Of Monsters and Men refreshing my earbuds

So tonight’s band is pretty unique.  I was getting really bored of writing my research paper and decided to explore Itunes a little.  I was kind of interested to see this new band that was on the recommended music they always have.  So as I was looking I saw this cool sounding band named Of Monsters and Men.  Instead of doing my homework I actually ended up buying half their album and putting it on repeat.

So this band is not only really cool because they are a six piece indy folk band but because they also are from Finland.  These guys actually sprung from to solo band projects that ultimatley merged with one another.  They were originally founded in 2009 and kept adding members till they had six band members.  The members are Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir(vocals, guitar), Raggi þórhallsson (vocals, guitar, melodica, glockenspiel), Brynjar Leifsson (guitar, melodica), and Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson (drums, percussion, melodica, glockenspiel, vocals), Árni Guðjónsson(accordion/keys) and Kristján Páll Kristjánsson (bass).

The album that was released in the United States was their debut album My Head is an Animal.    They music is nothing like I have ever heard before.   Most of the songs have an indie/folkie song quality.  I especially like the use of different instruments A.K.A glockenspiel.  Nanna’s voice reminds me of why I fell in love with music.  Personally this music makes me want to sit in a grassy field and feel the wind on my skin.  I know thats kind of weird, but of late their music had really helped me get through the week.    My two favorite songs so far are King and Lionheart and Dirty PawsIf any of you guys are lovers of indy or of folk or just interested in hearing new music, I highly recommend this song to anyone! So I hope you guys like these guys and buy their songs on youtube!

Of Monsters and Men- King and Lionheart:

Of Monsters and Men: Dirty Paws

Annie Williams

Right now I’m going through this I-love-British-bands-and-solo-guitar-players kind of mood.  To add my calming/lazy attitude I was listening to another great guitar player.  Her name is Annie Williams.  I would definitely put her under some kind of acoustic pop.  Though little is known of her, this singer/songwriter has been traveling between traveling and recording in Nashville.  What is known from her is that she was born in  Missouri.

If any of you guys are fans of Warpaint then you might like this singer.  She has the smoky edge in her voice and a soothing guitar.  In her song Roll on Hills is a perfect example of this.  Another great song is Used to.   I hope you guys are enjoying your holidays!  Here’s some more music to make to even better!

P.S. If you want to hear more go to: http://www.myspace.com/anniewsongs

Roll on Hills

Hold my hand- Annie Williams

 

Playing Tennis

Tonight’s post does not include shoes or a racket.  It requires indy pop lovers and a speaker.  If you are looking for a song with a chilled down tone with a smooth guitar and voice, then Tears in the typing pool is by Tennis is the song for you.  This indy pop consists of wife and husband duo Alaina Morre and Patrick Riley.  After meeting in college they went on a sailing expedition and found their calling in music.  Neat fact is the band was name after an inside joke the couple about tennis.

This song is great for relaxing.  Most of their stuff has a clean guitar and drums to go along with it.  Alaina Moore’s voice is the real cherry on top.  She has a blend of a little soul with cutesy and sweet in it.  This song is perfect for any relaxed setting.  Ironically they classify themselves as lounge music.  So if you have an chance during the busy holidays, sit down and listen the soothing Tennis.

Take me somewhere:

Tears in the typing pool- Tennis

Radical Dads

Radical Dads is a breathe of fresh air.  Though I always love indy music I love when a has a great sound.  Radical Dads started in 2008 by Linsay Baker (vocals and guitar), Chris Diken (guitar), and Robbie Guertin (plays the drums and also sings).  Their first album Mega Rama in June 2011.  My favorite two songs by them are New age Dinosaur  and I am the Father of myself.

    The key element that makes this band stand out is the smoothness of the guitars.  Every notes flows perfectly. Another aspect that I love is the sound of garage metal in their songs.  Here are two songs and their website URL:

I am the father of myself- Radical Dads

New age dinosaur- Radical Dads

http://www.radicaldads.com/

Young the Giant

These guys are awesome!!  If you haven’t already heard them preform at the MTV music video awards, well heres a second chance to listen to this awesome band.  They were formely known as The Jakes but adopted a new title of Young the Giant.  This band was founded in Irvine, California.  The band’s line-up is Sameer Gadhia (lead vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass guitar), and François Comtois (drums).  Not only are their lyrics great but their use of different guitars and the drums makes life a whole lot more enjoyable.  How can people resist songs that has lyrics like “playing by the train station where I used to live when I was a cool kid”?  Here are the youtube video’s to of the songs I like by them:

My body- young the giant:

Apartement- Young the giant