The Soundtrack Of My Life

Imogen Heap - Xizi She Knows

2012-01-25T19:09:00.000-05:00

Heapsong number five has arrived! Imogen Heap continues her one song at a time recording process with "Xizi She Knows" and there's a music video, too. This single hit the internet on the 24th and illustrates her six week visit to Hangzhou, China. The footage seen in the video is part of a soon to be released documentary film about Imogen's stay at Hangzhou. Filled with regional sounds and instruments, you can hear the city's influence on the track. Check out the video below.

For more information on the origin and formation of "Xizi She Knows", you can visit the #heapsong5 minisite. To download a variety of "Xizi" packages in different formats, look over here.

Sleigh Bells - Comeback Kid

2012-01-24T10:28:00.000-05:00

The first official single from Sleigh Bells' upcoming album, Reign Of Terror, was released just last week, and today we have a video. The duo managed to mix the feeling of MTV in the 90's with their signature style. The song itself is definitely a sign that the group may be moving away from the Treats sound a little more than previously expected. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait a bit longer for the full record, as Reign Of Terror has been pushed back to February 21. You can download "Comeback Kid" here, and check out the video after the jump...

MNDR - #1 In Heaven

2012-01-18T19:36:00.000-05:00

Just the other day, I was wondering what ever happened to MNDR's soon-to-be album. That very same morning, the pop act debuted a new single through a phone number that would stream the song when called. With the fear of overwhelming phone fees in mind, I didn't make the call. Thankfully, the single is now available across the internet, sans iPhone.

"#1 In Heaven" continues the streak of MNDR's E.P.E.. It's pop in the vein of fellow internet favorite, Robyn. There's also a striking music video to enhance your listening experience. Directed by Cody Critcheloe of SSION, the video channels some grungy fashion and long forgotten transitions. It's a bit cheesy in that ironic way. Check it out below...

"#1 In Heaven" is now available on iTunes (US link). Look out for MNDR's upcoming album later this year.

The Kills - The Last Goodbye (VIDEO)

2012-01-12T12:12:00.000-05:00

Blood Pressures was one of last year's most exceptional records, and today, The Kills released a music video for my favorite track on the album. "The Last Goodbye" is a Moon River-esque ballad and unlike the band's usual material, the single is built upon a piano and strings.

The accompanying video is directed by Samantha Morton, and it happens to be her first music video. The video is a perfectly simple yet effective concept, as Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince sit in a tight photo booth. Everything takes off from there. Mosshart gives some insight to the song saying, "Life goes on. It starts off being the end of the world but then ends up alright.". Watch it below and see for yourself...

The Kills are currently prepping for their US tour. Head over here for a complete list of dates. Blood Pressures is out now and can be found here.

School Of Seven Bells - The Night

2012-01-08T21:18:00.001-05:00

School Of Seven Bells' third album, Ghostory, is due to be released on February 28. This record brings change to the band. What was once a trio is now a duo. The group currently consists of Benjamin Curtis and Alejandra Deheza, as Claudia Deheza took an exit for "personal reasons". You would think that a departure would stir up some problems, but almost two years after their previous release, Ghostory is shaping up to be quite the album. The cover artwork alone is something to be mentioned, never mind the music.

"The Night" is the lead single and opening track to Ghostory. The single's glossy sound wouldn't feel out of place in an 80's film starring an edgier Molly Ringwald, perhaps during the opening credits. A rapid beat during the chorus adds just enough power to the song. It's a breezy slice of dream pop.

Ga ahead and stream or download "The Night" below. Ghostory is out February 28 on Vagrant Records. You can pre-order the record here.

Scissor Sisters - Shady Love

2012-01-02T22:02:00.001-05:00

Scissor Sisters' 2010 album, Night Work, was a masterpiece made for the dancefloor. One would never guess that the follow up single would be "Shady Love", a collaboration with Azealia Banks. What's even stranger is that Jake Shears is doing all of the rapping. The single premiered earlier today on BBC Radio 1 and the internet kind of went a crazy for it.

I really had no idea what to think of the track upon first listen, but now I'm addicted to it. I love how it's a complete slap in the face to what listeners were expecting. The music video is also quite the sight. You can check it out on NME or stream the track below. Remember to keep an eye out for Scissor Sisters' upcoming album later this year.

My Favorite Albums Of 2011: Part 3

2011-12-31T17:46:00.000-05:00

It's New Year's Eve and this is officially the last post of 2011. I've had a great year of blogging about the twists and turns of my musical life. There were amazing albums and then there were some less fortunate records. I had the chance to talk to some of you readers, which is always wonderful. Many thanks to both the readers and the artists I was able to chat with and write about this year.

This post is also the last part of my "Favorite Albums Of 2011" list. Just to refresh your mind, this is how the countdown is going so far...

Honorable Mentions

Active Child - You Are All I See

Alexander - Self Titled

Beyoncé - 4

Gotye - Making Mirrors

James Blake - Self Titled

The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar

Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise

SebastiAn - Total

St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

Zola Jesus - Conatus

Ellie Goulding - Lights

Top 20

Penguin Prison - Self Titled

Cults - Self Titled

Glasvegas - EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\

Björk - Biophilia

Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost

Kimbra - Vows

CSS - La Liberación

Feist - Metals

Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials

The Black Keys - El Camino

Here's the remainder of the top twenty...

Patrick Wolf - Lupercalia

My summer was filled with Patrick Wolf's optimistic album. I think this may be the best record he's released. It focuses heavily on themes of love and friendship, basically the idea of a soulmate. I absolutely loved this album for it's ability to capture those themes in a mature way. It sounds real and that's why Lupercalia works so well.

