Okay I 'm going to go ahead and say it, Alt-J is the new Radiohead. I know, I know, how can you compare anybody to the Legend, however if you listen to Alt-J's two albums, start to finish, you will understand why. Both of these bands are musical geniuses. They go outside the box, using different types of instruments, sounds, and tempos etc. Alt-J is an indie rock band from Leeds, England. They released their second studio album called "This is All Yours" this past year. The album is a true masterpiece, not only do I feel incredibly peaceful while listening to it, but I feel the passion and energy they put into each track. Beautifully written and orchestrated, they are serious music gods in my eyes. I feel like if I were a painter, their albums would be constantly on repeat. My creative juices start flowing when I listen to their magical songs.
Now to go back to my earlier reference, much like the legendary Radiohead, Alt-J can be a little weird. However over time I've realized, weird is good, weird is very good. The weird is what sets these artists apart from the mainstream typical rhymes and rhythms, I totally dig it. Dying for the day I can see them live, there must be so much that goes into producing their music.
Much like every other bands I've ever written about, picking a favorite song to share with you is nearly impossible. I would definitely recommend you buy their first and second album, you wont be disappointed! Having said that, today I will share two songs with you, one off their 1st album, and one off their second. Here is "MS" off of "An Awesome Wave", and "Every Other Freckle" off "This is all yours".
Enjoy.
Hi my name's Katie, and I'm obsessed with Vance Joy.
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure to see him perform live in Montreal, for the second time in 2014. Both shows, were absolutely incredible. Osheaga was wild, with thousands of people crammed together, you could literally feel the human electricity in the air, the crowd brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the show. Metropolis was more intimate, it was seriously incredible. It was one of those shows you wished just never ended, great from start to finish.
This Aussie gives me that butterfly “in love” feeling. First off, the singer/songwriter James Keogh (better known as Vance Joy),
is totally hot. Dark hair, tall, insane voice, and plays the guitar - smoking
hot (he's definitely my free pass card). Vance's band is made up of Jonothan Colliver on bass, Edwin White on drums,
and Christopher Mulhall on keys. These super talented Australians signed a five-
album deal with Atlantic Records in 2013. Vance's Ep “God loves you when you’re
dancing” was released in March 2013, and they later released their debut album “Dream
your life away” on September 9th 2014. Many ask why the name Vance Joy? Well fun fact, James got the name from a book he was reading called "Bliss", one of the character's was named Vance Joy. He was a storyteller, so James thought it was fitting for his music. Buzzfeed released "19 things you never knew about Vance Joy", check it out!
I love the upbeat tempo of this folk rock band; they’re
really fun, but also a little shy, which I really adore. At his most recent
show on October 30th at Metropolis, Vance seemed generally
grateful to be playing for us. They were originally scheduled to play at the Corona Theater, however due to how popular they've become, they needed a bigger venue. Vance mentioned during the beginning of the show how fast his heart was beating from the nerves - so cute (MELT!).
The entire show was energetic and real. He is a true artist, and he's come a long
way in such a short amount of time. On
November 3rd, 2014 Taylor Swift announced that Vance Joy would be
touring with them for her upcoming 2015 “1989” world tour. (If they start dating I might actually cry, better not break his heart Swift!) I'm super happy for him, This means BIG
things for these boys!
I decided to share two songs with you today; “Red eye”, of his debut album "Dream your life away", and “Snaggletooth”, off his EP "God loves you when you're dancing". These are two of my favorites, but let's be honest they're all fantastic, and so it's hard to pick just one!
I actually filmed the video "Red Eye" that I am sharing with you today, I apologize in advance for the shitty zoom, and shaky camera.
UNREAL no? So talented, love him.
Here's a couple of pics from his most recent show!
