We Are the Tide

1. We Are the Tide by Blind Pilot 

"And war is in our hearts, and blood is in the land we love. We keep breaking our backs, hoping that it gives enough."

This has definitely been the song of the month. Every time I open Spotify this is the first song I go to. And I listen and listen and listen. I just think he has a beautiful voice and the lyrics are beautiful and apparently I need to listen to their whole album, says Tyler. Which I will and I'll cry a little. That's how much I'll love it.

2. Ya Hey by Vampire Weekend 

"Through the fire and through the flames, you won't even say your name. Through the fire and through the flames, you won't even say your name: Only "I am that I am". But who could ever live that way?"

So I was never into Vampire Weekend at the beginning of their time, but after meeting Tyler they are all I want to listen to. I am still getting used to their first two albums but I absolutely love their third. I think this is my favorite song by them. Yes, my heart is particular to Unbelievers, but this one is by far the best musically and lyrically. Who could ever live that way, people? 

3. Only the Ocean by Jack Johnson

"After all this time after all these seasons. After your one decision to go to the water for reason. Now it's only the ocean and you. After all these lines will all be erased soon. They go out with the tide. Then come back with the waves. It's only the ocean and you. When these sails go up, mountains fade away. Stars come out, I'm finally free. Now it's only the ocean and me. You just roll over me and you pull me in."

Ooo the chills and salty eyes came with this one today. I love Mr. Johnson and this song so much. It speaks to my soul. I miss the ocean. 

4. Pompeii by Bastille 

"And the walls kept tumbling down, in the city that we love. Great clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above."

Bastille was a great discovery. Pompeii is going to be HUGE.  Bastille will be big. Just watch.

5. Santa Fe by Beirut 

"Sign me up, Santa Fe." 

Probably the only Beirut song that I like, and I'm definitely okay with that. This one is a keeper for sure. It definitely reminds me of summer days and that's fine by me any time of the year. 

6. Time to Run by Lord Huron 

"I've no regrets, I will not ask for your forgiveness. Lower your defense, run away with me and it'll all make sense. I did it all for you, don't spurn me after all I've gone through. No time to rest, I'm gonna find me a life oh way out west."

Alright Lord Huron, hurry up and become the best up and coming band already. This song is sooo good. So good.

Have any song suggestions for me? What's on your playlist?
Happy listening. Stay gold.

Loads of lyrics...soooo many of them.

Lately, I have been reading a lot of posts around the internet about Utah. Hate posts. Pure, purer than pure hate posts for this great state. This state that I call home. Mind you, I have my bits and qualms about Utah...but I'm thinking that an open love letter to Utah is due. It's overdue really. I'm going to write it. I don't know how long it's going to take me, but I'm going to write it. I don't know if it will be up today, tomorrow, this month, the next, or even in the year, but it will be written. My love letter to my homestate will be written for the internet to have and to hold. That's all. Now you can read this playlist post.

1. Thneedville by The Lorax Singers

Obviously it's from The Lorax. Obviously, it had to be included in this post, because I haven't stopped singing it since Tuesday...when I fell asleep but Tyler diligently watched it. And liked it. Can you believe it? Being a musical theatre enthusiast in high school, I have a deep love and appreciation for movies with fantastic music, especially chorus numbers, musical type movies. Yes, I love them. That's why I love Disney movies. I always get a little choked up. It happens.

2. Old Pine by Ben Howard 

"Hot sand on toes, cold sand in sleeping bags,
I've come to know that memories
Were the best things you ever had
The summer shone beat down on bony backs
So far from home where the ocean stood
Down dust and pine cone tracks

We slept like dogs down by the fire side
Awoke to the fog all around us
The boom of summer time

We stood
Steady as the stars in the woods
So happy-hearted
And the warmth rang true inside these bones
As the old pine fell we sang
Just to bless the morning."

This whole week I was on a Ben Howard kick, I don't understand why this whole playlist isn't Ben Howard, but this would have to be my top pick. It's the album opener and it really brings you in.  Plus, I love Ben's voice and his lyrics are breathtaking. His music is perfect, really.

3. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Sufjan Stevens 

"Here I raise my Ebenezer
Here there by Thy help I come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home

Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood

Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily Im constrained to be
Let that grace now, like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above."

My morning song. I believe this to be Sufjan's greatest. Those harmonies? Bring on the waterworks. 

4. Down in the Willow Garden by The Chieftains feat. Bon Iver 

Why didn't I know about this song sooner? My heart really hurts knowing that Bon Iver is done. It hurts. I want them back. I want him to work with the Chieftains. Why was this only a one time thing? MY HEART! 

5. Wake Me Up by Avicii

"I tried carrying the weight of the world,  but I only have two hands. I hope I get the chance to travel the world, and I don't have any plans.  I wish that I could stay forever this young, not afraid to close my eyes. Life's a game made for everyone and love is its prize."

This song is the perfect mix between The Lumineers/Mumford and Sons/Pop/Techno/Club Music. I think that's why I love it so much. He found the perfect mix of music. Hail to all of the best musicians in Sweden. They always bring it. P.S. Don't you think folk music and dance pop are really taking the music world by storm right now. It's crazy great. 

6. The Lion's Roar by First Aid Kit 

Sometimes I wish I could find my Rosemary Hill. I'd sit there and look at the deserted lakes and I'd sing. And every once in a while I'd sing a song for you, that would rise above the mountains and the stars and the sea. And if I wanted it to it would lead you back to me."

A new found love. 

7. She Lit a Fire by Lord Huron 

"I've been through the desert
And I've been across the sea
I've been walking through the mountains
I've wandered through the trees
For her

I have been trying to find her
Want to give what I got
She lit a fire
But now she's in my every thought"

Lord Huron is beautiful in every way.

I apologize if this is sloppy to you, but I'm running late for work. Wish me luck. Happy listening.
Stay gold.

This was a week for beautiful music.

Oh yes it was.

1. Kids by Lady Danville 

2. I Will Remain by Matthew and The Atlas 

3. Tired Magician by Lady Danville

This is the most beautiful. Ooo I love it.

4. Little Hell by City and Colour

5. The Road by Matt Costa

6. Everything by Ben Howard

7. Re:Stacks by Bon Iver

8. For Emma by Bon Iver

This video is so beautiful. I wish I could have seen this. 

9. Sunshine by Matisyahu

Matisyahu is my one true love. 

10. L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. by Noah and the Whale 

Happy listening, friends.

Stay gold.

A playlist for the weekend.

It is going to be one of the most beautiful weekends. Listen to this playlist.

1. Still Into You by Paramore

2. Heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez

3. Hate to See Your Heart Break by Paramore 

This version... *cries into pillow* 

4. Ain't It Fun by Paramore

5. If I had a Boat by James Vincent McMorrow 

6. Stand by Me by Ben E. King 

7. Boy with a Coin by Iron and Wine 

The dancing! 

8. Sweet Disposition (Temper Trap cover) by Ellie Goulding 

9. Everything by Ron Pope 

This song is gold. Ron Pope you are the dreamiest. 

10. Part II by Paramore

A sequel to "Let the Flames Begin"? Amazing. Also, who else thinks of Catching Fire when they hear this? Oh man I do. I sure do. 

11. Last Hope by Paramore

12. Call Your Girlfriend by Robyn

13.  Oh My Sweet Carolina by Ryan Adams

For the rainy days....

All songs can be accompanied by Rainymood or the weather outside.

1. If I had a Boat by James Vincent McMorrow 

2. I Can't Make You Love Me/ Nick of Time by Justin Vernon

3. We Found Each Other in the Dark by City and Colour

4. You & I by Local Natives 

5. Airplanes by Local Natives 

6. Hurtful by Erik Hassle 

One comment on this one, I was walking home from campus, listening to my iPod and this song popped up on shuffle. I listened to this song NON-STOP senior year.  Oh the memories.

7. A Little Fall of Rain by Samantha Barks and Eddie Redmayne 

Yeah....all I do is listen to Les Mis. 

