Video - Charlie Hardin: Oh Holy Night

Nashville artist Charlie Hardin who is a friend and familiar face on Mary's Musicology has made a little Christmas video of one of my absolute favorite, give me chills, I could sing it every day songs O Holy Night. Give it a watch! You may remember his Kickstarter campaign for his new album which is looking to release this spring!

Christmas Playlist 2012!!

Merry Christmas! I hope this finds all of you enjoying this season and not overwhelmed with holiday prep.

For this year's playlist I had the intention of getting it done early before the Christmas rush was in full force. Yet, as I sat down to do it in my apartment void of decoration or Christmas tree I realized that I had no inspiration and no desire to listen to Christmas music yet. When I was a kid I could not wait for the day after thanksgiving so I could start playing Christmas music. Now as I'm getting older I don't feel that rush even though Christmas preparation seems to be happening earlier and earlier each year. So now that I have a few Christmas parties under my belt, a beautiful Christmas tree and mandatory viewing of Love Actually and White Christmas I'm finally ready to share my Christmas music picks this year.

I pray this Christmas you find yourself with those you love. So grab some cocoa (add some brandy...), a blanket and spend some time snuggled up with someone special just enjoying the moment (and this super awesome playlist). I think I'll grab the electric blanket... and the brandy... ;) Blessings to you all!

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For playlists of Christmas past click 2010, 2011.

The Ultimate Bearhug

If you are as big a fan of The Civil Wars as I am you've heard the story of how they met. Joy and John Paul were randomly paired together at a songwriting session for another artist and magic happened when they started working together and the rest of the story resulted in music that makes my heart sing. Finding that music magic is something that most artists hope to find in some way or another. Recently hearing the story of Los Angeles duo The Ultimate Bearhug its an all too familiar story. Doll Knight and Barrett Johnson met, chatted, decided they should write together and that music magic happen and they just knew they were meant to work together. After a year of writing their debut album Just South of Los Angeles was released. This album has been the soundtrack of last week as I've been going through a major career transition so its already found a special place in my heart and I think you will all love it too! Stream their album on Spotify and if you like it too join me at their show this Thursday, October 25th at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood.

 



 This week I was also given the opportunity to ask them a few questions and find a little more about Doll and Barrett. I'm going to honest and admit I'm a little jealous Doll was able to go to a Ricky Martin show at 11... wait, I mean not at all jealous...

1. How old were you both when you realized you wanted to do music for a living? 
Doll : 6 yrs. old
Barrett: When I was in grade school and first heard Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone."

2. Who are the artists/bands that inspire your music? 
We're inspired by a lot of older music, particularly jazz and folk. Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, Bob Dyland, Simon and Garfunkel, and Joni Mitchell, and thousands more. There are definitely modern musicians that inspire us as well, such as Rufus Wainwright, Fiona Apple, Richard Swift, Jolie Holland, the list is seemingly endless.

3. What was the first live concert you ever went to? 
Doll: Ricky Martin 11yrs. old, on his "Shake your Bon Bon" tour
Barrett: One of the earliest concerts I went to was Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters.

4. What is your favorite venue to play at? 
So far, we like Hotel Cafe because of the audience that is usually there to listen. Dream venue... Hollywood Bowl :)

5. What is your favorite song on this album and why? 
Doll: They're all special to me for such different reasons. In terms of writing them, Foolish Things was a very fun one to write and for that reason it always reminds me of that really fun night when we wrote such a silly song.
Barrett: Either Foolish Things or Just South of Los Angeles. Foolish Things was a lot of fun and Just South of Los Angeles' lyrics mean a lot to me.

Website & Free Album Download

Spotify: The Ultimate Bearhug – Just South of Los Angeles 

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ZZ Ward

Let me start with saying that I hate being at a desk all day. It drives me a bit crazy. So when I hear a song that makes me want to dance there is little I can do to stop the urge to get out of my chair and bust my moves. Whatever, girls gotta dance!

ZZ Ward is one of those artist that makes music you just can't help but enjoy. Her first EP was released last May and her full length album hits the streets October 16th. Enjoy some great music from ZZ Ward that will get you doing the shoulder dance at your desk.

She'll be at The Troubadour in Los Angeles on October 18th. Catch her there or at your local U.S. city! Website

Facebook

Tour Schedule

Photo Credit: The Chamber Group

Muse - Madness (New Video)

Have you all seen the new Madness video from Muse? What do you think? Apparently they are the 4th or 5th most popular band online based off of the number of fans on their various media sites! Congrats Muse!  Enjoy!
 

Ane Brun

Recently I discovered Norwegian singer Ane Brun while listen to Morning Becomes Eclectic on KCRW. Ane Brun however is not new to music. She has released 8 albums and runs her own record label. Her recent album It All Starts With One was just released in the U.S. a few weeks ago. On it you can find guest appearances by two of my current favorites Jose Gonzales and First Aid Kit. As a result of her recent album a series of short films were made to go along with a few of the tracks. They are weird, creepy and wonderful all at once. It says something great to me when one person's art inspires another. Enjoy!


 

Music Videos On Repeat

Its Monday... I dropped my peanut butter and jelly toast on the floor... Its going to be one of those weeks but these videos make me feel better.

I love the dancing in this video
Lucy Schwartz "Graveyard"


Lianne La Havas "Is Your Love Big Enough?"

