(no subject)
So. Everybody always wants people to recommend music to them, but none of us ever know what to say. I know, I've done it myself multiple times, trying to get someone to recommend something, but even so if other people ask for recommendations I can never think of anything I'm sure they'd like.
So now I'm going the other way. These are the songs I've been loving lately (plus the songs that I just love all the time). Bear with me, though. This might be surprising coming from someone who lives for music as much as I do, but...I am REALLY bad at describing music. I just can't do it. I can never EVER fit a song or artist into a certain genre, and I usually can't even tell you who they sound like or give you a "if you like so-and-so" comparison. I know I like it and that's about it. I will try my best to describe these songs, but all in all I make no claims of being helpful to you if you're trying to determine if you would like them too.
I'm gonna try to keep this mostly to songs that aren't big hits in hopes of introducing you all to something you haven't heard. And if you go listen to any of them, I'd love to hear what you think of them!
"Different" - Acceptance
This one was an iTunes free track - one of the few of those that I really, really like. Fairly poppy, but that's never something that bothers me. I don't know why this didn't make it as a big hit, but that just goes to show how I don't understand popular music, I guess. Not too fast but still has a nice heavy beat and is fairly upbeat.
it's fine, this isn't Hollywood, so fine, getting in your way
"Sound of Your Voice" - Barenaked Ladies
The version of this that I like is the live, acoustic version from the Glenn Gould Studio. I don't know too much by Barenaked Ladies - I know "One Week" of course and a few others. And don't get me wrong, I *love* "One Week," but this song is everything One Week isn't and it's amazing. I've never heard the normal version; I'm sure I'd like it but it's the acoustic that I really love.
the saying goes there will be other dances, this little song is about second chances
"Apple Candy" - Ben Lee
I originally heard this one in a Skate/Jate/Jawyer triangle video, so for me it will forever make me think of Jawyer with all the "I wanna go where he's been, I want you and I want him" stuff. It's mellow and catchy and awesome - and there's so much emotion in Ben's voice. I think I might guess that if you liked "Chasing Cars" you'd like this one.
'cuz you smell like apple candy, and we're singin' hallelujah, and the edge in your affection broke my skin
"You Must've Fallen" - Ben Taylor
I could really name quite a few of this Ben's songs because I love him so, but this one is one of my favorites. Acoustic and sort of mellow but still fairly fast-paced and very catchy. I love Ben's voice so much - he sounds just like his daddy (dad's James Taylor, fyi). Musically he's sort of similar to his dad's stuff but still undeniably Ben and sort of more modern than his dad.
you must've fallen down from out of the sky when you were too high from flying around
"Tiny Spark" - Brendan Benson
Man oh man I love this song. Power pop at it's best. So ridiculously happy and bouncy and catchy and make you want to get up and dance-y. That's about all I can say about it, it's just so fun.
we were lying in the grass, I was trying, oh, not to laugh!
"Friend is a Four Letter Word" - Cake
Okay, I honestly can't figure out what it is that makes this song so awesome. Somehow the droning low-range vocals just sound really great. That's all I got.
call me morbid or absurd, but to me, coming from you, friend is a four letter word
"Out Here All Night" - Damone
Another iTunes free track that I actually really like. Pop rock stuff, very catchy and bouncy with a nice fast beat. Plus they're a mostly male band with a girl lead singer, and that's always awesome.
if I sounded insecure it's because I wasn't sure you were really there
"The Engine Driver" - The Decemberists
Okay, picking just one Decemberists song to put on this list was tricky, but I didn't want to just fill the whole list with them, since I've really been digging them lately. This one is one of my favorites and also the first one I ever heard. One of those awesome songs that just caught me immediately and I knew I loved it. The Decemberists have a very unique (and very awesome) sound so I don't really know how to describe it beyond that. But oh man, do I love it.
and I am a writer, writer of fictions, I am the heart that you call home
"Henrietta" - The Fratellis
This one falls into the category of songs I always love. A catchier, bouncier song there is not, and I can't resist a Scottish accent. Another one that really just makes you want to get up and dance. And also makes you want to sing along because it's SO FUN. I actually had to get up and dance in the middle of typing this. And as an added bonus it's full of Jon making silly noises.
buy us some shoes and maybe take us for cola, we'll get you there in some filthy big gondola
"Sebrina, Paste and Plato" - Jellyfish
Ridiculously silly and happy and fun and silly. And yes, I said silly twice. Bizarre in a totally adorable way and very very catchy. Makes you want to sing along for sure.
she's a lovetarian, especially in the form of puppies
"The World You Love" - Jimmy Eat World
More fun happy pop rock stuff. Wonderfully fast heavy drumbeat that fits beautifully with vocals that are almost mellow. And the chorus is deliciously happy.
