Drake – The Good Stuff

I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE.
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1.Favorite New(ish) Album
A Head Full of Dreams – Coldplay

Gosh, I love Coldplay. They’ve been a staple on my playlists for as long as I can remember and with so much music and aspiring artists I love that they are still relevant (umm Superbowl… HELLO!?) and putting out great music. The album’s single above “Adventure of a Lifetime,” is timeless, fun and SO different, and I don’t just mean the weird music video. My other favorite off of the album include “Everglow,” which reminds me of their older work, as well as the title track “A Head Full of Dreams,” and the instrumental “Colour Spectrum.”

2. Favorite New(ish) Collaboration
Hollow by Tori Kelly ft. Big Sean

If you’ve read this series before than you know that Tori Kelly is a new artist that I have loved since her first EP came out. Her new collaboration might me my favorite song she’s put out thus far. When I read she was pairing up with Big Sean I was excited. I am usually pretty selective when it comes to rap, only liking one or two of each artists songs, but Big Sean is an exception, I like most of his music. So I was pretty disappointed that the official music video does not feature the collaboration version. It’s a song with a lot of meaning and a really good, progressive beat, which doesn’t always happen when the lyrics are heavy.

3. Favorite New (to me) Artist or Band
LANco

This young, new country band is a fun group with a strong single above “Long Live Tonight” and an EP from last year. I don’t know all that much about them yet but they have a lot of energy and stand out to me, among a lot of new country male/band acts. My favorite song so far is “American Love Story”, and I also really like “Trouble Maker” and “We Do” off of the EP.

4. Jam I Have On Repeat
Drink You Away by Justin Timberlake

I know I already highlighted Chris Stapleton and his performance with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 CMA Awards. But recently I haven’t been able to take JT’s soulful single off of replay. Gosh he’s come along ways from his “Bye Bye Bye” days.

6. Favorite Spotify List
“Young and Free Mix” – Spotify

Soulful and just a tad bit hippy. Signs of spring starting to show outside are perfect for this mix.

7. #SoulMusic I’m obsessing Over
Smokestacks by Layla

This song has been featured on a few different TV shows and you know its something special, when you fall in love with a song without ever hearing the vocals. It’s a ballad, but unless you pay attention to the lyrics, it doesn’t stand out as one. The vocals are warm and textured, and I’m excited to hear more from this indie artist that reminds me of a mix of Florence + The Machines and Lana Del Ray. Definitely check out the rest of her new EP.

9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down
Bang My Head – David Guetta ft. Sia and Fetty Wap

Obviously we knew Guetta and Sia were a good match up after “Titanium,” but Fetty Wap too?
Who knew?
It’s also a great song for my running playlist.
Also, also… I have no idea what this music video is about, but it looks pretty cool.

10. An Oldie, But a Goodie
Brighter Than Sunshine by Aqualung

Back in January my friend Jancey was visiting and got snowed in at my apartment with me during Winter Storm Jonas. With not much else to do we obviously we watched a lot of movies, and I introduced her to “A Lot Like Love” with Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet. This 2005 movie is virtually unknown, but it is my favorite rom-com. Yes, even over classics like How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Sweet Home Alabama. This song was the movie’s theme and after watching the movie for the first time in a couple of years, the song went back on my current playlist.

11. Work, Work It Out
Irresistible by Fall Out Boy ft. Demi Lovato

I’m sure I’ve already said this before, but I am SO happy that Fall Out Boy got back to together making music full-time. Honestly, overall I think I like their comeback music better than their original stuff. Patrick Stump was fine as a solo act, but the sound the guys have as a band, is still pretty unique after all this time. They are always a solid choiceon my workout playlists, and I love this feature with Demi.

12. Making Me Want To Fall In Love
Suitcase by Steven Moakler

This is such a simple, sweet song, and I love this live version above. I’ve discovered this guy back in college, and am kind of disappointed that he is still pretty unknown, because for me his voice and sound rank up there with some of my favorite staple artists in country music. Maybe this single and new music to come will be his turning point.

