Tag Archives: my latest music obsession

My Latest Music Obsession: Neon Trees

The first time I heard “Animal” by Neon Trees, I loved it. Fun, catchy, sounded like a song influenced by music from both the ’80s and the ’90s — right up my alley. And it was danceable. What’s not to like? (And guess what? They’re not British!) Once I heard their second release, “1983,” I knew I’d be downloading their album. Sure enough, from the first notes of their album, Habits, I fell in love. The opener, “Sins of My Youth” and “Your Surrender” are prime examples of the band’s accessible lyrics — catchy without dumbing things down, introspective and longing at the same time. And lead singer Tyler Glenn does a great job at conveying emotions via his vocals; “Love and Affection” is a prime example. Overall, the album is fun throughout, with great songs that will have you singing — and dancing — along in no time.
Their first single, “Animal”:

The year that I was listening to Thriller, “1983”:
You can check out the viral version here.
The song I think should be their next release because I love, love, love it, “Sins of My Youth”:
And proof the band doesn’t take itself too seriously: their awesome cover of Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” with a little bit of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” thrown in for good measure:
Now don’t you want to listen to more by them?

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My Latest Music Obsession: Florence + the Machine

The first time I heard a song by Florence + the Machine was last September, at the world premiere of Jennifer’s Body at the Toronto International Film Festival. The song made such an impression on me that I even used the song for my Song Lyric of the Day the morning after. I added “Kiss With a Fist” to my iTunes library and even though I had the song in heavy rotation, I didn’t think much more about the artist or the song until I heard it used in the bully episode of Community. Suddenly I just had to listen to more by Florence + the Machine. Fortunately, Lala (RIP) was still around and I was able to preview the deluxe edition of the debut album Lungs. Guess what I ended up using one of my iTunes gift cards for immediately after? I haven’t stopped listening to the album since. “Kiss With a Fist” is arguably the biggest “rocker” on the album, with most of the songs much more soulful and introspective. I particularly like “My Boy Builds Coffins,” which plays like a mournful tale that could’ve been written or inspired by Tim Burton. And I love the soulful, cautionary tale “Girl With One Eye.” But what really keeps me listening to this album over and over is lead singer Florence Welch’s phenomenal voice. Seriously — I LOVE this woman’s voice. Just listening to her sing makes me happy.

The song that got me started on Florence + the Machine, “Kiss With a Fist“:

The amazing cover of The Source and Cadi Station’s “You’ve Got the Love”:

And my absolute favorite song on the album, which I listen to almost every morning on my drive in to work, “Dog Days Are Over”*:

Now go buy the CD or download the album. Trust me, it’s money well spent.

*VH1 has been airing an alternate — and I’m guessing newer — version, but I prefer the original.

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