Category: music suggestion

5SF: october 15

Holy fuck! Two weeks in a row?! You bet your ass! Welcome to another, apparently fully revived, edition of the five song Friday, kids!! I have some slow stuff, some boy band stuff, and some dance stuff for you today, so we are going a bit all over the place today, if you’re up for it. I am glad that I was able to find a way to share the music again, because I love talking about music that I believe is worth praising; especially when most people wouldn’t hear about it otherwise. Here’s hoping you enjoy this week’s selection! Now, on to the fun…

Greg Laswell – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
I love a great cover, and this one is fantastic. We saw Greg Laswell (finally!) live last week when he opened up for Sara Bareilles, and he played this little gem; which I had never heard, but apparently, has been on like 5 soundtracks. He performed this song amazingly live, and I immediately downloaded it when I got home from the show. I love how playful, and endearing it is; especially when you consider the Cyndi Lauper original, which I would have thought was almost impossible to improve upon. Well, Greg, you’ve done more than improved upon it, you’ve turned it into something delightful, and completely beautiful all on its own. I’m glad he played it at the show; otherwise, I might not have known it even existed. Listen to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun here.

Jeremy Messersmith – A Girl, a Boy, and a Graveyard
I have to say, I am a sucker for shows that use songs like this during some pivotal scene. I think this one came from the Vampire Diaries (totally guilty pleasure show), and I love that I could find it using that Shazam app on my phone. This song is beautiful, and whoever the music director is for that show, you are a genius (I’ve found so many great ones from you!). This song complimented the touching scene it was used in, AND got me to run out and buy this track soon after the episode aired. The song reminds me a lot of acoustic artists like Joshua Radin, but the vocal has an oldness to it, almost like a Simon and Garfunkel feel. Definitely a beautiful song, and one I’m glad to have been able to find! Listen to A Girl, a Boy, and a Graveyard here.

The Wanted – All Time Low
For as long as I can remember, I have been a sucker for boy bands. From New Kids on the Block back in the day, up through the Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, and my overarching, undying love and devotion for Westlife, it’s no surprise that I keep my eye out for new boy-band driven pop. A lot of the time, the stuff that comes out is, well, less than stellar, but occasionally, a pure pop gem comes around; and that is what we have here folks. Will these guys be more than their predecessors? That is pretty doubtful, seeing as boy bands are still pretty much a thing of the past these days, but if they can give us some fun pop songs to enjoy along the way, I will be more than happy. This song is perfect for the radio… that is, UK/European radio; this will never be on US airways, which sucks (but at least we get to hear about it thanks to the internet, right?). Overall, I have been playing this song on repeat for a few weeks now after discovering it on the top 20 UK tracks, and I have been loving it ever since. I noticed that they have a full-length debut coming up very soon, and I can only hope that there are more great pop songs like this one on it. I’ve heard another promising single (Heart Vacancy), so fingers crossed that the rest of the album is great as well! Listen to All Time Low here.

Jes – Closer
I had no idea at the time, but the first time I heard of Jes, was when I heard the amazing collaboration between her and Gabriel and Dresden called Motorcycle, back in 2003, with one of the best songs of that entire year, As The Rush Comes. After that, Jes popped back on my radar in early 2008, with the 5SF-featured, Around You (JukiBe Remix). Most recently, Jes is back on my radar screen with this fantastic little dance-pop number, which I saw the video for, and immediately wanted to hear more and more. I love the edge that it has, and her throaty and raspy vocal delivery is a great compliment to something so hard hitting. Overall, this is a great song for her, and I hope she gets some dance-radio airplay; it’s a great down-tempo dance song! Listen to Closer here.

