Jamiroquai - Love Foolosophy

Artist: Jamiroquai Track: Love Foolosophy Album: A Funk Odyssey Year: 2001
Hey everyone! Apparently I underestimated how busy I would be with family over the holidays and I've been unable to post in a while. This is the first time I've had some slow time for myself, so here we go again! Let's hope that I can keep up with this a little better now that the Christmas festivities are over. Now, on to the music!
Jamiroquai has been around for a while; since 1992, to be exact. Sadly, this is one of the only two songs I know from them. I really should fix that, shouldn't I? I absolutely love the funky energy of this track! The infectious groove throughout the song is hard to get out of your head and is so easy to dance to. Give it a go and just try to tell me you aren't dancing as you listen.
Click for lyrics, music video, & lyrics!

Ghostland Observatory - Sad, Sad City

Artist: Ghostland Observatory Track: Sad, Sad City Album: Paparazzi Lightning Year: 2006
This is one of those songs where the beat just draws you in from the very beginning. That steady, funky beat grooves through the whole song, joined by buzzy electronics and hyped vocals. It's a pretty short song, but it uses those 3 minutes well to get me energized. And that's all I got, folks. I just like the song.
Click for lyrics & links!

The Books - Cello Song

Artist: The Books ft. José González Track: Cell Song Album: Dark Was The Night Year: 2009
I've loved this song ever since I first heard it in the move, The Blind Side. This is actually a cover of a song by Nick Drake and I didn't know that until I was looking up information on it just now. 
It's such a mellow, calming song and José González's voice perfectly fits the feel of the song. I've always been a fan of his music and was more than a little excited when I saw that he was the featured vocals. (Actually, one of his songs is on my list of music to feature at some point in the future, so keep an eye out for it!) The intro of the song is wonderful! It sounds like wind and raindrops to me, which are the ultimate calming sounds for me, personally. Then José's soft vocals come in with the violin and it's just beautiful! Ah!
Click for lyrics and links!

MIKA - We Are Golden

Artist: MIKA Track: We Are Golden Album: The Boy Who Knew Too Much Year: 2009
Wow...I haven't posted in a terribly long time! I apologize to the people who actually follow this blog. I've been busy back at home and finally had a slow moment for me to realize how much I've neglected Giraffegy. So, sorry guys!
To make up for it, I shall give you some wonderfully poppy MIKA! It's hard to be in a bad mood while listening to his music, especially this one. "We Are Golden" has catchy, inspirational lyrics and a fun, upbeat melody. The music video is equally fun to watch. 
If the original track does not appeal to you, there are a lot of people who enjoy the many remixes more. Try one of those if it just doesn't tickle your fancy.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Graffiti6 - Stare Into The Sun

Artist: Graffiti6 Track: Stare Into The Sun Album: Stare Into The Sun Year: 2009
This track has got a kind of psychedelic groove to it; like I should see a whole lot of swirly peace signs and bright colors and hippies. Maybe that's just me. I think I got this song from a television ad a few years back but I can't remember which one. It had been used in a few, if I remember correctly. 
I loved the groove of the song and the muted sound to the lead's vocals. I found myself humming the chorus melody all the time. Also, the random chimes throughout the song are a fun touch.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Flight Facilities - Crave You

Artist: Flight Facilities ft. Giselle Track: Crave You Album: Crave You - Single Year: 2010
To anyone who actually follows this blog, sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I've been busy wrapping up an internship and moving to a different city. I'm finally back in my old apartment and will hopefully get back on track with updating here. Thanks!
Anyways, this song is so very chill. I like the simple piano and vocals at the beginning, but I love when the beat comes in about 45 seconds in with snaps and claps. The vocals are soft and sweet, especially in the "na na na" part. 
Also, I found this song through the music video on YouTube. One of the comments said it looked and sounded like Urban Outfitters - the movie...and now I have that image in my head every time I hear it. 
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Sia - Breathe Me

