Crowning the King of Soul: Sam Cooke

With the holiday season in full swing here, I've been hit by a heavy wave of nostalgia. Listening to the sweet sounds of the old crooners singing their holiday hits just makes me crave music that takes me back to some older days of music. I'm not going to focus here on Christmas tunes, because doubtless you've already been served a colossal dose of that. Before I head back to the 40s by watching A Christmas Story for 24 hours, I making a stop in the 60s.  Today is my day for the King of Soul, Sam Cooke, a man you've probably heard, but may not have heard of. Normally in my drawing class I throw on my earplugs and listen to my own music, but the day my teacher put on Sam Cooke, I was much happier to listen to his music. I was amazed how one great song followed the next and I was never once tempted to stop listening. His voice is "like buttah", it's soulful and smooth at the same time. By that I mean Otis Redding has a very soulful voice, but Sam Cooke's has an element of smooth that makes it easier to sing along to than Otis. Sam Cooke reminds us that soul is an element that should never be overlooked. I could spend all day talking about his music, song by song, but I'm just going to let him take over now.
1. A Change Is Gonna Come
2. Wonderful World
3. You Send Me
4. Chain Gang
5. Cupid
6. Twistin' the Night Away
7. Nothing Can Change This Love
8. Always On My Mind
9. When I Fall In Love
10. Another Saturday Night

Green Gloves - The National

Describing poetry with words will never do it justice. I'd rather just listen to this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBhGFu84u90

Among the Pines with A.A. Bondy

 Listening to A.A. Bondy is like listening to a friend that has been with me for years, a constant companion traveling by my side through thick and thin, trouble and peace. His voice, harmonica, and guitar can be the best thing to have with you no matter where you're going. Simply put, his songs are beautiful. The folk genre consisting of a guy and guitar isn't a new one, nor is it a very small playing field. That A.A. Bondy can stand out among this crowd attests to his artfulness. I believe his greatest strength lies in his lyrics and the voice that delivers them. His voice paints the scenes that his words create with such sincerity and emotion you feel the songs more than hear them. If you listen to him, I suggest that you listen to him live, or his Daytrotter.com session, because that sincerity is even greater felt in these performances. Though I may have commitment issues when it comes to artists and bands, I have a strong feeling that A.A. Bondy won't be going anywhere. He is the wise, old friend that I am very thankful to have in my music world.

Blue Blood - Foals

It's hard for me to find a way to start channeling my thoughts on this song because when I'm listening to it  they are silenced by the incredible sound I'm hearing. To me, it's more about feeling this song than just hearing it. I have to agree with my dad and say it adds something special to a song when it starts out soft and then slowly builds up into a more powerful sound. With this song, this style works incredibly well. You really get a sense of honesty and connection to the lyrics when the song begins with just Yannis Philippakis singing with a really nice guitar sound complementing him. Slowly, the sound builds with just a slight hint of bass and drum. Then there's that magic moment when the bass line decides to run away with the song, leading the drums and guitar with it to make THE sound. The sound where a guitar, bass, and drum find their own melodic groove but still fit together seamlessly. To me, it is one of music most supreme sounds and what makes me truly love a band. Foals does this incredibly well. They are a band that attracts your ear to both the individual instruments and their sound as a whole. Beyond a doubt my favorite part of this particular song, is the bass line. I've come to realize many of my favorite bands are labeled as such because they know how to treat a bass line. Make it melodic and prominent in your sound and you've got pure music gold on your hands. Check out the music video cause it's pretty sweet. 
Blue Blood - Foals

