Head to the 'official' site for all the current music you'll love to listen to at music-rag.com.

Update

       Head to the website at www.music-rag.com to see all of the latest posts.

       Today's Song of the Day is Mary Lambert's "Secrets" featuring B.o.B and all previous Songs of the Day can be found in the archive. 

       Every post since the last update can be found in the list below. 

• Review of The Griswolds' impressive debut album, Be Impressive
• Music Related News 
• Intrepid single "Ghost" from Astralwerks newly signed Halsey
• Gavin DeGraw's smooth pop/jazz fusion "Fire" to be featured on his forthcoming 'best of' album
• Fragile Creatures single "Stowaways" from their forthcoming self-titled EP
• Air Traffic Controller's catchy as hell "The House"
• Undeniably sweet single from Flora Cash, "I'll Be With You"
• Gorgeous George's tongue in cheek, funky rhythmed "Girls Night Out"
• An interview with Rob Drabkin
• Zella Day's "Compass" from her forthcoming debut EP
• Australian KNDR's smooth EDM inspired "You Can't See The World In Silence"
• Catchy single "You're Mine" from Viola Dust
• Belarbi's remix of Goldroom's "Till Sunrise" featuring Mammals
• An interview with Erisa Rei
• Fantastic second single "Black Country" from young English band Young Braves
• Iggy & The German Kids' summer ready "Mary Jane"
• Clockwise's impossibly perfect "Dancing World"
• Farewell Davidson's indie rock "Open Heart Surgery"
• Fenech-Soler's incredibly addictive "Last Forever"
• Lingering and haunting track "Don't Worry About Me" from Rob Drabkin
• Dayneo's structured hot mess "Switzerland"
• Calan Mai's sweet video for adorable single "We've Got Love"
• Lucian's remix of Sampha's "Happens"
• King Terry III's "All Day All Night"
• Addictive single "Miles Away" from Australian four piece Edens March

- E

Updates

        Head to the website to see all the newest posts and songs of the day. 

       Today's song is Amusium's "Inamorato" taken from his forthcoming EP French Fries and Caviar (available August 12th) and you can find all of the previous songs of the day in the archive.

       August's posts include:

• FAIRCHILD's "Burning Feet" music video from their Burning Feet EP.
• A quick review of Watsky's Warped Tour performance and his newest track, "Right Now", available August 12th with the release of his third studio album, All You Can Do.
• Belarbi's remix of SKTRKT's bittersweet "New Dorp New York" (featuring Ezra Koenig).
• The remarkably fresh debut single "Found My Way" from New York indie rockers We Are Stations.
• Rubblebucket's music video and acoustic video of their inarguably fun single "Carousel Ride".
• Fragile Creatures' summer ready alternative pop track, "Sunshine".
• Australian natives The Occupants' sweet "Streets" which feels like an ode to alternative rock stylings.
• Queen of Hearts' hypnotic, EDM inspired "Like A Drug".

       Check out the media page for a wide variety of fantastic music you'll want to play on repeat and head to the website to stay up to date on all of the music you should know about. 