Rihanna – Only Girl (In the World)
I will be the first to admit that I am abnormally hard on Rihanna. I have been a major critic of her work, and honestly feel she is studio produced for the most part (not that it’s a bad thing, but don’t try to sing live if you can’t pull it off completely; do the right thing and lip sync for your life!), and tends to copy trends set forth by artists that were more indie or more creative, and did it quite a bit before her (and then rockets it to the radio without throwing them a bone). That being said, I have to give credit where credit is due; this song is brilliant. It has infectious beats, club-filling synth licks, and a great amalgamation of some of her best hits (S.O.S and Please Don’t Stop The Music, most notably) all rolled into one. It is a song that I heard once and was thought I wouldn’t like it, because again, I’m hard on this chick, but I ended up loving it, and have been playing it more and more since it was released. It may not be anything terribly new, but it’s Rihanna, and it’s a fun track. She may have some flaws, but clearly, she has some good points as well. Listen to Only Girl (In The World) here.

What did you think? As always, leave me some comments to let me know what you thought, and suggest some stuff that you are in love with as well!

5SF: october 8 – the return?

So, I basically stated that the 5SF was kind of dead because of my inability to host/post songs anymore, but one lovely and delightful reader (hi Doug!) said that he would like it if I still did a 5SF, and he could just look up the songs (I mean, iTunes is really easy to use, after all, and you kids do know how to use google, right?). So, as much as I would like to post the songs for you to hear, I can at least tell you about them so that you know what to go out and try to listen to, right? I think it’s at least a good idea for the meantime… let me know if you agree. So, let’s get to some songs that I really think you need to go check out (I’ll try to post links to youtube or whatever I can so that you can listen to it without looking too hard… if I can. Side note: I wrote this first, and after writing the whole post, I was able to find links for each and every song this week. You’re welcome!).

The Script – For The First Time
I have always really liked the Script and their style with that kind of rock-rap hybrid, and I was such a fan of their self-titled debut, that it came it at number 19 on my year end countdown way back in 2008 (which is honestly surprising, since they still have a hit from that album on the radio right now, even though their new album should be making more of a splash). I’ll be honest, when I first heard this first single from the new album, Science and Faith, I was a bit ‘meh’ on it, but now, I freaking love it. It is such a grower, and it should, by all accounts, be a big radio hit for them. Fingers crossed that it will be. Listen to For The First Time here.

Elizabeth & The Catapult – You and Me
I was absolutely elated when I opened up iTunes and saw that the amazing Elizabeth & the Catapult had released a new single last week; and rightly so, it’s amazing. I adored their previous album, Taller Children (which was my number 13 album of the year last year), and I am pretty excited to see that they have a new one coming our way on October 26th. The single has all of the playful energy and delightful lyrics of their previous album, and an updated, more polished newness to it as well (also, the beginning reminds me of one of Marina and The Diamonds’ amazing songs as well! Bonus!). This single was a big surprise that revealed an even bigger surprise that I cannot wait for; I found out about the album release because its release date was on the single’s album art! Listen to You and Me here. (I like what the author of that site had to say about it, too).

Sara Bareilles – Basket Case
I know you are probably tired of hearing me heap praise on Sara Bareilles, but honestly, I don’t care if you are or are not; she’s amazing and she deserves it. After seeing Sara at the Variety Playhouse last night, I just had to post this, my favorite song, from her new album Kaleidoscope Heart. This song is EPIC. It is already one of my favorite of 2010, and is fast becoming one of my favorites of hers as well (Gravity is still on top… for now). Overall, her concert was beautiful and amazing (as I expected it to be, since I have seen her many times), and I had a wonderful night (it was nice to finally see Greg Laswell live, and to discover Holly Conlan as well). The performance of this song was especially beautiful, and I was glad I got to see her perform it live; it only solidifies how amazing it is. I love the new album, and Sara has solidified herself as one of my favorite artists of all time because of songs like this. Listen to Basket Case here.

P!nk – Raise Your Glass
It’s about time P!nk released a greatest hits collection; she’s had a shit load of fantastic singles spanning her career, and it will be nice to have them all in the same place. Plus, it gives her a chance to pull out a great song for the radio, to entice would-be buyers; and that is exactly what she has done with Raise Your Glass. This song is playful, fun, radio-ready (although, check out the, I guess, NSF…R? version. I hate bleep outs), and oh-so P!nk. I love it! It’s kind of So What part II, which makes it all that much more perfect. Here’s hoping for another number one for you, P!nk! Listen to Raise Your Glass here.

