a tune for Tuesday: Snow Patrol

This really is a lovely song. Looks to be a particularly mesmerizing performance on Letterman.

Music Monday

Until yesterday, while listening to a radio show featuring albums of the 1990's that decade felt like such a short reach back. Now that 2012 is here, I realize that the 90's have replaced what the 80's were to me back when I was a teacher and 80's theme day rolled around. I would let out a little snort as my way of indicating that far too little time had passed for the decade in question to qualify as a theme day. I considered myself just barely older than my students.

Now, I suppose I'll reserve that snort for 90's day. Do they even have that in high schools or middle schools today?

I have missed posting Friday songs recently. So here's to a musical Monday.

A song for Friday: Devotchka

Happy weekend all. I love this song.

Songs for Friday: Andrew Bird

First, for your viewing and listening pleasure.

And next - as if being the talented Andrew Bird weren't enough - a la francaise.

A song for Friday

How anyone could not love R.E.M. is beyond me. I've been listening to several of their albums lately. Even the kids approve.

So a selection at random...

songs for Friday: Star Anna

Fine, new Americana.

Two songs. A fancy video and a live song from a local performance this summer.

music to work by

I am lucky to get some time in my workspace this fine Saturday tweaking carvings, sketching out a couple more and deciding my focus for 2 upcoming shows. I've been without much time for Spool + Sparrow for a while and that feels bad. Listening to music and working with no background noise - children & such - has felt great.

Today it's been mostly Neko Case - love her!, The Decemberists, and The XX - great music to work by and not lose my focus. They've really grown on me. I'm generally not into videos, but here's a taste:

for the chocolate-lovin' music aficionado

The Scottish band Found has released 50 of these chocolate 7" singles. Playable and edible (even the paper label). Have a look at this to see how it was done.

via Handmade Charlotte right here.

Mumford and Sons: White Blank Page

Haven't been able to find time for blogging this week, but it's always fun and fairly quick to post a song - as is pretty much my routine here.

It seems the past year+ was a time of well-deserved praise for Mumford & Sons. I found it tough to pick a song to share. I really like the Bookshop Sessions videos. When you love what you do, it's hard to miss.

Friday music: Damien Jurado

Mustn't forget a song for Friday. I'm hooked on Damien Jurado's most recent album, Saint Bartlett. I shared another song from this album back in December, but Throwing Your Voice is just as worthy of your time.

Friday music: Foster the People makes me happy

This song, Pumped up Kicks, by Foster the People makes me happy. Makes me want to get fit and healthy, go hear live bands that don't go on until about 11pm and then feel energized enough the next day to be psyched about doing it again the following weekend. And perhaps some early evening surfing or at least time at the beach ... you know, before the show.

A live version that helps me to vicariously experience a tiny taste of SXSW.

Hey Friends, it's Friday!

Have a listen then go make something happen.

Music Monday

I missed posting a song on Friday. I had had something in mind, but when the Principal at my 7-yr-old's school called to tell me a boy in my daughter's class had punched her in the nose, my to do list for the afternoon magically disintegrated. The short of it - she is fine now.

So now, a song. Kate Nash & Billy Bragg. Love 'em both.

Worth a listen: Neko Case

cover art via Neko's website

I am a Neko Case fan. When I think of her music, her album Furnace Room Lullabies comes to mind first. I wasn't able to find good video for the songs I sought out, but I did stumble across this one. The song, People Got a Lotta Nerve, is a sort of bonus for me as the drawings in the video have got to be the work of Julie Morstad. I love her work! I'm disappointed with myself that I don't even have Neko's latest album. What kind of fan is that?! Needless to say, I am not current on the work of many of my favorite musical artists.

Julie also did the cover art for Neko's album, Fox Confessor Brings The Flood. At least I'm fairly sure she did. As I type I realize I've never actually verified that. However, it's 3:03am and I feel comfortable taking a leap. So Julie & Neko, a two-for-one today. Happy weekend.

Worth a listen: Down by the Water by The Decemberists

It's a rainy, dreary day here in Seattle. Tomorrow is expected to be much, much better. I could use a bit of sunshine. Hope your weekend is a sunny one.

I do love The Decemberists. Here's a great one from their latest album.

Worth a listen: Fake Empire by The National

Happy Friday! Wishing you all a spectacular weekend. Here's one from The National that I always love to hear...

I defy you to not dance... or cry.

I like music of most genres, but Katy Perry hasn't been among those I listen to. I came across her video for a song called Firework. I guess it isn't so new any longer, but it is to me. And I love it. I cannot make it through the video without dancing around my modest work space. I feel a well of emotion with the imagery of the video. Brings those happy tears of victory. For those of us who are former club kids - and those who were not - go ahead... get your dance on!

Friday music -Sharon Van Etten

Hmm. I really must think about a title for my Friday music posts. I'll do that for the new year.

The final song I'll share for 2010 is from Sharon Van Etten. Sharon is a powerhouse! This song is a favorite. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

This week's song a day early. It's about a snowman - well, kind of. Enjoy your families, friends and time together.

Because one is not enough...