“Take a Walk” - Passion Pit
Raw, unfiltered soul rather than synthesizers usually tend to win me over but Passion Pit always manages to hit me right in the money spot. Similar to “Sleepyhead” (and many of their other jams), the background beats of their new single “Take a Walk” are what really garner my support and tapping toes. It clears your mind…just like a good walk.
“Good Man” - Third Eye Blind
Though I’d stick with the nineties vein of my last post (even though this song specifically is from the Out of the Vein album released in 2003)and share a gem from a band I can never get enough of. I actually own all of their albums and songs, which is not very common in my massive library. Yes, I even have their rendition of “Scooby Dooby Doo”. And if anyone can organize it so that Stephan Jenkins and I would be locked in a boudoir for an hour or two with nothing but our thoughts and clothes/no clothes, I would be forever in your debt.
Jenkins’ voice is chock-full of passion, angst, and competing indifference. It’s swoon-inducing. Check out “Bonfire” from their most recent 2009 album, Ursa Major, for an idea of why I fought my way to the front of their Freakfest concert in Madison during my senior of college. Can’t stop, won’t stop.
“It All Belongs to Me” - Brandy & Monica
You know you’re a product of the nineties when you’re watching Monica in a music video on BET and ask out loud, “Where’s Brandy?” Lucky for me, Brandy was not far behind as the two vocalists reunited for a little less hostile duet in “It All Belongs to Me”. No longer are they attitude battling over who the boy belongs to but joining forces to claim ownership over everything the boy believes is his post-breakup. Oh, classic.
This is not a song that will last for ages, especially with it’s beating-over-the-head of pop culture (i.e. MacBook, Facebook, etc.). However, this duo takes me back to a time when a small, dweeby white girl just wanted to gain some kind of street cred by memorizing sugar-coated R&B songs. And that, folks, is as cool as I get.
“Poison & Wine” - The Civil Wars
Give me harmony or give me death I always say. And by ‘always’ I mean ‘never’. If I had to choose between my own existence and the pairing of these magical voices though, I believe the voices might just win. It’s fair to predict the musical creations of these two would probably grab your attention better than I ever could.
A bio on iTunes describes their music as reminiscent of ‘Appalachian folk’, which probably explains why I gravitate towards their sound. The way my eyes light up with the sound of banjos and washboard-strumming is almost unnatural every time my favorite street band hits Madison during the summer months. What grabs me about this song however, is the pain that hangs throughout. It’s as if it hurts to sing each word. The conflict of emotions, the passion, the desire to persevere, the agonizing feeling that everything about a relationship is so right and so wrong at the same time, the love that could never cease to exist - this song embodies it all.
I’m getting a little too intense for my own liking.
Born to Die - Lana Del Rey
Even though I enjoy this song, I’m still in the process of deciding whether I like Lana Del Rey. Watching her SNL performance a couple weeks ago was painful and awkward, if not painfully awkward. ”Born to Die” however is beautiful and sexy in a Chris Isaak - “Wicked Game” kind of way. And as someone who watched Chris Isaak music videos far too often for anyone’s comfort, I would know.
“Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra)” - Gotye
This song grabs me in a way I haven’t been grabbed in a long time. Australian; instrumentals similar to the sound of Bloc Party; vocals echo the tone of Panic at the Disco’s lead singer, Brendon Urie, with a more gentle alt edge; rugged facial hair. Making Mirrors is the name of his newest album and I’m ready to dive in. The correlating music video and piercing green eyes aren’t too shabby either.
“No Champagne (feat. Natalia Kills)” - Frankmusik
Riddle me this: What’s worse than a poorly written blog lacking in substance? Answer: A blog that is hardly (if ever) updated. Since my blog would clearly never fall into the first situation, it seems the lackluster of material I am contributing to the world wide web is a result of no material whatsoever. *Slap on the wrist!* ”Bad Katie!” I’m not one to make false promises so I’ll refrain from making any at all. However, this has got to change starting today…or tomorrow…or next month.
Anyways, I could devote this blog post swooning over new Coldplay or I could be more productive and talk about Frankmusik. He’s a lovely chap both in appearance and musical capabilities. His newest album release, Do It In The AM, overflows with much of what he’s good at - easily accessible electronic pop. Pairing up with artists of growing popularity like Natalia Kills and Far East Movement helps his cause. By the way, am I the only who didn’t realize all the members of Far East Movement are of Asian descent? Their band name makes much more sense now but “Like a G6”…really? I digress. If you’re a fan of Ellie Goulding, Frankmusik pairs up with her on a version of “Wish I Stayed” that’s fairly enjoyable. For now though, check out “No Champagne” and put a pop twist on all those times you are feeling “useless”.
