Don't Know Why (You Stay) :: Essex Green

Essex Green is an indie-pop band based in Vermont. This song, "Don't Know Why (You Stay)" played on Pandora and caught my ear.

It's got catchy lyrics, some rhythmic syncopation, and I love the subtle harmony on the chorus. Happy Wednesday!

white as diamonds : alela diane

I am getting so ready and excited for spring. I'm done with winter, apparently winter isn't done with me though.
I was recently at the LVC mid-year retreat, and started thinking of songs that remind me of spring. This is one of my recent musical acquisitions, Alela Diane of Nevada City, CA. This song is off her new CD "To Be Still" which was released this February.
She reminds me a little of Joanna Newsom. Her voice doesn't really doesn't like Joanna Newsom's, but her music does.
This particular song reminds me of watching snow melt and fall off pine trees like rain while geese fly by overhead.




I’ve known mornings
white as diamonds
silent from a night so cold
such a stillness
calm as the owl glides
Our lives are buried in snow

Ouuuuhh whooooa whoooooa (2x)

I was sifting through the piles
in my hand a tangled thread each patient tug upon the snarl
is a glimpse of what has been

Ouuuuhh whooooa whoooooa (2x)

Burdened bands gain strong hands
gaping holes where diamonds should be
must have been morning that stole them
a glint of white in the pocket of winter

Ouuuuhh whooooa whoooooa (2x)

And some hearts are ghosts settling down in dark waters
Just as silt grows heavy and drowns with the stones

Some hearts are ghosts settling down in dark waters
Just as silt grows heavy and drowns with the stones

Ouuuuhh whooooa whoooooa (2x)

I’ve known mornings
white as diamonds
silent from a night so cold
such a stillness
calm as the owl glides
our lives are buried in snow
our lives are buried in snow

I'm Good, I'm Gone :: Lykke Li

happy tuesday everyone! we're 7 days away from making history, so get your vote on then, or if you can do it now, DO IT!

today's song of the day is by an artist many of us have come to love since we were first introduced to this Swedish indie artist, Lykke Li, this past spring by Kim. well, ever since then, i've been slightly obsessed.

just this morning, as i was searching around for an artist to blog about, i came across this live session of Lykke Li's single "i'm good, i'm gone". i'm a huge fan of live, acoustic performances (duh), and this is what you get from this particular track - a live, acoustic performance. there's something that gives me tingles when you get to hear all the intricate details of an artist's voice and instrumentaling.


when i listened to this song, i thought about all the work that has been done to get out the vote and to help distribute the information about these upcoming elections. politics has been on my brain constantly for the last 6 months...and, in case you didn't know, we are all apart of this election. we all have a vital role - whether it is making sure we get ourselves out to the voting booths, helping to address ingorant, hateful rhetoric, volutneering our time to a local, state, or national campaign, encouraging a first time voter to do their homework, or hosting debate parties - we are all in this game and it's up to us to make sure this election is not a repeat of the last 8 years and 2 elections.

so, hopefully you'll enjoy this wonderful live rendition of another jammin Lykke Li song while you're working on getting out the vote!






GO OBAMA.







The end.
Love,
Meggo.







I'm Good, I'm Gone :: Lykke Li

Steppin', stormin'
I'm all gone
Give me a tone and I'm all gone
Yeah, I'm walkin' by the line
I hear that in my mind

I'm workin' a sweat
But it's all good
I'm breakin' my back
But it's all good
'cause I know I'll get it back
Yeah, I know your hands will clap

Yeah, I'm workin'
Yeah, I'm workin'
To make butter for my piece of bun

And if you say I'm not OK
Then that's the goal
If you say there ain't no way that I could know
If you say I aim too high from down below
Well, say it know 'cause when I'm gone...
You'll be callin' but I won't be at the phone

And you're hanging around 'til it's all done
You can't keep me back once I've had some
Wasting time to get it right
And you will see what I'm about

Yeah, I'm workin' a sweat
But it's all good
I'm breakin' my back
But it's all good
'cause I know I'll get it back
Yeah, I know your hands will clap

And if you say I'm not OK
Then that's the goal
If you say there ain't no way that I could know
If you say I aim too high from down below
Well, say it know 'cause when I'm gone...
You'll be callin' but I won't be at the phone

Bonus Song!
Hanging High

Go On, Say It :: Blind Pilot

Today's song is from the fairly new band Blind Pilot. They are Oregon based acoustic rock band that has a really solid album called "3 Rounds and a Sound." I love the simplicity that characterizes the album. This song, "Go On, Say It" kind of reminds me of the Beatles, circa Rubber Soul, but that might just be because I've been listening to the Beatles a lot with the kid I babysit for. On this track, the string arrangement behind the vocals holds the song together perfectly so enjoy that.

