If you care to listen to the mix all the way through, just hit play!
As soon as I heard the trickling piano of Sufjan Stevens' "Justice Delivers Its Death," I was transported back to winter at home in Florida. Since 2011, when I first listened to "Vesuvius," I felt Sufjan's music matched the cool atmosphere of December/January. Fun fact: I originally thought the song was named "Silver & Gold", and even wrote it as such on my main blog. The next song"Tiff" by Poliça (feat. Justin Vernon) gets me thinking -- "am I part of the hype machine?" With groovy tunes like this, I have a sinking suspicion that this smooth, synth-pop artist from Minneapolis will continue making inroads in 2014.
"The Grey Estates" by Wolf Parade instantly smacks of a "teeny bopper film". I hope that makes sense. It doesn't do too much to knock my socks off. Next, "Delicate Cycle" by The Uncluded could be summed up in one word: clever. It demands re-listens, which is a testament to Kimya Dawson's I-will-tell-you-my-life-story-and-pull-you-in soft rap. "Becoming The Gunship" by Islands perhaps takes the gunship metaphor too far? Overall, the instruments used was reminiscent of a 1980's power ballad.
At times a lullaby, "Foshay" by Greycoats constitutes easy listening. The final few seconds at the end that sound like a carnival triggers memories of the last season of Heroes. Then, although a palatable song, Very Small Animal's "Original Crime Scene" lacks a certain punch and leaves me underwhelmed. Arcade Fire's "You Already Know" off their latest 2013 album, Reflektor, in my opinion does not deviate too far from songs in their past. I should listen to more songs off the album before making too much of a judgement. I enjoyed the talking at the beginning of this track since it seemed vaguely similar to STRFKR's "Hungry Ghost".
"Holy Branches" from Jacksonville, FL native Radical Face proves why I fell in adoration with the band in the first place. As a listener who empathizes with the lyrics, the last verse unnerves me. For the next song, I believe this may be the first time we've shared songs by the same artist in the same month. And it could not have come with a better artist. That's right. Double Lykke Li! The drum beat pulsing through "I Follow Rivers" has me nodding my head like a moron.
"Winter Prayers" by Iron & Wine captivates me. The very first lines are very relatable. ("Well it's cold, and you're bored / From counting smart cars on the 94") The song also promotes sipping hot chocolate while lazing in bed and writing bad poetry. Personally, it makes me want to wear red lipstick, probably due to the mention of a "red mouth". The song masterfully projects and reflects contemplation. For the next song on the mix, "Amongster" by Poliça, my complaint stands that I can't always quite understand the lyrics and that distances me. No denying it is pretty, though. Also, forewarning that video I linked is fairly steamy.
Interesting fade into "Ísjaki" by Sigur Rós. Similarly, the melody contributes to the alienating feeling since I do not understand Icelandic. It's the equivalent of me nodding and saying yes after not fully listening to what someone asked. I want to agree because it sounds cool but that might be a mistake. This could be about murder for all I know. (Okay, so the title translates to "Iceberg").
Typhoon does not disappoint with their rousing guitar chords and aching vocals of lead singer Kyle Morton. As member Shannon Steele sings, "the world is such a small thing" on "Young Fathers," I could envision the whole globe shrinking to the size a pin. "Grow up, you'll be an astronaut" made me grin, too. "Lewis Takes Action" by Owen Pallett is a solid way to end a mix and send me on my way back home. Man, I love kick drums.
And man, I miss you, Nicole.
Instant favorites: "Justice Delivers Its Death," "Young Fathers," "Holy Branches," and "Winter Prayers"
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