Artist: Sia Track: Breathe Me Album: Colour The Small One Year: 2004
This is and probably always will be my favorite song by Sia. It was also the first one I ever knew by her. I love Sia's voice. There's just something so raw and effortless and beautiful about it. I feel like this song perfectly captures all of that. 
The instrumentals are simple with a beautiful piano line that is later joined by drums and violins and slowly builds up the emotion of the song. The piano alone can make me teary. To me, Sia's voice is the main focus of the song, which I absolutely love. Then the instrumentals have their own dramatic solo at the end. I just love everything about this song!  Also, this may be a weird thing to like, but I rather like the big sigh she takes at the very beginning of the song before she begins to sing. 
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

The Temper Trap - Fader

Artist: The Temper Trap Track: Fader Album: Conditions Year: 2008
I'm surprised it has taken me this long to feature a song by The Temper Trap, because I absolutely LOVE The Temper Trap. I haven't come across a song by them that I didn't like, which made picking out this song very difficult. "Sweet Disposition" launched this band into popularity. I was excited to see the song finally get popular, but soon I couldn't get away from it. So, I decided to check out the rest of their album, and surprise surprise! I pretty much loved all of it. 
The song hooks me from the first few words of the first verse. The "whoo-hoo-hoo"s of the chorus are kind of infectious and may be considered by some to be generic and poppy, but whatever. I feel energetic from listening to it. I also love the lead's vocals, especially his falsetto. It's beautiful!
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Santigold - Lights Out

Artist: Santigold Track: Lights Out Album: Santigold Year: 2008
I distinctly remember walking around campus my first semester of college, listening to this song on repeat. I love the breathy vocals over a strong bass line with soft background harmonies. I also love the guitar riff in the chorus. It all just combines itself into an extremely catchy pop song and something about her voice makes it stand out a little to me. 
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Ryan Adams - Desire

Artist: Ryan Adams Track: Desire Album: Demolition Year: 2002
I discovered this song through the TV show House (it was also in the show West Wing) and I feel like that's how most people know this song. This album was a collection of other studio tracks Ryan Adams recorded, but just didn't make the cut on his previous studio albums.
There's a nice, but dreary country feel to the track. My favorite parts are when he first sings "desire" and the acoustics pick up a bit. WARNING, the harmonicas loudly come out of nowhere which is my only complaint with this song. However, I love the rest of the song too much to pass up on it simply because of some over zealous harmonica playing.
Click for lyrics & links!

Kimbra, A-Trak, & Mark Foster - Warrior

Artist: Kimbra, A-Trak & Mark Foster Track: Warrior Album: Vows (Australian Tour/New Zealand Deluxe Edition) Year: 2011
I loved this track from the first time I heard it. The three rising artists were sponsored by Converse to collaborate and produce a fresh track for their "Three Artists, One Song" campaign. I must say they chose their artists well. Kimbra lends her beautiful, floaty vocals to the verses and meets with Mark Foster's high, fresh vocals in the chorus. I can definitely feel the sound of Foster the People coming through in the bouncy synths and crisp beats, especially in the bridge. I don't really know anything about A-Trak other than the fact he's remixed for several popular artists.  It's another one of those tracks that fills me with this funky energy and makes me want to take on the day full-stride. Hope it does the same for you! Click for lyrics, music video, & links (lots of links this time)!

Milosh - You Make Me Feel

Artist: Milosh Track: You Make Me Feel Album: You Make Me Feel Year: 2004
I was recently introduced to this song (and the whole album actually) and I've to associate it with some wonderful times. I'm very associative with music. It can make me happy, sad, or even cry because it reminds me a certain time, place or person. This one makes me warm and fuzzy and calm. 
The track is a soft, glitchy song with dreamy, haunting vocals. I like the clicky beat throughout the song and the lyrics are simple and sweet. I'm listening to it as I type this and my mind is slowing and making it hard to come up with full, coherent sentences. Probably should pause it to write this post. Naaaah.
I pretty much love the entire album as well, but the title track is still my favorite.
Click for lyrics & links!