Ballad of Geraldine - Donovan

1960s folk music. I know I said that I enjoyed 60s pop music, but folk is the real winner for me from this great time in music history. Folk music doesn't have a lot to rely on. It essentially is only words, a voice, and an acoustic guitar. And with these simple tools, incredible songs are born. One master of the art of folk is a singer/songwriter named Donovan. His voice is a lovely pure Scottish one that weaves together words of classic folk subjects. I find love in this kind of song in its simplicity and beautiful melody. With all of the different resources that artists have on their hands these days, the pure essence of what makes a song great can be lost. Folk brings us back to days when artists relied on a simple, solid foundation of concrete lyrics, playful, soulful melodies, and the spirit that music is a way to tell a story that relates the essence of the human experience. Music today can only get better if it remembers its folk past, and I think, for example, Mumford and Sons has embodied this. Hopefully there are many more to come. For now, we have the sweet sound of this ballad from Donovan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jIj1H7RQ-k (Sorry the audio is a little rough)

Introducing: Mike Mains and the Branches

My first dive into the local music scene was definitely unforgettable. Local music venues in Fort Wayne, Indiana for those of us that are under 21 bring the good, the bad, and the "please stop, I really am having trouble keeping myself from running out of the room and freeing my ears of the horrible noise you are making" (looking at you Sleeping with Sirens). My best friend and I had the greatest fortune of meeting an exceptionally excellent kind of band at our first show: Mike Mains and the Branches. There's nothing like listening to wonderful music and knowing that the people making it are sweet awesome people that you've had the good fortune of meeting. Especially if you met them in the Dunfee Missionary Church, but that is another story entirely which we will get to later. Mike Mains and the Branches make great music. period. The members of the group that I have met, David, Mike, and Shannon, are simply marvelous people and I am so honored to introduce their music to you if you have never heard them before. I don't come across a ton of bands where I just have to have the whole album, but with this band I feel compelled to purchase every single song. So here I am, trying my best to introduce Mike Mains and the Branches, one of my favorite discoveries that I have made locally. What better to do on a Monday then check them out right now?
Mike Mains and the Branches Facebook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z4ruIbCYZ0

O.N.E. - Yeasayer

Today is the day I profess my love for Yeasayer's "O.N.E." Anytime it comes on my iPod, no matter what mood I'm in, I can't not listen to it. Why do I love it and why do I think that you might enjoy it too? Let me count the ways.
1. Yeasayer has created a sound that matches innovative and ear catching electronic sounds with strong vocals and songwriting. With O.N.E., your ear is drawn to a plethora of electronic sounds that make the song fun and upbeat. They add that special kick to a song that is still wonderful and poignant played acoustically (video evidence is up on the youtube.) You know a band is really something when they don't need a lot of fluff to make a song great. This song just happens to get even greater with all the extra sound.

2. Vocals - sometimes the vocals can make or break a band in my opinion. In Yeasayer's case, the vocals make me love them even more. These guys are passionate about their vocal sound and you can tell by watching the many videos of them putting on little impromptu shows where they are mostly just singing. The lead vocalist on O.N.E., Anand Wilder, not only sings the song but connects vocally with the words that he is singing, adding that extra level of passion that draws the listener in even more.

3. The video - my friend showed me the video one day and I immediately asked to watch it again. For someone who has a hard time sitting still and focusing, I was totally enthralled. I'll put the link up.
4. Lyrics - The lyrics really capture the emotional struggle of trying to break away from something controlling. You don't normally get this depth of lyrics with songs you can hear on a dance floor. And you know what goes great with an emotional struggle? A song that relates to you and makes you feel a little more empowered when you listen to it.
    Here's to Yeasayer for making one gem of a song : O.N.E. Official Video

Acid Rain - Saintseneca

In honor of even more rain falling from these November skies, I'm going to go ahead and stick with the theme of rain, though luckily what I am dealing with is not acid rain. Today's track comes from the band Saintseneca, who, coming from Columbus, Ohio, can also understand what it's like to live with the weather of the Midwest. Saintseneca falls in with the folk sound I love. Their strong vocals and songwriting, essentials to create a good folk inspired sound, do not disappoint with this band. Listening to them, you can just envision them the type of band that will play whenever and wherever they get the chance. "Acid Rain" is a track off of their debut album "Last", released in August 2011. If you like what you hear, check out more of what they have to offer and if that doesn't satisfy you enough the band does have a record label called Mama Bird that might hook you up with some similar sounding tunes. Enjoy your day and your music and stay dry if it's raining on you today!

