I stumbled onto James Morrison tonight while browsing around Spotify. After listening to the CD version, I dug around on the interwebs and found an acoustic version that I liked better. I usually like acoustic takes better. I was listening to his raspy voice, and the ease with which the music flows from him, and knew he was perfect for the blog here. There’s just so much soul emanating from this guy. He’s everything I wish I could be as a guitar player and singer. He’s so much more than just this song, though. Listen to some of his other stuff too.

	"You make it real" (download)
From the EP Songs For You, Truths For Me

Perfectly beautiful melancholy. This song has touched me, and will haunt you. This band holds a special place in my heart.

If you like the falsetto of the likes of Bon Iver, This is a MUST hear.
Also, for a really interesting experience, Check out the video

	"Charlie Darwin" (download)
From the EP Oh My God Charlie Darwin

Immy is nothing short of greatness. I love her 12 second clips, tweets, and especially her music.

It has been a while since I have added any music. I needed to get back to the roots of this site, and I was able to do so through the same song that inspired me to start the blog – hide and seek. This version she recorded for a benefit CD for Tibet. This CD is amazing, and I encourage you to go buy it right now. It is truly inspirational.

	"Hide and Seek 2" (download)
From the EP Songs For Tibet - The Art of Peace

It is 1:23 am. After a long, hard day of working I am left wanting nothing but rest. However, I found this song. This song, with this wonderful piano and this wonderful voice.

And all in a moment I was revived. Revived with a sense of purpose and of passion. When all else fails, music can still play the concert of a lifetime to my heart.

“Where words fail, music speaks.” – Hans Christian Andersen

When I was in college, nearly a decade ago, I would sit and play piano in a dark rehearsal hall. As dark as that room was, it was such an illuminating experience for my life. I don’t mean to be melodramatic at all, but I cherish those times still to this day.

This song reminded me how much I cared about music back then, and how deeply rewarding just listening can be. Just listening. Just. Listen.

Long after I fall asleep tonight, I hope I hear “get up… get up… get up”.

	"Get up, Get up, Get up" (download)
From the EP Absolutes

I first listened to this back in February 2008. I’m not sure who directed me to this music, but I’m certainly glad for it. There’s a subdued sensitivity not only in the vocal timbre, but also in the instrumentation here. If you want to feel sad, you should listen to this. If sad music makes you happy, this song will probably make you really happy.

Enjoy, and please buy their CD!

	"Blindsided" (download)
From the EP For Emma, Forever Ago

This one’s just a teaser. Sorry folks. If I can find a complete acoustic copy of Brendan performing this song, I would love to post it (brendan, if you’re reading this, send me a message!)

This guy is a modern day James Taylor. Listen to the enunciation in his voice when he sings – remind you? Brendan is a great singer/songwriter. He apparently didn’t start really getting into writing music until his sophomore year in college. College has a way of bringing things like that out of you I suppose.

Anyway, if you like this little bit, go buy his album or download it for $8 at amazon.com. The CD was released just 8 days ago. We’ve got to support more singer/songwriters!

If you must have more immediately, he’s on YouTube, MySpace, and Facebook

	"Green" (download)
From the EP The Day Is Brave

I’ve been very “downtempo” lately. Long hours at work probably have something to do with it.

I received a very nice email from a Alex O. which inspired me to find something tonight.

I’ve been listening to a love of Kate Havnevik, Imogen heap, (and frou frou of course) lately. I’ve also been listening to Gnarles Barkley and some rapper named Flo rida – his stuff is just hilarious, and he makes use of interesting rhythmic phrasing.

Anyway, the opening of this song, “kaleidoscope” reminds me of opening scenes of dramas, or closing credits. It’s somber and beautifully arranged. I hope this helps be break the ice on another year of posting music.

Please enjoy. Thank you all for the encouraging emails.

	"Kaleidoscope" (download)
From the EP Melankton

Well, I wouldn’t call her the greatest. That might be reserved for Mohammed Ali, but she is great.
I first learned of Cat power through television commercials. After that, I went musical-spelunking for her works. She’s got some great tunes.

This one has bits of “Moon River” in it. Can you pick it out?

	"The Greatest" (download)
From the EP The Greatest

Like the indigo girls, the harmonies in this song are actually lower than the melody. I absolutely love the result. If I were to classify this group, I’d say it’s nickel creek meets Indigo girls. It’s a bit more complex than just that though. You’ll find many more instruments in HEM’s arsenal. If you listen to “Half acre” you’ll hear a bassoon, an oboe, piano, xylophone, clarinets, and strings.

If a sense of musical folk is your thing, you’ll really dig this music.

	"The part where you let go" (download)
From the EP Home Again, Home Again

This song played on MTV tonight. Chris is a great Texas (yay!) artist. I love his chord progressions. If you’ve ever listened to old school seven mary three, you’ll notice a lot of resemblance in the sort of dissonant chord patterns, and similarly how they resolve. It’s great music. I also have a thing for falsetto lately. This guy will be making a splash in the coming days, you can be sure.

	"Falling Into Doubt" (download)
From the EP (none)