Minus The Bear - Summer Angel

Artist: Minus The Bear Track: Summer Angel Album: Omni Year: 2010
So many people dislike this album because it strays from Minus The Bear's previous music. I don't know whether or not to be thankful that this album was my introduction to this band, 'cause I love this song and a few others off the album. 
I love the almost harsh start to the song that drops into groovy melodies and charming harmonies. It has an effortless feel to it. That groove of the guitar comes to the front in the bridge of the song. I almost listen to it more than the actual vocals. I'm also in love with the lyrics. They're beautifully sensual and fresh.
Click for lyrics & links!

Oren Lavie - Her Morning Elegance

Artist: Oren Lavie Track: Her Morning Elegance Album: The Opposite Side of the Sea Year: 2008
This song IS the morning to me. It's soothing and mellow and perfect for me in the morning, because I'm not a morning person by any means. Oren's vocals are rough, but soft at the same time. The guitar notes that provide the base melody sounds like drops of water, then you layer that with soft xylophone-ish notes and random spurts of violins and you have a very peaceful track.
I was introduced to this song via the music video, which is beautifully filmed. Please watch it if you like the song or just watch it anyways.
This is also one of the few songs that made me go out and buy the whole album. As in,  I went and bought a physical, hold-in-my-hand, put-in-a-cd-player, album. I haven't done that in a long time.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Dean Martin - Mambo Italiano (Club des Belugas Remix)

Artist: Dean Martin Track: Mambo Italiano (Club des Belugas Remix) Album: The Art of Electro Swing Vol.2 Year: 2011
Until I was looking up information for this post, I did not realize that this track was a remix, not a cover. Well, I'm glad I know now. These are actually Dean Martin's wonderful vocals. The original track is great as well, but I like the beat and freshness of Club des Belugas' remix. It makes me wish I knew how to salsa or tango or some other kind of saucy dancing.
Note, the first bit is pretty much a direct sampling of the original track. If it's not your cup of tea, just listen a little longer for the main part of the song to kick in before you pass judgement.
Click for lyrics & links!

Madeon - The City

Artist: Madeon ft. Zak Waters & Cass Love Track: The City Album: The City - EP Year: 2012
I seriously had this song turned up loud and on repeat as I drove home for Thanksgiving. It just fills me with a bouncy energy and makes me want to dance, which was a little troublesome as I was driving. No seriously, this track is dripping in energy. I also really like the singer's voice as in I could listen to him on his own, which  I don't usually experience in house music. But, that's just me.
Also, the music video looks like one big, apocalyptic war with all the leftover colored powder from Holi, the Indian festival of colors. It's glorious!
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Angus & Julia Stone - Mango Tree

Artist: Angus & Julia Stone Track: Mango Tree Album: A Book Like This Year: 2007
Angus & Julia Stone are a brother and sister duo whose music is perfect relaxing music for me. "Mango Tree" mainly features Angus's vocals and I tend to prefer his more. They're very soothing and calming. The simple guitar melody is beautiful when it switches into the bridge of the song and the lyrics are short, yet touching. 
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Poets of the Fall - War

Artist: Poets of the Fall Track: War Album: Twilight Theater Year: 2010
I went through a big Poets of the Fall kick a few months ago and this song was the one that got me hooked on the band, so I thought it appropriate to feature this one. If you have ever played the game Alan Wake, you may recognize this song. It was featured there which is how I discovered this band.
I love Marko Saaresto's voice. It's so rich and strong and there's something about it that's just very different from most of the lead vocalists in my music collection. The song itself has a wonderful cinematic sound to it and lyrics are beautiful.
Also, make sure to check out more of their music because Poets of the Fall has a talent for excelling at different styles of music and it makes it hard to pin them down into a genre. There's probably something in their discography that will appeal to you, no matter what kind of music you like.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Groove Armada - Think Twice

Artist: Groove Armada ft. Neneh Cherry Track: Think Twice Album: Lovebox Year: 2002
Here's another one of those chill piano tracks that I have so many of. What's different about this one, at least for me, is the vocals. Neneh's vocals are sultry, raw, and have a quality to them that pulls you into the song. Then combining that with swirling electronic sounds and a constant piano backtrack creates a textured atmosphere that is beautifully produced.
Click for lyrics & links!

