Take me away, I wear my heart on my sleeve. Always let love take the lead, I may be a little naive, yeah

Rihanna  - Drunk On Love

This is another song that shows Rihanna's versatility and dynamic musical approach. I haven't heard all of the tracks on Rihanna's new album, but this song and "We Found Love" make me like it already. Everyone has heard "We Found Love" and we all know it's lovely; can't go wrong with Calvin Harris. This track is special though, because it samples The xx "Intro" as background music to Rihanna's bold and full-ranged vocals. "Intro" is a lyric-less track, and a track with no words is open to interpretation. When you hear it, you wonder what the lyrics would be if it had them. And although the lyrics to "Drunk On Love" are nothing spectacular, they fit the mood of the music so well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waGkmPv_NSo&ob=av2n

Turning into black and white, underneath the swinging lights. Barely awake but I've still got my stripes.

Tokyo Police Club - Bambi

The keyboard makes this song. The first time I heard it, I had just woken up after sleeping in, and it was sunny outside, with fresh snow on the streets. Pretty similar to today. Anyway, I really like it because of its fun keys and a messy arrangement of instruments that just works so well. And to top it off, there's the awesomely chilled out voice of the vocalist, David Monks. The downside is that I have no idea what the lyrics are about. But that often doesn't matter to me. Sound is everything!

I went to a Tokyo Police Club concert when they were still a relatively new band, having just released their EP, A Lesson In Crime. I really enjoyed it because it was a small venue with a small crowd. A very different experience from the arena concerts most of us are used to. They are great performers, with a cool musical style, and they get extra points because they are Canadian!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRi30R8P1Y0&ob=av2n

Make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is you

Michael Bublé - All I Want For Christmas Is You

This is probably my favourite xmas song, and the only song on my xmas playlist that has anything to do with xmas, and Michael Bublé sounds perfect singing it. Merry Christmas everyone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCpBS6YBE0o

Wait, I don't ever wanna be here. Like punching in a dream, breathing life into a nightmare.

The Naked And Famous - Punching In A Dream

This one sounds really similar to MGMT's 'Kids', except with female vocals. The psychedelic and spacey sound has evidently become universal, because this band is from New Zealand. I enjoy this song because of the dreamy feeling I get from the keyboard notes and the strong, echoey voice of the lead singer. Pretty melody and nice energy. A good song to play in the middle of a quiet forest, with freshly fallen snow all around...and maybe a deer is chilling out by a tree. Disturbing the peace is a good way. A good addition to the xmas playlist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfdBFLaA88k

So stay there, cause I'll be coming over. While our blood's still young, so young it runs. Won't stop till it's over, won't stop to surrender.

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

Here's another track that keeps making a comeback in the winter. There's something really cool about the build-up in this song. It starts off simple, with one instrument and soft vocals, and then more and more is added to it, and next thing you know you feel so elevated and energized.  And it ends as smoothly as it started. I guess what I'm describing here is an emotional roller coaster. What a ride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b_YVrex0yI&NR=1&feature=endscreen

They wanna get my gold on the ceiling. I ain't blind, it's just a matter of time.

The Black Keys - Gold On The Ceiling

Although I had initially planned to post songs exclusively from my xmas playlist this month, I have take a bit of a detour with the one; but I just had to. This song is off The Black Keys' new album, El Camino, which I've been listening to all week. It is so badass. These guys definitely bring something different to the table, and their music is continuously evolving. I love the variety of influences that can be heard in each song. Their musical style is hard to pin-point, but it sounds kind of like what I consider to be retro garage band blues-rock. A sound that's edgy, catchy, and freshly classic. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IttLxthqM7U

I was trying to do my best to see you smiling your pretty smile at me.

Daniel Lee Kendall - Lost In The Moment

I heard this song in a commercial and it got my attention. Simple lyrics and one chord; sometimes that's all you need. I've posted the commercial below and you'll see that it's modest and sweet, like the song in the background. Another one added to the xmas playlist.

