tune-in Tuesday

I'm horrible about sharing music on here but it's time for one more Tune-in Tuesday. This is where I feature new, new to me, and artists that I've found a renewed love for! Sometimes it's local bands and sometimes it's big-hit artists that are over played on the radio. This time I'm digging Sara Lov.

Sara Lov was one half of 90s pop band Devics which is where she developed her sound and style according to her official website though following her Facebook seems to stay more current. Most information is outdated (from last year). There's not much more to say in all honesty. On a whim I picked up her Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming album (which is her debut solo release, 2009); frankly, I looked at the cover art and just guessed that it might be something that I'd be into. It's a sing-songy blend of original tracks that partner opaque, allegorical lyrics with a cover of Simon and Garfunkel... so it's just up my alley. She released a ten-track album of covers in 2011 and I haven't listened yet but one review didn't exactly give it high praises (it's an interesting article so you should take read). If you're interested in sampling I Already Love you try listening at Last.fm.

A Thousand Bees is one of the most catchy tunes from the album though Animals is my favorite track. Give it a listen and if you fancy, let me know what you think by leaving me a comment below!

            on another note:             

American Youth released a new track from their upcoming ep! I featured them a short while back and you can read that here. Guys, this is wonderful and I can't wait to hear more from these kids... until next time darlings!

tune in Tuesday

It's been a while since I did Tune-in Tuesday This is where I feature the artists and songs that I'm jamming to lately. Whether it's local to the mid-west or mainstream, full-steam-ahead bands, I'm certain that you'll find something you like too! I'll post in 1 to 3 categories:

• new 
• new to me 
• renewed 

I'm playing Gotye on repeat and if you don't know who the Belgium-born, Aussie musician is then make sure to take a look at his Youtube or just turn on your radio. The song Somebody That I Used to Know (ft. Kimbra) is now entering the "overplayed" category for most people (like me, who's been following this artist for almost a year). Oh, and you can find him on his Last.fm too!

I'll spare the biography on this post because it's not worth it; if you want to succumb to the hype then feel free to just start typing his name into Google. I debated whether or not to even feature Gotye but with my personal life in disarray this song:  I Feel Better  from Making Mirrors (the artists third studio album) has been a source of sanity and hope. The oldies pop rock feel of the horns blends with the funky bass and keys in a way that's reminiscent of a more pure time in music. It's a feel good song that, while it hasn't gotten Top 100 ratings since being released in October 2011, is certain to lift spirits.

tune-in tuesday

While Tune-in Tuesday  might be infrequent, I like to think I deliver some good music. Oh, for my new followers this is where I feature the artists and songs that I'm jamming to lately. Whether it's local to the mid-west or mainstream, full-steam-ahead bands, I'm certain that you'll find something you like too! I'll post in 1 to 3 catergories:

• new 
• new to me 
• renewed 

This week I'd love to share with you a new and renewed favorite: American Youth. 

This indie-folk band (formerly happygolovely) is no stranger to the midwest music circuit. Before the change, I saw them perform at Sonshine Music Festival in Willmar, MN after they won the festivals battle of the bands; the continued to dominate in the Lifelight Festival botb in Sioux Falls, SD.  Oh, and they've been featured on a few pretty great shows: E!'s "Keeping Up With The Kardashians", "Kourtney & Kim Take New York," MTV's "Real World," and others, just to mention a few!

American Youth is:
Ben Garrett | Lead Vocals, Guitars, Piano/Rhodes, Harmonica, Percussion
Winslow Leach | Vox, Bass, Whistles, Bowed Xylophone, Field Officer, Ukulele, Guitars
Justin Swafford | Guitars, BGV's | Emily Cline | Guitars, Vocals, Piano, Trombone
Jake Neiderhauser | Drums | Lindsey Faber | BGV's, Ukulele, Percussion

After discovering a small-world connection between Ben and I (through his fiance's Tumblr, no joke) I took another look at the music. I'm betting you will love their full bodied, yet mellow tunes. Vocals that carry and fall like a leaf taken by the wind are paired with harmonies not-too-overwhelming. Oh, listen to this track  for something with a bit more movement. A friend of mine even compared them too a less electronic Modest Mouse, which I think is a fair statement.

Ben shared with me a list of bands that they've opened for and it's just as impressive:  The Rocket Summer, The Spill Canvas, The Almost, Abandon Kansas, Rooney, Relient K, Hanson, Lissie, and WALK THE MOON. (When I saw Lissie listed, I maybe fangirl-ed a little bit inside).

Seriously, look them up! 

tune-in Tuesday

Tune-in Tuesday, whoop whoop! I'm featuring the artists and songs that I've had on repeat! From local in Minnesota bands to local in someotherwhere, and any artist in between,  I'm certain that you'll find something you like too! I'll post in 1 to 3 catergories:

• new
• new to me 
• renewed

This week I'm not featuring a band or artist, but instead I'm sharing a few favorite tracks from my December, Darling playlist. Wanna hear my playlist on my channel? Search Youtube: December Darling, playlist, dandilionprincess

Lose It by Austra 

Emma Louise, singing Jungle. She's stunning.

And lastly, The Tiger and Me with their song, I left the Wolves behind that Night. Seriously, love it. 

