"Two" Mixtape Review

I've never done a review of a mixtape, but there's a first for everything. It's only fitting that I'm listening and reviewing, right? After listening to the mix over a dozen times, in order and on shuffle- I think I've had sufficient time to develop an opinion about it.

Will, you and I have very different and very similar music tastes. You pointed out the other day that they're complementary, it's true! You fill the gaps of music knowledge that I miss like "dad music." Or MOPEY ROCK (you listen to a lot of mopey rock Will). Okay, okay, okay back to reviewing.

Overall, I thought it did open a door to number of artists and a genre that I frankly wouldn't listen to otherwise. Listening to Pavement makes me feel like I'm driving in my car to West Texas. If you haven't noticed, I'm not very good at critiquing music...musically. I do it by how it makes me feel when I hear it. I couldn't get into "Bed." It's just so dark, dirty, and not me. Native America would probably my highlight. And for whatever reason, I've listened to this a ton, but I still get thrown off by "My Second Hand Heart" by Lay Low. In a good way, it's soothing in a mixtape that I found to be alt-rock driven. And most of the vocals sounded the same to me, they all had this same quality, but I don't have a word for it.

You know, I feel like I would see a lot of these bands at something like 'backyard togetherness.' Maybe that's just me.

• Not-so-good vibes: Sparklehorse, Grandaddy and Brand New
• Good vibes: Pavement, Built To Spill 
• Great vibes: Native America, Vetiver, Chris Rehm and Pains

SXSW 2014: Recap aka SXSuccess

(Wet, Slow Magic, Sylvan Esso, & Bent Denim)

Going into SX this year, I had 4 bands on my list to see: Wet (check), Slow Magic (check), Sylvan Esso (check), and my friends Bent Denim (check check).

Across the board, I was floored after every performance. If you're not already listening to these bands, you are doing life wrong.

Wet. It was an early performance, but I was determined to see them at Spotify because I knew I wouldn't be able to see them otherwise. One of my favorite things about this performance along with the others that I saw- the intimacy of each performance. They weren't at a huge venue and there weren't too many people. I had room to dance with the music (and silently sing because I knew the words to the songs on their EP). All of the feels.

Here's something weird: I saw the members of Wet at East Tamale House and geeked out so hard. I couldn't find enough courage to say anything and instead, I gawked at y'all from afar. Hi.

Slow Magic. Once upon a time, I had the opportunity to see him a year ago,for free at The Mohawk. What did I do? I ditched the tickets...because of school. I regret it. So don't make this mistake kids, if school gets in the way of Slow Magic...well don't let it. A year later, I finally get to see this masked artist play. Percussion out the wazoo and I was in complete bliss the whole time. How do you hit those drums so fast? And how you see all of the buttons with that mask is a complete mystery to me. I'm okay with it. I'll believe in the magic.

Sylvan Esso. I told Ben that if I only saw them (Bent Denim) play, I would be completely be okay. I LIED. (Sorry Ben) If I didn't see Sylvan Esso play, I would have cried. Really. I've been listening to the same 4 songs by this super-duo for months and if I missed an opportunity to see them play those 4 songs along with new tracks on their upcoming debut album- this girl was not going to be okay. I keep saying this, but wow, floored. Amelia is amazing, I love her dance moves. Nick is amazing and just looks like a cool dude. I cannot wait until May. pls come sooner

Bent Denim. Lastly, my friends from Nashville and New Orleans. They're babies (as a band), but they have an established sound that yeah, I still can't describe. They've been told to have Youth Lagoon-y sounds. And if I had to, I would say dreamy layers, groove-inducing beats, and ghostly vocals. They tag their music as "nightmare pop," does that give you any idea of what they sound like? No? Just go listen to them. I'm so glad I got to see them at their first SX. Cheers to more!

January 2014 : Music Haul

I've been reading about some of the upcoming albums that will be released in the next year...and I am stoked. From Broken Bells to Lykke Li to Mø and a string of others, it's going to be good.
In addition to album releases, the annual event of drunken debauchery and music discovery is on the horizon: SXSW. 

Conveniently, SXSW runs through our Spring Break. It is my suggestion if you are looking for an affordable way to see shows, drink, party, and see cool stuff (I saw a replica of a space telescope). It's also good being 21 during this time, and I recommend commuting around the city via bicycle.
Forewarning though: I got a black eye last SX from a show, so watch yourselves.