13. Guilty Listen of The Week
PILLOWTALK by Zayn

I really, really tried to not like this, and I’m pretty sure it will be a phase that will pass quickly
Nevertheless, sorry Mom.

14. Favorite New(ish) Cover/Remix
Fast Car – Jonas Blue Dakota

I’m really picky about remixes, and even more so when it’s also a cover of an older song. Tracy Chapman’s 1988 “Fast Car” is a classic, but I am loving this new remix. It still captures the trademark tone of the original, but gives it more of a modern beat.

15. Popular Song Making My Ears Bleed
Work by Rihanna ft. Drake

I’m usually a big Rihanna fan but this song is so annoying. What is she even saying?!? One day at the gym I forgot my headphones and the girl on the elliptical next to me must have too… except she decided it was OK just to play the music off her phone anyways, and had this song on repeat THE WHOLE 30 MINUTES. It took everything I had not to ~~scratch at my eyeballs~~ ask her to change the song.

16. Country Pick
Red Fire Night – Green River Ordinance

I just want it to be summer, and to have endless amounts of cheap, bar concerts to go to where half the crowd has never heard of the band.
I recently discovered this band, though in true country fashion, it looks like they’ve been around for a while.

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So, what have you been listening to this week?

Cheers!

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session Vol. 22 – Guest Post

November 8, 2015November 25, 2015 Amanda

I had another busy week of travel and meetings, and Megan did such a great job on her first music guest post that it just made sense to ask her to help me out again. And considering it’s Sunday and not Friday, I should probably add that she definitely sent her post to me on time… I just didn’t get it posted in a timely manner.

Also… how awesome was her candy corn Halloween costume? Thanks for helping out again Megan!

1.Favorite New(ish) Album
So There – Ben Folds

I’ve always been a big Ben Folds and Ben Folds Five fan. But this album is different. The first 8 songs of the album he recorded with the classical sextet yMusic. He also has a three part “Concerto for Piano and Orchestra” that is recorded with the Nashville Symphony that is just wonderful. My favorite from the album is “So There” (above) as well as “Capable of Anything”.

2. Favorite New(ish) Collaboration
Whip It! – Lunchmoney Lewis ft. Chloe Angelides

Catchy? Check. Dance-y? Check. Fun to listen to? Check. Yup, I’d call this one good.

3. Favorite New (to me) Artist or Band
Saint Motel
Listen HERE

The soundtrack for the movie Paper Towns introduced me to this band with the song “My Type” which I absolutely love. And because once I find a new band I like I must hear ALL THE THINGS by them, turns out I love all their other stuff too. My second favorite is “Puzzle Pieces”.

4. Jam I Have On Repeat
Electric Love – BØRNS
Listen HERE

This band is a little weird…this song is a little weird. I’m not actually sure why I like it, but I keep hitting replay.

5. Favorite Cover
Hotline Bling – Justin Moore

Ok, disclaimer #1: there is technically no actual singing in this cover…so it probably can’t even be called a cover. Disclaimer #2: I don’t love this “cover” because I love the song. I love it because I hate this song. What do you get when you have a country singer from Arkansas with a heavy twang read an obnoxious popular rap song? Gold. You get pure Gold! He’s sarcastic and adorable and this whole thing is hilarious. I’ve probably watched it like 6 times. Not even exaggerating.

6. Favorite Spotify List
Rise and Shine – Spotify

A little Vance Joy, a little Of Monsters and Men and a little of other random chill music that makes my heart happy. Perfection.

7. #Soulmusic I’m obsessing Over
Blue Moon – Beck
Listen HERE

For whatever reason, this week I became obsessed with Beck and this is one of the songs that I keep coming back to.

8. I’m not sure what genre this even is but I love it
2 Heads – Coleman Hell

Obviously this isn’t a normal category, but I struggle with the Oldie but Goodie category. This song is hard to even describe. The words don’t make a whole lot of sense and then there’s a random banjo playing for a while and the video is reeeeally weird, but somehow it all goes together and just makes an awesome song.

9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want To Dance
Stand by You by Rachel Platten

While I am sick of hearing Fight Song on the radio, I am hooked on Rachel Platten’s new one.

