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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Patrick Watson - Big Bird In A Small Cage

Artist: Patrick Watson
Track: Big Bird In A Small Cage
Album: Wooden Arms
Year: 2009

Since I've been cooped up inside with a terrible migraine for the entire day, today's song is another one of those folksy, soothing tracks I love so much. Patrick's vocals are soft, breathy, and blend with the wispy female vocals of guest Katie Moore. These are backed up with a pleasing mix of soft banjos/guitars, crisp xylophone notes, wavering pianos, and dreamy "ba ba ba"s from the backup vocals. (Sounds like an odd combination doesn't it?)

Click for lyrics & links!

The Paper Kites - Bloom

Artist: The Paper Kites
Track: Bloom
Album: Woodland
Year: 2011
This is another one of those acoustic tracks that just make me melt. Sweet guitar chords mix with quiet, dreamy vocals and a dash of soft whistling. The lyrics are sweet and perfect of easy listening, laid-back, calm moods. Simple beautiful! Click for lyrics, music video, & lyrics!

The Civil Wars - 20 Years

Artist: The Civil Wars
Track: 20 Years
Album: Barton Hollow
Year: 2011
Since it's raining outside my window, today's song is the very beautiful "20 Years" by The Civil Wars. It's a perfect rainy day song. The guitar is absolutely beautiful and calming, but it's the vocals that really get me. Their voices complement each other so gracefully and the harmonies they create are soothing and almost dreamy.  I wish I could feature their entire album, but that's not what I do here. So, please go listen to the rest of the album. It's all amazing.   Click here for lyrics, video & links!