Iration - Falling

Artist: Iration

Track: Falling

Album: Time Bomb

Year: 2010

Iraiton's "Falling" paints a picture in your mind of sun and sand and relaxing by a beach as the waves lap at the shore. They're sound doesn't bring anything new to the reggae genre, but it fills in that spot in my music collection quite nicely. The lyrics are fun and sweet with nice harmonies. I can never get tired of listening to this track and it's another one of those that ends up on every once of my summery vacation playlists. 

Now, I know it might seem weird to feature a summer song as winter quickly approaches, but on those bright sunny days that get sprinkled in every now and then, it's a good track to have.

Click for lyrics & links!

i SQUARE - Hey Sexy Lady

Artist: i SQUARE Track: Hey Sexy Lady Album: Hey Sexy Lady - Single Year: 2010
I've been neglected the genre of dance-poppy, top 40 music that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with. Sure, I enjoy a good pop song, but a lot of times, the track just doesn't stick with me and I stop listening to it after a while. This one, however, has stuck and sadly, I never heard it on the radio.
On first glance, you might compare this group to The Black-Eyed Peas simple on appearance, but don't let that give you an misconceptions of the group. They have their own style which they say goes out to the "squares" out there who "might not be in the cool clique but can shine in their own way". Beyond that, I think the track is simple fun. The chorus is my favorite part and the lyrics amuse me with lines like "Stevie Wonder even saw her smilin'". 
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Priscilla Ahn - Dream

Artist: Priscilla Ahn Track: Dream Album: A Good Day Year: 2008
I've always loved this song for how pure and light the song is. Priscilla's vocals are angelic and soft as she sings equally innocent lyrics. It creates a sort of comforting atmosphere that makes you lose your worries and float with the music, especially when it hits about halfway through the song and the "oo"s come gliding in. Beautiful.
Click for lyrics, music video, & lyrics!

Alex Clare - I Love You

Artist: Alex Clare Track: I Love You Album: The Lateness Of The Hour Year: 2012
Ever since I heard that Internet Explorer ad on the internet with Alex Clare's "Too Close", I've been in love with this man's voice. There are so many good tracks off of this album, but "I Love You" really stood out to me. Sure, it's a lovesick, sappy ballad, but I like the vibe.
A lot of Alex Clare's music is fast, harsh, and full of punches of dubstep, but this track seemed to take a mellower approach. I really was able to listen to his vocals here. I don't know music chords and keys very well, but I love the key of the chorus, whatever it is.
Click for lyrics & links!

Swedish House Mafia - Greyhound

Artist: Swedish House Mafia Track: Greyhound Album: Until Now Year: 2012
Swedish House Mafia is a killer trio of DJs Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello, and Axwell. They have a talent for weaving irresistible dance tracks that you can't help but get pumped to. And this one didn't even need words!
The slow, climbing intro builds you up to a spine-tingling drop and then you find yourself bobbing your head to the beat and you can't stop. Then around 2:42 the track switches into a hyped, trance-like sound and the fun continues. The track is one big rollercoaster of electro beats and trance-y synths.
Also, make sure to watch the music video for this one. It's pretty cool, I must say. Though it looks like Lady GaGa's long lost family joined together for a beats-driven, robotic greyhound race. However, the music video does not feature the entire track.
Click for music video & links!

