Tag: music musings

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2011: my favorite songs

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This is kind of a recap of last year’s rules, which still completely apply:
1. No artist may appear more than once (not including collaborations, because honestly, I didn’t even think about that until just this moment, and the damn list is together), otherwise some artists would have literally 10 spots on the list.
2. These are most of my favorite songs from 2011; they aren’t all singles, and some of them were even better than the released singles by those artists.
3. This is a pretty representative song sample of 2011, IMHO; even though some of you may be pissed not to see certain Billboard “hits” on my list.
4. This really highlights how all over the place my music tastes are, doesn’t it?
5. Enjoy.

Without further adieu, here’s my favorite 80 tracks from 2011… considering the rules:

  • 1. Will Young – Jealousy
  • 2. Britney Spears – Till The World Ends
  • 3. Rihanna – We Found Love
  • 4. City and Colour – Northern Wind
  • 5. Adele – Someone Like You
  • 6. Patrick Wolf – House
  • 7. Jessie J – Who You Are
  • 8. Nicki Minaj – Super Bass
  • 9. Lady GaGa – Born This Way
  • 10. Nicole Scherzinger – Don’t Hold Your Breath
  • 11. JoJo – Disaster
  • 12. William Fitzsimmons – By My Side
  • 13. Beyonce – Run the World (Girls)
  • 14. The Decemberists – Rise To Me
  • 15. Marina and the Diamonds – Radioactive
  • 16. Bjork – Crystalline
  • 17. Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out
  • 18. Westlife – Lighthouse
  • 19. M83 – Midnight City
  • 20. Yasmin – Finish Line
  • 21. Owl City – Lonely Lullaby
  • 22. One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
  • 23. Jon McLaughlin – I’ll Follow You
  • 24. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
  • 25. David Guetta feat. Usher – Without You
  • 26. Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor
  • 27. Feist – How Come You Never Go There
  • 28. Vanbot – Make Me, Break Me
  • 29. Nero – Me & You
  • 30. Medina – Addiction
  • 31. Cher Lloyd – Want U Back
  • 32. The Saturdays – My Heart Takes Over
  • 33. Death Cab For Cutie – St. Peter’s Cathedral
  • 34. Mat Kearney – Ships In The Night
  • 35. Sugababes – Freedom
  • 36. Bon Iver – Holocene
  • 37. Gavin DeGraw – Not Over You
  • 38. White Lies – Bigger Than Us
  • 39. The Naked and Famous – Young Blood
  • 40. Selena Gomez and the Scene – Love You Like a Love Song
  • 41. Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger
  • 42. Jason Walker – Echo
  • 43. Matt Nathanson – Run
  • 44. Parade – Louder
  • 45. Nicola Roberts – Beat of My Drum
  • 46. Clare Maguire – Last Dance
  • 47. Jennifer Hudson – Where You At
  • 48. Alex Gaudino feat. Kelly Rowland – What A Feeling
  • 49. Alex Clare – Too Close
  • 50. Slow Runner – Devil Moon
  • 51. Lady Antebellum – Just a Kiss
  • 52. The Antlers – I Don’t Want Love
  • 53. James Vincent McMorrow – We Don’t Eat
  • 54. The Young Professionals – D.I.S.C.O.
  • 55. Jessie and the Toy Boys – Push It
  • 56. Ester Dean – Take You To Rio
  • 57. Young The Giant – My Body
  • 58. Katy B – Broken Record
  • 59. Peter Bjorn and John – Second Chance
  • 60. Penguin Prison – Don’t Fuck With My Money
  • 61. Benny Banassi – Cinema (Skrillex Remix)
  • 62. LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem
  • 63. Cobra Starship – You Make Me Feel…
  • 64. The Wanted – I’ll Be Your Strength
  • 65. Ultraviolet Sound – Girl Talk
  • 66. Lana Del Ray – Video Games
  • 67. Audio Bullys – Only Man
  • 68. Pia Toscano – This Time
  • 69. DJ Fresh – Louder
  • 70. Leslie Hall – Hydrate Jirate
  • 71. Laura Marling – Sophia
  • 72. Emeli Sande – Heaven
  • 73. Deerhoof – Super Duper Rescue Heads!
  • 74. Aubrey O’Day – Automatic
  • 75. Alexis Jordan – How You Like Me Now
  • 76. Greyson Chance – Unfriend You
  • 77. Melanie C – Think About It
  • 78. Swedish House Mafia – Save the World
  • 79. AWOLNATION – Sail
  • 80. Ryan Adams – Dirty Rain

