Listen to This: “Everything Now” by Arcade Fire

So, the latest album from Arcade Fire, Everything Now has been out for a few months now, and guess what? I still can’t stop listening to it. All of the songs are great, but especially the title track because there is just something so magnetic and engaging about it. It has this great beat that makes me have to keep myself in check so I don’t have a lead foot when I’m jamming out in the car, but even beyond that…the lyrics are something fierce and loaded. So basically the whole thing is incredibly. I’m bummed I didn’t see them on this tour because every clip I’ve seen looks like pure magic. When you need a song that stirs something in your soul, I think this is one of those. I bought Taylor Swift’s album this weekend, and I had to take out EN to put it in, and immediately I was ready to switch back. There’s definitely something special about this album. I felt like I could relate to so many chapters of life, but also the current one without drowning in nostalgia. I don’t know how they accomplished that, but it’s mesmerizing. I would share some lyrics here, but then I’d be sharing the whole darn song because I just can’t pick. Except, “Every song that I’ve ever heard, Is playing at the same time, it’s absurd” is hands down one of my favorites. That is exactly what my brain feels like sometimes. If you need something to tap your feet along to, tap along on the steering wheel, sing scream because the song is so full of passion – then listen to to this one. And if you’ve already heard it, by all means – listen again. This is a song that I’ve found is somehow impossible to overplay, and that’s a bit hard to come by. Check out the awesome music video below!

Listen to This: “Find Yourself” by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

Alright guys, here’s another tune that I just can’t get out of my head. I can’t even say that’s a bad thing because I really dig it. There’s something so soulful that feels like this one came from a different decade in the vocals and in the vibes. Even more than that…the lyrics. I know I’m a lyric girl through and through, and these are ones I feel like got picked from the back of my mind. Sure, there are plenty of pop songs on the radio lately that catch my attention, and I find myself singing along, but there’s something so original and unique about this one, and I found the sound really refreshing. Not to mention Lukas Nelson is the son of Willie Nelson, so those musical genes run in the family. If you haven’t heard this song yet, go ahead and give it a listen.

“Well I don’t mind sleeping alone, 
If it means I don’t have to play your crazy games no more
You’re the most precious ting I’ve ever seen
But I ain’t gonna let it slide when you’re mean to me
I know the love that I deserve
And I hope you find yourself
Before I find somebody else to be my love” 

Here’s the official music video. I love the lighting, and the beach bon fire jam going on…

Listen to This: “Cover Me Up” by Jason Isbell

Hi everyone, happy November! I know the posts have been sporadic again, but I have a few in mind. Today’s might not be so fresh because I remember gushing over this song last year, but this morning it just seemed so right. “Cover Me Up” by Jason Isbell is hands down one of my favorite songs. Not just one of my favorite Isbell songs, but one of my favorite songs across the board. I just think it’s so raw and beautiful. This morning on my way to work it came on the radio, and everything seemed to melt away and turn into a smile. It wasn’t even that stressful of a morning, but it was gray and rainy, dark, and traffic was congested, and this song came on when I was a few blocks from work. I actively noticed myself inhale. It was like “okay, here’s your moment to take a deep breath and be ready to take on whatever the day has in store.” While this song put my morning off to a great start, it also goes so well with the cozy feeling I had before I even left the house this morning. It was one of those days where you wake up and you just feel like the perfect temperature. The blankets aren’t suffocating you, and you have time to close your eyes a bit longer before the alarm goes off. And the coziness made me not even care about the jarring dreams I had the night before. Anyway, none of that has to do with this song but more with how this song makes me feel. “So cover me up and know you’re enough, to use me for good” is such a beautiful line.  I love that the lyrics combine love, and pure emotion, but the song has weight and texture to it, it’s not just flowery poetry. It’s life, and grit, and it’s all the stuff in between that pales in comparison when you know you’ve got something good in life worth fighting for. So, with all that being said if you’re not familiar with this song, check out a live version from Austin City Limits. 

Meg Says Listen to This: “Send the Sun”

My word, I am sucker for a sweet song and especially one that mentions sunshine. Maybe it’s one of those things that’s always carried on with me from the love of “You Are My Sunshine” song as a child? Who knows, but you play me a sweet song and I’m hooked. I heard Nikki Lane’s “Send the Sun” recently, and I thought to myself what is this beautiful piece of art? It speaks to distance and to darkness, but also to turning towards the light. Someone trying to assure someone of their love from miles away, and make them feel their love and warmth. Lane’s voice is smooth and steady and really seems to convey that heartfelt wish to a person out of reach at the time. One of those where you hear it, and you feel it. And I swear I’ve had the line “Darlin’ we’re starin’ at the same moon” in my head for a week, especially with the full moon hanging in the sky recently. Simple and sweet, but so memorable all at once. Let me tell you, if you listen to this one in the morning, it’s a pretty great way to start your day. If you haven’t heard this one, check it out.

Listen & Watch This: “Harry Potter” by The Whistles & The Bells

The other day I was pulling out of the parking lot on my way home from work, and I had to pause so I could Shazaam this song that came on the radio. It was “Harry Potter” by The Whistles and The Bells (thanks Lightning 100!) I heard the lines:

 “God, I so miss high school
Free rent, free food, and a swimming pool
Does anything really last
Does anything really last anymore”

(And I had to laugh to myself because it’s one of those things that you don’t really realize when you’re in it, right? But I mean…that situation is totally missable. Other than the teenage angst that goes along with it.)

But back to this song…so it totally caught my attention. THEN when I looked up the music video? I mean, check this out. There’s so much to be said for everything going on here. (Shoutout to the troll doll in the vending machine.) Just excellent execution. I know I share a lot of sappy, intense stuff a lot but this is one of those songs that made me crack a smile. You should give it a listen and watch the super original music video!