music monday :: the weepies

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The first time I ever heard about The Weepies, I was in college going to a show at World Cafe Live to see Teitur (so many hyperlinks in one sentence!). Teitur was playing downstairs and my friend Bryan, who was the musical genius of my friends, saw that The Weepies were playing upstairs and commented on it. After that, I became obsessed with their music and to this day I wish I could have gone upstairs to see them! They've been around for a while and have such a cool story. Finally, the day has come! I am seeing them tonight at Ram's Head On Stage, which is pretty much perfection as it is one of the more intimate venues in the area. It's one of my favorites and I'm so excited to finally see two of my favorite people perform live. They bring such a unique writing and vocal style to the table. (If you've heard Deb Talan sing, you will be as intrigued as me to hear her speaking voice! Haha.) PS - they basically have my dream story. They liked each other's music, met, formed the band, ended up getting married and now have three kids. 

They just released a new album this year, and it's so good. Here's one of my favorites.

music for your week

Fever, Leo Leo

The City, The 1975

Oceans, Misterwives

Tell Me What You Want From Me, Good Old War

Elastic Heart cover, Bri and Marin Lamkin

 
Happy Monday!

music monday :: misterwives

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I'm one of those people who has such a long list of bands to listen to in my iPhone, I actually forget about half of them. My friend Brian told me about MisterWives a while back but I just got around to listening to them (when he reminded me like the good guy he is). The first time I heard Mandy's vocals, I geeked out a little. The girl can sing. She sounds like a cross between Ellie Goulding, Alaina Moore from Tennis, and at one point I heard a bit of Shakira in there. Really though, her sound is 100% her own. Every sequence of notes is put together beautifully and when she goes for it, she really goes for it. I was surprised at how controlled she is when she seemingly flies wildly through the high points of the music, but she knows exactly what she's doing.

The band as a whole is a super fun indie-dance experiment that I can only describe as awakening (seriously, they woke me up on my drive to work this morning). They bring something new to the table among other bands in their genre and I could listen to their latest album over and over again. It's expressive and happy and makes me never want to be sad again! Definitely good for a pick-me-up when you're feeling down, or to throw a random dance party with your girlfriends.

MisterWives is actually playing in DC this weekend (I can't make it, ugh), so if you have Friday night free, go see this show before they no longer play for $15! I promise it will be worth it.

music monday :: bri lamkin

I've been a fan of Bri Lamkin's blog for a long time now (both her old and current one). She is honest, real, and hilarious. She's the type of girl you'd like to be friends with in real life, you know? Well, we are not real life friends, but I already feel like I adore her. She has a sense of humor, is Aubrey Plaza's twin, and talks openly and poignantly about important issues. 

But the one thing I love her for most is the beautiful music she creates. Her YouTube channel is amazing, Whether she is playing music by herself, with her sisters, or covering songs we know and love, she brings such a unique quality. Her voice is angelic, and though she is often armed with only a ukulele, she can fill up a room with her quiet demeanor and mystical tone. Add in her younger sisters, and you have one of the most magical trios I've heard in a long time. These girls are still young but have voices beyond their years. There is something very special about the way their three voices combine. Also, Bri's writing is as gorgeous as her vocals. The first time I heard "Someone New", I couldn't get it out of my head for days.

Also, her vlogs are hilarious and I love them. I quote: "Dried cranberries are nature's fruit snacks... but raisins can go to hell" haha! (Also, pretty true.) So yeah, you should find that on her YouTube.
 
Quite simply, she's lovely and you should read her blog and listen to her music. You don't want to miss out on this. Check out her Soundcloud as well as her YouTube.

music monday :: milo greene

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It's been a while since I've listened to Milo Greene, but when my friend Meghan invited me to go to their show this Sunday, I knew I had to. Let's just get something out of the way: Milo Greene is not named after a person in the band ;) They came up with the fictional name Milo Greene as a fake booking agent, a persona created by the band to help them get gigs in their starting days. They're cheeky like that!