So there it is!! What do you think?! I hope you found a bunch of songs that you enjoyed this year on the list… it makes for an excellent “mix tape” in my opinion! There’s also a spotify playlist with MOST of these gems on it; check it out here.

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sotd: Robyn – Include Me Out

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So yeah, I bet you are wondering (that is if people even still read this poorly updated blog, sorry…) right about now… hey, where’s the year end album countdown? Well, I can assure you of something; it IS coming. I haven’t had time to get it done, because frankly, I work all of the time.

When I’m not working, I am sleeping; this job is one that wears me out majorly, but it is something that I am glad I worked so hard to get into. Being a nurse is incredibly frustrating, tiring, irritating at times, and very, very draining, but it is also really rewarding.

That being said, I am excited about bringing the year end best albums of 2011 to you, but in the mean time, here is a song that I recently rediscovered; it was on Body Talk part 2, but didn’t make the “cut” for the Body Talk album (which was a compilation of the three EPs). This song is incredible! Why didn’t it make the cut, Robyn? Oh well, at least it was on one of the EPs…

Now… stay tuned for the albums of the year… I am going to try and get that up soon!

five song friday, music musings, music suggestion, you tube

5SM: november 28

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Hey y’all! It’s a fucking five song Monday! I have been listening to some great new music lately, and here are five fantastic tracks that I can’t wait for you to hear. Also, it is nearing that time of year where the best of albums list gets compiled, and while I have quite a list going, I am eager to hear what has made YOUR lists; I don’t want to miss out on something incredible that I may not have heard of yet. So… let me know what you are listening to in the comments as well. Now to the five songs I’ve got for you today:

Vanbot – Make Me, Break Me

I couldn’t wait for a 5S-day, so I posted the video for this on Facebook the other day immediately after I heard it, because of how incredible it is. While the Robyn influence is undeniable (and frankly, welcomed with open arms), this song is fresh, and highlights the fact that there must be something genetically inherent about pop music in Sweden. In fact, Vanbot’s entire debut album is delightful, and a great find; it’s full of great songs that I am pleased to have randomly discovered. I expect to see it among my favorite albums of this year; like I said it’s delightful. Whatever is going over there in Sweden, I am glad that the pop music keeps flowing out of that magical land, and into my ears.

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful

It seems like the Brits do boybands better than almost anyone, and this is a new contender in the boyband genre that are killing it with this single (they were on the show the X-Factor, and came in third… looks like that show really does well at finding talent). Their new album Up All Night is a solid release, and one that is sure to have many singles. This song is a great pop song that will probably never see the airwaves here in the states; which is a bummer, because it has a lot of great energy. I have been listening to this one on repeat, and I am glad to share it with you today. Thanks to my buddy Douglas for telling me about the wonderful One Direction!

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back

After falling head over heels for Cher with her previous single, With Ur Love (which I posted about on the previous incarnation of the 5S-day), I was curious to hear what else she would release. Imagine my surprise when her debut album Sticks + Stones was actually brilliant (save a song or two), and was filled with great songs like this one. I love this song; it’s my favorite from her album. She has a lot of the same spunk that reminds me of Lily Allen, which I adore. This is yet another great find that I randomly stumbled upon; 2011 has had some great finds, and they seem to be getting better and better!

