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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."

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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. 

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Gomez - How We Operate

Artist: Gomez

Track: How We Operate

Album: How We Operate

Year: 2006

The best way I can describe this song is mysterious and entrancing. I think you will agree with me after listening to just the first 30 seconds. Gomez has three strong vocalists and "How We Operate" features the vocals of Ben Ottewell. They're gritty and raw and I love the way they mix with the plucking guitars.

This album also features my other favorite by Gomez, "See The World". I had the hardest time deciding which one to feature today, but I finally decided on this one. It's just so entrancing! (And yes, I've already used that word, but it's the best one I can think of).

Click here for lyrics, music video & links!

SafetySuit - Someone Like You

Artist: SafetySuit
Track: Someone Like You
Album: Life Left To Go
Year: 2007
I had planned on posting a different song today, but my iPod decided to remind me on the way home from work how much I loved this track. The drummer is my favorite part of this track, closely followed by the lead vocals. Both are amazing. The harmonies in the chorus and beginning of the verses are quite delicious as well. There's a lot of catchy energy in this track. The lyrics are also rather bittersweet in my opinion. He loves this person so much that he wonders what he would have to change about himself to be like them and for them to love him back.  

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Woodkid - Iron

Artist: Woodkid
Track: Iron
Album: Iron - EP
Year: 2011
If I had to pick one word to describe this song, it would be "mesmerizing". I got hooked at the beginning with the tribal beat and then the vocals started. Woodkid's voice is low and rich. The song builds dramatically whenever the brass comes in. Honestly, it's kind of like a story.   The music video matches it perfectly. It too is mesmerizing . You just can't seem to stop watching it 'cause you're trying to makes sense of the whole thing.  Click here for lyrics, music video, & links!

Acceptance - So Contagious

Artist: Acceptance
Track: So Contagious
Album: Phantoms
Year: 2005

This is probably may 3rd favorite song out of my entire collection, and I'm not good at picking out favorites when it comes to my music. It popped up on shuffle this morning, so it's today song. I love the sound of this band! Honestly, I recommend giving the entire album a listen. It's one of the few albums for which I know every word of every song. "So Contagious" was my introduction to this band and it is still my favorite from the album. Sadly, this band is no longer together. This is their only studio album.

The opening guitar riff to the track is beautiful and simple. The lyrics continue in the same fashion: simple, yet beautiful. My favorite line is "Oh, when I'm around you I'm predictable 'cause I believe in loving you at first sight".

Click here for lyrics & links!