Music Monday- Bastille- Laughter Lines

So, I've definitely been slacking on the blog. Grad school has taken a lot of my time, and when I have down time, I spend it watching Netflix. Interestingly enough, I'm sitting in class right now. And let me tell you, its boring. Holy... wow. Meaning this post is extremely sarcastic and cynical in nature.

Anyway, a while back I purchased Bastille's "Bad Blood" album. I didn't even really listen to the entire thing until my returning flight from D.C. It was a perfect album to drift away to.

Bastille is an English rock band hailing from London which formed in 2010. Initially, the band was a solo project created by front man Dan Smith. The band's name is derived from Bastille Day (France's national holiday) which falls on the same day as Smith's birthday. Maybe my French heritage is what pulls me toward the band... hmmm. "Bad Blood" dropped in March 2013 and is the band's debut album. Must have just taken a while to reach the US.They incorporate a number of instruments and sounds (such as synthesizers) as well as vocals into their music, definitely something fresh and new for the listening ears.

Anyway, the song I chose is "Laughter Lines." To be honest, it was hard to choose, as all the songs on the album are absolutely fantastic. Check out "Bad Blood" and "Flaws" as well. And this specific track isn't even a single yet, Man, I'm ahead of the times!!

Hopefully the video works, and plays the song I want. Can't listen to music while I'm pretending to pay attention....



I'm also trying to figure out how to make a music player for my blog, so this whole Music Monday posts will be easier, and NOT youtube videos. So stay tuned.

Wish I had more time to write all I want, but the creative juices are lacking as is my attention span in class.

xoxo.

Music Monday: The Wild Feathers- If You Don't Love Me

A couple weeks ago, as well as this summer, I wrote about The Wild Feathers. I have definitely developed a great affinity for the band.

I decided to feature "If You Don't Love Me" off of their debut self titled album. It isn't a single yet or anything, I'm just a fan of the song. (As well as the rest of the music)
The song is really raw and honest, and can speak to almost anyone who has experienced heartbreak. The four part harmonies are flawless. It is this specific song that reminds me of early Bruce Springsteen.

Anyway, take a listen to this acoustic version. And Enjoy. I hope you fall in love with them just as much as I did.

Music Monday: Lorde- Team

My first Music Monday post was Lorde's "Royals". She is obviously talented and I wanted to share more of her awesomeness with you all.
The New Zealand artist released her debut studio album Pure Heroine (the female version of hero, not the drug) on September 27, 2013 in her home country as well as Australia, and on September 30th here in the states.
The song "Team" is the third single off the album. It was leaked to an Australian radio station on September 12th, and as a result was released at a digital download in Australia and New Zealand on September 13th. The single became available in the US as part of the pre-order of Pure Heroine.
"Team" debuted at #31 on the US Rock Songs chart, and at #3 on the New Zealand Singles chart.

Take a listen.



Until next time,
XOXO
Belle

Music Monday: The 1975- Chocolate

The 1975 is an indie/rock band hailing from England. The band formed around 2002 after meeting in high school and is composed of members Matt Healy, Ross MacDonald, Adam Hann, and George Daniel. They were also known under various names until deciding upon The 1975  in 2012.

The 1975 had 4 previous EP releases and released their self titled full length on September 2, 2013. The song "Chocolate" was previous released as a digital download on January 24, 2013 via the EP "Music for Cars" and is also featured on the self titled album.

This song, to me, is reminiscent of some 80s music. It's got a pretty catchy beat.

Take a listen.



Until next time,
XOXO
Belle

Music Monday: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis- White Walls

I've wanted to post this song for a couple of weeks, but, I had other songs lined up before I found out they were releasing this video. The song wasn't supposed to be released until October 8, 2013. Obviously that isn't the case. 

"White Walls" is the 6th single off of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' album "The Heist." The video was released September 9th, 2013, so almost a month before it was allegedly supposed to hit mainstream radio. However, I've already heard it on some radio stations. 

The song, if you haven't caught on, is about a Cadillac. 

We all know that he can be serious and influential with a lot of his songs, but then he's got others like "White Walls" that bring a new sense of humor to hip hip music. I'm also a big fan of how Ryan Lewis mixes songs and the progression of the music within a single song. 

