Beat!Beat!Beat!: We Are Waves

You know what German band brings the beat? Beat!Beat!Beat! that's who! Ok, they're not a thumping frolicking Wombats or Two Door Cinema Club, but this song just has a really great flow and I've been thinking about the cyclical nature of my days and my routines and our lives being waves seems spot on. Also any video where you get to be sprayed with colored paint can't be a bad time! Enjoy! 

After A Long Hiatus, it's Time to Ask "So Now What"...by The Shins

It's been an unbelievable three months since I last posted on here. Firstly, there must be something wrong with the space time continuum, because in no universe have the last three months flew by that fast! Yikes!

Secondly, I apologize for abandoning all of you! I was so touched by the worldwide riots and endless stream of letters, calls, and home visits begging me to begin blogging again! I joke, no one noticed I stopped, but I've missed it, and that's what matters, right!? I've been wayyyy out of the musical loop especially this past month and a half, for I was having the time of my life in Europe, and took a blessed unplugged break from the endless stream of music, but I'm trying to catch myself up and slowly but surely am crawling from the musical hole I'd created. Boy has there been some great stuff in the last 3 months! I can't even begin to share all of it, my fingers would fall off from typing, and your ears would fall off from listening! I'm also probably going to slow the pace of the blog a bit, tone it back from a nightly affair to a once-or-twice-weekly update. 

Let's get started, eh? After so long being gone I was sitting here thinking, "So Now What", and then it struck me. The Shins just released their new song that will be featured in the new Zach Braff (Garden State, anyone?) film 'Wish I Was Here', and my oh my is it sweet! It talks about things long passed and nostalgia, and is THE SHINS!!!!! and the chorus is beautiful and it all just makes me so happy! Enjoy!

If you're interested in the movie, which Graff funded through Kickstarter, watch the trailer below, and get excited, also if you haven't seen 'Garden State', you should get on that, or at least buy the soundtrack! It's lovely! 

Foster The People: Are You What You Want To Be (NEW ALBUM!)

The day is finally upon us when down the runway, strutting with all the well-deserved swagger possible, comes "Supermodel" the new album by the incredible Foster The People! Too long in the waiting, this follow up to "Torches" is a little darker, more varied, and well-travelled. I'm a pretty big fan so far, although it's definitely not all 'Pumped Up Kicks' and 'Houdini' fun and games. The opener, 'Are You What You Want To Be' is my undisputed favorite thus far (Besides the superhero single 'Coming of Age' of course) and just has such cool beats and has much of the playful 'Torches' vibe with some clear growth. Unfortunately there's not a version yet on YouTube or SoundCloud, so here's the full album audio and it's the very first song! Feel free to keep listening to the whole album! Buy it on iTunes, or be hipster and awesome like Robert and go get a physical CD copy! Enjoy! 

Headhunterz ft. Krewella: United Kids Of The World (Project 46 Remix)

Been a minute since I did any good ol' EDM. This one's a stacked track with Headhunterz and Krewella making the original, and then Project 46 swooping in and adding the beat that should have always been there. Feel good tune with a nice message if you watch the original music video. Dance it up this weekend and get stoked for all the albums coming out in the coming weeks! Enjoy a free download below!

Pharrell Williams: Happy (Plus 24 Hours of Happy)

What's the feel good tune of the year? 'Happy'. What is so listenable and watchable that there is a 24 hour version of the music video (first of its kind)? 'Happy'. What are you going to listen to and have it brighten your day, your week, your month, your year? 'Happy'. 

Pharrell can do no wrong...ok, I guess 'Blurred Lines' was a lot of wrong...ahem, Pharrell USUALLY can do no wrong *cough, Daft Punk*. 'Happy' is a dose of pure joy and the idea of the 24 hours of continuous happiness is just so positive and fun! Watch the full video if you dare at http://24hoursofhappy.com/ or watch the equally pleasant and much shorter version below! Enjoy and may you have a day worth clapping along to! 

)

Con Bro Chill: We Came To Party (Wildest Concert Ever?)

NEWS!

If you haven't suited up in your brightest neon, and came to party with Con Bro Chill and the Neon Army, then you are nowhere near partied out enough. 

What was undoubtedly the most douchy and fratty concert of my life was also one of the most fun. Eschewing lame L.A. hipster crowds, the college students who showed up to this show (a group of guys next to me drove all the way from Utah to see the concert!) were SO AMPED! Not a second of awkward head bopping was had, and not one person was drowning in layers upon layers of expensive looking fancy clothes that dripped sarcasm and aloofness. No. These neon soldiers came to party with the wildest and wackiest band of the west coast, and boy did they deliver! 