8. We Both Know by Colbie Caillat and Gavin Degraw

9. Colombia by Local Natives 

10. Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes 

11. Darcy's Letter by Dario Marianelli

12. Hiding Out by Sucre

If I could sound like anyone...it would be like her.

Just Give Me A Reason

By the title you'll know what my #1 song of the week/month/year/lifetime is...

Why don't we just get started?

1. Just Give Me A Reason (Featuring Nate Ruess) by Pink

"We're not broken, just bent and we can learn to love again."

Why must Pink always come out with a song that I just fall in love with? It happens all the time...and I'll admit, I think Nate Ruess is a dreamboat.

2. This I Promise You by N*Sync

Makenna and I sang this song last night and talked about how she would play Lincoln Logs and Legos with her siblings while listening to it. I laughed so hard. I love her. 

Well, that's just about it because let's be honest...I've been listening to the Les Miserables soundtrack like it's my religion. I should really start listening to something other than Russell Crowe and his rocker voice.

What are your favorite songs at the moment? Are you forming a Spring playlist? Comment below and stay gold.

Tunes

1. Next To Me by Sleeping at Last 

"If time is money, then I'll spend it all for you. I will buy you flowers with the minutes we outgrew.
I'll turn hours into gardens, planted just for us to take. I'll be reckless with my days, building castles in your name."

Sleeping at Last: Yearbook. A-ma-zing. 

2. Who Are We Fooling by Brooke Fraser feat. Aqualung
  
"This beautiful tangle that's bruising us blue is the beautiful knot that we just can't undo. Together we're one but apart tell me who are we fooling."

Aqualung and Brooke Fraser should get married. Get married. Now.

3. We Found Each Other in The Dark by City and Colour

"Through the black star-less water, and the cold lonely air. On the rough, restless seas, the vessel in deep disrepair, and the swans they started singing but then oh, rejoice! I can still hear your voice. Then I heard the church bells from afar, but we found each other in the dark."

Oh this song is the best thing to ever happen to me. Well, that's a lie, but it's pretty close. How could a man have such a beautiful voice?

4. Baleen Morning by Balmorhea

Instrumentals are slowly becoming my very favorite. This is SO lovely. 

5. Woodstock by Brooke Fraser

"I came upon a child of God. He was walking along the road, and I asked him, where are you going? And this he told me: I'm going on down to yasgur's farm. I'm going to join in a rock 'n' roll band. I'm going to camp out on the land. I'm going to try an' get my soul free. We are stardust. We are golden. And we've got to get ourselves. Back to the garden."

So I can't find a link to this, and I'm thinking that is the case because this might be a cover, but enjoy this lovely tune on Spotify or if you can find it any where else. 

6. Now Is the Start by A Fine Frenzy

"Kiss...with a mouth of shooting stars. Of lost and broken hearts. Unafraid you can name your scars. With a touch of a new heart. It's the sound of a new start."

This song has never been more relevant in my life. It's about a fresh start. A start of something new. I need a new start.

7. Little Hell by City and Colour

"What if everything's just the way that it will be? Could it be that I am meant to cause you all this grief?"

Again. Relevant. 

8. Next To Me by Emeli Sande

"You won't find him trying to chase the devil, for money, fame, for power, out of grief. You won't ever find him where the rest go. You will find him, you'll find him next to me."

Two "Next To Me's" in one playlist. Yes. The new Adele? Well sorta. You're so close Emeli.

What are you listening to? 

Do you have any song reccommendations for me? 

Happy listening. 

Stay gold.

P.S. I'm posting TWO playlists today! Woopdeedoo!

Noah Gundersen

I was supposed to do a Noah Gundersen playlist A LONG time ago, but I seemed to get distracted with other things like the beautiful weather and a massive PR campaign project that is due next Tuesday. Anyway, back to Noah Gundersen. So I was watching The Vampire Diaries, because I'm kind of OBSESSED with the Vampire Diaries. Team Damon, y'all. Yeah I was watching TVD and personally I think that TVD has some of the best music and the song was playing and I was crying and then I was falling in love with the song and I was wondering why I was crying and I concluded that it wasn't just because someone was dead, it was because someone was dead and the SONG was making it ten times more sad. And so I looked up the lyrics and BAM, Noah Gundersen appeared. And I listened to the rest of his music and I fell in so much love. So this playlist is dedicated to the man himself.
 
