in which ocean carolina uses a harmonica well

so, today’s song features a HARMONICA – another one of those instruments that can make or break a song (you know what i mean – there are some that make a song a zillion times better, like accordions or banjos, but done wrong? *shudder*). it takes a subtle touch – not too much, but just enough to highlight a melody. … Read More

in which i chat with the appletons

so, a friend recently turned me onto the appletons, an alternative band of self-described “working class rockers” from los angeles. they’ve got this really eclectic sound that combines classic rock, blues, jazz, retro, and indie, giving it a very unique, highly-likable vibe. markus law, the drummer for the appletons, was kind enough to answer some questions from me about the … Read More

video for a saturday – lotus flower

so, is there anyone out there who isn’t listening/talking about/buying radiohead’s new album this weekend? or, for that matter, thom yorke’s mad dancing skills? learn more about radiohead HERE. buy the king of limbs, the album lotus flower is off of, HERE.

in which dënver sings cute about being young

so, today i want to introduce you to dënver, a cutesy pop-surf duo from chile. comprised of mariana montenegro and milton mahan, dënver is the equivalent of ice cream – sweet and fun. think of this band as techno meets beach jams, and get ready to put them on your summer playlists. i really dig los adolescentes – it’s almost … Read More

in which the seedy seeds sing about verb nouns

so, when i first heard today’s song, verb noun by the seedy seeds, i got all sorts of happy joys, because it’s so darn adorable. plus! it’s got a banjo done right! the seedy seeds are a really likeable band who write, in their words, “süperfolkelectroindiepop.” here’s what they have to say about themselves on their facebook page: The Seedy … Read More

in which bobby tells a story

so, up for listen today is a song called sore spots by bobby. it’s a bit mystical, a bit folky, a bit psychedelic, a bit of a tall tale, and a whole lotta original. bobby’s got an interesting story to tell: Bobby first attempted to make contact with Tom Greenberg (Twiglet) at college, but no one really noticed Bobby until … Read More

in which kathryn calder’s arrow hits its mark

so, i’ve talked in the past about the excellence that is the new pornographers. today i want to highlight kathryn calder, one of the members of that diverse band. calder has one of those super sweet voices that can lull you into a false sense of complacency. surely something so lovely and delicate couldn’t be talking about such harsh emotions, … Read More

in which a solstice is the perfect music to fall in love to and with

so, today’s song is possibly one of the most flat-out romantic songs i’ve heard in years. solstice, by the unwinding hours, is quiet, unassuming, and pitch perfect in every aspect, from craig b’s vocals to the piano and guitar. only those with the deadest, most embittered of hearts will be able to resist this one. have a listen and then … Read More

wordless music post #22

find/buy this print at etsy HERE. (mp3) hysteric (acoustic version) by the yeah yeah yeahs (via soundUNheard)

video for a saturday – freeze and explode

so, as of today, i have 246 plays of this song on my itunes. this does not include how many times i’ve played it on either iphone i’ve owned, on the husband’s iphone, or various now-dead ipods we’ve had. I AM STILL NOT TIRED OF IT. I DOUBT I EVER WILL BE. fricking BRILLIANCE. learn more about cassettes won’t listen … Read More

in which the submarines sing about the darkside of love

so, today’s song isn’t a traditional love song – well, to clarify, it is about love, but it isn’t the shining example of sunshines and rainbows and happily ever after. instead, peace and hate, by the submarines, talks about real-life love: it’s messy, complex, and sometimes hard work. the inspiration behind this song was the real-life relationship between the submarines … Read More

in which alexi murdoch sings a perfect song of support

so, as we all know, love doesn’t just mean romance – sometimes it means genuinely being there for a person. this is an aspect, i think, a lot of music tends to forget when waxing poetic about the more flashy and heart-racing aspects of this addictive emotion. but in all actuality, it’s one of the more important parts of being … Read More

in which yo la tengo creates one of the best love songs ever

so, i have a lot of warm fuzzy feelings for today’s song because it’s one of the songs that remind me of when the husband and i first fell in love. we listened to yo la tengo’s our way to fall a lot in those early days (we’re still big YLT fans) – and each time i hear it now, … Read More

in which the book of love is sweet simplicity

so, ask any gen-xer what are the most iconic, romantic scenes in movies from their childhoods, and inevitably, they will tell you the boombox scene in say anything. john cusack holds up one of those antique contraptions that used to be necessary to listen to music and blares peter gabriel’s in your eyes to the object of his affection. girls … Read More

in which trespassers william sing about a beautiful fragment

so, what with valentine’s day quickly approaching, i thought i’d interject the next week with a number of fabulously romantic songs. please do not be horrified – you will not be getting any ridiculous slices of cheese that mariah carey or brit-brit or any of their ilk churn out – i’m talking legitimately beautiful and worthy songs of listen. up … Read More

wordless music post #21

find/buy this print at etsy HERE. (mp3) teenage dream (temabes remix) by katy perry (via sex da house)

in which one october song stays with its listener

so, nico stai is a spanish born, LA based indie singer-songwriter whose songs have been featured on chuck (which, by the way, has a kickass music scout, because that show has also featured frightened rabbit and many other amazing bands that inspire musical love and not bleeding ears). he’s got a gritty sort of voice that i really dig because … Read More