I work nights at the super station...

Hey hey! I heard about a really unique band, so when I checked them out I knew I had to share.

They are called The Wartime Blues. The main song I want to focus on today is Memorial Day 1968.

This is a nice, fun fast-paced song that changes to slow in the middle. Then it picks up. It's just awesome. It has your typical rock instruments but a cello added in. It blends perfectly. I can't help but dance a little in my seat while listening to it!

This band is inspired by pre-war recordings (what war, I'm not sure...), but this gives us a very original style. I haven't heard anything like this before.

Another song I would strongly recommend is Harelip. It's very soulful. And pretty.

And guess what? They aren't on iTunes! But you can hear their songs on the myspace or at SnowGhost Music.

Here's the myspace.

Definitely check these guys out. :)

Yes. It has been over a month.

I think I'll start doing this weekly. But today I was inspired.

We have a cool techno song by Boards of Canada. It's called Dayvan Cowboy.

If you're thinking, "Ew! Techno! Get away!" Listen to this one first before you judge. It's really mellow and makes you want to chill out. Or it might put you in a mood to be a CSI and process evidence...(guess where I first heard this one!)

Anyway, it's very electronic, but it's not obnoxious. And it's available in an iTunes near you!!!

Here's the website.

I will be more consistent with this thing. I'll try posting every Thursday or Friday. :)

Solving machines...

Woot! Two days in a row! Awesome!

Today's song doesn't even have instruments. I know you're thinking, OK, Hollyyo, I'm not listening to a chorus! But alas, it's not. It's Imogen Heap with her song Hide and Seek.

The teens may have heard this song, but don't jump to conclusions. It's definitely something adults can enjoy as well.

The singer sings A Capella, with several electronic harmonies added in. It sounds odd, but listen to the song and you'll know what I mean. It's very eclectic compared to most stuff I've heard. She has a voice that ranges all over the map, it's very interesting to listen to.

Here is the website! It's very pretty.

:) iTunes likes her as well, because you can get her music there.

But soon you won't be so lucky. I have one song up my sleeve that's not available!

Oh you're dead meat.

I'm back to attack!!

So for today, I've got the son of probably the most famous musician in the world. His name is Sean Lennon (Guess who his dad is). His voice is eerily similar to his father's, but his style is incredibly different.

On his album, Friendly Fire, I'm focusing on the song Dead Meat. It's full of imagination and has several different things going on. It feels like a soundtrack to a dream.

It's a great song and a little more fast paced then my previous posts. I would recommend the whole album, especially Would I be the one, Falling out of Love, and Parachute.

Website.

Available on iTunes. Have fun!

I'll be ready for the funeral

Hello buds.

Today's song you may have heard in Kyle XY, Criminal Minds, Numb3rs, One Tree Hill, and a car commercial. Surprisingly not heard on CSI: Miami. :)

It's called The Funeral by Band of Horses.

Sorry, it's another slow song! But this is a good song to listen to while thinking, or while really depressed. That's why it fits so well on these TV shows and the commercial.

Their lead singer recently left, and the new replacement sounds a little teenager-ish, so I wouldn't recommend the second album.

Here is el websito.

I really don't have much else to add about it, but it's a nice song, so check it out!

Soon I should have a fast-paced song. Maybe. Available on iTunes.

Yeah it's been a while

Sorry kids, it's hard to write a blog that no one's reading!

But for my own entertainment, I'll keep writing. :)

This song you may have heard on a few movies such as P.S I love you.

I actually just found out that this song is also in an episode of CSI: Miami. I even have this episode and I didn't realize it....this is so crazy....No wonder I thought I heard that song somewhere...

ANYWAY, it's called Rewind by Paulo Nutini.

Yes, it is another slow song, but this one is so wonderful I couldn't just keep it from you!

It's just a simple guitar, drums, and a few strings, but his singing really ties it together. He's so emotionally involved in the song, it's easy to relate to it whether or not you go "From bar to bar."

