"Pompeii" by Bastille

SONG OF THE MOMENT

Lots of underrated bands end up finding their way to my playlists.  I like to surf around and find music that maybe isn't being listened to by the masses for multiple reasons.  The two biggest reasons are 1.) top 40 radio is almost always a joke (they will only play one song by a fantastic artist or they'll overplay a good song until you hate it) and 2.) I want to support musicians and artists that create amazing music but they aren't known to millions simply because they don't have a #1 hit, a huge record contract, or a sold-out U.S. tour.  One of my biggest sources for music is actually an Australian radio station that is almost always cranking out great music and playing songs that don't become a hit in America for several more weeks or months...and sometimes never.  They're ahead of the curve.  They were the station that introduced me to Gotye, and Macklemore, before they were even close to having a nationwide American top 40 hit that caused it to be so overplayed it ruined it for most music lovers.  I like to be ahead of the curve because of that.  I was able to enjoy "Thrift Shop" and "Somebody That I Used to Know" to its fullest, then it came on the radio, I still enjoyed rocking out for a little bit, then I felt saturated with that song and I moved on before it got to be too much for me and ruined it all.  That might make no sense to some people, but I don't care.  It makes sense to the way I think and feel about music.  I'm discussing this now because one thing I've noticed recently, that is bringing some fantastic music to the public other than top 40 radio, is iTunes...yes iTunes.  They've had some great songs for free recently such as one by the living legend himself, Eric Clapton.  They even had Atlas Genius, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, and now Bastille.  Bastille just put out an EP about 2 weeks ago, yet in early March they released a full album that debuted at #1 on the U.K. charts.  Sadly, that full album is not available in the U.S. because we're dumb.  Well I actually don't know why it's unavailable in the U.S.  It's frustrating, but then here came along iTunes offering a free song of theirs a few weeks ago, introducing me to the band, and allowing me to quickly appreciate their music and crave the full "Bad Blood" album while having to settle for the phenomenal "Haunt" EP.  I'll survive.  Hopefully you all will enjoy this song of theirs as much as I do and whenever they do a full U.S. tour (other than 2 dates in Cali) we can all attend and have an incredible time.  

Song of the Moment

"Pompeii" by Bastille

"Down The Road" by C2C

SONG OF THE MOMENT

This song is close to a year old yet I just heard it for the first time in January and shared it with my former roommate Chris, who is currently in Miami and heading to New Orleans soon.  So obviously he'll be getting a visit from me soon since NOLA is sort of my favorite city in the world and all that jazz.  No pun intended.  But this is a song from a French group that just makes you want to move, that I shared with a guy who is moving to a city that just makes you want to party.  So I hope yall enjoy rocking out to this as much as I did.  

Song of the Moment

"Down The Road" by C2C

"Wolf" by First Aid Kit

SONG OF THE MOMENT

This post is simply to share a song that has been stuck in my head recently, having made its way back into my circulation randomly.  Thanks "shuffle."  It's a great tune which is the bonus track from this band's 2012 release that I really enjoyed.  Still a great album and I hope you enjoy this song by First Aid Kit.

Song of the Moment

"Wolf" by First Aid Kit

 

Free Music: Daft Punk

I have no problem admitting that I was initially hesitant in listening to this album before its "official release."  Especially since this album was intended to be available for live streaming, regardless.  Yet, it leaked early, people got a hold of it and posted it everywhere online.  I wanted to try to be a good music listener, try to stay true to the artist's intentions...but who cares, it was going up anyways for free streaming.  

The ENTIRE album.  FREE.  INTENTIONALLY.  

So no point in being a snob or trying to act holier-than-thou.  

My next hurdle was the fact that I have a hard time listening to Daft Punk, Justice, Ratatat, RJD2, etc etc while I sit still.  I hear it and I just want to dance and rage and get on my feet.  After deliberating for way too long, I finally decided to go and stream the new Daft Punk album.  "Randon Access Memories" is still up for live streaming, so go listen now if you haven't.  It's definitely worth the listen.  Guy-Manuel and Thomas have created yet another musical masterpiece.  Is it too early to call it "masterpiece?"  It's Daft Punk.  Come on, son.  

Now go listen and enjoy this since the album is officially released tomorrow in certain countries.  Go to their artist page in iTunes and click on "Listen Now" to stream the entire album.

Random Access Memories by Daft Punk

"Ends Of The Earth" by Lord Huron

SONG OF THE MOMENT

Just a few months ago I became aware of this band's existence due to a simple Spotify playlist.  I really got into their stuff pretty quickly after that.  I'm pretty pumped to be seeing them play live this summer and I can't wait to tell you all about it.  Here's a song from their recent album which was released in the fall in the U.S.  Enjoy!

