Posted on

The Rocket Summer – Christmas Madness EP

With Christmas only seven days away I have decided to share one of my favorite Christmas EPs, Christmas Madness by The Rocket Summer. Listening to this EP has been a Christmas must since it surfaced back in 2013. It consists of three original songs and one cover. It is hard for me to pick a favorite song because together they give you everything you need during the holidays.   Have you ever felt like Christmas time drives you a little mad? Listen to “Christmas Madness.” Have you ever felt like Santa and his little helpers are really just creepers watching you when you are sleeping or awake? There is a song for that. Just listen to “Elf Creep.” Does going home for Christmas give you “all the feels?” Then you might like “Grapevine Christmas Eve.”  Or,  do you just like a good ole traditional Christmas song? The Rocket Summer has that covered with the end track “O Holy Night.”

So, press pause on NSYNC (the Christmas album bible), Pentatonix, Mariah Carey, SIA, Hanson, and any of your other Christmas musts and give this EP a listen.

Posted on

Atlas: One – Sleeping At Last Single

About a month ago I heard the single “Atlas: One” by Sleeping At Last.  At the time, I remember thinking that it was one of the most beautiful songs I had ever heard. Now, fast forward a week after having the song on pause. I went painting with a friend as we often do from time to time. It is one of my new favorite things to do because it is so relaxing and allows me to get outside of my own mind for a bit. After this much needed relaxing night ended I thought about the beautiful song I heard the week before and quickly pulled it up to listen to on the way home. Again, it was just as beautiful. The song ends with the lyric “grace requires nothing of me,” and it really resonated with me.  It is so true and so easy to forget.

I was really curious as to why the song is titled “Atlas: One” so I decided to do a little research on the band and found out that the singer/songwriter behind the solo project, Ryan O’Neal, started a podcast. I have listened to a couple of his podcasts and his speaking voice is every bit as soothing as his singing voice.

In all honesty, I do not think I have ever been this impressed by an artists creativity. He is working on a project that he calls “Atlas” that incorporates everything about life. “Atlas: One” is the first single in the next section of this project which dives into the Enneagram (personality types), and this song was written for individuals who identify as a type one.  If you are interested in learning more about the Enneagram and what type you are O’Neal discusses it in episode 4 of the Sleeping At Last podcast here. He also breaks down the song and shares his inspiration behind the lyrics and music.

After looking into the Enneagram further, I definitely identify as a type one. Could that be why this song resonates with me so much? Maybe so.

Posted on

Back Through the Lens – The Brook & The Bluff Single

There are weeks when my new music playlist updates and I am unimpressed. Last week was not one of those weeks. Most of the songs were good but “Back Through the Lens” by The Brook & The Bluff was my favorite tune. I do not feel like you can place this Alabama based band into one genre. When the song started I prepared myself for a country tune but that quickly changed when I heard the velvety voice of lead singer, Joseph Settine. He makes singing seem effortless and changed my opinion of the genre to classic rock with a bit of a jazzy undertone.

The song reminded me of the first time I went to a jazz club while in college. I loved the atmosphere. It was classy and the music was beautiful and relaxing. And, that is exactly how you will feel after listening to this band, relaxed.

The Brook & The Bluff have another single out titled “Rush” that is fantastic. I have had both songs on repeat for a few days. I hope they stick around and keep making new tunes. Enjoy!

Posted on

Acceptance – Colliding By Design

When I was in college my roommate and I bought tickets to see the punk rock band Yellowcard. Little did I know I would walk away that night completely enamored by their opening act Acceptance. I remember the night fairly well. I was at New Brookland Tavern, a local bar and music venue in Columbia, SC, eagerly awaiting Yellowcard. When Acceptance took the stage it was like pure magic. Never in my life have I enjoyed live music that much. Jason Vena, lead singer of Acceptance, is by far my favorite vocalist. He is absolutely incredible. Like the heavens open when he opens his mouth incredible. You might chuckle here or think I am exaggerating. I assure you, I am not.

Shortly after they released their debut album Phantoms in 2005 they disbanded. I was so devastated when I heard the news but always held on to some hope that they would one day reunite. Periodically I searched for anything new, and it always led to disappointment until late last year when I found out the band was back together and would soon release their next album. I am not joking when I say this was one of the best days of my life. I am talking birth of my children best day, wedding day best day and all the other life changing days of ones life. I was on cloud nine.

So what do I think of the new album Colliding By Design, that was released in February 2017 by this amazing Seattle based band? I love it! I really enjoy the 80’s rock vibe throughout each song on this album. I do not even want to pick favorites because I think every song is incredible, but I will say that I have a soft spot for the tune “Goodbye.” Enjoy listening to this album, and if you like it, I hope you are lucky enough to see them live one day.

Posted on

Red Red Wine – UB40

Why am I posting about a song from 1983? Because it is my favorite song of all time. Honestly, I am not a huge reggae fan. I like it, but I know of very few reggae artists. I remember being a child, probably around 7 or 8 years old, and seeing the music video for this tune. I fell in love with everything about it from the black and white recording to the smoke filled bar scenes. I am not a smoker or drinker, but I have always enjoyed a good bar atmosphere.  Embarrassingly enough, I think lead singer Ali Campbell was the first man (like, way too old for me man)  I found attractive. Go ahead, make fun of me. I deserve it.

