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!

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!

SomethingALaMode - Little Bit Of Feel Good

Artist: SomethingALaMode ft. Adam Joseph

Track: Little Bit Of Feel Good

Album: SomethingALaMode

Year: 2009

So, I just recently discovered that this song is actually a cover of Jamie Lidell's song by the same name. It was a little odd listening to that one since I've been listening to this one for so long. They have very different sounds, but I still prefer SomethingALaMode's version. 

I'm in love with the violins & cellos layered with the dance beats. The chorus still maintains the funky edge from the original. It's an interesting combination of a song. Give it a listen!

Click for lyrics, music videos (Jamie Lidell's original), & links!