The Kills - Blood Pressures

The Kills are one of the most stylish rock bands currently making music. When you see or hear them, they're instantly recognizable. Alison Mosshart is also leading the pack of female performers in rock music. She fronts multiple bands without fault. "Heavier" may not be the right word to describe Blood Pressures when comparing it to their last record. Sure, it's heavy, but it mostly sounds fleshed out and full. Blood Pressures is complete, ballads and all.

Mr. Dream - Trash Hit

Trash Hit is the debut album from Brooklyn's Mr. Dream. They're a mix of punk rock and all of its pesky sub-genres. You may think you've pegged them as one type of music, until they switch it up yet again. This record has that "garage rock" production sound, and it also has some insanely catchy hooks. I like to pop it on whenever I'm in the mood for some carefree, and a little crazy, music.

LIGHTS - Siberia

LIGHTS has come a long way since her light and airy debut album. This time around, her music is heavier with less strictly pop elements and more electronic ventures. She also tried her hand at the dubstep game, just barely. Siberia's beats are crunchy and distorted, while the melodies remain as solid as ever.

Le Butcherettes - Sin Sin Sin

This band is one of my most exciting discoveries of 2011. Le Butcherettes play insane political rock music. Led by Teri Gender Bender, live shows often involve fake blood and sometimes include raw meat. But it's not all stage antics. Sin Sin Sin has raw power and sounds incredibly current. I expect to see big things from Le Butcherettes in 2012.

M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

Who hasn't heard "Midnight City" by now? M83 wins the "catchiest synth melody of the year" award. What's even better is that Hurry Up, We're Dreaming is just as solid. I'm tempted to describe the record as "dreamy", but that's too obvious, isn't it? That's really the first thought that comes to mind, though. The album is nostalgic and blurred, just like a dream.

Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

If you read my review of the Foo Fighters show I went to, then you already know how much I love this album. The Foo Fighters have somehow managed to consistently release album after album without having a real dud mixed in there. I can't say that for a decent amount of bands who started in the nineties. Now the record is up for Album Of The Year at the Grammys. 2011 was a massive year for this band.

The time has arrived for some numerical rankings! Those make everything more interesting, don't they? Here are my three favorite albums of 2011...

3. Adele - 21

Yes, Adele. She sort of dominated the world of music this year, and rightfully so. 21 is a mostly heartbroken collection of songs, all focused on the same guy. You've probably already heard the record, seeing as it's the best selling album of the year. If not, then I suggest you join the crowd.

2. Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

Each of my top three records have one thing in common, I never get tired of them. No matter how many times I listened to Wounded Rhymes, I kept coming back for more. I'm even guilty of multiple listens back to back. That's a real feat. Lykke Li's voice is just as demanding as the glare in her eyes. No really, check out the music video for "Get Some". Those eyes.

1. Lady Gaga - Born This Way

If you're a regular reader of the blog, this probably came as no surprise. Otherwise, you may be shaking your head. When it comes to current pop music, I place Lady Gaga above all. I really do think she's ten steps ahead of the other pop stars and divas, just look at the cultural impact. Born This Way's production is outrageous and the music is campy. There's an overwhelming theme of self-impowerment mixed with feminism, sexuality, and equality. Both Brian May and Clarence Clemons perform on the album. At seventeen songs long, Born This Way is a wild ride on the back of that half-Gaga motorcycle, and that's why it's my favorite album of 2011.

As always, I love hearing what you think. Did I forget any amazing records? What are your favorite albums of 2011? Leave a comment and let me know!

My Favorite Albums Of 2011: Part 2

2011-12-28T22:20:00.000-05:00

It's time for part two of my "Favorite Albums Of 2011" list. The last post featured ten (plus one bonus) albums that didn't quite make it into my top twenty. My top twenty is mostly unranked, aside from the final three records. The way I see it, is there really that big of a difference between my twelfth and eleventh favorite albums of the year? For that reason, I've kept specific numbers out of the game until three, two, and one. Let's get into it...

Penguin Prison - Self Titled

After collecting a variety of Chris Glover's singles and remixes over the past two years, I anticipated this album for months. Penguin Prison's self-titled debut is one of the most upbeat and fun records I heard all year. It's pop, but not your usual club bangers. There's just this sound that he has, and you can hear it on his remixes too. The "Penguin Prison" sound. I love it.

Cults - Self Titled

I was initially attracted to this album purely for aesthetic reasons. While browsing new through some new releases, I stumbled upon Cults' debut. It just looked like something I would be into. As randomly predicted, I found it to be an amazing album. "You Know What I Mean" is the album's centerpiece. That song perfectly demonstrates Cults' ability to mix the old with the new.

Glasvegas - EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\

I feel like the order of songs on EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ could be reversed and you would have a completely different album. Instead of a decline, the album would progress from the lows of "Change" and "I Feel Wrong (Homosexuality Pt. 1)", finally ending with their anthem of a single, "The World Is Yours". This record couldn't have a more appropriate name. It pulls at you with oddly comforting themes of longing and loneliness, but the production is so massive and truly euphoric.

Björk - Biophilia

My feelings on Biophilia are constantly changing. It seems to have a polarizing effect. The majority of the album consists of harps, bells, and any other twinkling instrument. Sure, there are some beat driven moments, such as "Mutual Core". But for the most part, Björk is howling about her extraterrestrial days of collecting minerals on Venus. It's a strange concept that had me wondering what goes on in this Icelandic singer's mind.

Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost

I'm actually late to the Girls party. Around the release of Father, Son, Holy Ghost, I also started listening to their debut. "Lust For Life" is on my regular playlist and I blast it more than one would like to admit. With that said, they quickly became one of my most listened to acts of 2011. If I were to make a list that combined the concept of NME's "Cool" list and Barbara Walters' "Most Fascinating People" list, Christopher Owens would most definitely be a headliner.

