Monday, August 27, 2012

Musical Monday: "North" Stars

So I'm switching it up a bit this week because I'm so excited about the "first listen" of the new Stars album North on NPR.

First things first. Here's the link:
http://www.npr.org/2012/08/26/159920580/first-listen-stars-the-north?sc=tw&cc=twmp
Stars new album, The North, comes out Sept. 4.

Now that you've returned from that 43:58 minute (or more if you re-played anything) sojourn into musical bliss, and since the NPR reviewer uses better words to describe the band than I can come up with on my own, I'll share my story on how I stumbled upon this fantastic Canadian indie band.

Set Yourself on Fire (2006)
File:Set Yourself On Fire.jpg
I first fell in love with Stars back in 2006 when an ex worked at the on-campus radio station.  I would visit, sometimes bring dinner, rarely speak into the mic, and have access to a wonderfully eclectic CD library.  The  school had not yet created an electronic database of the CDs, it was a somewhat random genre/alphabetization system and by sheer chance I would arbitrarily select an album, and sample the sounds within.  When I pulled Set Yourself on Fire from the shelf, the hand on the cover beckoned a listen and I've been a fan ever since!


So what do you think? Will you be a new Stars fan? If your already a fan, what's your favorite new track?

Monday, August 20, 2012

Musical Monday: New Favorites

I'm BACK! I know I've been gone awhile, but to make up for it I'm sharing some of my favorite new(ish) songs of the moment (of course there are a few love songs). These songs bring a smile to my face, a sway to my shoulders, and a sweetness to my ears.  I hope you can enjoy them as much as I do.

Ingrid Michaelson -- Fire
A big sweeping epic orchestral pop love song, what could be a better way to say "welcome back" to the blog!

Stars -- Hold on When You Get Love And Let Go When You Give It
Not only the message but the song itself is fantastic, it just once again proves why Stars has held a special place in my heart for awhile.  I can't wait for more new music from this indie canadian band.  And I take the song seriously when  the band implores "if you like it sing along," and you should too!

fun. -- Some Nights
A little more mainstream than I usually go but this became the theme song for my recent vacation with my family.  I love the surprise African/tribal vibe in the song, which always makes me think of Simba & Nala, and anything that evokes the Lion King gets three stars in my book.

Alt-J -- Dissolve Me
A nice, happy, relaxing, song about a breakup, drugs, insomnia and a white-noise machine? See, "She makes the sound, the sound the sea makes to calm me down." Give it a listen and tell me if you think you've found anything in here I might've missed

Best,

Bitzy