Until a week ago I had no reason to think “Red Red Wine” belonged to anyone other than UB40. It was the only version I had ever heard. To my surprise, this song was originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond in 1967. When I found out I could not believe it! My favorite song of ALL TIME is actually a cover! I am not going to lie, I felt a bit disappointed when I discovered this information. It felt like my entire life was a big lie (this might be a slight exaggeration). No worries though. I pulled up the video shortly after and fell in love all over again.

Do you have an all time favorite song? What is it? Leave it in the comments below, and I’ll give it a listen.

Posted on

Niall Horan – Flicker

Niall Horan’s debut album Flicker came out ten days ago! Have you taken the time to give it a good listen? If not, then you are missing out on something great. I posted about him a few weeks ago when he released  “Too Much to Ask,” his third single off the album and began my countdown to the release of Flicker. It has a classic rock/folk-pop sound with a dash of country. Flicker went #1 in the U.S. this week leaving me with some serious proud mom vibes for this former One Direction singer. The album starts with the classic rock track “On The Loose.” With the exception of “Seeing Blind,” a collaboration done with country singer Maren Morris, the next four tracks should seem pretty familiar because radio stations are in love with them. If you are a John Mayer fan, you will most likely love “Paper Houses,” “Since We’re Alone,” and “You And Me.” The title track of the album is absolutely beautiful and delicately produced.

I watched all the songs live via YouTube and love “The Tide,” “Own My Own,” and “Mirrors.” I was convinced they would be my favorites on the album, but I am really impressed by the studio versions of “Since We’re Alone,” “Flicker,” and “Fire Away.”  I am not implying Horan performs those songs bad live nor am I implying the studio versions of my favorite live tunes are lacking. It just boils down to personal preference.

If you like a modern classic rock or folk-pop-country sound you will love this album. Go ahead, give it a good listen. I promise you will not regret it!

Posted on

Don’t You Cry For Me – Cobi Single

Let me just start by saying, this guy can saaanng! I first heard the Minnesota native a few weeks ago when his song “Nobody Opened the Door” was added to one of my playlists. I was unsure of it in the beginning, but the powerful ending of the song quickly changed my mind. I did a bit of research and found the song “Don’t You Cry For Me” that he released in 2016.  This song is amazing, and I like it a bit more than the first song I heard. If you like a bit of R&B and soul in your music then you will like Cobi. This is not typically the type of music I have a taste for, but I have spent the last three weeks going back to this song several times.

He released his EP Songs From the Ashes, Pt 1 in September of 2017.

Posted on

Israel Cannan – Lost & Found EP

I heard about Australian singer/songwriter Israel Cannan in January or February of this year.  I started following Australian actor Nathaniel Buzolic on Instagram in late 2016 (my fellow supporters of the tv show The Originals know who I am talking about). He is a fantastic actor and photographer, and he has a very positive outlook on life. To my surprise, he also shares good tunes from time to time. He suggested to give Cannan’s new single “Home” a listen. I absolutely love it! I then went on to listen to his latest EP Lost & Found. Cannan’s music is so relaxing and makes me want to go to the beach late in the evening, start a campfire, and just chill. Is a fire on the beach even legal? No clue, but it sounds nice.

I have gone back to this EP and the new single “Home” several times this year, and it is just too good not to share. My favorite tune is “Out to Sea.”

Posted on

My “Go To” Bands

Now that I have posted about a few new artists I love, I think it is important to write about the bands that help me get through this thing called life. You know, my “go to” bands. The tried and true.

The Rocket Summer: This is Texas native Bryce Avary’s solo project. I first heard of this indie rocker from a friend in 2005. I became intrigued when I was told Avary not only wrote and produced his album, but that he also played every instrument on the album.  At the time, Avary had just released his sophomore album Hello, Good Friend. Since then, he has released the albums Do You Feel, Of Men and Angels, Life Will Write The Words, and Zoetic. I love every song on every album. The last 12 years of my life have been so much better with The Rocket Summer in it. I remember having a bit of the mommy blues after my pregnancies, and I literally could not listen to anything else. Avary’s music makes me so happy, and I am so grateful for it.

Jack’s Mannequin/Andrew McMahon: Andrew McMahon has been part of a few different music acts. He was a vocalist in the rock band Something Corporate then moved on to his solo project Jack’s Mannequin and is currently doing his thing under the name Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.  I first heard of him while watching an episode of One Tree Hill (one of the best shows ever made) in my college dorm room. The song “Dark Blue” by Jack’s Mannequin started playing and I thought (and still think) it was incredible. I have followed his career ever since that day. Every album he releases is great. He is so talented, and his life story is amazing. If you have a minute (or an hour) go watch Dear Jack, a documentary about McMahon’s life. Have your tissues ready. I can not imagine this world without his music.

 

Posted on

Every Day’s the Weekend – Alex Lahey Single

I came across this gem of a song the other day and love it. I was immediately transported back in time to the year 1999 at the tender age of 14 when I wanted to be cool like Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. This song would definitely be on the soundtrack of her life. It has an angry girl rock vibe that you will love to love or love to hate.

Australian indie rocker Alex Lahey released her debut album I Love You Like a Brother October 6, 2017. Go check out the song “Every Day’s the Weekend.” It will make your day a whole lot better.