Penguin Prison – Don’t Fuck With My Money

I have seen a lot of talk on the blogs about Penguin Prison, but for whatever reason, I was never moved by one of their songs. Then I saw the video for this one, and I loved the song! This song reminds me a lot of that one song from the 90s that I’m sure everyone knows, but not a lot know who sang it: the New Radicals’, You Get What You Give. Similar feel with a more dance beat; I like it. I’m glad I am on board with the oft talked about Penguin Prison now!

The Saturdays – My Heart Takes Over (Digital Dog Remix)

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING tears it up like taking a beautiful ballad, and a laying a slick as hell beat over it, turning it into a dance-floor filler. This song is definitely one of the best examples that I have heard in many, many years. The Saturdays’ My Heart Takes Over is a gorgeous ballad that I love all on it’s own, but this remix that they released is like pure pollen to a bee; I cannot get enough of it. I only wish there were more remixes of this high quality doing the same thing… where are Thunderpuss when you need them (remember them?)? Either way, brilliant. Their new album is great as well; not as wonderful as I was hoping, but I guess you can’t win them all, can you?

BONUS:
Westlife – Lighthouse

Lastly, it is bittersweet that I bring you Westlife’s most recent single Lighthouse, off of their final album, which is a Greatest Hits collection. This is a band that I have followed for more than a decade, and have loved for so long that I am really broken up about their impending split. I am a major sucker for a beautiful pop ballad, and these guys have delivered many, many times in that department. I have loved following them for all of these years, and am glad that they have put out so many wonderful albums. Westlife will always be among my favorite artists, and I will definitely cherish the great pop music they released in their impressive career. My only hope, is that Shane and Mark release wonderful solo albums, and keep making music that I love. Westlife, I love you guys, and you will most certainly be missed.

Well, a farewell, and some great music, what more can you ask for on a Monday? Hope you enjoyed my picks, and please let me know what you are listening to as well. As I said, I will greatly miss Westlife, and I am just glad that those guys have made so many amazing albums over the years; the fans have a ton of great music to cherish from their amazing career… I just wish it wasn’t over. *sniff*

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5SW: november 2

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Howdy! Long time no talk, eh? Well, things are going well here. I am on my own at work, and I am doing okay; I know that it’s going to take a while before I am fully comfortable with this whole nursing on my own thing. Other than that, I have been trying to enjoy my days off, as the days I am at work are so intense; when a nurse says that they work 12 hours, they WORK that 12 hours!! Overall, though, things are good with me, so I figured it was time to do a 5S-someday, already! I have some great stuff for you today too, so let’s get to it!

Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out

She’s back!!! While it took me a while to warm up to Florence the first time around, and perhaps it had something to do with the fact that everyone and their mom was telling me just how amazing she was, I eventually came around, and was all ears when her new album came out this week. So far, this is my favorite track off of Ceremonials, and it is a real mover and a shaker, which is the stuff by Florence that I like best. Great single; this one is sure to get her even more exposure (like she needs it… haha).

Jon McLaughlin – I’ll Follow You

This is what I have come to expect from Jon McLaughlin; beautiful, well written ballads (and he doesn’t disappoint). This is from his recently released third album, Forever If Ever, which didn’t pack quite the punch his debut did for me, but has some great stuff nonetheless; this being the best of the bunch for me. The arrangement on this track is just hauntingly beautiful; what can I say, I am a sucker for a great piano-driven ballad.

M83 – Midnight City

I really only heard about M83 with their last album, Saturdays = Youth, which I quite enjoyed, and after hearing this new single from their recently released double album, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, I am hooked back into their weird, ethereal sound. This song is too catchy to turn off. They are even using this song in the latest Victoria’s Secret ad; so I expect M83 to get pretty huge in the coming months.

Cher Lloyd – With Ur Love (feat. Mike Posner)

My buddy Stu turned me on to this song; it is perfect pop, and a major earworm! I love how cute and sassy this song is, and how adorable is Cher Lloyd? I wish that more British pop would make waves here in the states, but at least I have friends that keep me updated on the clearly better pop music being made across the pond. I can’t wait to hear what else this lady has in store with her debut album, out this month.