Song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpFeEjC4syg

Commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zM04CSzHoQ

When I'm bored I send vibrations in your direction, through the satellite mind

Metric - Satellite Mind

It's kind of strange, but I love listening to Metric when it's cold and dark outside. I don't associate their music with cold and dark feelings, but they just sound better in the winter. To me, certain genres and particular bands are seasonal. I have a feeling there is something psychological behind that. I remember truly starting to appreciate Metric a few years ago in the winter. So now I just think that their music suits the season. Anyway, they're a super talented band and there are very few bands with female vocals that I consistently enjoy. I am proud to say they are Canadian as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIOA8ERd_Jc

Let's conspire to ignite all the souls that would die just to feel alive

Muse - Starlight

The rest of this month's posts will be songs from my xmas playlist. A bunch of them are actually also found on my favourites playlist.
It's funny how I tend to gravitate to a particular group of songs this time of year. These songs suit the holiday season, snow, and university exams. One would think that I wouldn't want to go back and listen to songs that remind me of writing exams, but I don't associate these songs with stress. I associate them with finishing an exam, or seeing Christmas lights, or drinking hot chocolate after being in the snow. Even though my days of exam writing are no more, the songs I loved in university will probably always be among my favourites because of the memories they bring.

Starlight brings such a unique space rock energy with it. I don't listen to Muse as much as I've been told I should, but this song is the whole package. Strong and passionate vocals and well-rounded musical arrangements. This song at full volume on a snowy night lit up with xmas lights is really something special. Too bad we don't have any snow yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsoPsxKVhP4

Because I'm still in love with you, I wanna see you dance again.

Neil Young - Harvest Moon

I watched Eat Pray Love again last night; one of my favourites. This lovely song comes on during a pretty emotional scene, when Julia Roberts is remembering her husband and the first dance at their wedding. Old love songs have a real charm to them; they don't make them like they used to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVi0UvFu8Yo

I got ice in my veins, blood in my eyes, hate in my heart, love in my mind.

Lil Wayne feat. Eminem - Drop The World

Are you feeling angry? This song works best when you're angry. I believe that it's always a good idea to find a way to calm your anger and avoid saying or doing something you might regret. This track on repeat tends to melt away my anger. The chorus is harsh but highly entertaining, and a little poetic I must say. Just sit back and take it in, or rap along to the lyrics if that works for you. It's a good time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErCAOMi5EGM&ob=av2e

I don't ever wanna feel like I did that day. Take me to the play I love, take me all the way.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under The Bridge

Can't go wrong with classic Red Hot Chili Peppers. Under The Bridge is the first song I heard by this band; the band that made me start expanding my music taste. I remember being in high school and only listening to hip hop music. Once I got familiar with the RHCP Greatest Hits album that they had just released, everything changed. I had heard and liked some of their famous singles before, but never really appreciated them. That particular album made me realize how great of a band they are. Timeless songs and style. Whenever I'm bored of my current playlists, I can always fall back on RHCP and they never disappoint.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLvohMXgcBo&ob=av2e

It seems I've stepped over lines you've drawn again and again, but if the ecstasy's in, the wit is definitely out.

Snow Patrol - How To Be Dead

Since I'm stuck doing work all day, I might as well be listening to music that takes me back to my university days of studying in the library until the wee hours of the morning. I remember listening to this song on repeat during an all-night essay-writing extravaganza. Even though that was not such a fun time, I don't associate this song with the stress of writing that paper; I associate it with the calmness it brought to the night. It's about a couple arguing, yet it has a nice lullaby feel to it. Maybe save it for when you're ready to sleep.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNSGCVPPXvk

You know it's funny how freedom can make us feel contained

Foster The People - Waste

Today was a good day. And it started with Foster The People. This is a catchy song with cute lyrics. What more can you ask for? Although pretty much all the songs on Torches are good, this is my favourite of the unreleased ones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbEVzpdOlVg

Ignorance is golden when your back's against the wall

Bed Of Stars - Nothing Left To Lose

A great pick-me-up kind of song. Upbeat and free-spirited, perfect to listen to if you're feeling kind of hopeless. Bed Of Stars is featured in the new Neverending White Lights album (will share my thoughts on that once I've listened to it), so I decided to look them up. Can't say I'm disappointed! Enjoy...


http://bedofstars.bandcamp.com/track/nothing-left-to-lose

There was a point when I felt that something's gotta fall in my lap, like a sign from an angel that tells me where to go and what to know.