1. San Antonio Fading

"Oh my darling, your memory slowly fading. I know I keep complaining, but I'm not as strong as I was. When we were younger back in Texas... when our love was new. But it's not that the love is missing, it's just not around. It's just flowing under like rivers underground. And if I say I love you
like you know I do, would you say you love me too? If you do, I'll keep on loving you."

2. Family

"And I watch you stumble drunk out into the night, to cat call ladies. You're thirsty for blood, you're picking a fight. And I wanted to ask you...man, what do you do in the daylight?"

The song that they played on TVD. *sob* 

3. Garden

"But wait, oh wait see how the morning breaks? It's the simplest of love songs, but it's all our hearts can take and though we lose our stake heaven is where we make it even in the smallest places, can a garden grow."

4. Honest Songs

"So be good with what you're given. For it's all you have to give. We are only passing shadows in the mighty wind. So though I tremble in the darkness, in the cold and frozen snow. I am grateful for the winter, for the winter comes to show...That our trouble is never over, and our work is never done. But with the turning of the season...We will always see the sun."


What do you think of Noah Gundersen's music? Aren't his lyrics beautiful? What are you listening to? Have you made any new discoveries? Comment below and happy listening! Stay gold.

Twangy

cI forgot to publish this yesterday! I really need to work on my schedule. I just wanted to share another happy moment. This has been a week of happy moments.

So I didn't start listening to country music until I moved in with a farm girl and a Texan. It wasn't my favorite and I only listened to the REALLY popular songs every once and a while, for example anything by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, basically. Well on Monday, we had to drive to a house for Family Home Evening and the girl driving was blasting country, and all the songs were SO good. I got the country bug immediately, I couldn't control it. That night I went home, got on Spotify and made a country playlist.

Well, my two country listening roommates saw it and then we started talking about good country songs. And then we started listening. And then we concluded that Tuesdays were now to be called Twangy Tuesdays and we could only talk in southern accents and we could only listen to country music. If we listened to anything other than country music, like Thrift Shop, we had to sing it with twang. Some may say that sounds totally obnoxious but it was totally funny. And totally awesome. It was just what we all needed too, because yesterday was beyond stressful and busy. There is nothing better than coming home to guitars and belty voices. And then being able to relate to each song because country was written for things like that and then talking to your roommates about heartbreak and boys. Mostly boys. Life is good on twangy Tuesdays. So here are some songs that make Tuesdays the twangiest.

This one is probably my favorite. 



Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband are from my home town. Ryan Shupe graduated from my high school and their drummer is a babe.



And I really like Keith Urban and his accent.



What songs would you listen to on Twangy Tuesday? Have you had a terrific week? Comment below. Happy listening. Stay gold. 

The Loveliest #2

I get in these moods where I listen to the same beautiful songs over and over again. Does that happen to you? Are there songs that you can listen to for like a whole month and never get tired of them? I love music like that. Here are some songs that I just never seem to get tired of because they are so darn lovely. They make you want to fall in love or look at the stars.

1.Who Are We Fooling (Feat. Aqualung) by Brooke Fraser

2. Dear True Love by Sleeping at Last 

3. Sailboats by Brooke Fraser

4. Oh My Stars by Andrew Belle

5. I Love You and Buddha Too by Mason Jennings

6. Morning Song by The Lumineers

7. Raindrops on the Kitchen Floor by Mason Jennings

P.S. I didn't include lyrics because today I feel like being lazy. Plus, I have a group interview tonight and I'm sweating bullets. No time to ponder poetic lyrics. I'm sure you understand.

Gold

I had the opportunity to spend the ENTIRE weekend with my family. It was the greatest. I was filled with wisdom. I came to know myself even better. I left with questions, but I left with the answers I desperately needed. On the drive back to Provo, I felt like a kid again. My mom was driving and we were laughing and talking like we always did back when I was in high school. We were driving to the rising sun and laughing at the fact that the radio plays Ke$ha WAY too early. Fortunately enough, we listened and didn't turn off the radio, because the next song made me so incredibly happy I didn't even notice my coughing lungs.