Acid Rain Live

Everyone Needs A Little Tom Petty In Their Life

My Thanksgiving break begins today!!!! I'm not sure how good I will be with blogging over the break, for I will most likely be in a mashed potato induced coma. Happy, yes, but very lethargic, a condition I refer to as "beached whale" syndrome. I thought I should at least tie today's post into the Thanksgiving spirit so I'm going with Tom Petty. Why you might ask? Well one of the things I am most thankful for is my family (forgive the Thanksgiving "what are you thankful for? cliche there). But I truly am. I love my parents, sisters, nephew, brother in law, and my sister's boyfriend who is coming home very soon from Kuwait :) and all my many cousins, aunts, and uncles. When it comes to music, we all have extremely varied tastes but there is one artist we all love: Tom Petty. When I think about it, on the surface T.P. might not be the most obvious choice for this rare find, but he is! His songs have a universal quality that even a colorful assortment of people can all find something to love in them. I liken listening to Tom Petty as listening to an old friend, one that captures an emotion or story that you can easily relate to and enjoy. Even if my family only finds one artist that we all love, if it's Tom Petty it's enough for me. Happy Thanksgiving!

You Wreck Me - Tom Petty

Rhythm of the Rain for a Rainy Day

On this rainy November day, we're going to step back to November 1962, when The Cascades released "Rhythm of the Rain". Along with my liking of modern indie bands, I also love 1960s pop music. The simple, sweet ones, like this song here, get me every time. I had no problem watching the entire infomercial  for a whole CD set of 1960s hits...even though a man named Bowser was trying to sell them and I'm sure there was something else on t.v. But alas, I couldn't help myself. I love the sound of the vocals on this track, and the thunderstorm sound effects sound great on vinyl. Even though this is a sad song, it's poppy feel makes it more comforting than depressing, which is especially nice on this rainy day. In keeping with the sweet simplicity of this tune, I'm going to leave it at that for the day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmF_bG5IVnM

Take It Easy - Surfer Blood

I'm thinking the weekend calls for a fun upbeat tune with a message anyone can enjoy! Especially with Thanksgiving being next Thursday, i think its high time to be in a celebratory and festive mood. "Take It Easy" by the band Surfer Blood is a track you just can't help but feel happier when listening to it. I used to listen to it on the way to school, way earlier than I wanted to be up on a cold winter morning, and still feel happy and excited for anything that was coming that day, all at the same time being reminded of one of the best and simplest pieces of advice, "take it easy". My drum teacher told me that every time I left a lesson, and now I can't help but say it when I'm saying good bye to someone. There's a lot in life we can't control and many things we shouldn't rush or be anxious about, yet it's easy to forget that. Time to get in the holiday mood my friends and just relax and enjoy the simple fun of life!

Take It Easy - Surfer Blood

Breakneck Speed

You know what would be a pretty sweet gig? Being in an awesome band. Just watch the video for "Breakneck Speed" by Tokyo Police Club and see what I mean. Sure looks like a lifestyle I could get used to! What makes it even better for these guys is that they were all really good friends before they were a band, so I imagine that makes the experience of being in a band even better. I find myself continually listening to, loving, and buying their songs and what makes it even better is that they sound great live. The lead singer/bassist (who does a phenomenal job at both) David Monks, did an acoustic set with spinner.com's The Interface and with his distinct and strong vocals, his rendition of the songs were just as enjoyable as the originals. Recently they completed 10 covers in 10 days from 10 years, though I haven't had the chance to check those out yet. For now, I will just put Breakneck Speed on repeat and if you would like to join me, Baeblemusic podcast on iTunes has a great live video of it that you can download for free so enjoy!

