Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Current Musical Interests - Spring/Summer '11

So, I don't want to sound melodramatic, but I am not sure I could have made it through the past year without amazing music. Either keeping me awake and pumped during a long study session or helping me fall asleep after I'd ingested more caffeine than is probably healthy for anyone, music was at the center of it all. This post is dedicated to a few of the songs that have helped me through.


Young Blood - The Naked and Famous

This song is simply amazing. I discovered it during finals week about two months ago. Since then it has become the 3rd most played song in my library, no small feat considering other songs have had years to amass plays. The lyrics are good, too:

We lie beneath the stars at night
Our hands gripping each other tight
You keep my secrets hope to die
Promises, swear them to the sky

The bittersweet between my teeth
Trying to find the in-betweens
Fall back in love eventually
Yeah yeah yeah yeah


The music video is somewhat lame, but the song is so good I can look the other way. Definitely go and listen to this song right now!


Nightwatchmen - Bell X1

Bell X1 just released their second fifth album (thanks to Ivan for pointing this out to me), and while as a whole it's pretty decent, this song stands out. It's a soft, romantic ballad, that builds throughout the song. I also feel that it's been ages since I've heard a song as musical as this one. It's so simple, but I can't seem to get over it.

To the girl among nightwatchmen
My other, my joy
With your oil-drum fire
You were my gentle unfolding
The wool and the dye
The needle and eye

These songs you sing
as you waltz her up the stairs



You can
listen to it here.


Also, if you like their sound, I'd recommend checking out the song How Your Heart is Wired from their first album.  I actually played that song more up front, but Nightwatchmen grew on me more. A lot more.  
The Killers
I know what you are thinking:  "The Killers are sooo 2004... or maybe 2006!" Well, I've always liked The Killers, but I think I got a little burned out on them.  As such, I didn't really look into getting their third studio album, Day & Age.  Over the past year, I have found that there are a few tracks that the radio stations never picked up on. The hidden gems on the album are This Is Your Life and I Can't Stay.  I realize that if you are a true Killers fan you probably already know what I'm telling you. In the chance you are like me, missing a song here or there, I'm trying to get you back on track. 
Gravity Happens - Kate Voegele
So, for those of you that have known me for a while, you might remember that I've had an obsession with singer/songwriter Kate Voegele for many years now.  If Taylor Swift was a brunette, she'd still fall short.  I've even stalked her at a concert full of teenage girls... I'm pretty sure I was the only single guy in the place.  Anyway, Kate just released her third album and it's really solid.  I'm glad to report that she has continued making music that sounds like her.  Too frequently, a record label tries to dictate an artist's sound (like the monstrosity that was MariĆ© Digby's second album).  Her song, Sunshine In My Sky is the perfect summer song:
I want a violet bicycle
Flip flops and sand between my toes
These are the beautiful things in life

So give me that off-the-shoulder dress
The one that the boys will not forget
Well I want just a little bit more from life

Maybe I should fly my bags and fly to Costa Rica
Put a flower in my hair, a dancing senorita
 
I'm a huge fan of the entire album, but my favorite song is titled Impatient Girl.  It's incredibly catchy!  Also, I like the songs Say You're Mine, Hundred Million Dollar Soul, Enough For Always, and Sandcastles.  There are a couple of sad/dark songs that I find enjoyable, too.  Look for Heart In Chains, and Burning The Harbor.  
You asked to dance and I got shy
And you said honey there's no time for excuses
Finally, I'll say that I bought this album on Amazon.  It was $6!  But somehow I had a $2 promotional credit applied to the purchase, so it ended up being only $3.99 for this entire album.  I actually felt a little bit guilty, because I like Kate so much.  She's playing a show in Philly with Natasha Bedingfield, but it's the same weekend as Thomas' wedding.  I'm really bummed that I can't see Kate. If you are still having your doubts about how good looking she is, check out this photo.
The Way It Was - Parachute
I was really rooting for this band, hoping that they wouldn't fall victim to the sophomore slump that many musicians have with their second release.  It looks like they did okay!
My favorite song is called What I Know.  It's a sad song.  :-(
I stop the car and close my eyes
I can see her face, but It takes a while
And it feeds it like the morning light
Slow and unfocused, So I go home and
She’s sitting on the kitchen chair
Oh a suitcase waiting by the stairs
Oh they’re both worn out from all the years
They’re ready to let go
And I realize the only thing that’s sure is

She said , I’m in love with some one else she said
I fell in love with some one else and I
I’m in love with some one and that’s all that I know for sure
She’s in love with some one else she said
She fell in love with some one else and that
She’s in love with some one and that’s all that I know for sure
Other notables are American Secrets and Philadelphia. The song Philadelphia was really unexpected, because the band is from Virginia.  It's mellow and beautiful.  
Amazon also has this album for $5.99.  One of my fellow dental students was claiming this album to be the best pop album in recent history.  I don't know if I can claim that, but it is pretty good.  

Finally, if you've made it this far, I commend you.  I have one final song to share, fellow listener.  Recently, my sister showed me an amazing music video for a song I'd never heard before.  The editing is supurb.  U2 is epic.  What more can I say? 



Well, that's all for now.  I spent a decently long time on this post, so please let me know what you think of the songs.  Also, is the formatting over the top?

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Photoshop Magic

This was more work than you could ever imagine. The sky, bluffs, and road were all edited separately.






One of my first attempts at cloning, probably about four years ago.  Check out the backgrounds.