This music haul will be a little blurb about Misterwives + people I plan on catching come South by. March will be here before I know it, my ears need to be ready. You can follow my Spotify "SXSW 2014" playlist by clicking this.

In January, I've been listening to:

• Misterwives. I get Alex Winston vibes, Mandy Lee has a strong voice. The tambourine and percussion in "Coffins" made an impression on me, but I've come to love "Vagabond." 
• Wildcat! Wildcat! They finally released an EP. Listen to "The Chief," and "Please & Thank You." But if you listen to both, that's practically half the EP, might as well go all in. 
• Lily & Madeleine. From a suggestion via Twitter, I started listening to these sisters a couple months back. Only recently I found that they released a full-length album. Young and harmonious, Lily & Madeleine remind me a lot of First Aid Kit but think less folksy, more dreamy. 
• Sylvan Esso. SXSW-attendees. It's almost obsessive how many times I've listened to them.
• Haerts. SXSW-attendees. Some serious 80's-vibes. If that's what you're into, go and give their EP a listen. Shake your shoulders, groove, etc etc etc. 

Links are to YT videos. That's all, follow my SXSpotify playlist, listen to Sylvan Esso. End. 

December 2013 : Music Haul

I'm posting this early because I'm not sure if I will have internet access on the 31st. I'll be somewhere in the woods, listening to Lord Huron, probably drinking.

From November to December: 

• Wet. Can't get enough of their EP. Please give me more, there are only 4 tracks + that video from Fader Fort. 

And that's pretty much it...if I was choosing from last month's options. I'm trying to refrain myself from documenting giant lists. 

In December, I've been listening to:

• Mutual Benefit. I wrote a whole blog post devoted to Mutual Benefit below if you want to read it. Trust me, this album is perfect and you have to listen to it. It's probably one of the best albums of 2013. 
• Andrew Belle. So many Chris Martin vibes. "Pieces." 
• Ski Lodge. This band is so The Smiths-esque. The song "I Can't Tell" is when I saw parallels and it's my favorite track. But they're pretty pop-y  
• Childish Gambino. Whilst trying to expand my running playlist, my friend sent me Childish Gambino's new album because of the internet. "II. WORLDSTAR" has a good running tempo. 
• Odesza. Speaking of good running tempo, Odesza. That's all. Have you heard "Don't Stop" or "IPlayYouListen"? You haven't? You're running wrong probably. 

Revisited arists: 

• Bastille. Love. 
• Lucius. LOVE. 
• Little Daylight. Also, love. 
• Lord Huron. Love, love, love. This is perfect road trip music BTW. 

If you get a chance to see any of these artists live, you should. 

Singles:

• Ace In The Hole by Saint Motel.
• Hustler by Josef Salvat.
• Pillar Point KEXP set.
• Stay Coloured by I Know The Chief. 
• Christmastime by Bent Denim. 

These tracks are really catchy...and I will always post about Bent Denim, I have a soft spot for them. 

Shit, can you believe it's the end of 2013? 

Mutual Benefit : Love's Crushing Diamond

So it's been a long long long time since I've written an album review. And this may be hasty, but I have to tell you immediately because I will feel like I've been holding out on you. Since 2011 I think, since I listened to a certain mixtape, Mutual Benefit's "Desert Island Feeling" has stuck around my listening space. I will forget it, I will remember it, and when I do, I am always pleasantly surprised by its beauty. Fast forward to a month ago (?), I saw this album pop up on my feed (thanks Facebook Sponsored Ads.......). I gave it a listen and brushed it off soon after I finished the 8-track album.

Until I decided to give it a listen again. I had been meaning to, but I've been bad at "keeping up" lately. But Mutual Benefit, this album is perfect...and Jordan Lee, frontman of Mutual Benefit was in Austin writing, collab-ing, and playing house shows? I've been missing out. Love's Crushing Diamond is dreamy, ethereal floaty-feeling music. I don't like to compare music, but I feel like this album is Lonesome Dreams's sister album, if that's a thing. I love Lord Huron, I've been listening to that album these past couple of weeks and Love's Crushing Diamond seems like a good transition. They complement each other, I think. Maybe my ears are weird. What do you think? I am really loving "Advanced Falconry" and "C.L. Rosarian," but all of the tracks are swell.