I always have a soft spot for bands that are mostly guys and one girl. I enjoy being that girl, it's fun! I'm excited to see Marlana sing her heart out surrounded by some of her best guy friends. It takes a strong girl to tour in a band full of dudes. Besides that, I like how every member of the band sings and plays instruments. I've seen a few bands where the girl in particular will be the only one singing and she doesn't play anything. I love the band's dynamic as a whole-- sharing vocals, mixing harmonies, playing all together. They truly share the stage; no one outshines or dominates the others. It's special, and I can't wait to experience it in person!

Check out their new album as well as their older music, it's so good! If you're in the DC area, tickets are still available here.

music monday :: monica moser

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A friend texted me last week saying I should check out Monica Moser's music. He wasn't wrong... she has a really great voice, a lovely acoustic sound, and the type of songs you want to listen to while lying in a field on a picnic blanket under a blue sky. Too much? Well, she's just got that free spirit thing going on. She's a student at Belmont in Nashville, which is where a lot of great musicians come from. I'm biased, since my friend Cait went there. :) This is a girl who's got something to say, and her music says it.

You can listen to her Soundcloud, find her on Spotify, or download her EP on Noisetrade.

music monday :: hey, remember them?

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So... I kind of forgot Fountains of Wayne existed. You know, the "Stacy's Mom" dudes? I'm shocked to say that lately I've Shazamed more than one song I liked on the radio, only to find out it's them. I thought Shazam might be lying, but no. It's true. I might be a Fountains of Wayne fan. "Stacy's Mom" threw me off and I didn't listen to anything else from them, and this tune is from 2003. Apologies, FoW. I might actually give you a chance... 12 years later.

music monday :: Mae throwback

Few things excite me more than when bands do 10-year reunion shows or anniversaries of their best album. I went to the Swiss Army Romance 10-year show a few years back and it was amazing. Something about hearing an album start to finish in person makes my heart jump.

Mae is one of those bands that gives me a lot of nostalgia. Walking across campus with my headphones in. Belting out The Everglow in the car. Wearing their t-shirt and finding out that a random stranger loves them too. And they always make me think of my good friend Dan... that makes me smile.

So when the band announced they were doing a 10-year reunion tour for The Everglow, I had to go. I can't believe I hadn't seen them before this. They came to my college once, but I was away that weekend and so mad about it. Luckily, my partner in crime Elizabeth loves them too, so we went out on a rainy Sunday night for sushi and some memories.

I loved singing the album that I've sung hundreds of times on my own in person with them. We were at  Baltimore Soundstage, so it was a small venue and not crowded, which made it even better. It was really personal. And you can tell that even 10 years later, these guys love what they do and so appreciate that people listen. When you make an album like that, you have no clue if people are going to love it, hate it, or feel indifferent. But the response was amazing, and the fact that they realize that and don't take it for granted adds something to the whole experience. I love when bands are outwardly appreciative and tell you how much it means that you enjoy their music.

Here's my favorite if you've never heard them before:

A side note: Mike Mains & The Branches opened, and they were excellent as well. We chatted with the lead singer for a bit and he was super nice. I hope to see them again-- check out their stuff! 

music monday :: lily and madeleine

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a great weekend. My brother is in town from Colorado until Christmas Eve, so I've been spending my free time with him while he's here. It involves a lot of throwbacks (playing Super Nintendo and watching Season 1 of The O.C.) and catching up. :)

 image via google

My friend Elizabeth sent me a text last week asking if I had heard of Lily and Madeleine.She knows my taste in music very well, so anytime she has a suggestion, I take her word for it! These two sisters from Indiana have a really special quality to their music. Folky, lots of harmonies, flawless vocal blends (the kind that I envy!), and relaxed tones. Trust me, these girls are going places.

You can listen to their most current album, Fumes, here.

music monday :: dry the river

I found out about Dry the River because when my friend/honorary sister Jude got married, she planned her honeymoon around going to see their show. Which made me think, "Wow, they must be a big deal." Plus, Jude has great taste in music, so who am I to question that?