Opening for themselves with a bizarre fake reggae band wasn't enough for the Lacrosse bros. They had costume changes every few songs, coordinated dances, they crowd-surfed, they tossed people who crawled onto stage out into the crowd to crowd-surf, they led us in the Star Spangled Banner, they did a surprisingly great rendition of 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' by U2. I crowd-surfed for the first time ever (it was incredible and exhilarating) and danced my face off continuously in the front row. It was an experience that everyone should have at least once! Enjoy some of their wildly wacky and hilarious music videos below, and download their entire new album for free on their facebook page here! 

Con Bro Chill's wise words remind us to not party so hard that we get partied out. 

The New Electric Sound: Heart Beat (Amazing Opening Band For Con Bro Chill)

So at the Con Bro Chill concert last Friday the show started with what was clearly Con Bro Chill badly dressed up as an overweight ska and reggae band, which was hilarious, and they (pretend?) drunkenly stumbled through 3 or 4 songs. It was so unexpected and funny and weird that the band was fake opening for itself that I was absolutely blown away when out walk the suave, sophisticated, and all-matching band The New Electric Sound! They killed it with an awesome stage presence, pumping songs, humorous commentary in between songs by our good friend Tom, the blonde one with glasses (the bro and frat-guy douche crowd chanted his name after every song) and an all around fantastic performance! They were the perfect actual start to what proved to be an absolutely insane evening of music! Check these guys out, they're super nice and bound to blow up! 

Damn this is quite the premier music video. A story of betrayal, love, and friendship, it was absolutely not what I was expecting. Give it an honest listen and watch! 

If you don't want to waste your time and just want to dance all night (hint, that's a lyric) then give 'Suitcase' a lyric.

The Colourist: Oh Goodbye

Finally starting to catch up on my blogposts, here's the recap of The Colourist's amazing performance this past Tuesday night! The most badass drummer I've ever seen, colorful palm trees, embarrassing and sexually charged comments in between songs between the lead guitarist and front-woman, and oodles of new and exciting material were all part of the colorful mandala that was a night with The Colourist. Nothing could have gotten me more excited for their new album (coming out March 25th) than all the fantastic new songs they played for us! Ranging from energy filled ballads like 'Put The Fire Out' to slower and more moving songs whose titles I know not, "The Colourist" (original album title eh? They commented about their brilliant naming talents) is sure to be jam packed with fun! 

For only $7.99 you can preorder the album on iTunes and receive five of the twelve songs immediately! Click here to pre-order! Enjoy this leaked track 'Oh Goodbye' to hold you over until the 25th! 

Night Terrors of 1927: Fall Into You

The second openers for The Colourist were the aurally rich and wild Night Terrors of 1927, who, on top of having a great name, were possessed of some really cool music! Where Max And The Moon was excitement and fresh faces, Night Terrors were aloof and uninterested with the crowd, but not in a bad way, just in a manner that they were so ridiculously into their music and living up to the art that they created that they couldn't be bothered to distract themselves with a silly audience of L.A. hipsters. Each song began with really cool glitchy sounds and random voice recordings, and then launched into epic sagas of croons and guitar solos. 'Fall Into You' was my favorite of the night with a powerful anthemic yell in the background and very smooth and groovy instrumentation floating in the background. Enjoy and go to every concert you possibly can: you learn so much about the artists you already know and even more about undiscovered gems!


'Dust and Bones' comes outfitted with a wild and somewhat creepy music video, but hey, they are the Night Terrors, so it comes with the territory. Enjoy and check them out on SoundCloud and iTunes!

Max & The Moon: Losing The Agreement

I had the pleasure to see The Colourist last night at The Troubadour in L.A. and one of the highlights of the night was Max & The Moon! These guys were stoked to be playing their first tour, and transferred their energy straight to the crowd. With a really unique lead vocalist, a keyboardist with the most uncanny hair in the world, and a great sound, I'm sure these guys are going to get bigger and bigger! Enjoy and follow their Soundcloud! 

This song is some great nostalgia fuel:

Zhu: Moves Like Ms Jackson (Outcast Cover)

The mysterious, cryptic, and elusive Zhu has just broken onto the music scene, and I hope we hear a lot more of him. Dark, catchy, and varied, I could get used to this. And with a focus solely on the music, as evidenced in his statement regarding his anonymity, 

“Many are wondering why I chose to release my music anonymously. I am my own ghostwriter. As a society, we become more attached to the creator than to the creation. Music is faceless. My music is for a new generation—one in which people appreciate art for its intrinsic value—Generation WHY."

we can expect a focus solely on epic music making. Enjoy! 

LP: Into The Wild

If anyone has mastered the art of the crooning indie beginning, the soulful whistle, all building towards an emotionally charged breakdown, then it is LP and her wonderful song 'Into The Wild'. Seriously one of the most powerful voices I've heard in a long while, and armed with a raucously fun music video complete with ukulele strumming LP tagging along on a heist and love story, this song's a winner. Enjoy! 

