Ten editions and still going strong! If it's one thing we'll never run out of, it's music. It's alive, beautiful and life changing if you look in the right places. First look back at 10 editions of '4 the Love of Music' if you haven't already. This month, we go back 10 years for one song and come back to 2014 for three songs.
'I Know We Ain't Got Much to Say Before I Let You Get Away'
The year is 2004. A great year for music. Back when the MTV V.M.A.'s was still relevant. Jet, Hoobastank, Yellowcard and Outkast performed. I don't even have to look it up. Performances were worth gold and so were the people performing. Hoobastank sang The Reason, Yellowcard sang Ocean Avenue, Outkast sang Hey Ya and Jet sang Are You Gonna Be My Girl? Ten years later and these four songs are still great, if it's possible, they're even better than before. All you have to hear is the first 4 seconds to know what song it is and think back to their V.M.A. performances. And if it's 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl?', you'll keep waiting for that moment when you can help Jet scream "Are you gonna be my girl" while playing air guitar. That's not the only relevant thing Jet has done. Their song 'Look What You've Done' made it to the soundtrack of 'A Lot Like Love', which has one of the best soundtracks EVER! The only thing better than these two songs, is the name of the album they're on, Get Born. It doesn't take long to realize that Jet is a cool band, without even trying to be. Their cool will rub off on you once you hear this song:
Jet -
Are You Gonna Be My Girl?
Album: Get Born
'Sink My Pains and Complains, Let the River Take Them'
They're not Mary-Kate and Ashley, but Lisa and Naomi are certainly making all twins look good as a unit. Ibeyi, a band I found through Vogue magazine, just released their EP, Oya. I first heard 'Mama Says', but there's one song on the EP that I just can't get enough of. 'River', a song dedicated to the River Goddess Oshun, will make you fall in love with the French-Cuban twins. They wrote it, they sing it and they star in the amazing video. The beat and the background vocals really bring this song to another level. And, in both Mama Says and River they end up singing in Yoruba, which makes them so unique and a pleasure to listen to.
Ibeyi -
River
Album: Oya EP
'You Try to Catch Me When I'm Finally Free'
The day has come my friends. Leighton Meester is finally releasing her album! I'm not talking about 'Somebody to Love' and 'Good Girls Go Bad' Leighton Meester. That is a great Leighton Meester, but I prefer hippie-floral-crown-wearing Leighton Meester any time of the day. I've heard all of the songs live on her #LMCITD tour, but now it's time to start stanning for the studio version. If you haven't noticed I'm a stan, and all Lei stans have already met this Leighton Meester, but the rest of the world will be blown away! She wrote most of the songs, they mean a lot to her and it's much more personal than anything she's ever done. It's not Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl and it's definitely not Rebecca from The Roommate. It's Leighton Marissa Meester.
Leighton Meester -
Heartstrings
Album: Heartstrings
'We Lay Here for Years or For Hours, Your Hand In My Hand'
Hozier, a must look out for artist, who's album is being released October 7 2014, is taking the internet by storm with his song Take Me To Church. It's honest, epic and the world needs more people like Hozier. Basically, every Hozier song I've heard is amazing. Vocally, musically and artistically. Without trying he makes sure you know it's his music you're listening to, by putting his own spin on it. It goes without saying, Hozier's music is here to stay and he could be the new voice music so desperately needs. Sure a lot can hold a tune. But, how many can sing just as well on stage as in the studio. When first hearing a Hozier song, I don't doubt you'll think, 'man, I must hear this man live'. Also, you can get a better version of this track for free, if you share it with your friends.
Hozier -
In a Week
Album: Hozier
If you look at this edition we have a lot to look out for this year. It goes without saying, there are more musicians you should be checking out. I'm doing my part in sharing one of the best things life has to offer, music. Share with me your favorite songs and bands.
In the last edition this blog celebrated the 1 year anniversary of 4 the Love of Music. One year has passed and many more to come. Here is the 9th edition! I'll stick to the theme of today and present you with a 4 the Love of Music Edition with some Independent "Indie" musicians, who made it to the list of my favorite songs.