http://www.music-rag.com/

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YouTube

- E

Music Related News

• Sheppard is all set to make their US debut with their catchy hooks, sweet melodies, and lovable lyrics. Look for them to take over iTunes charts soon with their single "Geronimo" that turns a childhood exclamation into an endearing provocation and listen to tracks "Hold My Tongue" and "Let Me Down Easy" to hear why you should already be loving their sound. 
• Calan Mai released his music video for single "We've Got Love" and it gave me a reason to start listening to the track on repeat again (and thank fuck for that because this track is as great as it is adorable). The fun, single-shot, simple concept video has Australia written all over it and, above all, those lyrics are sweet; listen and love. 
• Fragile Creatures' "Sunshine" is understated pop with a light feel despite its heavy beat; articulate lyrics that scream 'alternative' are held against a reggae-esque rhythm that makes the track oh so irresistible. Look for their debut EP to be released mid-August.
• Rob Drabkin released the video for single "Don't Worry About Me" and the track and simple video concept are so pure it aches in its perfection. With the constant music turnaround that this site sees, along with the absolute need to write about at least fifty percent of the music sent this way (i.e. only the good stuff makes it through), leaving little to no time to look for personal tracks, I had nearly forgotten what it felt like when a song made you feel like it was saying everything you've never been able to. Not to dismiss the fact that that string arrangement is more moving than every Top 40 song currently on the charts (put together), nothing has ever been sweeter than that guitar, and Drabkin's vocals ring with such plaintive honesty that the grief is palpable and that omnipresent feeling of hope breathes through the cracks of every new verse.
• Weezer will be releasing their ninth album, Everything Will Be Alright In The End, September 30th. The album is organized thematically around three groups of songs and uses the sound from the band's earlier days to create these new tracks.
• Angus & Julia Stone's video for their single "A Heartbreak" premiered this week and this irresistible sibling duo already has me craving more of their sound. I couldn't be more excited to see what they have to bring to the table now that they're getting US support.
• Timbaland's Rachel Assil released a soccer themed video for her single "Whoever We Are" (featured on the 'Pepsi: Beats of the Beautiful Game' LP). Listen to the track now for rich vocals, addictive beats, and a building melody that works to lift up inspirational lyrics.
• The Griswolds "Down and Out" is as catchy as all of their other tracks. Don't let the fun productions and bouncing beats fool you; this band has an impeccable talent for hiding spectacular lyrics behind danceable melodies. Listen close and fall in love with the sound you'll want to be playing all summer. 
• EVVY released her newest single "Collide" and proved that she is only getting better with each track. Check it for a clean production, fun lyrics, a beat that will make you move and, most importantly, a free download that you can add to all your summer playlists. 
• Rubblebucket released their single "Carousel Ride" and I cannot stop listening to this on repeat. It's rhythmic perfection with a downbeat being played out on the bass and guitar whilst a light melody is held throughout and soft vocals with their gorgeously unique quality speak honest lyrics; all the while that instrumentation slowly lodges itself in your brain -- it's fantastic. 
• The Occupants' "Streets" reads like a trip through the evolution of 'alternative rock' from its earliest stages, through the creation of every sub-genre, including a short visit through grunge and a running feeling of indie-rock, all balanced out with a double beat and a waltz-esque rhythm that hold the track together as it plays out in a modern alternative structure worthy of multiple listens. Also, lyrics like "all we need is right outside the door" which urge you to actually make shit happen, rather than sitting around and waiting for what you want, are pretty awesome. 
• Ariana Grande released her latest single "Break Free" and it sounds like everything else released this summer. Her tracks are too overproduced for her sweet vocals and when she has to fight to be heard over the production it only highlights the fact that she sings through her nose... It's catchy though. Look for My Everything to be released August 25th.
• Colbie Caillat's official music video for "Try" is just as understated and gorgeous as the track itself, with the refrain "you don't have to try so hard" played whilst showing women's make-up preparations, in reverse. The sweet track and video can be summed up easily though: you don't have to make yourself look like someone else to be pretty.
• Charli XCX has announced the dates for her Fall headlining tour in North America. The tour will kick off September 26th at The Social in Orlando and will continue through October. Head here to get tickets and listen to her latest single "Boom Clap" (and the greatly addictive ASTR remix) to hear the optimism and pure life that leaks out of her every track. 
• Karine Hannah's track, "Burning Up", reads like a boring diary from a teenager's first heartbreak with lyrics that lay across the surface, never delving deep, and cheap similes that sound like they came from your first attempt at the SAT Writing section. The vocals are flat and emotionless with a complete lack of proper pitch that really only makes me question how she got this far.
• Fenech-Soler released the lyric video for their track "Last Forever" and, after spending all week listening to Rituals, I can only say that I've never been more impressed with a band whose initial impression had me thinking that they were nothing more than another alternative boy band. Their lyrics have depth, their rhythms are catchy as hell, melodies are spot on, the vocals are actually good, and you'll like having these tracks stuck in your head. Get the new album when it drops in the US August 26.
• If you haven't heard Julian Taylor Band's Tech Noir yet, you're greatly missing out. All of the tracks are purely fantastic, but "Love Connection".. Freaking "Love Connection" went acoustic and took my heart because this track sounds like the good shit you grew up listening to on your parent's vinyl, laying on the worn carpet of your old living room floor with your eyes shut; that's this song. Check it out now and fall in love with the entire album.
• MoXiiE's "Anyway" offers up a pop/techno track that feels fresh and different from everything else available right now. Check it out below for a fun track that feels just right. 

- E

Tech Noir

       In a time when every artist/band is trying to mix multiple genres together to create their own unique sound, Julian Taylor Band has already figured out their niche sound: a deliciously weird fusion of jazz, funk, soul, rock/pop comes together on the band's Tech Noir and the homey sound fits like a glove for a band that only continues to get better.

       Haunting piano riffs, sweet brass, solid guitar riffs, and pure vocals lend a satisfyingly full sound to the rich tracks, without sounding too overly produced, and allow the tracks to maintain an authentic and acoustic feel throughout as "Be Good To Your Woman" sinks into a slinking guitar riff and steady piano rhythm that drags you down into the alluring track and "The Other Side" features brass so big and piano riffs so soulful that Gulf Coast blues seem to drip from its every pore; each placing as much emphasis on the instrumentation and production as on the vocals and lyrics.

       Tracks ring out with an honest grace throughout, filled with sweet endearments and melancholy nostalgia, but never any hate. Even tracks that question your actions ring out with pure goodness, with lines "why would you do that? I thought you had my back" and "why does it hurt me so bad, you're just a memory of the past" being the most snarky among them ("Why Would You Do That" and "Hurt Me", respectively). Choruses "travel light and know that you're my hero, sail away to a brand new day, light comes and goes, still as stone, carry me home, where I will never be alone" and "do you remember way back when, we used to chill with all our friends, hanging out on those downtown streets, finding a way to beat the heat, we didn't have a care at all, do you remember way back when" ring out with gorgeous soulfulness and appreciation, rather than plaintive bitterness, offering a refreshing take on love and loss that feels so right on nostalgia filled tracks "Carry Me Home" and "Do You Remember".

       "No Guns!" takes a soft approach to a political issue while maintaining a bluesy feel and fun lyrics that lie far enough from the song's title that it just feels like good funk music here to make you dance, while the album's opening track, "You Say", reads like an introduction to the sound awaiting you on the rest of the album, featuring heavy brass, fun piano melodies, solid bass, wandering guitars, and a satisfyingly wide vocal range, all waiting to suck you into whichever song you choose.