Give it a listen, get back to me.

November 2013: Music Haul

maybe my body is ready for Portland, maybe my body is just confused because I was sweating profusely from a 90 degree Sunday. either way, it loves to walk in the cold, windy, drizzly rain that Austin has procured a week ago. 

this is my ode to the cold. as you drift back and forth into our lives here in Texas, I will continue to wear dark clothes and dark lipstick to match the dark soul that seems to be in "winter mode." 

From October to November: 

• Wet. I should be writing a separate post for these guys. I actually found this group last month, little did I know that this Brooklyn trio would infiltrate and conquer most of my listening time in November. When I'm not running to my set playlist, I'm listening to Wet. Yeah, I'm not a super fan of their name, but just listen to their most popular song "You're the Best" or my personal favorite "Don't Wanna Be Your Girl."
• Phantogram. On my running playlist, on a separate "Phantogram" playlist. Still love them, probably for forever. 
• Pedro The Lion. David Bazan's vibe and lyrics seem fitting for this 38 degree weather...and also the occasional 80 degree weather we get.
• Dan Croll. The Spotify Sessions came out almost a week ago and all three tracks are gold. You compliment my soul Dan...with your beautiful face and voice. 

From November, I've been listening to:

• Paws. There are some tracks I don't like, but I do like this one (it makes for a good morning song). Is it just me, or for a Glasgow band, they sound American? I don't know, I guess I always associated this teen-angst-pop-rock only to America. How very ethnocentric of me. 
• Big Scary. My favorite track is "Twin Rivers."
• You Won't. They are touring with Lucius, I get it. 
• Ta-Ku. I remember hearing a track earlier this summer and vining to it. But my friend posted a link recently and for whatever reason, that acted as a catalyst to this Ta-Ku binge that I've been on for the past couple of days. 

Revisited:

• Florence + The Machine. Sometimes you lose yourself and you need Florence to guide you back. 
• Arcade Fire. More specifically, The Suburbs album. 
• London Grammar. Have you seen their KEXP set? Hot. damn. 
• Bon Iver. It's been raining here in Austin, Texas. 

October 2013 : Music Haul

a half-written, half-linked music haul, happy october.

From September to October:

• HAIM. Listening to them always makes me want to be in a trio-sister-rock-out-band. They were awesome at ACL. 
• Lorde. Hi, I wrote about her in April. So thrilled when she released her full-length album. I have grown a liking for the track "White Teeth Teen." 
• Generationals. Beats. 
• ∆ as per usual. 

From October I've been listening to: 

• Michael Giacchino. He's written the score for shows like Lost and movies like UP, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille. It's great work music. I used to listen to other artists like Teebs and Tycho to work, but soundtrack/score music takes it another level. The UP score is a tear-jerker but my favorite.
• Phantogram. I was supposed to write a live review about them I still might. They released a new EP not too long ago and they're on tour right now. "Black Out Days," "The Day You Died"... all of them on the new EP are pretty stellar actually. In short: they are awesome live. 
• Arcade Fire and their new album, Reflektor, I'm still listening to it, I'll write a one-liner for next month. 
• The Head and The Heart. I honestly have only listened to their new album once or twice, but it's out there y'all. 
• Lucius (duh.) Yes. Over and over, on vinyl, on YouTube, on iTunes, on Spotify, Live, etc. Anything I can do to listen to Lucius, I will. I don't know if y'all get it yet, but y'all need to. 
• Pedro The Lion. Mentioned by a friend so I thought I'd give it a shot. Why do I feel depressed when I listen to it? Also, why can't I stop listening to it? "The Longest Winter"and its lyrics "Is it your way/or the highway.." just saying 

Revisited:

• Dan Croll. Release a full-length album pls. You were amazing live at ACL 2013. 
• The Neighbourhood. Somehow I feel like this falls under "October" music (I'm clearly running out of ideas to write...I just want to listen to them OKAY?!)
• Death Cab for Cutie's Transatlanticism and the Transatlanticism (Demos). BECAUSE I CAN. (but the demo track of "Transatlanticism" slays me).
• Bloc Party. Because I CAN. 
• Daughter. Because I can. 

And this track by JMSN. 

Live : Gold and the Rush

Reigning from NOLA, Gold and the Rush played at a house show-thing...thing-show here in Austin, TX this past Friday. I feel bad looking at this picture because you can't see Sam's face. On a more humorous note, it looks like Sam has a speaker for a face. 

