Music of My Mind

I realized something yesterday: I’m obsessed with finding new music. I can’t even count how many times that I’ll get a new album, listen to it once or twice all the way through, then move on to the next new album. This is a problem.

I decided to confront my “album A.D.D.” by spending some quality time alone with my iPod. Now that finals are over and summer is here, how glorious it has been to dive into the giant pool of music that stands un-listened to on my ipod.

One such band whom I have indeed grown to love during this intimate time of bonding between my ipod and me is the Kings of Convenience.
It’s hard to pin this musical duo down to one genre because their style varies widely.

They’ve got some more upbeat, pop songs like this one:

They also have some super slow and mellow songs (Especially on their album “Quiet is the New Loud”, like this one:

The contrast is crazy. That’s why I like them. Give them a shot and let me know what you think.

KEEP Listening!!
Chris Varela

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Ok, Let’s address the elephant in the room: there is a YouTube video in this post. I know how it is (I’m guilty of doing this too!), you just want to skip past all this junk and play the video. You could do that if you want, but you’d be missing out on some quality information. For example:

1. You wouldn’t know that I’ve written about this artist before. Read what I wrote about him by clicking HERE. For that matter, you wouldn’t know that I used to have another blog!
2. You also wouldn’t know where to find this guy. Here’s where you can find him:



3. You’d also miss out on this little tidbit of info:

One of my favorite artists of all time just came out with this one. Folky, Bob Dylan-esque, banjo player (on occasion), and lyrical genius can all be used to describe Mr. Kristian Matsson on “The Wild Hunt.” Building on his widely successful–and critically acclaimed–album, “Shallow Graves,” TMOE sings some more unique songs. One warning, there’s a bonus track featuring the piano.. not his best work, but surely a valiant effort.

WARNING: The Tallest Man on Earth is an acquired taste, and no doubt, many of you won’t give this guy a chance because of the way he sings. Trust me though, listen to this song a few times instead of casting him to the wayside.

I’m about to share with you my favorite song on his new album, but before I do, I’d like to thank you for sticking with me to the end. For those of you who didn’t, but for some reason are reading this sentence, please know that our friendship is over… Just kidding.

Without further ado, here’s your youtube video:

Final Verdict: If you liked “Shallow Graves,” you’ll love “The Wild Hunt.”

KEEP LISTENING.
Chris Varela

PS – New Band of Horses album comes out this week!

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..and already has a crazy big following in the folk community. I am quite the fan of today’s folk scene, and she has blown me away with her latest album, “Alas, I Cannot Swim.” I have a feeling you would like her too.

You just might be a fan of Ms. Marling’s music if:

1. you like folk, indie, singer-songwriter, or females
2. you like Noah and the Whale, The Rakes, Mystery Jets, or Mumford and Suns
3. you like this song: Laura Marling – “Ghosts”
4. you like these sites:

Keep listening!
Chris Varela

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Two of my friends came over a few nights ago. We spent a good hour catching up and talking about life, all while listening to a wonderful artist named Juana Molina.

(That’s her!)
I gave her one listen and I was sold. What’s not to like about this woman’s music? She’s from Argentina, has a beautiful voice, and plays super low-key music that is so easily absorbed.
I don’t want to confine her style to a specific genre, but if I had to describe it, I would say that it’s a combo of the folk-like Simon and Garfunkel and subtle hints of electronic effects.
Last.fm puts her under the tag Folktronica, but don’t let that deter you! Explore her album called “Segundo,” have I ever led you astray?

Her most recent release is titled “Un Dia,” but I have yet to listen to it. Sad day.

FIND HER! NOW!

(She’s bilingual!)

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Yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to bust out the eggnog, ornaments, and festive lights because it’s Christmas time! However, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the amazing music..
Enter Sufjan. Excellent artist with an excellent set of Christmas songs. There’s 42 of them!

This music video ought to moisten your musical pallet:

Has your pallet been moistened?? If so, you can stream his whole set of xmas songs here!

Find Sufjan Stevens:

(He seems to be pretty anti-internet; he’s not on twitter OR facebook!)

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