Patrick & Eugene - Don't Stop

Artist: Patrick & Eugene Track: Don't Stop Album: Altogether Now (Birds Bees Flowers Trees) Year: 2005
Sorry for missing yesterday, guys! I got a little tied up all day and didn't have one prepared a head of time. So, here's a happy, fun one for today's feature. I honestly don't know how you can listen to this song and not can a smile crawl across your face. Patrick & Eugene are a British duo whose quirky music is finding its way around the world. This song practically embodies the kooky British humor found in acts like Monty Python. Eccentric dance beats and playful, fun lyrics make this song a joy to listen to.  Click here for lyrics, music video & links!

Lissie - When I'm Alone

Artist: Lissie Track: When I'm Alone Album: Catching A Tiger Year: 2010
You know those songs that just wrap you up in the feel of the song and make you want to sing along with as much raw emotion as you can? Well, this is one of those for me. Lissie's voice is passionate and strong and not just on her recorded songs. Her live performances are equally amazing. 
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

The National - Apartment Story

Artist: The National Track: Apartment Story Album: Boxer Year: 2007
As I'm posting this, Spotify is not working, so I hope the player starts working as soon as Spotify is up and running again.
I love The National and it's because of the atmosphere of their music. The vocals can be monotonous and the instrumental part can be repetitive, but that's what I love about it! Some people may say differently. "Apartment Story" is a good example of that. The the bass and drums create that repetitive instrumental backing that I mentioned and the vocals are deep and slow. For me, it's very calming. I can listen to this song over and over again. 
I also love the chorus. The line "tired and wired, we ruin too easy" really gets me for some reason. The words and the notes as well. Also, I love the second half of the song. "Stay inside our rosy minded fuzz" is a beautiful image to me. I can perfectly see what that moment feels like.
Can you tell I love this song? I don't think I've ever rambled this much on a post!
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Kids of 88 - Just A Little Bit

Artist: Kids of 88 Track: Just A Little Bit Album: Sugarpills Year: 2010
This song has been playing on repeat in my car when I drive back from work. If you're in need of a new catchy, electropop song to dance around to repeatedly, you will want to take a listen. Sassy vocals over pulsating electronic beats make for an absolutely fun dance track. It will get stuck in your head, I warn you.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Stephen Speaks - Out Of My League

Artist: Stephen Speaks Track: Out Of My League Album: No More Doubt Year: 2009
This is one of those adorable songs that makes me giggle like a little girl. Seriously, the lyrics are so cute! Make sure to click to read more of this post so you can read them! It's a very simple, with just a piano and the vocals. My favorite part is towards the end after the bridge when he sings the chorus after repeating the first verse. The piano just goes really soft and the vocals are emphasized as he sings "'Cause I love her with all that I am". It's just so cute! Gah! Click for lyrics and links!

Frou Frou - Let Go

Artist: Frou Frou Track: Let Go Album: Details Year: 2002
I love Imogen Heap and anything she does, so that definitely includes Frou Frou. Honestly, I don't think I've ever heard a bad song off this album. Sadly, this was the only one the duo released before they split and Imogen went off to start a solo career. 
Imogen's vocals are soft and elegant as always. The music itself is beautifully textured electronica that flows with the whispery vocals to tell that there's "beauty in the breakdown". It almost has an intimate feel to it.
Click for lyrics & links!

Maxwell - Pretty Wings

Artist: Maxwell Track: Pretty Wings Album: BLACKsummers'night Year: 2009
I'm not a huge R&B fan but this song really grew on me. It was recommended to me, so I kept listening and sure enough, it's been playing in my head constantly! The song is a soulful trip through the experience of loving someone but knowing you have to let them "free to fly [their] pretty wings". 
Maxwell's falsetto is beautiful in the chorus. The chimes in the beginning are an interesting addition, but my favorite part is when the horns come in about three fourths of the way through the song. Those combined with the aforementioned falsetto chorus lines and the raw sound that his voice takes towards the end really get you into the emotion of the song.
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Fort Minor - Believe Me

Artist: Fort Minor Track: Believe Me Album: The Rising Tied Year: 2005
Fort Minor is most commonly known for their song "Where'd You Go" off of the same album, but this track is my favorite by them. If that doesn't sounds familiar, I'll throw a well-known band name at you now: Linkin Park. Fort Minor is the creation of Mike Shinoda, one of the two main singers of Linkin Park. He features several vocalists on this album and Bobo & Styles Of Beyond sings in "Believe Me".
This is one of the few hip-hop songs to which I know all the words of the rap verses, but no one will ever catch me singing them. Oh well. I love the beat, especially in the bridge. It almost has a bit of a conga feel to it. 
Click for lyrics, music video, & lyrics!

