Gee, Hump Day Goes Pop

That’s right.  Pop sound takes over this week with the sweet and irresistible music of Eric Hutchinson.  I’m attending his concert at Furman tonight, so I couldn’t help but share the love.  This boy can play the piano like nobody’s business, and he’s got a soulful little swagger to his songs that I can’t help but adore.

His top songs from his 2008 album Sounds Like This are “Rock & Roll” and “OK It’s Alright With Me.”  The “OK…” video is simple and could read like a quirky karaoke video, but his smiley expressions make it utterly endearing.

I also dig the tracks “Food Chain” and “Oh!” but those videos aren’t on YouTube…sad day!

This boy is far too happy-go-lucky to resist.  Every song is a smile.  I swear.  I don’t know too much about him, but I’m excited to check him out.  Concert review soon to come…

Gee, Florence’s Voice Ain’t So Mechanical

These days, I’m entranced by the sounds of Florence + the Machine.  This summer, my musical genius of a friend burned me a copy of the 2009 album, Lungs, and I was astonished to find that I actually enjoyed listening to the entire CD all the way through.  That, to me, is magical stuff.

While Florence’s most popular song at the moment is “Dog Days Are Over” (I highly recommend you check out the out-of-this-world music video), my favorite track is “Swimming.”  Florence Welch’s voice is positively chilling.  Its fullness gives the ethereal lyrics a heavy soul.  The tone of her voice is almost jazzy, carrying the melody beyond the alternative genre and into one all her own.

This free-spirited, fiery Brit may be on the verge of a breakthrough after performing on MTV’s Video Music Awards and even winning one herself.  It’s really no wonder, though.  The girl’s got Lungs.  My apologies for the cheeseball pun.

Gee, Matt & Kim Keep It Fresh

Matt & Kim have a knack for pairing innovative electronic sounds with mesmerizing beats to create addictive jams that evoke a sense of vivacious freedom.  All last summer, my sister and I drove through the streets of Baltimore with the windows down, captivated by the electronic rhythms of their song “Daylight.”  The music video totally captures this spirit.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that their new track, “Cameras,” is of the same caliber.  The same upbeat spirit infuses the lyrics, and the chorus is crisp and catchy.  It may be a new, unique jam, but it has the same inspiring quality.

I also found a fun twist on this fresh tune with a remix by Will Doolittle who combined it with Rihanna’s “Umbrella”…the sound is pretty impressive.  I am always amazed at how these DJs can sense when two separate songs will come together so seamlessly.

I am in awe.

Gee, It’s Time For Hump Day Jam!

Wednesdays can be pretty rough.  The weekend is in sight, but it is just out of reach.  This can be extremely disconcerting.  You may find yourself snapping at random strangers on the street, and sending spiteful e-mails to ex-lovers…but hopefully not.  Let’s just choose to take the glass half full perspective and think you’re SO close!  At least that’s the route that I’m gonna take.  Join me!

To help get over that little bump of a hump, I’ve decided that every Hump Day deserves a sweet and delectable jam to stay motivated all the way through Friday afternoon.  There’s nothing like a solid song to leave a sweet taste in your mouth through the rest of the week.

Today, that song is “Audience” by Cold War Kids.  The steady beat demands that you tap your feet, and lead singer Nathan Willett’s confident voice carries a contagious energy as he reiterates that, “We are playing for an audience of one.”

So as you struggle with the idea that the weekend might never get here, look within yourself for the strength to keep going.  Do it for yourself, even when no one else is watching and you are your only audience.  Come Friday night, you’ll feel that much better about kicking back with a glass of wine and some reruns of Law and Order, or going out on the town to hit the dance floor with your crazy pals.  Whatever strikes your fancy for a weekend wind-down, you will deserve it.  Let that savory jam linger.