Playlist Thursday // Playlists are important

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I'm a big believer in a solid playlist. Here's mine from the past two weeks.

1 // Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie

2 // Jealous by Nick Jonas

3 // I Want It That Way (Backstreet Boys cover) by ScottBradleeLovesYa ft. Shoshana Bean 

4 // Jealous (Nick Jonas cover) by Kurt Hugo Schneider 

5 // Elastic Heart by Sia 

6 // Reflections by Misterwives 

7 // World Spins Madly On by The Weepies 

(IF YOU ARE GOING TO CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS...IT BETTER BE THIS ONE. I cry a million tears every time. Every. Single. Time.)

8 // Afire Love by Ed Sheeran 

9 // Uptown Funk By Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars

HOW DID I JUST HEAR THIS SONG TWO WEEKS AGO??? Can we just call it a Michael Jackson throwback, because Michael Jackson is moon-walking in this grave over this song. So bomb.

10 // Who Knows Who Cares by Local Natives 

11 // She Treats Me Well by Ben Howard

12 // Hero by Family of the Year

13 // Mess is Mine by Vance Joy 

14 // Lonesome Dreams by Lord Huron 

15 // I Will Be Back One Day by Lord Huron

+ h a p p y // l i s t e n i n g 

& 

+ s t a y // g o l d

Oh my words!

I can write a blog post, because this girl just submitted her last major assignment that has been giving her heart palpitations and random pee attacks for days. And when I say pee attacks, you know exactly what I mean. Like seriously anxiety back off. Way off.

So yes, finals. Here we go. Here I come. I'm so ready. Not even funny. And then I'm off. I'm off to get married in Newport Beach, but not on the beach. In the temple. Yeah, yeah and yeah.

SO I was thinking...

Even though New Years isn't until like 3 weeks away, I have already thought about a blog resolution. I am going to use way more photos and since next semester I am talking a digital publishing class, I'm going to make them look real nice. The pictures and the blog. I'm really going to do it guys, because I seriously womp at getting pictures put up on this blog. It happens.

So there's that resolution and another one? Well I would like to get all of Tyler's gifts bought today, and I would like to by my sister's gift soon. And all the while it would be nice if a black sweater or black something made it in the mix. I'm really feeling black right now.

And since it's only fitting, a finals playlist is in order, because I'm pretty sure I do one of these every finals. Enjoy! And stay gold.

1. Gypsy by Lady Gaga

2. Time to Run by Lord Huron

3. Lonesome Dreams by Lord Huron

4. Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron

5. Holocene by Bon Iver

6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by She & Him

7. In the Bleak Midwinter by The Lower Lights

8. Winter Moon by Mindy Gledhill

9. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Jars of Clay

10. Auld Lang Syne by Andrew Bird

Lonesome Dreams

Yesterday it was a bit too cold but perfectly drizzly and blue-ish gray. Days like that require a great soundtrack and Ty and I found the perfect one.

Lonesome Dreams by Lord Huron.

The whole album is phenomenal. I highly recommend listening to all of it in order with rainy mood playing in the back...or with the real weather as your back up. You could even listen to it on its own. You won't regret it.

Lord Huron. stay gold.

I am not listening to Christmas music.

No I am not. Okay I totally am. The She & Him album got me this morning and now A Charlie Brown Christmas is accompanying this blog post writing. So don't hate if at least ONE Christmas song is on this playlist. I know just the one.

1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Andrew Belle 

It doesn't even sound like a Christmas song! But it is! The Judy Garland version has to be my most favorite from Meet Me in St. Louis. It makes me cry every single time, but it never hurts when someone does a little different version. That's what makes covers so great.

2. Snow by Sleeping at Last 

"Like the petals in our pockets
May we remember who we are
Unconditionally cared for
By those who share our broken hearts

The table is set and our glasses are full
Though pieces go missing, may we still feel whole
We’ll build new traditions in place of the old
Cause life without revision will silence our souls"

Sleeping at Last is meant for Fall and Winter. 

3. Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron

P.S. I highly recommend ALL of Lord Huron's music videos. They are completely and totally beautiful and entertaining.  (These are the trailers to each video...but seriously watch all of them.)

4. Life is Life by Noah and the Whale

I'ma be real. I don't know what this music is all about...but you know?

6.  Holy Grail by Jay-Z feat. Justin Timberlake

SO good. The clean version of course. The best way to find it? Spotify.

really having a bad day

with a pulsing head in the morning from the migraine the night before i have no desire to capitalize, punctuate, or even correct mistakes ever. sue me. here's a playlist.

1. Lonesome Dreams by Lord Huron

When this song comes on, I can't help but sing along or get transported to some artsy world, where Lord Huron is the soundtrack and people eat pizza all the time and drink frappuchinos and passion tea lemonade from starbucks while talking about interior design, good books, seasons like crunchy leaf fall time, that new movie coming out, and the latest news whilst wearing gray sweaters. Not even kidding.