NEEDTOBREATHE - Slumber

Artist: NEEDTOBREATHE Track: Slumber Album: The Reckoning Year: 2011
NEEDTOBREATHE is a Christian rock band that has gained much acclaim yet has somehow managed to slip past my attention. Thankfully "Slumber" was introduced to my ears not that long ago. 
It's an uplifting, rock track with a twinge of folksy bluegrass. "Slumber" creates its own atmosphere that just makes me feel like I'm waking up to a bright day full of possibilities. Maybe this is because of the lyrics, but I believe the band does a masterful job of combining vocals, guitars, gentle chimes and drums to slowly build the song up to an energetic finale. I seriously should put this as my alarm.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Gregory and the Hawk - Boats & Birds

Artist: Gregory and the Hawk Track: Boats & Birds Album: Gregory and the Hawk Year: 2005
I absolutely love sweet, acoustic tracks like this. I could listen to it forever! It's a beautiful and tug-at-your-heartstrings ballad with soft vocals and gentle guitar plucking. The lyrics are so bittersweet as well. It brings out the sappy girl in me.
Click for lyrics and link!

Paul Oakenfold - Starry Eyed Surprise

Artist: Paul Oakenfold ft. Shifty Shellshock Track: Starry Eyed Surprise Album: Bunkka Year: 2002
Remember this song?! I distinctly remember it playing in a Diet Coke commercial that they played in theaters before the previews. It was full of bubbles and people skating around in roller skates on a rooftop. I picture that ad every time I listen to this song. It popped up on my shuffle and I just had to feature it today out of nostalgia. 
This song just fills me with bubbly energy and I dare you to say it doesn't do the same for you. Sure, it sounds rather commerical, but sometimes I need some upbeat, dance pop. The lyrics are simple, yet fun and the beat is crowd-friendly. Just a great, feel-good track dripping in early 2000's that will never leave my music collection.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Teddybears - Cobrastyle

Artist: Teddybears ft. Mad Cobra Track: Cobrastyle Album: Soft Machine Year: 2006
I had heard this song before but I can't remember where! Apparently it's been used for multiple commercials and sports ads, but I have no recollection of seeing them. I stumbled across it on 8tracks one day and immediately loved it. "Cobrastyle" is an infectiously catchy, reggae fusion track featuring Mad Cobra. It's upbeat energy and addictive chorus makes it hard to get out of your head. 
I will warn you, trying to read the lyrics is borderline impossible. These were the only lyrics I could find. So either this is what he's really saying or someone just made something up. 
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Crystal Castles - Celestica

Artist: Crystal Castles Track: Celestica Album: Crystal Castles (2010) Year: 2010
How about some dreamy, electronic pop? This track is off of Crystla Castles second self titled album. They actually have three self titled albums and where they lack in album title creativity, they make for it in their music.  "Celestica" is slightly shoegaze-ish track with heavy distortion, dreamy vocals, and a whole bunch of random sounds here and there. Yet somehow it all snugly fits together to create an almost entrancing track. I know I've used the word "dreamy" a lot in this post, but honestly, it's the only word that floats across my mind as I listen to this song. Click for lyrics, music video & link!