       Of course, there's the band's inexplicably addictive "Never Gonna Give You Up" that has the same mental staying capacity as Rick Astley's own song of the same title, but so many times better that I've lost count. The track features a sweet organ, chiming horns, a fun chorus, and a rhythm that you just can't help but move to. The track's everything you want and will never grow tired of, all wrapped up in one.

       "Heatwave" feels like a trip back in time that focuses on that big brass band sound and the solid vocal harmonies of the '40's, with a playful guitar riff thrown in; while "Love Connection" goes for the bare bones feel of a softly played acoustic guitar, hesitant piano, and pure vocals that nearly overtake the instrumentation in an '90's alternative/soul "Fast Car" sort of feel (minus the soul crushing lyrics); and "Zero To Eleven" sinks steadfastly into a groovy funk feel, fun guitars and heavy horns included. The point is, the album cannot be pinned down to one genre, time specific influence, or even seasonal feel (summer vibes, crisp fall production, etc.); it's amazingly refreshing.

       Tech Noir feels like a sweet spot for a band that has been steadily making its move upwards in the business. Honest lyrics sound articulate, smart, and effortless, jiving perfectly with full productions featuring soulful melodies and pleasantly solid rhythms, perfect for relaxed listenings or dancing around. The album's impressive diversity gives it everything you could ever want and everything you never knew you had to be listening to, right now.

       Every track is spectacular but, if you don't have time for a full listen, make sure to give yourself enough time for "Do You Remember", "Hurt Me", and "Never Gonna Give You Up". Nothing is sweeter than a nostalgic jazz sound nonchalantly mixed with sweetly relaxed lyrics ("Do You Remember") and the steady down-strokes of "Hurt Me" offer up a superb support for lyrics that work to maintain their optimism. And "Never Gonna Give You Up" is just eternally great.

       Get Tech Noir from iTunes now and head to the sites below to find out more about Julian Taylor, the band, and their music.

Julian Taylor Band

Twitter

Facebook

SoundCloud

YouTube

- E

Music Related News

• We Are Stations released "Found My Way" (available for free now) and it's so sweetly perfect that it hurts a little. The sound feels like heading home while vocal harmonies are satisfying enough to be played at full volume with your windows down and there is something about the song, especially that guitar progression on the bridge, that just feels so right.
• Becky G released the music video for "Shower" and it is as just as deep as the song's lyrics would imply. I especially love the obvious product placement; the endorsement of Covergirl in this video is more noticeable than Stay Puft's in Ghostbusters. The most disappointing thing about "Shower" though is the fact that it is utterly void of the easy-to-sing-along-with-even-on-the-first-listen lyrics that we so desire in our thoughtless summer hits, even though the melody promises something fun. "Call Me Maybe" this is not (update: after ten listens the dancing and singing has commenced, but I will never forgive her for "Becky From The Block": that was straight up blasphemous).
• Ariana Grande released the track list for her forthcoming album, My Everything, due out August 25 and it reads like a who's who of celebrity mash-ups you've always wanted but were too afraid to dare dream of asking for (names include Childish Gambino, Big Sean, Ryan Tedder with Benny Blanco, and A$AP Ferg, among others). Catch her tomorrow night (July 2) during MTV's Total Ariana Live and watch for her new single, "Break Free" featuring Zedd, dropping tomorrow during the half hour event. 
• Sia continues her streak of sultry sweet summer sadness singles with "Big Girls Cry" and an intro which states "tough girl in the fast lane, no time for love, no time for hate... tough girl, whose soul aches" should have you completely hooked but when that beat drops and the melody frantically tries to keep up with soulful vocals that plaintively plead "I wake up alone" before allowing themselves to be wrapped up with "I don't care if I don't look pretty, big girls cry when their hearts are breaking" it's so gorgeous it aches. If you don't love Sia already, you haven't yet heard her music (or, more accurately, her heart-breakingly honest lyrics).  
• Watsky's first single since Cardboard Castles is catchy as ever; "Whoa Whoa Whoa" continues to prove that Watsky's production could not be better and his tongue in cheek lyrics are just as fun as everything that made you fall for his music in the first place while the choral repetition of "what do you take us for" hints at his omnipresent use of meaningful underlying messages.
• Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj are set to release the powerhouse collaborative single "Bang Bang" July 29 via Republic Records which will serve as the first single off Jessie J's forthcoming album due out this Fall and will also be available on the deluxe edition of Grande's My Everything.
• Owl City released the video for "Beautiful Times" (featuring Lindsey Stirling) from Ultraviolet (available now) and it sounds like a solid mixture of "Hello Seattle" and "Fireflies" and, to top it off, he is wearing the same damn shirt in "Beautiful Times" as he is in the "Fireflies" video (also it's the same fucking room and the same dang theme and this complete disregard of originality infuriates me, no matter its 'deeper' meaning). "Wolf Bite" was kind of awesome (honestly progressively better with each listen) and "Up All Night" is catchy as hell and they both veer far, far from that "Fireflies" sound, so check those out if you're tired of the watered down over-played radio singles.
• I don't want to like 5SOS but they're so greatly weird that it feels like they just happened upon their boy band status by accident and were like "'kay, cool; let's do this" and now they're just rolling with it but still putting out awesomely awkward videos that are totally cool with you being a freak. You do you and listen to 5 Seconds of Summer this summer because, let's face it, you can't stay away from it (and "Don't Stop" is pleasantly adorable).
• James Bay's Let It Go EP is still the most satisfying album you'll hear this summer. Sweet piano riffs are tied up with tangy guitar riffs that sound like home and rich vocals you will never grow tired of trot out lines that could not be more perfect were they taken from your journal (if you could ever remember to keep up a journal). 
• Australia's Sheppard (siblings George, Amy, and Emma Sheppard and friends Jay Bovino, Michael Butler, and Dean Gordon) are set to make their U.S. debut with their undeniably catchy single "Geronimo" and that fun melody that twines perfectly with an upbeat rhythm and wonderfully satisfying vocals is far too great to pass over; listen to it now and add it to your summer playlist, because you will be (shamelessly) addicted. 
• Lane 8's "I Got What You Need (Every Night)" featuring Bipolar Sunshine has to be the most satisfying single of this past week, though. With a sweetly slinking rhythm, a melody that breathes summer vibes, and charmingly full vocals doling out adorable lines you'll be singing along with in no time, the track is undeniably worthy of playing on repeat while dancing around. 
• I'm honestly so addicted to Zella Day's latest single that I don't even think I'm okay anymore. Seriously though, you have to be persistent as fuck to make it through any of Steinbeck's novels (even his novella's feel like a lifetime) and to write a song with lyrics which allude to the most basic ideas presented in East of Eden (that the creativity of a single person is the only real freedom left in this world) while a sturdy, persistent rhythm and pretty lilting melody feel like the constant struggle between good and evil (also a running theme in the novel) -- I'm too impressed with the writing style and production techniques to not be completely sated with this song that will never fall out of my head. 

