Typhoon

Is it the moments that make us love the music or the music that makes us love the moments?

I wondered this in years past, but now I realize it doesn't matter. The moments and the music are woven together. The fabric they make is wrapped around my heart and my memory.

Typhoon was introduced to me one evening a couple weeks ago after making a delicious dinner at home with a beautiful friend of mine. I adore her. And moments with her. We've shared so much of our lives with one another in the past decade or so (that's what happens when you're in college, still trying to figure out life and love and God and yourself). We often share music with one another. Have you heard of ____? Oh, you've GOT to hear this. Just this one song. I know you'll love it.

It was within 15 minutes of hearing "Prosthetic Love" that she and I bought tickets to see them live. In Omaha. On a Tuesday night.

Typhoon - White Lighter Out 8/20/2013 on Roll Call Records www.WeAreTyphoon.com

Typhoon - White Lighter Out 8/20/2013 on Roll Call Records www.WeAreTyphoon.com

"Dreams of Cannibalism" from Typhoon's album "White Lighter" Get the single @ iTunes: http://bit.ly/17BFs6a Buy the album @ iTunes: http://bit.ly/1206TTK Album out 8/20/2013 on Roll Call Records www.WeAreTyphoon.com

Hey Now

I have learned that when I hear a song from a new band, I will very likely only end up liking that one track. Maybe two tracks. And it makes me sad. I want their entire album to be as incredible as the single I like so much. And that rarely happens. But I finally picked up London Grammar's full album "If You Wait" today, and I'm very glad I did. Because it's great. Start to finish. Good for the soul. And so on...

Our 'Hey Now' EP is out now: http://po.st/HeyNow Our debut album 'If You Wait' is out now! Vinyl: http://po.st/IfYouWaitLP iTunes: http://po.st/IfYouWait CD: http://po.st/IfYouWaitCD http://londongrammar.com https://twitter.com/londongrammar https://facebook.com/londongrammar

Vance Joy / Young the Giant

I am still giddy about the show I was able to shoot on Wednesday. Still. It was a killer show to wittiness and even more killer (killer-er?) to photograph.

If you don't know either of these incredibly talented music-makers, it's time you were introduced to both of them.

God Loves You When You’re Dancing EP on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/glywyd

Young the Giant is a band that has meticulously written and crafted songs together for three years, lived out of shared bedrooms and messy suitcases for two years, and hopped on and off of planes, buses, vans, cars and their beloved bicycles for over one full year, having played more than 160 shows in the past 365 days on 3 different continents.

Coffee

Ok, Sylvan. You had me at "Coffee." And your awesome name. And you kept me with your beat. And amazing voice. And gorgeous lyrics.

There's so much to be said for subtlety. The silence among the sounds. The smiles so soft that they remain mostly invisible.

That's what this song gives to me.

'Coffee/Dress' 12" out March 25, 2014. Pre-order vinyl: http://shop.partisanrecords.com/products/coffee-12 iTunes: http://www.smarturl.it/sylvanesso Debut album coming May 2014. blog.sylvanesso.com www.twitter.com/SylvanEsso www.facebook.com/SylvanEsso www.soundcloud.com/sylvanesso

Jacaranda Tree

I've had an amazing day. I didn't realize it until about 10:30 this evening, but that's ok. Sometimes it's the soundtrack for a perfect winter night that allows you a moment to pause and reflect upon the day to see how beautiful it has been. Even though I woke up with a sick toddler (sick toddlers have bad attitudes, you know). And even though I spent the majority of the day trying, and failing, to get work done around the house. And even though I lost my temper with the aforementioned child. And even though I didn't have a chance to make myself a cup of coffee. 

Even though. It turned out pretty amazing. Because of the simple things.

Today was my parents' anniversary. This is the day I look back upon as the moment my family was made complete by a man who chose to become my dad. A great deal of who and where I am today is attributed to the promise that was made between two people on February 17, 1990. I am beautifully blessed to have them as my parents.

I spent the evening at church with a small group of people who have become very dear to me in recent months, discussing some of the challenges of being a modern day believer. I don't speak about my faith much because I feel it's still shaping me. I'm still examining it and scrutinizing the mysteries of a higher power. But it was fulfilling to come home with more knowledge; a slightly new perspective. And more questions I want to explore.

The boys went to sleep. I booked FOUR weddings as a second shooter with two different wedding photographers I highly admire. I tried--and very much enjoyed--a new beer. I sat at my computer editing photos that I'm really proud of, listening to music that feeds my soul. And amid a playlist of great songs, I realized that this has been a great day. I think the track that really captured me was this most beautiful, amazing song by the incredibly talented Josh Garrels. Take to your heart a few of my favorite lyrics...

We wait for downpours
a drenching joy, a carnival sky.

All things will change.
We wait for the rain, and the promise remains.

