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Showing posts from December, 2015

My Best of 2015

For starters, I'd like to introduce this by stating it's not going to be overly elaborate or ornate; I'm not even going to Google anything if I don't have to (!!!). I'm sure once I finish writing this up, I'll think of several bands/musicians I should have included, but I'm running out of time, so to paraphrase Allen Ginsberg: "First thought, best thought." Music From 2015 (or just about that) That I Enjoyed in 2015 I'll try to leave out Irina's picks. I'm not huge on redundancy, except on my social media updates. Big Grams   Big Boi + Phantogram = Surprising greatness! I was a bit skeptical when I heard about this collaboration, but it was more or less seamlessly executed. There are a few cringeworthy moments on their debut album - Sarah's rapping is endearing but awkward and Skrillex managed to pull off what sounds like an audio panic attack, but other than that, Big Grams should have been our summer soundtrack ... it

My Top Songs of 2015

Ellie Goulding, "Love Me Like You Do" / "Something in the Way You Move" I must admit it took me a few listens to realize how grand and majestic "Love Me Like You Do" is. The song is so tender and ethereal, but it's also brooding and has an underlying darkness to it. Plus I think it was a perfect fit for the scene in Fifty Shades of Grey where Christian takes Anastasia on a helicopter ride overlooking Seattle's night skyline (I actually enjoyed the movie, judge me). "Something in the Way You Move"—from Goulding's latest LP Delirium —marries a shimmering synthpop backdrop with foreboding, somewhat dark lyrics, which document the singer's dooming attraction to a nameless guy who is bad for her, but she can't help it even if it's bound to end in heartbreak: "When our eyes meet, I can only see the end / But tonight I'm here, yours again." Thematically, it wouldn't sound really out of place in the Fifty Sh

"San Francisco" - The Mowgli's (and Lights! and K.Flay!)

Last night, I saw The Mowgli's live in Tempe with the company of Canadian singer-songwriter Lights (whom I've never really liked that much until last night - she was pretty good!), and K.Flay, an up-and-coming alternative artist who deserves your attention. I've actually NOT listened to The Mowgli's prior to last night. A few times in passing, but nothing to leave a mark. My friend told me seeing them live was akin to witnessing "Sesame Street on crack." Well, okay. That's a glowing review. So I expected the musical equivalent of Fruity Pebbles, more or less.* Actually, The Mowgli's were quite good! A little saccharine at times, but all in all - a night of much-needed positivity. They had a good chemistry on stage and some sweet harmonies. I am a fool for harmonies. I enjoyed "San Francisco" the most. Hear it below; it's a pretty carefree, almost jangle-pop-style tune. As for Lights, for being sick ("bus plague"), she

Sleigh Bells – "Champions of Unrestricted Beauty"

Okay, I was so going to post about this yesterday, but then it just totally slipped my mind. I should really lay off the weed... Anyway , yesterday the awesome Brooklyn duo Sleigh Bells shared a new song titled "Champions of Unrestricted Beauty"—one month after making headlines for accusing Demi Lovato and her team of sampling not one , but two tracks from their debut album Treats without permission. According to a Facebook post , the follow-up to their latest album, 2013's Bitter Rivals , is almost done. The song ditches the guitars that previously populated the duo's abrasive, deliciously distorted noise-pop offerings in favor of a sound that is decidedly slicker and more synth-driven. Alexis Krauss' powerful vocals are on point, but I do hope their next album is not completely guitar-less, I mean, what the hell would I be without Sleigh Bells' angsty, don't-fuck-with-me anthems?? I always feel like a bad bitch whenever I listen to " Crown o

"Dear Santa" - Mr. Little Jeans

Leave it to this time of year to bring out my inner basic bitch. I am currently prepared with Christmas coffee, Christmas coffee creamer, an array of semi-ridiculous sweaters mostly from my Mom, and a genuine desire to watch "Love Actually" or "The Holiday" every other night. Yes, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz. Beautiful straight people. Not sure why it's not on Netflix, but some sins you just can't rectify. Enter: Christmas music. I'm not the biggest fan as there are so many turds out there, but there are some Christmas staples ya gotta have. Mannheim Steamroller?!?! Yes. Yes. Yes. She & Him's Christmas album? Of course, I only listen to that when paired with an overpriced sweater from Urban Outfitters (that will likely unravel in two months). JOSH GROBAN? Gurlfrand, you don't even know . That "Ave Maria," if it doesn't give you chills, you are probably dead inside. That being said, my beloved Norwegian Mr. Little Jeans released