I'm going to preface this post by saying that this is not music that I usually listen to. Not because I don't like it...I was just never exposed to it. Now by it, I think I'm going to go with southern-rock-n-roll-jam music. It's music that I listened to while sitting in the grass, drinking a beer, and being completely okay with life. I think that it's music that you can listen to while you're barbecuing some good meat with good company, talking and drinking etc etc etc. 'People Downstairs' and 'Rocketship' are probably my favorite tracks.

Is it note-worthy that Chris, the drummer, smoked a cigarette while banging away effortlessly on the drum set? It was kind of incredible. Note-worthy? I decided, yes. 

Not to mention, these are some pretty cool dudes. Trust me, I got tacos with them. And when you get tacos with someone, you really get to know a person (and in this case, a band). Am I a little sad that I missed their set at Ditch The Fest? Sure. But I have some memories, a free CD (from their Daytrotter session), and bandcamp to hold me over until next time. Give these guys a listen, see them at a show, they're pretty cool. 

September 2013 : Music Haul

I'm attempting to be concise today, but this month does not make it easy. Transitioning into "slower music", I am getting ready for Fall-time. When will it approach Texas? Unknown, but I'll listen to some of these albums inside and just pretend that everything is a-ok.

From August to September, I've been listening to:

• ∆∆∆∆∆∆ I don't need to say more than that
• Kacey Musgraves. She's infiltrated my music wall. Or actually, I opened the door and let her in. She's actually great music to listen to when you're on the road. Sing-able, relateble, beat-y.

From September, I've been listening to (in order of importance):

• HAIM's full-length (out tomorrow I think) Days Are Gone. I wrote about them a while back, and I'm gonna be that person. I said they were gonna be big and now look, they are at ACL and they sold out their ACL after show already. They rule, they make me want to be a in a girl band. "Days Are Gone" and "My Song 5" are jammy jams but "Go Slow" will always be my all-time favorite. 
• CHVRCHES's new album, The Bones of What You Believe. Pretty sure I started listening to this Scotland trio from this girl. Thanks Urs. "Lungs" is a good one and "Recover" is something I can play for months (speaking from experience). 
• Lorde. I forget when her album comes out, but it was streaming on VH1/Mashable. You'll probably hear it at your next house party if you haven't already. 
• London Grammar. Flashes of Florence Welch happen when I listen to London Grammar. I kind of refused to like them when they released "Wasting My Young Years". But this music is melancholic and full of soul (I think "soulful" has a different sound). 
• Bastille. If you need convincing, watch this. I promise, it will be the best 3 minutes of your life and you'll be wondering why you're not listening to them already. Swoonfest, Bastille is so good. Thanks Jaqs. 
• Volcano Choir. Justin Vernon's other music venture. Touches of Bon Iver, but it's not the same. You can definitely hear his distinct voice and sometimes, that's all I need. I'll continue to spin Bon Iver every time it rains though. Nothing can replace that. 

Revisited:

• Generationals. This band and I met again this month (on Spotify), it's been a long time. I really love their album Actor-Caster, my 4th year is making me realllll nostalgic. 
• Explosions In The Sky. Speaking of nostalgia, Friday Night Lights anyone? I saw them perform again recently and was just wrecked. They are SO good live. "The Only Moment We Were Alone", holy emotions. 
• Cults. My first year? My second year? Their album was my soundtrack, they've got a new one coming out soon...so I guess that's why I revisited. "Never Saw The Point"- yes. It's doo-wop-y but it's not doo-wop! 
• Arctic Monkeys. Remnants of high school exist and listen to this band and their songs like "Balaclava" and "Florescent Adolescent"..."The best you ever had/the best you ever had/ is just a memory". All of the lyrics, y'all.

Single Tracks:

• Wanna Know by Dan Croll
• 101 Vultures by Alex Winston (fyi, explicit)
• Prairie Girl by Rah Rah
• Let Me In by Snowmine
• Beach by San Cisco (Bye Summertime, I won't miss you much)
• Roar by Katy Perry (I have to. No shame.)
• Golden Girl by The Naked And Famous

Live : LUCIUS secret house show

I have never experienced a secret house show quite like the one I went to this past Sunday.

