Like Part I, these are not rank-ordered.
Haim Women in Music Pt. III
I love this sister trio from LA.
Kandle Stick Around and Find Out
Singer-songwriter based in Montréal. Surpised she is not better known.
Maria Mena They never leave their wives
Singer from Norway. This album definitely has a theme to it. Beautiful music.
Moonlight Haze Lunaris
Another symphonic metal band. This one is from Italy.
Pike and Sutton Heart Is A Compass
Austin based duo. Glad I stumbled onto them.
Polly Scattergood In This Moment
Long been a fan of this singer from Essex, England.
Reb Fountain Reb Fountain
New Zealand always seems to have an artist that catches my attention.
Roses & Revolutions Under The Spell
Wonderful duo from Rochester, NY.
Shel Wild Child
Another great sister act. This one from Fort Collins Colorado.
Taylor Swift Folklore AND evermore
OK, I am just going to assume you know who Taylor Swift is. I will add this:
Two albums this year. I really liked them both.
The Big Moon Walking Like We Do
Another band from London. That's a thing.
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Sunday, February 21, 2021
2020 Magna Cum Laude Albums Part I
Like the Cum Laude list, these are not rank-ordered
The Aces Under My Influence
A great act can come from the most unexpected places. For example, Provo, Utah.
Amaranthe Manifest
This Swedish band keeps delivering.
Anna Ihlis Röd
Another act from Sweden, quite a contrast though.
Anya Marina Queen of the Night
One of the first acts I ever saw at the Varsity Theater. Enjoyed her music for years. Originally for Portland, she now is based in NY.
Beyond The Black Hørizøns
A German Symphonic Metal Band. I really liked this album.
Bre Kennedy Twenty Something
Very glad I discoverd this Nashville Based singer this year.
Deau Eyes Let It Leave
Debut album of this singer from Virginia. Very nice.
Deep Sea Diver IMPOSSIBLE WEIGHT Excellent band from Seattle
Dream Wife So When You Gonna... London based pop band. I can't not like them.
Eleine Dancing in Hell
With a title like that, what's not to like? Great band from (big shock this year) Sweden.
Gabrielle Aplin Dear Happy
I've been a fan of this British singer for some time.
Ignea The Realms of Fire and Death
This metal band hails from Ukraine.
The Aces Under My Influence
A great act can come from the most unexpected places. For example, Provo, Utah.
Amaranthe Manifest
This Swedish band keeps delivering.
Anna Ihlis Röd
Another act from Sweden, quite a contrast though.
Anya Marina Queen of the Night
One of the first acts I ever saw at the Varsity Theater. Enjoyed her music for years. Originally for Portland, she now is based in NY.
Beyond The Black Hørizøns
A German Symphonic Metal Band. I really liked this album.
Bre Kennedy Twenty Something
Very glad I discoverd this Nashville Based singer this year.
Deau Eyes Let It Leave
Debut album of this singer from Virginia. Very nice.
Deep Sea Diver IMPOSSIBLE WEIGHT Excellent band from Seattle
Dream Wife So When You Gonna... London based pop band. I can't not like them.
Eleine Dancing in Hell
With a title like that, what's not to like? Great band from (big shock this year) Sweden.
Gabrielle Aplin Dear Happy
I've been a fan of this British singer for some time.
Ignea The Realms of Fire and Death
This metal band hails from Ukraine.
Thursday, February 18, 2021
2020 Cum Laude Albums Part II
Continuing on....
Not Rank ordered. Ryan Cassada The Witches Made Me Do It
From NY and very talented.
Saint Agnes The Family Strange
This EP would be higher, but hey, it's only 4 songs. From London. They kick ass!
Semblant Obscura
Excellent Goth Metal band from Brazil.
Shopping All or Nothing
Another London band. Maybe there is a trend here?
Stitched Up Heart Darkness
Great band from L.A.
Sweet Spirit Trinidad
Austin, Texas always gets represented here. I love this band.
U.S. Girls Heavy Light
From Toronto, obviously.
Vukovi Fall Better
Rock band from Scottland.
War On Women Wonderful Hell
I always associate Baltimore with Hardcore Feminist Punk bands. But that's just me.
Whim Abuzz in the Abyss
From Portland, OR
WorriersYou or Someone You Know
Booklyn, NY based band.
Not Rank ordered. Ryan Cassada The Witches Made Me Do It
From NY and very talented.
Saint Agnes The Family Strange
This EP would be higher, but hey, it's only 4 songs. From London. They kick ass!
Semblant Obscura
Excellent Goth Metal band from Brazil.
Shopping All or Nothing
Another London band. Maybe there is a trend here?
Stitched Up Heart Darkness
Great band from L.A.
