of Young Believers (Spiritual and soul stirring.)

After Every Party I Die – IAMX (I used to feel this way because I couldn’t wait for the next party to begin, now it’s just because I’m old. But I still like a good party.)

Pink & Sour – Califone (When I first heard this song I hated and loved it all at the same time. Which made me think, I need to listen to that again and again. It still stirs up mixed emotions in me, but now it’s mostly love.)

A Boy and a Girl – Polyphony & Stephen Layton (A friend of mine recently performed this in his choir and I love it. So romantic and happily melancholy.)

Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat’s Heavenly House Mix) – Nina Simone & Felix Da Housecat (This song is purrfect. Sorry. Couldn’t resist. But seriously, Ms Simone and a good house beat. What more could you ask for. And you’ve probably seen this song in a movie/t.v. ad, but it’s worth listening to without the visuals. Just let loose and dance.)

Peace of Mind – Mindy Smith (I’ve felt exactly what she is singing and I’ve wanted to ask for exactly what she is asking for.)

Gifted (feat. Kanye West, Santigold, & Lykke Li) – N.A.S.A. (I usually like Kanye’s stuff and I love the addition of Lykke Li.)

Living on Video 2k6 the Original (Original Extended) – Trans X (Yes, this song was on Dancing with the Stars last week. And I loved it. So pull out your old ray bans, hightops, silver lame stirrup pants, and do the robot.)

Sender – Pinback (Love Pinback. And this song is a bit darker than the other songs I have. Which I think is good for them.)

Aly, Walk With Me – The Raveonettes (Yup, more Raveonettes. Just love their sound.)

Mr. Grieves – Pixies (And again, more Pixies. Twisty, catchy, this song sounds like an 80’s pop version of The Doors. Love it.)

Your Ex-Lover is Dead – Stars (Love Stars. I recommend all of their music. Your mind takes little daydream trips as you imagine the story that goes along with everyone of their songs.)

Cycling Trivialities (Radio Edit) – Jose Gonzalez (He has a beautiful voice. And the title is amazing.)

Just Like Honey – The Jesus and Mary Chain (More 80’s music. Sounds like a last dance prom song.)

24-25 – Kings of Convenience (This song is beautiful. And is hiding something very sad.)

Ghosts – Ladytron (Sounds a little like The Cranberries. “There’s a ghost in me who wants to say I’m sorry. Doesn’t mean I’m sorry.” Yup, brilliant.)

I’m Good, I’m Gone – Lykke Li (’Popish’, with a good twist.)

Listen, enjoy and this month give thanks for music that stirs the soul, inspires the mind, and moves the body.

October Music is…

pebble — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:09:31 +0000

I am a huge fan of music. I am that neighbor you have that cranks up her stereo, sings along at the top of her lungs and dances around her apartment while wearing her pajamas. And by the way, I play a wicked air guitar. I’ve even been known to pull out an air tambourine.

I would also consider myself a music snob. Not in the ‘listen to that harpsichord in the background, now that’s classical music’ kind of way, but in the ‘I love every genre of music and each one has it’s time and place and if you disagree than you are ridiculous’ kind of way.

And it is this love of music that draws me to itunes every month to create a monthly CD. I peruse pop music, analyze alternative, check the country cache, hit the hip-hop section and read through the rock. I listen to old and new songs and purchase depending on my mood. Then I take a few minutes (read at least an hour) to put them in an order that feels right to me and burn my disc.

I’ve done this every month for about the last year or so. (It’s also fun to listen back through the cd’s and see what moods I was in during the past months.) And I thought it would be fun to share my monthly cd’s here and let you guys share some of your current favorites. I love new song recommendations. So with no further ado, here is my October list.

October

Ashamed – Deer Tick (the end of this song is great)

Breeze – Apollo Sunshine (light and magical)

Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed) – The Raveonettes (said so simply and so beautifully)

Where Is My Mind – Pixies (i’m not sure where my mind is, but this song is so good I’m not looking for it until the song is over)

I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas (make fun, but if you listen to this song and feel like it’s not gonna be a good night I’ll be surprised. Just don’t watch the video. Bad.)

Heavy Cross – Gossip (the cd cover caught my attention and the music kept it)

La Familia – Mirah (another light and magical feeling song and but with a darker twist)

It Will Follow The Rain – The Tallest Man On Earth (this style of music has won me over and taken my soul)

Road – Nick Drake (mellow)

Laughing With God – Regina Spektor (not sure if I believe in god, but this song sums up some of my feelings when I’m leaning toward the yes side)

Drop a Coin – Matthew Santos (this song is sitting in a dark bar, alone, drinking a martini and smoking a cigarette, and Matthew is on stage singing)

Blue Skies – Noah and the Whale (subtly hopeful)

My Will Is Good – Port O’Brien, Cambria Goodwin & Van Pierszalowski (just mellow twisty fun)

Bang On – The Breeders (i love this kind of music right now)

Boys Wanna Be Her – Peaches (um, yeah they do)

Savior – Rise Against (this is on the radio a lot right now. if you don’t think of someone instantly when you hear this song than we haven’t lived similar lives)

Crown of Age – The Ettes (love this song. “it’s harder than you know, to get where you belong/ somehow you’re always there/somehow it’s always wrong/as far as I can see, that much will never change.” Genius.)

Maybe you’ll find something you like. Maybe you won’t. But I’m gonna try to post my monthly lists and would love to hear any songs you guys are currently into as well. Rock/dance/air guitar on friends.