Three Seconds A Day Part Two: Mississippi Isabel

Making a living record of my life was such fun last time, that here we are again with another two months worth of miraculous moments from each day. It's been beautiful, it's been hard, but more than anything it's been made worthwhile by all of you who have touched my life. Enjoy and be sure to support King Charles for his wonderful song 'Mississippi Isabel' which adds such energy and music to my journey. Much love and I wish you many amazing adventures! 

I've gotten to explore Joshua Tree, play frisbee in Santa Monica, soak in Santa Rosa, enjoy fine art at the Getty Museum, camp in Big Bear, and spend time on campus with a group of amazing people. Thank you all so much for making every moment worth treasuring. 

Call Me Señor: Stay "Disco Barbados Remix" (Remixing Rihanna Likes it's Nobody's Business)

Robert Magdaleno may be a closet hipster in denial, but boy does he find some fantastic music! This remix/cover of Rihanna's 'Stay' is a summer jam bursting with fun, effervescence, and danceability. Funky synths, fantastic vocals, and a vibe that screams "Why the hell have I not been listening to THIS version the whole time" abound in every second of this too-brief track! Enjoy

Karen O & Ezra Koenig: The Moon Song (Most Amazing Love Song From 'Her')

Sometimes a love song comes along that just floors you.

Just makes you sit back and really think about what love is, about every second of laughter and tears and intimacy and heartache. You consider the distances love traverses, the bonds it creates, and the fact that to love and be loved is a gift. There are no rules and no expectations and that realm of endless possibilities is the most exhilarating and terrifying space a heart can occupy. Love endures, love fades, but more than that, love keeps us alive and exploring, and no matter the pain or happiness that comes of it, it is enough I think that we are able to taste this magical substance however fleetingly, and feel inside ourselves what I imagine is a ripple of starlight, the tides of infinity. 

OK Miles, show us the music and get on with it you sap! Really though, 'The Moon Song' is awesome and beautiful and intimate and meaningful and has been on repeat in the quad with all of us sobbing softly into our homework about its unmatched sincerity and poignancy. Both versions, both Karen O and Ezra Koenig's duet version, or Scarlett Johansson's heartbreakingly simple and ethereal version are to die...no to live and love endlessly for. Enjoy, and may you find your own bright moon. 

This duet version is unbelievable and needs to be about 3 hours longer.

Blood Cultures: Indian Summer (Indie Magic)

The little band that took the internet by storm (but a nice, tranquil storm that didn't get too out of proportion) is just too good not to share. 'Indian Summer' has such a surreal mixture of weird shimmering background sounds reminiscent of Yeasayer, great vocals, and a bouncing and catchy beat worthy of infinite summer playlists. Buy this song right now and jam out forever-after! 

The synth's on 'Mercury Child' may be even more unreal than 'Indian Summer'. Maybe it's in their blood? Maybe part of their culture? Who knows, but whatever it is, I love it.

Big Gigantic: The Night Is Young (Free Album!) (Instrumental Livetronica)

Everyone's favorite Colorado instrumental livetronica, hip-hop and jazz musical group Big Gigantic have just given out their 8 song album "The Night Is Young' FOR FREE on NoiseTrade, and there is no reason on this good earth for you to pass it up. Filled to bursting with soul, funk, dub, and a huge energy that one could describe as both "big" and "gigantic", this album slaps. 

Sexy saxophones, warped vocals, and a guaranteed good time are in store the whole album, and you don't want to miss out! Download at this link, and feel free to leave them a tip through NoiseTrade's absolutely stellar service. Also be sure to hop on NoiseTrade's email list for bucketloads of legal, artist endorsed free music! Enjoy! 'Touch The Sky' is pure intensity. 

'Let's Go' is undoubtedly my favorite song of theirs, and this unreal tour highlight video just makes everything melt away and the music takes you. Way too sick! 

Band Of Horses: An Amazing Acoustic Show at Immanuel Presbyterian Church

This picture of Band Of Horses merrily having a great time at last nights concert perfectly captures the atmosphere of this intimate and special show. Having seen Band Of Horses at Coachella, it was markedly different to see them playing an acoustic session at the base of the towering steeple of the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in L.A. with a (somewhat) quiet crowd (this is L.A., where the hipsters have 10 layers of clothing and an incessant need to mill aimlessly in the aisles through the entire opening band and pretty much any time after that) rather than in front of thousands of screaming festival-goers. 

