Sunday Sounds: Gossling

I don't know whether its her alluring voice, or those sweet sweet melodies that have me in 'Wild Love' with Gossling!? Perhaps its both? If one thing is certain, its that Gossling has a definite winner with her new EP Intentional Living.

Following the success of Gossling's second EP Until Then, Intentional Living features much of the same lyrically sweet sounds we have come to expect and of course, the distinctively beautiful voice of leading lady Helen Croome. This track, 'Wild Love' was the first to be released back in February and has been capturing hearts ever since! My personal favourite has to be 'Heart Killer', because of its undeniable magnetism. But each of the four tracks are absolute gems!! 

I was a lucky duck and scored a pre-ordered signed copy of the EP earlier this week!! Intentional Living was just released on Friday and is available right now on iTunes or in record stores nationally! Definitely recommended for those of you who have fallen in love with Australia's other lovely ladies, Julia Stone or Lisa Mitchell. 

For tour dates throughout the end of April and early May, click here!

Sunday Sounds: Laura Marling

 

Laura Marling - Sophia

Okay so Sunday Sounds is back (usually I am sleeping in). But only because I just have to share this amazing new track from UK singer/songwriter Laura Marling. This gem is the ninth track on her third album A Creature I Don't Know due for release on the 12th of September and has pretty much pulled at every single one of my heart strings since it was previewed last month. Words cannot express how eager I am to get my hands on a copy of the new album. Upon first listen I can already tell that Marling has changed her nu-folk sound yet again. But I'm not complaining because this song is beautiful (not to mention the cute illustration!). Just when I think a lady who is months younger than me couldn't get any more mature she goes and drops this. Mind officially blown.

Sunday Sounds: New Music Edition

It has been a very long while between my last Sunday Sounds post, and I apologise for that (especially to those of you who I know enjoy the music part of this little blog). But it's back and here to stay. Better late then never. And might I just say, you know you are in desperate need of some new music when you hit shuffle mode on your iTunes and you no longer enjoy the first ten songs it throws at you!! So here is some great new stuff that I've had on a very high rotation as of late...

Bon Iver - Calgary

This is the eighth track of the self-titled album from American indie-folk band Bon Iver. Like 'Calgary', each of the tracks are inspired by locations (either real or imagined, I'm not too sure) that front man Justin Vernon believed to hold a special sort of significance and embodied the very sound he wanted to evoke. But it's hard to put a label on this sound, because each track is so very different. There are acoustic lovelies, electronic parts and even some songs that are just completely stripped down, almost naked if you will. While 'Calgary' incorporates the more electronic sound found on the album and is a stand out for its hauntingly beautiful lyrics, I think every track is done to complete perfection. Highly recommended!

Seeker Lover Keeper - Even Though I'm A Woman

Seeker Lover Keeper is the dynamic collaboration of some of Australia's best indie-songstress'. Here, Sally Seltmann, Sarah Blasko and Holly Throsby have joined together to create some sort of dream team, and my are they dreamy!! Each of the lovely ladies have written four songs each on the album, which upon a complete listen only shows how they completely compliment and inspire one another. Overall it's a beautiful album, one that you'll just have to listen to to understand. Note: This clip is kinda freaky after a while. Anyone else get that?

Emma Louise - Jungle

Okay so I lied. This isn't entirely a new music edition because this little gem from Emma Louise was released back in April, but I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it with you. After all, it's always seems to be stuck in my head! The vocals are incredibly powerful, but very well reserved at the same time. Oh and the hook... Did I mention how it will get stuck in your head? While Emma Louise is a relatively new lady on the scene, I dare say we will be seeing a lot more of her soon. Especially if this track is anything to go by.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I worked a hell of a lot, as usual. But it's the start of a new week tomorrow and I'm determined to get things done!

Angus and Julia Abroad

There is something great about befriending your favorite artists on Facebook. Mainly because you get a little sneak peak into their lives in an incredibly raw, unpolished form. Indie Folk duo Angus & Julia Stone are just winding down their European Tour, and photographer Jorgen Nordby was there to capture all the action. These are some seriously great photos. Experiencing a little lens jealousy here!











































Sorry for the massive photo overload. They were just too beautiful to overlook.

Sunday Sounds: Lykke Li

I have decided that it is about time that I add a regular weekly feature to this little blog of mine. Since my 'music' label is the fullest of them all, it only makes sense to get the ball rolling on this one. So it is with great excitement that I introduce to you, Sunday Sounds!

