This month although my music loyalty has been to Brandon Flowers’ new album, The Desired Effect (read my review here), I have taken breaks here and there to listen to something else. I’ve been listening to music more than usual (which is saying a lot) because I’ve learned recently that I work a lot better when I have music in the background rather than a show on Netflix or YouTube videos. In no particular order, these are the songs I’ve been loving this month.
- “Unchained Melody (feat. The Chapin Sisters)”, She & Him. Although I listened to their newest album, Classics, when it came out a few months ago, I had forgotten about it. I’m not sure what inspired it, but I put it on the other day and was reminded of why I loved it so much. Out of all the gems on that record, this has to be my favourite. First, there’s Zooey Deschanel’s amazing voice. Serious voice envy going on over here. I also love the twist on the classic song. As you know (or maybe you don’t), I love a good cover, especially when the new artist puts a new spin on the song.
- “Riptide”, Vance Joy. I know you are hearing this song everywhere, but really it’s for good reason. As much as Christopher doesn’t like this song, he never asks me to turn it off (he’s good like that). For the longest time I kept hearing, remembering that I loved it and then promptly forgetting who sang it. I’m pretty sure I Shazaamed it like five times. Also, have you heard his cover of Taylor Swift’s “I Know Places”?
- “Diggin’ Up the Heart”, Brandon Flowers. Okay, I really do love the entire album, but this last week, this has been my favourite. And it’s not just because he talks about a girl named Christie (I’ll forgive him for spelling it wrong)… I promise.
- “Kennedy Center Performance”, The Barden Bellas. Have you seen Pitched Perfect 2 yet? You haven’t? Stop reading this right and go see it! I won’t be offended, I promise! I loved every single song (and basically every single moment of the film), but when I’m hanging out at home, getting ready or working (like right now). It’s really amazing that I even like this song though, because I’m not a fan of Kesha or Miley.
- “Just So”, Agnes Obel. I love this song so much. It’s pretty, it’s soft, it’s perfect for those times when I want some background music and I don’t want to be too distracted from what I’m doing. Actually, the entire album, Philharmonics, is one of my favourites to play while I’m reading. I think this song, or one of her other songs may have been used on So You Think You Can Dance as well. It just has that cadence that the choreographers tend to love (ps. who is excited about the next season starting next Monday? I’m not sure how I feel about it yet…)
- “Love Me Like the World Is Ending”, Ben Lee. The other day, I was listening to the playlist I made for my brother’s wedding (yes, he gave me the best job), and I was reminded of how much I love this song. Not only is it beautifully sentimental (which is why I used it for my sister’s wedding, mine and my brother’s), it’s just one of those catchy tunes that you can listen to anytime and enjoy it. And it’s not a bad thing when it gets stuck in your head.
- “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, Billy Joel. I remember listening to this song a lot when I was a kid (thank you, mom), and loving it. Years later, Ryan started the fire and I loved it more. And then Leslie sang all the wrong words trying to get Ron to talk to her. Seriously, this song is gold.
- “Skinny Love”, Birdy. That piano. Such a beautiful song, sad song too when you think about it (“cause now I’m breaking at the britches,/And at the end of all your lines”), but I love a good sad, pretty song.
- “We’ve Only Just Begun”, The Carpenters. Another blast from my childhood past. You may notice that I was raised on a lot of late ‘60s and ‘70s music. Another favourite song of mine, thanks to my mom. If you want an updated version of this classic, you should listen to Grant Lee Buffalo’s cover (the troubadour from Gilmore Girls is the lead singer). It’s great.
- “I’m a Fire”, David Nail. I don’t remember how I discovered David Nail. It was either through recommendations on iTunes, or from Hart of Dixie (I found a lot of good country favourites from that show). Regardless, I love his album, I’m a Fire, and the title track is definitely one of my favourites. I’m still kind of surprised how much I love country. If you had told my 15-year-old self that I would love country so much, I would have promptly called you a liar. It’s amazing what ten years (and a husband that loves country) will do.
You can listen to my May playlist on Spotify:
What songs are you loving this month?