I fall asleep with my friends around me, the only place I know, I feel safe - I'm gonna call this home
"1000 Miles Per Hour" - Ok Go
A little softer than some of Ok Go's stuff but just as awesome. Great road trip song, and will always make me think of Bonnaroo probably (along with a few other songs that have the same impact!).
we'll drive, one thousand miles an hour, we'll fly by wheat fields and water towers
"Jenny Don't Be Hasty" - Paolo Nutini
Not listing every song of Paolo's is quite tricky, as I love him SO SO much. The boy has quickly become my favorite current artist, I think. Once again I fall for the Scottish accent. This song is one of my favorites because it's just so bouncy catchy. I know I'm describing all of these songs with the same words, but that's because that's what usually makes a song really stand out to me. This one's another one that's super fun to sing along with and makes you want to dance and clap.
oh, Jenny, don't be hasty, no, don't treat me like a baby
"Last Request" - Paolo Nutini
Sorry, I couldn't resist sneaking another one in. This is probably my favorite of Paolo's (although it's a tough choice). It's also one that's gotten some radio play, but if you think you've heard it, think again. I love the normal version, but what I really love is the hidden version. On the album there are two bonus songs hidden in with the last track, and one of them is another version of this song. The raw emotion in his voice in this version is incredible and it just breaks me apart - as in literally close to tears.
sure, I can accept that we're going nowhere, but one last time let's go there
"We Will Become Silhouettes" - The Postal Service
This one is a little bit slower and softer than some of what I've named here, but still awesome and still quite catchy. Indie pop rock stuff with a great electronic feel too. Also I don't know very many songs that can describe your cells dividing and your body exploding and sound so okay with it.
I've got a cupboard with cans of food, filtered water and picture of you, and I'm not coming out until this is all over
"Build a Bridge" - The Redwalls
Never mind the fact that I was predisposed to like them because of their name, this band actually deserves the liking. I don't know if I really see them as being as Beatle-like as you always hear them described, but either way they're good. This song is my favorite of theirs and usually makes me end up with the chorus on repeat in my head for at least the rest of the day. Also the intro piano bit is extremely reminiscent of Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets."
build a bridge and bring both sides together
"Headlights" - Sean Lennon
This song has really been owning me lately. So fun and catchy. And really makes me want to run through the streets clapping. This song is one of many reasons why I want to punch people in the face when I can tell they only go to see Sean because of his daddy.
so let's hide all the diamonds and cocaine for a rainy day
"Memory" - Sugarcult
I'm sure you all heard this one on the radio a few years back, and it is indeed a good song, but once again it's the acoustic version that I really love. It sounds so great acoustic and it's another one where the singer's voice is so raw and packed with emotion that it tears you in half. If you know and like the song you really need to hear the acoustic version.
so get back, back, back to the disaster, my heart's beating faster, holding on to feel the same
"Heavy Metal Drummer" - Wilco
Another one for the category of songs I always love - I've been in love with this one since junior year of high school, I think. I don't think I could describe it beyond "extremely awesome."
unlock my body and move myself to dance, in the warm liquid, flowing glowing glass
So now I'm going the other way. These are the songs I've been loving lately (plus the songs that I just love all the time). Bear with me, though. This might be surprising coming from someone who lives for music as much as I do, but...I am REALLY bad at describing music. I just can't do it. I can never EVER fit a song or artist into a certain genre, and I usually can't even tell you who they sound like or give you a "if you like so-and-so" comparison. I know I like it and that's about it. I will try my best to describe these songs, but all in all I make no claims of being helpful to you if you're trying to determine if you would like them too.
I'm gonna try to keep this mostly to songs that aren't big hits in hopes of introducing you all to something you haven't heard. And if you go listen to any of them, I'd love to hear what you think of them!
"Different" - Acceptance
This one was an iTunes free track - one of the few of those that I really, really like. Fairly poppy, but that's never something that bothers me. I don't know why this didn't make it as a big hit, but that just goes to show how I don't understand popular music, I guess. Not too fast but still has a nice heavy beat and is fairly upbeat.
it's fine, this isn't Hollywood, so fine, getting in your way
"Sound of Your Voice" - Barenaked Ladies
The version of this that I like is the live, acoustic version from the Glenn Gould Studio. I don't know too much by Barenaked Ladies - I know "One Week" of course and a few others. And don't get me wrong, I *love* "One Week," but this song is everything One Week isn't and it's amazing. I've never heard the normal version; I'm sure I'd like it but it's the acoustic that I really love.
the saying goes there will be other dances, this little song is about second chances
"Apple Candy" - Ben Lee
I originally heard this one in a Skate/Jate/Jawyer triangle video, so for me it will forever make me think of Jawyer with all the "I wanna go where he's been, I want you and I want him" stuff. It's mellow and catchy and awesome - and there's so much emotion in Ben's voice. I think I might guess that if you liked "Chasing Cars" you'd like this one.
'cuz you smell like apple candy, and we're singin' hallelujah, and the edge in your affection broke my skin
"You Must've Fallen" - Ben Taylor
I could really name quite a few of this Ben's songs because I love him so, but this one is one of my favorites. Acoustic and sort of mellow but still fairly fast-paced and very catchy. I love Ben's voice so much - he sounds just like his daddy (dad's James Taylor, fyi). Musically he's sort of similar to his dad's stuff but still undeniably Ben and sort of more modern than his dad.
you must've fallen down from out of the sky when you were too high from flying around
"Tiny Spark" - Brendan Benson
Man oh man I love this song. Power pop at it's best. So ridiculously happy and bouncy and catchy and make you want to get up and dance-y. That's about all I can say about it, it's just so fun.
we were lying in the grass, I was trying, oh, not to laugh!