Just enjoy the cheesiness and try to fight back tears (seriously, I almost cry every time I hear this.) You are all totally worth more than gold.
So like I always say...
Stay gold. And have a very terrific Tuesday!

A Playlist In Which I Get Weepy about The Lumineers

There's nothing really new in this playlist, I have shared a bunch of the songs already but...Oh how I love beautiful music. Here are some pretty tunes to listen to over and over again. Enjoy!

1. Hymn by Brooke Fraser

"If I flee from greenest pastures. Would you leave to look for me? Forfeit glory to come after. 'Til I only dwell in Thee."

 (Anything by Brooke Fraser, really.)

2. Stubborn Love by The Lumineers

"It's better to feel pain, than nothing at all. The opposite of love's indifference. So pay attention now, I'm standing on your porch screaming out, and I won't leave until you come downstairs."

3. Big Parade by The Lumineers

"Catholic priest, Catholic priest in a crisis
Torn between romance and Jesus, who will win the civil war
And he says I'm in love, I'm in love with a woman
Yea this is my confession, I'm leaving, I can't a priest anymore, anymore
And oh my my, oh hey hey
There he goes, the man of faith
Left the church for a fiancée
Let him love, a man of faith."

4. Morning Song by The Lumineers 

"And it's a shame that it ends this way...with nothing left to say. So just sit on your hands, while I walk away...And my car won't stop 'cause I cut the brakes. I hold on to a hope in my fate... May you return to love one day. Well I hope and I pray you get what you gave."

Confession: It's impossible for me NOT to cry during this song. Just listen to the lyrics and the pain in his voice. I need to see it in concert. I need to. 

If you haven't listened to all of The Lumineers music, I don't know what music you're listening to. All of their songs are gold.

5. Pride and Prejudice by Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Dario Marianelli 
One of the most beautiful movie soundtracks. I used to have the piano sheet music but a girl in my ward back home borrowed it and never gave it back...every time I ask her for it she changes the subject or says she gave it back. Lame. This was the best playlist I could find for all of the music, but if you have Spotify it's there and it is even worth a buy on iTunes. 

6. Babel by Mumford and Sons
The whole album. Just listen to it all. Go buy it. There is a reason why it got "Album of the Year".

Yo yo yiggady yo!

So I didn't have any wishes today (or yesterday), but I do have a playlist. If you are a looking for some past wishlists, click the little tab above that says "wishlists". If you want to go shopping, I suggest Gap for one of the greatest sales in the history of sales (I am totally exaggerating but it is pretty good.) It is still going on, but the pickings might be slim. There are neon khaki skinnies for $1.97, no joke. AND I happened to pick up two things. One for $9.00 and the other for $12.00. Deal? YES! Now for the playlist...

1. Sailboats by Brooke Fraser

"We're adrift on a sailboat. My love is the sea, yours is the horizon...constant and steady. You set my landlocked heart afloat, lifted my lonesome sails. The tide is out, the moon is high. We're sailing."

2. May Waltz by Brooke Fraser

"I've got the will to love you always, through the chilliest winter, the hot summer haze. I have got the will to love you always. I have got the will to love. Honey, I know it won't always be sweet. Loving a person is not a small feat. Don't give up on me and I won't on you. Pack your bags baby 'cause I'm taking you."

3. Go Your Own Way by Lissie

4. Shenandoah by Goldmund

5. Beth/Rest (Rare Book Room Version) by Bon Iver 

Are you tired of me sharing Beth/Rest because I'm not.

6. Chicago (adult contemporary easy listening version) by Sufjan Stevens

Happy listening. Enjoy the snow outside. Be safe. Stay gold. 

p.s. stay tuned for a friday favorites. and sorry my posts were inconsistent this week.

Shenandoah

When I listen to music, I want to feel peace, I want to feel the air being swept from me, I want to feel the salty tear running down my cheek. I want to escape and feel something completely and perfectly lovely. For some reason, this song makes me feel that way.

