Good Listener (VI)

1. Brandi Carlile - "Hard Way Home"
This song is off of her new album, Bear Creek. She's got one of my top five female voices of all time - there's something haunting and ragged about it. I'm still amazed that the only song I've ever heard on the radio down here is "The Story." She's so awesome. Needless to say, I have all of her albums, and while this album isn't my favorite, it's got some good tracks--- case and point: "Hard Way Home." As Brandi explains in the video (from the link embedded in the title, not the video below) , it's definitely got a country vibe to it, but hey, I'm from Texas - country is in my blood.

2. Rival Sons - "Young Love"
Since Rival Sons has just come out with a new album, I thought I'd share one of their songs with you. While this is definitely not the most popular song by this rock and roll band, it's my personal favorite. I'd never heard of Rival Sons until I met my boyfriend, and now I can't go a day with him without hearing one of their tracks. Fortunately, I really like 'em. In this track the lead singer, Jay Buchanan (see his solo body of work, Buchanan), has a different sound... you know, in my awesome musical opinion... and it just really works for my ears.

3. The Lumineers - "Ho Hey"
Heard this on a television show recently. Just wait until the chorus... just puts a smile on my face no matter what mood i'm in.

4. Of Monsters and Men - "Little Talks"
Serioulsy good. Seriously. I shouldn't have to explain. Plus, I know you've heard it on the radio already.

Good Listener (V)

1. Fleet Foxes - "Mykonos"
Great song.

2. The Middle East - "Blood"
Love this song. It's been on quite a few soundtracks recently, and it's got a neat little video.

3. Lia Ices - "Love is Won"
There's just something about her voice. Also check out "Little Marriage" if you like.

4. Alex Clare - "Too Close"
Despite the fact that I hate Internet Explorer, they did pick out a cool song for their iE9 commercial.

Good Listener (IV)

1. Horse Feathers - "Curs in the Weeds"
If Iron & Wine turned folk, this is what it would sound like. I love this song, with all of the wonderful string instruments and the great lyric (rightly used for the title of the album) "It's like marrow without bone/ to live in house with no home." Unfortunately, I envisioned a different video, so I recommend closing your eyes and just listening to the beautiful music.

2. Phantogram - "Mouthful of Diamonds"

Just listen. Period.

 

3. Yoshida Brothers - "Overland Blues" & "Kodo"

The first video is a song called "Overland Blues." It sounds super cool- asian/blues. The second video is the remix version of "Kodo" (awesome), but I included a third video (of "Kodo") that you have to check out because it shows them playing their instruments. It's amazing to watch.

Rustic/Luxe

So my parents are currently building a house, and my mom was asking me what kind of decorating style she should go with. The house is out in the middle of the country- a fact that was stearing her toward a completely rustic design aesthetic. I'm not too keen on the idea of going all out rustic. It seems so dated and usually pretty dark. However, some rustic elements are great, so I told her about this new rustic/luxe design concept that i'm completely obsessed with. It incorporates elements like reclaimed wood floors/walls/doors/etc, chandeliers (made from antlers/twigs/etc), and animal wall mounts (real or not). I'm not sure if she's going to go for it, but I thought i'd share a few images with you, and you can tell me what you think.

It's all about the color/distressing of those wood floors. Love 'em.

I love the fireplace and the wood stack. Not to mention the wood beams.

Cowhide rug? Duh.

Some cool bedrooms.

Twigs, real antlers, or fake antlers for a chandelier. Awesomeness.