Tunes for Winter

Hey lovelies

I hope all that live in Oz had a wonderful long weekend as I did and weren't too cold! I don't know where all my readers are from but here this past weekend in Melbourne it has been bloody freezing, rainy and winter has only officially started a few days ago. But that didn't stop me as my family had a small gathering at our house for an umbrella-less evening of wine, takeaway pizza and movies including my all time fave Empire Records. However, that got me thinking about songs that make you feel warm on the inside like when you walk into a room with a fireplace going after you've come in from the cold or just feel like winter. This was not as easy as it seems as I've been thinking about this all weekend and I finally came up with 5 songs.

1. Helpless - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. This is a pretty sad song but to me it has a quality to it that reminds me to rug up. I always bring out my Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young collection in winter as it feels like the most appropriate time for songs with darker subject matter and beautiful harmonies.
2. Skinny Love - Bon Iver. For basically the same reasons above except that I've only known about this guy for no more than 8 months.
   
   
3. Next Year - Foo Fighters. You might be suprised to know that this is possibly my favourite Foo Fighters song of all time. Dave's voice is amazing on this and the whole album and I'm particuarly fond of this because the Foo are not too heavy. I know they can rock out but I like their softer side better.
   
4. Warwick Avenue - Duffy. I think I added this one on the list because of the video which shows a cloud and somewhat cold London (I think...)
5. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley. A great party song for any season really but when you can't be at a bar or club you may as well pump it out your stereo at home which in my case is surround sound with extra bass.
   

Everyone look to your right!!!

Listening to...

Sorry guys for the delay on the weekly tunes I've been very slack on that front. I'm actually listening to loads of different stuff but the album that is really getting to me is Regina Spektor's Begin To Hope. It hasn't been on high rotation until recently and since hearing about her new release I am immersing myself in her world. Also, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Sigur Rós is being played a lot around my house.

Anyways, you know the drill, samples of the songs below are on your right for your enjoyment.

1. The World We Live In - The Killers. This is the 3rd single for Europe and Australia whilst A Dustland Fairytale is the tune for the US market. This is a great song on its own but is often overshadowed by many of the other songs off Day & Age.
The video for 'The World We Live In'

Also, here is the band performing 'A Dustland Fairytale' on the Late Show with David Letterman with a full orchestra. This is an absolutely beautiful arrangement and if there is one thing you do this week it should be watching this.

2. On the Radio - Regina Spektor. Wow! It's so stunning and it plays well at dinner parties. There is this line that always gets me "...It feels a little worse than when we drove our hearse...right through the screaming crowd..."
3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles. This is so beautiful it makes my heart ache. It has to be my favourite Beatles song EVER. I know a lot of people can't pick their fave and they are right there are so many songs that are worthy but this one is so special to me that I want it tattooed to me.
4. Fidelity - Regina Spektor. I told you I was listening to a lot of Regina Spektor lately. This song makes me feel light and happy and it has the ability to put me in a good mood almost immediately.
5. Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs. This is pure dance-punk heaven for me! This band just keep getting better and better and they have managed to change their sound in a way that fits seamlessly with their previous work. The best line from this song and possibly the whole album is "Off with your head, dance until your're dead..." It sums everything up about It's Blitz!.

That's it folks!

Tunes to chill to...

Hey guys, sorry about the delay between posts but I've been busy doing grad applications. Well I don't know about you but I had a pretty fantastic weekend. I caught up with friends for half price margaritas at Taco Bills and then we came back to mine for a chilled night. This got me thinking about a playlist or mixtape for a chilled night in with mates. There are a couple of ground rules that must be followed before I get into my list. First, don't play anything with too many beats as it will distract from your relaxed party, event, cocktail party or movie night etc...etc... Second, don't play anything too commercial, you want people to ask who that is but don't be too pretentious about this (cos' we all hate music snobs *wink, wink*). Third, nothing too unknown e.g. french new wave with more synthesizers than you can poke a stick at you don't want to scare your guests away. It is essential you have to find the right balance and then you are off and away.

Without further adieu this is how I would start a mixtape for a laid back partay.

