_berg loves pizza_

Breathturn

Amazing video for a beautiful piece of instrumental ambient rock from Hammock. Video directed by David Altobelli.

Hammock – Breathturn from David Altobelli on Vimeo.

The song is from Hammock’s 2010 album Chasing After Shadows…Living With the Ghosts. If you’ve never heard of Hammock, maybe its high time you check them out. If you like Explosions In The Sky, you may like this band.

Hammock – “Breathturn“

The Rescues Create Magic Together

If you don’t know The Rescues, its not too late to discover them yet. Take a listen to their soon-to-be-released major label debut effort Let Loose The Horses and be blown away! The album comes out July 6th. The band is composed of four singer-songwriters–Kyler England, Rob Giles, Adrianne Gonzalez, and Gabriel Mann– who individually are already strong as artists. But collectively, they are amazing! Not to create uber-high expectations, but I’ve read one critic describe them as the second incarnation of Fleetwood Mac. Now, I take that with a grain of salt since I personally don’t think both bands sound that similar. If anything I’d say that its a testament to their craft and strength as songwriters and musicians.  Seriously, give them a listen. I wholeheartedly recommend it. I haven’t heard an album this eclectic yet cohesive and strong in a long time. I even started listing down the album standouts on this post here til I realized that I already named most of the songs on the album so it was quite pointless. This is magic right here!

The Rescues – “Break Me Out” (2010 Version)

Break me out tonight
I wanna see the sun rising anywhere but here
Come with me
Oh, this could be the only chance we get
We gotta take it
We don’t do it now we’ll never make it
Lose this crowd
Oh break me out

Their song “Stay Over” is my current ringtone. haha. I’m also right now obsessed with “We’re OK”, “Stranger Keeper”, and “You’re Not Listening”.

I’ll Wait For Something… It Won’t Be Long

It’s no secret that I am a HUGE Joshua Radin fan. And while Europe is currently devouring Josh’s 2008 masterpiece, Simple Times, the rest of us are getting a treat in the form of three new songs from his upcoming album out later this year. The EP, Songs Under a Streetlight, was released in early June to little fanfare but how excited was I to hear that smooth voice singing some new tunes two years after his last release! Here is one of the new songs, “Streetlight”. I don’t know about you guys but something about this song’s words really get to me.

Joshua Radin – “Streetlight“

…I don’t mind the wait, it’s fine
As long as you know
It’s the wait that could be the something…

Words Don’t Sink, It Swims

Thanks to 500 Days of Summer, The Temper Trap is slowly gaining worldwide recognition because of their song “Sweet Disposition” which was used in that movie. Don’t leave it at that though. You guys should check out the band’s 2009 album Conditions. Lots of good songs off of that, including this one right here I am currently obsessed with… “Fader”.

The Temper Trap – “Fader“

And this fable world’s comin’ down
Hard, walls comin’ down
Hard, in all our homes
So hold a hand for cover
Hold a hand for cover
Hold a hand for cover from harm

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but my posts are getting shorter. The theory is, less write-ups = more updates. We shall see. haha.

Just Tell Me You’ll See Me

Brendan James is an American singer-songwriter who’s instrument of choice is the piano. Heard this guy’s previous album The Day Is Brave back in 2008 and thought it was good but forgettable. He’s got a new self-titled album coming out in September with producer Warren Huart at the helm. Huart has previously worked with the likes of Howie Day, The Fray, and Augustana, among others. Based on those artists you could already get a grasp of what to expect from Brendan. I have to say though that based on the two new songs I’ve heard off of the new album, the quality in his work has made a big leap forward. Check out the album’s first single, “The Fall” below.

Brendan James – “The Fall“

…don’t write, don’t call. I’ll see you in the fall…

Souvenirs

I poured a lot of my grief on to this song when my sister passed away almost ten years ago. It didn’t make me feel a whole lot better, but it helped a little knowing that I wasn’t going through it alone.

Eventually, we all come out of it okay. The grief passes. Or maybe it doesn’t, we just get used to the feeling. We get scarred, but we heal in one way or another. It will take time, but family and friends help you to move on. And prayers… it helps knowing that the people we love are at a better place and that we will see each other again somehow.

To one of my best friends… who lost her dad a week ago.

