Music That Moves Me

This week I have fallen in love with Foals (the band... although I am partial to cute little horses as well). I know, I know I'm a little (or very) late to the party but at least I am now on the band-wagon. I just l-o-v-e their sound. The lead singer's voice is simply mesmerizing. Just so beautiful. Best yet they're from one of my favorite places Oxford, England.

My favorite song at the moment is 'Blue Blood'. There is something so deep and emotional about it (at least to me). I find it fantastic to listen to when I'm suffering a bad case of writer's block. It just soothes me somehow... Anyway here's the official clip for the song:

Now I may be pretty bias but I think it's wonderful! The thing I love about it is it defies expectations. When you first hear the song (without seeing the video) you expect something totally different. Or at least I did. I love the idea of a little kid getting completely immersed in the music. He puts so much emotion into it! It's just beautiful.

There is just something about this song that I love. They are in Australia at this very minute and I would have loved to see them live... Unfortunately I missed out. Hopefully I'll get to see them next time if they come this way again. If you like what you hear be sure to stop by their myspace.

What about you? Are you a Foals fan?

Music That Moves Me

Finally a music post!! Sometimes I just like chilled out music. Actually more accurately I generally prefer chilled out music. As such I do so enjoy the vocal stylings of one Joshua Radin.

His voice has such a soothing quality. Some of his songs seem made for a lovely lazy summer day. I find his music (and many others) perfect for my various creative pursuits. It's great because it's wonderful music that doesn't necessarily demand your full attention. (I suppose that's the reason why I can't really get into heavy rock).

Take a listen to 'They Bring Me To You' and see what you think:


What music are you loving this week?

Music That Moves Me

This week's music are the fabulous vocal stylings of Langhorne Slim. He is one of those musicians that I just like - no rhyme or reason to it. I simply just like his sound.

Langhorne blends his poetry with strong vocals which bear a wisdom that reflects a broken heart battling the perils of true hope. Simply beautiful

Take a listen to his song called 'Be Set Free':

It's rustic and beautiful and oh so simple. The kind of music I like to listen to when I need to be soothed.

If you like what you here be sure to stop by his MySpace.

More updates tomorrow so until then look after yourself wherever you are.

Music That Moves Me

I have decided I'll limit myself to one video for these posts... Mainly because it takes so long to upload. And I think I prefer to just focus on a favorite song.

Anyway this week's pick is a band I have just been introduced to and let me tell you it was love at first listen (?)

Bowerbirds are a fantastic folk/acoustic band who hail from the USA. If you wish to learn more about them you can always turn to Google. I hear Wikipedia is a reliable source of information. But really, sometimes I just like the music. Sometimes it's not necessary to have any information other than they're a really good band and where to buy their music.

My favorite Bowerbirds song is 'Northern Lights'. Have a listen to them playing it live:


A simply fantastic tune in my opinion. It's been a constant feature in all my recent playlists. It resonates. It calms. It soothes. It captures my attention for a few precious moments and holds me spellbound. Swing by their MySpace or their blog if you're interested.

Until next we meet in this great, expansive Internet I hope your world is wonderful!

Music That Moves Me

Last week's music that moves me is the Norwegian band called Monzano. There is something just beautiful about their sound. It's like the soundtrack to a beautiful daydream. This is one of those bands that I'm not sure why I like them... All I know is that I do. So there's not much to say. I'll just let you listen and make their own minds up about them.

Here's their song called 'Poster Boy':


Next why not take a look at Monzano's song called 'Cold Waters':


This next song is my favorite Monzano song. It is quite simply amazing. Unfortunately the only video I could find of it isn't the best quality but you can still get the idea. Take a look at their song called 'Know Your Velocity':


So what did you think of them? If you like what you hear make sure you take a look at their myspace page.

On another note one of my New Year's resolutions (which I have just decided to make) is to try and get my regular posts in on time. We'll see if it's doable!

Until next time take care of yourselves my dear friends.

Music That Moves Me

I have noticed that all my music is the same blues, roots, folky, alternative sort of music. I'm okay with that but it's probably a good idea to try and branch out some. Not today though! This week's music is the soulful sounds of Bon Iver. Instead of boring you with why I am such a fan of their music I figured I'd share three clips of their music and let you make up your own mind...

Here's one of their songs called 'Flume':

There is something magical about them. The lyrics and the melody are just wonderful.

Take a look at 'Skinny Love':


My all-time favorite song is 'Blood Bank':

Make sure you look at their MySpace if you like what you hear.

What music are you loving this week?

It's Been A While... Music That Moves Me

I'm so sorry I took a little unplanned break there!! A week gap is not acceptable... But once you hear the reason all may be forgiven. All will be revealed in up-coming posts.