Let's Rock the Beach

Who doesn't love a good break? I for one am so excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas break that I can hardly contain it!!! Thinking of all the delicious treats that are going to be ravenously consumed by me the hungry college kid, christmas decorations lining the street, watching Elf and so many other things I am just way to pumped for! Unfortunately, many of us have to go through crunch time to get the sweet relief of a break. Finals, tests, and papers always pile up right at the end and for some it can be a stressful time. So in addition to filling my room with holiday scented candles and drinking a ton of hot, soothing tea, I have decided that a healthy dose of music that takes me to my favorite place on earth is the key: the beach! Here are five surf inspired tracks that I have listened to today that have taken my mind away from piles of work to the sandy shores of peace:
1. Wouldn't It Be Nice - The Beach Boys    a lovely track for daydreaming :)
2. Youth - Beach Fossils
3. Is This Love - Bob Marley
4. California Sunrise - Dirty Gold
5. Fake Blues - Real Estate

Something About Airplanes - Since Our First Guitar

Our band today is a lesser known one than previous bands I've talked about here and if I've learned anything from my various exploration of smaller music venues and shows, it's that talent and amazing music can be found anywhere. A band that is playing to a crowd of 10 can still be better in my mind than an artist who is played non stop on the radio to billions of people. Since Our First Guitar is one of those bands that I listen to now and think "I can't believe that I have seen them!". With a crowd of maybe 15 or so and only about 6 of us standing up front, it was one of those up and close experience where the band is playing to you. Luckily, this is one adorable group of Swedish guys! You can get a lot of their music for free on sites such as bandcamp.com, so you should really check them out. My personal favorite is "Something About Airplanes"which I've listened to walking to class countless times. They were wonderful live and deserve a listen!

Cats and Dogs - The Head and the Heart

As the colder weather sweeps in, you may find yourself one of the victims of the various illnesses that always seem come along with it. I personally seem to always catch something as the seasons change, and this year was no different. So I'm thinking that those of us who are sick and all the lucky ones who aren't can all enjoy a nice upbeat happy song today! My song keeping me upbeat and happy as I prepare for a round at the Redi-Med later today is "Cats and Dogs" by the Head and the Heart. It's one of those songs that every time I get to the end of I ask "Why can't it be longer?" because I just wait to hear more. Being a lover of random, the video also delights me. Though I can't say I know much about the band now, I am already in love just by this song alone. Enjoy, especially if you're feeling a bit under the weather!

Mumford and Sons

Today I watched a 20/20 episode from October which focused on young dreamers on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. While hearing the experiences of these children and seeing all the circumstances that surround their lives, I had a moment. A moment that I can best describe as pure, one that made me feel a connection to everyone and everything by me just being aware of the simple truths that make me human. It's a reminder that hope and perseverance can prosper even in the harshest of environment. How does this all tie into Mumford and Sons? I get the same sense of hope and humanity from Mumford and Sons that I felt today watching the children of the Pine Ridge Reservation tell their story. For me, the music of Mumford and Sons is like a personal testament to the human life experience. It captures the high emotional range of life with such a beautiful sound that listening to their album becomes more than just listening to music. Hope, anger, love, pain, joy and so many other emotions are perfectly captured in the lyrics and the sound. This band becomes more well known each day for a reason. They've not just created an album, but one of the most compelling soundtracks for life. Here's to my two inspirations of the day, the children of the Pine Ridge Reservation and Mumford and Sons. Hope you all have a wonderful day and take time to find your moment.