2. Royals by Lorde

Trying to get the lyrics on this song makes it always enjoyable to hear it. Gold Teeth, Grey Goose, Trippin' in the Bathroom, trashing hotel rooms, tigers on a gold leash, diamonds on your time piece or something like that.

3. Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell

Sue me. Again.

4. ANYTHING by Bastille.

Seriously he is the voice of music right now.

5. I'll Be Waiting by Adele

Man, Adele will always be my #1 lady.

6. ANYTHING by The Shins

James Mercer can really speak to the soul.

7. ANYTHING by Bon Iver

On days like this, I just plug in and little to Justin Vernon and his crew make beautiful tunes that could make the hardest of hearts melt and the scroogiest men cry. Or make the grumpiest and terribly stressed out Dani, mellow out.

Friday Favorites on a Saturday

I'm already slacking. I already used this title once before. Oh well. Have a wonderful, safe, and happy weekend. Stay gold.

1. Maggie Sottero 

2. For the Home.

3. Ei-O!

4. Bastille Goes Miley!

5. Bows! For a wedding perhaps?

6. The prettiest.

7. These shoes were made for walking. Comfortable walking, that is.

8. As the Paula Dean meme once said, "Butter is everything, B!"

9. Lonesome Dreams. Talk about a music video.

10.  Dreamy ankle straps.

11. *Drool*

12. I wasn't a veil girl, but now I am.

13.  Not a link, but yesterday I realized something...as a soon to be bride, I have gotten caught up in doing things that people expect me to do. Planning a wedding around other people and not myself or Tyler. Yesterday I realized that I really had to stop doing that. I had to stop selling my wedding short. I had to stop worrying about what everyone else thought. I had to stop worrying what everyone thought about my dress and if I changed up my aesthetic a bit. It's my wedding...and I really don't care if you don't like it. Or if you think everyone has my dress or if it's not what I originally wanted. It's my perfectly special day. It's my sealing and that is the most important part. It is going to be perfect and beautiful to me and that is what matters. Is anyone else with me on this?

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 supposed to publish yesterday.

Oh well. Here's a playlist.

1. Furr by Blitzen Trapper 
  
"And I lost the taste for judging right from wrong. For my flesh had turned to furr, yeah, and my thoughts they surely were turned to instinct and obedience to God."

Of course this is still on the playlist. The lyrics make it weekly #1 material.

2. Islands by Young the Giant 

"Have you missed my warmth?" 

This version slays me. I just can't even handle the harmonies or the beach. The beach makes it. Let's get real. Salt water and beautiful music. Life's remedies, really.

3. Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac and if you want a good cover, check out this one by Vampire Weekend 

Sometimes you hear this song in the mall whilst helping your dad pick out an assortment of golf shirts and it sticks with you all week. Yep and yep.

4. Wake the Sun by The Matches 

I liked The Matches before you did. Okay, not really, I only knew one song and it wasn't this one. I guess that doesn't count.

5. Further On by Bronze Radio Return

Truth is, I was in a really grumpy mood (I was hungry, cut me some slack) and Tyler showed me this song and I complained about the guys voice...now I'm in love with it. I can't get enough of that nasally sound. Plus the looks of these guys make me so happy. How old do you think they are? Dreamboats? Indeed.

6. 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."

It drives me nuts when I can't find good quality videos of these songs on Youtube, and the only ones that can be found are from The Vampire Diaries.

7.  Half Moon by Blind Pilot 

"That wind is calling my name. I won't wait." 

I guess this will do. This video I mean. Look at those curls.

8. Elevate by St. Lucia 

This is too good for words. Holla at ya, Dsu Bear.

9. No Way Down by The Shins 

"Make me a drink strong enough, to wash away this dishwater world they said was lemonade. Walk with me after the show. Maybe we can find a way through the minefield in the snow."
 
The Shins are my #4 in my top ten and they surely deserve it. I even made a playlist on spotify dedicated to them. It's worth it. James Mercer is the dreamiest of all the dreamboats and we all know how much I love dreamboats.

10. Gone for Good by The Shins 

Tyler probably sings a part of this song to me just about every day. This song is going far in our relationship. Maybe that's not the best thing seeing as the song is about lost love, but whatever it's still magical. Now excuse me while I post the majority of the lyrics, because they are just that good.

It took me all of a year
To put that poisoned pill to your ear
But now I stand on honest ground
You want to fight for this love
But honey, you cannot wrestle a dove
So baby, it's clear

You wanted to jump and dance
But you sat on your hands
And lost your only chance
Go back to your hometown
Get your feet on the ground
And stop floating around

I find a fatal flaw
In the logic of love
And go out of my head
You love a sinking stone
That will never elope
So get used to the lonesome, girl
You must atone some
Don't leave me no phone number there

11.  Lord Huron. Not a song, but a new found band. These guys are gonna be big. I have high hopes for their musical abilities. Check out The Stranger, Time to Run, She Lit a Fire, and Lonesome Dreams.

Happy listening, friends. Stay gold.