He really pulls off the feeling of wanting to back and have things the way they used to be. Whether you've been in this situation or not, this song is a great song to listen to to calm down.

I also just found out he's the creator of the song New Shoes. This song is completely different, it's much more fast paced, but still has a chill vibe about it. You've probably heard this one on TV. It's a lot of fun.

Here's his website.

He's available on iTunes. Naturally. So I recommend both songs. :)


Peace and Love.

I didn't believe in destiny.....

Hola my fellow Americans.

Hope your Fourth was dandy. My dog thought it was.

Today's artist I heard about from a friend, but I heard another song of theirs on CSI:Miami.....naturally. I can't help it, the songs they use are always good.

So, who are they? I'd say it's Aqualung. Yeah, you might have heard of them. But they need to be in my spotlight regardless.

The main song I wanna look at is Something to Believe In. This is on their 2007 album, Memory Man.

This song has a Coldplay feel to it. Only it doesn't sound like all of Coldplay's songs. It's almost ethereal-like, but not too fantastic.

The mood of this song is a kind of sad with a little bit of hope mixed in. Which is why it fit so well on the show, being that it was the finale, and everyone has to look emotional then.

I can't even tell you what instruments he uses, but what I can pick out is the drums, a harsh electric guitar, and a bass. I think there's some synths and a harp or something in there.

So if you're feeling like you have a season finale in your life, this is a good song to listen to. I know most of the songs I feature are kinda slow and somber, but I'll try and pick it up.

Here's the website. They have a blog too. :) This makes me happy.

Totally available on iTunes as well. Better watch out though, one of my future spotlights won't be available there. What will we do? Cry.

Anyway, this song is a must-have. So go out and get it!!!!

Yes, It is the Fourth. No, I have no life.

Ok you guys, sorry I skipped yesterday, I was pretty busy.

I found this song on the House M.D. soundtrack. It's hard not to smile when listening to this feel-good song.
What is it? Why, it's called See the World by Gomez.

It's also on their 2006 album, How We Operate.

It has a "happy" sounding guitar with of course the drums, bass and piano. There's some other string in there, but I can't really point out what it is.

There's a nice calm beat while the singer is belting about seeing the world and finding an old-fashioned girl. It has a Van Morrison feel to it when the other singers start to sing,"shalalalalalalalalala"

This is a good song to listen to while on a road trip and everyone else in the car is asleep. :) Perhaps while looking at a sunset and trees...

Ladies and Gentlemen, they are on iTunes. Naturally.

I would suggest getting the title song, How We Operate, as well. It's completely different, but totally original and fun. It's one to listen to while concentrating.

Here's their website. They have a blogspot blog!!! :)

I know it's really short today, but it's Independence Day, give me a break!

Step into the night

Gotta love the daily blogging. Hope all you silent non-commenters are doing well!

So to keep your music neediness satisfied, I've got yet another one for you today.

Today's spotlight is on The Shins' song, Saint Simon.

This song is on the 2003 album, Chutes Too Narrow.

This song makes you feel the mood of sarcasm almost. The electric guitar pops in a cord every second beat, so the singing and bass guitar really set the tune. There's also so many words, it's almost like the singer is speaking the lyrics.

It may sound like this song is fast paced, and by definition it is, but it has a more lazy "feel" to it. There's one part where the background vocals are just saying, Lalalalalalalalala... But during that part the drums are still pounding the semi-fast beat.
They somehow manage to make it fit with the song in a unique way though.

It's one of those songs that makes you feel creative, like a few of my other posts. It's probably good to listen to when painting or drawing.

I know this one is shorter than yesterday's, but it's a little difficult to write 12 paragraphs about one song!

Click here for their website. It's pretty creative compared to others I've seen. By the way, all their music is available on my favorite invention of all time.....iTunes.
If you don't have it, GET IT.

More tomorrow!

