a little soundtrack: april chase

My friend mentors a band called April Chase and they just released their new EP, Still Breathing. Consisting of young students from my alma mater, this alternative pop rock band has some infectious melodies and a great female lead singer. I love her indie style and her voice, which sometimes reminds me of a younger Gwen Stefani with a cleaner edge.

One of my favorite songs is Time Won't Tell, which is especially wonderful as an acoustic number. Check out this fantastic music video shot by some talented buddies over at The Mighty Fifty. I love music Tuesdays. Stream their entire EP here.

April Chase - Time Won't Tell (Live Performance) from The Mighty Fifty on Vimeo.

a little soundtrack: rolling in the deep

My daughter's middle name is Adele, and I am so glad that it evokes thoughts of the beautiful singer with the same name. Her voice is old school and classic, and I am really enjoying her new album, 21. Jazzy and funky with strong driving beats, it's an all around good time. Download it here.

a little soundtrack: a fine frenzy

Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy has the most amazing red hair - and how cute and vintage is she? Her song "What I Wouldn't Do" is so summery and fun. I just want to whistle along! And Alisons with one L are very unique, if I don't say so myself. Enjoy!

a little soundtrack: to my sweet pea

Here is a sweet cover done by Gabe Bondoc of "Sweet Pea" by Amos Lee - you may have heard it on a popular tv commercial for AT&T. This is for my little one, who the hubba affectionately nicknamed Blueberry because that is the size that our child was at 6 weeks! So maybe this is for Sweet Little Blue, instead of Sweet Pea. Can't wait to meet you LB, can't wait.

a little soundtrack: something to say

I recently went to a Starfield concert with some friends, and was truly touched by this song called "Something to Say." It was a heartfelt moment, very real and honest. A song about struggling with faith -- and though right now I don't feel this way, it made me think of many people who do, and how some give up on their struggles because they don't want to ask the questions or find the answers. Press on, press on.

Here is a clip of the professional recording.

a little soundtrack: love it live

I am a big fan of chill music, and who defines chill beachy music better than Colbie Caillat? Here's a great song that my sister sent me today, with none other than our man Justin Young singing backup vocals. Listen to them hit those highs!

Live music is wonderful - unplugged and soulful, none of that overproduced electronica. Enjoy!



See a great version of her hit "Bubbly" here.

a little soundtrack: trippin'

When on a plane ride or trip somewhere, I find that it's always good to load up my iPod with a sweet soundtrack to keep me relaxed and even introspective while I'm waiting to get to my destination. I just grab my journal, listen to a few tunes, and let life slow down. Here are a few mellow albums I like to put on repeat while I'm in mid-air:

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Passion Pit - Manners
Brooke Fraser - Albertine
Nick Drake - Pink Moon
Iron and Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days
John Mayer - Where the Light Is
Tristan Prettyman - Hello

a little soundtrack: sweet song

This cute songstress from Norway has a unique name and uniquely cute music video. I love all the bright pops of color amidst the black and white, and the fun signs throughout. Catchy and fun, gotta love those random hits on Youtube sometimes. :)

a little soundtrack: well, sorta

This past weekend was fun, we went to a Labor Day BBQ and spent time with friends. I totally forgot to document it, so it's one of those times when all you have is your memory to prove that the fun happened. Then this week was busy upon busy, and now it's practically over again. Odd.

I woke up feeling not so good today, not sure what it is, but I saw this video and it really lifted me up. It's been around the blogosphere for a bit, but even if you've seen it, it wouldn't hurt to see it again. Click on it to see it large, and then go for the HD and full screen. Then sit back and just marvel. My favorites are the rays - like angels flying through the water. It's brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. It stopped me in my tracks for the whole 4 minutes and 33 seconds. Yes, good soundtrack too - by Seattle band, Barcelona. Gives the song a whole new meaning.

a little soundtrack: strawberry swing

This song has been in my head for a while, and now they have a fabulously clever music video for it. Love. Go watch it. This is the song for my summer.

remember the time

Two great tributes to Michael Jackson - remembering a music legend. I still remember listening to his Dangerous album with my sister, we'd lip synch to it and take turns playing the part of the boy in "Black and White." Good times.

a little soundtrack: maybe tomorrow

While traveling in New Zealand, our friends made sure that they highlighted the sights on the road with a wonderful soundtrack for us. They played quite a few songs from this NZ band called Goldenhorse that we really liked. Great upbeat songs with a distinctly Kiwi feel, like this one called "Maybe Tomorrow."

a little soundtrack: defying gravity

Yes, yes ... I stole the name of the song from Wicked. But really, this is about a wonderful song written by Sara Bareilles. I love this live version below, the first time I heard it I got chills. It shows her recording for a charity CD, and I personally think it's the best version of this song on Youtube. Great songwriting and a heart-breaking topic. Oh, the things we put the human heart through sometimes. Turn up your speakers a bit for this one, it'll sound like she's in the room with you.

a little soundtrack: catchy country

Little known fact about me - I actually kind of like country music. And this little ditty? It's a great song to have on a road trip where you blast the music out the windows. You know, Route 66 style. Enjoy, even if you're not a big fan of country. :)

a little soundtrack: floating feist

I'm digging this sweet song by Feist - it's worth it just to watch the first minute and a half for the magical little touches. Toast with wings, drawing on a necklace, flying out windows, floating on air - then after that it gets really catchy and fun! I couldn't resist a song called Mushaboom ... I'm the self-proclaimed queen of making up words after all.

This link has moved, watch the video here

a little soundtrack: from the hubby

This great little ditty was sent to me by my dear hubby. In this day and age, you can find us IMing each other on occasion when we're at home (funny eh?). So he sent this to me because he knows I love new artists and acoustic and catchy music. Gotta love this girl, and her new album was just released on iTunes! Here's a music video for a song called "Bitter Heart" by Zee Avi from Malaysia. I love the Super 8 quality it has, and her cute vintage dress near the end reminds me of this one. Enjoy! I hope it brightens your day as it did mine.



This video is no longer available, hear the song here

a little soundtrack: a man, his cello, and my picks

I love listening to chill and laid-back music while I work on a project, and here are a few artists that have been on my playlist lately. The music is soothing and oh-so-inspiring. Might even put you to sleep! Well, hopefully you can stay awake long enough to hear the beauty of these artists.

Ben Sollee - This young man has a soulful voice to match the deep and beautiful sounds of his cello. Can't beat a guy who can play the cello and sing at the same time. "Learning to Bend" is the best name for an album I've heard in a while.

Kina Grannis - I have been listening to her sing on her Youtube channel for a long time now, and for some reason have gotten hooked on her voice. Her guitar-playing abilities and spot-on covers are entertaining. And this last original song she performed sounds like she's floating the notes on a soft breeze ...

Joshua Radin - Joyful and happy, while being insightful and deep. Something about his music feels like trying on a brand new pair of Converse. Don't ask me why.

Brooke Fraser - Piano-driven songs with heart, this woman just gets what I'm thinking. Her melodies are infectious and you'll find yourself singing the line of a song hours later.

Justin Young - The spirit of aloha is woven in all his songs, and his voice is just so smooth. You can feel his laid-back island vibe, and it really keeps me grooving while I'm trying to get something done. This video is great, he's singing in the bathroom.

I'm going to leave you with a cover of Feist's 1234 by Kina, she's just great at these!