Sweet Spirit Trinidad
Austin, Texas always gets represented here. I love this band.
U.S. Girls Heavy Light
From Toronto, obviously.
Vukovi Fall Better
Rock band from Scottland.
War On Women Wonderful Hell
I always associate Baltimore with Hardcore Feminist Punk bands. But that's just me.
Whim Abuzz in the Abyss
From Portland, OR
WorriersYou or Someone You Know
Booklyn, NY based band.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
2020 Cum Laude Albums part I
This is quite a bit late this year. For several reasons but I will just list two.
First, due to COVID, I purchased a silly amount of albums this year. So, a lot of work to sort through and pick favorites.
Second, in late August, we addedd a puppy to the family. Well, she doesn't like me putting headphones on and *not* paying attention to her. Hence, I just don't have as much time to listen and decide what I prefer.
Anyway, here is goes:
Cum Laude These are not rank-ordered.
Agnes Obel Myopia
This Danish singer is instantly recognizable with a few notes. Mesmerizing.
ALI.NI Acca
A reviewer compared her to Judy Garland. Yep, listen to the third one.
Braids Shadow Offering
From Calgary. This band really grew on me.
Sorry about age restricted. If you are 18, click :)
Draconian Under a Godless Veil
A Swedish band, they've been around a while.
Fallcie Bad Blood
Another Goth band. This one from St. Peterburg, Russia.
False Heads It's All There but You're Dreaming
From London. Who says all my acts are female fronted?
Hayley Williams Petals for Armor
I first became of aware of Paramore when the warmed up for No Doubt in 2009. I remember thinking, where did they find this crazy energenic singer? LA of course.
Kalina & Kiana The Golden Age This Sister Act from California provides us with this EP. It would put it up higher, but it's only an EP.
Mammút Ride thee Fire
There is always a band from Iceland. So it seems.
Reasons Behind Project M.I.S.T
A symphonic metal band from Italy
Rose Cousins Bravado A folk singer from Prince Edward Island. A first I think. Last year, I had one from Novia Scotia.
More to come ...
Friday, July 3, 2020
COVID Post II
I honestly thought I would post here again sooner. But such is life (finding time is always a challenge).
Today, I thought I post about three albums that I really love so much I will always stop and listen. 2 were on my 2019 list, but these have been standing out to me as I listen to my newer stuff. The third is a bit older (OK, not that old).
Ann (A Progressive Metal Trilogy) Ex Libra
Fronted by Dianne van Giersbergen, this 9 song trilogy of the trios on three famous Ann's is amazing and beautiful. The music is wonderfully emotional to the context (I find the Anne Frank Chapter to be a bit gut wrenching but also my favorite of the three) but what captures me the most is Dianne's voice. I can't get tired of it. (listen to The Healer or The Exile)
The three Ann's are
1) Anne Boleyn
Spotify link here, but if you have Qobuz or Tidal etc, it's much better.
When I Am Alone (A Piano Retrosptive) Lissie
If you follow me, you know that I love Lissie. Her music is deeply persona for me and she is an incredibly engaging and authentic live performer. This album is just her and the piano and stuff she has recorded on previous albums (plus one cover). But this has quickly become my favorite album by her and I really can't hear it too many times.
Til The Casket Drop ZZ Ward
From 2012, this album is something special. Well, ZZ Ward is something special. Tlbum is always welcome on my playlist. I can't even pick out a favorite, cuz each song I hear I am like "that's my favorite" . Having said that, check out "Blue Eyes Blind" She is also a great live performer.
Ann (A Progressive Metal Trilogy) Ex Libra
Fronted by Dianne van Giersbergen, this 9 song trilogy of the trios on three famous Ann's is amazing and beautiful. The music is wonderfully emotional to the context (I find the Anne Frank Chapter to be a bit gut wrenching but also my favorite of the three) but what captures me the most is Dianne's voice. I can't get tired of it. (listen to The Healer or The Exile)
The three Ann's are
1) Anne Boleyn
- The Courtship
- The Miscarriage
- The Tower
- The Motherland
- The Healer
- The Exile
- The Diary
- The Annex
- The Raid
Spotify link here, but if you have Qobuz or Tidal etc, it's much better.
When I Am Alone (A Piano Retrosptive) Lissie
If you follow me, you know that I love Lissie. Her music is deeply persona for me and she is an incredibly engaging and authentic live performer. This album is just her and the piano and stuff she has recorded on previous albums (plus one cover). But this has quickly become my favorite album by her and I really can't hear it too many times.
Til The Casket Drop ZZ Ward
From 2012, this album is something special. Well, ZZ Ward is something special. Tlbum is always welcome on my playlist. I can't even pick out a favorite, cuz each song I hear I am like "that's my favorite" . Having said that, check out "Blue Eyes Blind" She is also a great live performer.