Rihanna – We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)

I have been hard on Rihanna in the past; perhaps a bit too hard. I made some amends when I professed my love for Only Girl (In The World), which I still think is one of her best songs to date. Well, I am here to make even more amends, because this may just be her best song to date. Calvin Harris’ magic has made this THE song of the moment right now. I have been playing this on repeat for a few weeks now, and I cannot get enough. RiRi, baby, as long as you keep this up, we might just get along in the end; who would’ve thought after Rude Boy that I’d say that? Not me, that’s who!

So what did you think of the 5 songs from today’s 5SW? I hope you enjoyed them; please let me know. Also, let me know what you are listening to; I am constantly on the hunt for new music!

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sotd: Jason Walker – Echo

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Today’s song of the day is simply beautiful. I have been loving this song ever since I discovered it; it was playing in the background on the Vampire Diaries a few episodes ago. Boy, that show has some really great music!

What a great ballad, huh? Also, I guess this makes this a 1SF? Eh, who knows… either way, it’s something to whet your appetite til I can get back to another 5SF; maybe I’ll be able to do one early next week… stay tuned. Til then, enjoy the weekend!

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5SW: september 7

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Since I will be working this Friday, and since I was working this past Friday as well (oy!), I figured, let’s be unconventional and do a five song Wednesday today. Why not, right? Here are some great new songs for you to consider, songs that I have really been enjoying recently.

Feist – How Come You Never Go There
As a huge fan of Feist’s previous album, The Reminder, which came out waaaay back in 2007 (and was subsequently my #2 album of that year), I have been chomping at the bit to get some new music from this Canadian chanteuse. Well, it is an understatement to say that this, the first single from her forthcoming album Metals, is quite simply amazing. This track is beautiful, and really builds on where The Reminder left off. All of a sudden, I cannot wait for October to get here!

Gavin Degraw – Not Over You
I’m honestly shocked by this one; I have always considered this guy to be firmly in the column of ‘artists I cannot stand’ for whatever reason. Perhaps it was that damn obnoxious song of his, I Don’t Wanna Be, which was played on the radio every five fucking minutes back in the day and is a song I cannot stand. What can I say, first impressions are very strong, indeed. That being said, I heard this song thanks to Spotify playing a snippet during a commercial, and I didn’t even know it was Gavin Degraw; and when I found it was him, I was all, “hmpf! Who cares, it’s excellent!”. So there; what can I say, I am a sucker for a fantastic piano-driven ballad, and this is a very, very good one.

Jessie J – Domino
There is a lot of love for Jessie J on this blog, a lot, and rightfully so; she’s amazing! I love this girl, and it seems like when everything new I hear, I fall harder and harder for her. Her voice is powerful and incredible, and I hope that she becomes just as big (especially stateside) as (IMHO) less deserving acts like Katy Perry. This song is decidedly more pop than some of her previous singles, and it shows just how varied her style can be, while highlighting how she can keep it young and fresh as well. This is such an earworm, and it is perfectly ready to blaze the airwaves; this is one I would expect to hear on repeat on the radio. Jessie J ladies and gents; this is pop, and let’s enjoy it, shall we?!

Nicole Scherzinger – Wet
It appears that I might be a little obsessed with Nicole Scherzinger these days. I have a habit of promoting stuff that I feel like is deserving of attention, and this is a great reason I keep turning to Nicole; she should be way bigger of a star than simply as the “lead singer of the Pussycay Dolls”. Every time I turn around, I hear another amazing single from her, and I keep wondering, why in the hell hasn’t this girl been topping the Billboard charts with these hits?! Her album, Killer Love is still slated for a November release date here in the US (even though it was released in the UK back in March of this year!!!), and this is the latest UK single from the album. Might I say, Wet is another blazing hit (thanks to my buddy Steve for posting this on facebook a while back). Nicole is gorgeous in the video, and this song is a dance banger ready for the dancefloor. After seeing the video, it struck me that someone should show Britney this video to remind her that girls her age can still dance and show the level of enthusiasm she used to back in the Toxic days… Either way, another fantastic single and video for Nicole!! Fingers still crossed for you, lady!