For now though I must get on top of my weekly postings. Last week's music of the week (can you follow that logic? Not sure if I can) is someone who I have talked about previously in my blog. But I simply had to mention him again because something WONDERFUL has happened!!!

City and Colour is coming to Australia and I have managed to score some tickets!!!! -- And the crowd in my head goes wild!! -- I am super excited!!! In fact I am so excited I seem to be going overboard with exclamation points!

I just adore City and Colour... It's my type of music. I have wanted to see him/them live for so long and it's really a dream come true that I'm going to be able to cross it off the life list.

Here's a song called 'Comin' Home':


For any alternative music fans out there 'City and Colour' is Dallas Green from Alexisonfire... Get it? City (Dallas) and Colour (Green). Isn't that the most fantastic band name?? It's witty and clever and appeals to my ideas of symmetry... Or at least that's what I think.

Take a look at 'Happiness By The Kilowatt':


Ahh... His voice, his sound, his melody, his thick guitar licks take me away to far off places. Where I can float, be free, and follow my dreams.

I can't wait to see him live. I think I could watch him play forever. The amount of times I have drifted off to a peaceful sleep on the dulcet tones of his voice... And all his video clips are amazing!! They are exactly how I like to imagine the world.

This is one of my all time favorite songs 'The Girl':


I'd love to meet him, to interview him, find out his views on the world, and take many pretty pictures... Maybe if I wish really hard he'll look down from the stage, see me, and be like 'now there's a girl I'd like to talk to'... Hey!! A girl's got to dream right!!??!!

Be sure to swing by his website and myspace if you like what you hear.

I'll be seeing you soon Dallas!!

Music That Moves Me

Another week is drawing to a close so it must be time for 'Music that Moves Me'. Please welcome Electric President to the weekly music post! These guys are a bit different from my usual musical tastes but there is simply something about them. Their use of melody and interesting lyrics never fails to disappoint. In fact in place of my waxing lyrical about their pure amazing-ness I'll just leave you to have a listen three of their songs.

Take a look at 'Monsters' and see what you think:


Here's another one of their songs called 'The Violent Blue':


This is my favorite song by Electric President entitled 'Insomnia':


Can I just say that I love the name 'Electric President'? I am completely drawn to interesting band names. The more unique the better in my opinion (although I may be slightly bias given my unusual name). Be sure to swing by their myspace if you like what you hear.

So that's my music pick of the week. What do you think of them?

Music That Moves Me

There's some music that I love no matter what mood I'm in. I thought I'd share one of my go-to music favorites. The always amazing Ben Harper!!

I would love, love, love to see him live. He sometimes plays at the Byron Bay Blues Fest and one day I intend to get tickets.

Here's my all-time favorite Ben Harper song 'Forever':

Isn't his voice something magical? I can close my eyes and drift on the perfect melody. Don't even get me started on his amazing lyrics... It's pure poetry set to amazing music. I like everything about Ben Harper. He must appeal to my inner hippy. This is his song called 'Walk Away':

Ahhh... Ben Harper. You can sing me to sleep whenever you like. Be sure to check out his myspace page as well.

Are you a Ben Harper fan?

Music That Moves Me

Back to regular posting. This week's music post is devoted to a little band I was introduced to around a year ago. Please say hello to Local Natives!

This is one of their songs called 'Who Knows Who Cares':

Their sound is fascination and so extremely hard to define. But in any case it's kind of wonderful. I must confess I'm a bit of a fan

One of my favorite songs of local natives is called 'Airplanes':

This one is entitled 'World News':

Take a look at their MySpace page as well. What do you think of them?

I am always on the hunt for new music so if you have any suggestions please feel free to share!

In the meantime have a wonderful weekend.

Music That Moves Me

Again the time difference is screwing with my mind! But this week's music that moves me is Schuyler Fisk.

Here are two samples of her music:

'Be Still'


'Fall Apart Today'


It's sweet, easy and elegant. The perfect accompaniment to just about anything really!

Next up... Posting about the trip begins

Music That Moves Me - Playlist Edition

A.K.A BIGGEST post ever.