Fall Drive to Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes is a band for every season. Be it Winter, Fall, Spring, or Summer, they have songs that fit all kinds of weather and scenery. Their latest album release "Helplessness Blues" is a collection of songs in their signature folk style. It's a beautiful array of sound that will fit the current autumn weather perfectly. In order to celebrate the beauty of these fall days, I say take a drive out in the country while listening to Fleet Foxes, especially the tracks "Grown Ocean", "Montezuma", "Battery Kinzie" and "Helplessness Blues". Even though I may only be a half hour from my home, driving and listening to Fleet Foxes makes me feel like I'm much farther away, heading out on a grand adventure. As I hope to make a trip to the mountains soon (not any in particular at this point), this music helps me imagine that I'm on my way already. Here's to Fall and Fleet Foxes: a match that will please all the senses especially if you add a nice cup of cider :)

Rock N Roll Circus: A Quick One While He's Away

"Now ladies and gentlemen, dig The Who"....Keith Richards introduces today's piece of musical history: The Who's performance of "A Quick One While He's Away" at the Rock N' Roll Circus. Now to anyone who knows me, has seen the many, many poster in my room, or has seen my favorite Who edition Chuck Taylor's it is no surprise that I am writing about The Who. They are the center of everything I love about rock n' roll. Talk about three instruments being played at genius levels and all fitting in and fighting against each other at the same time to create a true rock n roll sound. Nobody is sitting back and enjoying the ride in this band; John, Roger, Pete, and Keith are all driving their sound with soul grit. Now this video shows the amazing live show that The Who put on. The Who in their true and natural state is as a live band. This song shows off Pete's signature style of music writing: the rock opera. Not quite in Tommy territory yet, A Quick One is a mini-operaesque piece, performed here in 1968. Watch and enjoy the amazing high notes hit by one of if not the best bass player ever, John Entwistle and the mic swinging skills of Roger Daltrey. AND, the best part of The Who: Keith Moon. Why do I love The Who so much? Keith Moon. Here he is in his regular form, being the best drummer in the world and entertaining the masses. The sound of drumming perfection to my ears. Enjoy and have a most wonderful day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ku7QNRudg

Matt Costa Day

Today is my official Matt Costa day! If you haven't listened to any of his music yet then today is your day! Along with my love of bands, I also have a thing for a guy and a guitar. He has a wonderful voice which sounds exactly the same live as it does on the recordings (saying a lot for music these days!). My personal favorite song is "Mobile Chateau". Moving back into some of his older stuff, "Mr. Pitiful" is great and comes along with a cute little video that I dare you to try watching without smiling or wanting to take up the profession of one man band immediately after watching it. "Cold December" is another well known one that will make surviving the winter a little easier. His latest album, "Mobile Chateau" released in 2010, has a nice vibe that will take you write back to the 60s. Join me in ringing in the month of November with Matt Costa Day!

Check Out Bombay Bicycles New Album

Song Sample: Bombay Bicycle Club - How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep

Bombay Bicycle Club is a band that I have fallen in love with. There are few bands that I will continue to download singles from, but I can't help but keep coming back to Bombay Bicycle Club. They have achieved what to me makes music truly great: each instrument/part is treated equally. Every instrument is melodic and doing something that draws your ear to it. Great bass lines, drum beats, and guitar sound all fitting together to create a magical sound. Awww how I love it. BBC can also go the acoustic route, with the stellar vocals of Jack Steadman and beautiful lyrics (Dust On the Ground). So relatable lyrics, unique vocals, great bass lines, catchy guitar, and interesting/fun drum beats are what you get with this band! Believe me I have never been more jealous of my best friend as when she sent me a picture of her with Jack Steadman. It took me awhile to respond to that text out of disbelief/excitement/and a whole lot of envy! I would consider it an honor to meet the person who creates this music. I picked "How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep" because it makes me think of a grey fall day, fitting the fall weather outside perfectly. Happy Halloween to y'all also!

Here's to Blogging!

When I woke up this morning, I had no idea I would be starting a blog by the end of the day. But since most of my days end with something happening that I wasn't expecting, I've happily embraced this sort of lifestyle. So here's to blogging my friends! I figure why not give it a shot? Seeing as my technology skills can be somewhat behind most people my age, I'm going to hang on to what I can figure out, and it seems like I've got this blog thing sorted out. Though no one may ever see this...which is sort of a depressing thought to begin this with..oh well! My thoughts will at least be a little more collected. So for post number one here's to trying something new!