David Guetta – Night Of Your Life feat. Jennifer Hudson
Oh my goodness. Finally. A KILLER club track featuring the vocals of one of my most favorite divas, Ms. Jennifer Hudson! This song is incredible, and a great testament of what it means to work with superstar DJ David Guetta; he will treat you right! Kelly Rowland has known that for a while, and with David’s most recently release, Nothing But The Beat, it looks like several fantastic artists are following suit to work with this guy. If anything, it pretty much guarantees you at least a very good chance of having a very radio-ready single. This song is definitely reminiscent of Rihanna’s Only Girl (In The World), but different enough to hold its own (and honestly, I loved that song too, so fuck, the more the merrier!!). I honestly loved it the first time I heard it; but then again, my lady Jennifer is tearing it UP on this track. My only wish, is that they would have released this back in June, because it could have been my song of the summer; so I guess it’ll just have to be my song of the autumn!! I expect to here this a lot at the upcoming Pride festival!

So there we go, another five songs… what did you think? Any suggestions you’d like to see in a future five song Friday (or Wednesday… or whatever day I do one)? Let me know!

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5SF: august 19

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Well, I managed to scrounge together 5 songs for today’s 5SF, which I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do after last weeks mega 10SF. Also, as a major bonus, each of these have a youtube video/audio, so I can just post the videos as well (and due to time constraints, my comments will be kind of brief)! Sometimes, you get thrown a bone, not often, but sometimes; and today is one of those times.

Laura Marling – Sophia

I always underestimate Laura Marling for some reason. I’m an idiot, because she always manages to impress. Another beautiful song from this incredible artist. I can’t wait for her next album; her last one was one of my favorites from last year.

Emeli Sande – Heaven

This is kind of a sad one to post, seeing as it was one of the final songs I discovered via BBC Radio 1, and I doubt there will be more excellent discoveries from them seeing as XMradio decided to yank the channel and replace it with disco hits. Seriously? Either way, excellent song, and it makes me want to hear what she’s got in store for her album as well.

Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger

I’m extra hard on Maroon 5 for some reason, but a hit is a hit, and this is definitely a hit. My apologies to my buddy Kelly who tried to get me into this one a month ago, and it fell on deaf ears; I am all ears now. This is such a slick track!

Ultraviolet Sound – Girl Talk

I heard this one the other day, and I instantly fell in love with it. It has all of the energy of Dragonette and Alphabeat, and I enjoy that it is so lyrically playful. Great earworm, and it will definitely get you dancing. Maybe now I need to actually pay more attention to Ultraviolet Sound (seeing as this is the second song I have heard from them and liked)…

Bjork – Crystalline

Bjork is insanely talented, and this new single is a testament to that; she truly stands in a category of her own. I especially love the beautiful lyrics, and the play with drum and bass at the end. This song is slick, and unlike anything out right now. The verdict? Absolutely brilliant.

Well, there you have it, another 5SF. Be sure to let me know what you think, and as always, keep me informed as to what you are listening to; I am always on the lookout for new and fantastic music.

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5SF: june 10

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Now that I have more free time on my hands in a much more regular fashion, I have had a chance to catch up, and listen to some great music recently. I have been basically living for Death Cab For Cutie and City and Colour’s new releases, so you will definitely see something from each of them today. Other than them, I have a few other gems that I can’t wait to share with you. Let’s get started.

Patrick Wolf – House
Not only is this song amazing, but the video is incredibly beautiful as well. I love Patrick Wolf; he always seems to be standing outside of the box, and yet crafts such amazing pop, that you’d think that everyone in the box would be singing his praises. This guy is eccentric, but that’s his strong suit; he really pours a lot of that eccentricity into his music, fashion, and style, and the result is a true pop superstar that never seems to get enough praise or credit for his work. His new album, Lupercalia is slated to come out in the next couple of weeks, and after hearing and falling head over heels in love with this track, as well as the first single, The City, I am simply bursting at the seams to get my hands on it. Watch the incredibly beautiful video for House here.