“Save Me” - Nicki Minaj
By this time, what hasn’t been said about Nicki Minaj that I could possibly contribute to the world of sick beats? All I know is, after seeing her open for Britney Spears last night in Milwaukee, I’ve got nothing but respect and admiration for her talent, drive, and ultra thick booty. I have a [mostly] secret sailor’s mouth at heart so the amount of swearing in her jams is probably what draws me in most but even her sensitive numbers like “Save Me” manage to hold their own.
“Someone Like You” - Adele
When I post about the same artist more than once, things are getting serious and perhaps this isn’t too original a choice seeing as Adele’s newest album, 21, is the talk of the town and then some right now, but I just gotta. And that’s that. It’s been a while since I’ve found an album I could play from beginning to end without skipping a track so I welcomed 21 into my life with open arms. ”Rolling in the Deep”, “Turning Tables”, “Set Fire to the Rain”…they’re all great, but “Someone Like You” hits me at an entirely different level. My excessively imaginative mind and ability to fall head over heels for someone at the flash of their smile might be what draws me to outpourings of pure agony and wishful thinking. You can’t help but ache at each breath, pause, and pleading chorus line this song delivers. After all, in terms of pain, heartache is about as bad as it gets but if it means recovery through doses of Adele, it’s not necessarily an ache I’d want to go away.
“Sydney (I’ll Come Running)” - Brett Dennen
It seems like I’ve been walking a road filled with women and heavy dance grooves on this blog as of late, so to change up the flavor a bit I figured I’d whip out a folksy gentleman ditty. The summer soundtrack has begun to compile itself and “Sydney (I’ll Come Running)” is sitting at the top in all it’s throw open the windows, pop on some annoyingly large sunglasses, and whip out your most jerky, lighthearted dance moves that emerge as a result of the purest of happy feelings glory. It brings me to a Ben Kweller, “Penny on the Train Track” kind of place, which is something I’ll never try to fight. I personally tend to lean more towards the redheaded grit of Kweller than the redheaded granola of Dennen but at this moment the heart knows what it wants. And when you’re me, you always cut redheads the most slack.
“Release Me” - Agnes Carlsson
Group fitness classes succeed at either working you out, making you feel incredibly awkward, or allowing you to marvel at a plethora of awkward people as they feel incredibly awkward. While I’ve probably experienced each of those outcomes, this Agnes Carlsson song now featured in one of the routines of a BodyCombat class I frequent does nothing but pump.me.up. I never thought being able to punch to the beat of a song would ever be the deciding factor in whether I’d actually enjoy listening to it but I guess you learn something new about yourself every day.
“Do It Like a Dude” - Jessie J
It was early afternoon on a Friday when I found myself enjoying a glass of wine and complimentary tapas in a small bar in Madrid. The television on the wall dealt out a continuous stream of music videos and had been going somewhat unnoticed until a minx with spikes protruding from her lips took charge of the screen. Little did I know that a month later I would be blog bragging about my trip to Spain along with my infatuation for the sharp lady I first heard of while there named Jessie J. One of her popular songs at the moment is “Price Tag” featuring B.o.B. but I must say, “Do It Like a Dude” is the jam that’s stolen my heart. It makes me want to brush my shoulders off and throw around my ‘tude like it’s going out of style. For a more heartwarming ballad, which can indeed even be heard from a woman who flaunts the fact she can grab her crotch and hold her own in a brawl, check out “Who You Are”. Gentle and tough can walk hand in hand. Ya hear me ladies? Ya hear me.
“Mirrors” - Natalia Kills
In the midst of my 5.5 hour wait for Robyn on Saturday, this saucy lass by the name of Natalia Kills fiercely stomped onto the stage and musically turned me on. Lady Gaga clearly has a big influence on her persona minus the whole lotta crazy. She seems much more approachable…even when clad in nothing but black leather with two killer, stern-faced, and toned dancers at her side. Her full blown album to be titled The Perfectionist is supposed to drop sometime in March or April of this year but for now, “Mirrors” is a good place to start (check the music video for the song while you’re at it for a little tough, S&M action). ”Love is a Suicide” a’int too shabby either.
