Musical Monday: Sounds & Places

As half of America sojourned across this great land for one last summer adventure this Labor Day, I figured it's be the perfect inspiration for this week's Musical Monday selection: Songs With The Names of Places.

Shovels and Rope - Birmingham

First off is the newest song in the playlist today.  The band is called Shovels and Rope and they're a married duo with heart and soul bursting through as they belt out harmonies, in this case with gospel roots and a southern kick.   Their 2012 album is called O' Be Joyful and you be hard-pressed not to tap your foot and smile along to this tune.

Bon Iver - Calgary

Bon Iver is awesome. Calgary hosted the Olympics once. You should watch Cool Runnings.

The Weeknd - Montreal

Since we're already in Canada, might as well find another song that plays tribute to that country. The Weeknd made both of his albums freely downloadable from his website although I'm not sure if that was a limited time thing.  Some of the songs are NSFW but unless this one says something inappropriate in French, you should be fine but I might wear headphones in case anyone within hearing space is sensitive.

New Navy - Zimbabwe

Well, fancy that, a song about vacation and travelling.  How appropriate.  This track was named #67 on Triple J's Hottest 100 Countdown for 2011 (a post you can read about here). The catchy tune really makes my want to visit that country in southern Africa, I could use another holiday.

Angus & Julia Stone - Santa Monica Dream

Well, now let's return the the good ol US of A, and have some Aussies sing about their California Dreamin (see what I did there). A mellow brother/sister duo that have since split to pursue their own sounds in music, Julia Stone with her album By the Horns and Angus Stone recently released Broken Brights, yet their collaborations remain my favorites.

The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio

Matt Berninger's baritone holds a special place in my ears. Off the album High Violet released a few years back, Bloodbuzz Ohio reminds us that try as we might we can't go home again. Or at least thats part of my interpretation, what do you think?

Hopefully you found some new music and maybe even a new place to vacation on your next holiday!