Song of the Moment

"Ends Of The Earth" by Lord Huron


 

"Rivers and Roads" by The Head and the Heart

SONG OF THE MOMENT

I haven't blogged in weeks.  So what.  Get off my back.  I've been a busy guy and there have actually been periods of time recently where I haven't had time to listen to music for several days, which is weird for me.  So I'm obviously looking forward to seeing Radical Face tomorrow at Friday Cheers as they open for The Lone Bellow.  I saw The Lone Bellow open for Ivan & Alyosha a few weeks ago with my great friend Becky and now we're going again to see The Lone Bellow headline at Friday Cheers in Richmond.  In a few more weeks there is another amazing band playing Friday Cheers as well.  Seeing fantastic bands like these ones make me really proud of RVA and also get me really pumped to go see them play outdoors, at night, under the train tracks, by the canal, with a cold drink in my hand and a bunch of friends nearby as I stand and dance to the music or sit on the grass and relax.  Coming to Richmond in a few weeks to play is The Head and the Heart.  The song here is a great one from their debut studio album that was released in 2011.  Previously I used "Lost in My Mind" as a SOTM tune but this one might be one I like even better.  I hope you do too.  Also, go to YouTube and check out some of the cool live versions they do of this tune.  Enjoy!

Song of the Moment

"Rivers and Roads" by The Head and the Heart

"Metal & Dust" by London Grammar

SONG OF THE MOMENT

A few months ago I blogged a song by this band.  It is still one of my favorite tracks to listen to.  They released this song here relatively recently but sadly this band doesn't appear to be blowing up like I felt they would (and should) so finding some of their songs online is tough at times.  I'm looking at you, Spotify.  Anyways, enjoy this new song from London Grammar's recently released EP.

Song of the Moment

"Metal & Dust" by London Grammar

"All Eyes On You" by St. Lucia

SONG OF THE MOMENT

From now until the end of June don't be surprised if the majority of the songs I list come from Firefly artists.  Recently I've blogged songs by Django Django, LP, Atlas Genius, ZZ Ward, and others.  Today's tune comes from a relatively new artist that I found after my co-worker with the same amazing first name recommended that I look into some Spotify playlists for Firefly, since he is going too and said it's a good way to get to know all the artists.  I'm still trying to figure out this artist but what I've heard so far I like A LOT.  I look forward to seeing St. Lucia at Firefly this summer, until then I'll just rock out to songs like this.  Enjoy

Song of the Moment

"All Eyes On You" by St. Lucia

"Not Giving In" by Rudimental

SONG OF THE MOMENT

Heard this song a couple months ago and kept meaning to share it.  This is a great track from a relatively new UK group that has yet to release their first studio album.  This tune is one of the singles from their upcoming album, which is set to be released in late April.  If you're like me and are pretty excited for some of this funky-hip-hop-dance-soul music that doesn't seem to fit one genre...then check out this awesome Song of the Moment track!

Song of the Moment

"Not Giving In" by Rudimental

"You Never Need Nobody" by The Lone Bellow

SONG OF THE MOMENT

Interesting moment for me: this cool, new, up-and-coming band was introduced to me by a grandmother a few weeks ago.  This lady walked into my work, while I was mid-video edit, and as we talked I really got to liking her.  She was an incredibly nice and sociable woman with a great smile and laugh.  Then what happened next changed it all.  Her phone rang.  "Barton Hollow" by The Civil Wars was her ringtone.  After she finished her call the first thing I told her was that I absolutely love that song and The Civil Wars.  She looked at me as if she had some great secret, then said that she has a really close old friend, Charlie or something, who is the producer for The Civil Wars.  Mind: BLOWN.  So of course I turned into a little kid and asked a ton of questions and laughed like an idiot.  She eventually said that if I liked The Civil Wars so much then I should check out this new band that her friend also manages.  This is that band, this is the song she played for me, and after that moment I've literally been hearing about this band multiple times a week from radio, blogs, podcasts, ads, band tours, magazines, and a friend or two.  So, don't miss the train, check this song out and check this band out.  I'll be seeing them in April in Richmond as they open for Ivan & Alyosha (a fantastic band I sort of blogged about on March 1st) with my great friend Becky, and I'll let y'all know how they are.  Until then, enjoy today's Song of the Moment and have a great Friday!

