I consider myself infinitely lucky that everything from trips home, to television shows, to movie trailers has been bringing me new music. I’m overwhelmed and spread thin with beautiful tracks filling my Spotify playlists, and for those times I can’t seem to find any new music, I am grateful for these stretches. It would obviously be unfair to hoard this wealth, so enjoy all of these tunes I’ve been exposed to recently and may you have the same luck.
1. The Belle Brigade – “When Everything Was What it Was”
I don’t remember what store I was in when someone chose this song to play for their patrons, but, whoever you are: Thank you. Something about the simplicity of the title, the obvious message that is all-too-relatable and the begging, harshly melodic vocals make this song impossible to turn off. Every time I hit replay, I make it a goal to focus on a different element, and with so many layers to this song, I still haven’t gotten bored.
2. Lord Huron – “Fool for Love”
Even though we’re now starting March, I cannot get used to seeing “2015” under release dates. Regardless, I have waited for what feels like an eternity for new Lord Huron music and I could not be any happier with the two singles released recently. This one, in particular, vaguely resembles “Time to Run” in sound, but varies greatly in lyrics as well as vocals. I can’t wait to hear the whole album.
3. RAC – “We Belong”
Lena Dunham and the rest of the “Girls” crew: You slay me, and I am eternally grateful that you brought this song into my life this season. While I would love to use this opportunity to tell you all about my thoughts on Mimi-Rose and how horrible Jessa is, I’ll refocus. Quite simply, this song is beautiful and delicate. The orchestral transition at 3:47 is what I live for, and the “Hey!” at the end is the perfect punctuation.
4. Laura Marling – “Failure”
For whatever reason, God didn’t give me an ear for female vocalists. But despite the fact that I have a hard time truly enjoying music led by some females, I’ve come to love the music of Laura Marling. It’s impossible to pick a favorite of hers, because it’s all just so easy to find enjoyment in. This song is somber and touching. She is the focus, the guitar is a sweet addition, and the lyrics are impossible not to follow and feel.
5. Cold War Kids – “First”
When you hear that Emma Stone, Bradley Cooper, Bill Murray, Rachel McAdams, John Krasinski and Alec Baldwin are going to be starring in a movie together, you go watch the trailer. And when you hear an amazing song with a familiar vocalist you just can’t place in that trailer, you scour all corners of the internet (AKA the YouTube comments section) trying to find that song so you can play it and never turn it off. Moral of the story: Go watch the Aloha trailer and then download this song. Neither will disappoint.
6. Sufjan Stevens – “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross”
While I eventually fell very deeply in love with Age of Adz, for me, nothing can beat the albums Steven’s dedicated to Michigan and Illinois. I love his Adz/Sisyphus funk and weirdness, but the return of his acoustic purity couldn’t be more satisfying and calming. Offering Easter eggs for his Christian compadres, this is clearly going to be a quintessential Sufjan-album, so get ready, guys. Who has a countdown ready?
7. Childish Gambino – “Sweatpants”
I don’t know what inspired me and my roommates to spend a night exclusively blasting Childish Gambino and Chance the Rapper, but either way, once you get hooked, there’s little hope to turn it around. And now, here I am, obsessively watching this song’s music video because I am eternally confused by it. Someone else please watch it and tell me the major thing that I’m missing, because I. Just. Can’t. Figure. It. Out.
8. Alabama Shakes – “Gimme All Your Love”
While I love SNL sketches, my main drive behind watching the show is the musical performances. Especially when bands like Alabama Shakes are featured. I really just don’t know how to describe the vocals on lead singer Brittany Howard except to say that they’re unbelievable. Even watching her perform had me in disbelief solely because of her voice. She almost definitely has more talent on her pinky nail than I do on my whole body.
9. John Mayer – “XO”
Go ahead and judge me for putting John Mayer on here, but I’m one of the few people on this planet that cannot get over him. Despite his supposed creepiness, his voice is incredibly soothing. And while I love Beyonce, I’m still a little mad about the Beck thing (even though it had nothing to do with her, really). Finding this single came at a good time, and the sweet rendition sounds brilliant and completely different from the original.