"Waking Up with the Pouring Rain, Same Old Sun and the Sky Again"
Foy Vance, is surely an underappreciated singer and songwriter who toured with Ed Sheeran. I first heard his music on noisetrade, my favorite music website, and I've been hooked on his music ever since. He often releases free music on iTunes, like his video for "Joy of Nothing" and the single "Closed Hand, Full Friends", and on noisetrade, "Dark Horse". It's difficult to pick one favorite song from his collection 'cause he doesn't really make one type of music, but "Joy of Nothing" and "Indiscriminate Act of Kindness" have a special place in my heart. "Joy of Nothing" is not a song with many words, but the few words are fundamentally meaningful. It's simple, he's enjoying the things that will always be there like the rain, the sun and the sky, and I hope you will too!
Foy Vance - Joy of Nothing Album: Joy of Nothing
"It's Not About Win or Lose Because We All Lose When They Feed on the Souls of the Innocent"
Not a lot of Grammy nominated musicians are willing to put some of their music for free on the internet, but then again not a lot of musicians can stay grounded like Matisyahu. If you're wondering why his name sounds familiar it's because you probably know "King Without a Crown", which is his biggest hit. Ask me anything you want about Matisyahu, I know it all. In High School we had to pick a reggae artist to talk about and I picked this reggae rapper. If you ever have time, you should read his bio, he has had a pretty interesting life. Although "King Without a Crown" is epic and eccentric, my favorite song of his is and will always be "One Day". "One Day" was chosen to be the anthem of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. I'm not surprised, I mean, he's addressing the state of separating yourself from all the negativity around you. But, it's more than that. It's about being thankful and looking forward to that ONE DAY that the war will be over.
Matisyahu - One Day Album: Light
"I Went Out to Find My Soul and Left the Only Comfort that I'd Known"
The music industry isn't what it used to be, I mean, listening to and buying an entire album is so outdated. It just doesn't happen anymore. Now comes a band that made an entire album, this year, worth buying. The year hasn't ended yet, but they might have the best album that was released this year. I compare their album to Black Eyed Peas' Monkey Business, which is one of the most creative albums ever made. That's what makes this band so amazing - their creativity.
Neon Trees have been doing pretty well in the Indie scene with their previous work, "Habits" and "Picture Show". Now, comes an album "Pop Psychology" that's more personal, romantic and coming-of-age than they're used to. Vocally and lyrically it's their best album and it's definitely more for the die-hard-fans. It doesn't have a lot of room for radio hits, even though most of the songs are upbeat, they're not the radio-type upbeat. But, it's fantastic festival music. Lyrically, if you've heard the album a couple of times, you will understand that it hits a nerve to whoever made the music. But, then again, I'm assuming you already know about Tyler Glenn's, coming out article. That doesn't stop the album from being emotional, fierce and positive at the same time, in a way that we all have roller coaster emotions when we're going through a rough time.
If I had to name the songs you have to check out, you'd be here all day. And since you want to be here all day I'd say check out "I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends)", "Love in the 21st Century", "Living in Another World", "Text Me in the Morning", "Foolish Behaviour" and "Unavoidable". But, a song lyric from "First Things First" explains what the entire album is about: "I went out to find my soul and left the only comfort that I'd known".
Neon Trees -
First Things First
Album: Pop Psychology
"The More I Make the Less that I Borrow"
Somehow I always feel like a rockstar when I listen to Tyler Hilton - maybe it's the fact that he played Elvis in Walk the Line, or the fact that he was bad *ss in One Tree Hill or the fact that he has a raspy raw voice that seems to fit on every song he ever sings. Who knows? There's no way to explain it, either way ill take it! - see what I did there...! You can get this song (and many more) for FREE on noisetrade. Tyler selected a couple of songs like Prince of Nothing Charming, Loaded Gun and a cover of Missing You and released them in an album, The Studio and Live Selections. You should also check out his YouTube channel where he covers many songs like Lana Del Rey's Video Games and Bob Dylan's Boots of Spanish Leather.
Tyler Hilton -
Kicking My Heels
Album: Forget the Storm
It's no secret that I'm a huge Michael Fassbender fan, which also means that I'm fully aware of the bromance between him and James McAvoy. But, more importantly, are you aware of the moves Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Hugh Jackman have?
After this you must be wondering what goes on, on the set of X-Men. Or, you're wondering when the next edition of "4 the Love of Music" will be released. The answer is October. But, I will release a couple of articles soon. Also, catch up on the editions you missed. To stay posted sign up or follow this blog on twitter, facebook and google+.
Today, a year ago, I started "4 the Love of Music" on DiFashionista!
To celebrate this one year anniversary I'm giving you twice as much songs.
It's been a year of picking some of my favorite bands and singers from my most played playlists.
