Feelin' Good

I am not sure there is anyone who could honestly say "I feel too good". Music has the magical ability of evoking emotions and this week is all about feeling good. A halo of sunshine poking through the clouds, your children smiling back at you, the aroma of fresh brewed coffee in the morning, staying up laughing with old friends, making new friends, singing and smiling.

For most of these songs I find it irresistible to tap my toes, bobbing my head along with the beat while an inexplicable smile emerges. True joy only comes from above and to rely on anything else is foolish. These songs, however, can be a secret weapon to melt away for just a little while or help pass the day along.

Sit back, relax, slow down and enjoy your day. Listen well!

Open Spotify Playlist

Alt Country

This week's post delves into a genre I tend to avoid. I think most of it has to do with my upbringing and music I was around growing up. Country was never played so I therefore had no appreciation. I since have developed a fondness and taste for bluegrass and the crossover into folk and country. This week we hone in on some groups that have a unique sound but bring something that is distinctly not mainstream country music.

There is a lot of of bluegrass and folk storytelling through some of the music that resonates with me. In addition they evoke that traditional country twang from time to time. There will be no mention of achy breaky hearts or badonkadonks, so for that, you need to look elsewhere.

There are still cowboy hats and plenty of country to go around, even if some might consider it alternative.

Open Spotify Playlist

you might be a hipster if...

this week we feature a few lesser known bands that could be described as hipster rock. So to aid in the overall process of self-realization I offer the following gross stereotypes:

You might be a hipster if....

Al Borland is your top design inspiration

Your closet looks a lot like a Scottish castle garage sale

you roll up the bottom of your jeans for no other reason than to show off your boots

you pay a premium for boots that are pre-worn in.

you believe the more obscure something is, the better it actually is.

most of your social conversations begin with "I'll bet you've never heard of...."

you've been contemplating purchasing beard wax but just can't pull the trigger

you wear glasses that have no vision correction

protesting is your primary hobby

your house decor can only be described as mid century modern

you live life like you are constantly in a Gap commercial

your dream job would be the guy creating the music playlists for Starbucks

that's enough for now, so long and goodnight. Enjoy the music.

Open Spotify - Playlist

not that kind of JAZZ

I feel like jazz in general has gotten a bad wrap in that for most in conjures one of two images. One being smooth jazz also known as elevator jazz and the other being experimental acid jazz where melody is considered a foreign concept.

The reality is that many of the hip hop, R&B and pop songs of today have strong jazz elements and I think you can hear that from these vocalists and their music selection. By no means is this your workout mix, I mean unless you really enjoy some sort of really slow asynchronous workout. I am imagining Elaine from Seinfeld dancing with weights in slow motion. Lets put that aside though.

Less is more in most cases with very talented instrumentation and careful song writing.
This music has heart, soul and creative melodies that you don't find in mainstream music. This music is a great smoky wood burning fire for the soul. Jump in explore, mellow, slow down and enjoy. Succumb to the head bob and sway and lose yourself for a little while.

Spotify Playlist (Opens Spotify)