Mumford & Sons - Babel

Unless you've been living under a stupid rock, you already know that Mumford & Sons new album Babel was released today. It doesn't disappoint. I wouldn't say it's better than the previous album, it's just even more of the same amazing goodness that they have been putting out since the beginning. Currently the #1 album on iTunes...as if that's a surprise.

Imagine Dragons - Radioactive

Today one of my favorite bands released their first full length album. Up to this point Imagine Dragons has released 3 EPs (that are all REALLY good). This song "Radioactive" was featured on their last EP "Continued Silence" but is also the first song on the new album entitled Night Visions. It's such a powerful, high energy song which I think really reflects the band in general. All of their songs have so much energy in them, it makes them really fun to listen to.

Purity Ring - Fineshrine

Really great song today. I've been listening to this one over and over for like two months now. "Fineshrine" by Purity Ring is loaded with deep electronic instrumentals and is complimented by the beautiful vocals of Megan James. Purity Ring is a duo from Canada that formed in 2010. The music video is a little interesting but if you've got the time, I highly recommend watching a live performance of theirs because the second member of the duo Corin Roddick plays a completely custom beat sampler/electronic drum machine with lights on it. Wild.

Birdy - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight

Sorry to anyone who actually anticipates my posts. I've been out of the country for a month but now I'm home and have some good music for you. About a year ago Birdy released a great cover of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love" which you have probably heard by now. But I'm here to tell you that if you haven't checked her out more than that, you're missing out big time. This cover of The Postal Service was on repeat during most of my vacation. I love it. Add to this great song the fact that Birdy is only 15 years old and it becomes unbelievable. This girls got talent.

Sunday Girl/The Pixies - Where Is My Mind?

A Sunday song by a Sunday Girl. This is a really great cover of an equally great song by The Pixies called Where Is My Mind. Sunday Girl is the stage name for British pop singer Jade Williams (who is just a year older than I am) The song was originally written by Black Francis of the Pixies after an experience he had while scuba diving in the Caribbean. It's an amazing song so I'll include that version below.

Passion Pit - Take A Walk

Sorry guys. I've been MIA for a bit. But here I am, back from the dead, just like the artist for today. Passion Pit has been under the radar since they released their last album 'Manners' in 2009. Now, after 3 years the group is releasing a new album entitled 'Gossamer' which comes out on July 24th (to celebrate Pioneer Day for those of us in UT). Though they've ditched the falsetto singing, this song Take A Walk still carries their typical get-up-and-dance energy as usual.

The Black Keys - Tighten Up

The Black Keys have, for years, been a band that has been suggested to me numerous times. I finally checked out their stuff today and got hooked quick. Why did I wait so long? And now I just missed them live in SLC a few weeks ago which I heard was an excellent show. Anyway, these guys rock. They've got some old blues influences but still keep a pretty modern sound. They're fun to listen to and have a different sound than most other bands out there right now.

Beach House - Bloom

In a way this post breaks tradition, but it's so worth it. I'm not sure if I've posted any songs by Beach House yet, but I've been very into them recently. Today the duo released a new CD called "Bloom". It's just as amazing as I ever could've hoped for; complete with their signature floaty organ, synth, and guitar combos. You can listen to the whole thing here for free. Then go buy it on iTunes for $8.99. It's worth it. In other good news (if you live near me in SLC) Beach House is coming to the Twilight Concert Series for only $5 on July 5th. I'll see you there.

Matisyahu - Sunshine

I've always enjoyed Matisyahu's jams. The jewish reggae rapper has been throwing down under his Hebrew name Matisyahu since around 2004 (his real name is Matthew Miller). I saw him in 2010 at the Twilight Concert Series here in SLC and thought that he put on a really great show. He's coming out with a new album and has released this new single that you can download for FREE for the next 48 hours. Just click the link in the comments!

Of Monsters And Men - Dirty Paws

I always say that the best test of a band is how they are live. That's why I decided to post the live video instead of a studio recorded version of "Dirty Paws". Of Monsters And Men makes a great album but also holds their own live. They're from Iceland so their names look more like drawings than names. They are a very new band, with beginnings that barely make it back 2 years. I feel like they are a mix of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and Angus & Julia Stone. Also check out the song "Little Talks", you may have heard it before.

Animal Collective - My Girls

I figured I'd be good and post two days in a row since I've been slacking again. My Girls by Animal Collective is full of synths, beats, samples, noises, and sounds. The music video is a real splash of color. Pretty trippy. They've actually been around since 1999 and are considered an Experimental Psychedelic band. The band is made up of Avey Tare, Panda Bear, Deakin, and Geologist. If you couldn't tell, those aren't their real names and only three of them are featured in this song. Read their Wiki article to find out more about their names. It's interesting.

The Temptations - Ain't Too Proud To Beg

Back to the 60's! Lately I've been really into these oldies with some soul like Marvin Gaye, Dianna Ross & the Supremes, and the Temptations. Talk about music that makes you wanna move. These guys all have some real talent too. I think these all make for some great summer music as well. Don't just say "Ehh that's old" and not listen to it. Give it a chance and try not to dance. I even posted a live video so you could see how very stylish all these dudes are with their cool dance moves.

Youth Lagoon - Afternoon

The weather is getting warmer and Springtime is at the door like a salesman from Vivint. I've been thinking recently how our (or at least my) music preferences can change depending on the weather/season. Youth Lagoon is the perfect good-mood-driving-around-with-the-windows-down-and-finally-enjoying-the-sun-again music. Youth Lagoon is the stage name for artist Trevor Powers from San Diego. It might be an acquired interest after a few listens, cause it's a bit different, but I really enjoy the echoey, imperfect sound of it.

