Tagged: piano

[Sunday Listening] Sun, Cloud – Luke Howard

sun, cloud luke howard

I really, really enjoy contemporary classical music. Perhaps it’s because I severely lack this skill but, well composed music really gets me. I think writing a polished pop song is a talent, but creating such wide and expansive soundscapes truly stand out to me.

Luke Howard is a pianist and composer who hails from Melbourne, Australia. His style is loud and soft, intricately layered at times and at others, blissfully peaceful. In his latest album release, Sun, Cloud, I love the tension he creates for listeners and the string sections are just so full and lovely.

Howard’s newest 13-track album is a fantastic backdrop for your Sunday. Read more about this fabulous musician here, and be sure to hit play below. Happy Sunday listening.

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Give me mercy for my soul.

These Melbourne musicians could be Australia’s answer to the Black Lips. They’re gritty and infectious with their classic rock ‘n’ roll hooks. Dynamic energy pouring out of every single instrument, The Delta Riggs aim to never stray far from their roots.

Their latest EP, Talupo Mountain Music Vol. II, is “straight up Rock & Roll to make you jump ‘n’ shout & feel alright.” I especially dig the fact that these guys track everything live. Listen to the bluesy, rootsy, and raw release below.

Rails – Bing and Ruth

I’ve needed this complete and utter calm. I’ve really, really needed this.

Cinematic pianos paint a wonderful scene in the lush acoustic track titled, “Rails” by Brooklyn-based music collective Bing and Ruth. They’re natural and the sound seems to effortlessly fall into place. To listen to the rest of the City Lake album (where this song is from) visit their bandcamp page. Also check out their “Takeaway Show” they did last year for La Blogotheque on a cold, snowy Coney Island shore.

Rails – Bing and Ruth

If you dig this then catch up with what B&R’s leader, David Moore is up to as of late or check out some previous posts that feature music from a similar sounding band called Balmorhea. Be sure to right-click to download “Rails.”

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Separation can hurt though, it’s like the end of a circle.

I really dig this kid’s wordplay and mix of acoustic and electronic instruments. tree and his crew are back with two more well produced and very different tracks.

“This is Separation,” plaintively describes the end of something close to heart while acknowledging the future of something brighter. Someone’s got to throw this synth-heavy track a re-working. The other track, “An Apology,” goes back and forth between boy and girl with lyrics like “I’m honestly not perfect” that float over light piano. Very Stars-esque, have a listen.

This is Separation – tree & Shelf Nunny

An Apology – tree ft. Lena Kuhn & Haven Dlott

Right-click and enjoy.

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Jazzy Lil Christmas

Couple tracks from one of my favorite Christmas albums, Vince Guaraldi Tri

o’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

O Tannenbaum – Vince Guaraldi Trio

My Little Drum – Vince Guaraldi Trio

Merry Christmas my friends. Stay warm and full of love, joy, and delicious food.

Nothin’ but LOVE today.

-Dan

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Nice In The Headphones: Kodak To Graph “Visio’l EP”

Ughhh! Kodak To Graph’s ”Visio’l EP” sounds so damn rich and symphonic and touching and emotional and beautiful.

It’s like you’re in a cold stone church and angels are descending upon you from the heavens in the midst of warm rays of sunlight (what did I just say?).

Please for your own good, put on some headphones, preview a couple tracks below and then download the whole EP right here. 

Zagroz – Kodak To Graph

Express/Cause – Kodak To Graph

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Go on chart your course and take your map.

Let me say that yesterday was of the “it’s-a-been-a-long-day” variety and after getting home from work I was severely in need of some fuel (aka this beauty, and maybe a sandwich…). Just glancing at my phone, I opened up my email to this little gem sitting in my inbox and was immediately excited to share.

I’ve spoken before of Canada’s indie songstress and today you all need to be reminded of her again. Hilary Grist recently shot a video for her song “Tall Buildings” in which she and her friends created an 8×5 ft. piano city. Along with enormous sounding vocals, the production work is quality (shout outs to the dolly).

Imagine this entire set being in your 600 sq. ft. apartment…because that was Grists’ life for the past 2 months while this was being filmed. “Tall Buildings” is off her latest album, Imaginings, which you can purhase on iTunes.

PS. Take a look at the updated Walt Whit section, Chelsea reflects on Steve Jobs’ commencement speech.

To be apart, to make a new start.

Someone Else Can Make A Work Of Art – First Rate People  Reason #1253 I’m moving to Canada (grab the free album!).

Jesus Came To My Birthday Party – The Middle East   Pains me to post this.  So much so that I ignored the news on this blog and saved it for a “Coffee Break” dedication over at Cowbell Magazine.  Hmpf.

Flamingos - EVRYONE  I think I dig this track because of the slow, deliberate pounding of the piano keys..or maybe it’s those almost-shouting vocals? Either way, it’s deviant enough and stays away from being too theatrical.

A Candle’s Fire – Beirut   This song too rides that same thin line, but this Eastern-European sound is what Condon’s all about.  Yes, it has taken me months to get into Beirut’s latest album but I’m slowly getting there.

Don’t forget to right-click and enjoy.

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Kiss me ’til we’re black and blue.

Jenny Owen Youngs just recently dropped something extra solid.  One more song for me to annoy the fuck out of my neighbors by playing loud on a consistent loop.

Sorry but not sorry.  This is a fantastic song.

I first fell in love with her music back when I heard the song, “Fuck was I,” off of 2005′s Batten The Hatches for obvious reasons. And every now and then, I see her pop up on blogs here and there or random playlists of mine.

“Great Big Plans” was released June 28th keeping the listeners happy while she’s working on her next album.  Head on over to bandcamp to purchase the song before July 12th (it’s only a dollar..). I surely did because you get a 10% off store code AND get entered to “win a bundle of swag.”  Swag? Yeah, that’s why I dig this girl.

So take a minute (or four..) and listen to this song, it’s kind of defiant with lyrics stating, “I’ve got plans.  I’ve got big, big plans.” The talented Mr. Greg Laswell lends a hand in production (Check out his latest album, Take A Bow) and you can catch his distinct voice floating in the background behind Jenny’s toward the end of the song.

Enjoy.

 

BONUS: old but good, trust.

Fuck Was I – Jenny Owen Youngs

How the Day Sounds – Greg Laswell