Wow, it's been way too long...3 1/2 months since my last "Songs of the Moment" post. With my birthday (for which I received 17 albums! New record!) before then and now, I've got some catching up to do. That's why this set's a bit larger than usual. Here are seventeen songs I've had stuck in my head and replaying on my ipod for the past few months, ones that have guided me through some amazing experiences such as my birthday, the orchestra trip, and prom, but also through some tougher times as the harder part of the school year finally (FINALLY!) nears its end. So, without further delay......BAM! Here they are, organized by their time of prominence within these past months. (Oh and I can't get the videos to fit, so some of them are cut off...just click on the title of the video to see the ones that are actually videos and not just pictures)
1. Naive - The Kooks
"How could this be done be such a smiling sweetheart?"
I grew to really enjoy this song through both Band Hero and Lego Rock Band soon after I got them for Christmas, but when I decided to pick it up off iTunes with some birthday money, I grew to love it! I've got great memories of the orchestra trip with this one and prom, and now the lyrics have come to have a really significant message in my life. I don't listen to too much of this British punk stuff, by The Kooks have me hooked with this catchy tune.
2. Sugar Skulls - Wolftron
"This time I want to take it slow and try to keep this life in line. Maybe fall in love..."
Here it is, the very first song I listened to as a seventeen year old. I remember it now, my parents let me up one album the night before my birthday so that I could enjoy the music that day at school. I choose a random one from the album the morning of my birthday, and enjoyed it while eating Cap'n Crunch. Turns out, this song and its lyrics fit extremely well with the "dream of seventeen" thing I planned on starting up. I still can't get enough of its soft, alluring soung.
3. Falling Up - Fearless
"I'm living fearless, so fearless, like every day's my own."
With some of the iTunes money I got for my birthday, I decided to search for a purchase stuff from a few completely new artists. This is one of those songs that has you interested in the first second...and the rest of the song doesn't disappoint. The piano and drum mix is brilliant, as is the switch from male to female vocals. And the rap beat that comes in at the end? It's strange, but I've come to like it. Unfortunately, other stuff from Falling Up isn't like this at all, but sometimes all it takes is one amazing song to appreciate an artist. Tell me what you think.
4. Shine - The Morning Of
"I'd give up forever just to see the day when the two of us could just walk away hand in hand."
In the past few months I've been, let's say, enamored :) This song is the one that did the trick with how I was feeling. It could see it being extremely annoying for some, but I think it's sweet. I'm a sucker for female/male duo singing, and this one nailed it with a fine combination. Every lyric just bleeds affection, and another piano/drum combo makes this song almost perfect. On top of that, the concept of shining and the word 'shine' are some of my favorite when love is the subject. Enjoy!
5. Sol Solis - Moving Mountains
"We, someday we'll see our love will shine."
Another great love song here, though a bit more heartfelt and honest than the last in my mind. I am rarely touched by the acoustic guitar, but these chords put me in a trance. I absolutely those the figurative concepts of this song. The Moving Mountains album I got for my birthday is like a musical poetry book. In Sol Solis we've got the singer, who is the earth, and his love is the sun. He craves her light and would die without her. I don't know about you, but I think that's sweet.
6. Something Beautiful - Needtobreathe
"I just want something beautiful to touch me."
Here it is, the first country-ish song that's ever really meant much to me. My journey to expand my musical tastes is succeeded thanks in part to Needtobreathe, a fabulous, sincere group I've been listening to on Youtube for quite some time now. These guys are amazing and have so much expression live, I'd love to see them someday. This particular song has become so uplifting for me. I hope to see more Needtobreathe soon.
7. Quiet Little Voices - We Were Promised Jetpacks
"In any which direction, call me. I'll run for you. I'll come for you. I'll die for you."
First off, best band name EVER. These fellows from Scotland know what's up in the world of music. When I have some money to spare, their latest album is definitely the next one I'll buy. This song is fairly simple, but still so powerful. It's one of those easy tunes that won't escape your head. I, for one, have even found myself attempting to mimic this singer's accent in every day speech. This group's a unique one, don't miss out on what they have to offer!
8. Disappearing World - Fair
"Where is it that your peace comes from?"
