Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Best of 2010 - Beach House to Court Yard Hounds

Winter
I'm sharing my favorite songs discovered in 2010 - 6 songs a day - I'll post the entire set in a YouTube playlist on December 31.

Beach House - Zebra
"Anyway you run, you run with poise."

This song makes me want to hit the road for a summer road trip.  The opening riff sucks me right in.  Their voices are gorgeous together, the entire song feels as if it is made of layers that are beautiful alone but magical together.

Belle & Sebastian - I Want the World to Stop
"Let me step out of my shell."

Admit it, you've had those times when you've wanted the world to stop so you could catch up - I have at least one of those moments every day.  Aside from loving the concept behind this song, I love the way it feels like a conversation.

The Black Keys - Tighten Up
"Living just to keep going, going just to be sane."

Another bearded singer who rocked my world this year, his voice is raw and powerful, anytime I hear it I have to stop what I'm doing and just listen.  As a bonus this is an adorable video.  There is a reason this album is showing up on Best of lists across the web and in print.

Brandi Carlile - Before it Breaks
"Let it bend before it breaks"

I just love her, she's got a powerful that can break my heart.

Broken Social Scene - All to All
"You'll always find the lonely ray."

There are so many layers in this song I feel like I could listen for days and still hear something new.

Court Yard Hounds - Fear of Wasted Time
"I watch every frame of this life I've made
Take a picture but I miss the moment now."

Oh, how I've missed the Dixie Chicks.  When 2/3s of the group released an album this year I couldn't wait to hear it - and I wasn't disappointed.  While I missed the power of Natalie Maine's voice, the quality of the songs on this album more than made up for it.  I fell in love with this song before I heard it - the title alone speaks to me, but I fell head over heals at first listen.

Did any of these make your favorites list this year? Pin It

13 comments:

4 Lettre Words said...

"I was raisin' Cain. Now, I'm raising babies." LOVE it.

Great selections and a lovely photo, too!

Courtney said...

Gotta agree with the previous commenter. That's the best line! Awesome picks and that picture is gorgeous!

Lisa Gordon said...

Belle & Sebastian. Love it.
Super choices Jamie!

Anonymous said...

Love the list, but also the photo!

ELK said...

brandi carlile ..on piano and a cello background..cannot get much better in my book..!!

blue elephant photography said...

cool list jamie!

Angie Willis said...

More great music leads and a lovely snowy picture. Thanks Jamie.

elena nuez said...

terrific list and amazing pictures!!!
thanks for sharing Jamie!!!

a big hug!!
Elena

Ms. Becky said...

I saw Beach House on Conan the other night and was pleasantly surprised and yes, relieved, that they held back and didn't eventually blast with heavy drumming and guitars. She has a lovely voice. You have superb taste in music Jamie! And...another lovely photo. Merry Christmas, and wishing you love, light, and peace in the coming new year.
Miss Becky
xoxo

Joyti said...

Belle & Sebastian...I've adored them for years.

Cindy said...

zebra from beach house is my favorite song of theirs and love belle & sebastian, too.

urban muser said...

great idea jamie. i look forward to seeing the rest of the list!

Amanda said...

Oh you KNOW how I feel about that Belle and Sebastian song.

I'm loving all the diversity on here...just more for me to browse over on Amazon!

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