Kimbra - Vows

After the "Kimbra weekend" feature earlier this year, this singer from New Zealand is a common sight on The Soundtrack Of My Life. Her debut album hasn't been released in the US yet, but I predict good things for Kimbra when that day arrives. Vows manages to create a pop sound without giving into any of today's gimmicks or trends. Add in her jazzy stylings and a vocal range to kill for, and you have an outstanding record.

CSS - La Liberación

After two albums, it finally seems like CSS found an appropriate balance between the danceable sound of their debut and the more rock oriented sound of Donkey. You may still have trouble taking them seriously, but that's the best part. Plus, any album with a Mike Garson piano solo automatically gets bonus points in my book.

Feist - Metals

I love "1234" just as much as the next person, but I feel like Feist thrives the most when she slows down the tempo a bit. She did just that on Metals. It's still a powerful album, just not in the big band sing-along way. The closing track, "Get It Wrong, Get It Right", is possibly one of the best songs in her catalog.

Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials

From the first song to the final note, Ceremonials is a bellowing album with enough hooks to satisfy the most restless of listeners. Florence Welch kept her winning formula of Lungs and expanded it to twice the size. She sounds like a choir and remains one of the biggest voices in pop music.

The Black Keys - El Camino

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the genius that is the "Lonely Boy" music video? If that doesn't convince you to give the album a listen, then I'm not sure what will do the trick. There are tributes to Led Zeppelin on "Little Black Submarines" and I hear Bowie on "Sister". I bet you'll never be able to listen to "Lonely Boy" without having a mental image of that dancing man.

Check back soon for the third and final installment including my top three albums of 2011.

My Favorite Albums Of 2011: Part 1 - Honorable Mentions

2011-12-23T20:23:00.001-05:00

Here it is! This is part one of my "Favorite Albums Of 2011" list. The next three posts, part two and three of which will be up after a Christmas break, contain my thirty favorite records of the past year. I spent many hours deliberating over which albums to include. Finally, I selected the albums that made 2011 an amazing year of music. These records were the soundtrack to my life (bonus points for the reference?) this year. Some of them stayed in my stereo for months at a time. This post contains ten albums that I enjoyed, but didn't quite make it into my top twenty. Although they're out of the top twenty, I still loved each and every one of them. In alphabetical order, here are the honorable mentions...

Active Child - You Are All I See

Active Child's Pat Grossi has a voice that fills the room like a choir. You Are All I See took me by surprise earlier this year. I listened to a copy of the album only knowing that it would involve a harp and lots of falsetto. We've all heard that with female vocalists, including Florence Welch and Joanna Newsom, and it works just as well with a guy. I went back to "Hanging On" again and again. The entire album has a great atmosphere and is perfect for all of your zen-like activities.

Alexander - Self Titled

Ima Robot's Another Man's Treasure was on my list last year. Alexander Ebert once again finds a spot on my playlist with his first solo effort. He's gone from Ima Robot's dance-punk, to Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros' folk-rock, and most recently this self-titled collection of songs. "Truth" is the faux-rap lead single, while "Glimpses" evokes Bob Dylan.

Beyoncé - 4

"Me and my boo, and my boo, boo, ridin'" That line becomes engraved within your brain after listening to "Countdown". Beyoncé's latest album is a mix of modern day pop and the throwback sounds of Prince and the Jacksons. "1 + 1" is the ballad that should've been a hit. "Love On Top" had way too many key changes for a single track, but it sounds so good.

Gotye - Making Mirrors

"Somebody That I Used To Know", a duet with Kimbra, never gets old. The chart topping single from Gotye's third album will draw you in and then you get to witness the rest of this record. Think of a modern equivalent to The Police with an eclectic spin. The album may be a bit random at times and "State Of The Art" still confuses me, but I feel like Gotye filled a gap that was missing.

James Blake - Self Titled

The first time I listened to James Blake's cover of "Limit To Your Love", I made the mistake of using laptop speakers. If you've heard the song, you can imagine what I was missing. After getting around to a real set of speakers I found out what all the fuss was about. James Blake is a mix of classical piano and auto-tuned electronic music. The production on this record is precise with the perfect amount of space to breathe. Some people call him post-dubstep, but what does that really mean? Sometimes I find this album to be obnoxiously annoying and other days I love it. In the end, this album deserves to be recognized.

The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar

I saw The Joy Formidable live earlier this year as they opened for the Foo Fighters. The Welsh trio put on a massive show. Their extended instrumentals get bigger and bigger until they explode. The Big Roar is a mix of shoegaze and pop music. It's also an amazing debut album.

Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise

You could say that Nicolas Jaar is in the same realm as James Blake. They both take electronic elements and mix it up a little. Nicolas adds in tastes of jazz and world music, growing up in Chile himself. Space Is Only Noise sounds like a film. It's moody and dramatic. At only 21, he has the world dancing to his odd beat.

SebastiAn - Total

French electro artist, SebastiAn is the only DJ on my list. You can hear the similar sound of his Ed Banger label mates on Total, but this record is packed from front to back. Appearances from Mayer Hawthorne and M.I.A only sweeten the deal. "Total" and "Tetra" are some of my favorite cuts, as they show the span of styles in his work. This stuff is heavy.

St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

Apart from the occasional single, St. Vincent's previous albums never caught my attention. The music was fine, but nothing stood out from the crowd, it was just there. Strange Mercy caught my attention. It was the vulnerability of "Cheerleader". It was the beautiful La Vie En Rose melody of "Surgeon". Nothing about this album is over the top. Every element knows its place and performs eloquently.