Other Favorites:

Lissie| When I'm Alone     Kimbra| Settle Down     The Nymphs| Been a Long Time Awaiting

Grave Yard Train| Tall Shadow    The Civil Wars| Forget Me Not    City and Colour| That Girl 

Well, that's that. I think maybe this means it's time to start a new playlist, huh? Anyways, hope my sweets are doing well! I've got some more structured (and personal) posts in the works for you coming up in the next few weeks. Digging up my old worksheets from my Relationships class has been somewhat motivational for me. Lord knows that I need much restoration in my mind and life specifically regarding some major relationships... hopefully this goes well!

“The one who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been.” 

Albert Einstein 

tune-in Tuesday

This tune-in Tuesaday is running a little late but here it is! In this weekly post I feature the artists and songs that I've had on repeat! From local in Minnesota bands to local in someotherwhere, and any artist in between,  I'm certain that you'll find something you like too! I'll post in 1 to 3 catergories:

• new
• new to me 
• renewed

Tonight, I am highlighting another local to Minneapolis/St. Paul band: Blank Page Empire. I first heard of these guys a few years ago but didn't give them a listen until this fall. I'm happy to say that I've been listening to calm down on repeat nearly daily and still haven't gotten sick of it. 

What I really like about BPE is the way they embrace their art with a quiet passion that is unmistakable. There is a vulnerability and confidence that is dicrotic and woven into not only the lyrics but the composition as well. I'm not going to say too much but take a listen below and be impressed. I know I am.

            on a personal note:             

You'll be saddended to hear that I am still sick. I believe that it' been 2 months or more since I started this blasted cold. My symptoms: a chesty cough, greenish mucas, ringing ears (but not any more since my ears are now plugged and almost to "ear-infection" status), fatigue, and lack of concentration. Sigh. I'd love to shake this cold. Part of me wonders if it's a physical manifestation of my spiritual and emotional health. It's to the point where I have no appetite, which is fine considering I can't taste anything. Not even coffee. My world just might be crashing. . 

tune-in Tuesday

Welcome to Tune-in Tuesadays! It's a weekly post feature the artists and songs that I've had on repeat! From local in Minnesota bands to local in someotherwhere, and any artist in between,  I'm certain that you'll find something you like too! I'll post in 1 to 3 catergories:

• new
• new to me 
• renewed

This week I've taken a renewed interest in My Brightest Diamond a sometimes solo artist and sometimes band from New York, New York. Shara Worden is the lady in the lead (born to musical evangelist parents and raised outside of Detroit, MI)  Read the full history and bio here (her musical pedigree is substantial, but her talent speaks for itself.) 

I first discovered My Brightest Diamond 2 years ago after finding a free download on Last.fm. I listened to the songs: Something of an End and Inside a Boy on repeat every night. There was something in her melancholy melodies that carried me off from the dirt pile of my life and into a realm of quiet imagination. (Those are some pretty clever words, eh?!) Rediscovering those tracks begged me to take another listen and to dig a little deeper into the bands history and theme. I fell in love at first with the sounds and obscure lyrics (that often paralled my own obtuse imagination and acute trauma's of life) but when I saw the theatrical back bone, I melted/

You can find All Things Will Unwind on iTunes or from the Asthmatic Kitty Records site here where they also give a detailed and articulate review. Also, take a minute and watch this video for the track High Low Middle. Well, kit's and kittens I hope you dig My Brightest Diamond even a third as much as I do because it's been on repeat all day for me, and I'm still not sick of it. Who have you been listening to lately?

tune-in Tuesday

Welcome to Tune-in Tuesadays! It's my new weekly post feature the jams I can't get enough of! From local in Minnesota bands to local in someotherwhere I'm certain that you'll find something you like too! I'll post in 1 to 3 catergories:

• new
• new to me 
• renewed

Since this is a new feature you might see it change a bit as I tweak through it in the next few weeks but nonetheless I hope you enjoy, my darlings! I'm going to start by featuring Aiming for Aurora (AFA) who are not only fantastic musicians but awesome guys too. I saw them at the 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis last Friday and like always it renewed my love for these kids!

I first met them a few years ago when I was in college as a freshman baby. The band, and the adorable Mandy (who has been an icon of inspiration in my life since) were trying to sell tickets to their show that night. I was suckered in by their charm. 2 years later and I'm still smitten by the melodies, driving beats, and lyrical smoothness that these guys create. Kelsey Chewning, the lead vocalist has that kind of spark that fans really connect to and the band as a whole are some of the most relatable kids I know. If you're in the Minneapolis or St. Paul area and haven't heard Aiming for Aurora before then head over to their Facebook, get a listen and I'm certain you'll fall hard for them. They finally released their first full album this summer and this is their video for Paper Made Stars (from the new album). 

For more info check out their official website and make sure to tune-in next Tuesday to hear more! Ps. If you get curious dig around their Youtube channel. They've got some hilarious videos and promos from the last few years! 

         lyrics:         
Like the earth shaped dimples in the palms of your hands
everything is spinning while Im sliding back as far as I can
From the dirt under my nails you can tell where I’ve been
You believe in what you want and Ill believe in whatever I can

Your smile is so full of holes
Lately I’ve been digging way too many of those
If everyone’s a liar will I ever know what makes you so beautiful?

like a dark sky swallowing my paper made stars
I know that you’re hiding, and I know where you are
You see the dirt under my nails but not the blood on my hands?
You believe in what you want and when you cant then you pretend

follow fast and disattached
while I sense hesitation I can also feign this backtrack
I dont know much, but I know what I need
If everyone is fallen, then I don’t wanna be