Another week, another group of musical addictions that have
been playing on repeat for the past 7 days. A hodge-podge of fast-paced rock
and slow indie music, this week’s picks will undoubtedly become your new
favorites.
The Best Songs of the Week
1.‘The Wolf’- Miniature Tigers
The
Wolf is a song that is very much reflective of the catchy rock genre that
has become popular with the new generation of music lovers. The song is quick
to get stuck in the heads of those who listen to it. It is quick, steady, and
easy to sing (more accurately, melodically speak) to. Miniature Tigers is a
group that would do well on networks like MTV because they blend genuine music
with upbeat hooks that highlight American youth.
2.‘Love is a Fire- Courrier
The song is as perfect and ideal as they
come. There is a symbiosis between the instruments that perfectly aids in accentuating
the vocals. There is an inspirational tone to the song and listener’s can’t
help but feel uplifted as the final notes play out. The song is buoyant,
passionate, and truly enjoyable to listen to. The juxtaposition between fast
and slow paces is done in a manner that is similar to the telling of a story.
Listeners can enjoy every aspect of the song without growing bored.
3.‘Venice’- The Lighthouse and
The Whaler
Catchy. Upbeat. Fun. This song is one step
away from, ‘dance around like a maniac,’ territory. The music, though somewhat
slow, has a build that allows listeners to maintain some level of decorum.
There is an almost antsy quality about the song. You want to dance, come
incredibly close to dancing, but step back at the last second. Instead you opt
for the steady head shake/body sway combo that conveys your interest in the
music.
4.‘American Daydream- Electric Guest
Call me crazy but all I see when I hear
this song is an awesome title sequence for a television show. There is a sultry
seductiveness to the song, which makes it incredibly addictive. The simplicity
is equally beneficial because it allows the music to focus solely on the
melodies and beats of the song.
5.‘Le Billet Doux’- City Tribe
There is a very Fleet Foxes/GIVERS vibe
that is created by City Tribe. Le Billet
Doux is a harmonious and melodic song that gives people the urge to hop
into a convertible and drive through a vineyard. There is a languid quality to
the song creating an incredible relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Perfect blend
of instrumentals and vocals. All around great piece of music. (*Note, come back
soon for a full feature of the band. Hint…they may or may not be our Artist of
the Week…*)
Weddings are something that most women and men, though they
may not admit it, think about throughout their lifetime. With so many things
that require planning for the big day, one of the key elements is often thrown
to the wayside: the music. Whether it be the music in general or merely the
choice of the first song, it seems that many of today’s weddings rely on
musical scapegoats. There is some sort of preconceived notion that traditional
weddings should have the same tiredly traditional music that has been played
for generations. Songs like At Last and
The Way You Look Tonight, though
iconic and admittedly classic, have become the standard for most weddings.
Though recently, Adele has become the go to girl for slow and emotional songs.
It’s high time that people begin to stray away from the norm and realize that
there are a slew of song options that are equally moving. So, with that being
said, here are 20 untraditional ‘first dance’ songs for any couple that is
currently searching for one:
1.You’re
the One That I Want- Angus & Julia Stone
An incredibly interesting take on the song
made famous by Grease, You’re the One
That I Want is a slow and moving song that perfectly encompasses all
feelings of recent newlyweds. (A nice alternative to this would be Big Jet Plane (Acoustic) also sung by
Angus & Julia Stone)
2.A
Million Years- Alexander
This song is the perfect combination of
sweet and sentimental. It perfectly highlights the feelings of newlyweds and
conveys the inner thoughts and emotions that are present when people find the
men/women of their dreams.
3.When U
Love Somebody- Fruit Bats
This song is slightly quicker than most
used as the first dance song in weddings. It’s ideal for couples that wish to
take a far more lighthearted approach to the day. The music is upbeat but still
allows for an intimate dance between partners. Additionally, the lyrics exude
warmth and positivity.
4.Rivers
and Roads- The Head and the Heart
This song is a bit more somber than those
associated with weddings. It mentions loss and change, however, it also focuses
on highlighting the strength of love. Despite any change that comes, when two
people are together anything can be overcome.