Mucho love,
Hollyyo

Oh the text book hippie man!

'Allo my 2 fans! We'll grow, I'll just throw water and sunlight at my computer screen......just wait.

OK, so today we have a very interesting guy by the name of Ben Folds. I actually discovered him by looking through one of those celebrity playlists on iTunes.

This artist doesn't use a large variety of instruments like my previous features. His main thing is the piano, which he is extremely talented in. Of course, the standard guitars, drums, and bass is used eventually. There's a hint of a symphony in one of the songs.

The album of the day is Rockin' the Suburbs, released in 2001. There are two songs from this record I would like to focus on.

The first song I listened to was The Ascent of Stan. The piano riff in the beginning absolutely amazing. I don't know how people can play that fast with so many different notes.....
It's a very original song, changing pace and mood smoothly. The lyrics don't make 100% sense, but it's a rarity when they do anyway. There's a great beat to it that makes you excited to listen and it helps you 'have fun' with the song. It has that Mozart effect, making you feel smarter after listening to it.

The next one is named The Luckiest. This one is a little more morose. His singing and strings in the background are what really makes the melody. The slow piano contributes to the mood. The sound of his obvious sadness mixed in with the symphony feels like a sad part in a Disney movie, which might make you feel sad yourself. Nonetheless, it's a great song to listen to when you want to calm down and think about life. Or if you just want to listen to pretty music, it's good for that too. :)

He is available on iTunes, so I recommend both of these songs. There's a couple on the album that I'm not a huge fan of, but if you have time, check them out. Everyone has a different taste.

Here's his website.

If you're looking for biographical info, then try Wikipedia.

Sorry it's a little short today!

I have a few maybes for tomorrow. So get ready!

Comments=happiness

Mama told me....

Get ready to bob your head to this one. I can barely type right now cause I'm dancing too much.

This next artist is about as colorful and interesting as his CD cover. His name is Mika. And his debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion, is a must-have. If you're looking for a disc where each song is completely different from each other, this is for you. It's hard to listen to the tracks and not bop around in time with the constant beat.

The beat. At first listen, it may sound like just another teenage techno artist, but hang on a little longer, and you will realize it actually contributes to the creativity. Not all the songs have this head-bobbing rhythm though. A few, such as Any Other World and Happy Ending are slower and more emotional.

However, his music is surprisingly creative. Main instruments are the guitar and piano, but don't let that fool you. In the different songs, various things are used, like violins and choirs. Trumpets are used occasionally as well. The singers in most of the songs also use a great harmony, especially in Happy Ending.

One of my favorites is Lollipop. He adds in the Spoon Orchestra of Chiswick in this. It is a bunch of children, but it's not that obnoxious child-singing that we so often hear today. This song has so much going on it's hard to determine every instrument that's used. I can pick out the drums of course, but there's a bass, piano, and various horns. But it's great, and has a good message to it. Lollipop explains that one shouldn't go 'looking' for love. Instead, you should wait for it to happen, or you will just get youself down. Some songs, like Billy Brown and Big Girl (You are Beautiful) are good, but the subject matter is pretty silly.

He is from Europe, so that would probably explain his different style.

Many of the songs have speaking parts. They fit, but it's not what you would expect.

So check out this CD if you're having a creativity withdrawal. I get that whenever I turn on the TV and see today's music videos...ugh....

If you're wanting just a few songs though, my top picks would be Grace Kelly, Lollipop, and Happy Ending.

Click for his website. It's fun to click around on.

Have fun! And tune in tomorrow! I think I'm gonna be able to do this every weekday because I just love you that much. Leave comments or suggestions por favor!

How Do You Pronounce It?

Well, I couldn't wait a few days to make this post because this artist has got to be the most original I have ever heard. So I'm really excited about this one!

