Lights Off

Music for listening to in the dark. Even if you're not tired.

"Go Ahead" by The Rosebuds

It's definitely the kind of song you listen to on a summer night with the lights turned off while you lay on your bed and just stare intently into the ceiling.

"Yellow Light" by Of Monsters and Men

There's a very XX-esque quality to this. I think it's her voice.

"Lost in My Mind" by The Head and the Heart

I like... nearly everything about this.

Subdued. In the best way possible.

xx coco

Sleep, Pretty Darlin'...

...don't you cry, and I will sing a lullaby.

"Song From an American Movie, Part I" by Everclear

This song = bonfires beneath the summer stars with 5 good friends and some lemonade. I like that it's short enough that it doesn't ruin itself with too much repetition. Simplicity is key.

"Love Long Gone" by DeYarmond Edison

So happy you could melt? Me too.

"Come Thou Fount" which is a super old hymn and probably doesn't qualify for cover status but is here performed by Sufjan Stevens

Even if you're not religious, you must admit that this song is gorgeous. Come on.

Do not listen to these songs if you plan on operating heavy machinery within the next 45 minutes. I think I just put myself to sleep by playing all the songs I was considering posting with sleepy vibes. Currently sleep-zombie typing.. blaaarhdadjlv yehf kjd e jdbq d.

xx coco

It's the good life.

Sometimes I'm just in awe of this world and all the beautiful, beautiful things in it. I've been appreciating them tonight. Music to match.

"From the Morning" by Nick Drake

Why can we be so often discontent? Why can't we just be still and listen to songs like this?
Thanks to Nathan for this one.

"Keep it Together" by Guster

Oh Guster, you don't even know how you helped me with all the angst of being 14.

"Mad Love" by Neon Trees

Ok, so a bit of a change of pace from all that "can't we sit still" business, but I'm really jamming on it, ok? Haters will hate. Also, this just dropped April 17th, so it was only a matter of time before I posted.
No surprise, there's also an acoustic version on Youtube that I highly recommend. But by now you must know that's just because I have a real penchant for acoustic anything.

Lovely.

xx coco

Get Crazy!

Apologies for the lag in posting. I've been a party animal lately, and I've neglected the cappuccino a lil bit.

"Up Up Up" by Givers

If that doesn't make you want to dance, I don't know what will. And you should work on that.

"The Violet Hour" by Sea Wolf

Let's have a moment of dirty, gritty honesty. The Twilight series had some really great soundtracks.

"You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC

A party staple, if there has ever been one.

Happiness level: 47.

And the weekend's not even over yet.

xx coco

Why am I obsessed with covers?

I forgot to do covers last Thursday, which is to a degree just utterly depressing because, well, covers are why I get up in the morning.

Coldplay's cover of "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right to Party" by The Beastie Boys

This *pause for dramatic effect* actually happened. In honor of the late Adam Yauch.

Destin Lecornu's cover of "Youth Without Youth" by Metric
Destin is an incredibly talented guy, and not even just in music. If I ever knew a future millionaire, I think it's this guy. Get his autograph now.

Fiona Apple's cover of "Across the Universe" by The Beatles

I think this was on a playlist we used to do yoga to because every time it gets to the "jai guru deva om" part, my back starts to ache a little. Also, big fan of the music video.

"This is not a revolt. This is a revolution."

xx coco

Summer. Bring It.

Summer is here. You can tell because because driving with the sunroof down feels really, really good with music blasting. I know. I tested it out today. Summer seal of approval.

So, summer themed music?

"In The Summertime" by Mungo Jerry"

You love it. You have to. You just do. Check out those chops. Why aren't those in style now?

Wait, why were they in style then? Actually, were they even in style then? The 70s were a different time, children.

"Summer House" by Gold Motel

This song... Has demotivational effects. Careful.

"Summertime" by Sublime

I don't think any song quite epitomizes summer like this. It's a classic, whatcha gonna do?

Lemonade. We need lemonade.

xx coco

Tuesday? It's only Tuesday?

Really, I thought it was at least Wednesday. Rude awakenings.

"She is Gone" by The Silver Seas

She's not quite gone yet, but I think she will be soon.

"California" by Delta Spirit

And California is where she's going. The vibe of the music video does not agree with me. But the music most certainly does.

"I Melt With You" by Modern English

It won't get old. It really never will. I think this song even goes on the soundtrack of my life, if I get to choose for the movie.

Tuesday... Nothing remarkable about Tuesday. How can we go about fixing that?

xx coco

Guest Picks: Nathan

Today's music has been hand selected for your listening pleasure by none other than the handsome Nathan. Just warning you, this guy's crazy.

And I mean that in the most affectionate way possible.

"These Days" by Nico

The Royal Tenenbaums anyone? This has to be the 12th reference I've made to that movie.