City and Colour – We Found Each Other In the Dark
The new album, Little Hell, came out earlier this week, and it is incredible. After hearing O’ Sister, Fragile Bird, and Northern Wind prior to its release, I had high hopes, and pretty high expectations that this album would be yet another amazing release from Dallas Green, aka, City and Colour. After one listen, I will say that I was not disappointed in the least. It is a fantastic album from beginning to end, and represents some of his most beautiful work. While it isn’t as delicate and achingly beautiful overall as the previous release, Bring Me Your Love, it has true heartfelt moments that stand right along side that album, as well as more uptempo and more rock tracks that add a more gritty element to his previous work. Dallas is an exquisite song writer, and an incredible musician, and this album is hands down, one of the absolute best of 2011, by a landslide. With this album, Dallas has solidified his place amongst my most favorite artists, and has proven that he just gets better with each new release. I really hope that he makes a tour stop in Atlanta some time soon.Be sure to get Little Hell, which is out now.Listen to We Found Each Other In The Dark here.

Death Cab For Cutie – St. Peter’s Cathedral
Death Cab For Cutie are certainly one of my favorite bands, and they have been for many years. I love lead singer Ben Gibbard’s voice, and their music is epically beautiful. I was more than excited when I saw that they would be releasing a new album at the end of May, so I marked it on my calendar. As always, they did not disappoint, and the album, Codes and Keys, is pretty amazing overall. I was extra excited, when I listened for the first time, and I found a few songs like this one, that harken to the side project Ben did several years ago called The Postal Service; whose only album was down right incredible. I am sure fans of both bands squealed with delight just as I did upon hearing the infusion of some Postal Service elements into this album. I am glad they gave the fans something as wonderful as this, and continue treating us to great music with each new release. Be sure to get Codes and Keys, which is out now. Listen to St. Peter’s Cathedral here.

Mat Kearney – Hey Mama
This is the new, very peppy track by Mat Kearney. It reminds me stylisitically a lot of Pete Yorn’s track Relator that he did with Scarlett Johanson a couple of years ago. That being said, Mat Kearney is one of those artists that I have followed for years, and consider myself to be a big fan of his work. I’ve seen him in concert a couple of times, and his voice has this amazing ability to make one weak in the knees. This is a much more peppy direction for him, but I think that it works quite well, and it might be his most radio-ready track to date. As always, I am looking forward to his next release, and if this is any indication as to what it might sound like, it seems that Mat is going to be a little more upbeat, and a lot lighter this time around. Maybe this song will help him get some much deserved airplay, and allow more people to find out about this amazing artist. Listen to Hey Mama here.

The Weepies – Same Changes
I was watching the movie Morning Glory the other night, and this delightful song started playing, and I instantly recognized it as the Weepies. While I didn’t really get into their 2010 album Be My Thrill (perhaps because of being busy with nursing school…), I do enjoy the Weepies a lot, and really loved this song when I heard it. It’s very similar to other songs by the Weepies, but when the formula works, why mess with it? The movie was very sweet, and I ended up enjoying it a lot, and I had to download this track as soon as the movie ended. This is yet another example of how using a great song at a pivotal point in a movie can really draw you in and make the experience that much more enjoyable. In this case, it made me enjoy the movie that much more, and solidified a music purchase from me; what’s not to like about that? Do yourself and see this movie too; the previews did not do it justice. It is well written, very cute, and full of laughs and sweet moments. I really enjoyed it. Watch the video for Same Changes here.

So there’s five more songs for you. What did you think? Let me know what you thought in the comments, and as always, tell me what you are listening to as well! Stay cool out there!

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5SF: may 13

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Look y’all! The 5SF is back this week! Now that I’m DONE WITH NURSING SCHOOL, perhaps it will become more of a regular feature here on this blog; I have missed doing it, and I know that it has been too sparse over the past year or so. Without further adieu, let’s get this thing started!