His name is Sufjan Stevens. The main album of his that we are focusing on today is the 2005 record, Come on Feel The Illinoise! The entire album is inspired by the state of Illinois (one of my favorite places on Earth). This record is extremely complex, with 22 songs. Many are 20-second fillers, but they fit in with the song before and the song after it. The whole CD is like listening to one long symphony because, though as unique and original as each song is, they all mesh to form one story progressing. My dad describes it as "quirky."

There's a cornucopia of instruments, sounds, and voices laced within each song. Favorites include piano, trumpets, and various strings. He also uses chimes, hand-clapping, and a flute.

Some things he uses, such as the use of voice and piano, are used very subtly but carry a huge feeling behind them. Others, such as trumpets, are played loudly to contrast the softness. But each carry the same amount of feeling and meaning. An electric guitar is used to full potential in The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts.The song then reverts back to his peaceful,hypnotic voice and silent choir. Next it goes back to the guitar AND the choir. The rest of the song keeps changing pace and mood throughout. But it all goes together perfectly.

Each song is widely different, with various moods as well. The record starts out fast and exciting, then as the songs go on it becomes slow and somber. Then once again, through the filler songs, it picks up the pace again. It's as if Sufjan goes through every mood that a human can possibly feel. The songs can also make you feel a mood you may have never felt before. There's always the basic feelings: mad, sad, glad. But he explores the complexity of how our species work, by communicating all of those in between moods you didn't know you had.

This album does capture the whole vibe of Illinois, including songs about lesser-known places, such as Peoria and Decatur.

My favorite though, would have to be either Chicago or The Predatory Wasp of The Palisades is Out To Get Us! The latter is the most amazing and complex song I've ever heard. It's hard to believe someone could make a song so eclectic, yet meshable. (yes I made up a word)

I recommend buying the CD at the store though. If you want to buy all the 20 second fillers on iTunes go ahead. But if you don't, then you are missing essential pieces to fit this complex puzzle.
It's a great album to listen to while driving for a long time or writing a paper.

Here's his website.
Well, technically it's his label's website, but look on the right for a list of their artists and you can find him.

Somehow, a group of kids managed to sing it A Capella, making instrument noises as well.
Click here to view the video.

SO, have fun, it's a great album and I know you'll enjoy it.

Please comment! If you have any suggestions, just throw them out there.

P.S. it's pronounced Soofyan for those who were wondering :)

FIRST!!

HELLO all. This is my first blog! *Throws confetti and pops open a soda...pop*

Party time.

So, first things first, who will the spotlight be on for my first post?????

Well ladies and gentlemen, today's group is Unkle Bob. Particularly their somber song, One By One.

You may have heard of them, I don't know. I first heard this song on CSI: Miami, and HAD to find it. It fit the scene extremely well. And I love CSI so it works.

This one is really great to listen to when you're in a bad mood. Whether your pet died or you spilled some milk, it's perfect for when you just don't feel like being happy.
It might sound like I'm putting it in a negative context, but I'm not.

The band is insanely original, and they know it.

It starts out with the lead, Rick Webster, singing very gently with a soft guitar and then piano. There's a couple places where it gets a little louder, but it fits. There;s also a part that sounds like a whole chorus is singing along. They all sound sad, so that helps.

As I was checking out the website, I found another very original and more fast-paced song, called Birds And The Bees. It has a wonderful harmony at the beginning. I strongly recommend it. Has a very modern banjo sound that helps contribute to the mood of this song.

Most of their songs are slow-ish, but that's their style of music. Some of them are so pretty they make you want to cry just because they sound so nice. Well, it happens to me.

So, if you're feeling mellow or creative or lonely, these are songs you must have. Both of them are on their debut album, Sugar and Spite, which IS available on iTunes.

Here's their website. Be careful, it plays a song when you visit the site, and it scared the crap out of me.

:) Have fun. More later in the week! I already know who my next spotlight is, so tune in!

Well, this is the internet so I guess I should say log on? I don't know, just check back within the next few days.