1. White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes. A great song and the return of bands that write songs with great harmonies like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young did. It has a cinematic feel to it and was one of my albums of 2008.
2. Zero - Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Wow!! An electro-punk song to get the party started without taking the roof off. But its just the type of song that you wanna groove to whilst sipping cocktails and having a good ole' time with friends.
3. Dusk Till Dawn - Ladyhawke. She is all about the great hook that is addictive in every sense of the word. I have a high regard for artists that make good pop songs rather than just have hype e.g. Britney Spears' latest album.
4. Kelly Watch the Stars - Air. I have loved Air since the beginning and their videos are amazing particularly this one. This song has a sci-fi quality to it so check it out
5. The Greatest - Cat Power. She changed my perception of the female singer/songwriter and after hearing about her and this record of the same name I went and re-explored singers like Joni and Janis and discovered Joan Baez. This one just feels right at the point in a party where its winding down and you've still got a few drinks in your system.

Well thats it please precede to your right for samples of the above songs!! Also, I will have The Killers review from V up at some point tomorrow.

Weekly Tunes...

HAPPY EASTER everyone I hope you all are enjoying the break and eating loads of chocolate!! Well here it is is....the weekly mixtape of songs that I am currently dancing around my house to.
1. This is Your Life - The Killers. Since I have seen them live I have rediscovered the Killers. The album this song is off offers something for both long term fans and casual fans. I think they are continuing to improve with each album and people who bagged them for 'Sam's Town' are dead wrong as that is a brilliant record. This song is not a single and may or may not be one in the future, I think I heard the next single will the 'The World We Live in'. However, this song has such a catchy chorus to it and I feel something special when I hear the line "....And the sky is full of dreams But you don't know how to fly..."
2. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) - The Beatles. An amazing song off Rubber Soul that sometimes gets neglected or forgotten amongst the greatness of the whole Beatles catalogue.
3. Time to Pretend - MGMT. Geez...this band have got it. What an amazing song. It sounds like nothing I've heard before. Everyone goes on about 'Electric Feel' but 'Time to Pretend' is just too awesome not to put on any party playlist either. So when you're going to have a party this is a MUST! Also, be sure to check out the Kaiser Chief's covering it on Radio 1 Live Lounge on the link below.

4. Enjoy the Silence - Depeche Mode. My love for Depeche Mode knows no bounds. I love the darkness to their songs. How do you describe their music? I think it's Joy Division meets dance/electronic music. I believe it is officially described as New Wave whatever that is. I also love Dave Gahan too so that always influences my choices...hahaha
5. Daniel - Bat for Lashes. I talked about her and this song in the review I did for her latest album so if you want more look out for it in a previous post. This is a definite highlight of the album but I also think it will become an instant classic for the indie-alternative music scene.

Anyways to your right (on the side panel) you can sample some of these songs and be sure to go buy the song from the Itunes Store or the album they're on because you will not regret it, that is if you're anything like me.

music=love says peace out!

Currently listening to...

This week I have a pretty eclectic mixtape which ultimately make the best mixtapes.

1. Untitled - Interpol. This is a great tune and fast being a classic in terms of the dark indie voice that shines through here and all their work. Paul Banks I believe started it and other bands just followed on from there. I love their work and will see them live eventually.
2. Gone - U2. I honestly did not like this song for a long time but Pop is my 2nd fave U2 album ever. It works so well next to 'Last Night on Earth. What an amazing song and I hope it make a return to their setlist this world tour.
3. Tower of Song - Leonard Cohen. There is really not much to say about this...he's a poetic genius.
4. To Lose My Life - White Lies. These guys are awesome and are worthy of the hype that surrounds them at the moment. Definitely one of my albums of the year.
5. Common People - Pulp. If you haven't discovered Pulp...where have you been?...ok, I have to admit I have only been a true fan since last yr. I had heard of them before but didn't take much notice but someone said you must take some time to truly explore their work and I did and was blown away.

So check out what I suggested and if you have any comments please, please, please do!!!

P.S. You can hear the songs on the sidebar under weekly tunes...

Valentine's Day Playlist

So we all know Valentine's Day is coming up so what better thing to do for that special person than make them a special playlist (mixtape) along with you know the usual roses and choccies. If you put a lot of thought into it you could have an awesome gift. I have listed a few love-themed songs that maybe a good starting point but remember to put in the artists or songs he/she likes because if there is one thing I learnt from High Fidelity is that you have to compromise even if you don't like it including in your music taste.
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Music Playlist at MixPod.com

If you can't be bothered going through the songs here is a list of what I put anyways
1. High and Dry- Radiohead
2. The Promise- Tracy Chapman
3. Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton
4. Something- The Beatles
5. Sexual Healing- Marvin Gaye
6. Wild Horses- The Rolling Stones
7. Our House- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
8. Such Great Heights- The Postal Service
9. All I Want Is You- U2
10. Take on Me- A-ha

By the way please offer your suggestions for great Valentine's Day songs. Loz