on the record: cayucas

(photo via)

There's a lot of new music right now getting me excited for the sunshine - one band taking the top is Cayucos (not be confused with Cayucos, the name of a recent track). They'll make you wish you were driving with the top down to Santa Monica. Excellent California beach rock, i.e. think modern day beach boys.  Here's a listen to a few of their singles:

Bring on the sunnies and shandy! 

            

on the record | Jessie Ware

I've been obsessed with this track below lately - and pretty much everything Jessie Ware does. She has not only an amazing voice and talent for beats but also has such a distinct vintage glamour that I simply love. For more on Jessie, check out this recent interview.

{Images via} 

on the record | new year, new sounds.

I don't really believe in new year's resolutions. Not to sound like Debbie Downer, but why is it that everyone picks this time of the year for an overly optimistic life change you'll only inevitably feel guilty for cheating or failing on? Why not commit to something you're actually excited about? Call me crazy but that's a much happier approach. And no, you don't like going to the gym. No one likes going to the gym. Plus, you know the second a Breaking Bad marathon comes on and your friend wants to do wine night there's no chance you're passing that up for the elliptical. 

So, rather, I vow to do a few things that get me jazzed on the passing of another year in the life. Try new restaurants. Play outside with the little chunk more. Have more girls' nights. Experiment with some new make-up. Blog more. Have a treat-yo-self day once a month. Go to a few bars I've never been to. Trade in my go-to playlists with new bands and artists. 

And that last one led me to this. 13 recent band discoveries to help ring in 2013. 

Happy listening. 

churchill / sea and cake / django django / a silent film / dan croll /  imagine dragons / capital cities / blondfire / smoke & jackel / bad books / beach house / purity ring / foxygen

holiday jam.

One of my favorite traditions this time of year is the full day bake-a-thon I have with my mom, the fruits of which we deliver to our local shelters. We both love to bake. And rather than dying of a sugar coma ourselves, we enjoy spreading the love. (more to come on what we bake).

Having the right holiday mix playing all the while is essential, so I put this little holiday playlist together. I'm usual partial to classics: Brenda, Bing, Sinatra - but I also threw in a few more modern tracks thanks to my discover of this killer Indie Christmas playlist. Enjoy whatever traditions you have this year! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

on the record | purity ring.

{picture via}

I heart Canadians. 

Especially ones that make fantastic music. Arcade Fire tops my list of best bands ever, but this young duo from the north has potential to make the ranks too. Their debut album, Shrines, hits the upbeat yet soothing, retro yet futuristic sound that's been taking over my playlists lately. Enjoy their latest here. 

on the record | autumn playlist.

Autumn is the best time for just about everything. Boots, scarves, pumpkin lattes, lovely weather and an even better time for music. I've been scoping out so many new bands lately, I decided to put them all in one super awesome Autumn playlistpartyfest.

It's a mix of mostly new, with a few oldies, but all with laid back colorfulness perfect for
enjoying fall strolls with the little chunk.

Click here to add it to your Spotify list.

on the record | royal teeth.

{image via}

Another band that has just emerged and I already love. They're from the south, New Orleans-y area, and obviously adorable (see image above).

I love what I'm hearing so far. They'll be hitting tour with labelmates Fitz and Tantrums. Come to Kansas City, pleease.

Thanks.

on the record | my name is you.

I haven't been been able to get enough of this band lately, which is unfortunate considering they've only released a 6-song EP. My Name is You is a duo with a super sweet melodic sound - nearly as cute as the Michael Cera/Ellen Page duet from Juno. 

(Image via)

Take a listen below. I'll promise you'll want to pinch it's cheeks. 

on the record | recent sounds.

{The Head and the Heart | "Rivers and Roads" (Doe Bay Session) | The Head and the Heart}

{The Temper Trap | "Love Lost" | Conditions }

{M83 | "Midnight City" | Hurry Up, We're Dreaming}

{Civil Wars | "Barton Hollow" | Barton Hallow}

{The Naked and Famous | "Serenade" | This Machine }

{Alabama Shakes | "Hold On" | Alabama Shakes EP }