Arling – Wasted Pilots
Arling has such a subtle, elegant voice that it’s almost necessary to hear at least once a day. This song is her hit single off of her beautifully written debut album that just released this September. There is something about a calming voice over a hypnotic beat that just feels so right. “Wasted Pilots” is that mesmerizing song that you can just zone out to and get lost.
Carbon Tigers – The Wars At Home
Carbon Tigers are an upcoming band in the indie alternative scene that has a very bright future ahead of them. The Chicago native quartet has actually made rounds in Champaign a few times and now is headed on to bigger gigs in bigger cities. They have that Midwest sound mixed with reverb-tinged melodies and an ‘Explosions In The Sky’ type guitar sound that has made them one of the most evolved bands I’ve seen in quite some time.
Cloud Nothings – Psychic Trauma
Cloud Nothings are without a doubt one of my favorite “punk” bands to hit the music scene in these past few years. They’ve got that garage rock sound mixed with genuine, polished talent that brings me back to my Warped Tour days (in a good way). For anyone who likes Japandroids or Parquet Courts, Cloud Nothings is a must listen to.
Courtney Barnett – Pickles from the Jar
Keeping the garage rock theme going, Courtney Barnett is an Australian-based singer/songwriter who is not doing what many girls in the industry are doing today. “Pickles from the Jar” is a simple, lazy day song that somehow still feels like brilliance. She has that ‘60s inspired sound that can please the garage rockers and the indie folk lovers simultaneously.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jn1cl-6x3k
Sylvan Esso – Play it Right
Sylvan Esso is a couple playing synth rock that is just fantastic. Their debut album will easily make 50 best albums of the year and this single “Play it Right” will give you a little sneak peak as to why.
She & Him – Stay Awhile
I added this song to the playlist mostly for my current obsession with the TV show “New Girl,” but it’s also a lovely new song just released by She & Him. Zooey Deschanel has the absolute best ‘60s sounding voice that makes me wish I lived during The Sandlot era. This is their cover of Dusty Springfield’s playful song “Stay Awhile.” There is no way to not feel happy while listening to this song.
Sharon Van Etton – Taking Chances
I hate more than anything that I missed Sharon’s show in Champaign last month, but now I’m even more excited to catch her next year in New Zealand. Her voice has more octaves than you would assume for a folk singer and that’s what makes her more remarkable than your average female indie artist. “Taking Chances” is a mellow song that reminds me a lot of the Beach House, dreamscape feel. However, just as you fell in love with her recordings, hear her flawlessly perform “Taking Chances” live below and prepare to fall in love with her all over again.
Eddie Berman with Laura Marling – Dancing in the Dark
Another fantastic live song I’ve discovered this year is Eddie Berman and Laura Marling’s cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark.” It’s arguably the best cover of this song that I have ever heard. Laura’s flawless voice mixed with a crescendo of violins is enough to give you some serious goosebumbs and maybe even shed a tear or two. There is something truly captivating about this song with tons of feeling, amazing dynamics, and great talent all around.
Broods – L.A.F
Broods released their full-length album just last month and this song is my absolute favorite track on it. Georgia, the lead singer, is another one of those female artists out there with a unique sound backed up by electronic beats, but there is something about Broods stands out to me. They’re my go-to duo when I need a jolt back into happiness or the strength to get out of bed some mornings. After listening to Broods you’ll love life just a little bit more.
Angel Olsen – Hi-Five
I’ve recently fallen in love with Angel Olsen and her old-school ‘50s voice this semester for so many reasons. She’s a sad soul who puts so much emotion and love into each song that you have no choice but to feel everything she feels. I chose “Hi-Five” specifically for her re-verb guitar sound that would fit perfectly towards the end of the The Black Key’s album “Brothers.” It’s a beautiful voice over a great sound to make Hi-Five the closing jam to this week’s Monday Mixer.
