Christmas Edition!!

Okay, so whether you're religious or not, Christmas time can be one of the ultimate high points o' the year. Friends and family, snow (depending on your location),and PIE!!! However, along with the many wonderful things that come this time o' year, there is an abundance of... shall we say, less than desirable holiday tunes? Not to get overly negative but there sure are some STINKERS of Christmas songs. Hopefully these are a few songs that aren't on that list--although my parents would disagree with my favorite (but that's another "discussion" for another holiday) and hopefully one of these songs will help make the season a little cheerier and drown out those others that we wish would... shall we say, LEAVE NOW AND NEVER COME BACK!!!?... precious...

First off is one I never heard all the way through til this season. It's probably not new to anyone out there and it's frankly kinda weird but it's still fun and not too annoying. I also think it's fun that this is a 10 year old girl. She sounds SO intense and into it even though it's a nonsense song. It's called "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas," the most famous version (I think) is done by Gayla Peevey.

The next one is a joint effort between BNL (and I maintain that that is indeed a legitimate abbreviation that people do in fact recognize, Dorothy...) and Michael Bubble (and yes I spelled it that way on purpose). It's fun and refreshing (funky fresh?). Have a listen: "Elf's Lament." Another joint effort (this time with Sarah McLachlan) but on a more traditional note, this version of "God rest ye merry gentlemen" is chill and kinda reminds me of a hip little club o' sorts... with Christmas music... yeah... 


The next two are new discoveries suggested by my wonderful wife, Dorothy. The Irish Rovers have an entire album (which I have yet to listen to in its entirety) but these are two of the songs that are quite fun. Definitely worth listening to. "Christmas Caroling" and "Christmas in Killarney."

This next one is one that popped up on my Pandora Christmas station a few years ago and I just LOVE it. It's called "Santa will find you." It was pointed out to me that this actually sounds kinda creepy at first but if you listen to the context, it's quite comforting. Plus, I really like Mindy Smith's voice. Sincere and kinda soothing without being smarmy or over-the-top-trying-to-hard-to-be-touching-and-meaningful. 


Then there's Jack.  It wouldn't be Christmas without a song from Jack. Well, I guess it still would but it wouldn't be as much fun... well, I guess it would be as much fun because Christmas is more than music... IT'S JUST A REALLY GOOD SONG, OKAY!!? Gosh... It's a cover of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer," which aside from being cool because of its amazingly awesome alliteration (he he) also has a fun twist to it.   

This one comes to you from an accapella group called Eclipse.  Although I'm generally wary of accapella groups (you have to admit there are more than a few out there that are... shall we say, in need of a bit more practice... and talent...) these guys are the real deal. Tight harmonies without the boyband feel (until the end). New song, so it's refreshing, fun melody that tends to get stuck in your head and the beat boxer is absolutely AMAZING!! Check it out: "This Year."

And the best (that's right, mom, the BEST) for last has got to be "Christmastime is Here" by Vince Guaraldi of Charlie Brown fame. This is without a doubt the most beautiful Christmas song ever. So peaceful and calming. Mixed with the pure and simple message Linus gives in the movie, this song is a holiday powerhouse. It's just awesome. The whole album is awesome. So awesome, I used to have it playing in the background of my room 24/7. Definitely worth a listen if you're looking for a new favorite holiday album (or just to rediscover your childhood roots). It's also definitely NOT depressing... ahem (mom) ahem... *cough cough*....

Anyways, I hope these help y'all have a wonderful holiday and, shall we say... a Merry Christmas!!
ps- I love my mom ;)

Surf Rock... kinda

Okay. So here's the post we've all been waiting for, (and by "we" I mean ME)... SWITCHFOOT!!!  They're a San Diego band that started with 3 guys who loved to surf and rock (hence the post title) and grew to 5 along the way.  I'm more than a little in love with their music (and by "their music" I really mean, the 6-7 songs I've heard). First off, it ROCKS! There's absolutely no disputing that fact. Second, their music (once again, a few songs) is usually pretty upbeat and not too minor/ dark. Also, their lyrics are really well thought out/ thought provoking and (at the risk of sounding too corny) really speak to me on a deeper level.  Yeah, that was too corny... dang! Does it mean anything to you if I say I have a motorcycle? That's cool, right? No? Well, that's okay cuz I don't really own a motorcycle anyways. But the truth of the matter is, their music really strikes a chord that only a few other bands can play... like a F#m7b5! Ha ha! Music Nerd joke... okay, yeah I'm done.

I'm posting the music videos partly because the songs aren't uploaded on Grooveshark yet (soon to be rectified) but mostly because I think their videos make their songs even BETTER! That's actually one of the things I love the most: they even LOOK like they rock! They do everything you'd envision the perfect rock band doing/ everything I'd like to do if I was in a band--kinda hard to explain but hopefully you'll see what I mean.

Hello Hurricane: Fun, driving bass line with some punchy guitar riffs.


Awakening: The beginning before the band turns into a video game is great "rock" footage.


We Are One Tonight: This video's really creative, I think.


You Already Take Me There: When they jump out of the plane is great and the last part after they "land."