Blind Pilot - Just One

Sorry it's been a while. I've been in out of town for a week but I'm back with a great song for you now. Just One by Blind Pilot. They're a really mellow and clean sounding group from Portland. I can't get over the chorus of this song. The high note makes the whole thing. Enjoy!

DJ 21azy - Overnight Thrill

Today is a groovy, hip-hopping, mashup by DJ 21azy. A mashup of Wiz Khalifa - Thrill vs. Twista ft. Kanye - Overnight Celebrity. I'm currently way into groovy 80's or 70's sounding beats. That's why I think the "Thrill" track with one of my favorite rap songs laid over top is such a good combo. I've always had a lot of respect for Twista. Really who else raps that fast?

Hilltop Hoods - The Hard Road

It's been a while since I've had a hip hop song on here. I heard this song on a biking video on YouTube and really enjoyed it. The sampled high pitched voice is a nice touch and it's just a real catchy, up-beat song. I had never heard of Hilltop Hoods before but apparently they have been around almost as long as I have. They formed in 1991in Adelaide, Australia. No wonder I hadn't heard of them.

Neon Indian - Polish & Phantogram - Mouthful of Diamonds

I had a rad weekend. It was filled with new friends, sun, the beach, and lots and lots of dancing. New friends brought new music. It's a little different than what I've been listening to lately but it was real good stuff, so it was a breath of fresh air. It's influenced by a lot of electronic/house music so it's great to dance to but it's also really chill stuff. The first song is Polish by Neon Indian and the second is Mouthful of Diamonds by Phantograms. This is good stuff so relax, listen to both, and maybe dance a little.

Ben Kweller - You Can Count On Me

Let's talk about band loyalty for a sec. Ben Kweller became one of my favorite artists back in 8th grade. I've seen him live multiple times and have always been so impressed. BK is special to me. When you like and follow an artist for that long, it's hard to not like something that they put out. I think Ben could've covered Boot Scootin' Boogie on this album and I still would've loved it. Good thing he didn't though. Here's a good one from his newest album "Go Fly A Kite" that came out just last week.

Fun. - We Are Young

If you watched the Super Bowl (or if you just browsed through the commercials online) then you probably heard this song on the Chevy Sonic commercial. Also apparently it was recently featured on Glee? I don't watch Glee so I'm not sure but that's word on the street. Well I'm not a very big fan of Fun. (gasp!) but this is a great song. The chorus has so much energy it's ridiculous. It makes you wanna just, I dunno, smash stuff on peoples heads? Break furniture? Get in fights? All of those feelings are presented well in the video...

(Also this is my 50th post WOHOO! So now you should have at least 50 great songs to listen to. If you like/have liked/don't like any of these songs you should share my blog with your friends and family)

The Middle East - Blood

Very cool songs deserve very cool videos. This is one of those. This song reminds me a lot of Fleet Foxes for some reason. It's called Blood by The Middle East. I feel that the title is misleading because if you were to tell someone to look it up they might expect to end up watching sketchy videos on CNN or Al Jazeera. This is much better and much more enlightening and is a lot more likely to leave you with a smile on your face.

P.S. Thank you Ericka

Lisa Mitchell - Coin Laundry

Lisa Mitchell easily achieved a high spot on my "girl musician crushes" list this week. Lisa gained her first exposure to the music world when she came in 6th place on Australian Idol at only 16 years old. Now 21 years old Lisa has one full album and two EP's. In this video you get a sense of her quirky personality. If you don't enjoy the first video (something is wrong with you), try this one below to hear her playing an acoustic version of "Coin Laundry".

P.S. Thanks again Jocelyn

The Buena Vista Social Club - Chan Chan

Time for a little culture. As you already know I love girl singers, am a big fan of remixes/mashups, and am fascinated by people who play instruments or bands with instruments besides the classic guitar, base, drums, piano. But one of my guilty pleasures is Latin music. It's got such a relaxing, summer feel that makes all your troubles go away. "Tranquilo". The Buena Vista Social Club embodies everything I enjoy about Latin music on this one. The classic..."Chan Chan"

Mason Jennings - Dr. King

In honor of MLKJ day here's "Dr. King" by Mason Jennings. It's cut up a bit to fit with the video and there are audio clips from the "I have a dream" speech added in but you get the point if you've never heard it before. It doesn't take long to notice Masons unique, swooping voice. For some, that may be a deal breaker. For others, it might just take some getting used to. I think he's great and that the ups and downs just make it more fun to sing along with. Enjoy and happy MLKJ Day!

Andy Allen - The Friend That Saved My Life

Singer, songwriter, friend. Andy Allen is a friend of mine that put out his first album "Diamond Grove" earlier this year. This first song "The Friend That Saved My Life" is my favorite from the album. Be careful of the catchy chorus because it will be stuck in your head all afternoon after you listen to it. In a good way of course. Recently, Andy has been putting out some demos like this one below: "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley. It's a free download if you like it (or even if you don't, it's still free). You can buy Andy's full album "Diamond Grove" on iTunes.

Book On Tape Worm - Shadow Puppets

I saw Book on Tape Worm last night down in Provo. I'd heard of them before but this was the first time I saw them live. I was really impressed by how full of a sound they had. Also I love bands with instruments that you don't usually see in bands, like the cello. In the concert last night there was also a xylophone. They're super mellow but have a really great sound.

You'll notice the same singer here. This is one of his older bands called Night Night. They don't exist anymore but I thought I'd throw this video in just for fun. Same mellow feel with some synths added in there. I'm sure you'll agree that the singers voice doesn't quite seem to fit him.

Lake Forest - Autumn Skies

I don't have much commentary on this one besides that it's good, I love the nappy guy in the shorts standing right next to the lead singer, and I'd like to thank internet radio for helping me discover it (not pandora). The recorded version sounds better but I couldn't even find it on the YouTubes. Live is always fun though.