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)