Favorites

Today I decided to take a step out of the past and give a listen to some music I’ve been putting aside in my quest for rock and roll knowledge. 

You know those songs that make you sit in your driveway even though you’re home?  You can’t go inside until it’s over.  You know those songs that you put on and lay in bed and think to?  They make you cry on a bad day, and contemplate the beauty of life and love and happenstance, on a good one.

Well these are those songs.

I feel like Indie/Alternative music is sort of like the rock and roll of today.  It is the music that comes with a message- although what that message is, is probably up for debate.  Regardless, I love it.  I would listen to folky, guitar playing, soulful singin’, hipster-wanna-be music any day over techno beats (unless I’m attempting to work out, in which case, Bon Iver, “Holocene” may not be the best choice). 

I’ve put some of these current Indie songs on my playlists with rock gods Simon and Garfunkel and Bob Dylan.  That’s the kind of sound I’m drawn to.

I would like to start out with Radical Face “Welcome Home, Son.”  Starting out with the sound of wind and wind chimes.  You’re unsure, is this a song or a “Sleepy Time Noise Mix” like the ones you find in Bed, Bath and Beyond.?

Just wait my friend.  This song is good for windy fall days, as well as bright summer ones.  Get in the car, roll down the windows and go on a road trip.  This song will carry you from one state to another with ease. 

Have you ever listened to M. Ward?  He’s great as a solo artist, but perhaps you would better recognize his voice as part of She & Him and Monsters and Folk.

If you want a song that’s a little more upbeat, you should check out “Chinese Translation.”  What do you do with the pieces of a broken heart?   Good question Ward.  Good question.

On the upbeat kick, checking out “Love Lust” by King Charles is definitely worthwhile.  It’s a little more rock than the other songs I’ve suggested thus far.  It has some great electric guitar pieces that almost inspired me to buy an electric guitar. Almost. My favorite line: “Treasure every beating heart that sets your soul on fire.” 

Does Dave Matthews count as rock music?  I feel like he’s kind of Alternative Rock but then again, I’ve never been one for labels.

Damn, I’m so hipster.

Seriously though, I don’t care what you think about Dave, but his song “Crash Into Me” is my personal anthem.  I’m not really sure why, but this song has had a place in my heart since middle school.

Taking things down a notch, “Poison and Wine” by The Civil Wars will change your life.  It is incredibly beautiful.  It is the perfect song to choreograph a dance to, which is exactly what my friend Hannah did.  I watched her perform it last year on campus and it brought me to tears.  But I think if you’re going through some tumultuous relationship times, this is the song for you.

I don’t want to leave you on a sad note though.  Need a pick me up?  Pop on “Pumpkin Soup” by Kate Nash.  Is she Indie?  No.  Probably not.  She’s British.  Can you be foreign and hipster?  I’m not really sure. But she is sassy and I have a feeling you’ll like her.

Hope you love these songs as much as I do.