Music Monday: Bonobo

I don't recall the first time I ever heard Bonobo's music but it's one of those instances when you're just grateful that it happened. Perhaps the aha moment came after watching the sweeping music video for Break Apart (featuring one of my favorite artists, Rhye). I was also blown away and officially hooked while watching Bonobo's live stream from Coachella.

Bonobo is Simon Green, a British musician, producer and DJ who is now based in Los Angeles. He has that ethereal ability to teleport your soul to another dimension. His latest album, Migration, was released earlier this year and can be purchased here.


Break Apart ft. Rhye




Second Sun

Surface ft. Nicole Miglis

No Reason ft. Nick Murphy

Music Monday: Nick Hakim

Nick Hakim is a Brooklyn-based musician originally from Washington, DC. He is currently on tour and his debut full-length album Green Twins is due out in May. 

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The Green Twins (Live in London)

Cold

Bet She Looks Like You

The Light

2016 Music Favorites: 20 of My Most Enjoyed Albums

I prefer to have my yearly favorites posted sooner but I started off 2017 feeling very under the weather (not to mention a brutal phase of Mercury Retrograde). I wanted to make sure I was in a clear frame of mind when I reflected back on which albums I enjoyed listening to the most. I hesitate to call these albums 'the best of 2016' because it would be impossible to say that with any level of certainty. It's a challenge to rank music as it's such a personal thing. I am a hardcore music lover but I would have to devote every waking minute of the year to listening to new releases to truly get a feel for everything. I tend to listen to music regardless of its freshness or relevancy. I also find my music organically and am not influenced much at all by critics or the blogosphere. This list is simply me sharing what I liked, in hopes of connecting with other fans or to someone searching for new sounds who may not be as familiar. In no particular order, here are some of my favorite releases of the past year...



Empire of the Sun, Two Vines. October, 2016.

I've been a major fan of this group for many, many years. Their music makes me happy. I have yet to see them perform live but hope that changes in the near future.

High and Low:

Two Vines:


Kanye West, The Life of Pablo. February, 2016.

Personal and professional antics aside, his music is still good.

Famous:

Fade:


Angel Olsen, My Woman. September, 2016.

I really like her vocal style and enjoy listening to her music when I'm in a relaxed, but somber mood.

Intern:

Heart Shaped Face:

Frank Ocean, Blonde. August, 2016.

The most-anticipated album of the year, Blonde, (or is it technically Blond...?) exceeded many expectations of a sophomore slump.

Nights:

White Ferrari:


Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Getaway. June, 2016.

Hipsters will tell you RHCP aren't cool but I admittedly love the older stuff. Their most-recent albums have been very disappointing but this one was somewhat of a pleasant surprise. It's far from my favorite but Anthony Kiedis can still get it.

The Getaway:

Dark Necessities:


Leonard Cohen, You Want It Darker. October, 2016.

Farewell to a legend. What an artist. What a man.

You Want It Darker:

It Seemed the Better Way:


Kristin Kontrol, X-Communicate. May, 2016.

The debut solo project from the lead singer of Dum Dum Girls. I really like this new direction.

X-Communicate:

Smoke Rings:


James Vincent McMorrow, We Move. September, 2016.

Fans of Bon Iver will enjoy this release from the sultry Irish crooner.

I Lie Awake Every Night:


Get Low:


David Bowie, Blackstar. January, 2016.

2016 was a year surrounded by the loss of countless musicians. David Bowie's final studio album, released on his 69th birthday, left fans with one last parting gift just days before his untimely passing.

Blackstar:

Lazarus:


Glass Animals, How To Be a Human Being. May, 2016.

Glass Animals has an incredible sound that's all their own. It always gets me going. I'll leave it at that.

Youth:

Poplar St:


Gallant, Ology. May, 2016.

Gallant was my favorite discovery of the year. I adore his voice and really loved the style of songs on this debut release.

Talking to Myself:

Weight in Gold:


Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool. June, 2016.

A band that needs no introduction, this album managed to make me love them even more.

Daydreaming:

True Love Waits:


Bon Iver, 22, A Million. September, 2016.