Butterfly Boucher - A Bitter Song

Artist: Butterfly Boucher Track: A Bitter Song Album: Scary Fragile Year: 2009
This song is just what I need right now. Something simple, but beautiful. It's a short song and I wish there was more of it. Butterfly's voice is soft and sad with flowing background vocals and a simple piano accompaniment. And yes, Butterfly is her real first name.   I didn't know this when I found the song, but apparently this song was used at an important event in the show Grey's Anatomy. I won't say which part so as to not spoil it for anyone. Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Róisín Murphy - Ramalama (Bang Bang)

Artist: Róisín Murphy Track: Ramalama (Bang Bang) Album: Ruby Blue Year: 2005
This right here is my new favorite Halloween song. Seriously. I picture zombies doing this weird jerky dance to the drumbeat...or maybe that's because I was introduced to this song through a fan made music video with zombies in it. Whatever.
I must warn you though, the first few seconds of a shrill violin may put you off, but keep listening! The "ramalama bang bang" part is my favorite. It took a while to grow on me and now I'm in love with her entrancing voice, the quirky drumbeat, and the background vocals.
Happy Halloween!
Click for lyrics, videos, & links!

The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather

Artist: The Neighbourhood

Track: Sweater Weather

Album: I'm Sorry...

Year: 2012

I JUST found this song and I already love it enough to feature it today. I love the summery, California rock tones over hip-hop-ish beats. It just has this great vibe that makes you want to sway back and forth and snap your fingers, but nod your head and bounce around at the same time. 

I love the lyrics to the song as well. They're tender and sensual and make you feel warm. My favorites are "So let me hold both your hands in the holes of my sweater" and "No shirt. No blouse. Just us."

Click for lyrics, music video & links!

The Belle Brigade - Where Not To Look For Freedom

Artist: The Belle Brigade

Track: Where Not To Look For Freedom

Album: The Belle Brigade

Year: 2011

This song's infectious energy makes me want to spin around with my arms above my head, singing at the top of my lungs. The Belle Brigade is a brother/sister duo whose voices match perfectly to deliver a great folk rock track with what I think sounds like a dash of country. I also love the lyrics. Literally I think it's about finding freedom on the road, but I kind of take from it a message of finding the freedom to be yourself. 

Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun

Artist: Oh Land

Track: Sun Of A  Gun

Album: Oh Land

Year: 2011

After a bad injury ended her ballet dancing career, Oh Land turned to music and, boy, do I love it. I had the hardest time picking a song off this album to feature today since I love so many of them.

"Sun Of A Gun" is just a delicious mix of contrasting sounds. Sweet-sounding voice against mysterious vocal percussion. Finger snaps versus synthetic notes. Crisp verses leading into a smooth bridge. It leads to very quirky dancing because you can't decide which element you want to follow.

Make sure to look into the rest of her album. It's full of more delightful surprises. My other favorites are "White Nights" and "Rainbow".

Click for lyrics, music video, & links! 

Fitz And The Tantrums - MoneyGrabber

Artist: Fitz And The Tantrums

Track: MoneyGrabber

Album: Pinkin' Up The Piecces

Year: 2010

This group is a nice refreshing trip back to the soul sounds of Motown. I was hooked on "MoneyGrabber" the first time I heard it. Lovin' the organ, sax, and hand claps that make you just tap your foot. Lead vocalist and band-leader, Michael Fitzpatrick and R&B singer, Noelle Scaggs, bring a fresh, genuine energy to their music. 

I can't wait to hear more from them!

Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Bitter:Sweet - The Mating Game

Artist: Bitter:Sweet

Track: The Mating Game

Album: The Mating Game

Year: 2006

This track is pure sex for my eardrums. It's sultry and sophisticated and sounds like it belongs in some sort of classy spy movie like Bond. Catchy beats, provocative vocals, and electronic notes that sounds oddly like sci-fi ray guns but, hey! It works some how.

Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

City And Colour - Fragile Bird

Artist: City And Colour

Track: Fragile Bird

Album: Little Hell

Year: 2011

I have a bunch of music by City And Colour off of their first two albums and all of it was very mellow & acoustic. "Fragile Bird" has got more of an alternative rock feel, but I quite like it. 

I first heard this song on a radio station in Quebec City in Canada. I loved that radio station because they gave me a little information about "Fragile Bird" before playing the song, making it mean so much more to me. So, I'm going to play that part for you now! 