Sooo it’s been awhile since I've posted anything on the blog, 489
days to be exact. I don’t really have
anything that exciting to report during those 489 days, just living life. I bought a house with the boyfriend, friend’s got engaged, I made some new
friends, lost some old ones, you know - life. Ok I guess buying the house, and having
friends engaged is pretty exciting!!? Anyways,
I’m back and I decided this time around, I’d write about something I really
love. However asking yourself what you really love can be kind of tough... I love a lot of
things, naturally, but what do I truly love enough to write about, and share
with the world? MUSIC. Music is my love of all loves; it’s the sole thing that
I never ever get sick of. Whether I’m
happy, sad, or mad, music can leave me feeling perfectly content. For as long as I can
remember (thanks Dad) music has been a part of my life, it seeps out of my
pours like garlic does when you eat too much of it. Music educates, heals, and brings
people together, and without it, I think life would be very different. Alright let’s be
honest, life without music would just downright suck.
Getting back to the point, I am always on the hunt for
new tunes; I get that “I just met the love of my life" butterfly feeling when I
hear a new song or artist that I really dig. About a year or two ago, I started
creating playlists on Soundcloud (thank you 8Tracks for the help) and this
fueled my passion for music even more.
I love sharing new talent, my dream job
would be scouting bands from around the world (if you’re reading this and
hiring, call me). No, I don’t really sing, or play instruments (although ask anyone who's been in my car, there's been an electric guitar in my back seat for 4 years? Don't ask..) but I like to believe that I have the
ear for music. It brings me joy playing a new song, and seeing friends
get excited over it. This goes back to saying that music brings people
together, I'll never fully be able to explain my love for it.
I read a great quote the other night, that seems fitting for this post, "When you do things from your soul, other people really dig that shit". Couldn't agree more, music is definitely a large part of my soul.
Back when I used to blog regularly, every Tuesday I would
post “Tuesday’s Tune” which would introduce new or older bands, that I
completely adored and needed to share. Going forward, every Tuesday I am making it my
mission to share my faves with you. I enjoy a wide range variety of music... so beware.
I heard today’s artist while driving to my friend’s place
this past summer. I am fortunate to have Sirius Satellite radio, and therefore
get to hear some great music before it hits the mainstream radio (which they
then completely ruin...). “Take me to Church” by Hozier, immediately gave me
chills. I’m not religious at all, so it wasn't really his lyrics that enticed
me, but his voice. O M F G this guy can sing, his range is incredible!! After
hearing what Sirius called their “new-artist alert” hit, I did some digging
for myself, and came across today’s tune, “Work Song”. Ok so warning it’s a little deep,
if you’re going through a hard time this can either help you heal, or drive you
to take a bath with a toaster, but if you’re just a music lover who appreciates
a seriously talented voice, this is for you!
I bought his self-titled debut album yesterday, it’s pretty fantastic!
This 24 year old Irish man, will be playing at the Corona Theater in Montreal,
on Wednesday October 29th 2014! Unfortunately after getting totally hyped about
this news, I read it was sold out. If you have the pleasure to attend this
no doubt amazing show, please enjoy it for me!
Just discovered this musical genius a few weeks ago! Robert Delong is an Electronic Musician from Bothell Washington, and I am completely obsessed with his EP "Global Concepts" that he released in 2012. I literally almost jumped for joy when I read that he was performing at Osheaga on Sunday (Aug 4th), the day I'm going.
This is no doubt my summer song, love! I can guarantee he's going to "make us fucking dance"!
Just bought my Osheaga ticket!! Soooo stoked. I decided to do Sunday this year, great line up! Check out this amazing band, that will be playing on Sunday August 4th, 2013 @ Osheaga!
Rude, condescending, and pompous, are just some of the words that come to mind when thinking of Kanye West. I'm sure after his Taylor Swift stunt, a lot of you felt the same way as I did towards him, pissed off. Still to this day it annoys me, what a prick for taking away that moment from her!! BUT, I gotta say... if there's one word that does describe this jerk, its talented. I actually boy-cotted his music for years, but recently I've been listening to his earlier albums, specifically "Graduation", released in 2007. Really good stuff, doesn't take away that he's still a total douche bag in my books, but I do appreciate his music, I'll give him that.
So today's tune is off his 2007 album "Graduation", featuring the ever so talented Chris Martin from Coldplay. Enjoy!