Here's a short run-down:
1) It was last-minute
2) I found out from Facebook
3) I had no idea what I was getting myself into
4) There were tiki torches that lit the pathway to the house
5) Lights and thought-out decor and little bits but also BYOB (which is the way we like it in ATX)
Thanks to my best friend, I forced myself to go, by myself, and as Tim Riggins says, "No regrets."

Lucius had me sold when I saw them perform "Turn It Around" as the last song of their set at Club Deville at SXSW 2013. To top it off, I watched their NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert and I think it's one of the best Tiny Desk Concerts to date. I've already written about them, but I can't help it- I love Lucius. A lot. Their upcoming full-length album debut is coming in 2 weeks (?) and I cannot wait. 

The harmonizing, the perfect percussion, whammy wham guitar, shaker, etc., I have been listening to their EP non-stop since March. Like their NPR Tiny Desk Concert, this house show was stripped-down Lucius, which is sometimes better than when artists have all of their equipment. "Don't Just Sit There" and their stripped-down rendition of "Genevieve" are stellar. October 15 will be a great day. 

PRO TIP: Always go to a Lucius show. 

August 2013 : Music Haul

Summer is fleeting and school is in session.....

Goodbye August, I will miss your sweet summer sounds that get me to dance or croon me to sleep.
Hello September, it's my final September in college, I'm trying to not cry.

From July to August, I've been listening to:
Benjamin Francis Leftwich. He can sing me to sleep every. night.
CHVRCHES. Can't wait for their album release next month. SEPTEMBER IS GOING TO BE SO GOOD Y'ALL.
Growl. Went to their show that kicked off their Hella Hot Summer Tour. They played new jams, can't wait to hear the studio versions. (Sidenote: Houston music scene is...different.)
Alt-J. I don't know when there isn't a time that I don't listen to this band, I just got this on vinyl last month and on that note...
Houses. I just got this on vinyl. Like two days ago. I don't know when I'll stop listening to this band either.

From August, I've been listening to:
Jesse Woods. Am I seeping back into my alternative/indie/folk/rock-self? Maybe.
Western Lows. I do judge an album by its cover. Sometimes a lot of times. They had a cool one, so I gave them a chance.
Phospherescent. Before, I had only heard "Song by Zula" (which I thought was epic, yes, I am going to describe that song using the adjective "epic"). I started listening to that album, Muchacho and now I'm making my way through the other albums. I like it.
The Virgins. Revisited this artist but never listened to their music fully but I am digging their album, Strike Gently.
Carousel.
Superhumanoids. I remember when I [probably] touched elbows with these band members when they played at the Warby Parker Circus SXSW event two years back. I am in love with their new album. I thank Hannah for reintroducing me to them. "Black Widow" - that one got me *I'm pointing to my heart*
Kacey Musgraves. For all who know me, I don't do country. I love OCMS and I love my share of folk, but that's not country. "Back On The Map"- give this track a chance, then give Kacey a chance, she'll sneak up on you.
Washed Out's newest album, Paracosm. I'm going to admit it, I listened to this album because of the cover art. I should really do a separate post about that. Cover art is important to me.
The Smiths. I attribute this artist to my one and only Megan B. This gets me through work sometimes, and other times, I just listen to it because I freaking love it.

[Thanks to the chrrywd boys, my music taste is branching out (re: Phospherescent, Wilco, Dawes, and AA Bondy).]

Revisted: Everyone Likes to Feel Nostalgic:
N'SYNC. "I Want You Back", "It's Gonna Be Me" - thank goodness for Spotify because it's how I relive the 90's.
Flight of the Conchords. Best sing-a-long's ever.
Lord Huron. Screams wanderlust, travel, and adventure.
Destiny's Child. re: N'SYNC but songs like "Bootylicious", "Bills, Bills, Bills"
(old) Justin Timberlake. One word: "Señorita"
Dawes. I listened to Dawes back when I was super into Delta Spirit, Deertick, and Middle Brother. Revisiting this reminds me to take things a little bit slower than my usual frazzled self. "So Well" and "Time Spent In Los Angeles" - those two songs, yes.