City and Colour – Northern Wind
In anticipation for Dallas Green’s new City and Colour album, Little Hell (out June 7), I have been checking his website a lot to see if any news or songs were being released prior to the album. Imagine my intense glee when I found that he had posted Northern Wind, because this song is nothing short of epic. This song solidified the fact that this guy is not only incredibly talented, but that he only continues to raise the bar on his own music. I have talked a lot of Dallas in the past, and I will not be stopping any time soon; and if the new album is anything like this, I can guarantee we have one of 2011’s best right here. This song is already on repeat for me, and I pre-ordered the album right after I heard it; something I never do. This guy has really made a lifelong fan out of me, and I will continue to follow his music as long as he makes stuff as endearingly beautiful as this. Northern Wind is seriously one of my favorite songs of 2011 so far, and makes it even more exciting to have City and Colour as one of my most favorite artists. Listen to Northern Wind here.

The Decemberists – Rise To Me
A friend of mine on facebook reminded me that I needed to give the new Decemberists album, The King is Dead a proper listen, and I am glad that I did. Overall, the album is pretty decent, but this song is the real standout for me; it is incredibly beautiful in every way. I have always loved Colin Meloy’s voice, and it is so tender in this song, and the lyrics are vivid. I love how the song is arranged, and how it is almost like an old timey country song; which is normally not something I would instantly love. It’s definitely a little different than some of their previous work, but I cannot get enough of this song; it is really, really beautiful. I have been listening to it on repeat for a few weeks now, and it just gets better every time I hear it. Listen to Rise To Me here.

Slow Runner – Devil Moon
I mentioned Slow Runner a few posts ago when I was talking about the incredible William Fitzsimmons concert I saw at Smith’s Olde Bar a few weeks ago. These guys opened for him, and played with him throughout his set as well, and I was very impressed and thought they were pretty amazing live. When I came home, I downloaded some of their stuff, and was happy to have found a great band in the process. In concert they reminded me a lot of The Postal Service, and that electronic-pop-folk sensibility is front and center on their recorded stuff as well. This song, from their new album Damage Points, is by far my favorite of all their stuff I have heard. It’s beautiful, and the lead’s voice is very shyly tender and sweet. I will definitely be keeping my eye on these guys in the future. Listen to Devil Moon here.

Kylie – Better Than Today
It has been exactly one week since I saw the incredible show Kylie put on at the Fox Theater last week. My buddy Stu surprised me with tickets, and the show was amazing!!! I was a fan of Kylie before, but she has definitely moved up on my list of favorite artists. The show’s production was far and above over the top, and every moment was a true sight to behold; this woman is incredible live, and you are truly missing out if you haven’t seen her in concert. Since seeing the show, I have been listening to lots more Kylie, and have given Aphrodite more of a chance. After having seen her perform the songs live, I have a newfound appreciate for them, and have been enjoying her music much, much more. I feel like if I had seen her live earlier, I would have probably ranked this album higher, and it may have even made me favorites of 2010. Thanks for taking me to the show, Stu! It was incredible!! Watch the video for Better Than Today here.

Jennifer Lopez – (What Is) Love?
After seeing a friend I follow on twitter say he was actually, surprisingly enjoying the new JLo album, my curiosity was piqued, and as such, I decided I needed to give it a listen; after all, JLo has had some great songs in the past. While the guilty pleasure still remains strong with On the Floor (which is way more catchy than I originally gave it credit for), the stand out to me was this song. When looking for the song so that you could hear it, I found a lot of people comparing it to a Nelly Furtado song called All Good Things, and I can definitely hear the similarities; although JLo’s song is much more polished and cleaner to the ears. Overall, this is a fun pop song, and makes me glad that I at least gave JLo’s new album a spin. Listen to (What Is) Love? here.

I was kind of all over the place this week; but what did you think of my picks? Let me know what you are listening to as well, won’t you?