Bon Iver has produced some of my favorite music of the past decade. I was eager to hear the new sounds but much of its overproduction fell short of my very high expectations. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed some of these songs. Even when it's not my absolute favorite style, Justin Vernon creates innovative music. He is easily one of the most talented artists of my generation.

33 "GOD":

8 (circle):


St. Paul and The Broken Bones, Sea of Noise. September, 2016.

This was the first year that I took notice of the southern soul group who hails from Alabama. Stunning vocals and glorious instrumentation, this album is for fans of Motown looking for a modern take on classic oldies.

Midnight on the Earth:

Burning Rome:


Sturgill Simpson, A Sailor's Guide to Earth. April, 2016.

I'm not a major fan of country music but after attending college in West Virginia, I definitely picked up an affinity for certain sounds. If you're open to the genre that blurs between alt, rock and country, Sturgill Simpson is your man. Even if a twang isn't your thing, a true music lover recognizes talent when it's blatantly obvious.

In Bloom (Nirvana Cover):

Brace for Impact (Live a Little):


A Tribe Called Quest, We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service. November, 2016.

With the exception of the title's atrocious grammar (of course there is a celestial, unknown meaning behind it), this album was a welcomed surprised. A Tribe Called Quest takes me back to my youth in the most simple yet remarkable of ways.

We The People...:

Ego:


Mac Miller, The Divine Feminine. September, 2016.

Despite Mac Miller being a hometown kid, I never fully connected with much of his music until this release. I really enjoyed the way these songs were produced. And if you've ever seen one of Mac's interviews, you can see that he is not only hilarious but also has such a loving, gentle soul that you really get to hear come through on this album.

Dang! ft. Anderson .Paak:

Skin:


M83, Junk. April, 2016.

M83 holds a special place in my heart so I am always receptive to a new album. This one wasn't my favorite but there are still quite a few tracks that won me over.

Do It, Try It:

Sunday Night 1987:


Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam, I Had a Dream That You Were Mine. September, 2016.

I've been a fan of The Walkmen for a long time so it's no surprise that I really appreciated this album. Gorgeous vocals and lyrics accompanied with a haunting production, this was definitely one not to be missed.

A 1000 Times:

In a Black Out:


Michael Kiwanuka, Love & Hate. July, 2016.

I have loved this man's voice for a few years and was excited to finally hear what his second album would sound like. It's filled with so much beauty. All of the feels.

Cold Little Heart:

I'll Never Love:

The INFJ Music Questionnaire

1. Your favorite song: Having a Party by Sam Cooke



2. Your least favorite song: I don't really have one but Bad Day by Daniel Powter isn't great.



3. A song that makes you happy: Rebel Yell by Billy Idol



4. A song that makes you sad: Blood by The Middle East (a beautiful kind of sad)



5. A song that reminds you of someone: Return of the Mack (C&J Street Mix) by Mark Morrison (makes me think of my best friend)



6. A song that reminds you of somewhere: Country Roads by John Denver (brings back memories of college in West Virginia)



7. A song that reminds you of a certain event: Disparate Youth by Santigold (a music festival)



8. A song that you know all the words to: Head Over Feet by Alanis Morissette



9. A song that you can dance to: Yeah! by Usher, Lil Jon, & Ludacris



10. A song that makes you fall asleep: All the Wild Horses by Ray LaMontagne



11. A song from your favorite band: The Sun by Portugal. The Man



12. A song from a band you hate: Hate is a strong word but if I had to choose, any song by Green Day is not something I'd keep on the radio.



13. A song that is a guilty pleasure: Goodbye, Horses by Q Lazzarus



14. A song that no one would expect you to love: Who You'd Be Today by Kenny Chesney



15. A song that describes you: Red Headed Woman by Bruce Springsteen



16. A song that you used to love but now hate: It's not like me at all to drastically change my opinion on things. There really isn't any I can think of. Here's a song that you may have never heard before that I play nonstop. Love it! Higher by Kwamie Liv



17. A song that you hear often on the radio: I don't listen to a lot of top 40 radio but growing up, I remember I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston constantly being played.