Kelly Rowland – Forever and a Day
After the big surprise that was Commander earlier this summer (summer anthem bitches!!), I was again blown away by Kelly a few weeks ago when I heard this amazing new single! Again produced by David Guetta, this song is incredible, and should be a big hit for Kelly… it should be. However, I doubt it will, since it doesn’t seem to be getting a release here in the states (at least not yet). At least she will have success overseas, because a song this good deserves some attention. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Kelly girl, hold on to D. Guetta’s number! He’s doing you so right!! Listen to Forever and A Day here.

Okay, so I guess was able to make all of the songs available for you to at least go and listen to them. I hope that you will, and I hope you enjoyed them as much as I have been. It feels good to do another 5SF after so long!! I hope you enjoyed it, and will leave your comments letting me know how you felt. If this “new” format works for people, 5SF might be alive and kicking folks!!!

5SF: august 27

Yesterday was my birthday, and it was an alright day (I had to spend almost all of it in class), but it got better by the evening; a great dinner with lots of great friends. Overall, 32 feels a lot like 31 at this point, so I can’t complain. At some point, I’m sure I’ll start counting down instead of up, but as of now, I’m cool with where I’m at (well, at least numerical age-wise). But enough about all that, let’s get down to some new AMAZING music, shall we?

Sara Bareilles – Hold My Heart
It is exciting enough for me that Sara’s new album Kaleidescope Heart hits shelves the week after next week (September 7), when earlier this week she offered a web-debut of TWO songs from the album, with this being my favorite of the two of them. After one listen, I had chills; this song is amazing. It is seriously top caliber work by her, and it shows that Little Voice may have only been an appetizer for the rest of the delectable meal. This song is definitely one of her best, and it has her personal stamp all over it; you know it is Sara when you hear it, and if you are anything like me, you are glad it is her. Sara is one of the most refreshing and delightful singer/song-writer’s on the pop scene right now, and what she does, she does very, very well. Those that know me know that I have a strong love for this woman and her music, but I am not ashamed; she is a brilliant singer/song-writer, and she deserves all the admiration she gets.

The National – England
A while back, I featured the amazing single Bloodbuzz Ohio, by the National, as a song of the day, and since then, I have fallen for their entire new album, High Violet. Well, after a crazy summer, I put it down for a minute, but I picked back up where I left off a week or so ago, and I have been loving it more and more with each listen; especially this song. The orchestration is haunting, the marching drum beats are enchanting, and the delicate vocals are hypnotizing. This song is epic. I love it, and I am loving my new (and recently rekindled) love affair with The National. Expect to see them on my year end ‘best of’ list.

Cee-Lo Green – Fuck You!
Now obviously, this has some “bad” language, so don’t listen to it through your speakers at work, duh. However, this song came out of left field, smacked my ear drums and made me fall in love with Cee-Lo, all over again (I first truly fell for him with the first Gnarls Barkley album; see Transformer). I love the throw-back sound, that here, has such a freshness to it, and the way it is complimented by the clever kiss-off lyrics; not to mention Cee-Lo’s distinctive vocals. This song is delightful, and I can’t stop listening to it. Like I said, it was a total surprise for me, but there are a lot of people out there talking about this one on the internets right now; and I am glad to be another person heaping some praise on it.

The Saturdays – Higher
A few weeks ago, I featured The Saturday’s new single Missing You from their then still-to-be-named new album; which sadly turned out to only be an EP (Headlines; out now!), which rehashed several songs from their previous, amazing album, Wordshaker. Bummer. Regardless of that minor let down, when I finally got my hands on it, I was NOT expecting this. Higher is perfect in name and form, because it shows that The Saturdays are going to keep taking this thing Higher, as this is hands down, one of their best songs to date. These girls are making brilliant pop, and this song should be a number one hit (that is, if they release it; they have a tendency to ignore their most brilliant material. *cough* Here Standing *cough*). That beings said, I hope someone from their PR team reads this, and does what needs to be done; GET THIS SONG ON THE CHARTS! Higher is brilliant, and one of the best pop songs of 2010 by a mile.