Zola Jesus - Conatus

Conatus completely stopped me in my tracks. It's been out for months, but I only recently gave this record a listen. That voice. She's like a darker and less accessible Florence Welch, mix in some Fever Ray-esque sounds for good measure. The entire album is just captivating.

But wait! Before I end this post, I want to include one more record...

Ellie Goulding - Lights

When making my list, I wasn't sure where to put this album. While the US had to wait until this year to hear the record, it was released around the world in 2010. There are few albums that will be included later on the list that are still waiting for American releases, but they had 2011 release dates around the world. As a result of this technicality, I consider Lights to be an album of 2010. However, it only seems right to give it a special spot in this feature. Ellie's voice isn't typical for pop music. It's smoky and has more human qualities when compared to her other contemporaries. Lights is an amazingly catchy debut that put her on the radar.

Check back after Christmas for the rest of my favorite albums, including my top three.

Sleigh Bells - Born To Lose

2011-12-15T15:16:00.001-05:00

Sleigh Bells' sophomore album, Reign Of Terror, doesn't come out until next year, but the Brooklyn band has unveiled the first taste of their new material. "Born To Lose" premiered today, courtesy of SPIN, and it's a blast. The song takes the duo's heavy hitting noise-rock to a new level. Alexis Krauss' vocals aren't as distorted as they were on their ear shattering debut. Instead, she takes center spotlight adding a dream pop twist. It's more "Treats" and less "Kids". Check it out below. Reign Of Terror is out February 14 on Mom+Pop Records.

Buy A Shirt, Make A Difference

2011-12-13T12:49:00.000-05:00

An overwhelming percentage of my wardrobe consists of band t-shirts. I'm addicted to wearing my favorite group's logo. It's even better when the design include some sarcastic or witty lyrics. My most recent haul included a Jessie J shirt. I don't even own her album. It's just that her grinning face and Cleopatra hair looks amazing on the front of a shirt. Anyways, the only thing better than a band shirt is when all of your hard earned money goes to a good cause. Not only does a shirt for charity help make the world a better place, it also makes you feel good about yourself.

fun. recently unveiled a new shirt in their merch store. Their LGBTQ design features the bold line, "It’s all fun. and gay ’til someone loses their rights.". All, not just thirty or fifty percent, but all proceeds made from purchases of this shirt are donated to Revel And Riot. Revel And Riot is an organization that works towards LGBTQ equality. So you get to help a cause and you get an awesome band tee from fun.. Just in time for the holidays. So don we now our gay apparel, stocking stuffers for everyone!

You can grab one for yourself over at fun.'s online store for $15.00. While you're there, you may want to add "We Are Young", the band's new single, to your cart. It features Janelle Monáe and just might get stuck in your head all day.

For some more musical t-shirts that benefit a variety of charity organizations, including the Little Boots pattern pictured above, head over to the Yellow Bird Project. They have shirts from Beach House, Metric, and tons more. Each artist chooses their favorite charity and all profits go straight to the group. They have a shirt for just about anyone, and plenty of the styles will fit right in with your hipster ensemble.

If you know of any cool band tees that you think the world should see, let me know! The comment section is your friend. What's your favorite musical merchandise that goes towards the bigger picture?

Porcelain Raft - Put Me To Sleep

2011-12-10T17:23:00.000-05:00

Porcelain Raft's debut album, Strange Weekend, is slated for a release date of January 24th. Mauro Remiddi, the man behind the name, has released a spectrum of songs under Porcelain Raft over the last year or two. His newest release also serves as the lead single to Strange Weekend. "Put Me To Sleep" is a warped sound tunnel that only gets better with its milky music video. Porcelain Raft has always been a project that evokes multiple senses and it's evident in the clip, which was directed by Remiddi himself.

After you watch the video, head over to Porcelain Raft's Facebook page for a free download of "Put Me To Sleep". Mark your calendar, because you won't want to miss out on this album.

If I Could Turn Back Time... To 2010

2011-12-08T22:39:00.001-05:00

Calm down, I'm not going all Cher on you, but it's that time of year again. "Best Of" lists are swarming the internet as every website, blog, or magazine declares their favorite music of 2011. Before I get to my favorite albums of this year, I wanted to take a step back into the yesteryear of 2010. At the end of last year, I wrote a pair of posts ranking my twelve favorite records. For the most part I still love every album included on the list, but countless album are released in the span of a year and opinions change. Records slip the mind, and you don't realize how crucial of a mistake you've made until almost a year later. That's exactly what happened to me as I looked back on my 2010 list. I'd like to dedicate this post the the albums of 2010 that I overlooked and truly deserve to be called some of the best.

First up is Volume Two by She & Him. While Zooey and M. Ward are currently spreading the Christmas spirit with their latest release, Volume Two is a quirky collection of pop songs. Zooey Deschanel is the definition of "quirky" and M. Ward is the perfect balance. This album is something that you could play and somehow manage to satisfy every generation. Grandma loves the retro vibe, while the kids sing along to the incredibly infectious melodies.

Next would be Special Affections by Diamond Rings. I found this gem a little late. Canada's John O'Regan crafted an album that really changes the classification of genres and genders. The music is minimal, yet fills the room better than your average dance beat. Is it pop or rock? His voice certainly isn't one of your usual high-pitched wailer and his flamboyant image says the opposite. I love this record and can't wait to hear what he does next.

The third album is Swanlights by Antony And The Johnsons. Every single time I've played one of Antony Hegarty's songs for a listener who has never heard him before, they've always had an instant reaction. Sometimes the reaction is less than welcoming, but Antony always makes an impact. His vibrato is unforgettable and his music is haunting. His debut album contains some of the most honest lyrics I've ever heard, and Swanlights doesn't disappoint.

