Today is SUNNY! I am having such a glorious day. I have had classes, but honestly, sometimes I dig learning. I know, I'm a nerd, a dweeb, a locker dweller. Well, whatever you call it, I embrace my academic existence.
A few days ago, I decided to explore a new world of aural entertainment that I had never before experienced. What is this entertainment, you ask? Why, the podcast, of course. For those of you who, like I was, are unsure about what a Podcast actually is, let me enlighten you. A Podcast is like a radio show. It's a prerecorded program, sometimes with a video component, that is recorded and then available for download. Most of the popularity of these programs came through the use of the iPod, hence "podcast." Most if not all podcasts are free to download on iTunes and I have found a couple that I think are really incredible.
If you've read my blog so far through these formative stages, then you know what is coming next... a recommendation! It should come as no surprise that the podcasts I listen to now are music oriented. The first of the two is the NPR "Tiny Desk Concert" series. This series is recorded at the desk of Bob Boilen, the host of NPR's "All Songs Considered" and its basically an artist or band performing live. This podcast has a video component, but the audio is incredible, so it is definitely portable as an audio Podcast on your iPod or MP3 player.
In the interest of hooking you, I have included a link to an incredible Tiny Desk Concert performed by the Avett Brothers....
Avett Brothers Tiny Desk
I hope you enjoyed it if you haven't already listened to the Avett Brothers or seen a Tiny Desk Concert!! You shoudl definitely subscribe to the Podcast; there are some incredible acts.
The second of the Podcasts I am listening to is the "KEXP Live Performances Podcast." This Podcast is basically just a live in-studio performance with a smattering of incredible artists at a Seattle radio station, including Florence + the Machine, Beirut, Jamie Lidell and a ton of other AWESOME musicians. I just listened to the Florence recording today, and I highly recommend it. Below is a link to a Youtube video of the "Cosmic Love" recording from this performance...
Florence on KEXP
Well, if you haven't tried the Podcast thing before, I hope this entry has encouraged you to do so. There is a world of music out there that can move your soul, move your feet, or just help you move through the day, and below, I have left some recommendations for sunny gorgeous days like today.
-"Radio"- Beyonce (I know, not my usual fare.)
-"After the Storm"- Mumford & Sons
-"Rehab"-Originally by Amy Winehouse, covered by Paolo Nutini
-"Campus"- Vampire Weekend
So, take a break, read up and then plug in for some tunes. You'll be glad you did.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Draußen? Grau. Natürlich.
Well, today was a dreary day in Kirksville. The whole day was sort of gray, in every way. Generally, days like these make me sad, and today was perhaps no different, although there is one, pardon the cliche, silver lining to these sorts of overcast days. Now what, do you ask, could be the silver lining? Well, my friends, that would be the music that accompanies these sorts of days.
I am an iPod junkie, and therefore, I seldom walk anywhere without it. So, today, in between classes and responsibilities, I listened to some GREAT cloudy day music.
I started my day with Bon Iver. I listened especially to "Skinny Love" and, of course, "Flume." The other day, a fellow music major friend and I were talking about the emotions we like to sing. We both decided that, while love songs and happiness can be easy and fun sometimes, we really prefer to sing sadness. I think that's why Bon Iver speaks so clearly to me when it's cloudy outside. Sometimes, it is really soothing to feel in touch with the sad, sonorous harmonies of this type of music and today was one of those times.
Without much thought as to why, I know that the lyrics to "Skinny Love", /And I told you to be patient And I told you to be fine And I told you to be balanced And I told you to be kind/ really speak to me. But isn't that what art is for, after all? To speak to your soul, even when you aren't sure what it's saying.
My other gray day band that kept popping up in my head and on my iPod today was Beirut. Beirut is an American indie band that mixes Balkan folk and and other Eastern European folk with Western pop music. I could listen to "Postcards from Italy"or "Nantes" all day. Now, I'm not a naturally sad person and I have a lovely life, but sometimes, I love to get into this music and let it affect my mood. The beautiful melody lines and harmony lines that correspond really play on my heartstrings, in a good way.
So, on this gray day, if the weather's got you down, embrace it. Kick back and listen to my recommendations today...
-"Elephant Gun"- Beirut
-"The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!"- Sufjan Stevens
-"Naked As We Came"-Iron and Wine
-"Silver Lining"-Rilo Kiley
So, take a break, read up and then plug in for some tunes. You'll be glad you did.
I am an iPod junkie, and therefore, I seldom walk anywhere without it. So, today, in between classes and responsibilities, I listened to some GREAT cloudy day music.
I started my day with Bon Iver. I listened especially to "Skinny Love" and, of course, "Flume." The other day, a fellow music major friend and I were talking about the emotions we like to sing. We both decided that, while love songs and happiness can be easy and fun sometimes, we really prefer to sing sadness. I think that's why Bon Iver speaks so clearly to me when it's cloudy outside. Sometimes, it is really soothing to feel in touch with the sad, sonorous harmonies of this type of music and today was one of those times.
Without much thought as to why, I know that the lyrics to "Skinny Love", /And I told you to be patient And I told you to be fine And I told you to be balanced And I told you to be kind/ really speak to me. But isn't that what art is for, after all? To speak to your soul, even when you aren't sure what it's saying.