"You say that you love me but I ask you how much? So you spread your arms wide till behind you. Your thumbs touch"
Amy Kuney is the Stacey Bendet of the music biz! She's whimsical and it's really fun to listen to. If you like her you should thank Indie-music-fan Sophia Bush for telling us about her. They're friends and they've worked together along with Austin Nichols on the compilation album - Gasoline Rainbows - benefiting the Gulf Coast from the 2010 BP Oil Spill. The title track was written and sung by Miss Amy Kuney and it even ended up on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Amy has also done a couple of covers like Joni Mitchell's "River" and The Script's "The Man Who Can't Be Moved", but what you need to hear is her album "Bird's Eye View". Thank You for Last Night & Rocket Surgery are my favorites because of their peculiar twists.
Let's bring her quirky character and fan-friendliness in this convo 'cause she's hilarious. When I told her on twitter in 2011 that Rocket Surgery was my favorite song from the album she replied: "my mom used to get brain surgery and rocket science mixed up all the time, so you can thank her for the title :)". Rocket Surgery is basically a song about a guy who's really smart and in love with her but makes love seem really difficult. So, she's telling him that he should hurry up or else he'll lose her. Also, at the end when the bridge starts you can hear someone singing opera in the back. What did I say...she makes whimsical music!
Amy Kuney - Rocket Surgery Album: Bird's Eye View
"Yeah, We're Locked Up in Ideas, We Like to Label Everything"
If this beat doesn't want you getting all nerdy on the dance floor (that is my room), you are not me. From the makers of the genius song "Pumped Up Kicks", I bring you another song that is one for the century. Foster the People is just one of those bands that gets you in a good mood any time of the day.
This is a rebellious song and you may only pay attention to the beat that totally takes over this song but the lyrics just do it for me. They're basically singing about rebelling against three things: not being yourself, not having to prove yourself and giving in to society's "mainstream" hype. "And I'm in the crossfire dodging bullets from all your expectancies" is the not having to prove yourself part. "But what I've got can't be bought" is the not giving in to society's "mainstream" hype. "If it don't conform to what you were born into then you run the other way" is the being yourself part. No wonder this song is one of the two songs that actually make me want to dance. They created a beat that makes you want to be yourself.
Foster the People - Call It What You Want
Album: Torches
"I Wish You Would Tell Me How You Really Feel"
If you were looking for a remake of West Side story, you're in the right place. Tyler Posey & Chloe Grace Moretz recreate one of the most famous love stories and it's directed by Drew Barrymore. Victoria Justice, Shailene Woodley, Donald Glover, Alia Shawkat and Miranda Crosgrove also star in it. Yes, it's a music video turned short film and the music will just really grab you. It's an MTV production and the music is by a band "Best Coast". In this short/extended video you'll hear "Our Deal" and "Boyfriend".
Best Coast -
Our Deal + Boyfriend Album: Crazy for You
"I Think of You Much More than I Should"
I have a lot of bands that I listen to a lot but The Lone Bellow, like The Lumineers Vampire Weekend, Of Monsters and Men and Mumford and Sons, have a special place in my heart. All of their music, slow or upbeat, is amazing, well written and well made. They're a little bit country and a little bit folk but you won't be able to resist the combination of celebratory music and the real stuff. I can't begin to name the songs that I listen too very often like Tree to Grow, You Never Need Nobody, Two Sides of Lonely, You Can Be All Kinds of Emotional, Looking for You, Teach Me To Know, You Don't Love Me Like You Used to, Bleeding Out, Button and so on. This is music to me, one band and songs for every mood I'm in, yet I can't pick my favorite song! Also remarkable is the amount of bridges in their songs. They switch upbeat to slow a lot in their music and that effect is truly admirable.
The Lone Bellow -
Looking for You
Album: The Lone Bellow
"I'm Born to Go Where They Tell Me It's Impossible"
One of my favorite bands JOHNNYSWIM is finally releasing their first album - Diamonds - and it's already available for pre-ordering. Since June 2013 when I bought and heard their EP, I've been asking them for an album and it's finally here - well April 29th! Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez harmonize perfectly and their onstage energy is really great. Amanda is the daughter of Donna Summer so I'm not surprised by her talent, but music like this just doesn't happen anymore, so I'm grateful! Can't name my favorite song especially since they're so good live, some I like live and some from the studio version. Listen to the EP and pick your fav out of Heart Beats, Don't Let It Get You Down, Make, Don't Keep Heaven Busy, Annie and Adelina.