As I take a final reflection on my 2010 list, I wonder to myself how this album isn't on it. Brothers by The Black Keys. I really can't find a flaw with Brothers. It's about as soulful as rock music will ever be. The duo just released their follow-up album, El Camino, this week. After listening to it, I wanted to go back and hear Brothers once again. If you haven't given this record a spin, I highly recommend you make time for it.

Check back later this month for a list of my favorite albums from 2011.

Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

2011-12-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

After a string of live performances, Lana Del Rey has revealed the studio version of her new track "Born To Die". Lana's recent explosion within the internet world has brought her endless praise, and as always, accusations of a "gimmick" act. Either way, I've had "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans" on repeat for months.

The new single shares the name of her debut album which is out in the US on January 31 of next year. "Born To Die" resembles the similar sound of her previous singles, lush strings and her throwback melodies. While the official music video isn't out until December 16, which I hear involves a tiger, you can listen to the song along with a promo video below. It's fairly simple with Lana glaring down the camera as she embraces a tattooed man, both presumably naked. Check it out...

The single officially hits airwaves and will be available for download on January 23, one week before her debut album, "Born To Die".

Owl City: Live At The 9:30 Club

2011-11-19T14:16:00.000-05:00

Owl City is currently on the All Things Bright And Beautiful Tour and earlier this week, he stopped by Washington DC's 9:30 Club. On the 16th of November, a massive line of eager fans lined down the sidewalks surrounding the building. What had otherwise been a damp and gloomy day would soon become a night of sunny music.

As the doors opened and everyone rushed in, opening band Days Difference warmed up the audience. A pop band from Virginia, the group managed to get an enthusiastic response from the room. Imagine Hot Chelle Rae without the mock-Ke$ha attitude or high pitched vocals. I do have to say that something about their sound didn't quite mesh with Owl City. The band's music would fit better with a more pop-rock oriented artist.

At around ten past seven, Owl City took the stage. When the lights went down and the first sounds appeared, every mouth in the building shrieked. Due to the overabundance of teenage girls that occupied the majority of the venue, a sonic boom of screams welcomed the night's act. My ears were ringing before the main show even started. With an extended opening of the first track off his new album, Adam Young popped out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Adam has stated time and time again that he's as shy as they come, he even talked about it during a break in the music. His stage presence was bashful and incredibly lighthearted. Between every song, he would laugh off the applause with a disbelieving grin. The euphoric mood prevailed above everything else.

Unlike some of Owl City's previous tours, a full live band supplied the music. Young found himself surrounded by an acoustic drum set, a small string section, and various guitars and keyboards. Plenty of programmed beats filled the evening as well.

From Of June to All Things Bright And Beautiful, the band played a solid set that tested the crowd's knowledge of their discography. The crowd delivered. Not a single syllable was missed as they sang along to "Hello Seattle" or the raving beat of "Umbrella Beach". After a block of high energy numbers was pumped out, Adam took to the keyboard for the piano driven "Lonely Lullaby".

With the night's softest moment aside, it was time for the song everyone was waiting for. The opening notes to "Fireflies" made even the most casual fans bounce off the walls. This momentum continued through a wild version of "Kamikaze" and into my personal favorite, "Meteor Shower". "The Yacht Club", a duet with LIGHTS that appeared on Owl City's newest record, ended the set. Breanne Düren, who makes appearances on the albums, and tackles the synth on tour, took over LIGHTS' vocal duties. The wait for an encore wasn't very long, as the group returned to the stage for two more songs. A lively performance of "Vanilla Twilight" and the closing number, "If My Heart Was A House".

When listening to an Owl City album, it's easy to imagine what a live concert would look like. Something similar to a few guys dancing around in front of some MacBooks, with maybe a synth or two. In reality, the picture couldn't be further from these expectations. There was plenty of dancing, but the full sound of a band really brought a new element to the music. The strings were lush and the beats were hard. It didn't feel like monotonous electo-pop without emotion. Instead, Owl City was a bright blast of fun.

Setlist

The Real World

Cave In

Fuzzy Blue Lights / The Airway

Hello Seattle

Swimming In Miami

Umbrella Beach

Dear Vienna

Lonely Lullaby

Fireflies

Dream Don't Turn To Dust

Kamikaze

January 28, 1986

Galaxies

I Hope You Think Of Me

Deer In The Headlights

The Yacht Club

Encore

Vanilla Twilight

If My Heart Was A House

Download: Owl City - "All Things Bright And Beautiful"

Download: Days Difference - "Down With Me"

Foo Fighters, The Joy Formidable and Social Distortion: Live At The Verizon Center

2011-11-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

On 11/11/11, the Foo Fighters brought their Wasting Light tour to Washington DC. A sold out Verizon Center would witness the band play one of their final shows before starting the Australian leg of their tour. Along with opening acts The Joy Formidable and Social Distortion, this would most definitely be a concert to remember.

The evening had a less than ideal start. After ~~I forgot the tickets~~ a ticket mix-up, I headed into the stadium, bought a Foo t-shirt, grabbed some barely edible arena food, and found my seat. If only I would have known about the group of incredibly drunk men seated directly in front of me, who would eventually be ejected from the show. Seeing these dim circumstances certainly had me worried about the concert. Luckily, the music turned out to be a completely different scenario.

The Joy Formidable, a trio from Wales, kicked off the night with a thirty minute set of five songs. While the majority of the seats were still waiting for occupants, the band played hard and loud. Those who showed up on time to see them were the lucky ones. Takes from their album The Big Roar, including "Cradle", "Whirring", and "Austere", filled the space. The Joy Formidable were a great way to start the concert and their sound matches the tour flawlessly.