Hello!! Wow it's been a while, I know! "Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans". Love that quote, it describes my life perfectly over the past 6 months.
I've been busy with house hunting, as well as working on a healthier lifestyle for myself! Anybody who's house hunted before, and/or goes to the gym, can relate with me on how time consuming each of these things can be. I won't lie, house hunting is fun and exciting n' all, but it's also extremely stressful and nerve racking. ANYTHING can happen, that is the advice that I give to all you future first time home buyers! Also, and I know I'm not alone when saying that this has been a terribly LONG winter. As a result I've suffered from minor seasonal depression. My friends and I, often blame our problems on the weather, what about you? The other month I was listening to CJAD (I am officially my father), and they were discussing how seasonal depression is a legit condition, many people suffer from it and don't even realise it. So having said that, I am extremely happy Spring is here, and that Summer is on it's way!
As mentioned, I've been really trying to live a healthier lifestyle. This means working out, eating healthier, avoiding processed foods, and just simply paying attention to what I am putting in my body! Don't get me wrong, I still cheat, I eat junk once in a while, and on a hangover I will definitely destroy a poutine (ha). But in general, I've been having so much fun exploring super foods, their benefits, and creating daily recipes out of food that I would have normally never even cared to look at! My plan for this blog, is to continue on with my cupcake love, but to also share my healthy tips & recipes with you all!
So stayed tuned for new meals, cupcake ideas and products, and of course, new music ;-)
Hello! Long time I know... Been busy & adjusting to the darkness/ colder weather, that time of year folks!
Today's tune is off The Lumineers' debut album, which was released on April 3rd 2012. The band is based in Denver Colorado, and is made up of 3 talented members; Wesley Schultz, Jeremiah Fraites, and Neyla Pekarek. For any of you who have listened to their album, you know that picking a "favorite" song is close to impossible, as all the songs are fantastic! One that has been sticking to me for a couple of weeks now is today's tune. So without further a do, please check out "Dead Sea", by the Lumineers.
As mentioned in recent posts, I discovered a new band that I instantly fell in love with! There's something about finding new music, I get this rush of excitement, and feel the need to learn and discover everything this band or artist has to offer! I've come to realize as I get older, that everyone's taste and view on music is different. I've realized for myself, it's a true passion and I couldn't live without it!
My newfound love is an alternative rock band from Irvine California, called Young The Giant. The band currently consists of 5 members, Sameer Gadhia (lead vocals & percussion), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar, vocals), Payam Doostzadeh (bass guitar), and François Comtois (drums, percussion, and Vocals). They released their debut album digitally on October 26, 2010, and then physically on January 25th, 2011. They became famous from their debut song "My Body", which is what lead me to discover them! While "My Body" is more rock and upbeat, I found the rest of the album to be more tame and mellow (which I love).
I decided to buy the "Special Edition album", which included Bonus songs. So glad I did, because today's tune is a bonus track! I've included the studio recorded version, but also their video in "Open Session" (they did a bunch of videos literally out in the open and they're genius.) So much talent!
So without further ado, here is "Typhoon", by Young the Giant. Enjoy!
Studio Recorded Version
Open Session
Cheers!
PS. JUST Bought tickets to Young The Giant... they're coming to Montreal March 3rd 9pm (thats a saturday night) at the Corona Theater, tickets are MAD cheap! Get eerrrr done!
I debated doing a Christmas tune today but then figured that might be a little lame, so I went with my original plan, a little indie garage rock! Today's song gets me in a great mood, I discovered it through satellite radio about 6 months ago, and although its not new at all, I think its safe to say that new or old, good music, is good music.
Albert Hammond Jr is a member of the garage rock band called "The Strokes". He mostly plays the rhythm guitar, but sometimes plays lead guitar and the keyboard live. While still having a great relationship with the band, Albert released his debut solo album called "Yours to Keep" in 2006, followed by his second album "¿Cómo Te Llama?" in 2008. Today's tune is off "Yours to Keep" and was his third single off the album. I really dig this song...hope you will too!