5.And If
My Heart Should Somehow Stop- James Vincent McMorrow
This is the epitome of a classic wedding
song. The music is slow and incredibly personal. The lyrics and instrumentals
are in complete sync and create a song that is genuine and emotional.
6.Cruel
and Beautiful World- Grouplove
Slow and emotional, this song is ideal for
a first dance. There is an acknowledgement of the difficulties that are always
present but a deeper focus on the fact that having a partner to get by makes
said difficulties that much less consequential. The world is a daunting place
but love can overcome anything.
7.Towards
the Sun- Alexi Murdoch
Soft, slow, and truly passionate. There is
an incredibly raw emotion in this song that creates an equally amazing feeling
of contentment. The song is soothing and candid which creates an overwhelming
sense of tenderness.
8.Maybe
I’m Amazed- Jem
A song that perfectly highlights
the feelings of newlyweds. There is an incredibly soothing, almost ethereal,
quality about the song, which conveys much of the emotions felt on wedding
days. Focuses on the fears and vulnerabilities of newlyweds while highlighting
the mutual strength that stems from a true partnership.
9.I’ve
Got This Friend- The Civil Wars
This song perfectly highlights the
nervousness that surrounds blossoming relationships. It describes the
importance of finding the right person and holding onto them. The music itself
is sweet and harmonious, making a perfect atmosphere for a newlywed couple.
10.Happy- The Daylights
An ideal song for couples who may
have struggled to reach their wedding day. Perfect for people in
off-again-on-again relationships who have finally realized that they are far
stronger together then they are apart.
The song focuses solely on
simplicity. The vocals are the clear heart behind the music and are accentuated
by the few underlying instrumentals. The song is slow and steady, picking up
pace in certain parts, and invokes feelings of depth and endearment.
12.A Girl,
a Boy, and a Graveyard- Jeremy Messersmith
Soft and melodic this song
encapsulates the tenderness of young couples. There is an emotional depth that
is unmatched by many other artists and highlights the relationship of numerous
couples.
13.In My Sleep- Austin
Hartley-Leonard
Focuses on the idea of someday. The song
acknowledges the fact that all relationships have their ups and downs but,
should a couple work hard enough, the relationship will always remain in tact.
There is a melancholy feeling to the song that is then overshadowed by a
quicker pace and raw gritty vocals.
14.Give Me Love- Ed Sheeran
Definitely rising in popularity
this past year, Give Me Love is a
song that delves into the gritty, almost somber, aspect of love. The song is
incredibly moving and highlights the raw emotions that can be evoked when two
people realize they’re meant to be.
15.Hold You In My Arms- Ray
LaMontagne
While arguable that Ray LaMontagne is
definitely a common sound at most weddings, it is important to note that his
albums are versatile and emotional enough to play in full. Hold You In My Arms is a song that focuses on the slow and raw
emotion of a relationship. Lyrics full of the promises that all new brides wish
to hear, the song is soft and sweet making it an ideal way to begin a marriage.
Additionally, You Are The Best Thing
is another LaMontagne song that may be more suitable for couples that wish to
have a faster version of the soulful music.
16.This Years Love- David Gray
This song has been played in numerous shows
and movies. It’s incredibly personal and emotional. The song takes touching to
a whole other level and creates an overwhelming sense of commitment and depth.
17.Breathe In Breathe Out- Mat
Kearney
This song is a bit more dark than most
wedding songs. There is a note of finality within the music and, while it is
far more somber than most, the song also highlights the fact that no matter how
many negatives are present, the positives come from having a light in your
life.
18.Lifelong Lullaby- Will
Derryberry
This song emphasizes the protective comfort
that should be present in any marriage. The song focuses on the fact that all
relationships are joint partnerships in which two people look after one
another. There is a tranquility within the song that oozes compassion and
support.
19.Come Out of the Shade- The
Perishers
A song that truly speaks for
itself, Come Out of the Shade is a
slow and steady representation of the ever-changing nature of relationships.
The song highlights the blossoming of friendship into love and perfectly
captures the warmth that is present in relationships.