While the arena continued to fill, Social Distortion began to play. Lukewarm at first, the band picked up momentum as they went on. "Story Of My Life" was a turning point, as it led into a stretch of songs ending with the climax of their "Ring Of Fire" cover. Social Distortion felt like an odd fit to fill the spot between The Joy Formidable and Foo Fighters. I feel like the order of Social Distortion playing before The Joy Formidable would've made more sense. Either way, the Foo Fighters were up next and everyone was more than ready.

It was evident from the first note of "Bridge Burning" that tonight was going to be something special. Having grown up between Springfield and Alexandria, Dave Grohl declared this his hometown show. With a sold out arena of dedicated fans, the Foo Fighters pumped out a set that clocked in at three hours.

The majority of their latest record, Wasting Light, was heard along with a massive selection of their biggest singles and classic tracks spanning across almost every album. Identical to Wasting Light's order, the set's opening song flowed directly into "Rope" with roaring excitement from an overly eager room. After the two opening acts and several stage changes, these two songs seemed to fly by at an incredible pace. By now, ever single body in the building was either dancing, throwing up the horns, or screaming every word back to the stage. A familiar set of "The Pretender", "My Hero", and "Learn To Fly" followed. "My Hero" was the night's climax in terms of crowd participation.

The band pummeled through song after song only to be occasionally interrupted by the always captivating, and often hilarious, banter or backstory. Drummer, Taylor Hawkins took over the vocals for "Cold Day In The Sun" and once again for a cover of Pink Floyd's "In The Flesh?". "These Days" was transformed into a Veteran's Day dedication, while "This Is A Call" reached back to the self-titled album. "All My Life" ended the set as the lights went down to a howling crowd.

Encores on the Wasting Light tour have been notoriously long and filled with surprises, so when Dave came back out and stood upon a raised platform for an acoustic set, the enormous Verizon Center turned intimate. He spoke to the audience between verses and sing-along choruses of "Wheels", "Best Of You", and "Times Like These". The latter of the three led back into a full band performance. I must admit that the solo acoustic rendition of "Best Of You" really changed how I feel about the song. I've gone from liking it to loving it.

After the acoustic jam, Grohl introduced Bob Mould, of Hüsker Dü and Sugar, who joined the band for "Dear Rosemary" and a cover of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers' "Breakdown". Mould's irreplaceable vocals made "Dear Rosemary" one of the night's most memorable moments. The Foo Fighters ended their marathon of a show with an all out rendition of "Everlong" that left everyone in the building at a new high. It was the song that no one wanted to end, but it did, and everyone reluctantly stood in awe as the band left the stage

Unless you're dying to see the performing artist, I wouldn't suggest choosing the Verizon Center for a venue. Unfortunately, it's nearly the only choice in DC for a venue of arena proportions. Still, the Foo Fighters overshadowed every single complication or problem that I was faced with. This was a concert that I'll never forget and I'll always recommend you see the Foo Fighters if ever possible. Plus, they promised to play the 930 Club next time around and that is a show you will not want to miss.

Download: Foo Fighters - "Wasting Light"

Download: The Joy Formidable - "The Big Roar"

Download: Social Distortion - "Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes"

CITIZENS! - Girlfriend

2011-11-06T15:12:00.000-05:00

CITIZENS! are an upcoming British band, London based to be specific, who are signed to Kitsuné. You may know Kitsuné as the label who helped deliver acts such as Delphic, Heartsrevolution, and Two Door Cinema Club. CITIZENS!' debut single, "True Romance" comes out on December 19th, but you can download their new promo track "Girlfriend" at this very moment. "Girlfriend" sounds a little bit like Franz Ferdinand circa 2009, and a lot like 80's new wave. It's as catchy as pop music will ever be. A full length album is expected to appear next year. If it sounds anything like "True Romance" and "Girlfriend" then sign me up.

The band is currently on tour with The Rapture and will appear on Kitsuné's soon to be released compilation record. You can download "Girlfriend", for the cost of an email address, here. You can also stream and download the song from RCRD LBL below...

Win A Copy Of Feist's "Metals"

2011-10-29T15:17:00.001-04:00

Feist's new album, "Metals", is out in stores at this very moment and The Soundtrack Of My Life has an opportunity for those of you who haven't picked it up yet. I have one digital copy of the album to give to one lucky reader. The download comes with the entire twelve track album, including the lead single "How Come You Never Go There".

There are TWO ways to enter the giveaway for a maximum number of TWO entries. You can...

Send an email with "Metals Contest" in the subject line to musicsoundslikethis@gmail.com and tell me what your favorite Feist song is.

To increase your odds of winning, follow me on Twitter and send me a tweet with your favorite Feist song. Make sure you include #MetalsContest as a hashtag.

This contest is now closed.

The winner will be announced on November 12th and I'll send the prize over right away. Good luck! Be sure to check out my review of the album if you're curious about the record.

Björk - Biophilia

2011-10-25T23:07:00.001-04:00

Björk tends to reinvent herself with every album she creates. You can flip through the Icelandic singer's discography and find that every record has a definite sound, style, and image. Vespertine was the breezy snow flurry of 2001, with chimes and bells around every corner. In 2004, Medúlla was her dark vocal centerpiece. Each album created an easily recognizable era in her career, "Oh, that's Volta Björk!". With that in mind, Biophilia continues the pattern.

Biophilia is very much a concept album. The music has been infused with technology, the iPad in particular. Every track on the album is connected to a corresponding app. The apps take things one step further by introducing individual games and musical scores for each song. It's definitely a sign of the times, but the technology aspect can be stripped away from Biophilia and there's still a piece of music that can hold its own.