This concert was the most human show I have seen. Ben Bridwell, the angelic-voiced frontman started the show by performing 'St. Augustine' solo, then each subsequent song he brought out another member of the band and they just jammmmmmmmed. The picture above is the third song 'Neighbor', where Ben kept jokingly playing incorrect notes and they all were just laughing and smiling together as they sang. It was beautiful. One of the highlights for me was the very personally emotional song 'Detlef Schrempf', in which they switched from their piano to the church organ and serenaded us all with unbelievable loveliness. I can't thank my incredible sister Hannah enough for inviting me to join her and see such a moving show. The concert ended with a fantastic and rousing version of 'The General Specific", in which the whole church stood and clapped and danced along, having what is likely the most religious experience most of the hipsters had ever had. Gosh I love live music. Enjoy! :) 

If you want something off-the-wall-amazing-that-will-change-your-life...this is it. "Eyes can't look at you anyyyy other way". 

Smeagol/Gollum (James Walters): Mad World (Hilarious Cover)

We've all heard Smeagol (actually the YouTube sensation James Walters) sing Taylor Swifts 'Trouble', and absolutely loved hearing him screech out "Precious, Precious, Precious" like only a poor wretched singer living at the roots of the Misty Mountains can. Well, apparently Smeagol can lead the Hobbits into Mordor, sing T-Swift, AND cover Tears For Fears song 'Mad World'. Super good and hilariously done, this is a classic to place amidst all your other Middle Earth themed tunes! Enjoy! 

If you've been living in a dark cave surviving off a diet of cold fish and the occasional goblin who wanders too close, then here is the Taylor Swift cover. Too funny. Click here. 

Vance Joy: Riptide + Chill Remix

I am infinitely sorry I didn't share this earlier when 'Riptide' was the free iTunes download a few weeks ago, because this song is fantastic! Vance Joy is an utter joy to listen to, and paired with this wildly bizarre but charmingly funny music video, it's going to make your week! Indie happiness that you can't resist! 

If you're looking for a gorgeous and relaxed remix, complete with absabloominglutely perfect whistling, then look no further than this FREE download from Flic Flak! Enjoy! 

Eve Ensler: One Billion Rising (Shaking the Earth Through Dance To End Violence Against Women and Girls)

One in three women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. 

That is one billion women. 

Imagine instead one billion women releasing their stories, 

dancing, 

and speaking out about justice. 

In 2013 one billion men and women rose and danced to end violence against women and girls.

This year on February 14th (this friday) one billion will rise again, harnessing their imagination and power for justice. 

Rise, release, and dance! 

I had the pleasure last week of attending a talk by Eve Ensler author of the Vagina Monologues (an amazing play empowering women) and founder of the One Billion Rising For Justice movement. Her energy was crackling and electric, and you could just feel the amazing power of one billion souls rallied behind her and inspiring her. She spoke passionately about her own experience with sexual abuse, her amazing travels around the globe, and about mobilizing the world behind a movement far too long in the making. 

Her impossible vision of one billion people rising came to fruition last year, and there is no reason we can't make justice ring all the louder this V-day. Risings have taken place on every continent (except Antarctica) and the short film 'One Billion Rising' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year. Please, please, get involved, or at least get informed, and hey, everyone loves to dance!

This video is amazingly powerful. Don't be intimidated by the 9 minute run-time, every second is worth it, and if you're not tearing up multiple times, feeling inspired, and feeling ridiculously pumped by the end, you better watch it again. The editing is incredible, the message brilliant, and the cause unforgettable! Rise, release, and dance this February 14th, and find a rising event near you at http://www.onebillionrising.org/events/#!/0/0/1/ Enjoy! 

If you really want to take the shortcut to justice and don't have time for the longer version (make time though), I GUESS you can also watch the really intense and hard to watch at points One Billion Rising Short Film, which boasts great music, and I promise, does get happier about 1:30 in. The power of dance really is awe-inspiring. 

Big Sean feat. Ellie Goulding: You Don't Know (Gazzo Remix) (EDM)

Gazzo has quite the impressive SoundCloud, remixing giants from Coldplay to Snow Patrol, and lots of more poppy people in between. His addictive progressive house, electro house, and his perhaps self dubbed 'Bangerville' all are so listenable! Who knew Big Sean and Ellie Goulding could sound so good together, and boy does Gazzo elevate this track to the next level! You don't know how much you're going to love this song...so find out! Enjoy, this is some wild EDM!

Throw some Coldplay on afterwards and be similarly blown away!

The Colourist: Fix This + New Album Announced

The ever amazing The Colourist have just released the stunningly original and gorgeously made video for 'Fix This', which chronicles a love story unraveling like the yarn from which it is made. Really beautiful! They have also announced that their debut feature length album will be released March 23rd, which is pretty much the most exciting thing I've heard since the fact that the Super Bowl was finally over. I can't wait to hear more from this amazing band, it is sure to surprise, delight, and inspire! Enjoy and be ready to pre-order starting February 11th! 