Stay gold.

So this one time...

I was supposed to post a playlist Thursday post on Thursday (yesterday), and I didn't. Typical Dani move right? I'm going to be honest though, I don't have a lot of music to share with you right now.

I have a "Trying it Out" playlist on Spotify. So right now, I'm trying out She & Him, Phil Wickham, and Macklemore. If any of you listen to these artists religiously, what songs would you recommend? Give me any recommendations in general. I love that playlist because I'm able to just listen and pick off the songs I do and do not like.

But since this is a playlist post, and not everyone has Spotify, I thought I would share three songs (well mostly 2 because I shared one last week)

1. Always on My Mind by Michael Buble

"Maybe I didn't treat you quite as good as I should have. Maybe I didn't love you quite as often as I could have. Little things I should have said and done, I just never took the time. But you are always on my mind. You are always on my mind."

Back in the day, I was super obsessed with Michael Buble, and I really liked this kid at the time. Well he didn't like me and this was my weepy song. I listened to it NON-STOP, playing this scenario in my head that he would admit all these things to me, and that we would end up falling in love. Did it happen? No. Am I okay? Obviously. We all know that each and every one of us has wished something like that would happen to us. We write it on paper or we just keep it to ourselves. AND we look out the window sadly when it rains and we pretend soft music is playing in the background (You've Got Mail style) It's just one of those things that everyone does.

2. Starships (Nicki Minaj cover) by Conor Maynard

This is right up there in the "Ben Howard does a cover of Call Me Maybe" greatness category. How is it that guys make pop songs sound so much better? How? Like seriously, he is perfect in every way.

3. Hiding Out (Live) by Sucre

The live version BLOWS my mind. She sounds like an angel.

 What beautiful music do you have to share with me? 

Happy listening. 

Stay gold. 

Songs That Make My Eyes Sweat

Honestly, the list of songs that make me cry is endless, but here are the songs that have been making me tear up this week. It's a strange and glorious thing how lyrics and melodies can just make you melt.  Go get some tissues and be ready to have all your emotions and memories flood you. It's a wonderful feeling.

1. Hiding Out by Sucre

"Oh, so many times we had the chance to pause and reverse. Nobody wants anything, unless you give it to them like it's worth something."

Words cannot describe how much I love this. Thank you, Spencer. I love you for this. 

2. Airplanes by Local Natives

"I love it all so much. I call, I want you back."

I just discovered Local Natives and I am very happy that I did. This song makes me miss Jarett...a lot.

3. Wonderwall by Ryan Adams

"You're my wonderwall." 

I personally think this version is better than the original. Don't hate me. Sorry not sorry. 
P.S. Apparently, Lindsay Lohan listens to this song when she needs to cry for a scene. What a treasure.

4. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac

"Thunder only happens when it's raining. Players only love you when they're playing. Say women they will come and they will go. When the rain washes you clean, you'll know, you'll know."

I go back to Europe when I hear this. This is my "me in a dream" song.

5. Pop! Goes My Heart! by Hugh Grant 

"I said wasn't gonna lose my head, but then Pop! goes my heart."

Okay so this song doesn't make me cry, but I love 80's style songs. I LOVE THEM! And sometimes they make me cry. It's cool. No big deal.  Also, thank you Megan Fairchild. I really like you for having Music & Lyrics. It doesn't get much better than this.

6. Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice 

"And so it is just like you said it would be, life goes easy on me... most of the time."

Yep. This one gets me every time.

7. If I Didn't Know Better (Civil Wars cover) by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio 

"You might as well be the devil, oh keeping me out past three. Oh you're the one with that apple, so baby, you can't blame me."

Sam Palladio. That's all. 

8. Would You Go With Me by Josh Turner

"If I gave you my hand would you take it and make me the happiest man in the world?"
 The adorable-ness and cheesy quality is unbearable. Ahh. 

9. Sand in Your Shoes by This Providence

"We fell in love with the windows rolled down."

This song takes me straight back to when I dated Jason Reed. Yep. Thursday confessions.