Song of the Moment

"You Never Need Nobody" by The Lone Bellow

A GREAT Cause & "Default" by Django Django

First, my good friend Mike Smith is an incredibly talented DJ/vocalist/guitar player/rock god who is also a great human being.  We don't get to talk as often as I'd like but for now we'll survive.  He's involved in a GREAT cause in Chicago that "provides music education and performance opportunities to underserved children in Chicago, sparking creativity and passion, teaching critical thinking, supporting academic achievement, and enriching young lives."  Awesome stuff right?  He is currently raising money to help put these kids through a year's worth of the Rock for Kids program.  So, if you're even half as awesome as Mike Smith then I think you'd probably be willing to either A) learn more about this non-profit or B) donate to his fundraising.  

Just go HERE to read more and to donate.  

He may have reached his personal goal but that doesn't mean that the kids don't need your donations, if you're able to give!  

and on a lighter note... 

SONG OF THE MOMENT

This band is playing a festival I'm going to soon.  I'll definitely be blogging about that later, trust me.  For now, just check out their tune "Default" which is probably their most popular song, along with "Hail Bop."  It's a great song that I've enjoyed hearing occasionally on some podcasts and radio shows, so I hope it makes your eardrums happy as well.

Song of the Moment

"Default" by Django Django

"Fineshrine" by Purity Ring

SONG OF THE MOMENT

I've been digging this duo's song for a while now, as well as their new single, "Grammy".  Now it's time to share.   It has a great slow, but driving, beat with some very ethereal vocals. I just love it and I hope you do too.

Song of the Moment

"Fineshrine" by Purity Ring

Free Music: Ivan & Alyosha

 

Want some free tunes?  Yeah, me too.  They continue to surprise me over there at iTunes with their weekly singles.  They picked another great band this week with Ivan & Alyosha.  I started to get to know this band when their song "Fathers Be Kind" came out and was obviously picked for one of my Song of the Moments.  But for now, enjoy this great song of theirs titled "Running for Cover."  Oh and since it's Friday, and it's the Single of the Week, it won't be free for much longer, so grab it before it's gone!

"Running for Cover" by Ivan & Alyosha

"Entertainment" by Phoenix

SONG OF THE MOMENT

It's been less than 10 days since this single was released by Phoenix.  It's a song from their upcoming album, which will be released on my birthday.  Huzzah!  I had to give it a few days to really sink in to see how I felt about it.  Initially I wasn't so sure, mostly because the first 7 seconds or so of the beginning instrumentals made me feel like I was watching some really stereotypical part of "Mulan" or something.  Don't judge me.  But just to be clear, I could not have been more wrong.  The drums kick in and the rest of the song is fantastic.  So, if you're one of the few people who fell in love with Phoenix about 4 years ago (despite them making music since 2000...who knew?!) that has not listened to this song...time's up.  Listen now.  Join the masses that love Phoenix and love this song.

Song of the Moment

"Entertainment" by Phoenix

 

"Into the Wild" by LP

SONG OF THE MOMENT

This singer's name could not be more confusing when trying to hunt down their music.  Other than that I really like her and her style.  So today's Song of the Moment is a tune of hers from her latest EP.   See what I mean?  An EP by LP?  Why would you do that?!  Anyways...just go listen.

Song of the Moment

"Into the Wild" by LP

Free Music: Atlas Genius

Want some free tunes?  Yeah, me too.  Somehow iTunes has actually done a pretty decent job the last few weeks with their Single of the Week free downloads.  Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, whoever that Matt Hires kid is, and this week they've got Atlas Genius.  If they sound familiar it's because their song "Trojans" has been gaining popularity pretty quickly.  While that isn't the free song offered here, it's still a really good track that they've got. Though, since it's Friday, it won't be free for much longer, so grab it before it's gone!

"Symptoms" by Atlas Genius

"1957" by Milo Greene

SONG OF THE MOMENT

A few of months ago, Alexis shared this band's song with me on Spotify and I absolutely loved it.  Then just a couple weeks ago Colleen mentioned it and that reminded me that I really should share this tune.  If you've already heard it...too bad...go listen to this instead if you want to complain.

Song of the Moment

"1957" by Milo Greene

Free Music: The Steel Wheels

Early in 2012, the Americana band, The Steel Wheels, put out a new studio album titled "Lay Down, Lay Low."  I went ahead and purchased it on vinyl (with a digital download too of course) and I'm so incredibly glad that I did.  It was one of my favorite albums of the year, by far.  Actually, come to think of it, I'm quite upset with myself for not including it on my previous post about my favorite albums of 2012.  I only hope the band will forgive me.  