Neverending White Lights feat. Hot Hot Heat - Ghost Ship

Heard this track on the radio the other day and thought it was a cool collaboration. I haven't heard much of either band's music, but I have liked whatever I have heard. In fact, one of my favourite songs, which I'll post soon, is by Neverending White Lights.
Steve Bays from Hot Hot Heat has a very distinct voice. It's funny how hearing his voice makes me feel lazy. So having him singing along to the melancholic sound of Neverending White Lights makes for a nice combination. This song has made me want to hear more music by Neverending White Lights. I recently learned that this band is actually one person, Daniel Victor, playing all of the instruments and that most of his songs feature guest singers. I'm not sure if this was common knowledge and I'm just delayed, but either way, I am excited to check out more of his material. If I like it, and I have a feeling I will, you'll hear about it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IKxZm7FiQU

Hey, last word, don't let me down. You're just another unfinished story now.

The Joy Formidable - Austere

How To Make It In America has an excellent soundtrack. Always playing the right songs at the right time. This song played during the credits at the end of a recent episode and I liked it right off the bat. A large portion of the song is music without lyrics. For this genre, I think it's rare for a band to be able to play without vocals for half the song and not sound too noisy or overwhelming. The Joy Formidable is able to do that with Austere. The solid indie rock beat and the female vocals, paired with a reminder of an awesome TV show, makes this a go-to song anytime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTx3rYj_5FU

The map of my world gets smaller as I sit here, pulling at the loose threads now

Keane - Spiralling

So this song totally just popped in my head when I sat in the car to head home today. It's funny how that happens. I remember listening to this song on repeat a few years ago when it first came out. Although it's pretty different from the unique piano rock sound that was Keane, its energy is contagious.
I often like to think that lyrics can be interpreted subjectively, especially when I don't really understand them. I think these lyrics have something to do with dreams and what happens when we build them up but nothing comes of them. It describes how unfulfilled dreams can almost seem as though they are mocking you in all their magnificence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG72J2ylUGE&ob=av2n

Listen to the music of the moment people, dance and sing

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours

I was in Boston this past weekend, and we were walking down Newbury street - a pretty fancy schmancy area if you ask me. I could hear this song in the distance and thought maybe it was coming from one of the stores. As we continued walking and got closer to the source, I realized there was a young guy with a guitar standing on the sidewalk and singing it live. Imagine just stopping in the middle of a sidewalk performing a song for passersby. There was a small crowd forming around him. He had such a beautiful and sweet voice and it suited the song perfectly. Things like that just make my day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A&ob=av2e

I think I need a sunrise, I'm tired of the sunset

Augustana - Boston

I think this is a song that everyone can relate to at some point. Sometimes the life we live everyday just loses its appeal and escaping to a new life, in a new place, with new people and new opportunities would just make everything easier. It's not always possible to just pick up and leave and not all of us have the means and courage to do so; then again, it's not always necessary. Either way, it's nice to think about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ASJBXu8tNo&ob=av2e

P.s. For all you Big Bang Theory fans, here is a clip of Leonard is singing this song when he's upset about Penny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAelSfdeTlw

I know things get hard, but girl you got it, girl you got it, there you go

Drake feat. Nicki Minaj - Make Me Proud

I'll be honest, I love trying to learn Drake lyrics; I think it's slowly becoming a hobby of mine. I spent my drive home today learning Drake's part to this song (yes, it took me a while and I still struggle). Laugh if you'd like, but it was a good time. I'm not even going to try learning Nicki's part...well maybe one day I'll do it. Anyway, his new album was leaked today. Maybe that's why this song was in my head all day. I'm pretty excited to listen to it. Although I'm not a huge hip-hop fanatic and only consistently listen to select artists of the genre, Drizzy always makes the cut. Maybe I'm slightly biased because he reps Toronto, but I really like the way he raps and he has a pleasant singing voice too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPD5R0KZnww

Slip and fall, I'm dodging calls, hug the prison I've been living in.

