I never thought I would have a "real blog." Well, now I do, and I'm going to fill it with stuff I like. Let's kick it off with some music, shall we?
Ladies and gents, I present to you my 2015 Spring Fever playlist:
Everyone gets a bit weird when spring rolls around. It's all good; I dig a little crazy. So here's a taste of my current favorite tunes for the season, new & old, whether you're in need of a long car ride with songs to break your speakers or beats for a productive spring cleaning on a sweaty Sunday. Do your thang, honey.
Some highlights for ya:
My Morning Jacket - Spring (Among The Living)
Pardon how easily literal this song is, but it just fit the mood so well. Plus, it's new My Morning Jacket! Get yourself some nice speakers/headphones to do this song justice. I'm too excited for their new stuff if it's going to be anything like this. That is all.
The Cure - Just Like Heaven
A classic. I'm a sucker for peppy songs with heartbreaking lyrics. The Cure is perfect for clearing any emotional fog. Had to throw this one in the mix.
The Vaccines - Post Break-Up Sex
The Vaccines are just the essence of carefree, sunny days for me. "Post Break-Up Sex" so wonderfully emanates the angsty, resigned attitude of which they explore the true depth so well. Not to mention, the music itself creates a kind of apathetically desperate wall of sound, covered in a repetitive chaos – in the best of ways. Super fun to yell along to in the car.
Pixies - Here Comes Your Man
Another 80's classic (I always associate them with the 90's, but this was an '89 release) (how young do I sound?? Like, who cares what I think; I was barely an infant). Teasing, flirtatious, and a little bit sad, the Pixies's breakout hit is a total chill-out standard & everyday crowd-pleaser (fun facts: this song is actually about an earthquake). Let us never forget its appearance in (500) Days of Summer – so perfect.
My Double, My Brother - Let's Go Through
Saw these guys at a Sofar Sounds show and have been completely obsessed ever since. The way they filled that LA living room shocked everyone into a complete chilled silence, as we knew we were witnessing something utterly brilliant. Their sound is one reflective of Fleet Foxes, except more instrumentally diverse and rock-influenced. Add in some delicious harmonies and catchy beats, á la Born Ruffians – I'm all about it.
Father John Misty - Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)
If you've yet to dive into Father John Misty's discography, please do not hesitate a moment longer. His new release I Love You, Honeybear has solidified his place in the indie scene. You know him from Fleet Foxes, where he was the drummer for four years. He always entertained solo endeavors under the name J. Tillman, but then he split from the group completely to release the first album as FJM – a name which, he insists, is nothing more than a name (yeah, okay, Mr. Religious Baggage). He's a grand purveyor of the rich, layered tones we'd expect from an ex-Fleet Foxer with the tongue-in-cheek lyrics of a perceptive cynic (as he delightfully cited Flannery O'Connor as inspiration).
Grace - You Don't Own Me ft. G-Eazy
I am far from a big G-Eazy fan, but I had to give this track a listen because I love a good Lesley Gore cover. Grace, AKA Grace Gunn of Brisbane, Australia, is busting her way onto the music scene, thanks to a sweet RCA deal & some mad Quincy Jones-orchestrated connections. Regardless, this wonderfully produced revamp is such a timely spin on a classic and deserves all its mad viral success. I have no idea who Grace is, but I can't wait to see what else she absolutely shreds next.
Talk Talk - It's My Life
80's angst! Love it! Love you, Gwen, but Mark Hollis's vocals make this track for me. It's as if he has it together in the verses, and then he busts out with the feels for the chorus, little growls and all. So dynamic for what's written off as a corny 80's track.
Miracles of Modern Science - Dear Pressure
More awesome instrumentation with pop vibes. These guys are another Sofar discovery for me (thanks Sofar). "Dear Pressure" is kind of a musical manifestation of my anxiety, but somehow they artfully flip all the distressing chords around for a bouncy, fun track. I want them to be my friends. Just watch their videos. So precious.
Lord Huron - Frozen Pines
Let's slow things down a little: I've been in love with the upbeat yet soothing tunes of Lord Huron ever since their In the Open session. "Frozen Pines" has an eerie, darker quality which thrilled me upon first play. Their new album Strange Trails comes out next week, but you can hear it now! They'll be a new favorite; I promise.
The Jezabels - Time To Dance
If you know anything about my music preferences, you'll know about my boundless love for Vampire Weekend's "Hannah Hunt." With "Time To Dance," The Jezabels provide a similar cautious yearning to belt out an expression of oneself. It's epic, it's catchy, it's delicious. Give it a listen, and, by all means, please dance.
San Cisco - Stella
Aaaand, now to pick things back up: My relationship with San Cisco's music has been a tumultuous love affair. I'm currently at the place where I firmly believe there's a place for a San Cisco song in every playlist. They're just the cutest band. They also just announced their North American tour dates, which is super cool (catch 'em while you can; they're Aussies). Have fun with this one! [clapping hands and flamenco dancer emojis here]
The Preatures - Is This How You Feel?
I came across their track It Gets Better (too) late last year and couldn't get enough. This is the kind of thing that should be on the radio: totally catchy and fun, but musically rich. If you dig MisterWives, Sky Ferreira, The Griswolds, or, dare I say it, Taylor Swift, The Preatures are your next obsession.
Mini Mansions - Vertigo ft. Alex Turner
My first thought when I read this track title upon its release was something along the lines of "This cannot be real." Good news, friends: it is! Mini Mansions killed it with their new album The Great Pretenders, and somehow, we meet Alex Turner – you know him from the Arctic Monkeys – as a little portion of that great work. He delivers what I believe to be one of his ~sexiest~ vocal performances (absolutely saying something) in just one little verse. All hail Turner. And props to Mini Mansions for this track – total BBQ playlist material.
The Horrors - First Day Of Spring
Another track with a totally coincidental title (I swear I'm not lazy). I was brought to a Horrors show in Seattle due to a drunken ticket purchase (you know who you are), and 'twas wonderful. It was the kind of small-venue performance that completely transports your mind and sonically resets your heartbeat. They're a little grunge-punk in the modern sense, so the Seattle crowd set a perfect scene for my introduction to an instant favorite.
Bonus Track: Noah And The Whale - The First Days of Spring
I was so close to putting this track on the playlist, but I figured the Horrors tune meshed better. However, I just have to mention it, since NATW announced their split yesterday (why a band would post that on April Fools is beyond me, but I think that's just the denial talking). Their music means a whole lot to me; I even wrote a paper last year on the value of "Blue Skies" to adolescents. Lovely reader who has gotten this far, please enjoy one of the most beautiful songs of the modern era. Now, go smell a flower or something.
Thanks for swimming through this wall o' sound with me. Let me know if you dug this by liking or commenting, yeah? Or don't. I appreciate you scrolling this far. Have a good April, spring, year, life, etc. & I hope to see you next time. You can follow me on Bloglovin or Instagram to know exactly when that will be. :)