I can’t live without music! Here’s a sampling of what I’ve been listening to lately.
Spring 09
I saw the Wicked musical about a month ago and have been listening to the soundtrack almost constantly since then, at least in the car. Perhaps I should branch out a little again, but it’s just so fun to sing along with.
A few other artists I’ve been enjoying lately: Neko Case, Fleet Foxes, Welcome Wagon, Wilco, Kings of Leon, and continuing to love Ryan Adams. Also a few locals, Angie Aparo, Besides Daniel, and a great live recording from Eddie’s Attic of Ryan Horne, Jon Black, Micah Dalton, and Kim Taylor have been getting some good playtime on my iTunes.
Fall 08
Oh dear, this needs updating. And since I should really be studying/doing work stuff/going to the gym, this is the perfect opportunity! Right 5 minutes, then going to the gym . . .
Actually, in looking back at previous entries on this page, I’m still listening to a lot of the same music, Ryan Adams, Elizabethtown, the Once soundtrack. I did go see OAR last weekend, so I’ve been listening to some of their stuff, and I just bought the new Old Crow CD. Oh, and finally really sat down and listened to the new Tobasco Donkeys album and it just made me want to go back to Philmont even more! The new version of “New Mexico Rain” takes a little getting used to (I’m a sucker for Rod Taylor’s soothing voice), but I loved the interpretation of “Wagon Wheel” and the new “August Day.” Let’s see, we just had a Sunday School lesson on a Killers song and a Coldplay song, so those bands have been put back into heavy rotation, along with Ringside, who I think has a very similar sound.
I’ve also change my Podcast listening habits slightly. Still on the list are Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me and Peachtree Sermons (in case I miss a Sunday or a service with a different preacher) and recently added are Mountain Stage and Fresh Air. I do love my NPR!
Spring
I just went to see Brett Dennen at the Variety Playhouse, so I’ve been listening to him a lot. Also just saw the movie “Once,” which had a GREAT soundtrack by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. I was also recently turned on to Over the Rhine, which is some great, chill stuff!
Christmas Time
Oooh! It’s December! I have a pretty strict policy of not listening to Christmas music before December (Ok, I did get a little ahead of myself this year, but I DID wait till after Thanksgiving). I do the same thing with cinnamon-apple scented candles and air fresheners. Seriously, who wants to smell Christmasy in August? At any rate, I’m enjoying my Christmas music this year with a playlist of some of my favorite choral music and a random mix of great other stuff. I was on a kick a few years ago of finding the punk/new wave versions of traditional Christmas carols. If you’ve never heard The Vandals sing “Oi to the World,” it’s not to be missed.
Right, so we’ve got good ol’ Robert Shaw and His Chamber Singers, Mannheim Steamroller, John Rutter, Boston Camerata, and Chanticleer. Then there’s Mindy Smith’s new Christmas album, one I got from church made by our contemporary service band (I think my new favorite singer is Meghan Coffee), Harry Connick Jr’s “Harry for the Holidays,” all mixed in with some Ramones, Pogues, Pedro the Lion, Vince Gill and Barenaked Ladies! Wow, I knew I had an eclectic taste in music, but actually writing it out makes me see just how scattered my brain tastes are!
2-week Study Session
Trying to study for comprehensive exams is not fun. The fact that I’m studying 2 weeks early rather than the night before is HUGE for me. But I gotta have something to block out the noisy guy who lives in the carrel behind mine (seriously, he’s there ALL the time). So for right now, it’s a lot of peaceful but not too boring My Morning Jacket, Ryan Adams, Pat Green, Cory Morrow, REK, and I just discovered Brett Dennan.
About as varied as the Garden State Soundtrack, but with a warmer, more comforting feel. Some of my favorite artists on the album: Helen Stellar’s “Io”, a few by Patty Griffin including the always wonderful “Moon River”, a few by Ryan Adams, some Tom Petty tracks I’d never heard before such as “Square One,” and a hauntingly beautiful interpretation of “Hard Times” by East Mountain South (which, sadly, is no longer). This movie really struck me a couple weeks ago and the music reached me more than any other movie I’ve seen recently.
Utopian Drum Lords
A mix I made of some of the music from the last 3 Doctor Who:Confidentials (Utopia, Sound of Drums, Last of the Time Lords). They show a behind-the-scenes of every single episode and use popular music as the soundtrack. Includes “Vide Cor Meum” from Hannibal, “Rewind” by Stereophonics, Sinatra’s “World on a String,” and “Voodoo Child” by Rogue Traders.
Music to Fall Asleep To
This list changes, but it’s usually got a heavy dose of choral music from BYU, Cambridge Singers, Chanticleer, and some of the softer sounds of Allison Krauss, David Crowder Band, and Eva Cassidy.
Podcasts
How I adore podcasts! I have to be very selective about what I subscribe to, or I end up never listening to any of them. Currently on the list are: Doctor Who Podshock (a rather frustratingly rambling review of each episode and any news), Peachtree Presbyterian Sermons (great way to stay connected to home), NPR’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me (the funniest news show you’ll ever hear! Great to listen to while running and guaranteed to get you some weird looks as you laugh outloud.), the Meditation Podcast (also falls into the going-to-sleep list).
