myPod: all messed up

Now I'm all messed up via YouTube

Got introduced to Tegan and Sara last year in a fit of musical education.  Love, love the soulful pop synth that is their album, Heartthrob.  Currently on my playlist?  Now I'm all messed up - take a listen above.  

myPod: Microwave Jenny

via YouTube

 

About 4 years ago I used to head out on a Wednesday night to get some culture with a group of friends and friends of friends.  We'd see a play, the symphony or hit a live music venue.  The Basement is of course one of my favourite live spots in the city...and it was here that I discovered an absolute gem of an Aussie duo.  We were there to see some big soul band rock out but I honestly can't even remember who it was.  All I remember is this gorgeous pop folk duo, Microwave Jenny.  From the moment Tessa Nuku's sweet sound started I was absolutely hooked.  She has this incredibly light, bright but effortless voice which sometimes has a darling little crack in it.  Her (now husband) Brendan is equally talented, and his sweet harmonies make the music soar.  

 

The above song, When you don't call is a recent favourite.  I love this song, because it encapsulates perfectly that feeling when you're waiting for someone to call.  Slightly teen angsty of me, but I've never pretended to be above that...

 

What's awesome about seeing this raw youtube clip is how similar it sounds to the recorded version - no autotune here!  They also kill at covers.  But you'll have to see them in concert to get the best.  They're playing at the Vanguard on Oct 5 - tickets here.

 

Some other faves you should absolutely check out: I'll Never Learn; my summer fave, Summer or this totally fun cover of MmmBop.

 

My day is beggin' to be talked about...

 

 

myPod: Frank Ocean

via Youtube

I'm late to the party, but Frank Ocean is incredible.  And I can't get this song out of my head.  Soul.

myPod: Higher Love

via YouTube

 

Love this cover of 80s classic, Higher Love (originally by Steve Winwood) by Irish folkster, James Vincent McMorrow - he's awesome.  I also love "We Don't Eat".

Skinny love, heavy talent

via Youtube

 

This a favourite song for many of us, so beautiful.  But this version, from this very young lady - well, it's just so very beautiful seeing talent like this.  I'm loathe to post an X-Factor clip, but just, wow.  The second best thing about this clip (after her singing), is the look on the judges' faces when each of them simultaneously realise that they can't sing anything like this.  The worst part of this clip is when Ronan Keating gets up on the table and quite frankly, interrupts.

 

The way you move me, it's crazy

via YouTube

It took me a while to get on the page with this guy but better late than never right?  If you haven't yet - you need to. A special someone introduced me to Ray LaMontagne back in 2008 - the special someone didn't last but by gosh the music does ... every so often I come back to it and it just hits me.  This is a particular favourite - so full of soul, I can't stand it.  This is one I'd love to sing in my imaginary cabaret show...

Baby
It's been a long day, baby
Things ain't been going my way
And now i need you here
To clear my mind all the time

And baby
The way you move me, it's crazy
It's like you see right through me
And make it easier
Believe me, you don't even have to try

[chorus]
Oh, because
You are the best thing
(you're the best thing)
You are the best thing
(you're the best thing, baby)
You are the best thing
(you're the best thing, oooh)
Ever happened to me

Baby
We've come a long way
And baby
You know i hope and i pray
That you believe me
When i say this love will never fade away

[chorus]
Oh, because
You are the best thing
(you're the best thing)
You are the best thing
(you're the best thing, baby)
You are the best thing
(you're the best thing, oooh)
Ever happened to me

Both of us had no love before
(to come on promising like a spring to walk on out the door)?
Our words are strong and our hearts are kind
Let me tell you just exactly what's on my mind

Oh, Whitney

via YouTube

Digging through my iTunes on shuffle and keep coming back to the Glee Whitney episode.  This is possibly one of my most favourite Glee performances ever - I don't know how I haven't posted it yet.  I mean, it's sort of ridiculous how excited I am to sing this.  Can't wait to get my Rachel (slash Mercedes) on in September.

Divine Clare Bowditch

Is it naff to post a song that has been on Offspring?  Potentially.  Is this song naff?  No.  It's incredible.  And you should listen to it.  Clare Bowditch has a heartbreaking voice.  Another one to add to my repetoire for my next imaginary cabaret show...

Dare you to let me be your one and only

via Youtube

We've all been a bit obsessed with Rolling in the Deep, Turning Tables, Someone Like You and Rumour Has It...but Adele's 21 is full of gorgeous, gorgeous songs that I am dying to sing.  One and Only is my current favourite, and pretty much empitomises my general ethos when it comes to music: "all I want in music is heartbreaking romance".  I'm already writing my next cabaret show in my head, just so I can perform this.  Incredible live version above.

You've been on my mind
I grow fonder every day,
Lose myself in time
Just thinking of your face
God only knows
Why it's taken me so long
To let my doubts go
You're the only one that I want

I don't know why I'm scared, I've been here before
Every feeling, every word, I've imagined it all,
You never know if you never try
To forgive your past and simply be mine

I dare you to let me be your, your one and only
Promise I'm worthy to hold in your arms
So come on and give me a chance
To prove that I'm the one who can
Walk that mile until the end starts
I've been on your mind
You hang on every word I say
Lose yourself in time at the mention of my name
Will I ever know how it feels to hold you close?
And have you tell me whichever road I choose you'll go

I don't know why I'm scared 'cause I've been here before
Every feeling, every word, I've imagined it all,
You'll never know if you never try
To forgive your past and simply be mine

I dare you to let me be your, your one and only
I promise I'm worthy to hold in your arms
So come on and give me a chance
To prove that I'm the one who can
Walk that mile until the end starts

I know it ain't easy
Giving up your heart
I know it ain't easy
Giving up your heart

I could drink a case of you, darling

A stunning video to say Happy New Year from Devour Beauty.  Thanks to Dangerously Debonair for the heads up on this soulful cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" and its accompanying beautiful video.  PS: this is what real lyrics are about. 

Yo-yo Ma and Lil Buck: cello and locking

Seen on Dangerously Debonair, from Opening Ceremony's Youtube page

Spike Jonze released this incredible collaboration from cello virtuoso Yo-Yo Ma and LA dancer, Lil Buck.  It is heartbreakingly beautiful.