10. Taking Me Down Memory Lane
Soul Meets Body – Death Cab for Cutie
Listen HERE

This was one of those songs that was always on my homework playlist in college. Death Cab always makes me think of coffee shops and textbooks and takes me back to those happy and stress-filled school days.

11. Work, Work It Out
Uh-huh – Romans
Listen HERE

Apparently I am in a weird band kind of mood this week, because this one is a little out there too. But it’s got a great beat and is awesome to run to and I love it.

12. Making Me Want To Fall In Love
Head over Boots – Jon Pardi

This isn’t a typical slow, fall in love kind of song for me. But Jon Pardi is just so adorable you can’t help but love him while he’s singing. Plus the song is cute and the play on words of “head over boots” makes me smile.

13. Guilty Listen of The Week
Cake by the Ocean – DNCE
Listen HERE

This actually isn’t even a good song. DNCE is Joe Jonas’ band. So maybe the only reason I like it is because I really do still like the Jonas Brothers. Either way, it cracks me up and I always turn it up.

14. Song I Originally Loved But Now Is Overplayed
Exes and Ohs – Elle King
Listen HERE

It actually makes me a little sad that this song is now slightly annoying to me. When it first started playing on the radio I really liked it. She’s got a great voice and the song is fun and clever, but the radio has just beat it to death and now I’m very done with it.

15. Popular Song Making My Ears Bleed
Trap Queen – Fetty Wap
Listen HERE

I know everyone loves this song because of the Royals or for some other reason that I don’t quite understand, but I think it’s extremely obnoxious. I don’t think I’ve even listened to more than the first 30 seconds of it because it makes me want to shove my head through a wall. I have very strong feelings.

16. Country Pick
Headphones – Jackie Lee

This song is pretty much describing me when I listen to music. You can’t listen to music sitting still! You have to move with it! I’m the person you will see at the red light completely jamming regardless if you’re staring at me laughing. I dance when I’m shopping and the store radio plays my jam. I even dance and sing when I walk my dog and I’ve got headphones in. I’m not even embarrassed about it either.

Bonus 5: Newish Country Songs I Really Loved This Week But Didn’t Fit Any Category
Turn It On – Eli Young Band
Love This Life – Locash
Broken Windshield View – Chris Lane
Our Town – Cold Creek County
We Went – Randy Houser

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So, what have you been listening to this week?

Linking up with these blogs today!

Here, Here and HERE.

Cheers!

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session Vol. 20

October 2, 2015October 2, 2015 Amanda

Friday Jam Session

1.Favorite New(ish) Album
Tangled Up – Thomas Rhett

For as much as I love music, I don’t regularly keep tabs on who has albums coming out, nor do I often count down the days until one’s release. I just figure once a single starts gaining traction and I like, then I usually check out the album. Thomas Rhett’s new sophomore album was an exception. Every new single made me more and more excited for the release, so much so, that I went ahead and featured “Crash and Burn” and “T-Shirt” already this past month. After listening to the whole album I could easily have featured every song on it in one or more of my categories.

I think the album is bold. My friends and I have an endless discussion on “bro country” and I can see why some would label it as such, but personally I almost want to call it genre-less. The album is both smooth and funky, and still has a bit of that stripped-down, very raw country sound that first got our attention with his debut. The video above for “Die A Happy Man” features Thomas and his wife, and is ADORABLE. I’m also really enjoying “Vacation,” “Playing With Fire” ft. Jordin Sparks and “Learned It From The Radio.”

2.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/Band
Rudimental

I am a bit picky when it comes to EDM music or similar types of musical productions that only feature other artists on vocals. (Side note: Is there a separate label for that because I don’t think this band is technically labeled as EDM?) But I vaguely remember hearing and liking their collaboration with John Newman on “Feel The Love” in 2012. Then I heard this new one above featuring Ed Sheeran and looked them back up, only to learn that this group was also behind Sheeran’s hit “Bloodstream,” which I’ve been in love with since I first heard it. I also enjoyed “I Will For Love feat. Will Heard”, “Waiting All Night ft. Ella Eyre” and “Rumour Mill feat. Anne-Marie & Will Heard”. Looking forward to hearing this group’s future work.