20.I and Love You- the Avett Brothers
This song has soul, passion, grit, and raw
emotion. While not a typical song to dance to, it has all of the elements of a
perfect first dance song.
Honorary mentions:
Modern twists on noted classics
I Can’t
Help Falling In Love- Ingrid Michaelson
I
Try- Ben Taylor
Skinny
Love- Birdy
Somewhere
Over the Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
The
Way You Look Tonight / Save the Last Dance For Me- Michael Buble
50 Great Songs For
the Ultimate Wedding Playlist:
Shake
Shake Shake- Bronze Radio Return
Never
Had Nobody Like You- M.Ward
Slow
Dance- John Legend
Home
Is Not Places- The Apache Relay
A
Lack of Color- Death Cab for Cutie
Something
Pretty- Patrick Park
Champagne
Supernova- matt pond PA
How
Good It Can Be- the 88
England-
The National
Hold
On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It- Stars
Today was a day in which it was necessary to listen to
fast-paced rock music to stay sane. Everyone in the world has days such as
these. Whether it be the result of stressing for finals or experiencing a nasty
break-up, at one point or another everybody feels compelled to release their
pent up frustrations through music. For days such as these, there are few bands
and songs that will successfully aid in releasing any personal tension. The Ten
Thousand is the clear choice when it comes to seeking a band whose music will
instantaneously transform an individual.
It is rare for a single song to instantly change your mood
but The Ten Thousand has been incredibly successful in creating music that can
completely affect listeners. Much of the band’s music is powerful and rough,
which creates an overwhelming feeling of confidence and conviction. The music
has a profound effect on listeners, which highlights the extraordinary
potential of the band. The ability to adjust an individual’s mood for a
specific duration of time is an incredible one, which is rarely found on the
Billboard Top 100. Much of today’s music focuses on creating tracks that are
slightly tweaked from previously popular songs. This approach to music will
ensure that songs are well received by the audience, however, it prevents listeners
from being exposed to truly unique and original music.
The Ten Thousand is a band that strays away from the
societal norms and focuses on producing music that can be appreciated and
enjoyed by all audiences. Much of the band’s music has an incredible rough and
punk rock feel. What is extraordinary is that the band is equally efficient in
creating slower music that is very much reflective of the indie bands that are
progressively growing in popularity.
The Ten Thousand 'City of Angles'
The best thing about the group is that it provides the
perfect symbiosis between personal and visceral. Songs such as City of Angles and Juneteenth are fast-paced and raw which creates an incredibly
unprocessed sound. When listening to them, most people will have an
uncontrollable urge to jump across the room and unleash their inner
air-guitarist. Others will feel the need to punch a wall. Both emotions are
equally intense and reflective of the power that the aforementioned songs have
over human nature.
On the other hand, tracks such as Sagrada Familia and I Know
are songs, which focus more on slowing down the vocals and instrumentals as a
means of emphasizing the actual lyrics. The focus of the softer songs of the
Ten Thousand is on each individual component within the music. Each of the
individual elements are highlighted at certain points throughout the duration
of the songs. Incredible instrumentals shine through at some points while the
gritty vocals are more pronounced at others.
Flight Inertia is
the song that will eventually become the band’s shining glory. It is a song
that could easily be played on any radio station due to its versatility and incorporation
of multiple music genres. It heavily focuses on the classic rock sound,
however, the beats and instrumentals aid in providing the vocals with an
easy-going California vibe. The song effectively bridges the gap between hard rock
and the laidback alternative music genres. The likelihood of an indie radio
station playing this song is just as high as the likelihood of a hot one
hundred station playing it.
The oncoming success is inevitable for the Ten Thousand. The
band is entirely different, which is both refreshing and much needed. It is
evident that the band will garner an incredible following because it has
everything required of a truly great band. The vocals, instrumentals, and
lyrics are perfectly in sync with one another, which creates genuinely
enjoyable music.
