Posted on

2018 Year End Review

Music has been good to me this year. If you have taken the time to read my blog or just listen to the songs I recommend, thank you. I had the opportunity to attend three great concerts during the year. 

The first was Niall Horan’s Flicker world tour. I received a few laughs from people and a few perplexed looks, mostly because I seemed too old to go to a Niall Horan concert. Was I naive to think the crowd would be a little older since this was a solo gig and not a One Direction concert? Yes, absolutely. I was probably the oldest person there with the exception of the parents who brought their daughters. But, I had the best time because Horan is magical. There were thousands of people packed into a steamy hot amphitheater in Charlotte NC, and he managed to make me feel like I was the only person there.

Next, was Justin Timberlake’s Man of the Woods tour. I traveled from SC to PA to meet up with my sister in law for the concert, and let me tell you, it was worth every single mile. Timberlake is a legend and one of the greatest performers I have ever seen. He danced, he sang, he had a drink, and he connected with people. It felt like I was there to cheer on an old friend just doing his thing. We even managed to snag floor passes which made the experience even better.

Lastly, I made my way to Atlanta to see an up and coming artist named Dermot Kennedy. If you have had a conversation with me in the last year then you have probably heard of him. I cannot stop myself from telling people about his music. I swear Kennedy lifted me up and took me somewhere else for the better part of an hour. He filled a void I did not even know I had. I was elated and my soul was full, but I still felt the sting of sadness as he humbly said thank you and left the stage. He is other worldly and will do great things, of that I have no doubt. 

Music is a gift to all of us, and I will cherish the experiences I had from each show. They were so uniquely different from one another yet all gave me what I needed. I will end this post with a few of my favorites from 2018.

Dermot Kennedy: Mike Dean Presents Dermot Kennedy Mixtape

I was having a really hard day the first time I heard Dermot Kennedy. I genuinely disliked every single new song I played that day, with the exception of one. Kennedy’s “Moments Passed” pulled me in through music, hooked me with his voice, and kept me with lyrics that stimulated my mind. I was so excited when he announced new music. This mixtape is a must listen folks.

Favorite Tune: Couldn’t Tell 

Alec Benjamin: Narrated For You Mixtape 

Alec Benjamin creates beautiful, innocent stories through music. The songs are so honest and meaningful, and the intricacies that he uses in his production is the new pop. 

Favorite Tune: Water Fountain 

Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness: Upside Down Flowers 

McMahon is one of my go to’s musically, and I love his latest album. It really takes you on a journey through his musical life from his days in the band Something Corporate until now. I found myself reminiscing of my college days and had a realization that I have been along for the ride the entire time. Music really is a beautiful thing. 

Favorite Tune: Paper Rain 

J. Cole: KOD

I have to give my husband credit for this one because rap is not a go to for me. Luckily, he only listens to the good stuff. J. Cole’s song “Once an Addict (Interlude)” hit me to the core. I feel so connected to the song because of my own family dynamic. It is real, and it is raw.

Favorite Tune: 1985 (Intro to “The Fall Off”)

Justin Timberlake: Man of the Woods

I had several people tell me that they were unsure if they really liked this album because it was different from his previous work or because it did not sound like Justin Timberlake. I completely understand that, but I also know that Justin Timberlake never sounds like Justin Timberlake. He is ever changing and never limits or labels himself. For me, he is always one or two steps ahead of everyone in terms of creativity. This album is no different. When I heard “Filthy” I knew it was going to be great.

Favorite Tune: Midnight Summer Jam (because I’m from the south and well…have you heard the song?) 

I am excited to see what new music 2019 brings, and I wish you much happiness. 



Posted on

Jack’s Mannequin – The Glass Passenger

Autumn is my favorite season, but unfortunately I am from South Carolina where the crisp air is lacking and can only be replicated by turning down the air conditioner and lighting the biggest apple cinnamon candle known to mankind. Fortunately, I have a handful of artists that give me the autumn feel I crave, and my favorite album to bring out this time of year is The Glass Passenger by Jack’s Mannequin. If I had to pick one album to cradle like a baby, it would be this one. Not only does it aid me in my attempt to make everything more autumn like, but its positive vibe also helped me get through a difficult time. The album comes to life with its honest lyrics, and whether you are listening to the upbeat tunes like “The Resolution” or “Spinning” or  ballads like “Swim” or “Annie Use Your Telescope,” it will leave you with a warm sense of hope.

This month marks the 10th anniversary of The Glass Passenger’s release, the second album of Andrew McMahon’s solo project Jack’s Mannequin. I hope it fills your home, car, or headphones with the feeling of autumn. My favorite tunes are “Annie Use Your Telescope” and “What Gets You Off.” Do you have a favorite autumn album? Let me know in the comments.

Posted on

2017 Year End Review

I have been really excited about music this year. My favorite band, Acceptance, reunited after more than a decade of being disbanded and released a new album, I found several new artists to add to my library, and I started this music blog. Thank you for taking the time to read about the music I love. I have enjoyed sharing these tunes with you. The artist that really stands out to me above all others this year is Irish singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy.  You can read my original blog post about him here.  I have not come across music like this in a while. You know, the kind of music you talk about daily (I think my friends are starting to avoid me). The kind of music you tell everyone about (I would shout it from a mountain top if I could). The kind of music that makes you feel alive in the best possible way (it’s  literally like magic). In all honesty, my standard of quality music has changed since I first heard him a few months ago while washing dishes (yes, hand washing dishes) after a long day. If you do nothing else before the end of 2017, go listen to his music. It will take you on an emotional journey leaving you craving more.

Here are some other artists I have had on repeat during 2017.

Thank you again for taking time out of your day to read these posts. It means a lot to me. I hope 2018 brings you much happiness.

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.