Sofia Fresh – This Instant
Last but certainly NOT least this week is the AMAZING single, This Instant, ‘fresh’ off of the Step Up 3D soundtrack. Now, I will be honest, this song was one of the only reasons I actually wanted to see the movie, because I wanted to see what kind of sick dancing they would do to this incredible song. The base in this song is so slick, and the energy and ferocity of these girls reminds of me TLC, Blaque, and even Destiny’s Child. I hope this is the beginning of something amazing from this trio, because this song has been on major repeat for me over the past couple of weeks. I usually detest T-Pain, but he is tolerable in this song, and since he discovered these girls, I am willing to throw a little forgiveness his way. A big thanks to my friend Stu for playing this song for me (and for forcing me to go see Step Up 3 (not even in 3D the theater was so ghetto)), because I cannot get enough of this amazing song. I am certainly clapping my hands to the beat this instant, this this instant!!

Well, this turned out to be a pretty major 5SF; what did you think? There are some amazing songs featured today, and I would love to know what you thought of them!!

5SF: the first saturday edition, august 14

Well, so remember last week when I promised a 5SF for this week? And remember how it didn’t happen yesterday? Well, my bad. To make amends, I offer it up a day late, and as such, offer up the first five song Saturday that I believe I’ve done. All in all, a day late isn’t all that bad, now is it? Let’s do this, then!

William Fitzsimmons – So This Is Goodbye (Pink Ganter Remix)
On Thursday night, I dragged my fat ass out to spin class, and while I was suffering through a particularly difficult class, this amazingly beautiful song came on. Being friends with the instructor, I asked her if it was indeed a song by William Fitzsimmons (who usually does almost whisper-driven folk), and I was pleased to find out that it was. So, as soon as I got home, I was happy to find it on iTunes, yet I was a bit bummed to find that it was on his last release, Derivatives, which was an entire album re-working of some of his previously recorded songs; mostly because I all but ignored it when it came out. I am all for remixes and whatnot, but a lot of the time, they don’t work out as well as people planned, and at the time, being in full nursing school swing, I wasn’t obviously in the mood for his album of reworks. Shame on me! Shame on me big time. Because I ignored the remix album, I missed this bonus new track, and this, its beautiful remix as well. Oh well, at least i found out about it eventually. It’s incredible.

Ry Cumming (feat. Sara Bareilles) – Always Remember Me
I’ll openly, and gladly admit that the way I found this song, was the featuring of the amazing Sara Bareilles. I saw it under her listed songs on iTunes, and after one listen, I was in; this song is incredible, so I can see why she would have gotten involved. Ry’s voice is gentle and beautiful, and the delicate picking of the guitar and sweet serenity of the violin throughout the track are delightful, and the tender lyrics are beautiful. What a delightful, albeit random, find; but you know me, I love wonderful surprises, especially if they are musical ones.

30 Seconds to Mars – Closer to the Edge
I KNEW that this album would have more in store for me musically than the amazing lead single, Kings and Queens; and I knew that it wouldn’t be in time for this album to potentially find its place amongst my favorite albums of 2009 (since it came out only a couple of weeks before the end of the year). On that front, it may be kind of a bummer, but at least the music is still around, and this latest single is incredible, and I cannot get enough of it. The energy is heavy, and the haunting vocals and combo of electronic and rock music makes for a great, radio-ready single. I love Jared Leto’s vocals, and here he is doing what he does best, again. The only thing I could do without is the inclusion of choir of what seems to be kids (even though I am pretty sure it is fans); eh, can’t win ’em all, can you?