Stars: This one's a bit more minor in parts but happy overall, I think. The middle part when the rain starts pouring are good examples of them rockin' out (2:23 and 3:04 specifically)


This Is Home: Slower and less rockin' than the rest but probably my favorite.


Hope you enjoy! As always, share YOUR music in the comments below or email me ;)

KT Tunstall (and a slight clarification)

First off, I gotta say that that sounds kinda like good band name: Somebody and the clarifications... Also, I discovered that I probably wasn't clear enough in explaining the purpose of this blog.  This is supposed to be a sort of online music group where (hopefully) lots of people share their musical expertise with others (but most importantly ME ;)  I've already heard all MY music. I want to hear new stuff from y'all. So, lay it on me! Favorite songs, bands, genres... What do you call GOOD music? I'll keep sharing what I think you might like until it becomes more of a group thing but PLEASE don't let that be too long :)

Anyways, this week I decided, despite the enormous amount of musical ground that remains to covered 'til we're all caught up, that we'd focus on one person instead of 3 like last week.  ( I was told by a certain Garrett who shall remain nameless that there were too many words on the page ;)

So if you don't get any farther than this PLEASE check this out!! Absolutely AMAZING!!

Okay, so KT Tunstall (pronounced like a "ton" of stull...) might be a bit of a mouth full--it doesn't exactly roll off the tounge...stall (tee hee). HOWEVER, at least her music more than makes up for it (which is more than I can say for Mott the Hoople and Screaming Cheetah Willy).  Anyways, her music is awesome.  Her songs have a great, natural flow to them (as far as chord progressions go) and wonderfully gripping melodies that really draw you into the song and stay with you for a LONG time (it's not uncommon to find yourself in the middle of humming these songs and not remember having started...) **Other side-effects may include sudden happiness and smiles, urges to crank volume and sing along at top of lungs, dizziness and mind blowing due to over exposure to awesome songs and in rare instances breathing fire.  Please consult your local music tastes to see if KT Tunstall is right for you.**

Her first album, Eye to the Telescope was more acoustic-y (not to be confused with a sticky military coup) and focused on composed songwriting--at least that's what I think.  Although Black Horse and a Cherry Tree is easily her most recognizable (and most popular), my favorites off that album are Stoppin' the Love, Suddenly I See (there is the ocassional "H word" though, so I tried my hand at an edited version here, should that be an issue), and Other Side of the World. Her next album, Drastic Fantastic, didn't get nearly enough radio play as it deserved. A bit more rockin' than her last, Hold On was the powerhouse on that album but I also like I Don't Want You Now and If Only.  She just barely came out with Tiger Suit this October and it's definitely different from what's she's put out so far but still really fun.  Favorites being Glamour Puss, Fade Like a Shadow and Still A Weirdo.  Give her a listen! Enjoy!

Coming Attractions: Mae, Switchfoot, The Pixies?

Jack, Coldplay, and MORE Guster

So, I was trying to think of some catchy and/or clever title involving some mix of all the names but that left me with "Gusjackplay" or "Coldjackter" neither of which sound extremely creative or appetizing.  The point is, that's what's on the menu for today.  I had the idea that, rather than jumping into "new-ish" territory right off the bat, I'd start out with a few older favorites.  This should give those of you who are unfamiliar with my musical background a better idea of where I'm coming from musically and where this blog will most likely go in the future if left solely to my sharing... (hint hint... I want y'all to share stuff...) Also, this gives me more time to find some really good new stuff. So, if you've already heard all that follows, hopefully you'll still enjoy it and if you hate any of the bands, I apologize (but not really because we all know it's only because you're dumb ;) Just kidding, Cliff.  SO, here goes: (Just click on the titles or listen to the Blog playlist on Grooveshark)

I was introduced to Jack Johnson's music in highschool (we met at a party and hit it off and the next thing you know he's had a few too many and I'm lit because someone spiked my Kool-aid with caffeine... a little crazy but after a rousing chorus of "Somebody to love" and a few rounds of N-64 mario kart, the music was okay to drive home...) Anyways, I was trying to calm down after coming off a little TOO much Led Zepplin and the like and found that Jack Johnson was the perfect remedy.  Brushfire Fairytales was such a cool, laid back album.  Unassuming, humble yet confident enough to not care and just have fun.  My favorite off the album was probably "Inaudible Melodies" followed closely by "Flake" (which has Ben Harper on the slide guitar in the background btw.) Next was On & On.  Not as good in my opinion but still good. I didn't really care for "Horizon has been defeated" as much but I really liked "Dreams be dreams" and "Traffic in the Sky" both of which are pretty chill, lay back on your lawn/ in your hammock and find shapes in the clouds.  Also good on that album was "Wasting Time" because it was a bit more upbeat and showcased his guitar skills a bit more.
In Between Dreams came out while I was gone in Germany but I sure loved it when I came home (and probably listened to it enough to make up for lost time...) Great on that album are Better Together (for those sappy people among us), Never Know (quick and upbeat) and Breakdown (which still reminds me of the slow train ride out to Machu Pichu in Peru and is also a great ukulele song).  I'll skip his next two (for time and Cliff's sake) because they were okay but not anything special and point out that his newest album was actually really good.  Favorite tracks being You and Your Heart and At or with Me. Give 'em a listen. They're just plain fun.  Nothing to take too seriously and perfect background music to simply kick back and chill out to.