“Rolling in the Deep” - Adele
Here’s how I know I’ve hit gold:
I have family in Minnesota and my drives to visit them entail stopping at the nearest PDQ to stock up on Smarties (which, FYI, can now be found “King Size” style) and a Starbucks energy drink, and driving off into the sunset blasting my newest mix CD. I will spend the four hours on the road hyped-up and killing it in front of all my fellow driver fans. My concerts are always sold-out. Always. I made this exact trip over the past weekend and let’s just say, my performance of “Rolling in the Deep” brought the house (or car) down at least 17 times. I’ve always been an Amy Winehouse girl (new album from her in January - gah!) but when she let all the drugs and hair teasing go to her head I had to find another soulfully smooth voice to move me. Adele has helped in filling that void ever since her first album 19 hit the scene and this new song will have no problem doing the same. It makes me want to angry strut. And for additional strutting, check out “Set Fire to the Rain”.
“Gordita” - Shakira (feat. Residente Calle 13)
On this Thanksgiving day, let’s be thankful for the flavor that is Shakira. My thanksgivings (this year aside) are usually played out in the presence of my family, which includes the Colombian “uncle”. Thus I figured posting a song from the Colombian songstress herself would be fitting. The fact that “Gordita” translates to “little chubby one” seems to fit as well seeing as that is what I will indeed feel like once this day is done. I’m really feeling the rap segments Shakira seems to be experimenting more with on her new album, Sale el Sol. I didn’t think the woman could get any more spicy.
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving today, show thanks for non-American musicians, hip-shakin’, and naps. Yum-o.
“Old Fashioned” - Cee Lo Green
My, my, it has been a while since we last spoke but let me assure you…just because the blogging temporarily ceases doesn’t mean the flow of incoming delicious tunes does. Cee Lo is so hot in my world right now. Even though “F**k You” has reached its brink with number of plays in my library, there are others to choose from the repertoire making up his newest album, The Lady Killer. A real winner would be “Old Fashioned”, which is just that - a smooth, old fashioned love song. It makes me feel like I should be sporting a little red dress as I’m pulled in tightly to my handsome man on the dimly lit dance floor. Throw in a few choice moves inspired by Dirty Dancing and this baby definitely won’t be found in the corner. Har har.
I’d also recommend “Bright Lights Bigger City”; a song perfect for the background of those “girls going out on the town” montages done so well by The Hills.
“Only the Young” - Brandon Flowers
If I had to choose one Mormon man to ravage (and share with his assortment of other wives) it would be the lead singer of The Killers, now turned solo act, Brandon Flowers. A sexy man who dishes out sexy music? Too much sexy! I haven’t gotten through the entire Flamingo album as of yet but with a love of The Killers under my belt and “Crossfire” piquing my curiosity, sampling of the new solo album is on the agenda. ”Only the Young” is up there amongst the faves so far along with “Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts”. Flower’s voice comes across so genuine and raw, even sounding borderline off-key at times. In my mind though, I’m sure he really has no problem hitting all the right notes when it counts. *Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink.* Yeah. That just happened.
“Oh My God” - Ida Maria
If you could bottle up spunk, shake it, and then release it into the world you would have this lady right here. I first heard this song on an episode of Gossip Girl (one of my many guilty pleasures), which is not surprising since that show has one hell of a Music Supervisor on staff despite it’s petty plot lines. Having this playing over and over in my head lead me to check out her 2008 album Fortress ‘round My Heart and upon doing so, I had about four more songs on repeat in my noggin’…simultaneously…woah. ”I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked” is another one of my favorites. It’s blunt, saucy, and overflowing with energy, which are qualities in a song I’ve never complained about. Plus she says “naked” a lot. That’s kind of fun.
“Commander” - Kelly Rowland
So remember when Kelly Rowland dished out moderately “deep” songs that were too intense in subject matter to really listen to over and over “Single Ladies” style? ”Stole” anyone? 2002 was not such a good year for second-in-command of Destiny’s Child. Or was second-in-command Beyonce’s mother? Hmmm. Anyways, girl was on to something with her album Ms. Kelly in 2007, which dished out “Like This”, a song with either a positively infectious or annoyingly repetitive chorus, depending on the listener. Though the road has been long, I feel Rowland has finally earned a place in my heart after pairing up with David Guetta in “When Love Takes Over”, “It’s the Way You Love Me”, and “Commander”. In my mind, anything that man touches turns to gold. And yes, I even rocked out to some of “Sexy Bitch” featuring Akon before it turned up in all the bars around town in the most unappealing, girls-squealing-and-dancing-on-tables kind of way.
Way to go, girl. Beyonce who?