Foster The People - Helena Beat

Here's a great upbeat song for a sunny day like today. Indietronica at its best. I've actually been saving it for a while, but I think a happy Saturday is a good time to post it. This was hands down my song of the summer. I love everything about it and I love Foster the People. Every song of theirs is unique, and their album is always a treat to go back to when I'm sick of listening to everything else. My favourite part is the synthesizer in the intro at 0:43 --pretty badass if you ask me. For the longest time I didn't even know it was a synthesizer; I thought it was a guitar, which was more badass, but that's okay. The music video is also pretty ridiculous and strangely awesome. I hope you enjoy Helena Beat as much as I do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABzh6hTYpb8&ob=av2n

The city is my church, it wraps me in the sparkling twilight

M83 - Midnight City


It's pretty easy to get lost in this song. It has a cool 80's pop/rock vibe to it; almost like Depeche Mode mixed with MGMT? Something like that. I like how the lyrics blend into the music, almost as an additional instrument in the band. The unique sound made me research M83 a bit, and I've learned that the band is influenced by what's called the shoegazing genre, famous in the 80's and early 90's. Wikipedia: The shoegazing sound is typified by significant use of guitar effects, and indistinguishable vocal melodies that blended into the creative noise of the guitars. Indistinguishable is right. I had no idea what was being sung until I looked it up. However, the song sounds really cool and makes me want to float away back into the 80's for a night.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX3k_QDnzHE

I could've been a princess, you'd be a king.

Coldplay feat. Rihanna - Princess Of China

I had a few songs in mind for today's song of the day, but I chose this one because of its element of surprise. I was listening to the new Coldplay album on my way home today for the first time. When this song started, I was so surprised to hear female vocals. The more I heard, the more I realized how familiar the female voice was. By the chorus, I was sure it was Rihanna. This song is one of a kind because Coldplay has never done a duet before and apparently this is the only one they wanted to do. That makes Rihanna very special. Her voice sounds amazing in collaboration with Chris Martin and it brings some edge to Coldplay's signature musical style. I haven't heard the whole album yet, but I'm sure this will be in my top three.

The links on YouTube are all altered to avoid copyright issues, and this is the only site where I found the real sound of the song. Just scroll down a bit and you'll see the track. Enjoy! http://celebrity-gossip.net/coldplay/coldplay-rihannas-princess-china-listen-now-553158

We bounce to this track, and I don't care what anybody thinks about that

Calvin Harris feat. Kelis - Bounce

Missing my summer Europe travels today. When in Lagos, I remember being next door to a party and hearing the tune of this song very faintly from our hostel room, and it wasn't the first time I was hearing it. I really wanted to find out what song it was, so I googled "Dance song that sounds like a video game".  No success. It was eating away at me, because I knew that once I were to hear the song properly, I would just love it. I was lucky that we heard the song once again while shopping in Paris. I would have just used the Shazam app if I had a data plan during my trip. But I had to go back to the iPhone-less ways of listening for the lyrics and writing them down, and googling them later. I asked the store clerk what the name of the song was, but she didn't have a track list for the CD they were playing in the store. How unfortunate. Once we got back to the hotel, the first thing I did was google the lyrics, buy the song, and play it on repeat. That day was also my birthday, and, as mentioned before, we were in Paris, so you can imagine what great memories this song brings me. Blast it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooZwmeUfuXg

Sharing different heartbeats in one night

Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats

Lately I've been remembering one of my all-time favourite TV shows, One Tree Hill. It was such an amazing show (it went downhill after the main character left, and I'm not even sure if they are going to start a new season). Pretty much every episode touched my heart, and I am sure a lot of it had to do with the excellent soundtrack. The songs playing during the best scenes were always so perfectly suited for the emotions that those scenes evoked. One of the most memorable moments was when Lucas finally realizes and professes his love for Peyton. Heartbeats was playing in the background and it was just perfect.

Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKo8Czj112I

In case you'd like to watch the scene I was referring to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFXvdUrPTiM

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there with open arms and open eyes

Incubus - Drive

It has been a very long couple of weeks, but the sun sets to rise and tomorrow will become today. Even though there is always uncertainty of what tomorrow brings, a song like this reminds me that a new day should be embraced (especially if it's a Friday).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT9zGkiLig&ob=av2e

Your boldness stands alone among the wreck

Mumford And Sons - Little Lion Man

These guys had a concert in Toronto last night. I didn't get to go, but I had my own concert in the car on the way to work this morning. I see folk music (well, it's more folk rock) in a whole new light after listening to this band. Their music is full of energy and spirit.