Anyway, I'm rambling. If you haven't heard this yet, take a listen. 

Until next time,
XOXO
Belle

Music Monday: Coldplay- Atlas

Coldplay is a British rock band formed in 1996 by lead singer Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland while they were at University College London. Their band name has changed multiple times until finally going by Coldplay in 1998.
They've had much success and have won many awards for their music.

Coldplay released their most recent single "Atlas" on September 6th, 2013. "Atlas" will be featured on the upcoming "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" soundtrack.

Check the lyric video out.



Until next time,
XOXO
Belle

Music Monday: Capital Cities- Kangaroo Court

The duo Capital Cities, which actually met via Craigslist, hails from Los Angeles, CA. Their debut album, "In a Tidal Wave of Mystery" was released June 4, 2013 underneath Capitol Records. They are most known for their single "Safe and Sound".

In addition to "Safe and Sound", "Kangaroo Court" was initially released off their self titled EP over a year ago.

The video however, was just released September 5th, 2013. And it features one of my favorite people, Darren Criss.


Take a Listen.


Until next time,
XOXO
Belle

Music Monday: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis- Same Love

Can I just tell you to go listen to every song this duo has made?

I never thought I would enjoy rap music, but Mr. Ben Haggerty, aka Macklemore, can change anyone's view. He doesn't rap about drugs and sex and booze like many rappers of today do. He has fun; rapping about thrift shops and dressing up like a makeshift royal, wanting to dance all night and have a really really really good time. With the guy's undeniable charisma he's pure gold using these songs as a gateway to others that tackle issues like consumerism, human rights, and his personal struggles with sobriety.

I think for today I'll be choosing "Same Love" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Even though the song is the 4th single from the platinum album, "The Heist", the video was released after the 5th single "Thrift Shop" and previous to the 3rd single "Can't Hold Us," almost a year ago. (The 1st and 2nd singles were "My Oh My" and "Wings," respectively, if you're keeping track) "Same Love" recently won a MTV award for "Best Video with a Message" and has gained much media attention because of the issues it references. Not to mention it give me goose bumps every single time I hear it.

Take a Listen. And while you're at it, just go buy his music. Support the independent artist. And support one of the biggest voices of our generation, not to mention one the artists with the most integrity I've seen in a while. Did I mention he donates proceeds for some of his songs to charity? Yeah, purposeful music. 

Until next time,
XOXO
Belle

Music Monday: Bruno Mars- Gorilla

I was lucky enough to score tickets (thanks to my best friend) to Bruno's "Moonshine Jungle" Tour this past July. It was one of the best performances I've seen. I saw this song performed on his tour, and its also on the CD; but Bruno debuted the song "Gorilla" last night at the MTV VMAs. The song comes from his 2nd album "Unorthodox Jukebox."

Take a listen.

The "Moonshine Jungle" wraps up in the US on Sept 1st, but continues in the UK as well as New Zealand and Australia well into 2014.

Until next time,
XOXO
Belle

Music Monday: One Republic- Counting Stars

This weeks featured artist is One Republic. The band that calls Colorado home, originated in 1996 but didn't truly form until 2002. They were picked up and dropped by major music labels but after becoming wildly popular on Myspace, One Republic became the first rock band to be signed to Mosley Music Group.  Following this, the band was able to release their debut album Dreaming Out Loud in 2007 and made radio history with their first single "Apologize", receiving the largest amount of air plays in one week.

The song "Counting Stars" is the 3rd single off their 3rd album Native. Even though their previous singles from this album ("Feel Again" and "If I Lose Myself") are huge hits, it's "Counting Stars" that makes its mark with me. The song has kind of an electronic folk sound mixed with a little Latin influence. (That flute!)


One Republic will be kicking off a co-headlining tour with Sara Bareilles on Aug 29th.

Take a listen. And I'd love to know what music genres and influences you hear in the song!




Until next time,
XOXO
Belle

Music Monday: Lorde- Royals

I decided to try Music Monday. I'll post a song that's been either stuck in my head, influential or just a song that's new to me each week.

So this week, its Lorde's Royals. She's a 16 year old UK artist (well from New Zealand) and just released an EP back in March.

Take a listen.



Until next time,
XOXO
Belle