Anyways, barely more than a year after the amazing "Lay Down, Lay Low" was released, The Steel Wheels will be releasing yet another studio album.  As an age-old fan, I can tell that 2012 was a good year for the band, having listened to their critically acclaimed album (especially the hauntingly beautiful title track) on repeat, they toured all over the country and I saw them play in Ashland with Alexis, I found out they were going to be creating and headlining in a music festival (which Becky, Jessie, some other friends, and I have been discussing attending), and apparently they've been writing and recording enough to have another studio album ready for release in April 2013.  "No More Rain" will be released in a few short months, but to hold you over until then you can check out their live album from a late January 2013 show.  "Live at Ignition Garage" features 19 songs, new and old, fast and slow, instrumental and vocal, all for free.  Yet, there is a section where you can donate to the band if you would like.  

My only problems with this album are: 1) For some reason iTunes placed the first and last song in a different album so I had to manually edit the artist and album names just to make it possible to listen to all the songs in one stretch, and 2) "Miller's Hill" isn't on the album...but I'm just being selfish now.  I LOVE when they play "Miller's Hill/Tamlin" live.  It's amazing.  If you want to check out "Miller's Hill/Tamlin" then click the link to hear them play it live, with a different fiddler, and explain the track's history at the end.  If you want to check out the new Steel Wheels live album for free then click below.  Give it a listen, you'll thank me for it.

"Live at Ignition Garage" by The Steel Wheels

"Blue Eyes Blind" by ZZ Ward

SONG OF THE MOMENT

I've been holding onto this song for a little while and felt that it needed to be shared.  It's an amazingly soulful track with tons of attitude over a great beat that has some snapping, stomping, and humming.  The vocals have a sort of Adele feel with a dash of Brittany O'Neill, while still being really unique.  Enjoy!

Song of the Moment

"Blue Eyes Blind" by ZZ Ward

Cardinal Compass 1.1 // Big Meadow Sessions

Cardinal Compass recently got to sit down and shoot several videos with Big Meadow Sessions.  A few weeks ago the teaser video was released for their upcoming episodes, and today the first episode is live.  Check it out.

I Feel Like I'm Taking Crazy Pills

Somebody make me feel better here on these 2 issues.  I feel as though this is so obvious, I've seen this for a while, yet I've never heard anybody mention it before.  

I FEEL LIKE I'M TAKING CRAZY PILLS.

1)  Ke$ha is the Nickelback of the Top 40 Radio world.

Some of her songs sound eerily similar to each other.  

Example:  C'Mon and Tik Tok

2)  Taylor Swift's "Trouble" is dubstep.  

Well, it's pretty much dubstep.  I like dubstep, I don't love it.  I don't dislike many genres of music.  Yet, I noticed this song was dubstep the first time I heard it and because of that I instantly disliked it.  Stay true to yourself...keep being country.   Oh wait...

Free Music: Thao...and Splendid Suns

Want some free tunes?  Yeah, me too.  I first heard this song a couple weeks ago on the radio and now iTunes is offering it up for free this week.  Awesome!  They've got it as the Single of the Week, so I assume it won't be free for much longer.  

"We The Common" by Thao & The Get Down Stay Down

In addition to this, a fantastic Richmond band is having an album release show on Saturday night.  Splendid Suns will be giving out a free download card to the first 100 people that show up for the release party.  Opening acts are the incredibly talented The Dirty Picture Show, and Toxic Moxie, which might be my favorite local band at the moment.  They are new as a band but their ranks are filled with experienced musicians, and they absolutely blew me away at their first performance.  No lie, I was so impressed my jaw dropped while I was dancing in my chair, then I turned to my friend Shaun and said "They're phenomenal."  Then of course the main course, Splendid Suns, will be there to make you realize what it's like to party.  They're an amazing group that always puts on a great show that I personally always hate to miss.  

So be there:  The Camel at 9pm on Saturday in RVA.  No cover.

