SYP Says

Best Songs of 2013: July 4th: Creep in a T-Shirt by Portugal. The Man

I've got your July 4th Jam right here, folks. "Creep in a T-Shirt" by Portugal. The Man from their new album, Evil Friends. Given this album was produced by Danger Mouse, it's getting a lot of extra play, plus Portugal. The Man is on tour now. Happy BBQing, fireworking, independence-ing, and so on.

Need more jams? Follow my <3 Right Now playlist on Spotify. I try to keep it somewhat updated with stuff I like.

Best Songs of 2013: June: Saltwater by Brazos

It's Summer!! I think this song by Brooklyn band, Brazos, will make you want to samba over to the nearest beach (or Billyburg BBQ), IPA in hand. Brazos's new album, Saltwater, mixes Shins/Local Natives-style indie pop with Latin rhythms. The songs aren't frothy, but they are light with a touch of melancholy, and immensely listenable. They're on tour now and playing in Williamsburg July 21st at The Knitting Factory if you're around.

 

Best Songs of 2013: May: No Room for Doubt by Lianne La Havas featuring Willy Mason

In celebration of the start of Summer, I'm restarting my Best Songs feature with an artist I started listening to LAST Summer, Lianne La Havas. She was the star of all of my Holiday 2012 Mix CDs. My adoration of her music hasn't let up in 2013, even with all the kudos her debut album, Is Your Love Big Enough?, has gotten lately, including iTunes Album of the Year. She has a gorgeous voice and every song on her album has a different vibe and style. She's not just any cookie-cutter indie singer/songwriter/musician from London. At the same time, this album is totally listenable. Perfect for the (finally) nice weather.

I saw her in  concert recently at the very awesome Music Hall of Williamsburg and it was easily the best music show I've seen so far this year. She had the audience in the palm of her hand. Lots of love for her in Brooklyn. Even the waiter we had at the restaurant we ate at before the show was there (we were waiting for the concert to start and turned around to see him standing behind us with his friends--very funny). Anyway, if you can see her live, do it. (Those of you in NYC in July can see her free live show at Central Park Summerstage.) 

Here are a few songs I really like from her album, starting with this duet with NYC-based folk singer, Willy Mason. It reminds me so much of old Everything but the Girl songs (OK, sorry, totally dating myself). 

 

 

 

N.B.: For those of you who've visited before, I'm back to blogging Best Songs, but have decided to do a few posts per month, rather than a strict one-two posts per week. I hope this will help me keep it up! Thanks for your support over the years. It has kept me going. :)

Moneygrabber by Fitz and The Tantrums: 31 Days of My Favorite 2011 Songs

#31 "Moneygrabber" by Fitz and The Tantrums

My last song post of the year is a bit funky. Retro LA soul band, Fitz and The Tantrums, is going to be playing a New Year's Eve gig at The Gramercy in NYC tonight. It's sold out, so I won't be there (and probably neither will you), but I'm sure it will be an awesome show. In any case, before you go out to celebrate the last day of 2011 (!!!), turn this tune up and get your dancing shoes on. Cheers to a great 2012!

 

 

Under Cover of Darkness by The Strokes: 31 Days of My Favorite 2011 Songs

#30 "Under Cover of Darkness" by The Strokes

I spent one several month period listening to The Strokes' first album, Is This It?, every other day at the gym training for a Grand Canyon excursion (I hiked all the way to the bottom in one day, crossed, and hiked back up the other side in one day). They're back with a new, energetic album just in time for me to start training again for something new.

This Is Why We Fight by The Decemberists: 31 Days of My Favorite 2011 Songs

#29 "This Is Why We Fight" by The Decemberists

I have to be honest--I don't know The Decemberists' music all that well, but I do like this soaring song by them which sounds like a cross between an old REM tune and an updated Irish folk song (maybe it's just his voice that gives me that vibe?). 

 

Puzzle Pieces by Saint Motel: 31 Days of My Favorite 2011 Songs

#28 "Puzzle Pieces" by Saint Motel

Saint Motel's music just makes me happy. In honor of my old employer, here is this LA indie band's exclusive Guitar Center session. They are great live. See them if you can.

 

Civilian by Wye Oak: 31 Days of My Favorite 2011 Songs

#27 "Civilian" by Wye Oak

Never mind that I can't understand most of what she's singing; still think it's beautiful. Since I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in this, here are the lyrics:

I am nothing without pretend
I know my thoughts
Can't live with them
I am nothing without a man
I know my thoughts
But I can't hide them

I still keep my baby teeth
In the bedside table with my jewelry
You still sleep in the bed with me,
My jewelry, and my baby teeth

I don't need another friend
When most of them
I can barely keep up with them
Perfectly able to hold my own hand,
But I still can't kiss my own neck

I wanted to give you everything
But I still stand in awe of superficial things
I wanted to love you like my mother's mother's mothers did
Civilian
Civilian

N.B. Apparently this song was used in the Walking Dead Season 2 trailer.

 

She's Thunderstorms by Arctic Monkeys: 31 Days of My Favorite 2011 Songs

#26 "She's Thunderstorms" by Arctic Monkeys

Just love the beat and Alex Turner's crooning about how awesome "she" is. Guess whoever this is really keeps him on his toes--no doubt, as it should be. ;)

 

Holidelic by Everett Bradley: 31 Days of My Favorite 2011 Songs

#25 Holidelic by Everett Bradley

Regardless of how you celebrate the holidays, this should get you into Papadelic's inclusive spirit. Give the gift of love, fun, and laughter. Happy Holidays!