Johhnyswim - Heart Beats Album: Heart Beats - EP
"Wisdom's a Gift but You Trade it for Youth"
Now it's time for a song coming from the Grammy winning album "Modern Vampires of the City" - Step. This was Vampire Weekend's second Grammy nomination but with or without the win the album would still be great! This song is slower than what we're used to from V.W. but it's awesome! My favorite part is the part where he sings "every time I see you in the world you always step to my girl". Apparently, that's Ezra Koenig's fav part too because he sampled it from Souls of Mischief's "Step To My Girl". Based on that phrase he wrote the entire song. Now, replace the word Girl with Music and you'll really get what he's talking about... It's about an obsession with your favorite music and bands.
Vampire Weekend - Step Album: Modern Vampires of the City
"She Says She's Taken but I Don't Believe That She's Made for Anybody But Me"
Actress Leighton Meester showed us a new side last summer when she took us to her recording studio in HTC Summer Sessions. This new side is not her voice because we already knew she could sing when she worked with Robin Thicke (Somebody to Love), Cobra Starship (Good Girls Go Bad) and of course music from her role in Country Strong. This new side is more about the change of genre of her new music. It's really personal and more a softer side of her previous work. She toured with Check in the Dark and covered a couple of songs. The Stand In is originally from Check in the Dark's eponymous debut album but they added the version with Leighton Meester to their second album "The Game". The original version was already good - Mike Frieman's voice is amazing - but it really needed a soft female voice to make it more romantic.
Well you know how that story goes...
Check in the Dark ft Leighton Meester - The Stand In Album: The Game
"Soon All the Joy that Pours from Everything Makes Fountains of Your Eyes"
Movies and Music go hand in hand for me, not just because of the soundtrack. This particular band, comes out of a scene from the movie 'Stuck in Love (2012)'. It's the scene where Rusty's (Nat Wolff) drug addicted and alcoholic girlfriend Kate (Liana Liberato) gives him a Christmas present, which is the album Fevers and Mirrors by Bright Eyes. I only checked out this album from Bright Eyes so far, but there are a lot more. I just fell in love with the way they made this album. It's not cheesy or romantic or about anything specifically, but it just seems like someone wrote about all the emotions and events of an everyday life, you know the things we can't control. This particular song is about finding something positive in the things that go horribly wrong. Conor Oberst really has a talent for writing. None of the songs are extremely long but the words are just amazing. It almost feels like he didn't write a song but rather a story. And it's like that with all of his music - he's very underappreciated as a singer as well as a writer especially because he's in so many bands. I mean I'm shocked that songs like The Movement of a Hand, Something Vague, When the Curious Girl Realizes She Is Under Glass and The Centre of the World aren't "out there".
Bright Eyes - The Movement of a Hand Album: Fevers and Mirrors
One year has passed, many more to come!
Look out for a new article soon,
Much Love,
DiFashionista
As we say goodbye to March - Women's History Month - I'd like to say CHEERS to all women.
``I want to empower women; I want people to be afraid of the women I dress`` Alexander McQueen
Women are by far the best things on this planet to monitor. They've been through extreme change and progress in more than one way. Not just the way they walk and talk but the way they started this evolution of breaking free and giving the word 'woman' a new meaning, that we can all be proud of. At a time where the only place that was available to them was a submissive one. There were times that no woman would speak up, let alone give her opinion. Now we live in a world where it is harder to be silenced as a woman, because the women before us let us know that we have a voice. And we can be useful by speaking up! Like the woman who let us know that women make 70 cents when a man makes $1 when they're in the same position.
One of the ways you can follow the progress and/or change of women throughout decades is through Fashion. It's both trendsetting and future-guessing, designers have to be in and they have to bring new stuff to the table. If you want to know women and their changes you can follow it through design - especially Fashion. Yes, designers design what they want but one thing they keep in mind is their customers. And who needs schools if there are no students?
Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany´s - James Dean as Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause
Fashion is so time appointed that a style can signify a time in history and every trend comes back. Like the LBD (Little Black Dress) that made Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's a style icon. BaT came out in 1961 and there were LBD's before that, but her character made it look classy and chic and it stuck and became a trend - the plain LBD. Now, it's a trend to wear an LBD with as little as possible detail to accessorize it with bright pumps or a bright clutch. Fashion can also create a character, like James Dean's character Jim Stark looked more edgy, tough and rebellious in his washed out jeans and leather jacket in Rebel Without a Cause. This trend also stuck as a characteristic. Ryan Gosling´s characters in The Place Beyond the Pines and Driver both used this look to create a `bad boy`look. Both Audrey's and James' characters became a trend and a time in history where women wear an LBD to look classy and chic and men wore jeans and leather to look manlier.