Single Tracks:
Periodic Table by Bent Denim (read the blog post below for a review and a listen)
Tempest by Lucius (I think their full-length is releasing in October? I love Lucius, you'll thank me later)
Long As You're Home by Houndmouth (this gives me major THATH vibes)
Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys (slow dirty rock sounds, I've missed listening to these dudes)

Live : Bent Denim

This band so fresh, you can literally taste it. I want to note them in my blog because 1) they are from Texas [sort of, Texas + Louisiana] 2) I support friends 3) I saw them at their first show and 4) I can't pinpoint what Bent Denim sounds like and that means only good things. 

Ben + Dennis = Bent Denim

As I mentioned, I can't pinpoint what they sound like, it's in the works, but my friend, Will, described them as something like this: "it's a sound that forces you to listen...everyone usually thrashes and dances at a show, but at this show - people actually listened." They were great live and I got to hear another recorded track [exclusively!] and I cannot wait to hear more. I wish I stole those mp3 files so that I could listen to them on this roadtrip I'm about to go on, but I digress.

Check out this video, made by Will, and you'll hear exactly what I mean:

July 2013 : Music Haul

Honestly, this month's music haul is a little bleak. It could be the increasing busyness of this month, the slight laziness, or music just wasn't happening for me. Please tell me what I've been missing, hitting a music wall is the worst. After compiling this haul, I've noticed that a lot of the music I've been listening to is upbeat...because summer = upbeat...right? With the exception of rainy days...those days- I have to listen to artists like Bon Iver and Benjamin Francis Leftwich. 

From June to July, I've been listening to:
Growl. They were awesome at backyardtogetherness.
Vampire Weekend. Continuing to listen to their new album because it's consistently perfect for July/Summer.
Pacific Air.

From July, I've been listening to:
Benjamin Francis Leftwich. This might be due to the 24/7 streaming from my brother BUT, I kind of love him. He can serenade me all day, any day, every day. "Butterfly Culture" is my favorite song.
Jay Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail. I basically listen to "Holy Grail" everyday because J-squared rules. "Tom Ford" is a hit track, very danceable.
Smith Western's new album, Soft Will, because everyone wishes they could relive their high school prom. Smith Westerns never fail to make me feel that way even though we never had a live band at our high school prom, a girl can wish.
I tried to getting into country and I am failing. Am I doing it wrong? I'm from Texas after all...


Revisited:
(∆) Alt-J's Awesome Wave, because I just got it on vinyl. (eeeeee!)
The Morning Benders, because summer
Purity Ring, I really wish I saw them live, plz have a separate show aside from ACL
Justin Timberlake, because he can sing Africa by Toto
Local Natives, I like watching their La Blog Takeaway shows. Nostalgia rings through me because that was the first show I went to by myself.
Ellie Goulding, I started listening to her first album. She's amazing. Remember "Everytime You Go"?
Bon Iver, it rained here and there during July and I will put on Bon Iver every. single. time.

Single Tracks:
Run By Kill It Kid
Baby I Am Nobody Now by Andy Bull
King City by Space Ghost
In/Out by Dan Croll
Astronaut Etc's cover of Youth Lagoon's '17'
Africa by Toto

June 2013 : Music Haul

From May to June, I've been listening to:
I'm really going through a phase of Houses, so... expect them to be in every music haul until X. The track "A Quiet Darkness" is becoming my new favorite but my love will always stay with "Tenderly". I saw them live a couple of weeks ago. The sound was tragic and beautiful.
Daughter. You'd think this would be more of a winter jam but it makes for nice reading music or just laying-on-the-floor music. Their KEXP set is incredible. They're coming in September I think? I need a concert fund..
Still Corners. They're dreamy. I saw them earlier this month. "Fireflies" is a good one.

From June, I've been listening to:
Austin-locals, Growl - Thrashing, hyper, fun-time, summer time music.
Vampire Weekend and their newest album, Modern Vampires of the City. This album is quickly becoming one of my favorite albums of the year.
Pacific Air and their first full-length album, Stop Talking. I am pleasantly surprised with this album. I pretty much love every song sans "Intermission" but who knows, maybe it will grow on me. My favorite track has got to be "Play Nice" or "Sunshine". It's the summer, I couldn't not have "Sunshine" as a favorite track.
Imaginary Friend. Found this off of IC's mid-year favorite albums blog post. Reminds me of Sleeping At Last and The Head and The Heart (Sidebar: I hear THATH is releasing their second album soon, exciting!)
BOY. They aren't really new to me but I finally started getting into their album this month.
Dabbling in Porcelain Raft.