The instrumental blowout after the mid-song buildup is definitely the best part. Such a great blend of instruments. There is something so charming about that mandolin and soulful, raspy voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLJf9qJHR3E

I find myself against all the odds again

Foster The People - Chin Music For The Unsuspecting Hero

Emo music works best on rainy days. I enjoy this song because it has a simple sound. That makes it just as pleasant being heard in the background of a conversation or while doing large amounts of work as it is when playing at a high volume during a long and rainy commute. This band is awesome; each of their songs is unique. More from them later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0WMaTw6QpA

Life's too short to even care at all, oh.

Young the Giant - Cough Syrup

On this cold Monday in October, a day where things have not been going my way, and all I want to do is crawl into bed and hide from everything until tomorrow, this is the song I play on repeat. It understands my mood, and makes me feel like I'm not the only one wanting the day to be done and over with. At the same time, the chorus pulls me up with its melody, even if it's just temporary. Repeat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAsTlnjvetI&ob=av2e

Late night, come home. Work sucks, I know.

Blink 182 - All The Small Things

I heard this song on the radio on the way to work today and it totally turned my mood around. It's a rare occasion for radio stations to play a solid way-back track, but the morning show I often listen to hits the jackpot once in a while. I remember this song as one that almost everyone ended up liking and singing along to; even the boy band fanatics like me. A very contagious tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ht5RZpzPqw&ob=av2e

You know you're at the top when only heaven's right above it

Lil Wayne feat. Drake - Right Above It

This song makes me happy. The first time I heard it was in my cousin's car when I was visiting LA last Christmas for a cousins' reunion. It was at the point in its popularity where it would often be playing simultaneously on multiple radio stations, and I got so excited every time we heard it. It was the first song I downloaded when I got home from my trip, and I would listen to it on repeat during my commute, determined to memorize Drake's part. I was successful in a short amount of time. I don't think I'll ever get sick of this song. There's something about it that makes me feel high and mighty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHZtMNbrmWE

Something so deceiving when you stop believing

Sugar Ray - Every Morning

I woke up with this song stuck in my head. It's the kind of song I like to hear on a groggy but sunny Sunday morning. I guess it has to do with the chilled out melody and the fact that Mark McGrath's voice suits the not-wanting-to-get-out-of-bed-but-can't-fall-back-asleep mood. I played it on iTunes and surprised myself when I sang along to the whole song. I love when that happens. It's funny how lyrics from the 90's are tattooed in our brains.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cqU1pFRqYE

Once again my dear, a brand new tragedy

City and Colour - Weightless

The sound of Dallas Green whilst cruising down a traffic-less highway in the early afternoon; seeing the autumn colours zip by along the sidelines. It all fits together quite nicely.

From the album Little Hell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2GJU0uIMTw

If you walk away, everyday it will rain

Bruno Mars - It Will Rain

When Bruno Mars sings, it's 100% emotion. You can feel his joy and his pain because he projects it all through his voice. You hear a song like this, and you feel like you're part of the relationship he's singing about. The lyrics are simple, sweet, and honest. Definitely a fun song to bellow out to when you're alone in the car. Not that I do that or anything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwr1hm_oBxE

A song a day keeps the sanity in play.

I'm the type of person who pretty much always enjoys music in the back ground. Music for specific occasions, events, and moods. Music to remind people you're thinking of them, or to remind you of people.  Music to trigger memories, good or bad. A specific song can fit itself so perfectly into a day. It could be an old song I haven't heard in ages that comes on my iPod or on the radio at just the right moment. Or it could be a brand new song that I like within the first thirty seconds of listening to it. It could even be a song that I never thought I'd like, but it grows on me and is soon played on repeat. Either way, I'm going to post my songs of the day. Hope you enjoy them.

Tuesday, October 4th 2011

Coldplay - Paradise

I can't really explain the mixture of feelings I get when I hear this song. My heartbeat definitely slows down in utter satisfaction with the signature Coldplay sound that I'm so happy to hear once again. Chris Martin's voice makes me want to just close my eyes and take it all in. I can imagine it being played in a typical CW television show during a dramatic montage of scenes involving the relationship of two teens...or something like that. I adore this song and its powerful sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6ZWlDks0nQ