I pray light will leak from our pockets.
We'll be drenched, overcome.
At night the fireflies, streamers at our sides,
silent flaming arcs of hope.

Listen to Odu Cruz / Josh Garrels - Jacaranda Tree | Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio.

Thunder Clatter

One of my New Year's resolutions (I just decided this as I started this blog post) is to find more "driving music." In case you don't know the extremely strict rules of classifying good driving music, here are the requirements:

1.  It must include a great bass line. This bass line must compel you to move your shoulders. At the very least.
2. It must be fast enough to make you drive a liiiiiiiitle bit faster without realizing it. Cops love when you listen to music like this, so keep that in mind.
3.  There must be at least one great opportunity to clap your hands for about 10-15 seconds. Do this while at a stoplight only, of course.
4.  The lyrics must be at least 60% understandable. The other 40% is easy enough to make up, and if you turn the volume up loud enough, as you certainly should, no one else in the car (or nearby cars) will realize that you're completely jacking up the words.
5.  It must somehow magically sound better with the windows rolled down (below highway speeds, that is). Only a small percentage of songs pass this requirement.

Note: Requirement #5 can be omitted in the dead of winter, but as soon as the temperature rises above 55 degrees fahrenheit, this requirement must be tested using a method I call "Air in the Hair, Heat on the Feet" during which the driver blasts the heat on the floor vents, but rolls the windows down. It's a method I highly recommend in the spring and fall.

From the debut LP "Youth" out 1/21/14 via Mom+Pop. Buy on iTunes --> http://smarturl.it/ThunderClatterWC?IQid=soundcloud Facebook: http://fb.com/wildcubmusic Twitter: http://twitter.com/wildcubmusic Webiste / Free Download: http://wildcubmusic.com Cover photo by: Mariam Sitchinava Label: http://momandpopmusic.com

Come Alive (feat. Toro y Moi)

One of the disadvantages of being married to an "extreme athlete" is having to watch hours and hours of BMX and snowboarding videos. I have endured over a decade of this. I can't complain too much, really. I'm usually entertained by and amazed at the incredible skills that these daring people around the world have. Mainly, balance. I've discovered after breaking my left collar bone three times (skiing, snowboarding, and sledding, if you must know), that gravity and I just don't work well together. 

Anyway.

One of the key benefits of being forced to watch hundreds of hours of tricks and falls is that, roughly 18% of the time, the folks that make these BMX and snowboarding videos have really good taste in music. Several years ago, I discovered Chromeo (as well as John Vanderslice, The Colour, and a few others I can't recall) by sitting through some of these videos like the good girlfriend/wife that I was/am. Although Chromeo doesn't fall within the fairly predictable standards of my typical playlists, I need a little funky-electro-fun in my ears every now and then. And I just heard that they have a new track with the equally awesome Toro y Moi. So check it out!

Listen to Come Alive (feat. Toro y Moi) by Chromeo | Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio.

You are Mine

An iPod on shuffle in your car is a gorgeous thing. The mp3 gods often have a way of selecting the right song for the right moments in your life. For example, if it's 4:00 in the morning and your husband is driving you to the hospital as you're in labor with your second child, the songs that play themselves end up having a little more meaning. So when you pull out of the driveway, and Mutemath's "You are Mine" is the first song to come on, it's pretty magical.

Today's Anthem is dedicated to all of my boys: my husband, Kyle, our awesome three-year-old, Nathan, and our beautiful two-week-old son, Samuel. You are mine.

Listen to tomu7a / Mute Math - You Are Mine | Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio.

From Nowhere

Dan Croll is here to give you some happy beats on this cloudy day.

'From Nowhere' Debut Single from Dan Croll Out NOW via Racquet Records on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/from-nowhere-remixes-ep/id562480455 Available on 7" from our online shop: http://dancroll.bigcartel.com and the following stores: Rough Trade, London (East & West) // Banquet Records, Kingston // Picadilly Records, Manchester // Bold Street Coffee, Liverpool // Probe Records, Liverpool Video: http://youtu.be/KYdB3rectmc?hd=1 Written and Performed by Dan Croll Produced and Mixed by Joe Wills Drums by Fabian Prynn Mastered by 2496 Mastering, Robin Schmidt Artwork by Leif Podhajsk www.dancroll.com

Dark Storm

This is simply an awesome, beautiful song worth sharing. I hope you'll take a few minutes to check it out.

Civilian

I'm just going to go ahead and say it: counting down the days until autumn is by far the best thing about summer. 

And some songs are just more suitable for cool, fall weather, like this gorgeous 60-degree Kansas City day. Songs like Wye Oak's "Civilian" just makes me want to set up a playlist of similarly gorgeous sounds, snuggle up by the fire pit, and enjoy some warm apple cider. And not be eaten alive by mosquitos, or start sweating within seconds of going outside, etc.

Autumn, I love you. Wye Oak, I love you too. And together, you are most beautiful. 