Band Members:
Kevin Daye
Dylan Robin
Garrett Harney
Satoru Yamamoto
Nathan Kersey-Wilson
Be sure to head over to the official the Ten Thousand website to stay updated on the latest music, videos, and shows of the band: http://the10k.org/
This is the kind of song that makes me wish
I could sing. For some unknown reason, each time I hear this song I am overcome
with a desire to stand on stage in front of an enormous crowd and sing to the
world. There is a raw grittiness to Feeding
Line which makes it that much more appealing. There is a combination of
natural ease and rough conflict within the song, making it far more
entertaining than most. Added bonus, there’s whistling. Who doesn’t love a good
whistle solo?
Boy & Bear 'Feeding Line'
2.)‘When
U Love Somebody’ – Fruit Bats
Far less fast-paced than some of the other
songs off of the Fruit Bat album, When U
Love Somebody has a sound that is much more folky. The instrumentals focus
on steady beats and interchanging chords. Further adding to the southern-folk
vibe is the sporadic clapping and tambourine rattle that overlay each other as
the song plays out. There is an informal feeling created by the song which
creates the illusion that the band is directly addressing their audience.
Fruit Bats 'When U Love Somebody'
3.)‘Hold
On When You Get Love And Let Go When You Give It’ – Stars
Truthfully, the vocals don’t even come
close to being the best part about this song. They are certainly entertaining
enough but it is the incredible riff that occurs at the 40second mark that
transforms the song from average to supreme. Seriously. I’m not entirely
positive what is so incredible about it, all I know is that I would buy a 3minute
version of it. Luckily enough, the riff is a constant, underlying presence,
throughout the duration of the song. There is an almost inspirational quality
to the song that creates an incredibly enjoyable vibe.
Stars‘Hold On When You Get Love And Let Go When You Give It’
4.)‘Rivers
Edge’ – Fossil Collective
This song is an impeccable blend of vocals
and instrumentals. Neither outshines the other, which allows listeners to
appreciate each equally. The piercing vocals complement the steady rhythms of
the instruments and form a well-blended song. Rivers Edge is incredibly soothing and creates an ethereal and
graceful ambiance.
Fossil Collective 'Rivers Edge'
5.)‘Lost
Boy’ – Greg Holden
In short, this song is heartbreaking.
Holden’s vocals resonate with listeners and clearly convey an overwhelming
amount of emotion. There is a raw pain within the lyrics which, combined with
the stunning vocals, creates a powerful feeling of tormented aching.
Greg Holden 'Lost Boy'
Artist of the Week:
The Daylights
The Daylights have been around for quite some time. Their
music has popped up sporadically in television shows over the past few years
however, the group has yet to gain mass recognition that they rightfully
deserve. The band is incredibly versatile which is evident in the wide range of
music that they have produced. The band’s self-titled debut album successfully
lived up to the previously released EPs. ‘Shift and Blur’ and ‘Sans Radio,’
though spectacular in their own right, were surpassed by the group’s
full-length album.
The Daylights 'Rogue Machine'
The clear breakout song of the band is undoubtedly Rogue Machine. It was the first song of
the Daylights that was introduced to me and it has yet to fall from the top 3
most played list on my iTunes playlist (40
Day Dream and Model Homes have
the other coveted spots). The lyrics are absolutely incredible and are
supported by equally amazing vocals and instrumentals. Though, commending the
song for its lyrics is hardly saying much. The lyrics of each and every song
are unique and spectacular. It is clear that the words are the true strength of
the band.
It is clear that the full album is one of the more superior
albums currently available on iTunes because there is no weak link. Each of the
songs are equally unique and enjoyable, thus making the album itself
mind-blowing. There is a complementary blend between slow and fast-paced songs
(see Weapons and Alive) thus ensuring that listeners never grow bored of the music.
The recently released EP ‘Modern Fossils’ complies with the
previously established sound of the Daylights. Purely emotional, the songs
combine true grit with an air of melancholy.
The Daylights are a spectacular band that is severely
underrated. The band offers everything that listeners look for in quality
music. There is no bad song as each new album and EP only grows in strength.
The Daylights have come into their own as songwriters and performers and have
successfully solidified themselves as the alternative-rock band that others
should aim to be.
