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.
I love Tiny Desk Concerts!
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest branching out beyond music podcasts? I particularly like NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour (books, movies, music, general pop culture, and really funny), though my absolute favorite is NPR's (again! NPR is the best) This American Life. You would love TAL, it is totes your kind of scene.