Just saw this band for the first time opening for Ben Howard. Love the harmonies!
Bahamas "Lost In The Light"


 The Paper Kites "Featherstone"

Kimbra - Stream the new album now

Photo Credit: Thom Kerr

Maybe you recognize Kimbra from the Gotye video "Somebody I Used to Know" or maybe you know her for her solo career. In any case its time you all know her. My first experience was watching Kimbra's video of her Nina Simone cover "Plain Gold Ring" which I then proceeded to blog about here then watch daily for at least 2 weeks. At only 22 this New Zealander is incredibly talented and has made a huge name for herself in Australia and New Zealand. She is in the process of taking the U.S. by storm. I tried to buy tickets to her first Los Angeles show but it sold out within five minutes!! Tuesday she is releasing her album Vows in the U.S. with nearly half of it being new songs not on the Australian edition. You can now stream it on NPR.  For more Kimbra music videos click here.

Stream Vows on NPR

Stream John Mayer's new album

 Posting an old picture because let's be honest John, the new look is not doing it for me...

If you are a John Mayer fan and haven't streamed the new album on iTunes now is your chance before it goes away. There is no set expiration date so it could disappear at any moment... just like John's touring career. I'm still mourning the fact that I will not get to experience hearing him at the Hollywood Bowl this summer and will hold on to the memory of his last concert there. The Born & Raised album comes out May 22nd.

Listen Here

Music's Healing Power

You may have seen this video already. Uploaded only five days ago and it already has almost 3 million views. It shows the healing affect of music. How it can awaken someone who is closed off and unresponsive to the world. Its just incredible! It warms my heart and this, this is why I love music so much!

Ben Howard

As promised this next artist hales from the UK but he's not what I would have imagined a guy from South Devon to be. Ben Howard is a Billabong sporting, guitar wielding, surfer. News to me that there are places in England that you can surf that don't look like the coast a Jane Austin or Charlotte Bronte novel would take place. I imagine the waters very very cold which increases my respect for these British surfers to a higher degree.

Raised on Joni Mitchell, John Martyn, Simon and Garfunkel and Pink Floyd by his mom and dad, Ben started writing and playing music at a young age and it seemed only natural to him to sign with Island Records who signed Nick Drake and John Martyn knowing that his music would fit in well at the label.

Ben Howard, who turns 24 next month, officially released his debut album in the U.S. today titled Every Kingdom. His first American tour has started and I already have purchased tickets to his Los Angeles show at the Troubadour which sold out so fast that they added a second night (We bought two extra tickets to the Tuesday night show so if you are really nice to me I may give you a deal on those tickets). Ben has been selling out shows throughout the UK and Europe developing a very loyal and devout following just by word of mouth and if his sold out shows are any evidence he will soon have that same following here in the U.S.

For more Ben Howard:

Youtube Playlist

Facebook

Website

Spotify

Lucy Rose

Unintentionally the next three or four artists that will be featured here are all from the UK. Something is in the water in England and I like it.

Our first British talent is Lucy Rose from Warwickshire at age 23. She is beginning her solo career after contributing vocals on two Bombay Bicycle Club albums. Lucy never played anyone her music until she left home to go to college and decided to pursue music rather then attend school. 

 Lucy has only released three singles that will leave you wanting more but you can hear quite a few more live tracks on youtube. Each of her singles is its own break up anthem. Who hurt you Lucy? Jerk. She has begun recording her full-length album this year at her parents’ home. Lets hope it makes its way to the U.S. for release soon as well as some live shows!

Middle of the Bed Scar Red Face (Live)

For more Lucy Rose music check out my Youtube.com playlist here. 

Facebook 

Myspace 

 iTunes 

Image Sources Unknown

Video Tuesday. Its a thing... For Today...

Well I have a million artist post backed up that I need to do but for now I will procrastinate a little longer and share my favorite music related videos.

Punch Brothers - Clara (Live)
This is one of my top 3 favorite songs from their new album

Uncle Daddy/Thurz - Wake Up
The boys of Uncle Daddy are going gangsta with this new tune you can download for free! www.gouncledaddy.com

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks 
I just love this weird little video

City and Colour - Fragile Bird (Live)
There aren't really words to describe how much I love his voice
Gary Clark Jr. - Please Come Home (Live) This is what I call "baby making music." I've seen Gary several times live and if you have the chance get there!

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In Honor of Australia Day

Since I am not only American but Australian as well I thought it would be appropriate to feature all my favorite Aussie music right now to celebrate Australia Day. There are so many great Australian artists entering the music scene these days it was hard to choose just a few! Enjoy mates!
Boy And Bear - Feeding Line Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know Angus & Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane Sia - You've Changed

Marc Scibilia

There are those days when I get caught down the rabbit hole of new music. Its not even clear how I get there but eventually I stumble across a new artist that really takes me. Today I was in the youtube related videos rabbit hole and stumbled across Marc Scibilia and this video.

*Note at 2:38 when I'm pretty sure his dog passes gas and Marc can't stop laughing.

Are you swooning yet? I know I am... The Johnny Cash influence can definitely be heard in this native of Buffalo, New York who moved to Nashville right after high school knowing music was his calling. At this moment a few Youtube videos are all you will get of Marc but he has an EP coming out early this year and you can hear him on Andrew Greer's album coming out January 31st.

I have a feeling he will be exploding shortly so jump on the Marc wagon before it gets too full.

For more on Marc check out these links:

Marc Scibilia Website

Facebook

Youtube

New Music Video From First Aid Kit - Emmylou

This new song by First Aid Kit has been on repeat for me since it was released and now they have a new video to go along with it. This video is a very unique tribute to some of their favorite artists filmed in the incredible Joshua Tree Park in California. Their new album The Lion's Roar comes out January 24th.