Sunday, April 19, 2020
COVID Post I
I have been listening to a lot of music during the lock down. So many songs, artists, and albums have struck me I was looking for a way to share.
Some are old (for me), some are new.
I got really going with the 7 Album challenge as it caused me to listen to some old favorites and I realized listening to some entire albums that:
Damn! some of these are really good.
There is no pattern here, no top ten, to rules. Just stuff I want to talk about because I recently immersed myself in it and loved it.
Additional note: I have provided Spotify links so you can hear for yourself. Having said that
Album: Pieces of You by Jewel.
This was Jewel's big breakthrough (and debut) album from the 1990's . I have many of her albums and her discs were frequently found in my CD player/changer during the 90's and 2000's.
My memory is that two songs got very popular and their videos could be seen on MTV and VH1 a lot (yeah, I said that). You would also hear them on the radio many times over.
Those songs were "You Were Meant for me" and "Foolish Games"
And they are very good songs. But like many songs, they got so popular that people
There are 14 tracks on this wonderful album. Most of them are just her and a guitar. And that that is all that is needed.
Some of the other (less well-known) songs:
"Who Will Save Your Soul?": You might have heard this one too. Wasn't huge like the other two (but it was very popular). Great song.
"Pieces of You": The title track is a song that is as relevant now as it was then.
"Adrian": Music captures so many emotions. Especially when mere words fail us.
"Amen": This one is so beautiful. And it really shows off her voice. I end up closing my eyes and just listening every time.
If you have never listened to this entire album, I highly recommend it. It's a perfect example of how much more and album can be than its 2 or 3 hit songs.
Album: No Need to Argue by The Cranberries
This album has a lot of personal meaning for me. Let's go back to 1994. The song "Zombie" kept playing on the alternative radio station I listened to in my car. Now, at first, I was like "Why do they keep playing this heavy metal song on this station?" But then I started to really like it. And really, really like it. Back then, you didn't get to preview albums on Spotify. Every now and then, a store would let you listen to a sample CD, but usually only a few songs. Buying music was largely educated guessing. You mostly relied on
So, here is some commentary on selected other songs (because I assume the reader is familiar with "Zombie"). Again, I like every song on this album - I just didn't comment on them all:
"Ode to My Family": This is beautiful and contemplative. I think I appreciate more and more as I get older - but I always loved it.
"Empty": This immediately follows Zombie, and is the perfect offset. I always immerse myself in this one (and typically find myself humming or singing along).
"The Icicle Melts": Pleasant song, if you don't listen to the lyrics. Dolores is great.
"Ridiculous Thoughts": I think the sound on this one is about as signature Cranberries as you can get.
"No Need to Argue: Title track and album closer. I love this song so much. So very much.
Album: The Day The Light Went Out By The Strange Familiar.
Back in 2013, I discovered this Ohio band existed and liked them immediately. Then, in 2014, they gifted us with this beauty. I have always hoped they would go on tour so I could see them live. On Facebook, their leader singer ( Kira Leyden) recently started performing songs to their followers. Her cover of "No Need to Argue" (Linked here) got me thinking about the Cranberries. But it also got me revisit The Strange Familiar.
"Painkiller": Lead off song, immediately tells that we will hear a lot acoustic piano, Kira's melodic voice, and excellent studio mixing of various instrumental voices.
"Rain": This song is sweet and memorable. A mother singing about her love for her daughter, but any parent can relate.
"Surrender": Probably my favorite song on this album.
"The One": God her voice is beautiful.
"We All Fall Down": You probably have figured out by now that I am a sucker for piano and female voice. Guilty as charged. A well crafted song.
"The Day The Light Went Out": Anthem like song to finish off the album. Very satisfying.
I got really going with the 7 Album challenge as it caused me to listen to some old favorites and I realized listening to some entire albums that:
Damn! some of these are really good.
There is no pattern here, no top ten, to rules. Just stuff I want to talk about because I recently immersed myself in it and loved it.
Additional note: I have provided Spotify links so you can hear for yourself. Having said that
- You should purchase the music if you like it. I always buy if I plan to listen to an album more than once. Purchase from BandCamp if you can find the album there.
- You will get a better listening experience if you listen with better equipment and better quality files (FLAC or ALAC >> mp3). Maybe I'll blog a bit about this later. I am far from an audio expert, but I can tell you that since I have upgraded my approach, the quality of my listening experience is vastly improved. It's worth the investment (within reason of course).
Album: Pieces of You by Jewel.
This was Jewel's big breakthrough (and debut) album from the 1990's . I have many of her albums and her discs were frequently found in my CD player/changer during the 90's and 2000's.