The first minute of this song is beyond amazing. The rest...almost as good. I kind of like the idea of the music video, it gives me a good idea of what to think about the what the lyrics are trying to say. this song has become pretty personal for me. I don't know why, but it just seems to fit how I've been feeling lately, or what any ambitious high schooler has been feeling with the ongoing stresses of testing and such. At least we know that our world will reappear once it's all over :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9hdfhGQhM0
9. The Marsh - California Guitar Trio
That's right, no lyrics here. These guys actually performed at our school in March. I made it a date, an excellent one at that, and loved them so much that I picked up a CD they had waiting in the foyer. This song, The Marsh, really stuck on to me when they were performing, and it creates one of the best moods I've ever experienced. Listen closely to this one if you want to full affect. I dream to one day make music that is this beautiful...
10. Daylight - Matt & Kim
"In the daylight anywhere feels like home."
This song is so unorganized and quirky, it's awesome! The music video gives it a good feel as well. This song is one that makes you want to just let loose, to just forget the world, have fun, and love life. I can't say I've heard any music like this before, but now I desperately want more! Matt and Kim blow me away! You'll love them, I promise!
11. Worn - Sherwood
"And so I'm told: I wear and I'm worn."
Out of all 17 songs, this one's my favorite, without a doubt. As I endured a tough round of failures, including not making SBO, Senior Office, playing terribly at Region Solo/Ensemble, and other things, this song was the one that got me through. The vocals are absolutely flawless, and the acoustic guitar has proved amazing once again in this simple mix. I don't have much more to say...it's wonderful. Don't miss this one.
12. Swan Song - A Fine Frenzy
"I wrote the words to the swan song, the author of the wrong."
I got this song for Christmas, but only recently has it really tickled my fancy. Also tied in with the no-fun weeks of March, this song has become really important for me personally. In my mind, this is the best music of its genre. A Fine Frenzy will always produce some of the most lovable tunes.
13. On Melancholy Hill - Gorillaz
"Up on melancholy hill there's a plastic tree. Are you here with me? Just looking out on the day of another dream."
I listened to this song fifty times within a week of its release, a record by far. It's part of the new Gorillaz album, which I think really sucks big time (Snoop Dog, are you kidding!?). This song, however, has one of the coolest mixes of instruments and rhythms. It's perfect for a late night drive. It's also really different compared to other Gorillaz songs. I love it.
14. Happily Ever After- He Is We
"We all have a story to tell."
These guys performed in Utah on Wednesday...and I missed them. Big thanks to Nick Johnson and Wyatt Frasier for getting me into this amazing duo. After listening to this song, I think you'll find it hard to disagree. I love the whole 'our life is a story' idea. I've often thought of it that way, and as myself as the author of my own tale. We do what we can, but ultimately can only hope it ends for the better.
15. Before This Ship Goes Down - The Material
"We'll turn the key and take the wheel. No looking back, this time it's real...with you."
While the other love songs of this list are sweet and soft, this one takes a different route with power and confidence, at least that's how I like to think of it. The Material has recently become one of my very favorite bands, which is cool because they're different from my other favorites and especially cool becuase they don't have many songs out yet. Check it out!
16. Feel The Same Way - Poema
"It can't get much better than this."
My buddy and fellow music-lover Kim Tran shared this and many other fantastic songs with me in a little CD exchange we had. This was my prom song; it fit so well with its strong optimism and sweet words. Take this song and make it your own, you won't regret it. Thanks Kim!!!
17. One By One - Unkle Bob
"Is this the way to be?"
Here we are at the end of my musical timeline during my absence. I actaully just found Unkle Bob yesterday, and thought I ought to share a song that has caught my attention early on. This band is extremely promising, and I'm excited to see if this song comes to mean something special in my life. It seems to have a sad tone and meaning, but I enjoy it ever so much!
Well there you go. That's where life has taken me in the last three months. I already know the next three months will be killer...perhaps better. We've got the new Keane album, the new Band of Horses album, and the Paramore concert this month, as well the music that will accompany the first half of my summer memory-making. Promising indeed. Thanks for reading and please let me know if any of these songs stick out to you. It's fun to see what captures my friends' attention.
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