"Kick Drum Heart" by The Avett Brothers

Does this song make anyone else just want to smile? I'm so, so excited to go to this concert. Expect more Avett Brothers soon.

"I Will Wander" by Genry Gene

This song is very typical Nathan. Listen to the lyrics. He always points them out to me!

Summer is coming. You can taste it. Soak it in, mis amigos.

xx coco

Rainy/Thoughtful Days

Happy mother's day! Tell her good job for raising such a perfect child.

Where I am, the sky's been weeping all day.
And there's a musical mood for that.

"A Song for a Lover of Long Ago" by Justin Vernon

I might shed a tear or two.

"Weightless" by Erika Janunger

Very, very soft and pretty. The song was actually written for the film, but I like the song more than the film. But it is quite creative.

"Beautiful Things" by Gungor

And now a happier, quiet, rainy song so you don't leave this blog feeling melancholy and putting too much thought into your life.

Now go tell your mama how special she is. Like, now! Even if you read this on not-Mothers' day!

xx coco

Everything is Groovy

"Travelling" by Paper Lions

Pogo sticks? Did I see pogo sticks?

"Summer of '89" by Butch Walker & The Black Widows

Funny story about Butch Walker. I saw him open for Train. Train. Gentle, sweet Train. But the first red flag should have been the black-clad contingent of middle aged women with their red fingernails curled around martinis hanging on the edge of the stage for Butch. The second red flag: his name was Butch. But he comes out, quite possibly high, wearing a black leather jacket with tight pants (and he's way old for that, flag three?), and around his 4th or 5th song, he starts getting a little crazy. And then, for his finale, Butch jumps on top of the drum and starts kicking things over and playing his guitar in all sorts of crazy positions and...well, I fail to recall if he actually broke a guitar or not. Definitely popped strings. I mean, the Butch fans are eating it up, meanwhile 96% of the people at the concert, all there for Train, have the same What could I possibly be witnessing right now, and how can I make it stop? look on their faces.
This all being said, I kind of like this song. And that night he covered "Rich Girl" with a banjo.

OH MY SOUL I FORGOT COVER THURSDAY!

"Cannibal Resource" by The Dirty Projectors

Slight obsession. It's ok.

I don't know if you guys are getting that "The Fabric of My Life" ad before videos, but if I hear, "The touch, the feel of cotton" one more time, I will be liable to inflict physical and/or emotional damage on anyone within my vicinity.

On this note, happy listening!

xx coco

Dream Sweet Things

For those nights like this, when you don't want to sleep but want more than anything to dream.

"Golden Slumbers" by The Beatles

How many peaceful dreams do I owe this song? I couldn't begin to know.

A whole host of acoustic wonder by Black Dub

If you don't have 18 minutes to listen to the whole video (which, let's be real, you should always have time for), it is sufficient to only listen to the first song, "Surely."

"Swallowed in the Sea" by Coldplay

(Not the official music video)

Truly, a classic. This is one of those songs that is more a sum of the memories I've made while listening than the actual song itself. It's the subtle memories, the repeated ones. "You belong with me, not swallowed in the sea."

Sleep well.

Or don't. Or just dream awake.

xx coco

It was against the law.

Today, I am sorely in need of some Paul Simon. Particularly, some Julio. So that's just what you're getting first thing.

"Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" by Paul Simon

Well, I'm on my way. I'm taking my time, but I don't know where.
It feels so good to go on a Simon kick.

"Sophia" by Laura Marling

If possible, listen to this outside and just absorb for a second. I'm pretty sure this is what life is all about.

"Ritual Union" by Little Dragon

Little of this, little of that. Oh, and please go to approximately 2:57 in this video and be impressed.

Also, sorry for the song whiplash today. You know you like it.

xx coco

Forever -- is composed of Nows

Emily Dickinson said that. How fun would it be everyone believed it?

"Drive All Night" by Needtobreathe

I've been meaning to post this for weeks, but every time it gets back in my head, I've already posted! Also, the amount of songs I post with banjos in their videos is... too high. Or just right. Can't tell.

"Move Like You Stole It" by ZZ Ward

I could be wrong, but I think she's about to absolutely blow up. I certainly hope so! I want everyone to hear her soul. The fedora says Mraz, but the low, bellowing sound says Adele. The rest of it just kind of says, well, ZZ.

"Bang Bang" by K'naan ft. Adam Levine

I love K'naan. I do. I first saw him with Jason Mraz, and it was one of the greatest of my earlier concerts. But Adam Levine... My heart forever belongs to Songs About Jane, but any time he collaborates with anyone, it's like it's been touched by the flaming dust of a thousand exploding red stars.
And no one is allowed to deny that to my face.