What you can expect?

Wonderful songs, new albums and classic tracks from some of my favourite artists, coming to you in the form of YouTube clips (until I figure out how to embed a play list without breaking some copyright rules).

I'll start this off with I Follow Rivers, the second single coming from Lykke Li's new album Wounded Rhymes. This album has been rotated between my car and my bedroom for quite some time now. My original thoughts on the album were: different! Especially since it came as such a surprise. It was only in August last year that I was craving some new Lykke Li, and hoping for an album release (you can view that post here). But what I was craving and was I was given were the exact bi-polar opposites of one another. Her debut album Youth Novels was exactly that, sweet and sugary stories of frivolity. But this one... oh my! Lets just say that the only thing this album shares in common with its sibling is that the title completely hits the nail on the head; an album full of wounded rhymes where "sadness is her boyfriend". She's hungry, she's dark and she is incredibly dirty. I'll admit, immediately following the first start to finish listen I was a little depressed myself. I'm not saying this is a bad thing. Not at all. It's honest songwriting and I love that. It's just different. Anyway I'm rambling now... do enjoy this track!

Her Name Is Zooey

Actress

Musician 

Model 

Singer / Songwriter

Zooey Deschanel has been blogged to death, but she definitely deserves it!

Personally, I think my love affair with Zooey Deschanel began back in 2003, where she belted out 'Baby it's Cold Outside' in an employee bathroom in Elf. Her supporting role in films like Failure to Launch always saw her cast as the deadpan character - an all too often monotoned friend expressing archly insincere humour (which for those of you who don't know me too well should know I regularly use in my day to day vocab). In the last few years however, Zooey has become well known for her lead roles in Yes Man and (500) Days of Summer, both personal favourites. As a musician, Zooey Deschanel has made my heart melt with She & Him studio albums Volume One and Volume Two. Not to mention the fanciful numbers that appear in her movies, worthy of mention is Munchausen By Proxy.

I think above all though, I am in love with her quirky sort of retro pop style. Sure most of it comes from her ability to rock navy blues and reds and skirts and bows, complimented by her 1960's hair of course. But I think what shines through is a sense of youth and fearlessness. Besides dressing so sweet and being totally adorable, she has real talent that never leaves me disappointed.

Also, I highly recommend having a listen to her version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas to make that festive mood just a little more lovely!

Sounds of Santeria

Earlier this week I purchased Triple J's Like A Version Six. I'm always amused by artist's who take on the challenge of performing a classic from another, particularly when they differ in style and genre. Tracks 1 - 3 of Like A Version were just what I expected... awesome acoustic alternatives to some great songs! But Track 4 was something special. It featured the sweet voice of Megan Washington, singing Sublime's ever popular "Santeria". I feel in love almost instantly. Now, I'm pretty much addicted. The Washington-Sublime hybrid is fastly making its way towards the top of my most played playlist.

What do you think?

Oh No Washington!

Whoever said that celebrities must remain censored did not give the message to Australia's latest singer/songwriter, Megan Washington. And whilst I have commented on her sweet melodies and quirky nostalgia before, her Facebook page and Twitter stream are something different entirely. Between images of cactus's, crude cartoons and complaints about interstate coffee, there is always something that Washington has to say that makes me look twice. Sometimes I smirk, sometimes I have a bit of an inside giggle, mainly though I just think to myself... where in the world did this girl get her imagination? Because I need to get myself one! I think above all though, it's just really refreshing to actually see the human side to some of our favourite artists, in a completely first hand way. Although I now know that Megan Washington "takes advice like she takes margaritas", I would much prefer to read that, have a giggle, maybe even like the status, than be bombarded by tabloids of who Paris Hilton is pashing this week.

Megan Washington on Facebook

So Frenchy...

Classical ballet, quaint cafes and the Champs-Elysees are just a few of the French fancies that linger in my dreams. Although I have never been to Paris, it resides relatively high on my to-do-sometime-soon list.

In the meantime however, there is Cartell Music, a website dedicated to bringing us a cleverly curated selection of music from France and beyond. Their aim - to get as many magical sounds into a musical playground as possible. They maintain a top five chart, host many of the classics, and even present their very own compilations such as So Frenchy So Chic, the unofficial soundtrack to the 2010 French Film Festival.