City and Colour is the recording alias of Dallas Green (he created the alias based on his name...do you see it?). The song "Fragile Bird" was written about his wife who suffers from night terrors. Knowning that, if you listen to the lyrics of the song, especially the chorus, you can feel Green's desperate helplessness when his wife goes through these every nights. I can feel it as I listen to the song. 

Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Pentatonix - Aha!

Artist: Pentatonix
(Original Artist: Imogen Heap)

Track: Aha!

Album: Pentatonix Volume 1

Year: 2012

I. LOVE. PENTATONIX. No, seriously. I have an almost unhealthy obsession with them. They're just so amazing and I'm pretty sure this post is going to be one big, rambing rave about this group. I've loved them from the second I saw them on the a capella competition TV show called The Sing Off. I even went to their concert this last weekend and it was probably one of the most amazing concerts I've been to. 

What is a cappella, you ask? To put it simply: it's a style of music created with only voices. No instruments. Cool, huh?

And Pentatonix redefines the limits of a cappella. I'm amazed at what the voices of five young members can achieve. They manage to make the fullest sound to their music and do so with such a quirky twist. I'm in awe of their arrangements. Oh, did I mention there were only five of them? 

Now, about the song. "Aha!" is a cover of a song by Imogen Heap and frankly, I like Pentatonix's version better. (Sorry, Imogen) I had heard the song on their EP, but it was only after I heard them perform it live was I hooked. I must point out my favorite member of the group, Avi, the super-low bass. I'm pretty sure he can reaches notes lower than any human should. And Mitch, the soloist, has an amazingly beautiful voice. I don't think words to their music justice, so I will say no more.

Also, I cannot beg you enough to click the link to see more and browse through their YouTube channel, watch their Sing Off performances and listen to the rest of their EP.

Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Hope - The Rain Don't Last

Artist: Hope

Track: The Rain Don't Last

Album: Hope's Indie CD

Year: 2004

One of my friends showed me this song back in junior high while riding in my dad's car and I have loved it ever since. This is a song for when nothing seems to be going right and no matter what you do, it just doesn't seem to get better. So, you need a little something to remind you that it doesn't last and things will get better, so just let it go.

Click here for lyrics & links!

Cherokee - Take Care Of You

Artist: Cherokee

Track: Take Care Of You

Album: Take Care Of You - Single

Year: 2011

This track just makes me melt into a chill, electronic pile of bliss. I love the beat and beautiful guitar notes that waver in and out. No matter where I am, I can sit back and relax to this. Cherokee is a French electronic duo and I will definitely be looking into more of their music after hearing this.

Just listen.

Click for music video & links!

Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy

Artist: Friendly Fires Track: Skeleton Boy Album: Friendly Fires Year: 2008
"Skeleton Boy" is one big cascading wave of synth beats, poppy melodies, and infectious vocals. It's got a kind of cosmic dance beat that makes you lose yourself in the song and dance away wherever you happen to be. Indie kids wishing to dance will have fun with this one.
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Ingird Michaelson - Parachute

Artist: Ingid Michaleson Track: Parachute Album: Parachute - Single Year: 2010
NOTE: I don't know why Spotify says this is the "Serban Ghenea Mix" but it's the original.
I love Ingrid Michaelson's music. It's always so cute, poppy, and soft. Unfortunately, it all tends to sound the same. That being said, this song actually stands out to me. It's wonderful in it's simplicity. I love the a cappella parts that lead into a catchy drum beat and acoustic bits. Her voice is refreshing and quirky.
I recently found out a little more about this song. Apparently Ingrid helped write the song, but decided not to record it herself. Instead, she passed it on the Cheryl Cole whose version is more of a dance song with autotune and electronic sounds. Ingird eventually came back and recorded her own version of the song. I haven't heard Cheryl Cole's version, but I absolutely love Ingrid's. 
Click here for lyrics & links!