"All the Sights and Sounds"

2011-08-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

For the first Featured single i wanted to pick a song with beauty as well as character and i believe i found it with Milk Thistle by Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band. This is one of the songs i can imagine listening to, sitting on a wood porch with a cup of coffee and a blanket watching the sunrise, reflecting on my skewed past. It makes me wish i had someone to wake up to and make breakfast in bed for. I have a supreme respect for almost all of Conor Oberst's music he is a musical and lyrical genius. He adds simple yet beautiful melodies with powerful and meaningful lyrics.

The song can be found below from Amazon for purchase on Itunes or on YouTube streaming here.

It Dont Mean A Thing If It Aint Got That Swing..... Sometimes

2011-07-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

This weeks Playlist is something I might use as a playlist for cooking dinner and cleaning the dishes. With some Fun oldies and some newer sounds that liven things up a bit.

#1 Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington's version of If "It Don't Mean a Thing if it aint got that Swing. It has an old, almost playful sound to it. I would imagine that song being played at some small event, where the tone is light and friendly, with everyone having a good time. My favorite part would have to be the end of the song i mean it sounds like the two of them are having blast, and you will be too by the end.

#2 "Sultans of Swing" by the Dire Straights it has a great feel like you are transported to some smokey bar where some swing masters have staked their claim. While the song lacks in story it surely makes up for it in the sweet guitar rifts and the light up tempo drumming runs.

#3 Reel big Fish's version of Phil collins "Another Day in Paridise" really gets the blood flowing and brings us back up to a normal tempo for music to listen to while doing something active. This may just be me but slow light music makes me feel less pumped to finish a project.

#4 "Cath" By Death Cab For Cutie. I know there are definatly girls i have met like "Cath" and i think we can all think of someone like that. While the song isnt complex the simplicity allows an easy connection to the message.

#5 Pepper's "Ashes". It has a slow start but an overall driving feel. The island sound and the pressing drums have me always coming back to this song. it's simple but an excellent song

#6 "Firewall" by Bright Eyes. I issue a warning if you don't like "out there thinking" or mystical voices at the beginning of your music i would fast forward a little bit at the start of this song. While the musical aspect in this song is lacking i think it builds well and the lyrics are great. Conor Oberst is great with imagery, and this song is proof of that. No matter when i listen to this song, it brings a smile to my face.

#7 Menomena's "Twenty Cell Revolt". I love the simple start and then when the piano comes in deep like a musical monster waking up then come the keys and what sounds like a baritone sax and its just perfect. Even the end of the song is pretty strong.

#8 "Eet:" by Regina Spektor. Regina Spektor is one of my favorite pianists and one of the ladies of music i would love to meet someday. The song is amazing and doesn't disappoint with a great lyrical story and beautiful piano throughout. The ending picks up and moves but is not overpowering.

#9" Viva La Vida" by Coldplay I love the chiming bells in the background and just the overwhelming empowered feeling i get from listening to this song. The sound waves must work off each other to create this sweet strong melody. I don't know why but this song will always be one of my favorite and i hope its one of yours.

I hope you enjoy this weeks playlist, all of the songs can be purchased for download individually on Itunes or below from Amazon. The whole album containing each song can also be bought on Itunes or Amazon.com

Guided Audio

"All the Sights and Sounds"

It Dont Mean A Thing If It Aint Got That Swing..... Sometimes