Revisited:

Bloc Party. With their recent announcement of a hiatus, I had to and then I found myself listening to them again and again. 'Signs', 'Kreuzberg', 'The Healing' - some of my favorite tracks.
CHVRCHES. Especially after I saw them perform live at the Mohawk earlier this month. So dancey. So feely. I like everything about CHVRCHES and I can't wait to listen to their debut album when it drops this September.
LUCIUS. Because they're amazing. I can't wait until they release their debut album in the fall!!
Jay- Z. Because I'm reading his book, Decoded.
Dry The River. They were one of my favorite acts at ACL 2012, if you get a chance to see them live- do it.
Alt-J (∆). "Bloodflood", can't get over it.
Lord Huron. Summer road jams. The road is calling me everyone, I need to go.

Single Tracks:

The Neighbourhood - No Grey and $ting
Washed Out - It All Feels Right
Smith Westerns - Idol
Mikky Ekko - Kids
Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness (Ryan Hemsworth Remix)
TV Girl - Easier To Cry
Andy Bull - Keep On Running
Rogue Wave - California

And this video:

May 2013 : Music Haul

 porch life

This music haul covers a lot of tracks (pun intended).
There's a different sound for all sorts of summers, here's what I mean:
Porch life - more folksy perhaps? You could also just do straight up rap, we do both.
Beach life - indie synth pop // light-hearted // maybe there are shakers involved
Road life - this can take two directions - 1) upbeat, blah blah blah OR 2) contemplative, maybe woodsy music
Choose one, choose all.

*Links take you to YT video or some listening link!*

From April to May, I'm still listening to:

Houses. Houses... and more Houses. I feel like I've been winding down my day with listening to A Quiet Darkness. I am stoked to see them when they're come to town in June. 'Tenderly' is my new favorite.
The Neighbourhood from time to time. Their album I love you. is made for cruising in your car.
Cayucas's Bigfoot album is your summer soundtrack to the beach, pool, or anything that is a body of water. Listen to 'A Summer Thing' and tell me I'm wrong.
Balmorhea, especially 'Baleen Morning'. So soothing. It's music for the hangouts that don't really require much talking, you can just sit there together, and be present.

From May, I've been listening to:

Kisses, Kids In LA is another summer album. Disco-y indie pop. SO L.A. (Just kidding, what does that even mean?)
Lily & Madeleine, because their dreamy voices. I'm having visions of First Aid Kit.
MS MR's debut album, Secondhand Rapture. 'Fantasy' is a great track and I also love 'BTSK'. Lizzy's voice is like a velvety Florence Welch. And a little bit more ghostly, orchestral- actually, I think that's why it reminds me a lot of F+TM but reinterpreted. Easily one of my favorite performances of South by. Kudos to them for being on the ACL bill this year.
Daughter's debut album, If You Leave. Elena's voice is purity.
Lorde, I posted about her below. Catchy beats. Reminds me a bit of Sleigh Bells, what do you think?
Giraffage, (I keep wanting to spell this "giraffe")

Revisited:

Tokyo Police Club's Champion and Elephant Shell album, dance-y road songs
Death Cab for Cutie's The Photo Album and Plans album, fleeting day sounds
Bloc Party's track 'Sunday' because it's just so dang good

Single Tracks:

Long Days by I will, I swear
Nova Scotia by Magic Man
Paranoia by Nosaj Thing x Chance The Rapper
Gun by Chvrches
Instant Crush by Daft Punk (ft. Julian Casablancas)
Try by Nosaj Thing (ft. Toyo y Moi)
West Coast by The Neighbourhood
3am Spiritual by Smith Westerns
Tessellate (Alt-J cover) by Ellie Goulding

Lorde : The Love Club EP

New Zealand, dang, look at you. And dang, Ella of Lorde is only 16? Heavy beats and a strong voice. My music palette is expanding and it's shifting toward beats like this. Sweet summer, come sooner. 

April 2013: Music Haul

I decided that I'm just going to make lists of who I've been listening to at the end of each month, here's my "music haul" for April:

Hyperlinks direct you to YT videos or Soundcloud!