3.Jam I Have on Repeat
Backbeat – Dagny

I found a lot of new artists this past week, which is always a refreshing change. I sometimes wonder if people think I’m exaggerating when I say that I put songs on repeat… Friends, I recognize that its a bit strange, but I’m the kind of person who will re-read and watch my favorite books and movies over and over, so its not uncommon at all for me to have one song on loop, especially if I’m working on a project. There is so much going on in this song, its great in the car and has a great beat for my workout playlist. It almost makes me think of a less soulful, pop-infused Florence + The Machines.

4.Favorite Collaboration, Cover, Remix or Mashup
The Driver – Charles Kelley, ft. Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay

With these three voices and lyrics, I’m not sure I need to explain why I fell in love with this one. I did panic though… why is Kelley singing with Lady Antebellum? I’ve read that he’s doing a solo album, but that it doesn’t mean the band is breaking up. Just the fact that people are talking about it makes me nervous, but for now I’ll just hope that its all talk and enjoy this unique collaboration.

5.Favorite Spotify List
“Weekend Buzz” by Spotify

6.#SoulMusic I’m Obsessing Over
Dynasty – MIIA

This song and artist fits perfectly into my “#SoulMusic” obsession. I could totally see this song featured at the end of a TV show… ahem, Shonda Rhimes? I’ll just hold onto my “I told you so” for now…

7.”Oldie, But a Goodie” I Heard This Week
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
Listen HERE

I’ve often thought about if I could go back to past decades and pick a few concerts that I would have loved to see live. If we’re talking about the 70s, I think Fleetwood Mac would probably be pretty high on that list.

8.Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down
Alive – Sia
Listen HERE

Another week and yet another Sia feature. #notsorry. People, this song sounds awesome in my car.

9.Taking Me Down Memory Lane
Don’t Look – Kyle Park

This past week we have been talking about Periscope at work, and I figure that the best way to learn about new social media is to jump right in. I haven’t “scoped” myself yet, but I’ve started to follow accounts that I already follow on the Twitter. The very first live video that popped up for me was one by this artist. There is a special place in my heart for Texas country music, but sometimes they get lost in the mix of all of the different music that I listen to. I don’t want to commit but Kyle Park might be my favorite in this niche and was a large part of what made me fall in love with the live music scene. I think I’ve seen him twice, maybe three times… I can’t remember!

10.Work, Work it Out
On My Mind – Ellie Goulding

As usual, I’m a bit confused by the music video, but it’s a fun addition to my workout playlist.

11.Making Me Want to Fall in Love
Met A Girl – William Michael Morgan

When I first heard this I had to double check that it wasn’t an older one-hit-wonder that I had somehow never heard. But no, this guy is new and only 21,( umm what!?) He has a George Strait sound and Lord knows I’m a sucker for a smooth baritone singing a warm, country love song.

12.Guilty Listen of the Week
Hands of Love – Miley Cyrus
Listen HERE

Here’s the thing. Yes, she’s tends to cause a lot of ruckus and there are a lot of songs of hers that I flat out hate, but I do actually think she is pretty talented. And I actually really like this song.

13.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears Bleed
Hotline Bling – Drake
Listen HERE

I like some of Drake’s stuff, but this? NOPE. I almost didn’t even bother with linking it.

14.Country Pick of the Week
Hit the Road – Waterloo Revival

This song has popped on a few different Spotify playlists over the past few weeks. It’s subtle and doesn’t make a big splash at first, but it has continued to stick with me. It is the band’s first single and I am going to be checking out their album when it comes out. The live version above is a little raw, but I really like it. Listen to the original cut HERE.

BONUS: My Voice Picks, Week 2
There were definitely a few I could myself liking later after some different song choices and coaches, but these were my top 8 favorite performances from Week 5. I couldn’t settle on just 5 like I did last week, and I’m a sucker for a couple of the songs, oops. I’m always blown away by the fact that so many of the acts are only 15 and 16 years old, and sound much more mature.

Angel From Montgomery – Krista Hughes