``one is never over/dressed or under-dressed with a little black dress``
Karl Lagefeld
LBD´s: Sophia Bush - Solange - Beyonce - Rachel Bilson in Chanel - Leighton Meester in Chanel
All over the world women are stepping into the business bubble and they're making a name for themselves. The start of the women wearing a suit trend. It can't be missed in a collection these days - so much that there are coming more and more versions of it. Diane Keaton is famous for her suits on the red carpet, but more remarkable is her character J.C.'s style in Baby Boom (1987).
Diane Keaton in a suit
Then came the women working and taking care of the children lifestyle, which introduced the cocktail dress - a semi-formal dress, introduced by Christian Dior in the '40s, that's both appropriate for work and for maybe going to get a drink after work or going to a parent teacher meeting. Women were starting to seek for clothes that were appropriate for more than one event, because they started to keep themselves busy. Designers had to be clever to make pieces that were both formal and a bit out going, so not a lot of skin but a bit of color and detail.
Cocktail dresses: Beyonce in Antonio Berardi - Solange in D&G - Leighton Meester in Giambattista Valli - Sophia Bush - Rachel Bilson in Preen
The women wearing a suit trend basically never stopped but it soon let to different versions of the standard suit. As a designer in the 21st century you can´t really work your way around a suit, it´s too eye-catching and wanted that it just pushes you to come up with new ideas to wear a suit. They have shorts, printed, baggy, tomboy, preppy suits and so on. All prove that Fashion is sensitive to women's changing patterns even throughout a short amount of time.
Amanda Seyfried in colorful shorts suit - Cara Delevingne in colorful deep V suit and baggy suit - Solange in print skirt suit - Emma Roberts in printed suit
I mean...
The 21st century woman wants to be comfortable and trendy. The 21st century woman wants to feel bold, beautiful and sexy. The 21st century woman is independent and professional. The 21st century woman wants clothes that are multi-functional.
So, all of these characteristics and patterns of the 21st century women make the trends of now and many more years to come. We're making progress and things will surely change...just watch the Fashion trends!
Much Love,
DiFashionista
I dedicate this article to my sister and all *feminists - you make this world a better place and you're my inspiration.
*feminist: a person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.
Frances Ha (2012) is a movie written by Noah Baumbach and
Greta Gerwig.
It's not so great being 27-year-old Frances when everyone
around you is either growing up or seeing the world. Frances Ha is a story
about a woman who just can't seem to grow up and sort of give up what she loves
most - which is dancing. Most reviews are saying that this movie is great for
when you are between the ages of 25 - 30, but I disagree. This movie is showing
you that your traumatizing school years never end - instead they return after
you've graduated from the university. Only then they aren't ruined by annoying
teachers and classmates but by life itself. I haven't even reached the age of
20 but for me it was refreshing to watch a movie about the not so great parts
of life that aren't in our hands at all. And it seems that the Golden Globes
agree with me because Greta Gerwig was nominated for her role as Frances.
Greta Gerwig
Frances wanted to be a professional dancer, but she wasn't
asked to come back, instead she was asked to choreograph, which she was not
interested in. In times like Frances we all just want to dive back to that time
when we can start appreciating our teens which happens just before they are
about to disappear into our growing up phase. Or we could pull a FRANCES and
become a - what society calls - "young adult". Not the Charlize Theron
kind in 'Young Adult' because that's just a couple of bridges too far, but I am
talking about the never growing kind of young adult. It is basically getting
older in age but not in spirit. Which can be achieved by closing your eyes as a
kid and never opening them again – no, really.
Mickey Sumner & Greta Gerwig
I can't even remember the (good) time(s) before I found out
there were kids who didn’t have anything to eat or school without bullies or
people being mean just because they can. At the end of the day that's what
kills our perfect and happy vision of the world as a kid. When we start to
realize those “good” times are here to stay, we grow up - except for when your
name is Frances Handley.
