March was the quietest month I have had in a very long time. I liked it. It was a month of Spring cleaning and a month of music. We saw a few live and local bands, and a British Classical prodigy. And I ended up getting a “few” new records. But what did I listen to the most in March? Once again it seems to be new music. I like new sounds. new things. Old stuff is amazing, but I am always seeking new stuff. So we have one oldie, and 4 brand new tracks. The song I have listened to the most I posted on the weekend. So you should check out the video for DJ ease my mind by Niki & the Dove. I just can’t get enough of it.
5. Meg Myers – Monster
A simple sounding guitar riff, a percussive hit, and minimal beats begin this track. Simple and understated. Until the chorus, when that sad cello line comes in. “What it takes out of me to lay by your side”. An angry and remorseful tune that has been on repeat all month. And here is a link to download her EP for Free!
4. Teenage Fan Club – The Concept
I wasn’t much of a Teenage Fan Club fan back in Junior High when this track was first released. However, I see a large resurgence of this sound lately, and its prominence in the movie “Young Adult” nearly elevates it to the level of a character. “She wears denim wherever she goes, says she’s gonna get some records by the Status Quo”. A classic 90′s rocker.
3. Angus Stone – Broken Brights
Angus Stone is an Australian singer known foremost as being the guy in Angus and Julia Stone. Both Angus and Julia have solo albums being released this year, and this is the first single from his. A simple and pretty acoustic track that features his calmingly raspy voice. You can download the track over here at his website, and his album is to be released in July.
2. Sam Sparro – Happiness
This list needs a happy and bouncy track. Too much, angst and sadness. Sam Sparro to the rescue. This song is very much like his earlier work, which is great, and it calls to mind the Jim album by Jamie Lidell. Music that is very 70′s/80′s retro soul/funk, mixed with 90/00′s dance. Ultimately it’s dancey. And as the name implies, it’s happy. Here is the video featuring him and his new pervy mustache. And he is Australian as well, bringing the Aussie count to 2 out of 5 on this list. “Happiness you belong to me, happiness you’re mine”. Album due this Spring.
1. Glen Hansard – Take the heartland
And back to the angsty rock. This time care of Ireland. Glen Hansard, known as the frontman for The Frames, or as the guy in The Swell Season, or as the Actor in the amazing movie Once, released this track on the Hunger Games Soundtrack. Or should I say album of music inspired by the movie the Hunger Games, aptly entitled “The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond” as I don’t really think more than one of the tracks is actually in the movie, and that is during the credits. But I digress. This is a rocking track that features Glen and his amazing voice pushed to the edge, where it belongs, over guitars and pounding drums. A killer rock song about killing.
Bonus: And here again is the video for DJ Ease my Mind – by Niki & The Dove
