let the music play :: 2

In an attempt to embrace this cold wether and that dirty word that starts with a W, I am having to shake up my routine. My usual mid-day outside workouts are nearly impossible and a leisurely stroll to do work at the coffeehouse around the block is rare. As a result, CNN is on the verge of turning my mind to mush because it will stay on all day if I'm not careful and my attention to so many random things on the internet is on the verge of ridiculous. So, music has been a great release, interruption and escape. I'm usually in the mood for something particular but those "shuffle" the iPod days are sure for a good time.

It's been several months since I last "let the music play". So, thanks to a few albums that feel like old friends and a few new tunes compliments of my oh-so-with-it friends, here's what's been flowin through my veins.

Darius Rucker
Learn to Live
or download: Don't Think I Don't Think About It, Learn to Live, While I Still Got the Time
it's still hootie, y'all! only with a steel guitar and an extra amazing voice. he writes the songs; a few are predictable 'country' songs, but most meaningful with clever hooks and themes. i was skeptical about his comeback, but i am hooked!

Leona Naess
Thirteens

or download: Heavy Like Sunday, Leave Your Boyfriends Behind, Swing Gently

i discovered this quirky and awkwardly delicious British transplant opening for Ray Lamontagne back in November. she left me extremely curious, and now i adore her. her voice is sweet, her words are real and raw. her style is contagious.

Pink

Funhouse

or download: Crystal Ball, Sober, Glitter in the Air

crazy, check. angry, check. blunt, check...but all delightfully, so. she writes her own music & the words are her life. the beats & arrangements are brilliant. you won't skip one track on this cd. good for aworkout, rant, or road trip by yourself.

Amos Lee
Last Days at the Lodge

or download: What's Been Goin On, Won't Let Me Go, Street Corner Preacher

pallie got me hooked on him when she added this album to our "house cleaning day" playlist. his voice is unique, his songs are thoughtful & frankly, i really enjoy singing "like him". i'm eager to see him live.

Regina Spektor

Begin to Hope

or download: fidelity, samson, hotel song

it was about a year ago that P and I saw her at the Ryman; one of the best shows i've ever seen. she is brilliant. this album goes from happy to somber extremes sure to keep you captivated. her vocal range, tone and expression is an art in itself.

And One To Grow On:

Punk Goes Crunk

hear me out: this is kinda hokey and certainly has an acquired taste, but as a fan of old rap and a sucker for some new rap/hip-hop, i really dig some of the songs -- with a punk flava. it's likely i'll be over it in a week but i'm posting "in the moment" here, folks. **if you are even still reading this(!), don't waste your iTunes credit, but check out the samples...and a few $0.99 downloads might be in order. its ok, i wont tell.

credit {or blame!} for this discovery goes to: lindsey mcm!