10. Don't You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia

"Don't you worry child, heaven's got a plan for you." 

I know, you're probably thinking, why in the world would this song make you cry? Well it just does. Have you ever had a rough day and then a song tells you not to worry? Yeah you would cry too. 

11. Oblivion by Bastille

"When oblivion is calling out your name, you always take it farther than I ever can." 

*Chills* 

Are there songs that make you want to cry or choke up a little bit? Do they bring back memories, make you feel good, or remind you of someone or something? Why don't you share it with me? Comment below. We can blubber like babes together!

Happy listening. 

Stay gold.

Playlist Thursday: Break out the Christmas Tunes!

Despite what the title says, this is not a Christmas Playlist. I will have all of December to do that. Today though, I beefed up my "Christmas Time is Here" playlist on Spotify and I have been listening to it all day. Be ready for some crazy good playlists. And if you have spotify and want to check my playlist out, please do. It's always a pleasure sharing music with you.

The weather just hasn't called for cozy music lately. I need some snow so I can go back to my regular cozy winter playlists. It just doesn't feel right without a blanket of white enveloping the Earth. You know? So here is a pretty eclectic playlist of music that I have discovered.

1. American by Lana Del Rey

"Like an American, Ooh ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh." 

From her new album Born to Die: Paradise Edition (Which should really be an EP, or Bonus Track CD on a deluxe edition of Born to Die.) Just saying. I can see a lot of people not liking this song, but hey, I like it and this is my playlist.

2. Try by P!nk

"Where there is desire, there is gonna be a flame. Where there is a flame, someone's bound to get burned, but just because it burns, it doesn't mean you're gonna die. You gotta get up and try, try, try. You gotta get up and try." 

If you want to watch something incredibly artistic, heartbreaking, and beautiful. Watch the music video.  It might be inappropriate for some, because of some aggressive/suggestive dance moves, but if you watch "So You Think You Can Dance" and you like the couples contemporary dance numbers watch it here.

3. Don't Wake Me Up by Chris Brown 

"If this love only exists in my dreams, don't wake me up."

 4. Ghost Towns by Radical Face 

"I've seen more places than I can name, and over time they all start to look the same. But it ain't the truth we chase. No, it's the promise of a better place."

5. Take What I Can Get by Matthew Mayfield 

"but if you start to shed your skin
naked heart – wearing thin
when you call
i’ll be here
once again"

6. A Pound of Flesh by Radical Face 

"My feet plow on
From light to dawn
My empty belly in my body aches
Ain’t hard to take
Next to the weight I carry in my chest
A pound of flesh
Could never tip the scale that I’ve made
I should have stayed
But I was never wise
I hear your voices in the wind that cuts the night
And I pray to whatever is listening things will be alright."

I just really love how in every Radical Face song, there is some form of clapping. Songs are always good when there's clapping involved. Beautiful lyrics and clapping, that's all you need.

7. CPR/ Claws Pt. 2 by Typhoon

"As long as you're waiting, since you have nothing to do with your hands, you might as well pray. I am no god-fearing man, but I am afraid of something that I cannot quite explain."

This song wakes me up every morning. Again, there is clapping. It's wonderful. Typhoon comes to Provo, I need to see them 

8. Summer Home by Typhoon

"I will wait for the summer. I will hold out for summer. I will wait, there’s a promise-land in every man’s heart. There is a summer."

A song about summer. Sometimes you need those on dreary Winter days.

9. Welcome Home, Son by Radical Face

"Peel the scars from off my back. I don't need them anymore. You can throw them out or keep them in your mason jars. I've come home."

10. The Dead Waltz by Radical Face 

"In her gown beside the riverbed, she got down on her knees, and wrapped her long hair up in vines, and leaves, and branches and with the wind beneath her feet. Oh, she waltzed with the dead."

Oh, this song is beautiful. Haunting and beautiful. 

11. You're The One That I Want (Grease Cover) by The Lennings 

This version is fantastic too! Thank you Crista for introducing me to Angus and Julia Stone.