One element of Biophilia, that is apparent from the first track, is the excess amount of empty space. Every song has room to breathe. It's very cosmic and alien-like at times. The production seems slightly skewed every so often, "Moon" being the biggest culprit, but overall it's fairly equal. Musically, the album is somewhere between Vespertine and Volta. There are harps and bells that make you think back to "Frosti", but there's also a few moments of in-your-face heavy hitting Björk. You'll hear potential influences from the classical sounds of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" on "Cosmogony", while "Thunderbolt" is as eerie as a Charles Bernstein score.

While Biophilia is vastly innovative musically, melodically there seems to be a lack of structure. Björk has always been abstract in at least one sense, but the melodies on this record are extremely loose and free flowing. Those hoping to find easy sing-along tunes should look elsewhere. On the other hand, the lack of a backbone in her melodies really captures the astrological theme of life that Biophilia was aiming for.

"Crystalline", the lead single, takes a different shape on the record. The track has been remixed and altered quite heavily. If you've heard the single version, then you may notice that something is off. No more is the sudden explosion of percussion. Instead, the drums gradually build into a climax. The single edit packed more of a punch and really just felt cleaner. I'm not sure what motivated the change, but it's an unsettling choice to anyone who grew to love the single as it used to be.

Whether you're on your first or tenth listen of the album, one song always stands out from the crowd. "Mutual Core" starts with an organ and ends with a bang. The pure energy during the final chorus is one of Biophilia's most refreshing surprises. You may start to discover yourself returning to "Mutual Core" at an alarming rate, and that's perfectly understandable.

Like much of her work, Biophilia may be a hit or miss record for many. If you loved the lyrical work of Post and Homogenic, then it's possible that you'll struggle with parts of this album. Fans of Vespertine and Medúlla... rejoice. Either way, you should definitely give the album at least one listen. It's an interesting experience with many twists and turns. One thing is certain, though. Biophilia is, and can only be, Björk.

Download: Björk - "Biophilia"

Feist - Metals

2011-10-14T00:47:00.000-04:00

Remember that iPod Nano commercial from 2007 where a vividly dressed Feist danced around to her single "1234" in an empty warehouse all on the screen of Apple's handheld invention? That ad spot pushed Feist into the US spotlight (it also convinced me to buy that pale green Nano). The iPod has come a long way since then, and so has Feist. Her third album, The Reminder, went on to receive critical and commercial success. Last year, she released Look At What The Light Did Now, a docu-concert film and soundtrack. The movie gave an inside look at Leslie Feist's recording process and tour. Now that we know how she dislikes placing her face on album covers or that "The Park" was actually recorded at a park, Feist has released the follow-up record to The Reminder.

Her fourth album is Metals and she is on the album cover, although she's always been in the artwork one way or another. With Metals, she's also crafted the ideal post-mainstream exposure record. Feist hasn't compromised her signature sound that mixes pop, folk, and rock. There isn't a desperate attempt to recreate the "1234" formula. Metals is a complete piece of music that flows so smoothly from the first beat to the final note.

Feist's two previous albums were a bit scatterbrained at times. They each had a basic concept and sound, but the occasional track would always stick out as something that was still special, but a reach in a different direction. Metals avoids that method completely. The album has taken a set of instruments and built a definite sound. The songs feel like one recording session with bookends.

On average, the tracks within Metals are mellow and relaxed. Even the lead single tends to fall into the lax category. An appropriately sized handful of heavy hitting numbers are present. "A Commotion" has a ricocheting Spoon-like piano line and shouting male vocalists while "Undiscovered First" builds into a massive electric sing-along ending. The big moments know when and where to fall and achieve the right effect.

One of Feist's strong points, the folk ballads, really help seal together the ups and downs of Metals. You'll hear some instances that are reminiscent of "The Water" and "The Park" while other songs have a campfire mood. Feist may have taken the phrase "save the best for last" to heart. The album's final track, "Get It Wrong, Get It Right", is melodically spectacular and ends Metals in the best way possible.

This album may not be brand new territory, but it confirms that Feist can do wonders when she finds her niche. All she needs is an acoustic guitar and a sentimental melody. Metals has that guitar and those beautiful melodies, but it also holds so much more.

Download: Feist - Metals

Frank Alpine - Dark Places

2011-10-09T00:12:00.001-04:00

Frank Alpine, which is the stage name of LA's Rich Moreno, is releasing his self-titled record on October 25th. The album's lead single is "Dark Places". The track sounds like a middle limbo between punk and eerie electronic music. "Dark Places" is held together by an analog beat and a fuzzy bass synth. Mix this with mad barking howls and you have a single that is entirely worthy of its title.

Wierd Records seems to be sold out of pre-orders for Frank Alpine's album at the moment. Let's hope they get some more in stock soon. While you wait, go ahead and stream or download "Dark Places" for free below.

LIGHTS - Everybody Breaks A Glass

2011-09-25T18:51:00.001-04:00

Canadian electro-popper LIGHTS is due to release her sophomore album, Siberia, next month. As the follow-up to her debut The Listening, Siberia features contributions from Shad and Holy F**k. "Everybody Breaks A Glass" has been out since July, and while the official first single is "Toes", "Everybody Breaks A Glass" is LIGHTS' heaviest track yet. Plus, it's insanely addictive.

LIGHTS' first album was full of potential pop hits. They were airy, uplifting, and contained enough mesmerizing melodies to satisfy your average pop junkie. From the very beginning of "Everybody Breaks A Glass", the music is different. There's more edge in the production. Holy F**k could take some of the credit in that department. The electronica group worked on the instrumental with LIGHTS. Clean beats have been replaced by thick crunching distortion. Vocally, LIGHTS switches up between a her signature sweet and innocent style and a more demanding voice in the verses.