I really haven't found out much more about them online than their myspace page and a band website that was down. I couldn't even find lyrics to their songs, which is ok though. Either way, I've been listening to "3 Rounds and a Sound" almost constantly the past few days and if you're looking for an excellent acoustic indie-rock album, this whole album is worth a listen.

There's some weird static-like stuff before the drum part comes in.. makes a lot more sense in album context. So just wait it out.

Beloved One :: Ben Harper

sometimes you don't even need to explain why some songs are worth listening to...

sorry for the late post y'all...but here's my song of the day.

i've been listening to a lot of new music thanks to pandora.com! but when this one came on, it grabbed my attention fully...its simplicity, its lyrics...just a voice and a guitar and sincere feelings...all of these things are what make this song beautiful.

hopefully you'll agree!
the end.
love,
meggo




Beloved One :: Ben Harper
We have both been here before
Knockin upon loves door
Begging for someone to let us in
Knowing this we can agree to keep each other company
Never to go down that road again

My beloved one, my beloved one

Your eyes shine through me
You are so divine to me
Your heart has a home in mine
We wont have to say a word
With a touch all shall be heard
When I search my heart its you I find

My beloved one, my beloved one, my beloved one

You were meant for me,
I believe you were sent to me from a dream straight into
To my arms
Hold your body close to me
You mean the most to me
We will keep each other safe from harm

My beloved one, my beloved one, my beloved one

Anyone But You :: Dana Wilentz

Hello folks - I have to admit that I was in error (or at least in ignorance) when I made my posting two weeks ago - and my apologies for not posting last week. My last post was about the D.C.-based teenage indie band Lemonface, and their unfortunate disbanding earlier this year. I encouraged people to visit the Myspace page of the two members who remain together as a group, Richard, the guitarist, and Brendan, the drummer. However, after posting, I discovered that Dana, the bassist is also working on music as a soloist. Her music is very different from the pop-punk-rock of Lemonface of Richard and Brendan - she's apparently coming into her own quite phenomenally as an acoustic singer-songwriter. Four of her recordings (three originals and one live cover) are up on her website, Myspace.com/danawilentz. I could say that her songs are great considering her age (She's seventeen), but the age disclaimer isn't even necessary. These songs are good. End of story.

At any rate, my favorite of the moment is "Anyone But You," so head over to myspace.com/danawilentz and have a listen! Her vocals are amazing and I think she's headed to big places - we'll be hearing more from her for a lot of years to come, of that I am sure.

Love it.

Day Old Hate :: City and Colour

Guest Blogger::Yusef

If you haven't heard of Dallas Green, from the band Alexisonfire, and his brilliant side project City & Colour, you are for shiz missing out on the greatest album of the year: Bring Me Your Love, released in Feb 2008.

Yes, I know it's only April, but I know a classic when I hear one. Well at least by my standards. I hate saying "if you like x, then you'll like y," but it's so helpful: so if you dig Damien Rice, Bright Eyes and Ryan "not Bryan" Adams, you will def dig City & Colour. I want to talk about his song "Day Old Hate," from his debut Sometimes. That album is a collection of songs, and doesn't really compare to how friggin brilliant Bring Me Your Love is, but one song on there, I just can't shake it. It slays me every time, as Mz. DiFranco, once says. It's called "Day Old Hate," and it's hypnotic.

For me, I know I love a song when I can play it ad nauseum over and over again, sometimes even overnight. I like "Day Old Hate" because it's multi-layered, it transitions from one mood to another and questions the chaotic craziness of relationships and breakups.



Day Old Hate::Dallas Green
So let's face it, this was never what you wanted
But I know it's fun to pretend
Now blank stares and empty threats
Are all I have
They’re all I have…

So drown me if you can
Or we could just have conversation
and I fall, I fall, I falter.
But I found you before I drift away

Now you still speak of day old hate
Though your whole world has gone up into flames
And isn’t it great to find that you’re really worth nothing
And how safe it is to feel safe

So drown me if you can
Or we could just have conversation
And I fall, I fall, I falter.
But I found you before I drift away

The things we do just to stay alive
The things we do just to stay alive
The things we do just to stay alive

The things we do just to keep ourselves alive.

