Posted on Monday, February 25, 2013 at 11:10PM | drip cult
Here are a couple songs that have been stuck in my head for the past week. They're by Joshua Hyslop, who is easily one of my favorite softspoken, raspy-voiced singer/songrwiters. I especially like the intro to the first video, explaining the inspiration behind the song. I think understanding what leads someone to create something allows you to connect with their work on a whole new level. That being said, take a listen and tell me what you think.
Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 10:20PM | drip cult
I really enjoy creating playlists specific to each season. I truly believe that music can really enhance the feelings that each season brings. In this case, spring is all about starting fresh. It's about growth, new beginning and silver linings. There's just something about spring, when the rain clears up and the sun peeks out from behind the clouds, that makes you feel like everything's gonna be alright. Spring is a very hope-filled season.
So in honor of spring, I've created this playlist. I wanted to try something kinda funky this time though. Usually I like to give you some kind of visual image or setting to create in your brain while your earholes soak up all the savory sounds, but this time I thought I'd do something a little bit different. Nothing says spring quite like time lapse videos of bloowing flowers and plant life. So instead of having to think up your own mental picture, I've provided you with several. So here's what you do: press play on the first song and then quickly press play on the imagery video. Make sure you mute the imagery video, allowing the playlist to serve as your spring soundtrack. Enjoy the beauty that is springtime and music.
Posted on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 8:42PM | drip cult
If you know anything about indie/folk music then you already know how amazing Bon Iver is. Formed around the singer/songwriter Justin Vernon, their first album (For Emma, Forever Ago) was recorded in 2007 primarily in a secluded cabin in northwestern Wisconsin. Coincidentally, the name Bon Iver is derived from the French term bon hiver, meaning "good winter" or "have a good winter." For me, that album changed my perception of good music and opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. I highly recommend giving it a listen.
Often times when an artist has a breakthrough album, anything he releases later suffers by comparison. That's not the case with Bon Iver's most recent release: Bon Iver (the album name is the same as the band name just FYI). It's great. It may not have changed my view all over again because it's not completely different from the previous album, but I love it just the same. Bon Iver is one of the few groups around today that creates music as an expression of emotion instead of simpling working for a paycheck.
In fact, Bon Iver was asked to perform at the Grammys. "So why didn't I see them performing at the Grammys?" you might ask. To which I would respond: "Because Bon Iver is awesome!" At this point you might say, "....ummmm how bout you answer my question for reals this time?" Let me further explain my previous answer. Bon Iver was asked to play at the Grammys. They declined. When asked about their reasoning, Justin Vernon said "We wanted to play our music, but were told that we couldn’t play. We had to do a collaboration with someone else." He was then asked who they were asked to play with to which he responded: "Awesome people. People that I would love to play a song with. But you know what? F**kin’ rock n’ roll should not be decided by people that have that job. Rock n’ roll should be the f*cking people with guitars around their backs. And their friends. And their managers.” RIGHT?!?! You tell 'em Justin. #STAYTRUE.
So what's my point? Bon Iver is amazing. Don't believe me? Take a listen for yourself:
Bon Iver - Skinny Love. from the album For Emma, Forever Ago