In honor of my soon-to-be-undertaken adventure I have decided that this week will be a copy of my traveling playlist instead of focusing on one artist:

Here is the playlist I've put together for the plane ride called Europe Bound (very unoriginal) :

Song Name - Artist

Radiance And Reason - Josh Johnson

See America Right - The Mountain Goats

January Wedding - The Avett Brothers

One Of Those Days - Joshua Radin

Hush Hush - Natalie Portman's Shaved Head

Magic Hours - Explosions In The Sky

Ghosts - Laura Marling

Where Love Went Wrong - Augustana

Blood Bank - Bon Iver

Time Lapse Lifeline - Maria Taylor

Little Bit - Lykke Li

To Be Loved - Joan As Police Woman

Long Time Nothing New - Pete Yorn

Hospital Bed - Seabear

In Love With A View - Mojave 3

The Middle - Jimmy Eat World

The Canals Of Our City - Beirut

Heartbeats - Jose Gonzalez

Know Your Velocity - Monzano

Ain't Gonna Lose You - Brett Dennen

Tightrope - Yeasayer

Life On Earth - Band of Horses

Be Gentle With Me - The Boy Least Likely To

Let's Get Lost - Bat for Lashes & Beck

Farewell - Greg Laswell

A Good Start - Maria Taylor

Star Mile - Joshua Radin

Walk Away - Ben Harper

Gray Or Blue - Jaymay

How Lucky We Are - Meiko

Don't Let Me Fall - Lenka

Just Another Old Love Song - Joe Purdy

Broken Horse - Freelance Whales

Messages - Xavier Rudd

I Don't Think So - Priscilla Ahn

And Asleep I Am Your Everything - Luke Pickett

Dirt On Your New Shoes - Bishop Allen

Desire - Ryan Adams

Swingset Chain - Loquat

Your Ex-Lover Is Dead - Stars

My Love (Soundtrack Version) - Sia

Fake Palindromes - Andrew Bird

Sort Of - Ingrid Michaelson

Blood - The Middle East

How it comes is how it goes - Jay Malinowski

Holdin' On - Rooney

Empty Corridors - Luke Pickett

October Leaves - The Good Life

Parade - Pretty Girls Make Graves

How Will He Find Me - Deb Talan

Marry Me - St. Vincent

The Walls Are Coming Down - Fanfarlo

Find Home - The Honey Trees

Sudstitution - Silversun Pickups

Songs That Say Goodbye - Schuyler Fisk

Smith Hill - Deer Tick

We Can Try - Between The Trees

Hold You In My Arms - Ray LaMontagne

Donny and Johnny - Pearl and the Beard

Nothing Left To Lose - Mat Kearney

Shut Me Out - Aidan Hawken

I'd Be Lying - Greg Laswell

Your Sweet Voice - The Reindeer Section

Closer to You - Brett Dennen

After Afterall - William Fitzsimmons

Nicest Thing - Kate Nash

The Park - Feist

This Is the Last Time I'll Say Goodbye - I Hear Sirens

A Smile That Explodes - Joseph Arthur

Insomnia - Electric President

Maps (Alt Version) - The Snake The Cross The Crown

Airplanes - Local Natives

Crutch & Cane - Peter Wolf Crier

Bruises Chairlift - Does You Inspire You

Swim - Jack's Mannequin

Down in the Valley - The Head and the Heart

Heavy Water; I'd Rather Be Sleeping - Grouper

The Cold, The Dark & The Silence - Sea Wolf

My Girl The Horse - Fences

Tokyo Nightmare - Octoberman

Home - Great Northern

Clementine - Sarah Jaffe

The Crane Wife 3 - The Decemberists

Naked As We Came - Iron And Wine

Heavens To Purgatory - The Most Serene Republic

There For The Taking - Lou Rhodes

Best Not To Think About It - Athlete

Airport Song - Guster

The Seething Rain Weeps For You - Mew

Alone - Adam Hurst

Running Up That Hill - Placebo

Andvari - Sigur Rós

Will You Please Be There For Me - Gary Lightbody

Down - Jason Walker

Hide & Seek 2 - Imogen Heap

Hard Believer - First Aid Kit

Undeniable - Mat Kearney

White Lines & Red Lights - Between the Trees

Better Than Love - Griffin House

The Ballad of Love and Hate - The Avett Brothers

The Friscalating Dusklight - If These Trees Could Talk

Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend

Lisztomania - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Sleepyhead - Passion Pit

Skinny Love - Bon Iver

River Flows In You - Yiruma

Colorblind - Counting Crows

Forever - Ben Harper

The Girl - City and Colour

What Sarah Said - Death Cab For Cutie

We Won’t Run - Sarah Blasko

So there it is... The music that will be keeping me company on my long flight. I love all these artist and I think they are the perfect way to start a holiday! If there are any you haven't heard of go ahead and Google them. Who knows you may find a new favorite!

Image found here.

Music That Moves Me

It's Music The Moves Me Friday (I do so wish I could have that as a nice little alliteration but it makes no never mind now).