Top 20 New-To-Me Artists of 2008

this blog is the top 20 new-to-me artists of 2008 (thus far), for me ...many of these artists aren't exactly 'new', but they've become new to me and i want to share them with all y'all! i put it in alphabetical order b/c i really couldn't decide how to rank them b/c they're all pretty different/unique and cross genres a lot...so here goes:
(side note: this photo is of me and my roommate...and when we start our own band, this picture will be our album cover...)

1. Adrianne


this woman rocks. her music is what i would classify as acoustic lesbionic folk rock. i dig her voice and her songs are always jam packed with emotion. she also has this sweet youtube page where she showcases her new music (a lot of which is collaborated with members from the group Girlyman). Click HERE to check them out!

2. The Bird and The Bee


the first lady/dude duo of this list, the bird and the bee will make you wanna jam out...with your clam out...or rock out with your cock out - whichever works best for you. they are indie-unique and will make you appreciate their alternative nerdiness ;)

3. Brandi Carlile


i want to have brandi carlile's babies. i've seen her live twice now...and i really can't wait to do her...i mean it...again. never have i ever witnessed an artist utilize her voice to evoke gut wrenching emotion like brandi. plus, she really just knows how to give her songs that extra kick...some spice...a left hook...a curveball...you know what i mean? she's amazing.

4. The Brunettes


the second lady/dude indie duo on my list, the brunettes bring a sort of euro-chic touch to their songs. if you're looking for a group that is as eclectic as itunes music store, check them out HERE.

5. The Cliks


i first came across this group when i was watching the L word a couple seasons back...but became reintroduced to them when my friend Dylan told me to check them out earlier this past fall. this group is canadian and queer. 'nuff said.

6. Cloud Cult


cloud cult rocks. plain and simple. if you're looking to find some music and lyrics to match your heart, go for this group. there are so many things that make this group super cool and one of them is their commitment to indie music. despite multiple major label offers, they've stuck to their beliefs and their non-profit label is also an environmental one as well! PLUS, they also have added former bassist of Tapes 'n Tapes (who will be mentioned later), Shawn Neary!

7. Ingrid Michaelson


for all you grey's anatomy fans, you will probably recognize ingrid, since four of her songs have been featured on the late night hospital intern drama. or, if you are an avid watcher of old navy commercials (specifically the fair isle sweater ads)...if you're feelin a little emo but not really feelin dude emo music, ingrid is your woman.

8. Jenny Owen Youngs


this woman is musical genius. LOVE her. not only does she write really witty and snarky songs, she has done some AMAZING covers of Nelly's 'Hot in Herrre', a hot rendition of the Postal Service's 'The District Sleeps Alone Tonight', a pretty hot version of Kelly Clarkson's lesbionic break-up song 'Since U Been Gone', a sultry and yet hilarious cover of Boys II Men's 'I'll Make Love to You', and finally, a cover medley that highlights Kelis' 'Milkshake', Pocahontas' 'Colors of the Wind', Missy Elliott's 'Work It', and finally Jay Z's '99 Problems'.

9. Joshua James


nothin says emo like a boy from lincoln, nebraska with a guitar and some nerdy glasses and sweet t-shirts. but in all seriousness, joshua james is really talented. beautifully talented...and beautiful. he is a very beautiful male musician. coming from a lezbian, this is saying a lot. he's my new favorite dude.

10. Joshua Radin


along the lines of ingrid michaelson comes joshua radin. joshua has also had songs featured on grey's anatomy, but it is through his connections with good friend/actor/director, zach braff, that much of his music has been featured on other tv shows/movies (scrubs,the last kiss). but regardless of who he knows and where you've heard him, he is very talented. and the way he harmonizes with girlfriend schuyler fisk is just plain beautiful.

11. Kimya Dawson


what i love about kimya dawson is that her songs and her voice sound like that a snarky, sassy, super smart 20-something would write...her sing-songy lyrical stylings turn me on. she makes you feel like you're not the only one who feels 'that' way. most favorite lyric of her's:
having been fucked is no excuse for being fucked up.

12. Maneli Jamal


it's not often that i listen to music that has no words, but it's also more rare for me to be moved by music with no words...maneli jamal is probably the most talented guitarist that i will ever hear in my lifetime. he has a way of bringing out feelings and sensations without having to speak a word...his guitar speaks for him and it's simply one of the most beautiful things your ears will ever come across...regardless of what type/genre of music you dig. he's also quite the artist!