A teacher of mine once told me that almost no one ends up
doing what they studied for in the first place. When you graduate and start
looking for a job, it all comes down to what the market has to offer in your
lane of work. Just like Frances it's very normal to say no to jobs that you
didn't plan on doing... but frankly that's not so realistic…
Michael Zegen, Adam Driver & Greta Gerwig
So, your friends think you are undateable. Maybe, there
are not a lot of good dates out there or you haven’t found the right guy to date
or you have this not-so-common dimension of how love and relationships should
work. Who knows, the fact of the matter is don’t give up and settle for a
cat-lady future or an old spinster or join Team Forever Alone. When you’ll find
the right guy you’ll know it and it will be great and he will be able to handle
your undateable self.
Adam Driver & Greta Gerwig
So, you thought you could keep your style forever. Well, you can! Throughout the entire movie the only thing that doesn't change is the style of every character that's in the growing up phase. That's because it stays with you. If you're growing up you're going to wear the growing up version of the clothes you have been wearing already. Unless you haven't found your 'look', you won't be tempted to experiment in that direction.
Mickey Sumner & Greta Gerwig
So, you thought you would be BFF’s with your BFF forever, but that’s not looking so great right now. You made all these plans together (as a kid) of how you were going to take over the world. There's nothing wrong with checking out what life has to offer by yourself - even if it's just for a while.
So, plans change. I think the talent in growing up is
quickly adapting to change. You probably like change but have not realized it
yet. Buying a new pair of shoes is change, but just because it does not scare
you, it does not mean that it does not affect your life at all. When you realize
that change also comes in small bits you’ll be less afraid of it. It might even
stimulate you to come up with new ideas when a problem comes your way. So, be clever
and be original.
It's that kid-spirit that gets Frances through the day.
Whether you're a teen, over 21 or just can't catch a break you're gonna need it
till you get to the comfortable place you belong in. It's that spirit that
Buddy had in Elf. That trust that everything is OK even though it's not
sometimes. The truth is there is no big-book of how-to-be-a-teen or
how-to-grow-up. It's a natural process of uncontrollable emotions and either ignoring
it or just surviving it. At the end of the day it's refreshing to know that
someone else - like Frances Ha - is going through the exact same thing and is
willing to show you how she handled it.
The Tennessee Whalers consists of Nick, Rand, Allan and Mark and you should look out for them this year because they will be releasing new music soon. I just can't get enough of their song 'Locks' and lucky for you I found it on noisetrade for free last year. You can listen and download for free there, and if you like it be sure to share or let them know on their Twitter. 'Locks' is the happiest break-up song I know and it sounds great in the car. I'm so excited for the new stuff they will be releasing!
'Just Treat Me Good and Baby I'll Give You the Rest of Me'
This song has a really great beat. Not surprised...it's a Solange song! The True EP came out November 2012, but I only started listening to it - a lot - in 2013. Solange is an artist that can never bore me. Her personal style and taste in music are so interesting. She's one of the reasons I started listening to Indie music in the first place and now that she started her own label we can enjoy more artists like her. I also really like how she shares her inspiration and her favorite bands.
Solange - Losing You Album: True EP
'Life with You Means Love and Laughter'
So, I recently heard Miley Cyrus' latest album "Bangerz", and even though it's not really my style I did enjoy 3 songs on it. That includes: Wrecking Ball, Adore You and Rooting for My Baby. The other songs lack anything that has anything to do with soul, great lyricism or heart - or as I like to call it the 'Old Miley'. I'm not one of those people who's going to pretend like Miley was never good, I mean songs like 'Bottom of the Ocean', 'Forgiveness and Love', 'Stay' and 'Obsessed' are songs that I will be listening to for the rest of my life. I guess we'll all have to appreciate the fact that there are 3 'old Mileys' on this new album.
Miley Cyrus - Rooting for My Baby Album: Bangerz
'I'll Search Through the Crowd if Your Face is All that I See'
4 the Love of Music will now be released 4 times a year, instead of every month. I simply don't have the time that I used to have and I want to focus more on different kind of articles this year. That's why I have decided to cut down on music to broaden my blogging subjects. That makes it January, April, July and October of every year. The next edition will be released on April 4th 2014. See you then!
Much Love,
DiFashionista
it's that time of the year again. Mariah Carey's bells and whistles have been getting me in the Christmas mood since early November and now Christmas is finally here! I will not be releasing any more articles for 2013, but I will be back January 6th 2014. I have a lot of exciting things planned for 2014 and I can't wait to share them with you.
Fireworks from Last Year's New Years Eve Party
I wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays and I'll See You in 2014!