U2: Invisible (RED Fundraiser To Fight AIDS)

U2 just never quit being awesome do they? 

In their latest act of unparalleled charity and unparalleled musical talent, U2 has partnered with Bank Of America to donate $1 to (RED)--one of the biggest organizations working to bring about an AIDS free generation--for every time you download U2's new song 'Invisible'. Oh right, and to make it even easier for all of lazy, cheap assholes, the song is completely free. 

That's right. By clicking two buttons you get an amazing new song by U2 and help aid the organization that:

Raised over $240 million to date through the sale of (RED) products from iconic companies - like Apple and Starbucks – and from (RED) events. And 100% of that money goes to work on the ground.  

Because of the progress made in the fight against AIDS, the world is now on the cusp of an incredible possibility – the virtual elimination of HIV transmission from moms to their babies by 2015. Every day 700 babies are born with HIV. Yet with access to antiretroviral treatment, we can prevent the transmission of the virus from moms to babies. Without it, 50% of babies will die before their second birthday.

So it's really your choice...do you want free great music with a sweet cause? Just click here to get your free download, but hurry, Bank Of America is only donating if you download today! If that link doesn't work, you can click one whole extra time to get it here: https://red.bankofamerica.com/#fbid=IEEuYp7uocm

Or find it on the main iTunes store page. 

The song is beautiful, the cause is beautiful, there's no reason not to do it. Don't be invisible! 

King Charles: Mississippi Isabel (Your New Favorite Song)

King Charles is the kind of monarch we can all get behind. Charles plays the guitar, piano, and cello, is a classically trained singer and performed in his school's choir. He began writing songs when he was 17, and in 2009, he won the International Songwriting Competition in Nashville by unanimous vote, He's got wild hair, a crazy mustache, regal carrying, lyrics that make you bow down in reverence, and the unbridled energy of Queen Elizabeth II (if she had Usain Bolt's spring in her step and Jim Carrey's pizazz). I'm madly in love with his music, and can't thank Meghan enough for showing me them! 'Mississippi Isabel' is made of aural ivory and pearl, and may be the most addictive song I've heard in recent history. I want to ride around on my bicycle to this forever! Enjoy! Coolest King on a bicycle ever! 

If 'Mississippi Isabel' is the catchiest song, than 'Love Lust' is the best and most beautiful. "Whether a guitar in my hand or a gun in my hand, I'd give it all up for your hand in my hand". This guys is going to be huge!

He also tours and plays with Mumford and Sons if that will make you appreciate him! 

Pete Seeger: Where Have All The Flowers Gone? (Tribute To Pete Seeger)

Pete Seeger, a prominent singer of protest music in support of international disarmament, civil rights, counterculture and environmental causes, an amazing songwriter, and in the words of my father, "The champion saint of singing", passed away two days ago at the full and well lived age of 94. 

From playing with Bruce Springsteen at Obama's inauguration, being blacklisted and appearing before the House Un-American Activities Committee during the Red Scare, to popularizing songs such as 'We Shall Overcome' which became the anthem for the entire Civil Rights Movement, Seeger was never one to sit idly by, and his songwriting, political activism, and deep goodness continue to toll throughout the land from California to the New York island; from the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters.  

His song 'Where Have All The Flowers Gone' is a gorgeous tune that has gone down as one of the great political songs of history. Poignant and a reminder not just of the sadness of war, but of our destruction of the environment as well. 

A truly amazing song of hope, perseverance, 'We Shall Overcome' is lovely. If you skip ahead to 2:30, Seeger speaks eloquently about how the lyric "we are not afraid" came into being, and how the young people taught the whole world a lesson. Beautiful. Seeger certainly overcame much, and helped millions overcome even more. Rest In Peace Pete, you'll be missed.

Stwo: Syrup (Pancakestep...Music that turns you into syrup with it's lovely vibe)

STWO (pronounced 'stew', as in what Samwise Gamgee is always trying to make) is a producer from France who is 20...just like me...gosh that's scary. With musical genres ranging from 'Sensual' to simply a $ symbol (he also releases 'trippy' and 'noserious' music), STWO is a talented fellow with a great vibe! His songs are laid back, innovative, and I'm still decoding his rich SoundCloud. This song 'Syrup' has me adddddddicted, and there's something so mesmerizing that makes me feel like I AM golden syrup cascading off a pancake waterfall...Enjoy! 

For something even smoother, try pouring this aural syrup all over your eardrums.


Super dope, great lyrics, same chill syrup-thoughts-inducing vibe!

Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers, Pharrell Williams & Stevie Wonder: Get Lucky (Making The Grammy's Dance)

I envy anyone who actually had time to watch the whole Grammy's, they looked like a good time! Luckily social media condensed everything for me and showed me the highlights...or should I say the one absolute indisputable highlight: Daft Punk performing live for one of the first times since 2009, alongside not just Pharrell Williams, not just Nile Rodgers, but alongside these legends AND with Stevie Wonder!!!!!!!!!! 'Get Lucky' has seriously never been groovier and more danceable! Blending in 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger', Stevie's amazing 'Another Star' and then delivering such funky happiness that Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Beyonce, and every single other member of the audience got up and danced all night, hoping to get lucky. This song and the interplay between the crowd and Daft Punk is what music is all about! Enjoy, and be sure to check out the other great performances by Paul and Ringo, Lorde, an epic new collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons, and Macklemore's inspiring 'Same Love'. Also, how cool is it that Macklemore totally acknowledges that Kendrick's 'Good Kid M.A.A.D. City' should have won rap album of the year instead of 'The Heist'! Anyway, enjoy this epic dance fest! 

Also be sure to check out the lovely original Stevie song 'Another Star'. It's joyous! 

Tritonal: Electric Glow feat. Skyler Stonestreet (EDM)

Gorgeous female vocals, uplifting synths, a great beat, and enough dance-itude to get you moving. Perfect friday fuel, so throw this on your (non-hipster) party playlists! Glow on my friends. 

Funeral Suits: All Those Friendly People

With a cheery name like Funeral Suits, you were probably expecting a music video filled with sunshine and lollipops, but alas, there's more creepy bleeding-pig chase scenes than joy here. Luckily the song is super cool though! Introduced to me by none other than soccer sensation Jasper Kirsten, this song is quite unique and has really cool lyrics and delivery, and is a whole weird, somewhat uncomfortable experience when combined with the music video. I'm loving the song though! Enjoy (and don't go too far down the rabbit hole, these guys music videos are messed up and I've seen too much). Happy Thursday! 

If you're sucked in by what you just saw, here's the much more disturbing sequel 'Hands Down' filled with more Katana's, arrows flying, and a group of pig-masked children attacking...If you really want to disturb yourself, 'Health', right here has some pleasant scenes of a child trying chasing people with a knife. These videos are scaring me. 

Hey! This one's actually pretty cool (and much less violent!) 'We Only Attack Ourselves' follows a automaton man in post apocalyptic world looking forlorn and hipster while purple fabric billows in the wind. Check it out here. 

And finally, a more cheery remix of 'All Those Friendly People', so that this isn't all downer stuff and instead in downloadable stuff! Download link on YouTube. Enjoy! 

Telekinesis: Tokyo

I'm exhausted, so I'll keep this brief, but 'TOKYO!!!!!!!!!!!!" Meghan's infinite fine music taste has dug up this gem of a band with one hell of a superpower. Every song called 'Tokyo' that I've heard in my life is wonderful (Wombat's anyone?). Thank you Meghan! You've moved my musical taste with your mind, almost...psychokinetically, one might say. Enjoy some lovely upbeat sounds and have a pleasant tuesday!!! 

Tokyo Police Club: Argentina (Parts I, II, III)

So...this is my absolute favorite song right now. 

I LOVE when bands have really long songs, and 'Argentina' gorgeously reaches the almost ten minute mark! I can't even tell you how unbearable it's going to be waiting until March 25th for their new album "Forcefield". The track goes through--you guessed it--three amazing movements, alternating between triumphant and raucous rock to slow and painfully beautiful croons. The accompanying lyric video is simple and elegant, and highlights how brilliant every single lyric is. I swear to you, if you give this song a chance and soldier through to committing to sit down and listen to it, you won't be disappointed! Preorder "Forcefield" here!

If you really can't do it and have more of a three minute attention span, their other single 'Hot Tonight' is lively and upbeat and awesome as well (and available to download when you preorder)! Enjoy!

Zedd: Stay The Night (Acoustic iTunes Session)

I've shared this song with all of you before, but not like this. The original version is a dance friendly, addictive, and incredible number that has been one of the biggest earworms this past year for me. This acoustic version of Zedd's masterpiece though...it reaches new emotional levels and is stripped down to the bare essentials, revealing a song impossible not to love. Hayley Williams voice is cradled even more perfectly by Zedd's piano work than by his electronics, and this version adds so much to the original, I simply had to buy both incarnations! 

The music video, chronicling Zedd's 34 city solo tour is truly beautiful, and the lightshow and insanity (all lovingly captured in black and white and slow motion) makes me so jealous of all the Coachella-goers who get to see him! Thank you for this acoustic version Zedd, you can rest assured it'll stay stuck in my head for more than just the night. 

Foster The People: Coming Of Age

After an amazing Leiout weekend of beach ultimate frisbee, I'd say it's time to return in triumphant form with none other than the 2014 Coachella almost-headliners Foster The People! 

