5 Faves - Patrick Watson

March 19, 2015 by David in Music

Cutting Patrick Watson down to five tracks is a difficult task. Listening to him is like listening to the symphony. It's lush, atmospheric, and rains on you from all directions. Watson is one of my favorite singer/songwriters of the past few years, and he seems to have Andrew Bird's cerebral talents yet with a more distinct and at times Jeff Buckley-esque (for proof - see his wailing on "Luscious Life") voice. He has an ability to make his songs speak and gravitate more and more towards your soul. He's a special one.

Singles - New Artist - Lapsley - Falling Short

March 18, 2015 by David in Music

Beautiful slow jam from the silky-smooth voiced Lapsley. There's not a ton of info out there on her, but her EP Understudy was released in January 2015 and includes this gem.

Singles - Will Butler - Anna

March 11, 2015 by David in Music

Will Butler, NOT to be confused with Win Butler, yet still confusing as they look similar, have similar voices and sounds, play in the same band, and are brothers. But besides all that jazz, Will Butler just released his debut solo album, Policy (which is absolutely worth a full listen), and this is one of my favorite tracks on it.

It's got a bit of an 80s vibe (the start of the song totally reminds me of Devo) and it has that trademark Arcade Fire sound where so many sounds culminate into controlled hysteria then come back to reality. The piano that comes in at 1:29 and a couple times thereafter makes the song, and yeah, the horns kick ass too!

Singles - Drake - Know Yourself

March 10, 2015 by David in Music

So it took me a little while to figure out whether Drake's latest release was a mixtape or an album? Word on the interwebs is that it's a mixtape that was released more or less like an album so Drake's record contract with Cash Money would expire. Either way, the mixtape is a slow burner with mostly subdued and passive beats that Drake rides along at a leisurely pace. "Know Yourself" initially starts out like a bedroom soliloquy then transitions to a drop that is instantaneously memorable. At first I thought it was hilarious that Drake was talking about his "woes," but apparently it means his crew and stands for "works of excellence." Whatever. I liked it more when I pictured Drake running through the streets of Toronto with a hangdog expression.

Singles - New Artist - Leon Bridges - Coming Home

March 04, 2015 by David in Music

Leon Bridges has cornered the market for that old soul sound reminiscent of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and the like. This track takes you back to those days and gives me a sense of calm and simplicity. Bridges is gaining some recognition as I just saw his song "Lisa Sawyer" as one of NPR's favorite current tracks. He only has a few songs out, but I imagine an album is right around the corner!

Album Review - Father John Misty - I Love You, Honeybear

March 03, 2015 by David in Music

Sophomore albums are always tough. There's too much expectation and too much to lose. Usually you're left disappointed as the songs sound like the first album, just not as good. But our faithful Father John Misty has made one of my favorite albums so far this year and expanded on his lyrical and songwriting abilities to bring together a gorgeous and sarcastic album on love.

As you may have read or already know: Father John Misty, real name Josh Tillman, first struggled to make somber, depressing music under his own name, became the drummer of Fleet Foxes, left the band, created Father John Misty, made Fear Fun, got critical acclaim, got married, made I Love You, Honeybear, got even more critical acclaim.

Singles - New Artist - Circa Waves - T Shirt Weather

February 27, 2015 by David in Music

Because it's Friday and we all need a great start to the weekend!

Singles - Ghostface Killah (feat AZ) - Here I Go Again

February 25, 2015 by David in Music

Such a catchy jam. 21 years after Wu-Tang's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Ghostface is still killing it. If you like this track, definitely check out the whole album.

Singles - New Artist - SOAK - Sea Creatures

February 21, 2015 by David in Music

There's not a ton out there on Soak (@Soakofficial), the 18 year-old Irish singer/songwriter. But this song tells me enough that she's worth following.

The waves of the sea echo in the beginning of this track before her childlike voice takes over. I love the line, "I don't think they know what love is / Throw around like its worthless."

Singles - Pond - Elvis' Flaming Star

February 20, 2015 by David in Music

Early front runner for song title of the year. Just so great. If you had to imagine what this song sounded like just based on this title, what do you think it would sound like? Something far out and kinda nutty? YES, that's exactly how it sounds!

Pond's latest album is easily the zaniest and fun album I've heard this year. Even though the drummer from beloved Tame Impala, Jay Watson, is in the band, Pond is more MGMT than Tame Impala. They're further out than the psych-rock that Tame Impala plays, but there are some really great catchy elements underneath all the sounds coming in at warp speed. If you like this track, definitely check their new album out!