- E

Music Related News

       You guys should have gotten your music related news yesterday, but I got caught up playing around on the new website; I cannot wait until I can share it with you guys (I love it way more than anyone should love an intangible object).

• The Royal Concept released their single "D-D-Dance" on iTunes and now I can't get enough of them; it's San Cisco meets Black Kids with an extra punch of pure youthful energy and it's a perfect mix of folk pop, dance-able melodies, and fun rhythms that has me more than a little addicted to their music.
• Hudson Taylor released their music video for "Weapons" and continued to show that they are the most amazing, and most promising, thing coming out of indie folk right now. Look for their name soon because it won't be long until you can't get away from their music. 
• Friday, February 9, marked the fifty year anniversary of the day The Beatles first arrived in the US, giving us the, much loved, phrase 'British Invasion'. The Beatles early songs weren't very thought provoking, but their music matured as their fans did and the band is a perfect example of how best to stay in the spotlight and your fan's playlists.
• It's that time of year when you can start buying your SunFest tickets again; it's not the 'best' music festival, you will have one day when you're soaked through with rain and another day where you've definitely garnered third degree burns on your hands from leaning back on the cement, but it's tradition and it's fun. Of all the festivals I've been to, none have this same sort of relaxed feel and it's awesome to be there the first three nights because it's so 'empty' on the weekdays (though it does make Sunday's crowds slightly unbearable). 
• The Colourist, the debut full length album from The Colourist, is available for pre-order now and you're going to want to grab your copy; the band is coming on to the indie pop scene strong and their songs are so fun it's ridiculous. Their only real competition, sound wise, is going to be Echosmith and, between the two, I'd put my money on The Colourist; while Echosmith has nice lyrics, the tracks feel light and the vocals could be better and The Colourist already has a fully mature sound with solid vocals that are easy to listen to, as well as some great lyrics. Check out their video for "Fix This" for something amazing.
• Broods' "Bridges" is the free single of the week on iTunes (US) this week and it's slowly building electronic beat sucks you in with its hypnotic waves and soft vocal melodies.
• Hot Chelle Rae released their latest single, "Don't Say Goodnight", and the song sounds just as fun as you've come to expect from this band. I've tried not to get addicted, but it just feels like summer and warm nights and there's no point in denying this single's greatness. 
• Justin Bieber was not smacked by NBA's Blake Griffin; it was a satire story posted by a sports site which got picked up by other news sources who ran it as truth. I can't believe I'm actually disappointed that a person was not physically assaulted. 
• Andy Blunda, former Fastball guitarist, released his second solo EP, Messages, and the songs are so great that they demand your immediate and full attention. They're truly fantastic and only get better with each listen. 
• PawnShop King's "Fall Apart" sucks you in slowly, so that you don't even realize you're hooked until you're sitting there singing the chorus under your breath and trying to figure out what it's from. You can get the single, for free, by clicking on this link now though, so do that (because I have waited so long to start getting music that is free for your personal use, not just for the site's use, and I'm super excited to share this with you).
• Billy Ray Cyrus' "Achy Breaky Heart" has been resurrected by Buck 22 who took the song and made "Achy Breaky 2". I honestly can't. The video is all shades of ridiculous, the song is an average looking mess, and I kind of wish I had never listened to it, because this weird remix will be in my head for far too long now; it's as mindnumbingly unimportant as the original, with the added bonus of being just as horribly catchy (it won't leave your head and it's bad).
• Nickel Creek got back together and released "Destination" and I am super fucking excited to hear new music from them. It's been far too long since the classic folk band gave us a sweet melody to sway along to and their lyrics are just as articulate as ever. 
• Manolo Panic came out with their interactive music video for "Tiny Robots" and it's just as amazing as the song itself, plus super entertaining. 
• Skylar Grey released "Coming Home, Part II" and it's completely gorgeous and shows off the depth in her vocals perfectly while carrying over a chorus you already know and love into her latest work, making it easier for you to already be addicted to this new song. Plus the video is simple and beautiful and captures the song's sentiment with gorgeous ease.