"Friend is a Four Letter Word" - Cake
Okay, I honestly can't figure out what it is that makes this song so awesome. Somehow the droning low-range vocals just sound really great. That's all I got.
call me morbid or absurd, but to me, coming from you, friend is a four letter word
"Out Here All Night" - Damone
Another iTunes free track that I actually really like. Pop rock stuff, very catchy and bouncy with a nice fast beat. Plus they're a mostly male band with a girl lead singer, and that's always awesome.
if I sounded insecure it's because I wasn't sure you were really there
"The Engine Driver" - The Decemberists
Okay, picking just one Decemberists song to put on this list was tricky, but I didn't want to just fill the whole list with them, since I've really been digging them lately. This one is one of my favorites and also the first one I ever heard. One of those awesome songs that just caught me immediately and I knew I loved it. The Decemberists have a very unique (and very awesome) sound so I don't really know how to describe it beyond that. But oh man, do I love it.
and I am a writer, writer of fictions, I am the heart that you call home
"Henrietta" - The Fratellis
This one falls into the category of songs I always love. A catchier, bouncier song there is not, and I can't resist a Scottish accent. Another one that really just makes you want to get up and dance. And also makes you want to sing along because it's SO FUN. I actually had to get up and dance in the middle of typing this. And as an added bonus it's full of Jon making silly noises.
buy us some shoes and maybe take us for cola, we'll get you there in some filthy big gondola
"Sebrina, Paste and Plato" - Jellyfish
Ridiculously silly and happy and fun and silly. And yes, I said silly twice. Bizarre in a totally adorable way and very very catchy. Makes you want to sing along for sure.
she's a lovetarian, especially in the form of puppies
"The World You Love" - Jimmy Eat World
More fun happy pop rock stuff. Wonderfully fast heavy drumbeat that fits beautifully with vocals that are almost mellow. And the chorus is deliciously happy.
I fall asleep with my friends around me, the only place I know, I feel safe - I'm gonna call this home
"1000 Miles Per Hour" - Ok Go
A little softer than some of Ok Go's stuff but just as awesome. Great road trip song, and will always make me think of Bonnaroo probably (along with a few other songs that have the same impact!).
we'll drive, one thousand miles an hour, we'll fly by wheat fields and water towers
"Jenny Don't Be Hasty" - Paolo Nutini
Not listing every song of Paolo's is quite tricky, as I love him SO SO much. The boy has quickly become my favorite current artist, I think. Once again I fall for the Scottish accent. This song is one of my favorites because it's just so bouncy catchy. I know I'm describing all of these songs with the same words, but that's because that's what usually makes a song really stand out to me. This one's another one that's super fun to sing along with and makes you want to dance and clap.
oh, Jenny, don't be hasty, no, don't treat me like a baby
"Last Request" - Paolo Nutini
Sorry, I couldn't resist sneaking another one in. This is probably my favorite of Paolo's (although it's a tough choice). It's also one that's gotten some radio play, but if you think you've heard it, think again. I love the normal version, but what I really love is the hidden version. On the album there are two bonus songs hidden in with the last track, and one of them is another version of this song. The raw emotion in his voice in this version is incredible and it just breaks me apart - as in literally close to tears.
sure, I can accept that we're going nowhere, but one last time let's go there
"We Will Become Silhouettes" - The Postal Service
This one is a little bit slower and softer than some of what I've named here, but still awesome and still quite catchy. Indie pop rock stuff with a great electronic feel too. Also I don't know very many songs that can describe your cells dividing and your body exploding and sound so okay with it.
I've got a cupboard with cans of food, filtered water and picture of you, and I'm not coming out until this is all over
"Build a Bridge" - The Redwalls
Never mind the fact that I was predisposed to like them because of their name, this band actually deserves the liking. I don't know if I really see them as being as Beatle-like as you always hear them described, but either way they're good. This song is my favorite of theirs and usually makes me end up with the chorus on repeat in my head for at least the rest of the day. Also the intro piano bit is extremely reminiscent of Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets."
build a bridge and bring both sides together
"Headlights" - Sean Lennon
This song has really been owning me lately. So fun and catchy. And really makes me want to run through the streets clapping. This song is one of many reasons why I want to punch people in the face when I can tell they only go to see Sean because of his daddy.
so let's hide all the diamonds and cocaine for a rainy day
"Memory" - Sugarcult
I'm sure you all heard this one on the radio a few years back, and it is indeed a good song, but once again it's the acoustic version that I really love. It sounds so great acoustic and it's another one where the singer's voice is so raw and packed with emotion that it tears you in half. If you know and like the song you really need to hear the acoustic version.
so get back, back, back to the disaster, my heart's beating faster, holding on to feel the same
"Heavy Metal Drummer" - Wilco
Another one for the category of songs I always love - I've been in love with this one since junior year of high school, I think. I don't think I could describe it beyond "extremely awesome."
unlock my body and move myself to dance, in the warm liquid, flowing glowing glass