This past week, Glee rekindled my love for Grease. So I've just been obsessed with the classic finale song...just sung in a not so classic way. 

Do you have any songs you want to share with me? Any new artists I need to fall in love with? Have you already made your Christmas playlist and are you ready for a month of great music this December? Comment below, message me with your playlists, and stay golden.

If this love only exists in my dreams, Don't wake me up

Read more: CHRIS BROWN - DON'T WAKE ME UP LYRICS

If this love only exists in my dreams, Don't wake me up

Read more: CHRIS BROWN - DON'T WAKE ME UP LYRIC

Playlist Thursday: It's Time For Cozy Music!

Once Snow falls, I immediately form a playlist of soft wintery music with the most minor amounts of drops and poppy beats. Though there are some exceptions, Winter was made for soft lullaby like music. So I need YOUR help! Comment below or make a playlist of your top "wintery" song picks! If you don't like the soft songs for winter, tell me what songs you do like to listen to. (Other than the usual Christmas tunes) Sharing is caring people, sharing is caring.

Today, I have some pretty upbeat tunes, some soft listening ones, and some repeats. That's what I love about music though, you can rotate your music when you get tired of it and then come back to it and love it all over again. So enjoy and thank you always for reading!

1. This Kiss by Carly Rae Jepsen 

So this song is completely opposite of what I was describing above, but who could resist a good dance tune? I will admit, I was quite impressed with Carly Rae Jepsen's debut album Kiss. She proved faithful after her summer anthem "Call Me Maybe." Now who wants to have a Fall/Winter dance party?

2. More Than a Memory by Carly Rae Jepsen 

So it's not the best written song, but it's a classic "heartbreak girl song." I love it no matter what you say.

3. Begin Again by Taylor Swift 

"I've been spending the last eight months, thinking all love ever does is break, and burn, and end. But on a Wednesday, in a cafe, I watched it begin again." 

I have yet to listen to her new album RED, but I sure am tempted to just fork over the $15 for it. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about it. Although I haven't heard it all yet, I am pretty sure that Begin Again is still my favorite by her. And what's better than the fact that she made a music video for it? And it's set in Paris! That makes it way better. My heart grows fonder for Paris even if I didn't like it the first time. I want to meet the love of my life in Paris! Also, who could resist Taylor Swift's wardrobe?

4. How by Regina Spektor

"So baby, how can I forget your love? How can I never see you again? How can I ever know why some stay and others go? When I don’t, ooh, I don’t want you to go."
 
So there is this girl in my ward who has the voice of every musical angel ever. If she came out with a CD I would pounce on it. We had a ward talent show, and she sang this song. I don't give Regina Spektor as much credit as I should. I will get really obsessed with her music and then I won't listen to it for months, but then something always brings me back and I am reminded how awesome and lovely her music really is. So thank you Brooke and thank you Regina for your beautiful face and beautiful music.

5. Good For Great by Matt & Kim 

"I traced a few lines. Misread all the signs. Slipped many times. .My blood's still red, and I'm just fine."

I am so incredibly stoked for the Matt & Kim concert! Ahhh can't wait. It is going to be wild.

6. Tiptoe by Imagine Dragons 

Thanks Leah. I can't stop listening.

7. Swim Good by Frank Ocean 

"I'm going off , don't try stopping me. I'm going off, don't try saving me. No flares. No vest. No fear.
Waves are washing me out."
 
And thank you Jarett. Now Frank Ocean and I are best friends.

8. Pinesong by A Fine Frenzy

"The words you speak, stir things in me that I thought were gone. Their faint white heat melts centuries deep in frost. Ah, pining."

9. Carried Away by Passion Pit 

"Since my heart is golden..." Favorite line right there. 

"But we all have problems. We're all having problems. And we all got something to say."

Listen to the album version here.

And a Playlist Thursday would not be complete without something by Justin Vernon/ Bon Iver. Sorry but I'm not sorry that I love his music so much. So here, listen and enjoy this mini concert. It's truly magical.

Make sure to comment below or send me a link to the beginnings of your winter playlist or songs that remind you of winter. I hope you can conquer the cold. Stay golden and happy listening!