"Coming Home, Pt. II" Skylar Grey

- E

Music Related News

       You guys get a second 'music related news/update' post this week, because there's just a lot of stuff going down and I'm pretty sure I'll forget to mention it if I wait until next Monday.

• The Wanted has stated that they will be breaking up at the end of their current tour and that they "will continue to exist, just not actively"; they're done. They did give us "Glad You Came" with just enough time for it to infect our radio stations right before spring break a few years back and "we've only just begun...until forever comes, you'll find us chasing the sun" from "Chasing the Sun" is kind of funny now (it's not funny if you're a fan of the band though.. I'm sorry for your loss).
• Justin Bieber was pulled over and admitted to having been drinking, smoking marijuana, and consuming prescription medication; he was also driving without a valid license and resisted arrest. Bieber's yellow Lamborghini was caught going 55-60 mph in a 30 mph (because nothing says 'under the radar' like blocking off a residential with SUVs then speeding in a yellow car at 4 AM [only slightly incongruous]) and the only thing this really shows is that police intervention is doing absolutely nothing because he's entitled and no amount of warnings will change the mind of someone so ignorant and self-important; the best thing that could happen to the Biebs is for him to fall into oblivion so that he's forced to realize that he is not special.
• 1D member Liam Payne had really bad timing the other day when he tweeted that he liked Duck Dynasty without thinking of the recent comments made by patriarch, Phil Robertson. Instead of explaining that his tweets were referencing the show and not the homophobic and sexist statements that have been made public as of late, he went on a Twitter rant that included the tweet "All those tweets are aimed at journalists and bloggers not fans". So, there was that; so, fuck you, too. Regardless, none of his tweets were infuriating other than one that stated "Can't wait for the call tomorrow where I get told of for cussing had to be said like I said before much worse has happened In the world" because periods are important and it seemed that he lost his train of thought at the end of the 'sentence' and OH MY GOD IT'S FUCKING CURSING NOT FUCKING 'CUSS'. That is my biggest fucking pet peeve (use the word "curse"; "cuss" is an alteration of "curse" and it's informal and fucking stupid). Basically though, the 1D singer had poor timing when talking about a show he enjoyed and the only thing that should upset you is his poor word choice (see above) and the fact that he felt a Twitter rant was a good idea. Other than that, keep listening to whatever you want.
• Chuck Wicks released the single "Us Again" and it seems like he's trying to help the country genre get over its rut that it has been stuck in over the past year or so with a bit of a refreshing composition, though that dialogue still holds true to every break up song ever written.
• Miley Cyrus will be featured in her own MTV Unplugged special on January 29 and it's going to be great. Everyone wants to critique Cyrus but, in actuality, her voice is gorgeous and it's going to be great. It's easy to forget about her vocals and song-writing abilities when she's dressing in unflattering outfits and sticking her tongue out and doing ridiculous videos that seem like they were thought up by a fifteen year old, but her voice is great and she has actual talent. Any personal opinions of her 'recent conduct' aside, Cyrus knows exactly what she's doing and she is able to make people talk while still brushing it aside with a great performance or heartfelt single staggered in between her 'risque' decisions; it's kind of great and she's not going to be going anywhere, so just accept her music and set your DVR for January 29 (listen to this to hear how great her stripped down sessions can be [and then probably play it back again]).
• The video for B.o.B's "John Doe" was released and the intro leaves a bittersweet aftertaste when an interview ends on a bit of a harsh question; check out the video and love the song.
• Bad Suns' "Cardiac Arrest" is free on iTunes (US) this week and you're going to want to get it now because it's fantastic and it will be on your radio before long; learn the lyrics and the get the EP, Transpose, now. Plus, the line "high voltage when we kiss" is kind of really fantastic and all of the lyrics are just as great, yet easy for you to sing along with.
• Aer released Aer Tuesday and it's filled with their signature addictive melodies and dripping beats. There's something about the vocals that feels grounded and, while the vocals are not the 'best' per say, they are satisfying and the album is worth checking out (just grab a few of the tracks; check out "Says She Loves Me", "Spades, Clubs, & Diamonds", "Won't Laugh", and "Sincerely").
• Timeflies released their single "All the Way" and, while there's a lot going on during bits of the composition, it's also got an incredibly addictive melody and cute lyrics and every time the duo performs a stripped down version of their tracks, they have actual talent and that is always refreshing and makes their music so easy to listen to. Check out the new single below.