My memory is that two songs got very popular and their videos could be seen on MTV and VH1 a lot (yeah, I said that). You would also hear them on the radio many times over.
Those songs were "You Were Meant for me" and "Foolish Games"
And they are very good songs. But like many songs, they got so popular that people
- Got sick of them
- Got the wrong impression they were representative of this artist as whole.
There are 14 tracks on this wonderful album. Most of them are just her and a guitar. And that that is all that is needed.
Some of the other (less well-known) songs:
"Who Will Save Your Soul?": You might have heard this one too. Wasn't huge like the other two (but it was very popular). Great song.
"Pieces of You": The title track is a song that is as relevant now as it was then.
"Adrian": Music captures so many emotions. Especially when mere words fail us.
"Amen": This one is so beautiful. And it really shows off her voice. I end up closing my eyes and just listening every time.
If you have never listened to this entire album, I highly recommend it. It's a perfect example of how much more and album can be than its 2 or 3 hit songs.
Album: No Need to Argue by The Cranberries
This album has a lot of personal meaning for me. Let's go back to 1994. The song "Zombie" kept playing on the alternative radio station I listened to in my car. Now, at first, I was like "Why do they keep playing this heavy metal song on this station?" But then I started to really like it. And really, really like it. Back then, you didn't get to preview albums on Spotify. Every now and then, a store would let you listen to a sample CD, but usually only a few songs. Buying music was largely educated guessing. You mostly relied on
- Word of mouth (hey, you should buy this!)
- You heard multiple hits from the same album on the radio
- You already liked the artist and trusted the CD would be worth buying.
So, here is some commentary on selected other songs (because I assume the reader is familiar with "Zombie"). Again, I like every song on this album - I just didn't comment on them all:
"Ode to My Family": This is beautiful and contemplative. I think I appreciate more and more as I get older - but I always loved it.
"Empty": This immediately follows Zombie, and is the perfect offset. I always immerse myself in this one (and typically find myself humming or singing along).
"The Icicle Melts": Pleasant song, if you don't listen to the lyrics. Dolores is great.
"Ridiculous Thoughts": I think the sound on this one is about as signature Cranberries as you can get.
"No Need to Argue: Title track and album closer. I love this song so much. So very much.
Album: The Day The Light Went Out By The Strange Familiar.
Back in 2013, I discovered this Ohio band existed and liked them immediately. Then, in 2014, they gifted us with this beauty. I have always hoped they would go on tour so I could see them live. On Facebook, their leader singer ( Kira Leyden) recently started performing songs to their followers. Her cover of "No Need to Argue" (Linked here) got me thinking about the Cranberries. But it also got me revisit The Strange Familiar.
"Painkiller": Lead off song, immediately tells that we will hear a lot acoustic piano, Kira's melodic voice, and excellent studio mixing of various instrumental voices.
"Rain": This song is sweet and memorable. A mother singing about her love for her daughter, but any parent can relate.
"Surrender": Probably my favorite song on this album.
"The One": God her voice is beautiful.
"We All Fall Down": You probably have figured out by now that I am a sucker for piano and female voice. Guilty as charged. A well crafted song.
"The Day The Light Went Out": Anthem like song to finish off the album. Very satisfying.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
2019 Summa Cum Laude Songs (1-20)
20. Christmas Lights Ingrid Michaelson
19. Dance in the Fire Nemesea
18. Stronger Now ANIIML
17. My Motto Jade Bird
16. Back To Me Grace Potter (featuring Lucius)
15. A Mother's Confession Amanda Palmer
14. Holy Roller Emily Wolfe
13. Lions Nemesea
12. The Others whenyoung
11. Haunted Houses Sir Babygirl
10. Why So Serious Alice Merton
9. Outta My Head Jocelyn & Chris Arndt
8. Strange Clouds Hillsburn
7. Pretty Ingrid Michaelson
6. Courage P!nk
5. Release Grace Potter
4. I Get No Joy Jade Bird
3. Judy Blum Amanda Palmer
2. It's Over ANIIML
1. Learn To Live Alice Merton
19. Dance in the Fire Nemesea
18. Stronger Now ANIIML
17. My Motto Jade Bird
16. Back To Me Grace Potter (featuring Lucius)
15. A Mother's Confession Amanda Palmer
14. Holy Roller Emily Wolfe
13. Lions Nemesea
12. The Others whenyoung
11. Haunted Houses Sir Babygirl
10. Why So Serious Alice Merton
9. Outta My Head Jocelyn & Chris Arndt
8. Strange Clouds Hillsburn
7. Pretty Ingrid Michaelson
6. Courage P!nk
5. Release Grace Potter
4. I Get No Joy Jade Bird
3. Judy Blum Amanda Palmer
2. It's Over ANIIML
1. Learn To Live Alice Merton
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