Much Love,
I do not know if it is the month November but this month is an indie turned pop edition of 4 the Love of Music. It's not really mainstream pop but pop as in underground bands/artists who have one or two radio hits. This month I will have music by Brett Dennen who just released his 5th album, also The Lumineers who brought out their Deluxe Edition, Imagine Dragons and Of Monsters and Men who have been rocking out all festivals all year!
'When I Do Not Feel Inspired...I Can Only Speak My Heart'
Last week Brett Dennen released his album 'Smoke and Mirrors' - October 22nd to be precise. When Brett is releasing new music rest assured...there's magic happening. Before the release of 'Smoke and Mirrors' Brett had Q&A's on his Facebook and I was lucky enough to be one of the fans who got 2 out of 3 questions answered. I asked him what I always ask musicians who have a different sound - but they never answer, so glad he did - which is "how did you find your sound?". He answered: 'It takes time. Picking and choosing what feels right. Sometimes it's more about what you don't play.' I've been a Brett Dennen fan since Heaven came out and I've really been looking forward to a new album because they're all so personal and honest. He's most of the time talking about 21st century problems, love or just the adventures that life has to offer. That's not too bad for a 34-year-old folk singer and songwriter with five studio albums. Brett calls this album 'back to basics' saying:
'I wanted to return to folk and acoustic music I loved when I began writing. I decided to tap into my memories and explore new emotional territory as honestly as I could'.
Why the name 'Smoke and Mirrors'?:
'I called the album Smoke and Mirrors, because one of the major themes of the album, lyrically, is that things aren't exactly as they appear to be. If you focus on how you think things should be, then you can't see them for what they really are,'
The first released song off 'Smoke and Mirrors' is Wild Child, it's more of a radio hit - which the first song almost always is. The highlight of the album for me is really 'Only Want You'. It's a love song about choosing the connection over the the tough times you can face when in a relationship. It's a mixture of things that make this song amazing...like the female vocals in the background, the lyrics and the reggae touch. I'm never worried about lyrics with Brett because he has just a simple and clever way of writing his music. If it's one thing this album isn't missing it's great lyrics.
You can listen & get 'Only Want You' for free on NOISETRADE!
'In the End it All Comes Down to Credibility. I Had None So I Will Die with the Secrets of the Sea'
Yay! My all time favorite song FINALLY has a music video. My favorite band just can't stop doing AMAZING things like releasing a deluxe edition of their album (which I have been waiting for since I heard the album!), getting a track on The Hunger Games' Catching Fire Soundtrack and now releasing their third music video from the self-titled album that came out in 2012. The album version of Submarines is not my favorite song - rather the Submarine live version from the HearYa Live Sessions - but this will do! It's animated and now it's mine and yours...enjoy!
The Lumineers - Submarines
Album: The Lumineers (Deluxe Edition)
'I Take it in but Don't Look Down'
If you used to watch the TV-serie Partners you probably already know this song because it was the theme song. But if you didn't this is a really great way to introduce yourself to the band Imagine Dragons. Imagine Dragons' "On Top of the World" is like The Lumineers' "Ho Hey" and Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" - you first love the song and then you fall in love with the band. It's really catchy with the claps and the background vocals and it's a great song to get you or keep you in a great mood:
Imagine Dragons -
On Top of the World
Album: Night Visions
'And as the World Comes to an End, I'll Be Here to Hold Your Hand'
Of Monsters and Men was a must-check-out band at this year's Coachella and they did not let down. They formed O.M.a.M. back in 2010 and they released their first studio album 'My Head is an Animal' in 2011. They - for the most part - have the same fans as 'The Lumineers' and 'Mumford & Sons' and they even share a radio station on iTunes. My favorite song of theirs is "Love Love Love", and I'm basically in love with Nanna's soft yet sharp voice...I just can't get enough! I would advise to listen to all the songs on My Head is an Animal, because they have a whimsical side to their music that I can really appreciate. Like the song 'Dirty Paws' starts with 'Jumping up and down the floor, My head is an animal. And once there was an animal, It had a son that mowed the lawn. The son was an ok guy, They had a pet dragonfly. The dragonfly it ran away. But it came back with a story to say.' All I can say: I can't wait for that video! For now we are going to have to do it with their animated video-game-like music video's which they have released 2 of including 'King and Lionheart' and 'Little Talks'.
Of Monsters and Men -
King and Lionheart
Album: My Head is an Animal
See you in December for the 7th and final edition of 2013 of 4 the Love of Music.