13. Meiko


so, apparently i have a thing for artists who've been featured on the tv show, grey's anatomy. whatever. i can't help it if i dig chill folk/alternative/indie/emo music. and how can you blame me once you get a hold of meiko for yourself? seriously folks...there's something super sexy AND fierce about someone who can reach the top 35 AND hold the #1 folk album for over a month on itunes - and that's without being signed onto a major record label! she's sort of a big deal, so you should look out for her and prepare to enjoy yourself :)

14. Muse


my roommate introduced me to muse and i am eternally grateful. they freakin rock! they make me want to be able to jam out on the bass guitar like they do. i envy their musical stylings. plus, they are featured on Guitar Hero, which, for anyone who knows me, means eternal greatness!!!

15. Paramore


ok...here's a group that seriously kicks ass. AND they do it w/a female lead singer. they make avril lavine look worse than britney spears. (no offense avril/britney fans...sort of...) what i like best about this group is the fact that they totally rock and they're all under the age of 24...actually, they range from ages 17 to 24!!! INSANE. they make emo/rock pop sound meaningful while leaving the bitchy, bratty whining on the curb. plus, lead singer Hayley Williams is pretty cute to boot.

16. Sia


what can i say about Sia...she's weird. she's Aussie. but she's that good kind of weird...refreshing weird...quirky weird...she's the type of artist that makes you feel like she would be a lot of fun for people with ADD/ADHD. she's got a great voice and a hyper-active imagination. if you haven't heard of her, or if you've only heard her hit song "Breathe Me" (which was featured on the last episode of the show Six Feet Under), you need to hear more of her!

17. Sick of Sarah


this 4 woman band out of minneapolis, mn is fierce. if you're looking for female fronted indie rock bands, this is one you should most definitely add to your itunes playlist. SoS is fresh, innovative, and they make you wanna blast their songs with the windows down!! keep an eye out for this group...i have a feeling they're about to explode and become real big in the near future.

18. The Sounds


are you a fan of Blondie, or The Cars? if so, you will love The Sounds...they're Swedish...but way better than IKEA. and they'll compliment your music library better than a poang chair could ever compliment your reading room.

19. Tapes 'n Tapes


what is so cool about this group made of insanely smart kids from MN (they're insanely smart b/c they all graduated from Carleton College)? the fact that they got huge due to underground, indie music bloggers from around the world. if you're into music that incorporates intelligent lyrical and compositional formations, as well as euphonium, beer bottles and spoons (among other things), then you're really gonna dig this group.

20. Thao with The Get Down Stay Down


and last but not least, thao with the get down stay down. this group ROCKS! \--/ \--/ (for those of you non-dorks out there in cyber-blog space, that is totally the symbol for ROCK...you know...that thing you do with your hands when you fold in all but your pinky and pointer finger...that is followed simultaneously with some head bangin.) this is the kind of group that i would totally want to become a groupie for and just follow their tours across the country jamming out at concerts. i don't know much about them, as i've only been listening to their stuff on their myspace site for about a week now, but they seriously ROCK y'all...
---

in the meantime :: adrianne w/nate from girlyman

so, i was originally going to post a different song this morning, but as i was checking my mypace, i noticed a bulletin from an artist named adrianne. i've been a really big fan of hers for the past year or so, and when i saw she had posted a new song, i had to check it out. of course. she's a musician out of LA and her songs are always really heartfelt and sincere, at least that the impression i get from her songs :)
in this video (b/c the song isn't out yet to purchase), she pairs up with nate from girlyman to help her sing and provide some backup instrumentals.

this song is about remembering that whatever your problems may be, someone else has also gone through something similar...it's not meant to diminish your personal pain, but rather, give you comfort in that you're not alone.

anyway, i've always been a fan of live, unplugged music, and i'm really excited that more and more musicians are out there putting their music up for all to hear. adrianne's voice is raw and full of emotion, and nate's back up singing and instrumentals complement her very well. i honestly can't wait for adrianne's new cd to come out so i can listen to it more often!!! i really enjoy this song. hopefully you will too!

enjoy :)



in the meantime::adrianne

the light, rain
your heart
the cold sky
dark
and time stands still
when everything is moving
so fast
you lose your will

well everybody knows the shape you're in
everybody runs away sometimes
we all wanna say that everything's alright
in the meantime

so now you're on your own
another rollin stone
steady hand
you thought no one could see you
you come to understand

that everybody knows the shape you're in
everybody runs away sometimes
we all wanna say that everything's alright
in the meantime

the house where you were born
you've seen the dream
the thorn
a love like mine
my own kind of trouble
my hand, your heart
outside

well everybody knows the shape you're in
everybody runs away sometimes
we all wanna say that everything's alright
in the meantime

oh everybody knows the shape you're in
everybody runs away sometimes
we all wanna say that everything's alright
in the meantime
in the meantime