That's How Strong My Love Is

I'm madly in love with this song. 

Jam of The Day

I've been really feeling this song today. Hope you enjoy this little gem from Mr. Bird. 

Brave

Had a 'Brave' date with my Mom this morning. I loved the movie! Loved it! It may sound silly, but there were some stellar quotes to walk away with, and many of them were very relevant to where I'm at in my life right now. I'll admit it here in a public forum... I cried at the end. The final few lines of the movie really resonated with me.

I'm searching for quote samples online, but so far, have had no luck finding what I'm looking for.

Well... here is a song from the movie. Mumford & Sons and Birdy

Song of The Week

 So good! Hope you enjoy!

Magic Trick- M. Ward

Song Of The Week

A Million Years- Alexander

Kind of love this song. Hope you enjoy it.

R.I.P. MCA

It's a sad, sad day for music fans.  Adam "MCA" Yauch of Beastie Boys fame passed away at the age of 47, after fighting a long battle with cancer.

Adam "MCA" Yauch: 1964-2012

 

No Sleep Till Brooklyn...

 

 

Song of The Week- Double Feature

I've been mildly obsessed with Alabama Shakes as of late, so I figured they deserved a double feature spot. If you haven't been listening to them, do yourself a favor and hop on board. They are, in my humble opinion, quite fantastic. I hope you enjoy.

I Found You- Alabama Shakes

Hang Loose- Alabama Shakes

Song of The Week

You're Dead- The Wedding Present 

Don't Be Pick-y

Hello musician loves!

Picks can be a lot like socks, am I right? You stock up on them, and they disappear pretty easily. Anyway... my brother posted this on the ol' Face to the Book, and I signed up. I thought I'd share the wealth and pass it along. FREE PICKS! Woot! Why not, right?
Free picks, courtesy of  Ramen Music!

Happy Record Store Day!

Happy Record Store Day, y'all! 

I beg you, skip iTunes at least for the day, and go out and support your favorite local record stores! Always, always shop local when you can. Support small business. Also... real albums! Can you believe it? Yes, they still exist! Vinyl even! Is your head spinning yet?

For more information on this (a favorite of mine) holiday, please scope out http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home. You can look up stores in your area. Also, remember that apart from their typical gems, most record stores will have deals, live performances, rare releases, free shirts or stickers, (some stores might even be opening earlier) etc., so check the website to check on what your favorite local spots are offering up today!

 Here are a few of my favorite record stores:

When I'm in Chicago:

2nd Hand Tunes: http://2ndhandtunes.com/

Reckless Records: http://www.reckless.com/

When I'm home on the East Coast: 

Bull Moose: http://www.bullmoose.com/

Song of The Week

Turn On The Sunshine- Suckers

Song of The Week

I Will Walk- Release The Sunbird

Song of The Week

Bite Your Tongue- Chantal Claret

So... I cannot find a video on youtube for this song. I don't know if it's too new, but here is the site where I first heard it. Hope you enjoy. Free download! Not too shabby.

http://rcrdlbl.com/artists/Chantal_Claret/track/Bite_Your_Tongue/

Sweet, Sweet Banjo Lovin'

 I've always thought the bajo was pretty hip. It now seems to be really catching on as a trendy thing with the kids these days (shakes old lady fist at the youngins). Unfortunately for us, one of the greats has passed away at the age of 88. Mr. Earl Scruggs. I hope you enjoy the clip below. Earl Scruggs with Steve Martin! Some good stuff indeed.

 Earl Scruggs

1924-2012

Song of The Week

If you don't love The Shins, I don't love you. I kid. But I'd certainly be interested in hearing why. Their  new album, Ports of Morrow just come out this week, so... Cheers! Enjoy!

Simple Song- The Shins

Skinny Love

I'm not a huge fan of covers, but... damn. This one, I'll take. Curious what it's like to be bursting with talent at age 15...

Song of The Week

I used to do a song of the week every week, and I started to fade that out. I think the time has come to reinstate this weekly post. While I've been pretty down and out lately between guy issues, money issues, frustrating job search, etc, the sunshine and the gorgeous Chicago weather has lifted my spirits. And... there is so much new music out there. Plus getting into Summer... music festivals, outdoor concert venues, etc... music is in the air. Let's embrace it and celebrate it!

 Now, part of me thought, with St. Patrick's Day being this week and all, that I should do something Irish. Maybe the stereotypical (and all-too predictable) Dropkick Murphey's or something, but... eh. Where would the surprise be in that? U2? Forget it!

There is tons of new stuff out there, and I'd love to share it with you if you haven't heard it yet (or even if you have)! So... here is this week's track.

Ho Hey- Lumineers

(Sorry... the song has very few videos on youtube, so this will have to do)

Etta James

Etta James had a timeless voice, and she made the world sound like a more beautiful place.

Rest In Peace, Etta James.

I'm sure I've posted this song before because I love it... yes, even more so than 'At Last.' Did that make you gasp? 

I Got- Young the Giant

Heard this song today for the first time in ages. Man, I've probably preached to you about the wonders of The National a million and one times, and it's entirely possible that your sick of it. That being said... Imma keep on preachin' on!

Be still for a second while I try and try to pin your flowers on
Can you carry my drink I have everything else
I can tie my tie all by myself
I’m getting tied, I’m forgetting why

Oh we’re so disarming darling, everything we did believe
is diving diving diving diving off the balcony
Tired and wired we ruin too easy
sleep in our clothes and wait for winter to leave