These alternative Brits have something good going. I'm a fan of what some people would call "weird" music... but really, I just like bands that have a unique style. I think Dry the River has enough of that to satisfy me, but would still make any other listener happy. The vocals have depth and the writing is meaningful. I always like bands that use a wide variety of instruments, not just the standard guitar, bass, drums. There are horns and mandolins and keys, oh my!

Listen to their debut album, "Shallow Bed", first. Debut records are usually best, in my opinion.

music monday :: new imogen heap

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I'm sure many of you have heard of Imogen Heap. This lady, while not exactly mainstream, has captured the hearts of many with her unique sound, intuitive lyrics, and ability to create and do everything herself. I saw her at a show in Philadelphia back in 2006 (I think), and she puts on an amazing one-woman show. From the looping to the vocals to all the background sounds, I don't know many who can do what she does. Here's an example:

And here is the song that started the craze (seeing her do this one live was incredible):

All this to say that she has something very special going on. She just released her new album, Sparks, last week. As a longtime fan of her work, I was super excited to see what else she would bring to the table. I'll just say this: she doesn't disappoint. (Although my favorite albums will probably always be Ellipse and Speak For Yourself.) You can listen to Sparks on Spotify, as well as her other work.

music monday :: shovels and rope

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I first started listening to Shovels and Rope over a year ago when I heard them on WTMD. (Which, if you're a Marylander, you need to be listening to. They play the best stuff. I'm constantly Shazam-ing their songs.) Cary Ann and Michael put a new spin on folk-rock. They each played their own music before deciding to combine it, and I think that was the best decision ever. And even better, they got married! The sappy part of me always gets excited for musicians who start off in a band and end up together. Le sigh.

Their new album Swimmin' Time is coming out next week on August 26... don't miss it!

music monday :: that time i saw Ben Folds with the BSO

A few weeks ago, I got to see one of the coolest shows of my life. I think I first started seriously listening to Ben Folds in college. What a dude. He has always been able to play and write like a genius. He has hidden (and sometimes not so hidden) stories behind every song. He always has something to say. (When I found out that "Brick" was written about his girlfriend's abortion, I knew he was worth listening to.)

Growing up born and raised near Baltimore and also a musician since third grade, I have always had a special love for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. I loved visiting the BSO on field trips as a kid.  It's become increasingly sad to me that appreciation for orchestras has been dwindling. I say, eff that. They have more talent than anyone you'll hear on the radio.

All that to say, I was extremely excited when my friend Elizabeth notified me that Ben was going to be playing with the BSO. He's done this before and with numerous orchestras around the country. But here he was in my backyard, and I was practically hyperventilating from the excitement. Truth be told, I cried through most of the show. Not embarrassing sobbing or anything like that, but a few tears came down for each song. It was emotional for me because I spent about 10 years of my life playing music in that kind of setting, and I really do miss it. I wish I hadn't been so quick to give it up after graduating high school, although I discovered my affinity and talent for guitar and voice. But you put me in front of strings and winds, and I will cry 100% of the time. When you pair that with a guy that I have so much respect for and kills the crap out of every song he writes and performs, I'm done for.

Here's a great example of why Ben is special. During the show, he said he had written a song about how his kids were unable to attend because their flight was delayed. He made up the lyrics and had an idea in his head of how he wanted it to go. So he had a piece of paper with his written lyrics, and started fiddling with the melody on the piano. He then directed every single section of the orchestra how to play the parts he heard in his head, and pieced it all together to create something amazing. When they played all their parts together and he sang his made up lyrics on the spot, it was insane. He did this right in front of my very eyes. And that, my friends, is what music is all about. Hearing, creating, and inspiring.

blurry iphone pics... sorrry :)

music monday :: jon hopkins

Today I'm sharing music to revive you. I don't know about you, but summer is winding down, kids are getting ready to go back to school, and I am so not ready for cold weather. Basically, I'm trying to make summer last a smidge longer ;) Who's with me??