So this post is a bit of a special one. It's my birthday!! And it's time for my regular music post. What more could a girl ask for right? Since it's my birthday I thought I'd tell you about another thing that moves me. When people know you, love you just the way you are and simply want to celebrate that you were brought into the world - that is sweet, sweet music to my ears and the melody to my soul.

I want to say a giant thank you to my magnificent mum!! She brought me into this world and she had loved me and cared for me every day since - even when I was the worst teen in the world (seriously I was awful). So my lovely mum thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I appreciate every bit (even if I forget to say so sometimes!). You amaze and inspire me.

But back to the reason we are here: Music!

This week's music of the week is the fantastical Freelance Whales.

This group is amazing drifting between sugar-sweet up-beat and beautiful, soulful melody.

As their site states, 'The kids in Freelance Whales are really just collectors, at heart. They don’t really fancy buffalo nickels or Victorian furniture, but over the past two years, they’ve been collecting instruments, ghost stories, and dream-logs. Somehow, from this strange compost heap of little sounds and quiet thoughts, songs started to rise up like steam from the ground.'

And you can hear that history and that spirit in the music.

I'm going to share 3 music clips with you because I am just in love with their sound.

Here is a fan made clip for the song 'Starring'




This is another fan made music clip for the Freelance Whales song 'Hannah'. It is such a simple clip yet so very effective. As a side note: I've been super impressed by the amount of high quality videos being created my armatures - there is some phenominal talent out there!



Now here's a slightly more moody song. It's called 'Broken Horses' and I adore it!



So what do you think of Freelance Whales? I'd love to hear your thought. What music are you listening to at the moment? I need some suggestions!

Have a fantastic weekend!!!

Music That Moves Me

The music of this week is melody that lets me drift and tend to lull me to sleep. It has the ability to put me completely at ease and lets me get away from the busyness and stress of the day.

There is something beautiful, wonderful and poetic about the sound of William Fitzsimmons.

Here are three songs for you to get to know his awesome brilliance:

This one's called 'It's Not True':



Here's one called 'Everything Has Changed'



This one he wrote about his brother entitled 'When You Were Young':



Sometimes his lyrics are sad, sweet or tinged with anger or regret but they are always moving. William's voice is soft and lovely and melodic. Now if I would just get William and Dallas Green to collaborate I would happily listen to that album til the day I die.

Are there any collaborations you long to hear?

Music That Moves Me

So I missed my weekly music post -- by two days -- eekkk!! But it was with good reason.
- Friday was taken by medical issues (mine and 0ther peoples) finishing in the emergency room waiting (and waiting and waiting and waiting) for someone I know to be admitted in to hospital with me not getting home til 11 and not in bed til 12.

- Saturday was an early rise to do a pre-arranged photoshoot with one of my best friends. Had the best time and I actually managed to take some good shots (with my pretty new lens). Quick stop at home to get changed. Then off to a family birthday party on the opposite side of town to the photoshoot. To cut a long story story again not in bed til after midnight...

I might go more into detail of a few things in a later post but right at the moment it is on to the music of the week.

Well actually my music of the week is silence. Sometimes I just need complete quiet with no words, no music, no beat. In the silence I can sort out whatever is swirling around in my brain and come to terms with whatever is happening around me. There are times when I find music too distracting. Like when I'm trying to do something that requires my complete concentration but instead I find myself singing along with the lyrics forgetting my original task.

So this week it is silence - the silence that resorts my soul and allows me to clear my mind.

Do you ever just need beautiful silence?

Music That Moves Me

Sometimes I find writing my music post quite difficult. I have noticed I tend to listen to what I call 'schizophrenic playlists' with no real theme on genre. And sometimes I have necessary periods of silence where I barely listen to any music during the whole week.

But I digress... This week's music that is making my heart skip a beat in the stunning sounds of one St. Vincent. I'm just going to put a few videos up... I struggle to know what to write about music sometimes. Sometimes you can just like music for being music without real reason or purpose behind it or at least that's what I find...

Anyway,

Here the official video for 'Marrow'



And another official clip for 'Actor Out of Work'



I really like her official clips. They are simple and cute proving that sometimes you don't need flash and bang.

The video for 'Just The Same But Band New' is made by a fan for the simple fact - by their own confession - that they L-O-V-E the song. In fact said video maker insist that everybody must by the album.



There is something beautifully soothing about her voice. I can just put on her music on a simply drift and let my imagination wander. There is beauty, light and love in her words and tenor.

Is there a particular song ringing in your spirit this week?

Music That Moves Me

I know I mentioned something about posting again this past Wednesday but instead I hit a wall. Boy did I hit the wall big time. A wave of tiredness overcame me making it nearly impossible to do anything and I'm still feeling the effects. I think my hectic lifestyle over the last couple of months finally caught up with me and knocked me flat.