From March into April, I'm still listening to:
- Lucius, because they're perfect. I'm in love with the whole EP.
- Justin Timberlake, because you can't ever listen to too much of his newest album or the classics (especially "Cry Me A River", that song has come to have a lot of sentiment in my life as of late)
- S O H N and fyfe, because I just found their EP's on Spotify. Before I was only listening to them via Soundcloud/Hypem. Their sounds are very wavy? Beat-heavy and my music taste has been steering into that direction ever since South by.
- Slow Magic, because as I said above, my music taste is transitioning, or I guess broadening. Slow Magic has heavy vibes that lets your mind wander.
- Guards, because I have the same haircut as the band members. Just kidding, their album In Guards We Trust is the perfect soundtrack to the anxiousness I have waiting for summer (plz come sooner, let's skip Finals).  I have come to love their opening track 'Nightmare', it's striking. My favorite track is 'Not Supposed To'.
- Little Daylight, I beg of you to come out with an album. No rush...but really. Really, I will keep listening to the two tracks forever and ever.

From April, I've been listening to:
- Houses. Why is it so tragic and beautiful? I know their newest album got somewhat mediocre reviews or shall I say mixed reviews? In any case, I actually started to listen to them because it was on the "Recommended Spotify" albums and their cover art is beautiful. Just look at it. 'Carrion' and 'The Beauty Surronds' are among my favorite tracks.
- Kodaline. I found them when I clicked on their La Blog video. I saw such an honest performance while watching so naturally they captured my heart and ears.
- The Lighthouse and the Whaler. Album art is so important. It is the thing that kicks it over the edge and makes me more inclined to listen to an album. I will judge a book by it's cover...in this case, a band by their album art. 'Venice' is one of my favorite tracks. They're fun.
- The Neighbourhood. More specifically, their debut album, I Love You. It's dirty rock, I like it. Favorite track is 'W.D.Y.W.F.M.?' So. many. feels.
- Blue Hawaii. Dark, electric pop. This is my life now. 'Sierra Lift' is my favorite track off the newest album, Untogether.
- Balmorhea. An Austin band, still listening. I'll get back to this.
- Mother Falcon. Specifically their upcoming album, You Knew, due May 7th. Saw them with friends and I was really impressed. Austin, again, I love you and the musicians that come from our city.
- Cayucas. Their upcoming album due April 30th, Bigfoot. This one is good for summer jamz. They're also going on tour. They're blowing up and I wouldn't be surprised if they were to be on the ACL 2013 bill. Remember when they were Oregon Bike Trails? (Sidenote: what's up with no single-day passes ACL!?)
- Now, Now. I'm not very good at describing this band's music, give a listen for yourself.

Revisited:
- Marmalakes. I wrote about them quite a while back. Took a hiatus and then they popped back onto my radar. I love Austin, I love Marmalakes. 'Red Metal Rescue' slays me.
- Phoenix, because their newest album, Bankrupt!, just came out. I'm revisiting all of the glory and enjoyment I had while blaring them in my car circa high school times.
- The Postal Service. I will always love them. Can't wait to see them in the summer on tour. Be still my heart.

Single Tracks:
- New Summer by Young Galaxy
- Over The Love by F+TM
- Young & Beautiful by Lana Del Rey
- Morning House by Teen Daze
- Wells by Marmalakes
- Oldsmobile by Post Louis
- Oh Sailor by Mr. Little Jeans
- Song for Zula by Phosphorescent

Little Daylight // Name In Lights

I accidentally saw them at SXSW this past spring and they are one of my favorite discoveries.

Float Fall // Spoor 8 Video

I have only seen this video 10 times in the last two days..the video is 17 minutes long because they are interviewed between each song. Float Fall is going to be big, I can feel it. And if they aren't, I don't care, more for me. They just released their first single, 'Someday', on iTunes. I discovered them via disco naiveté. Very 'The-XX-esque'. Layers, guitars, echoes. Vibes. 

Live + Video// Lucius

I had to write about this darling of a group before I go to bed. It's almost 3AM but it's also SXSW- what else is new? I just found this NPR Music Tiny Desk video of them so I'm watching it and posting it because I have serious music withdrawals already. I saw them at this show and didn't know what to expect. I also want to note that "not having expectations" when going into a show might be one of the top tips I would keep in mind when... well, seeing a show. I couldn't help but fall in love with this group. The shaker-shaking, beat-playing, dance-move-inducing- these are a few of my favorite things. Just watch their NPR Music Tiny Desk video, my favorite song is "Turn It Around". You can't not dance and feel lots of vibes.