Listen to This: 12-23-95

It’s that time again, Christmas Eve Eve! And what better song to listen to than Jimmy Eat World’s 12-23-95? None, of course. I definitely listen to this classic song whether it’s the holiday season or not, but there’s something extra special about listening to it on the day of its title. Anyway, if you don’t know this one – add it to your next holiday music playlist because it’s definitely unique! There are some songs you  know you’re going to hold onto for years to come, and this is one of them for me. (Also, a thousand years ago the Maybe This Christmas album was my jam – from Thanksgiving to New Years that album was on heavy rotation – Paul Frank’s Julius the Monkey album art, and all.) Whether or not you’re familiar with this gem of a tune already, go ahead and give it a listen below. While you’re at it, go ahead and add this one to your holiday music playlist.

Listen to This: “Call It Dreaming” by Iron and Wine

Damn. Iron and Wine’s newest release on Sub Pop with this incredible song “Call It Dreaming” is so absolutely dreamy, I almost can’t stand it. I heard it described as, new Iron and Wine, giving a nod to the old. It definitely has a classic I&W feel to it, but there’s also something completely refreshing about it. It’s absolutely beautiful. This is lyrical poetry at it’s finest. And I can tell you this…no matter how wound up I’m feeling, or worked up about something, as soon as this song comes on there’s a calming peace that comes over me. It’s like a spell that settles things down. There’s so much life in this song. The kind that makes it feel like my heart is really full. The music video shows that – the beauty and the grit, and it’s fabulously shot. If you’re not familiar with this song, go ahead and listen now.

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.