The first single off their upcoming (March 18th) 'Supermodel' album is as filled with just as many sunny guitars and peppy choruses as ever and has me stoked for the rest! Accompanied by a super-snazzy time-lapse video of some epic large scale graffiti, this video and song promise good things in the future, and good tunes for the present! Enjoy! 

Paul McCartney: Little Willow

I most likely will not be posting again until Sunday or perhaps even Monday night because of the whirlwind of activity (traveling, visiting old and new friends, and hucking mad frisbees at the Santa Monica Leiout Beach Frisbee tournament) before school begins.

I woke up today just craving The Beatles and proceeded to burn over 100 songs from my dads complete Beatles discography onto my computer so that I could once more sing along like crazy to the songs that I was raised on. Searching for something a little more lullaby-like (because lets face it, I'll be sleep deprived the next few nights, and then there's the whole school thing directly following) I remembered how very beautiful and touching Paul McCartney's 'Little Willow' was. I already knew that it was a gorgeous song that brought up emotions for me, but after seeing Paul's lovely music video (crying) and learning that 'Little Willow' was written for the children of Ringo Starr's first wife, Maureen Starkey Tigrett, who had recently died of cancer, the song took on a whole deeper meaning for me. The elements may beat and thrash against all of us little willows, but we can only bend with the trials and winds of each day, and stay resilient until the dawn.

Life, as it happens

Nobody warns you

Willow, hold on tight

Sleep, little willow

Peace gonna follow

Time will heal your wounds

Thank you Paul. Sleep well music-loving willows: may this song guide your dreams and brighten your day! 

Vampire Weekend: Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro)

While trying unsuccessfully to tune in after the fact to KROQ radio to hear the 4:20 PM release of Younglbood Hawke's new song 'Pressure' (I still haven't heard it, but those who did loved it!) I saw a scrolling banner ad about a new Vampire Weekend song reworking the neo-classical "Con te Partirò," made famous by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. This obviously meant a great deal to me since I'm soooo cultured, and hold neo-classical tenors close to my heart....

I have never heard of the song before in my life. 

Anyway, I checked it out, and what should I find, but one of the coolest Vampire Weekend songs to date! Exchanging the huge orchestra of the original for a reggae beat, Ezra's voice shines like crazy. It's a real testament to Vampire Weekend when I'm completely captivated by a song without a single word in English. These guys are way too cool. The switch up at 2:35 is sweet, and so Vampire. Enjoy! 

The link above is from a random SoundCloud user, as the track is currently Private only to the music label of the upcoming 'Sweetheart' album featuring a variety of artists. Here's the link to the private track in case the above SoundCloud is taken down: https://soundcloud.com/fantasylabelgroup/time-to-say-goodbye-con-te/s-EIWx4

Also, this is just fantastic. 

The Colourist: We Won't Go Home (Indie Gold)

Yes, yes (a reference to one of their songs, called 'yes, yes') here I am posting about The Colourist again...you really don't need to rub it in any more that I didn't see them at Coachella when I had the chance: it's a very sensitive subject! I didn't know about them yet, ok! 

Well, now that that little outburst is out of the way. The Colourist are awesome. Catchy, lovely contrast of male/female vocals, and a sound that you can get lost in. The biggest shame about them is their lack of released material! I've been hooked on 'We Won't Go Home' for the last few weeks, and it just won't get out of my head! The hook is so damn sing-alongable! Seven seconds in and you can color me impressed! The call and response early in the song is amazing, and the second that they start chanting about how they are disinclined to acquiesce to the request of their return home...I love it. Enjoy and buy the whole Lido EP here pronto! 

With more close-ups than a hipsters instagram feed, the music video for 'Little Games' is an indie wet dream of good tunes, good angles, and melancholy. Enjoy! 

Hardwell feat. Matthew Koma: Dare You (EDM Anthem)

Mindless EDM Monday anyone?! I guess when you're sitting pretty as the official #1 DJ in the world, you can keep things same old same old and people will love it.

And don't get me wrong: I love it! What Hardwell lacks in innovation in 'Dare You' he makes up for with pure irresistible consistency and production. Matthew Koma's voice is wonderfully nestled amidst uplifting synths, and the second drop/prolonged build at 2:38 really makes you feel like you're flying. Enjoy and become stoked to see Hardwell live with his ending concert footage!...I dare you!

For the amazing remix hungry and the free music ravenous, there's nothing better than Hardwell's reworking of his own song 'Apollo'. 

Anne and Pete Sibley: This Silver Ring (Bluegrass House Concert!)

Not only are Anne and Pete Sibley a fantastic duet whose every song is filled with soaring voices and transcendent harmonies, but they're a fantastic duet whose every song is filled with soaring voices and transcendent harmonies who played, this very night, in my living room! 