Mary Beth Maziarz – “Souvenirs“

photo by alejka

Oooh an update!

Did you guys miss me? all five of you? haha! After successfully being quite consistent with posts back in February and March I failed to post anything for 25 days! But I am back, giving y’all some heads up (if you didn’t know already) on new releases by artists who are under my radar, most of them I am a huge fan of.

Stars – “Fixed“

you, you’re sinking, so they say / you, you’re finished, so they say / you, you’re boring, so they say / you, I care when caring fades
Canadian Indie-pop collective Stars return with their new album on June 22nd. The release is called The Five Ghosts, which is probably a reference to the five members of the band. What’s notable about this release is their return to producer Tom McFall, who handled 2005’s Set Yourself on Fire (a far superior album compared to their 2007 release). Also, it would be the first time where all five members of the band have contributed to the writing process. The song above was released for free via their website a few weeks ago. It is track #4 on the album and it sounds like they’re definitely back on track.

Frightened Rabbit – “Foot Shooter”

and if I shoot at you, you should shoot at me too / and we can drown in pools of the thick dark words we threw / and as my face turns white / I apologise, I am sorry, It’s not your fault / It’s mine
I fell in love with this Scottish band because their last album The Midnight Organ Fight. That was an excellent set. But this new one (though I know some would disagree) is amazing! It’s called The Winter of Mixed Drinks… a serious contender for album of the year in my book. I was and still am blown away! I have a different favorite song every time I listen to it. You all should get it! I’m trying to stay away from putting up the singles so I am sharing one of the album tracks… today’s favorite, “Foot Shooter”. I can see myself in this song, I am a human being after all. Just as I can see myself in other songs from this album like “Skip The Youth”, and the first single “Swim Until You Can’t See Land“. Great great band!!!

Cary Brothers – “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You“

wisdom tells me to turn away / broken once, it’s all the same / my arms will grow / chest expanding / of all the boys you could have landed / why’d it have to be me?
This guy surprised me back in early April when I found out that his new album, Under Control, was coming out on the first week. Three weeks later, I am still spellbound by the album’s ten new songs. Like Frightened Rabbit’s new one, this one will probably end up in my top ten for the year, too. Its truly a shame that Cary (yes, that’s his first name, he’s a solo artist, and not a group of brothers) is not getting the attention he deserves. There is a reason why his songs often end up as soundtracks to key moments in many TV shows and movies… his music exudes an emotional atmosphere rarely heard from his peers. So, I want to thank Zach Braff for bringing him to my attention. You can download the first single, “Ghost Town”, for free [here]. To convince you even more, the album’s pensive closing track is posted above.

Robyn – “Dancing on My Own”

I’m in the corner watching you kiss her / I’m right over here, why can’t you see me? / I’m giving it my all, but I’m not the girl you’re taking home …
We’ve already heard a few promo tracks from Robyn’s upcoming Body Talk p.t 1, but this right here is the official first single. And what else can I say but WOW! Listen to it once and see if you can keep yourself from pressing the repeat button when its over haha. Like her previous hits “With Every Heartbeat” and “Be Mine”, its also a sad song disguised under a pulsating dance beat. It still works. Girls are going to be crying again when she performs this acoustic… I can already hear it. Robyn, I am a fan! The song is produced by Patrik Berger. Body Talk pt. 1 comes out on June 8th.

The National – “Bloodbuzz Ohio“

(somebody please explain to me what this song means. it sounds so good but i dont know what it means. haha.)
God its good to hear Matt Berninger’s voice on a new song! Their new album, High Violet, is almost here! May 11th, to be precise. This is a track which was released for free on the official High Violet website some weeks ago. My expectations are so high for this new one coz their last release, Boxer, was #4 on my 2007 year-end list. So much good music coming out!

Jonsi – “Sticks & Stones“

Just wanna remind those who don’t have it yet, Jonsi’s album Go is out now! And it is beautiful! Also, you guys should watch How To Train Your Dragon, if you haven’t already. Its a wonderful surprise of a movie. Jonsi sings the song that plays in the end credits. This one right here… though the song appears only on the movie’s soundtrack and not on his new album.

The songs posted are for sampling purposes only. If you like what you hear, please support the artists by buying their work legally.