As mentioned in last week's post, I am a huge Reggae fan. I grew up listening to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Gregory Isaacs, to name a few, and over the years I have developed a strong taste for all types of Reggae artists! About 5 years ago I discovered Sizzla, Damian & Stephen Marley, Jah Cure, Gyptian, etc. and I totally fell in love. There's just something about it, the riddims just excite me and put me in great mood!
Today's track is one from Stephen Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley! It's clear in my mind that all the Marleys are blessed with their father's talent, Stephen is a 5 time Grammy award winner as an artist but also as a producer. He pretty much produced all 3 of his brother's Damian Marley's solo albums. Welcome to Jamrock sticks out in my mind, where Stephen performed on the popular track "All Night". My tune today is off Stephen's debut album called "Mind Control" (released in 2007), the album won a grammy for best Reggae album in 2008. So here is tuesday's "chune" (as the Jamaican's would say), "Traffic Jam" featuring Damian Marley & Buju Banton.
According to my buddy, after a few drinks, I sometimes get "lost" in the music. I've always agreed with him that it's something that just takes over me, but I particulary noticed this last friday night after a couple of glasses of wine. I had my ipod on shuffle and a song popped up that I hadn't heard in awhile, it was as if I got sucked out of reality and was placed right in the middle of this song. I enjoyed it so much that I decided it would be today's tune.
I'm positive that all of you know The Police, and if not, well clearly you've been living under a rock for the past 35 years...(semi jk.)
The rock band formed in London in 1977, with Sting as their lead vocals and bass, Andy Summers on the guitar, and Stewart Copeland on the drums. In my eyes, these men are definitely living legends! I saw them perform twice in Montreal and each show was absolutely amazing! Today's song is off their second album called "Reggata de Blanc" (released in 1979), now I dont know if I mentioned this, but I am a HUGE reggae fan. This band isn't classified as reggae, however I do find this song has a reggae vibe to it. So here's tuesday's tune; "Walking on the Moon" by The Police. Enjoy!
It was a buddy from work who introduced me to today's band, and I am madly in love. Angus and Julia Stone are a brother - sister duo from Australia. Their style is folk with a bluesy edge, and with instruments like the cello, harmonica, guitar, trumpet, drums and mandolin, there is no doubt that these siblings are musical geniuses. With both parents as former folk band members and a sister who plays the saxophone, it is safe to say that this family has WAY too much talent under one roof!
Angus & Julia released their debut album "A Book Like This" in September 2007, and today's tune is off that album.
The song that introduced me to the band is called "Big Jet Plane" (off the album "Down the Way" released in 2010), which some of you might remember from various commercials this past year. I really enjoy "Big Jet Plane", as well as several other songs from the duo, such as; "Mango Tree", "Paper Aeroplane" and "Yellow Brick Road". However, I am completely in love with "Just a Boy". I love the lyrics, Angus' voice, and of course one of my favorite instruments, the harmonica.
So here it is, "Just a Boy" by Angus & Julia Stone! Enjoy!
One of my favorite quotes is from the legendary Bob Marley. "One good thing about Music is, once it hits you, you feel no pain." Music has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up with a father who introduced me to everything from the Beatles to Radiohead, the Stones to Bob Marley. I will forever be thankful for his introduction because I could not live without these tunes.
The only music I would ask him to skip over, is country. I just couldn't get into it. I fully respect the artists who produce country music, but let's just say it is not for me.
It was really hard deciding which song and artist I would introduce in my first addition of Tuesday's Tune. When I first heard this song, I was driving to work and found myself humming 60 seconds in. I was completely shocked when the Radio announcer informed me that it was Lady Gaga. Leave it to Gaga to get me into country! What can I say, this chick is ridiculously talented, maybe a little off her rocker after you watch this video, but seriously full of pure raw talent. Singer, Song writer, and creative genius, Lady Gaga is seriously giving Madonna a run for her money.
So without further a do, probably the weirdest music video I have ever watched,...