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Round and Round
I HAD to post this one, because I want to get something off of my chest about it. For some reason, I wanted to hate Selena Gomez, and for a while now, I kind of have. I don’t know why, but I just have. With that being said, I recently heard this song for like the 10th time, and yet again, I didn’t want to like it, but low and behold I realized something; this song is actually quite brilliant. Not only is it catchy and super saccharine sweet, but it shows the total likability of Selena Gomez, and it highlights probably the very reason I didn’t want to like her. Well, obviously, that was a futile battle that I am happy to finally concede defeat over. Now, I can enjoy this sweet decadence in peace!

Robyn – Hang With Me (single version from Body Talk Part 2)
I don’t have much to say other than more brilliance from our resident ruling queen of pop. Robyn has churned out another amazing single, one that I am already proclaiming one of the best of 2010; which, along with Dancing On My Own, that takes the count of over-the-top amazing singles up to 2 for 2010. I am glad that there is someone out there like Robyn who truly knows how to make amazing music, and has the chance to share her amazing, unstoppable pop brilliance with the rest of us. It seems I will always be in a place of excitement over what she might do next; after all, her track record has been pretty spotless, and she continues to exceed all of my expectations rather effortlessly. I will continue to heap praise on her as long as she deserves it, and from where I’m sitting, that is going to be a pretty long time.

Well, that was nice, wasn’t it? What did you think of my choices? Any suggestions for me? Let me know in the comments!

sotd: Janet Jackson – Miss You Much

Oh shit, Look! I have a blog! HA! Seriously, I hate that I have been neglecting things as badly as I have, but I have been crazy busy with this summer semester; which, by the way, is ALMOST OVER. I cannot wait for a little R&R, which I desperately need. In the mean time, here is a song I heard tonight that I haven’t heard in forever, and I thought it was appropriate, seeing as I really do miss being able to update so much.

After all these years, there really is only one word to describe both this song and the video: FLAWLESS.

sotd: Sara Bareilles – King Of Anything

Sara Bareilles – King of Anything from Sam Garvey on Vimeo.

I posted several weeks ago about this fantastic new single from one of my most favorite singers in the world, the amazing Ms. Sara Bareilles, and I STILL cannot get enough of this fabulous song. I seriously cannot wait for the new album, and in the mean time, I have this amazing single (and the cute video!) to keep me company. What really puzzles me, is why this song isn’t soaring up the charts right now; it has hit written all over it. Eh, I guess the American music-buying-public don’t know good music, do they? Then again, that’s no surprise, now is it (just take a look at most of the current top 10… need I say more?)?

5SF: july 9

The summer of nursing school is still going strong, but luckily, there are only one test and two finals remaining. We are in the home stretch, people!! This is my “friday off” (ha!), and I have a little downtime, and I wanted to bring you some fresh music since I tend to leave you for long periods of time without it these days. So, let’s get right down to it, shall we?

Note: I kind of don’t feel like bothering with the album art this week… sorry kids; I am drained from so much school work!

The Saturdays – Missing You
After I posted about this new Saturdays song in Facebook, a few people commented that they weren’t feeling it, but the more I listen to it, the more I LOVE it. Seriously, The Saturdays are one of those groups that seem to only get better with each new release, and after their last album Wordshaker made such a huge splash with me, I just can’t wait for their upcoming album, which is apparently, due out later this year. These girls have to be the hardest working girls in girl-group driven pop right now!! Three albums in three years; and at least two of them have been fantastic! If the album follows the usual pattern of delicious, well-produced pop, I know that it will be a fantastic album; and here’s hoping it’s anywhere near as good as Wordshaker, because that album was good enough to make my top 5 last year!

Sky Ferreira – One
While I wasn’t really a fan of her first single 17, I heard this song earlier in the week, and I am in LOVE with it. Usually, repetition in a song is a huge turn off for me, but the synth-driven beat, and the super poppy rhythm have me totally hooked on this ‘one’. Apparently, it was produced by the BRILLIANT Bloodshy & Avant (as was 17; eh, can’t win ’em all…); which honestly speaks volumes as to why I love it so. This is the type of song that should shine a huge spotlight on this girl’s career, and I sincerely hope it’s a signal of great things to come from her in the near future. You should check out the video if for no other reason than to see just how much she bears an uncanny resemblance to the Olsen twins… doesn’t she?!