There's really nothing like two amazing musicians serenading you and your family in the living room with a christmas tree in the background and good vibes in the air. I got to hear Anne's soaring voice fill all of Henry Lane with its soothing melodies, whilst Pete's banjo urged the very rafters to strum along with him through the new songs they played for us! The intimacy and closeness of seeing them play for us was matched only by the intimacy and passion passing between Pete and Anne as they stared deeply at each other, seeking and finding the inspirations behind their poignant love songs. 

In short, if you've never had an impromptu concert in your living room by the famed and esteemed Winners of the 2009 Great American Duet Sing-Off on 'A Prairie Home Companion', you're doing something wrong! 

Enjoy just one of the Sibley's incredibly rich discography, entitled 'This Silver Ring'. This song truly highlights how Anne's resonant voice can spread warmth throughout any space, and how their harmonies "are warm, tight and soulful" (Nashville Public Radio), and are so "sweetly-locked that [they] snuggle right up next to each other" (Brian Eyster, Planet Bluegrass). If you don't have the bluegrass bug after this, get your ears checked! 

"If I swore that I'd always love you, could we have this for a long long time?" 

The Sibley's will do you one better, you can have their song for the long, longest time with their enormously generous free download of 'Long Long Love' on their website here! Just scroll down and right click, save as on the free download! Be sure to check this soulful duet out more on their website http://www.anneandpetesibley.com/

To peruse and purchase their music here: http://www.anneandpetesibley.com/music.php

Or on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/anne-pete-sibley/id136838192

And finally on independent music store CD Baby here: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/AnnePeteSibley

Happy Listening! 

Wake Owl: Wild Country

After all the tomfoolery of New Years and the holidays, I think it's time to ease back into some peaceful and lovely slow bliss. Wake Owl are nothing if not lovely to listen to. With a really peaceful but still quite lively and passionate sound, their just pleasant to listen to. Their upcoming album has been described as 

 harvesting playful experimentation and raw emotion in perfect harmony

and I can't say it much better than that. Enjoy and prepare yourself for Wake Owl turning heads in the future! 

Get it? Turning heads...owls...I need to go to sleep. 

'

HOLY GOD DAMN MOTHER OF MERCY BETSY MERGATROITE. 

Noah Hyde, the amazing remixer who brought us a remix of Purity Ring's 'Obedear' (One of the coolest songs of all time, hands down, remind yourself here) has remixed Wake Owl! It's amazing, it's free, it's awesome. Enjoy!

Dzeko & Torres: 2013 In 10 Minutes (EDM Mashups of the Year)

2013 was a huge year for Electronic Dance Music. From Diplo to Skrillex, and Axwell to EDM beats in every pop song, EDM was everywhere. Looking back on the year, there were some tracks that really stood out and defined the genre and the direction the music is taking. Thanks to the rapidly growing DJ duo of Dzeko & Torres, we have many of those songs (46 in fact), condensed into their annual year recap in 10 minutes. It's a wild ride that reminds you of all the great songs from this year and gets you excited for what's to come. I personally enjoy from 7:00 on the most. Enjoy! 

If you're more of a pop person, but want something fresh, DJ Earworm releases a 'United States Of Pop' each year, and this one is a real gem! It's improved tenfold by watching the video: it's awesome to see the progression of music videos, and Earworm does a great job of video splicing and song splicing! Mashing together 25 of the biggest songs this year, it's an impressive overview of the year, and highlights Lorde, which is always good! Enjoy!

Three Seconds A Day: A Movie Of My Life! (Music By Smallpools: Over And Over)

A month and a half ago, a friend told me about the awesome idea of chronicling a few seconds of my life each and every day, and compiling them together into a living record of my existence. Since then I've learned to more fully appreciate the precious moments, and to try and find the remarkable on even the most drab of days. Filming, editing, exploring, and splicing together this adventure has been incredible fun, and I hope to continue making these into the future! I hope you enjoy this glimpse into my average (three second) day! 

Choosing the right song to be the backbeat and living pulse of my last few months was exceedingly difficult, and I listened to hundreds of tracks before settling on 'Over and Over'. It captures the breathless excitement of life, tinged with the knowledge that it is fleeting so we have to make every second last. When I was nearly done with the video I got to see Smallpools live, headlining for one of their first times ever, and before they played this song, frontman Sean Scanlon said that the song was supposed to capture the feeling of having a day that is humdrum and dull, and suddenly, out of the blue, having one of the best nights of your life. With a little spontaneity, heart, and positivity, you can make every night one to live 'Over and Over'! 

I can't thank enough all the friends, family, and extraordinary places that populate the confines of this little movie, and I can't even begin to imagine all the fantastical places and people that will fill the coming months! Thank you all, and happy New Years! Let's all make 2014 a year worthy of wanting to live over and over.