After a dubstep influenced breakdown, there's a verse from Shad. For the most part, the entire "featured rapper" method is horribly overused in Top 40 music. If you take a look at the Hot 100 charts, an overwhelming amount of the singles feature another artist. Some artists such as Katy Perry have even abused the idea simply to bump record sales with rushed remixes. However, Shad's presence on "Everybody Breaks A Glass" is a great parallel to LIGHTS' vocals.

Siberia is out worldwide on October fourth. You can pre-order a variety of editions, including an autographed package, here. A standard edition pre-order can also be found here.

Watch the lyric video for "Everybody Breaks A Glass" below...

Lady Gaga - Yoü And I: The Remixes

2011-09-23T23:44:00.002-04:00

Years from now, "Yoü And I" may be remembered by many as "that one Lady Gaga song where she dressed like a guy". The pop single with a southern rock twist is the fourth single from Gaga's Born This Way. It's currently in the Top 10 of the Hot 100 and to give it a little promotional push, an album of remixes has been released. The seven track set includes mixes by names such as Metronomy, Wild Beasts, and Mark Taylor.

Unfortunately, a few of the remixes are forgettable. The Wild Beasts remix, which is the first track, is a mellow humming trance. There are piano chords and melodies on top of Gaga's chopped vocal runs. The song clocks in at under four minutes, but it feels much longer. Danny Verde and Hector Fonseca's remixes are extended club pieces. They have bass focused beats with assorted and heavily repeated vocal motifs. While tracks such as these are generally what remix albums contain, many of Gaga's previous remix compilations have held amazing mixes that almost surpass the original single.

The remaining remixes are by Mark Taylor, ATB, Metronomy, and 10 Kings. Mark Taylor's remix is close to what I would imagine "Yoü And I" to sound like if Gaga chose the synthesizer over the piano and guitar. A line-dancing beat is there along with a radio friendly production style. ATB's remix switches back and forth between a soft dance instrumental and hard pounding synth bleeps. The variation is great and there's plenty of vocal work. It's one of the album's highlights.

Metronomy went with a concept that probably wouldn't sound like a success on paper. They've completely stripped the music, leaving only lush dragging synth chords and piano over an almost soothing beat. The entire vocal track is intact with a slight filter. It's minimal in the best way possible.

The real gem on this record is the 10 Kings remix. This song makes up for every other mix that failed to impress. It's incredible what a new chord progression can do to a song. The "We Will Rock You" stomp-stomp-clap beat has been replaced by soaring and dramatic synths. The 10 Kings re-work is one of my favorite remixes from the Born This Way era. There's an incredibly emotional climax and the balance of every element is stunning. If you were to download one track from this album, choose the 10 Kings remix.

As a whole, this batch of remixes has a few weak spots, but when it gets going, this album really shines. You can download any and all of the remixes here. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the "Yoü And I" music video below...

CSS - La Liberación

2011-09-16T22:58:00.000-04:00

Although the release of CSS' debut album Cansei de Ser Sexy initially failed to make much impact in 2005, one year and an Apple commercial later, CSS would be the band that everyone is talking about. Their wild and danceable album contained tracks such as "Alala", "Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above", and the breakout single "Music Is My Hot Hot Sex". They has created an electro-rock album with punk attitude. CSS' second album Donkey switched gears with less dancing and more rocking. Now the band is back with La Liberación. This record is Cansei de Ser Sexy revisited. The old sound has been updated with some new surprises.

CSS' name is an abbreviation of the phrase Cansei de Ser Sexy, which translates to "tired of being sexy". That ridiculous attitude, the same sense of humor that brought you "Meeting Paris Hilton", is one of the shining features of CSS. The Brazilian band is lead by Lovefoxxx, who breezes through live performances with capes and black lipstick, the latter of which earns a cameo on La Liberación.

La Liberación kicks of with the synthesized "I Love You", which features a call and response "I love you - I love you, too". The opening track flows into "Hits Me Like A Rock", the lead single with Primal Scream's frontman. Bobby Gillespie is the first of many guest artists on this album. Ssion, Ratatat, and Mike Garson all make appearances. "City Grrrl" is a club anthem waiting to happen, while "Partners In Crime" channels Aladdin Sane. The album is a bit spastic in genres at times. At one minute you'll have a Spanish punk piece and then a half spoken mellow rap track lies near the end of the record.

CSS still manages to save "F**k Everything" for last. The finale is guitar driven with shouts of angst. After a break of silence, Lovefoxxx returns to exclaim her love of "going to the pub with the gays" and "cookies", among other things. It's bizarre and hilarious, a pretty good description of CSS.

La Liberación is out now on Cooperative Music. You can buy a physical copy here. If you prefer the digital way, then go here.

Joe Brooks - A Reason To Swim

2011-09-16T22:46:00.000-04:00

Joe Brooks is an artist of the singer/songwriter variety. He plays acoustic pop music with big arrangements and comes from the UK. He recently made two major changes in his musical journey. First, he's now in America. Second, he decided to release his newest album A Reason To Swim the old fashioned way, without a record label. Joe is independent in the US. What's even more impressive is the dedication of his audience. They made this album possible by funding the recording process. With six stripped down songs, A Reason To Swim is similar to Jason Mraz and Ingrid Michaelson in that "coffee shop crooner" way. "For You" sounds like a broken heart and "Someday (OK)" has a laid back groove. Altogether, the album has a very complete theme and sound.

You can check out A Reason To Swim and Joe's previous records here. If you want to see Joe live, he'll be playing at venues on the east coast, which you can find here.

Download: "A Reason To Swim"