About a week ago I saw the movie 'Baggage Claim' and even though it was possibly one of the worst movies made in 2013 (or ever), my Fashion-self can't seem to forgot the only good part about the movie. Also unforgettable is the mediocre comedy throughout the entire movie and the bad acting from the lead actress Paula Patton. The weird thing is...I remember Robin Thicke's wife being really good in Deja Vu also starring Denzel Washington and I just don't know what happened or at least what went wrong...
The Fashion was good or at least acceptable and I'm not talking about the extremely handsome men in the movie, but I'm talking about the character Sam.
Sam is the character played by Adam Brody in Baggage Claim.
What's so special about his character? Well except for him being the only good thing to happen in this movie, his bow-tie deserves an honorable mention. Here's why:
In the beginning I felt really bad about giving him an honorable mention, as I am a huge Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) fan and we all know Chuck is the King of bow-ties. But...Gossip Girl has ended and as I move on...I want to say...the world needs more bow-ties.
Don't just wear them (in blue) when you've done something wrong and you're going on TV to "apologize" - *cough* Chris Brown - but wear them to special occasions. Or...casually like Adam Brody's character Sam.
Jill Scott - Adam Brody
I'm a sucker for bow-ties especially if they have a cool print on them but it wouldn't be right if I only complimented his ties since he looked good throughout the entire movie. I love prints and I just loved how they mixed the different prints in one outfit. Like the plaid suit with the striped bow-tie (above) and the polka dots shirt with the striped tie (below). His character was hilarious and it was great seeing him look good doing it.
Adam Brody
Adam Brody
If you have any plans to go and see this movie...I wouldn't! If you're an Adam Brody fan I'd advise you to go, but that's probably the only reason. I really enjoyed the Fashion in this movie but it's a shame that that was the only good thing about it.
Much Love,
DiFashionista
Summer is over and out and school is in.
I start this Monday at school and I will start blogging again. The last edition of 4 the Love of Music was back in June. Now I'm back with the 5th edition and I have a lot of new bands and songs I can't wait to share with you. These four songs are all songs I have been enjoying all summer.
Enjoy!
'One Day You Screaming You Love Me Loud, the Next Day You're So Cold'
Just like Jay & Ye and Robin Thicke & Pharrell, JT and JAY Z are starting to make a happy combination. Starting with Suit & Tie and now Holy Grail...could this be the year of bromance music? If you're not planning to listen to this song at least do it for 1) JT's amazing vocals 2) JT's extra handsome look 3) JAY Z's artistic value. If you listen to the song and then watch the video, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about! The amazing visuals, vocals and beat almost make you forget that this song is about JAY Z's love/hate relationship with fame.
Jay Z ft Justin Timberlake -
Holy Grail Album: Magna Carta... Holy Grail
'Only Hate the Road When You're Missing Home'
I'm still in the process of checking all of Passenger's music but I don't have any complaints yet. The lead singer's voice is really good and the lyrics are amazing. It's easy on the ears and I really enjoyed this song:
Passenger -
Let Her Go Album: All the Little Lights
'And I Was Tired of Giving You More than You Gave to Me'
These siblings have made my summer. The Oh Hellos consists of Maggie and Tyler Heath. I actually found their album for free on noisetrade and I really fell in love with their album 'Through the Deep, Dark Valley'. They're inspired by some of my favorite bands in the industry like The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons. They are another example of why I love Indie Bands so much. Indie bands always look for that unique sound that will make you remember them. They make music for themselves and they won't let go of their creative side for anyone. In return I want to share their amazing music with you and if you like them please continue to support them by sharing their music with others. Their album is a bit diverse so I'm pretty sure you will find at least one song you'll like.
The Oh Hellos -
The Truth is a Cave Album: Through the Deep, Dark Valley
'I Look to the Skyline and Said: How Many Falls Until I Fly?'
This 22-year-old British singer-songwriter-pianist released his first studio album 'Long Way Down' last June. Tom Odell makes the kind of music everyone can relate to. His album is quite enjoyable especially the tracks like 'Another Love','Supposed To Be', 'I Know' and 'Can't Pretend'. More impressive is the way he writes his lyrics. It's almost like he's writing a story and then singing it. And the cherry on top: his piano-playing skills. He is one of the reasons why singer-songwriter is a separate genre. The kind of soul and feeling you put in to a song about a story that really happened to you makes it sound way more special than someone else just sing your song. Peter has it...the voice...the face...the talent. I can't wait to hear more.