18. A song that you wish you heard on the radio: Little Red Corvette by Prince

19. A song from your favorite album: Born to Die by Lana Del Rey



20. A song that you listen to when you're angry: Ghost Lights by Woodkid



21. A song that you listen to when you're happy: Balance by Future Islands



22. A song that you listen to when you're sad: Port of Morrow by The Shins



23. A song that you want to play at your wedding: All I Want is You by U2



24. A song that you want to play at your funeral: Aside from traditional church hymns, Turn Into the Noise by Patrick Watson has a fitting vibe.


25. A song that you love at Christmas: Other than holiday music which I love, Blood Bank by Bon Iver



26. A song that makes you laugh: Alexander Wang by Bon Qui Qui. If you're unfamiliar, she's actually a comedienne (Anjelah Johnson).



27. A song that you can play on an instrument: Unfortunately, I don't play any instruments. It would be nice to play piano or acoustic guitar. I've always liked listening to classical music.



28. A song that you wish you could play: First Arabesque by Claude Debussy. I loved the version from the theme of the PBS show Jack Horkheimer: Star Gazer.






29. A song that makes you feel guilty: This was a challenge. I wouldn't say this song makes me feel guilty per se but the imagery it conjures is interesting. No Stranger by Small Black



30. A song from your childhood: Jump by Kris Kross



31. Your favorite song at this time last year: I Went to the Store One Day by Father John Misty

March 2015 Playlist

http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/1cFN9yHzdWMlpuOX2L9HmA

February 2015 Playlist

A few songs that I'm loving right now...

http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/4uziJKnSjI6pQYLmAMR5vi

Music Monday: Curtis Harding

"Next Time"


"Keep On Shining"


"Drive My Car"


"Cast Away" (Live)



Curtis Harding is based in Atlanta. His debut album, Soul Power, can be purchased here.

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Music Monday: Phosphorescent

Nothing particularly new with this post. I've just been playing "Song for Zula" on repeat as of late. Phosphorescent is playing Thrival here in Pittsburgh next month along with my favorite band and others. Love their sound. Love this song.

"Song For Zula"


This is far from their only good tune. Check out more from Phosphorescent here.

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Music Monday: The National

"I Should Live In Salt"


"Don't Swallow The Cap"


"Demons"


"29 Years"


"All The Wine"


Live, NPR Tiny Desk Concerts: "This Is The Last Time", "I Need My Girl", "Pink Rabbits", "Sea of Love"


I'm getting ready to put together my year-end list of favorite albums. One that I definitely know will make the cut is from The National. They've been one of my most-loved bands over the past decade. 2013 did not disappoint including a delivery of one of my favorite live shows of the year.

The National hails from Ohio but now calls Brooklyn home. Their most recent album, Trouble Will Find Me, is out now and can be purchased here.

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Music Monday: Christmas Playlist!

I'm one of those people who love holiday music. The classic familiarity that it delivers is unparalleled. I don't listen to the jingle bells all year 'round (that would only take away its magic) but I do start rocking around the Christmas tree about the weekend after Thanksgiving. Here are some of my favorite recordings that get me in the spirit of it all...



1. "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt, 1953.
2. "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee, 1958.
3. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Bing Crosby, 1943.
4. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Mariah Carey, 1994.
5. "Winter Wonderland" by Ray Charles, 1997.
6. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon, 1972.
7. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland, 1944.
8. "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives, 1965.
9. "Merry Christmas Baby" by Chuck Berry, 1964.
10. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by The Temptations, 1968.
11. "Silver Bells" by She & Him, 2011.
12. "I'll Be Home or Christmas" by Elvis Presley, 1957.
13. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" by Frank Sinatra, 1950.
14. "O Holy Night" by Ella Fitzgerald, 1967.
15.  "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby, 1954.