"All the Way" Timeflies

- E

Happy New Year

       I have not scheduled any posts to go up automatically for a bit so, if this does not work, I'll feel kind of silly logging in tomorrow (later today?). If it does work, however, it will be perfect because you should be dancing to a song about love and optimism when the new year begins. 

       The blog is one year, four months, and sixteen days old now (as of midnight). That's one year, four months, and twenty days since someone first said "you should start a blog" (granted they were talking about my personal life which has stories others seem to find humorous and I find sad, but this has worked out fine) and I did. It took it's time getting off the ground floor, for sure, but you have no idea what all of your reading, sharing, commenting, and emails have done over the past few months, and I kind of love you guys a lot for everything that's going to be coming for the site this year and I would toast to all of you if I could. 

       Happy New Year to all of you awesome people with your gorgeous faces and delicious taste in music; let's hope it's a good one.

"What If" Vita Chambers

"Smile When You Kiss" Bombadil (to my long time readers; yes, I do listen to this each year on January 1st)

"Let Your Heart Hold Fast" Fort Atlantic (this may be the third best song of all time and it sounds like a fresh start)

- E

Music Related News for 2013

       I did not give you your Music Related News post yesterday, so here's a compilation of some of the awesome things that went on in music this year.

• The Fratellis released their album, We Need Medicine, which was their first full length since the band's reunion, and we all shed a tear of joy that our favorite English indie rock group was back to make us dance.
• The Wombats released "Your Body Is A Weapon", the first single since 2010's This Modern Glitch, and made us realize that we had been lusting for something else from the band since then. This band cannot put out a bad song.
• Sleeperstar wrote a song (and filmed a music video) based off the greatness of Harry Potter (aptly named "The Harry Potter Song"), further reinforcing my love for the band and their music. Look for Lost Machines to be released in 2014 because these guys veer close to my definition of 'favorite band' and are pretty amazing.
• Everyone speculated about a supposedly imminent break-up from The Killers. It never happened because they're not breaking up. Listen to "Shot At the Night" from their Deluxe Hits album and get ready for a second solo album from Flowers in 2014.
• Jack Johnson reminded us that we will never be as cool as he is with his video for "Shot Reverse Shot".
• Travie McCoy came out with a single that featured Jason Mraz and it was not as great as it sounds. 
• Lupe Fiasco came out with a single from his upcoming album Tetsuo & Youth the day after Beyoncé released her surprise album. Tough break man; I'm still a fan. Listen to "Old School Love" featuring Ed Sheeran.
• Matthew Mole came out with a video for his chart topping (at least in South Africa) single "Take Yours, I'll Take Mine" and it was just as adorable and heart-warming as the song itself. Get The Home We Built and Take Yours, I'll Take Mine EP for some perfect tracks.
• City Rain made us all think about the positive when everything else in the world seemed to be pointing out the shittiest parts of our existence. Check out "The Optimist" because it's extremely awesome. 
• GOVS (Josiah Birrell) released his self-titled GOVS EP and, along with the release of the "Holy Infinity" video, made us all question why we did not realize the greatness of Australian artists sooner (probably because all we had before was Jet who left us and Keith Urban who refuses to leave us).
• The Griswolds rushed onto the scene with bright colors, fun videos, and hooks we couldn't get out of our heads if we tried (check out "Mississippi", "The Courtship of Summer Preasley", "Heart of A Lion").
• The Silent Comedy gave us a lyric video we should all aspire to make one day.
• Gemini Wired spoke out about bullying and showed that the coolest people were bullied when they were young (because being weird makes you awesome and you're going to rule the world); "What Now".
• Clubfeet made an amazing music video for "Everything You Wanted" that makes me question if I really like the song, or I'm just transfixed by the images (I really like the song; it's amazing with lines like "we used to walk like we were free...we used to laugh because we never knew" and "come with me, I'll show you everything you wanted" and a swirling composition that screams perfection).
• The UK forced us to acknowledge their perfection by giving us new acts to love like London Grammar, Kodaline, and Hudson Taylor. 
• Britney Spears took up residency in Vegas and released Britney Jean and made us all realize that, even after all the shit she's gone through, we still all secretly want to be Britney; why does everything about her life sound so weird and perfect all at the same time?
• Kanye West and Justin Bieber proved they were awful human beings. 
• Miley Cyrus put out a bipolar album and released videos in the order of a party video, to a slightly heartbreaking video, to one that is just straight up childish stupidity. Apparently, she thought she wasn't getting the attention she deserved and had to put out "Adore You" to refocus the spotlight on herself. Part of me wants to like Cyrus for her vocal and writing talent, the other part is reminded of why I usually avoid people my age. Grow up and stop trying to get attention in the easiest way.
• HAIM became famous. I'm about as much of a HAIM fan as I am a fan of Arcade Fire, but I guess I should throw that in here (oh, and Arcade Fire came out with Reflektor).
• Hellogoodbye released an album we'd all been waiting for since 2012's live Did It Kill You? album and reminded us of why we first thought indie techno sounded like an acceptable genre; Everything Is Debatable. 
• "What Does the Fox Say?" is etched into all of our brains forever. 
• Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Same Love", featuring Mary Lambert (released in 2012), became a sort of anthem in 2013. It brought up questions of whether a straight man writing a 'gay anthem' (media's words, not mine) was almost too preachy, but Mary Lambert shot down those naysayers by stating "a straight white man can't change his demographic, but he can choose what he does with his privilege, and he can choose this awareness of sense of self and what privilege is. And I think Ben does an incredible job of checking himself constantly" (she's amazing). She further proved her own personal greatness by releasing "She Keeps Me Warm". In 2014, turn "She Keeps Me Warm" into an anthem so that we can stop listening to the people who complain about someone writing a gorgeous song and instead just focus on a truly gorgeous single from Lambert who deserves the recognition. 
• Taylor Swift continued to receive a bad rap for writing 'childish' songs but, really, lyrics like "we're happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time. It's miserable and magical", "maybe this is wishful thinking, probably mindless dreaming, but if we loved again, I swear I'd love you right", "please don't be in love with someone else, please don't have somebody waiting on you", and "this is the last I'm asking you why you break my heart in the blink of an eye" should be celebrated for their flatly stated honesty, because she's saying everything we would never be brave enough to say face to face. 
• The Neighbourhood broke onto the music scene and "Sweater Weather" became your favorite song to hate after it became "too mainstream" (I've said it before and I'll say it again; mainstream is not bad).
• Lorde dominated US radio airwaves with "Royals" (it will never really leave your head).
• Walk Off the Earth proved that they're musical geniuses, even when the only instrument handy is a car.
• Bob Dylan released an interactive video for "Like A Rolling Stone".
• I found myself oddly addicted to a One Direction song (something is wrong); though Midnight Memories was announced as the biggest-selling album of 2013, so maybe it's just been slowly forced into my subconscious.
• Beyoncé came out with a surprise visual album and demanded to be our queen (you need to hear "Heaven").
• Ezra Koenig said he liked selfies and Miley Cyrus' "We Can't Stop" because of its melancholy undertone and posed the question "Why can't you stop? What's going to happen if you do stop?". Leave it to Koenig to make even the most simplistic pop hit sound deep.
• Lady Gaga got old fast when she released ARTPOP and everyone responded with "cool but, no thanks".
• Boy bands were on the rise (see here).
• Justin Timberlake was perfect.
• Music was so easy to get that we became wrapped up in singles and stopped listening to albums, resulting in shorter albums or EPs and Beyoncé's decision to release all tracks on her album at once, and that's really the only thing we should probably change in the new year (that and commenting on the 'hotness' of our band members. I don't care what you look like, just sound good).