Kylie – Get Outta My Way
So we all know that Kylie’s new album Aphrodite is out, and well, it’s pretty darn good (which was kind of expected). That being said, I don’t think I love it as much as all of my fellow music bloggers do, but I want to heap a little praise on what I do love; this song (it is, in my opinion, the best on the album). Goddammit, I could dance to this song nonstop! It makes me want to grow a ponytail, so I could fling it back and forth in sheer dance-driven delight! This song is a heaping helping of stuff that Kylie does that I love best, and it is definitely Kylie’s message to the world of pop music; you’d better get out of her way, because she is still bringing us some of the best that pop has to offer.

Scissor Sisters – Whole New Way
Well, the Scissor Sisters have also released a new album very recently, and while I am a huge fan of theirs, I have to say, that I am not loving the new album; more along the lines of liking it a lot. With that being said, this song may be one of the best songs that they have ever written and recorded; it is utterly BRILLIANT. THIS is the Scissor Sisters at their absolute best, and I cannot stop listening to this song. I love it so completely, that it just sticks out, and overshadows the rest of the album for me. Perhaps it is because this one is so great, that the rest pale in comparison. Regardless, I am enjoying the new album, but I personally love the first two a bit more than this new release. Again, that doesn’t mean that I don’t like it, because I really, really do; after all, this song is on it!

Joshua Radin & Schuyler Fisk – Paperweight
I was recently watching Dear John, the just-kinda-okay movie with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, and this song was one of the songs playing in the background, and I instantly jotted it down as a song I must download. It isn’t a secret that I am a Joshua Radin fan, and this is definitely up there amongst his best songs, in my opinion. I love when they work hard to pair music with movies and TV shows, because it really makes the experience of watching something so much more engaging to me; and in this case (as has been with many before), I have found an amazing song as a result.

So there’s your Friday five… what did you think? Let me know, and as always, tell me what you are listening to as well! Have a great weekend.

5SF: june 25

I bet you didn’t expect to see a 5SF today, did you?! I know, I know, I have been CRAZY busy with nursing school this summer, but for once, I actually have the “day off”, and I am bursting the seams with delight that I got the day to myself. I am also happy that I get to bring you some music finally, because I have been sitting on some great music lately, and I can’t wait any longer to share it. So let’s do just that, shall we?

Kelly Rowland – Commander
I was desperately in need of a summer song that was capable of blowing me away, and this song is all that and more. This is a major dance floor filler by Ms. Kelly Rowland, who in my opinion is a severely underrated 1/3 of what used to be Destiny’s Child. While Beyonce broke out of Destiny’s Child and became a full fledged diva, I feel like Kelly has been getting less attention than she deserves; but after this song tears up the airwaves this summer, there is no doubting that she will earn some of that attention back. The first time I heard this song, I immediately played two more times; it is massive. Kelly’s working with David Guetta on his equally dance-tastic, When Love Takes Over was clearly the beginning of a beautiful musical partnership, as evidenced by the magnificent direction they took with Commander. Expect to hear this in clubs all over the place this summer, with people marching to this infectious beat. Kelly, my dear, keep David’s number, because you two have something hot going on.

Scissor Sisters – Fire With Fire
I have definitely been one of those waiting on the new Scissor Sisters album with bated breath, and after falling head over heels in love with the first single off of the forthcoming album Night Work, I am sure that I won’t be disappointed. While it is definitely a more full-on dance direction than their previous work, I think the heart of the Sisters is still beating strong; only now it beats in unison to the dance beat! I will admit that it took me a few listens to fall in love with this song, but now that I have, I can’t seem to get enough of it. This is another one of those perfect summer songs that will keep me dancing in these way too hot summer months; I’ll just have to be sure to turn up the AC a little higher to keep cool. All of the anticipation is almost over, as Night Work is out next week!