As a reward for registering with the site, Cartell have allowed for a free download of five tracks from some of their favourites. I downloaded them, and it was the best decision I have made all week. I have just discovered five new alluring artists to add to my pleasant listening playlist.

Click HERE to download:

Dreamland by Emilie Simon

Jimmy by Moraity 

Chupee by Cocoon 

Demain by Berry

Bruises by Melanie Pain 

Down The Way

In the midst of yesterday's blissful sun and complete loveliness, I caught wind of this years ARIA nominees, announced by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. To my amazement, my favourite folk pair Angus & Julia Stone featured toward the top of the list, sharing the lead with many other amazing Australian musicians. Receiving a total of six nominations, the duo are in the running for album of the year with Down The Way, single of the year with Big Jet Plane, best group, best adult alternative album, as well as the public's pick of most popular artist and album. The nominations followed some pre-main event awards, where Down The Way won best cover art and producer of the year! I wish these lovelies all the best for award night on November 7th. Its only fair that their wonderous efforts are rewarded.

Mace Spray

Indie rock four-piece, The Jezabels have just posted their new track "Mace Spray" up for some easy listening. The track forms part of their forthcoming EP Dark Storm, set to hit stands in just a few days (October 1st)!
 

Bouncing around the indie music circuit for the last few years, The Jezabels were a fairly late edition to my playlist. Only really seeing the band on their own accord after supporting Tegan & Sara on their national tour in July of this year. Although I now own the EP's of previous years, I regret not being able to witness The Jezabels earlier days. However, with an ever growing fan base, and a spot on the bill for some of Australia's best summer festivals, I look forward to sunny days spent driving windows down, head in the clouds, with The Jezabels infectious sound on repeat.

Sydneysiders can catch The Jezabels live at UNSW Roundhouse on October 14th before they head to the States.

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

It has been over two years since we have heard anything in the way of an album release from Swedish indie singer Lykke Li, but that doesn't mean that I don't still sway my life away to her delightful debut Youth Novels whenever I'm in need for a little bit of sweetness. Guest appearances, EP's and single's for motion picture soundtracks have been enough to tide me over, but with the winter season reaching its end, I'm starting to crave more of Lykke Li's spring time sugary sound.

According to her MySpace blog, Lykke Li has started writing songs for a new album, said to be released... indefinitely. In the meantime though, she put up a free MP3 download on her website, a cover of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.

Self-produced & Un-signed

There is a set of three YouTube clips that I just cannot stop watching.

It’s Your Kid Sister, Maia Vidal. On the exterior, she is the epitome of cute. French, percussion, and an adorable hat showcasing her love for wolves and woodlands. But, shining through all this is an effervescent punk rock soul. You see, Your Kid Sister not only writes her own songs, but has a cover EP entitled Poison, where she combines pre-loved Rancid tracks with her alluring vocals, the accordion, a toy piano and endearing artsy type clips.

Check out the YOUR KID SISTER YouTube Channel Here! 

It's Only My Opinion

Last Monday night, Sydney’s Metro Theatre was home to one of London’s youngest folk artists, Laura Marling. With her hair scraped back into an effortless bun, Marling matched those of us in the crowd who had just ran and stood through rain and puddles, prior to the show.

I might be a part of this… ripple on water from a constant drip.

The crowd fell into an attentive silence, captivated by her alluring vocal style coupled with the propulsive mix of string instruments and sparring acoustic chords. Though each song was thematically and musically different, each seemed to evoke the same sense of intimacy within. For me, Marling’s poetic lyricism of earlier works revealed a childhood elegy of the most nostalgic type, while songs from I Speak Because I Can guided me through a consideration of many future politics of self. These “old soul” style tracks induced thoughts on more mature topics; of success and failure, of self-direction and self-destruction and of love lost, but also love found. And although incredibly melancholy, each song was delivered with a level of charm, allowing for just the right amount of austere humour and light. Several songs later, and a modest un-encore… I left sharing more than just my year of birth with Marling.

Empowering & Inspiring.

Whisper In My Ear

 
For the simple exchange of an email address, Universal Music & Washington have given us the new track "Swallows" for free download. Although the track does not appear on her eagerly awaited debut album I Believe You Liar, it features the same sweet melodies, narrative type songwriting and quirky nostalgia that we've come to expect of her.

Click HERE for Washington - Swallows