My other gray day band that kept popping up in my head and on my iPod today was Beirut. Beirut is an American indie band that mixes Balkan folk and and other Eastern European folk with Western pop music. I could listen to "Postcards from Italy"or "Nantes" all day. Now, I'm not a naturally sad person and I have a lovely life, but sometimes, I love to get into this music and let it affect my mood. The beautiful melody lines and harmony lines that correspond really play on my heartstrings, in a good way.
So, on this gray day, if the weather's got you down, embrace it. Kick back and listen to my recommendations today...
-"Elephant Gun"- Beirut
-"The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!"- Sufjan Stevens
-"Naked As We Came"-Iron and Wine
-"Silver Lining"-Rilo Kiley
So, take a break, read up and then plug in for some tunes. You'll be glad you did.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Vorstellen
If you're reading this, chances are you know me. If you know me, chances are you know I have opinions. So, in this modern age, what better place to voice those opinions than on the interweb! So, I should probably tell you a bit about myself, because even if you know me, it's always polite to inroduce onseself.
Hi! My name is Delaney and I am a college student. Things I love include:
-God
-Laughing
-MUSIC
-My Friends
-Books
-Awkward Jokes
-Singing and Making Music
Facts About Delaney:
-I am a music major, and after I graduate, I intend to go to seminary and become a pastor.
-I am really involved in my a cappella group.
-I think compassion is important.
-I love relationships of all types.
-German is my second language but the first in my heart.
So, I don't really know what a blog should be, so bear with me while I discern that. I figure I will just write about stuff I like that I think you might like, and we will go from there. Here goes...
My recent obsession is... Adele's new album, "21".
If you don't know Adele's music yet, starting with her sophomore album would be fine, but not advised. Adele's first album, "19", released right before my 18th birthday, on January 28, 2008, is full of bluesy, soulful piano and guitar ballads swith some sass thrown in for good measure. It's an awesome album, and it should probably be the basis from which Adele is approached. In my humble opinion, however, "21" may have surpassed it in mature musicality and diversity of song writing. Released on January 19, 2011, Adele is back with even more to offer this time around. Her incredible voice is still at the forefront, belting out awesome anger songs like the album's first cut, "Rolling In The Deep" and "Set Fire to the Rain," but she has tempered some of that ballsy attitude with a softer ballad voice this time around. Adele has begun to employ the mixed voice more in this album, instead of just belting stuff out in her gorgeous chest voice. Her emotions run the full range, from sad, to angry to hopeful. Her songs focus mainly on the trials, tribulations, and wonders of being in love, but this theme does not get boring because it just sounds so dang good. In case you're confused about what it is I'm trying to say, it's as simple as this: Buy the Album.
If this hasn't convinced you by now, watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw
Are you with me now?! Right, I thought so.
Well, I hope you have enjoyed this first edition of "The Schlake Take".
I'd like to conclude my blog with a few songs you should listen to:
"One and Only"-Adele
"Sinister Kid"-The Black Keys
"Ill With Want"-The Avett Brothers
"Blinding"-Florence + The Machine
So, take a break, read up and then plug in for some tunes. You'll be glad you did.
Hi! My name is Delaney and I am a college student. Things I love include:
-God
-Laughing
-MUSIC
-My Friends
-Books
-Awkward Jokes
-Singing and Making Music
Facts About Delaney:
-I am a music major, and after I graduate, I intend to go to seminary and become a pastor.
-I am really involved in my a cappella group.
-I think compassion is important.
-I love relationships of all types.
-German is my second language but the first in my heart.
So, I don't really know what a blog should be, so bear with me while I discern that. I figure I will just write about stuff I like that I think you might like, and we will go from there. Here goes...
My recent obsession is... Adele's new album, "21".
If you don't know Adele's music yet, starting with her sophomore album would be fine, but not advised. Adele's first album, "19", released right before my 18th birthday, on January 28, 2008, is full of bluesy, soulful piano and guitar ballads swith some sass thrown in for good measure. It's an awesome album, and it should probably be the basis from which Adele is approached. In my humble opinion, however, "21" may have surpassed it in mature musicality and diversity of song writing. Released on January 19, 2011, Adele is back with even more to offer this time around. Her incredible voice is still at the forefront, belting out awesome anger songs like the album's first cut, "Rolling In The Deep" and "Set Fire to the Rain," but she has tempered some of that ballsy attitude with a softer ballad voice this time around. Adele has begun to employ the mixed voice more in this album, instead of just belting stuff out in her gorgeous chest voice. Her emotions run the full range, from sad, to angry to hopeful. Her songs focus mainly on the trials, tribulations, and wonders of being in love, but this theme does not get boring because it just sounds so dang good. In case you're confused about what it is I'm trying to say, it's as simple as this: Buy the Album.
If this hasn't convinced you by now, watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw
Are you with me now?! Right, I thought so.
Well, I hope you have enjoyed this first edition of "The Schlake Take".
I'd like to conclude my blog with a few songs you should listen to:
"One and Only"-Adele
"Sinister Kid"-The Black Keys
"Ill With Want"-The Avett Brothers
"Blinding"-Florence + The Machine
So, take a break, read up and then plug in for some tunes. You'll be glad you did.
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