With all that being said, Jon Hopkins just adds fun to life. (Not to be confused with Johns Hopkins, the hospital.) He's a writer of electronica that started off playing keys for Imogen Heap, one of my favorites! That's enough cred for me. He's done soundtracks, awesome collaborations, and he studied at the Royal College of Music in London when he was 12. Need more of a connection? He co-produced "Midnight" for Coldplay. Enough said, in my book! 

Give him a listen & enjoy the start of your week!

music to start your monday.

I know I need some serious waking up... you probably do too ;)

music monday :: the like

Believe it or not, I think it's totally possible to endlessly love bands that are no longer together. That being said, have you heard of The Like? These alternative rock chicas are awesome, even though they haven't been playing for a few years. (I'm sure they're still doing music on their own... that never leaves you!) A few things I enjoy about this band: 1) Their sense of style. Mod, crazy, whatever they want it to be. 2) All girls. The small, feminist part of me loves it. 3) They are genuinely good. There's no doubt when it comes to these ladies that they know what they're doing. Their musicality is authentic and they write really well.

So even though they've gone missing, here's a taste of why you should keep listening to them!

Perfect for a summery Monday!

music monday :: hugo

Hope you all had a good weekend... I know I did! I had a job interview, saw The Script and One Republic for free with a good friend, relaxed, and watched some World Cup. I was also in the mood for a movie, but it was one of those nights where I just wanted to flip back and forth between channels and not commit. You know what's always on these days? No Strings Attached, with Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. This is by far my favorite scene:

Hahaha... if you haven't seen the movie, you should just for this one hilarious part. My best friend and I quote it all the time. 

Anyway! What does this have to do with Music Monday? Well, you may recall in one of the movie scenes the guys are at a bar, and there's a band playing. They sing a really cool version of 99 Problems. It's Hugo, and he's pretty awesome.

This dude has an interesting background (acting in Thai soap operas, anyone?). But more than that, he's got a sound that sticks with you for days. Bluesy, rhythmic, sit on your back porch and sip lemonade vibes.

The world needs more of this.

music monday :: first aid kit

You guys. The new First Aid Kit album is freakishly good. Magical vocals, great lyrics, folk and rock and good vibes. I've always liked them, but this record grabbed me in a new way. If you're looking for an album to fill up your summer, Stay Gold is the one. Promise!

music monday :: from the blog world

Over the weekend, I saw an example of blog musicianship that was too good to pass up. Do you guys read The Secret Life of Bee? This chick (Bri) is so cool. I mean, really. I laugh hilariously at the videos she makes while driving in her car (safely, of course), and her daily take on life. Why don't we live closer so we can be good friends? Ugh. 

The point here is that she is a really talented singer. Luckily, so are her sisters. This gem was posted over the weekend and I thought, "wouldn't it be cool if they could one day sing at my wedding?" I concur that it would be fabulous.

And here are some others (via Bri's YouTube because I am a stalker):

I'm a singer too, but I don't have the siblings like she does! Amazing talent. Visit Bri's blog and search for more of her videos there!

recharging.

This weekend was so necessary for me to recharge my batteries. I've been feeling stressed out about work and life, often feeling like I'm trying so hard but getting nowhere. Spending time with my best friends and being in the sunshine and screaming for our team at the top of my lungs at the USMNT game really helped. And breakfast the next morning with iced coffee and the most delicious bagel sandwich.

best friends.

photo by AO Annapolis... we're at the very top (see my red wig?)

with old friends & new... our "vamily" (that's what you're called when you travel in a 12 person van for 6 hours together)

alicia, tresa, and me!

oh when the Yanks go marching in...

So refreshing to laugh and have a good time without worries. I haven't felt that in a while. I'm determined to keep that feeling even though it's over.

On a more "music monday" note-- I know that everyone has been on the Lana Del Ray kick for quite some time. I never really got into her except for the radio hits. But I decided to listen to both of her albums front to back this week, and I love them. She has such a unique writing style and is so random. When I genuinely stop and listen to her lyrics, half the time I'm amazed and the other half shocked (in a good way). And her sound is so moody-meets-random-meets-truth. She's quite the expressive artist.