As I've been trying to recuperate and not to stress out that my words seem to be failing me I have been listening to Joseph Arthur non-stop.

Here's Joseph playing 'A Smile That Explodes' live. Sounds a bit different to my 'in the studio' copy but still quality all the same.




This is another live recording of 'Echo Park':



I tend to be more drawn to his mellower music but I really enjoy his slightly more up beat stuff as well. There is is depth of feeling in this music - at least to me - which I find lacking in a lot of other music. His music manages to take me away from my time, place and space and allows me to just float freely on the beautiful melody. Joseph Arthur's music both relaxes and inspires me in the very same breath.

Joseph also enjoys penning poetry which I think you can tell from his quality lyrics. Here is one of my favorite poems by him.

She Ran Into The Store
~ by Joseph Arthur

She ran into the store
I waited in the car
The song we just recorded was playing
I began to weep
Nothing could contain my gratitude for this moment
This life
I felt absolved
Saved even
I asked without asking for forgiveness
I was granted without being granted absolution
I was free
A glimpse
An eternal glimpse
Of life outside the human window
The pathways of my sickness
Revealed and relieved
Childish ignorance
Nothing more menacing than that
Just unconsciousness moving to it’s own will unchecked
Feeding from and being fed to those around
But then the beauty of the song
The love of the people contained there in
The gratitude for a life that has led to this moment and opportunity
A life that has been very painful
But only as a frame for the godhead center
Like an infinite rose made of consciousness and light breaking open in slow motion with atom bomb insight into the hearts and souls of man planted and contained and cared for and embraced in his heart
And yes I felt or saw or felt/saw his heart
And so I wept
And she ran out of the store
Full of love and generosity
And then she started driving but then noticed my tears
And pulled over
And with her hand
Gently reached over
And wiped them away.

His poetry can be found here.

Are you a Joseph Arthur fan? What music are you listening to you this week? I hope this post finds you well, happy and in the constant pursuit of your dreams.

Music That Moves Me

I'm loving a Australian band for this week's Music That Moves Me. Funnily enough this isn't a surge of national pride - I didn't even know they were Australian's til about 5 min ago. What's more they're from Queensland (my home state) so they must be good!

It is my pleasure to introduce The Middle East. Side note: I have no earthly idea why they chose that as a band name - seems slightly odd to say the least (maybe familial connection to the region? Maybe because it sounded cool? I just don't know) . If you happen to know please fill me in. I'm dying to find out!!

Now they don't have that much music out there - just an EP listed on iTunes at the moment. But I'm hoping they release a full length CD soon because I simply love their sound.

Here's the official clip for their song entitled 'Blood'



Simply beautiful music. There is something completely enthralling about their sounds

Someone on YouTube used The Middle East song called 'Lonely' for a school project - it's actually okay plus it's has the best sound quality for the song. Take a look.



Aren't they just wonderful? I find it the perfect musical accompaniment to laying back a letting your mind wander. If you like The Middle East make sure to take a look at their MySpace as well.

What music are you listening to this week?

Music That Moves Me

I realize that, if only for alliteration purposes, it would be far better for my two regular blog posts to switch days i.e. Flickr Fave on a Friday and Music The Moves Me on a Monday. But everyone does their music posts on Mondays so I prefer to be different...

But now on to the post. The music that's making my life a better place at the moment is... drum roll please... Loquat (and no I'm not referring to the fruit tree)

There is something dreamy, beautiful and wonderful about their lyrics and their sound. I stumbled across them on the internet somewhere or another and have immediately been taken with them. Part bubbly part indie but all fantastic. It sounds to me like sweetness and light and beauty.

Here is one of Loquat's songs called 'Need Air'
.

And because I am so in love with this band I'll share another one. This is the official video for the song 'Big Key, Little Door'.



I like to try and find different and/or slightly unusual bands to talk about it. Let me know what you think. But in the meantime what music are you loving at the moment?

Music That Moves Me

I love to write, take photos, paint and generally pursue creative endeavors. While I'm off on these creative jaunts I always have some sort of music playing. To that end I thought I'd start sharing my favorite music of any given week - that's right another weekly post.

I am currently experiencing the worst case of writer's block - something that happens rarely. In order to get the words flowing once more my iTouch is currently blaring Explosions In The Sky on a continuous loop.

Here's a one of their tracks entitled Time Stops.

I have a question for all the creative types out there. What do you listen to to get the creative juices flowing.

I'll let you know if Explosions In The Sky helps me in my creative effort.