December 2013 Playlist

1. "Kites" by Geographer, 2010.
2. "Construction" by Radiation City, 2011.
3. "When I'm Small" by Phantogram, 2010.
4. "Hurricane" by Ms Mr, 2012.
5. "Little Girl" by Robert Francis, 2010.
6. "Penny" by Hanni El Khatib, 2013.
7. "Hold On, We're Going Home" by Drake, 2013.
8. "It All Feels Right" by Washed Out, 2013.
9. "Miracles" by Jefferson Starship, 1975.
10. "No Destruction" by Foxygen, 2013.
11. "Blood Bank" by Bon Iver, 2009.
12. "Calgary" by Bon Iver, 2011.

Music Monday: Spies

"November Sun"


"Distant Shorelines"


Spies is an indie pop-rock band from Dublin, Ireland. Their release, Distant Shorelines, is out now and can be purchased here.

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Music Monday: Polica

"Wandering Star"


"Warrior Lord"


"Tiff"


"Lay Your Cards Out"


"Smug"


Polica has put out some of my favorite sounds over the past couple years. They're an alternative synthpop group from Minneapolis. Polica's most recent album, Shulamith, is out now and can be purchased here.

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Music Monday: Dum Dum Girls

"Lord Knows"


"Trees and Flowers"


"Coming Down"


"Hold Your Hand" (Acoustic)


"Rest of Our Lives" (Live)


"Blank Girl"


"Baby Don't Go"


Dum Dum Girls are a pop group based in New York. Their most recent EP, End of Daze, can be purchased here.

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Music Monday: The Perfect Mix Tape

1. "Wish You Were Here", Pink Floyd.

2. "We Own the Sky", M83.

3. "Royals", Lorde.

4. "First Song for B", Devendra Banhart.

5. "Jane", Jefferson Starship (Wet Hot American Summer). 

6. "Balance", Future Islands.

7. "Wicked Game", James Vincent McMorrow (Chris Isaak cover).

8. "The Loco-Motion", Little Eva ('60s).

9. "Holocene", Bon Iver.

10. "Intro", The xx.

11. "Mind Sex", Dead Prez. (Hidden track- wooo!)

This was a fun little Music Monday activity. I remember when I was in school, I'd always make mix tapes (and later CDs) for my friends and such. The last time a guy gave me one (a few years back) it was quite prolific- more like a box set. Mixes truly are one of the most thoughtful gifts that come straight from the heart. I'm a major lyric lover because I think that words are powerful. Music takes it to another level.

October 2013 Playlist

1. "Pumpin Blood" by NONONO, 2013.
2. "Paper Doll" by Pyramids, 2013.
3. "Parachute Heart" by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, 2012.
4. "Cry Like a Ghost" by Passion Pit, 2013.
5. "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris, 2011.
6. "Goodbye Horses" by Q Lazzarus, 1988.
7. "Ghost Lights" by Woodkid, 2013.
8. "Geri" by Superhumanoids, 2012.
9. "The Gaudy Side of Town" by Gayngs, 2010.
10. "The Ghost on the Shore" by Lord Huron, 2012.
11. "Dream Lover" by White Flight, 2011.
12. "Love Ablaze" by Phedre, 2012.
13. "Burn the Witch" by Queens of The Stone Age, 2006.
14. "Staring at the Sun" by TV on the Radio, 2006.
15. "Ring a Bell" by Late Night Alumni, 2013.
16. "Mississippi Mud" by Black Blood and the Chocolate Pickles, 197?.
17. "Weekend Wars" by MGMT, 2008.
18. "Thinking About You" by Frank Ocean, 2012.
19. "Bound 2" by Kanye West, 2013.
20. "Raspberry Beret" by Prince, 1985.
21. "Playground Love" by Air, 2000.
22. "Born to Die" by Lana Del Rey, 2012.
23. "Only Heather" by Wild Nothing, 2012.
24. "Star Fire Power" by Gardens & Villa, 2011.
25. "Runaway" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, 2009.
26. "Alaskans" by Volcano Choir, 2013.
27. "Pays to Know" by MYPET, 2012.
28. "Enjoy the Silence" by Depeche Mode, 1990.
29. "Use Me" by Beans & Fatback, 2012.
30. "A Long Time Coming" by Wampire, 2009.