Download this track for free on www.cityslang.com!

Let it In

Sometimes you just need a catchy anthem with nice vocals, clean guitars, good bass, and a little cowbell. No - not MORE cowbell. Just a little. Just the right amount. And maybe a wind instrument sneaking in there along the way. If that's what you're looking for, Sam Roberts Band has delivered exactly what you need.

Let It In E.P

Local Natives

As far as I can tell, Local Natives can do no wrong.  Here are just a few tracks that I'll present to back up my assertion.

Listen to Heavy Feet by Local Natives | Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio.

Listen to You & I by Local Natives | Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio.

Gorilla Manor

Pendulum

Hipsters can't fall in love without a soundtrack. And I think this song would probably be track 3 or 4 on the make-out mix tape. Or mix CD. Or playlist.

Anyway, have yourself a listen. And fall in love. 

From the album, Moon Tides, available August 19 (UK) / August 20 (US). iTunes: http://smarturl.it/moontides www.purebathingculture.com www.facebook.com/purebathingculture www.twitter.com/PureBathingCult www.purebathingculture.tumblr.com Pre-Order Moon Tides (US): http://bit.ly/13C2inN Pre-Order Moon Tides (UK): http://bit.ly/14oCdeB

Driftwood: A Fairy Tale

It's a great day for a bit of a throwback. Thanks to my iPod playing random tunes, I have been reunited with this great track from Cursive. Cursive will always hold a place in my heart as they served my need for impressive, unique rock music as a teenager transitioning from high school to the interesting, changing world that was college.

This track is, in my opinion, among four or five solid tracks from their 2003 release "The Ugly Organ" which followed their start-to-finish fantastic album "Domestica." Give either or both of them a listen if you're looking for some rock music that features killer vocals and creative lead guitar riffs.

Listen to Cursive / Driftwood- A Fairy Tale | Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio.

1957

I love Pandora. It may be the greatest website and concept ever. Except, of course, for www.anthem-photo.com. Obviously that's a pretty amazing one.

Hey, what would you call shameless self-promotion WITHIN the tool you use for self-promotion? Meta-self-promotion? Just plain silliness? 

Anyway, I have Pandora to thank for introducing me to Milo Greene. Maybe you'll enjoy their sounds too.
 
www.milogreene.com
www.facebook.com/MiloGreene

They have Twitter account, as well. But I don't use Twitter, so I don't recognize or support its existence.

Listen to Milo Greene / 1957 | Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio.

Your Life, Your Call

Treat your ears to some Junip, my friends! 

"Your Life, Your Call", from upcoming self-titled Junip album, out this Spring on City Slang in Europe and Mute Records in North America.

All at Once

Here's a lovely little tune from Big History. It makes me do little head-bobbing torso dances while I sit at my computer editing photos. I hope it makes you dance too.

Big History's first EP!

In a Sweater Poorly Knit

I am thrilled that I had a chance to see another aaaaaah-mazing show from MewithoutYou over the weekend as they stopped at the Granada with the fantastic and lovely Rocky Votolato, and a pretty decent band called Auctioneer. These guys are incredibly talented musicians and lyricists who put on a wonderful show. I was a bit upset that they didn't play my favorite song, but considering it's several years old and they have a wide collection of great songs, I didn't pout. But I had to listen to it after the show to console myself. And I decided to post it on here for those of you who may not be familiar with it.

I was admittedly not a huge fan of MewithoutYou until they released "Brother, Sister" in 2006.  This album is phenomenal, and this track in particular gave me those good-song goosebumps for the first three hundred times I heard it because of the incredibly unique lyrics. Some of my favorites:

You're a door without a key, a field without a fence.
You made a holy fool of me, and I've thanked you ever since.
And if she comes circling back, we'll end where we'd begun
Like two pennies on the train track; the train crushed into one.

But if I'm a crown without a king, if I'm a broken, open seed,
If I come without a thing, then I come with all I need.
No boat out in the blue, no place to rest your head.
The trap I set for you seems to have caught my leg instead.

Listen to mewithoutYou / In A Sweater Poorly Knit | Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio.

The Mother We Share

What's the best thing about the start of summer? If you ask me, it's the knowledge that autumn is only three months away. But the second-best thing for me is the growing desire to listen to electro-pop music instead of the softer sounds that I tend to enjoy throughout the rest of the year.

Chvrches is a group I highly recommend looking into if you like synth/electric/pop/awesome female vocals. Check 'em out if you haven't done so already!
 
WARNING: This track features a four-letter word at 2:13 that some audiences might find offensive. So I don't recommend blasting it at your cubicle or playing it for your kiddos.

Debut album The Bones Of What You Believe out Sept. 23 (N. America - Sept. 24). Pre-order here (UK): http://po.st/TBOWYBAmz http://chvrch.es/ https://facebook.com/CHVRCHES https://twitter.com/chvrches http://chvrches.tumblr.com/