#nowplaying 03.14
Songs In My March 2014 Rotation
Magic
by Coldplay
No surprises here. If you haven’t already seen me recommend this already, we haven’t talked in March. Coldplay has been my favorite band hands down since 2005, and even if they released an album of them reading the dictionary I would love it. Having said that, I genuinely love this song, and am looking forward to their new album “Ghost Stories”, out May 19th (if nothing else, take a look at the incredible album artwork). The musical direction seems to be shifting away from the epic heroism of “Viva la Vida” and the sonic kaleidoscope of “Mylo Xyloto” back to a more subdued Coldplay—almost a 2014 reboot of their “X&Y” sound. It should be noted that “Midnight”, heretofore the only other official release from the band’s 6th LP, once again features a collaboration with Jon Hopkins, who provided inspiration bookending “Viva la Vida”. So it looks to be a good mix of old and new. From what we’ve been able to hear so far, it sounds like the band has been listening to a lot of current artists (Justin Vernon for sure). “Magic” reminds me of “Intro” by the XX, albeit buoyed up by Jonny Buckland’s signature guitar. Needless to say, I can’t wait ‘til May.
Rdio: http://rd.io/x/QUU0iiIfXck/
iTunes: https://itun.es/i66m759
Riser
by Steve Moakler
I could have picked a lot of songs off of Steve Moakler’s latest release to showcase: “Rather Make A Living” is solid 90s-inspired country gold, “Humble Operations” is the best down-on-you-luck, bad economy ballad since Ronnie Dunn’s “Cost of Livin’”, and “Wide Open” is gloriously atmospheric and instantly transports you to a highway somewhere west of Oklahoma. But “Riser” better represents just how far Moakler has come. The first concert I went to in my college era was at a prospective students night at Union…not exactly big time. Fast forward to 2014 and not only is his songwriting (and singing) honed to perfection, but his songs are attracting big name attention. “Riser” is the title track of Dierks Bentley’s new album, and as much as I love Dierks, Moakler executes it better. In fact, he executes it perfectly. This is gritty Nashville born, road inspired music. Enjoy it.
Rdio: http://rd.io/x/QUU0ijdd8AyL/
iTunes: https://itun.es/i66m75B
On Our Way
by The Royal Concept
I saw these guys open for Switchfoot this month, and I like them for two primary reasons. First, they are from Sweden (which means they can get away with sounding a little weird or unintelligible). Second, they sound uncannily like Phoenix. Oh, and third, they love vocoders, and I do too. Their music is upbeat and uplifting and will mix well with summer.
Rdio: http://rd.io/x/QUU0ijddZm9e/
iTunes: https://itun.es/i66G4LT
I Shall Not Want
by Audrey Assad
“Fortunate Fall”, the latest album from Audrey Assad, is a beautiful, piercing piece of art. Assad’s first independent release (funded through Kickstarter) is a piano driven masterpiece that does not deviate much in style or message from the meditation on the “fortune” of our sinful state—that we have a great Savior. It is an interesting subject to be sure, and Assad deals with it contemplatively. The songs are full of poignant reflection, Scripture, doubt, trust and peaceful triumph. “I Shall Not Want” is honest and prayerful and a great example of Assad’s incredible sincerity.
Rdio: http://rd.io/x/QUU0ijdd5-53/
iTunes: https://itun.es/i66M3HX
Blue Moon
by Beck
I recognize Beck is talented, but I don’t listen to much of his music. However, “Morning Phase” really caught my attention. It instantly brought to mind the vibes off of Gotye’s “Making Mirrors” and Snow Patrol’s (perhaps most obscure) album, “A Hundred Million Suns”, both of which I’ve listened to a lot. A lot of my prime influences are present on this album — take the guitar at 3:08 in this song (Jonny Buckland is everywhere these days)! “Morning Phase” is a hazy, reflective experience, and my favorite side of Beck to date.
Rdio: http://rd.io/x/QUU0ijddzybx/
iTunes: https://itun.es/i66m75k