Fill In the Blank Friday: 10 Songs... A Music Questionnaire

1. A song you like with a color in the title:

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum. Such a beauty.

2. A song you like with a number in the title:

"21 Questions" by 50 Cent. Bam! That's a title and an artist. Bonus points?

3. A song that reminds you of summertime:

"Baby, I Love Your Way" by Big Mountain. Takes me back to the summers of my childhood.

4. A song that reminds you of someone you would rather forget about:

"You Won't Be Mine" by Matchbox Twenty. This one was difficult. I don't really have too many people I want to erase from my memory.

5. A song that needs to be played LOUD:

"Hang You From the Heavens" by The Dead Weather. I'm not really a loud music type of girl but I love this band. One of the best live shows I've seen (Bonnaroo '10). I have a major crush on Jack White and Alison Mosshart is phenomenal. 

6. A song that makes you want to dance:

"I Won't Kneel" by Groove Armada (definitely a dance by yourself type of tune). The buildup at the end is fantastic. 

7. A song to drive to:

"I Love It" by Icona Pop. Easy to find on the radio. There's more bridges here in Pittsburgh than anywhere else in the world so let's hope this doesn't turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

8. A song about drugs or alcohol:

"Champagne Supernova" by Oasis. One of my drinks of choice. A site that I'd like to see.

9. A song that makes you happy.

"Country Roads" by John Denver. My college's anthem that played after every home game and at many bars around midnight. So many wonderful memories.

10. A song that makes you sad:

"Who You'd Be Today" by Kenny Chesney. 

It ain't fair you died too young like a story that had just begun but death tore the pages all away.

Those lyrics never fail to bring a tear to my eye.

Jesse And The Rippers Forever!

Thank you to Jimmy Fallon for orchestrating this moment of bliss in my summer life! I was ecstatic to see this go down! Growing up in the 90s, Full House was monumental. I still watch episodes every now and again (not more often because I've admittedly seen every single one, several times). I've always hoped for a reunion episode or even a movie. For the time being, this was enough. And *spoiler alert*, when Aunt Becky came out at the end, I may have teared up a bit. If Kimmy Gibbler were there, I may not have been able to hide my emotions. Have mercy!

And for old time's sake, here's another famous band from Full House that none of us could ever forget (okay, maybe a few of you have), Girl Talk! No, not the mashup artist from here in the 'Burgh. The ORIGINAL Girl Talk.

Music Monday: MMX

"Ritual"


"Tremor"


"Stay"


"Mercy"


"Ten" (Live)



MMX are from Oxford, England. Their EP, Child, can be purchased here.

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July 2013 Playlist

1. "I'm Not the Girl" by LMNTL ft. Angela McCluskey, 2009
2. "Diamonds" by The Boxer Rebellion, 2013
3. "Heavy Feet" by Local Natives, 2013
4. "Modern Jesus" by Portugal. The Man, 2013
5. "Your Life, Your Call" by Junip, 2013
6. "Freight Train" by Sara Jackson-Holman, 2013
7. "This Magic Moment" by The Drifters, 1960
8. "Keep Your Head Up" by Ben Howard, 2011
9. "How My Heart Behaves" by Feist, 2009
10. "Shoulder to Hand" by Helios, 2008
11. "Sugar Babe" by Stephen Stills, 1971
12. "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker, 2013
13. "Harmonix" by Surfer Blood, 2009
14. "Porpoise Song" by The Monkees, 1968
15. "Arrival of the Birds & Transformation" by The Cinematic Orchestra, 2012
16. "Beautiful" by Mariah Carey ft. Miguel, 2013
17. "The Sun" by The Naked and Famous, 2011
18. "I'm Waiting Here" by David Lynch ft. Lykke Li, 2013
19. "On Blue Mountain" by Foxygen, 2013
20. "Tiffany Lou" by Daughn Gibson, 2012
21. "Baby, I'm-a Want You" by Bread, 1972
22. "Black Ocean" by Urban Cone, 2012
23. "Don't You Evah?" by Spoon, 2008
24. "Pink Rabbits" by The National, 2013
25. "Beach Baby" by Bon Iver, 2009