Stars – We Don’t Want Your Body
I was incredibly surprised, and down right elated to see that the magnificent Stars released a new album, The Five Ghosts, earlier this week. While a lot of the album is a bit different from their previous work, I found myself loving many of the tracks; especially this one. This song in particular, sounds a little bit like Alphabeat or Dragonette, or at least, that they decided to collaborate with either one of them; which again, is pretty different from their other work. The good news, is this is really, really good, and I am so glad that I got the heads up about this new album; thanks internets, and thanks Stars for continuing to make great music!

Sarah McLachlan – Forgiveness
Also new this month is the new release, Laws of Illusion, from the ever-beautiful Sarah McLachlan. While I haven’t gotten into the whole album as much as I have been enveloped by her work in the past, the first time I heard Forgiveness, I felt the same way as I remember feeling the first time I heard some of my favorite songs by Sarah, like Angel or I Will Remember You. I honestly think this represents the best that she is as an artist, and I am glad to see that she’s clearly still got it. This song is beautiful, and oh-so Sarah McLachlan, which to fans of hers like myself, is sweet music to my ears.

Christina Aguilera – You Lost Me
I was pretty torn about whether or not to post this one. See, I think Christina has an amazing voice, and is incredibly talented… BUT, she has proven, especially recently, to be somewhat full of herself, to say the least. Her attitude has all but turned me off to her talent, and only seems to get worse with each time she opens her mouth to do anything other than sing. My advice to her is to shut the fuck up and let her music speak for itself; something that even it isn’t doing collectively as good as it used to do. That being said, when I first heard her sing this on American Idol’s finale, I knew it sounded somehow familiar, and my hunch was right when I looked up who co-wrote it; this song has Sia Furler written all over it. Perhaps that is why I love it, despite the fact that too-big-for-her britches sings it. Word on the net is that this will be her next single, which honestly, is a great move, because it is an amazing song; regardless of the fact that it is 100% Sia, and at parts, even sounds as if it IS Sia singing it. Now, that is not something I am complaining about, as I love Sia, and as I mentioned before, I’ve had about enough of Christina and her attitude these days. Regardless, I have to give credit where credit is due, and this is, quite simply, an amazing song.

There you have it, another installment of the five song Friday; which has been long overdue for an entry. I hope you enjoyed all of the tracks from this week, and be sure to let me know what you thought. Also, please let me know what you are listening to, as I always have my ear out for new stuff!

sotd: Ray Lamontagne – Let It Be Me

Sometimes, there is a song that is just so perfect, just so wonderful, just so beautiful, that it literally gives you chills. This is one of those songs for me. I was talking with a friend about Ray Lamontagne the other day, and I was reminded of this song, which for me, is one of the most emotive, and powerfully written and sung love songs I’ve ever heard. I posted about this a long time ago on the 5SF (which should be back this week, so stay tuned!!!), and it is one of those songs that, no matter how many times you hear it, it is still just as beautiful and amazing as the first time.


In a word; incredible.

sotd: The National – Bloodbuzz Ohio

I really wanted to do a 5SF Friday yesterday, but things have been crazy since school started this semester. They weren’t joking about the whole accelerated thing. Things should slow down a bit after next week though, and I am definitely looking forward to that (hopefully) happening. With that being said, I just can’t wait any longer to sing my praise for this song…

A couple weeks ago, I saw the video for Bloodbuzz Ohio, and IMMEDIATELY, I loved this song. I know I have heard of The National before, but I can’t say as I ever really paid attention, but I am ALL EARS now. This song is amazing, beautiful, powerful, poetic… so many things really. I absolutely love the deepness of his voice, the vivid prose, and the almost marching percussion of the piano in this song; it is epically beautiful.


After hearing this song from their recently released album, High Violet, I loved it so much I downloaded the whole album; which I was pleased to discover, is full of amazing tracks (I expect to see it on my year end best of list). I’ll probably be kicking myself when I find out I should have known about these guys all along, but believe me when I say, I am on board with The National now. I cannot get enough of this incredible track and their new album, High Violet!