digitalcitrus.com

Greg Holden
“Changes”

I’ve been following Greg Holden for about a year now on youtube. For the past month or so I’ve been wanting to post one of his songs, and tonight he posted a song that I simply could not pass up. “Changes” is amazing. This version I’ve posted is a live performance, not a studio cut. He has an amazing ability to create beautiful melodies and deliver the lyrics with such fluidity. I love every song he’s posted.

Rosie Thomas
“Farewell”

I listened to this song for the first time today and loved it. It’s so muted and minimal, but still so emotive.
There aren’t huge rises or falls, just a simple, honest musical expression.

Enjoy.

Barcelona
“Get up, Get up, Get up”

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”.

Ben Sollee
“Panning for gold”

This site wouldn’t be what it is today without you – the listener. I occasionally get emails from people who love this website and want to share artists they’re sure I’d love. This is one such case. A big thanks to Krystal for introducing me to Ben Sollee. If you know Krystal, pat her on the back for me.

I love this song. There’s such a flutter of goings on in this song. The soft high-pitched trills add an amazing depth to this song. It gives rise to a sort of tension that ends up resolving into the bridge. This song builds nicely and seems to end on a softer, more thoughtful note.

Bon Iver
“Blindsided”

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!

Sigur Ros
“Góðan daginn”

Don’t ask me what they’re singing about – I’ve no idea. I do know the title means good morning or good day. I’ve been spending a lot of time listening to this album and others of Sigur Rós lately. It seems to help counteract the current stresses with work. Something about the falsetto here is soothing. Sigur is like the Radiohead of Iceland. I really love their music.

Nina Simone
“I want a little sugar in my bowl”

A few weeks ago I was in the Dominican Republic second-shooting a wedding with Dallas Wedding Photographer Stacy Reeves. We had an absolute blast!

During the reception, a lot of great music was played. One of the songs I had never heard was this one by Nina Simone – “I want a little sugar in my bowl”. I just thought I should share it with everyone here. Sit back, grab your loved one, and dive into this tune.

I hope you enjoy.

Brendan James
“Green”

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

Fisher
“I will Love You”

Today I got a very nice email from a Kayla W. inspiring me to post music again. I’m truly sorry that I have neglected everyone and haven’t been posting with very much frequency lately. I’ll try to do better! I have been listening to a lot of music and feel the urge to post new music coming back.

So today I give you an old one. You’ve probably heard of this song, but if you haven’t you’re in for a real treat.

… And thank you for the kind words Kayla.

Matthew Andrae
“Sweet Celine”

Browsing youtube music videos the other day, I stumbled on this video. When I found it, it had about 100,000 views and is now up to more than 500,000 views. I really would like you to hear his other music. His link is below. If you like this song, buy his new CD. It’s only $10.

This is a song he wrote for his daughter, celine. He’s singing it about himself (matthew james andrae) and sweet Celine.

It’s touching. It’s honest. It’s the kind of music I love to discover.