Next are my boys from Britain! I can also claim to have hopped on board the Coldplay train before it was trendy.  I actually like their earlier stuff best because, once again, it was chill compared to my classic rock.  Their first album is by far their best. Don't Panic, Trouble, We Never Change are often underplayed--what a thing to do!-- because everyone's favorite on the album was all Yellow... tee hee. They picked up the pace a bit with their next album, Rush o' Blood to the Head; Clocks being the most famous (and best) followed by In My Place, and the Scientist--moodier ballads that appealed to a more, shall we say, "melancholy" crowd... you know who you are (points finger at self).  But there were some absolute GEMS that popped up live or on B-sides shortly thereafter that are, sadly enough, unknown to the majority of people who like Coldplay.  My favorite being Moses but Things I don't Understand is awesome as well.  X&Y also came out while I was gone but I came back and loved "Fix You" and the Clock-alike "Speed of Sound." Then Viva la Vida hit. Great album as a whole but so different from their early stuff, I found myself liking two completely different bands. Anyways, the favorites for this era, yet again, come from the B-sides album Prospekt's March: Life in technicolor II (with lyrics! and a funny music video to boot!) and Glass of Water. AWESOME song. It sounds much like I'd imagine flying feels. Crank this one with your car windows down doing 80 through Idaho.

Last but certainly not least... GUSTER! I can't claim to be an original fan since I found out about them only after their fourth album, Keep It Together, hit but this has got to be one of my all-time favorite albums. It has EVERYTHING you'd ever look for in music.  Some songs are chill, other are peppier.  All their songs are clean (not just profanity free but content as well) and almost every single song is a powerhouse hit on its own.  Favorites being Amsterdam, Diane, & Ramona, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE listen to the whole thing.  Sit down, take an hour. Best hour of your day/week/life. Promise. You won't regret it. Ganging up on the Sun was also full of hits.  Sadly, though, there were a few duds (and an F bomb in Manifest Destiny) so watch out.  My favorite, One Man Wrecking Machine, has to be edited (the version they played on the radio was different so I bought it and showed it to everyone and thought, "Holy inappropriate reference, Batman!") The other great ones are Dear Valentine and Satelite.  As for their new album, I've only listened to it once but Bad Bad World (last week's song) and Do You Love Me? are great.

There you go! I know it's a lot of songs but each one is AMAZING. I really tried to limit myself to the ABSOLUTE best. Please give 'em all a try. They're sure to help brighten your day.  Enjoy! Happy Music Monday, everyone! Don't forget to share YOUR music too!!

Let's start at the very beginning...

As much as I dislike christening this blog o' mine with a Rogers & Hammerstein song reference, I really couldn't think of a better way to begin. After all, the general idea is that hopefully this blog will soon be "alive with the sound of music." *Note: For those of you who don't like R & H, I can't blame you but please stick around, I promise it will get better! (And for those of you who are die hard fans, my apologies... just ignore that last part ;)

Anyhoo, it starts with a TON (in this case, 3) people telling me that I have great taste in music and/ or I should make them a playlist.  Now, granted, I'm not one of those with wall to wall CD collections with a doctorate in musicology to prove my expertise...but I do LOVE my music (can't say/ write that in big enough caps).  I'm also not an amazing writer whose exquisitely profound reviews make you want to cry because they're SO beautiful (although you may want to cry at my bad grammar and lack of indentation, you know who you are Mr. Marlo) but I do like to share with others, that which means a great deal to me.  That being said, I hope we're all on the same page (well, I s'pose we ARE all on the same WEB page at least) and that we can all enjoy the wonderful world of music without being hurt or offended because of differing musical tastes.

Here's how I think we'll proceed (although will probably change over time): I will post links to songs that I think are amazing and that everyone should listen to at least once before they die and I'll probably even write a little something and tell you why.  However, like I stated above, I'm no expert and am always looking to expand my horizons as well.  That's where you come in: I WANT TO HEAR FROM Y'ALL!! Send me suggestions in an email or post it in a comment and I'll pass it on. I'll try to get new stuff up every Monday. But if this catches on it will hopefully be more than my music and more than once a week. I hope...

Ground Rules: Nothing DARK, please.  Although there might be a song or two in a minor key, hopefully nothing depressing.  Even though I'm primarily a rocker, hopefully it won't get overly rowdy... you get the idea. (However, since no one but my mom and friends I've guilted into reading this will probably ever see this, it's probably not even necessary).

Basically, this is pick-you-up, feel good music that I want to share and hope you'll follow suit.

With that, let's get this show on the road!!

How 'bout some Guster? You usually can't go wrong.  One of my current favorites is off their newest album "Easy Wonderful."  It's called "Bad Bad World" and you can find it here. It's a great song. Enjoy!  I'd share a few more but it's late and I NEED some beauty sleep if you know what I mean... Start with this and we'll go from there!