Favorite Albums of 2012

Several sites, magazines, radio shows, and blogs have already put out lists with their favorite albums of 2012.  So what. 
If you haven't heard any of these albums, I recommend looking them up and at the very least listening to the track I've listed.  Here's my favorites, a little late, in no particular order with a recommended track listed below each:

 

Imagine Dragons "Night Visions"
Recommended:  "On Top of the World"

Dr John  "Locked Down"
Recommended:  "Revolution" 

Mumford & Sons  "Babel"

Recommended:  "Below My Feet"

Theophilus London (remixes)  "Timez Are Weird These Nights"

Recommended:  "I Stand Alone (Skream Remix)" 

Alabama Shakes "Boys & Girls"

Recommended:  "Hold On" 

fun.  "Some Nights"

Recommended:  "Some Nights"

 Passion Pit  "Gossamer"

Recommended:  "Carried Away"

 Jack White  "Blunderbuss"

Recommended:  "Sixteen Saltines"

 

Jesca Hoop  "The House That Jack Built"

Recommended:  "When I'm Asleep" 

Of Monsters and Men  "My Head Is an Animal"

Recommended:  "Mountain Sound"  (North American Release)

OTHER NOTABLE ALBUMS:

San Cisco  "San Cisco"   Recommended:  "Fred Astaire"

The Avett Brothers  "The Carpenter"  Recommended:  "Live and Die"

Band of Horses  "Mirage Rock"  Recommended:  "Knock Knock"

Alex Winston  "King Con"  Recommended:  "Medicine"

"Hey Now" by London Gramamr

SONG OF THE MOMENT

I first heard this tune a couple weeks ago and, I'll admit, I was blown away.  It is so simple, so raw, and yet so full at the same time...at least that's how it made me feel.  So I hope you enjoy this song.  I honestly expect big things from this band now.

Song of the Moment

"Hey Now" by London Grammar

"Cough Cough" by Everything Everything

SONG OF THE MOMENT

Happy Friday.  Happy snow day to some people in my neck of the woods, too.  It was a tough decision to pick today's tune since I've got a few great ones in the queue.  All that means is that for the next few weeks there should be some great tunes getting posted here.  Here is today's tune by a British band that just released this new album earlier this week...and no, you're not seeing double.

Song of the Moment

"Cough Cough" by Everything Everything

VIDEO here

Hall of Fame

To quickly refresh your memories, or to allow newcomers to catch up, here are some old Song of the Moment tunes.  I started doing Song of the Moment (SotM) while mid-way through college so it's been going on for over 4 years now, though the blogging was a more recent addition.  The songs below, with the music linked to each, are fan favorites and personal favorites from the last few years.  I hope you enjoy these songs in the SotM Hall of Fame, yet I'm looking forward to sharing some new songs very soon as well.

"My Time" by Minus The Bear
"I Need a Dollar" by Aloe Blacc
"Dying Day" by Brandi Carlile
"The Ghost Inside" by Broken Bells
"Home" by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
"I Get Doe" by Glasses Malone  (EXPLICIT)
"Your Ghost" by Greg Laswell
"Excuses (Yours Truly session)" by The Morning Benders
"Nostrand" by Ratatat
"Rill Rill" by Sleigh Bells
"Nobody But You" by Sequoyah Prep School
"I Got My Mind Set On You" by George Harrison
"The Whip" by Locksley
"Solid Ground" by Maps & Atlases
"Boy" by Ra Ra Riot
"Exhibit C" by Jay Electronica  (EXPLICIT)
"Heads Will Roll" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Balulalow" by Revolver
"White Knuckles" by O.K. Go
"REVOFEV" by Kid Cudi
"Wide Eyed Legless" by Laura Veirs
"Heavy In Your Arms" by Florence + the Machine
"Colours" by GROUPLOVE
"My Body" by Young the Giant
"Prophets" by A.C. Newman
"The Golden Age" by Asteroids Galaxy Tour
"Crash Years" by The New Pornographers
"Welcome Home" by Radical Face
"Perth" by Bon Iver
"Come Around" by Sarah Jarosz
"Dilly" by Band of Horses
"Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)" by Foster the People
"On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons
"Jenny Don't Be Hasty" by Paolo Nutini
"Still Rainin'" by Jonny Lang

Welcome.

I love music.  I do not have a musical ear like some people where they can discuss all the tiny little intricacies of a song or album.  Sometimes I pick up on those things but don't realize what it is.  Sorry that I can only play the recorder, took chorus in 6th grade, sang in my church for years, and really rock out a mean "Ode To Joy" on the piano.  Other than that I simply have an appreciation for almost all genres of music, artists big and small, shows and concerts of all kinds, a love of discovering and sharing music, and that is what this blog is for.  I've been blogging for a couple of years on my website about music, video, and random things, but now I'm trying to just keep that site for professional use.  So, if you want to see what video and photo work I'm up to you can go there.  If you're hoping to see what my musical tastes are, begin following my Song of the Moment again, want to share a good song/album/band with me, or want to stalk me...here's your site.  Welcome to Tyler Conta's Music Blog at tylercontamusic.blogspot.com