       This didn't even cover a quarter of the music headlines this year, but it should give you a start so you can close the chapter on 2013 and head into 2014 with some party talk for tonight and a few awesome songs running through your head. 

- E

Debut Albums/EPs in 2013

       There were so many new bands coming out in 2013 that there's no way I can have all of their music listed here, but this is a [short] list of my picks for the 2013 debuts you should already have in your music library.

The Ends Beginning EP Palaye Royale (get it now)

Talking Dreams Echosmith (you're not going to stop hearing their name)

In A Perfect World Kodaline (their debut full length is stuffed full of perfection)

If You Wait London Grammar (they blew up after "Hey Now" and have only become better)

Hunter Hunted EP Hunter Hunted (perfection)

Follow My Feet EP The Unlikely Candidates (those vocals and melodies are like a four course meal for your ears)

Mount Karma Dovetail (folksy in the best way with just enough of an alt-rock sound to keep you happy)

You Could Be Happy Sahara Beck (pure vocals and an acoustic guitar)

I Love You The Neighbourhood (every track's perfection and they're so fun to see live; scream "Afraid")

You Belong Here Leagues (the guys are cool, their music's fantastic, and their live performance is a can't miss)

Sunny Days & Starry Nights The Saving Pointe (get the full length because it'll have something you'll love)

       It's a short list; I'm positive I missed something great that I was ranting about earlier, but I'll cover it later when I'm not trying to post every 'end of the year' list within five hours.

- E

Videos

       If you're looking for a way to procrastinate because you're down to that last round of studying and you just can't stay focused until you take a break (it's actually good for you to take breaks in between studying [i.e. study for one hour, take twenty minute break; study for 45 minutes, take ten minute break; and so on until you've got it to increase productivity/keep you from reaching a mental block]; I can always find a way to defend procrastination) check out the videos below for some of the releases you might have missed over the last few weeks.

"Take Yours, I'll Take Mine" Matthew Mole (it's simple, sweet, and addictive, just like the single)

"Pull Down the Moon" Cattle & Cane (it's just as adorable as the song and will make you smile)

Bob Dylan's interactive music video for "Like A Rolling Stone" (because interactive videos are all the rage)

"Death Is A Party, Invite All Your Friends" Palaye Royale (these guys should already be super fucking famous)

      And check out the official video for "Follow My Feet" from The Unlikely Candidates too, because it is completely unacceptable that music like this has been flying so far beneath the radar for this long (every track on their Follow My Feet EP is just as perfect so get it on iTunes now).

- E

How the Media Failed Women in 2013/Speed the Collapse

       This seems like a pretty sure way to drain my male audience (check out the last paragraph for The Mask You Live In), but Miss Representation came out with their latest video 'How the Media Failed Women in 2013' and, while it's disheartening, it should be seen. There were some high points in 2013 but, for the most part, women are still viewed in an awful light and it's sad.

       I've never embraced 'the f word'; my oldest sister was always the feminist of the family so I just assumed that being a feminist meant that you were a vegetarian, not a fan of bras, and you didn't really care about shaving on a regular basis but, the older I got or, more accurately, the more knowledge I gained from mostly unbiased news and media outlets (everyone is biased in some way), versus simply accepting what was presented during classroom instruction, the more I realized that I probably align with a lot of feminist ideals. I'll never be on Simone de Beauvoir's level and burning bras is a ridiculous idea (it costs $80 for two bras; I'm not wasting that shit) but some things really need to change.

       First off, women have got to stop putting down other women. Don't make fun of her; she's your closest ally. Besides, the nicer you are, the better you feel about yourself, so stop being mean and don't think you're better than someone else; you have no idea what they have been through.

       The Lilly Ledbetter Act was signed into law, but women still make less money than men. My mother is the head of her division at the company, but she still makes less than her male colleagues (the company does this by slightly changing the job description; they do the exact same job in their separate divisions, they have the same work ethic and round the clock hours, but their titles differ by one word).

       Rape is still considered a woman's fault by a disgustingly large amount of the population. In court, it is so much more difficult to prove that you are a victim of assault (upon your own body, something you should be able to control), than to just give up and let him get away; that's horrific.

        Teenage girls are more worried about getting a thigh gap than being healthy. Be active and happy, not thin and sickly. Work out, eat a fairly regular diet, but know that having a thigh gap is, in large, a biological predetermination; if you weren't born with that bone structure, you're not going to have that gap. Get over it, calm down, stop trying to look like other girls, and eat a cookie without feeling guilty, because there are people who love you unconditionally.

        To every girl that has ever had a guy, or even (disgustingly) a girl, make them feel like they are not worth anything, you are so much more intelligent and beautiful than social media or peers have led you to think. You're amazing and you are more than enough.

         This video is enough to make you hate men; don't do that. I swear that's not what I'm trying to do here, I just want you to realize what is still going on in our supposedly forward thinking country. Women are just as awful to one another, if not more cruel at times, and there are a lot of guys who are educated and were not raised to be jackasses.

      This does have to do with music: the song chosen for the background is amazing. Metric's "Speed the Collapse" provides the backdrop for the short film so click on the link to check that out (also make sure to listen to Rachel Maddow starting at the 2:22 mark).

       If you're a guy, check out The Mask You Live In, the male counterpart to Miss Representation from The Representation Project; there's this video here and the link will be below. 

http://therepresentationproject.org/

http://www.missrepresentation.org/tag/the-mask-you-live-in/

http://film.missrepresentation.org/

https://twitter.com/MaskYouLiveIn

- E

Noah and the Whale

       Nothing can really fix you like a good, solid Noah and the Whale marathon listening session (well, that and hugging a big fluffy dog; I literally cannot understand the reasoning of people who don't like big dogs).

       Noah and the Whale is always great, their music is perfect when you need to check out and hang at the pier for a bit (or wherever people who don't live by water go to think), and I'll have 'new' awesome music for you by tonight but, for now, this is good.

- E

Matt & Kim/Overexposed

       As a quick public service announcement, I would like to state that I am really awful at censoring myself when I get excited and that I don't have the time to go back and read this post right away to fix any censorship issues which may occur so, if you're sensitive or easily offended, read no further.

       Scratch what I said Saturday about Frank Turner's being the best concert I've been to since 2011, because Matt & Kim are amazing.

       Holy fuck that was the best fucking performance I've ever seen. I was probably a little biased because the second they came on stage I was thinking "oh, fuck yes, this will be fantastic" but holy balls that was just perfection.

       The duo was energetic musical perfection with an adorable back and forth and fantastic use of crowd participation and when Matt introduced Kim as his "partner in crime and in sex" it was probably the most adorable introduction I've heard. Plus, I'm still amazed by the little things they did as part of their performance, because I've seen artists jump or walk into their crowds, but Kim is the first I've seen to stand on the hands of the audience members while dancing and, while I've seen plenty of talented artists standing on their keyboards, Matt is the first I've seen do a handstand and hold it (I don't even know how you would go about doing that without tipping it over and breaking your face).

       The only thing that gave me pause was when Kim said "South Florida, this is the only place where I can act like a complete fucking hot mess and you people still fucking love me" because I couldn't quite decide whether that was a good or bad thing, but then I remembered that last time I visited family in Indiana, they all but did the sign of the cross when I fixed my bra strap, and I decided I'd much rather be down here with all the other people who still don't have their lives together (and who realize that bras are everywhere and you don't have to hide them).

       This was their last show this year, but make sure to stay up to date with the band so you can see them live because, fucking hell, they're amazing and, if possible, I love them more now than I did before.

       And yes, I did dance the fuck out when this song began and, while I would like to say that I got videos for you guys for the performances, I was dancing too much for Fitz and The Tantrums to try, I didn't bother during The Neighbourhood (the sound guy was pretty awful), I think it's out of the question to expect anyone to stand still for Matt & Kim, Two Door Cinema Club was too good, and I've seen Passion Pit too many times to find the allure in standing still for a video rather than dancing to every song.

"Overexposed" Matt & Kim

- E