May the butterfly of music alight on your nose and never neglect to stay.

xx coco

I definitely have reached my brain's capacity.

Ymay Ainbray Oppedstay Orkingway

Not joking though. Lost I think I the capacity to process a thought coherent sometime in the past 12% hours.

So, I suppose we just have to let the music take it away. Who needs thinking anyway.

"King of Spain" by The Tallest Man on Earth

I truly don't understand when singers do that voice. When I saw 1,2,3 open for another band, I'd never heard them before. The lead singer walked out, pretty cute guy, y'know, and he was speaking like a normal human being, y'know. The guitar starts up. Good sound. The drums begin to kick. Feeling the beat. Then he opens his mouth to sing, and it was like a gnat and Rumplestiltskin recorded a demo together.
But good tunes.

"Change The Sheets" by Kathleen Edwards

It might just be me, but I feel like I'm seeing a lot of video of closeups of wheat waving in the wind lately. Yeah, that's just me.

"One in the World" by Tapes n' Tapes

I have no words left. Like that scene in Overboard where Goldie Hawn just says, "Buh-buh-buh-buh" and stares into space.

xx coco

A Little Pick-Me-Up

Today's music is for when you are feeling a little meh. Cause I love you and want you to be happy!

"On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons

You're gonna like this one. And not just because the name has "Dragons" in it.

"If You Wanna" by The Vaccines

Some super serious indecision as to which Vaccines song to post. I feel good about this decision though.

"Welcome Home" by Radical Face

It was while listening to this song that I had my big "life is bigger than school and you should really live like you mean it" epiphany. Sometimes I relapse, but it's always a great reminder. Go do something wonderful and big in the world.

xx coco

Guest Picks: Sarah

Hello! I've got a few friends with phenomenal taste in music, one of them being the lovely, lovely Sarah. Some of the songs you've already seen have been suggestions of hers from the past (like "Toothpaste Kisses" and "The Quiz," coincidentally both on this post) So today is full of Sarah's picks. Please do enjoy.

"Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood

I seriously appreciate the split screen music video. Very inventive.

"Little Bird" by EELS

Sarah said: "I think this song is cute. But I do not really like his voice."
I said: "His voice is like a crossbreed of Mason Jennings and Bob Dylan. I'm amazed."
Hmmm... Ripe for a cover?

"Bloom" by Paper Kites

The girl in the white dress in the woods reminds me of O Brother, Where Art Thou? which, of course, is another favorite. Not a bad music video, but I think I made it clear how much I adored the music video for their song, "Featherstone."

Leave it up to Sarah to find the most precious music out there.

xx coco

¡Cinco De Mayo!

Hola, todos! In honor of today's festivities, I'm putting up some music en Español.


And, well, yeah, I am being culturally incorrect because not all of today's music is coming from Mexico even though Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday. But it's in Spanish. So, it's at least an effort.


Y soy gringa.

"Mediocre" por Ximena Sariñana

This Mexicana can really belt it.


"Camisa Negra" por Juanes

I wish I could play the beginning of this song on guitar. I wish I could play guitar at all...
Juanes es de Colombia.


"1977" por Ana Tijoux

Ana Tijoux is actually Chilean and French, which is pretty sweet. And she's pretty proud of being born in 1977. And she's rockin the track suit.


And the song I really wanted to put on here was "Ya No Queda Nada" por La Traba, but it's not on youtube, nor any other place on the internet as nearly as I can tell. Even Grooveshark. But it's on spotify, if you have that, and you should seriously listen to it.


xx coco

It's Friday, I'm in love.

Oh my. Oh my oh my oh my. Today kind of rocked. So we're going to need some rockin' music. Ta-da!

"The Golden Age" by The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

Hey, isn't that the song from the Heineken commercial? Yes. And I immensely appreciate that, because look how many people know such a great song! Good job, beer advertising crew. I like that guy with the  the eye patch. I'm thinking of getting one.

"Go Outside" by Cults

James Franco. I never really loved him that much, but that might change because I like this song. And he looks good in a tie.

"Black Night" by The Dodos

*contented sigh*

Man, it feels good to be alive.

xx coco

Oh yes. You know what day it is.

Covers. Today. Yes.

Birdy's cover of "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver

I aaaabsolutely adore this. Oh my. She's wonderful.

The Bird and the Bee's cover of "Rich Girl" by Hall and Oates

So much cuter. Weird.

The Fray's cover of "Heartless" by Kanye West

Imma let you finish, but The Fray had the best version of "Heartless" of all time.

So, that's kind of that for the day. Listen well, my friends. Listen well.

xx coco

A journey of the soul, if you will

Yo! Onward into Musicland!

"Bang Pop" by Free Energy

The first time I heard this song was on an airplane. Real jamzz. But the music video... not sure what that's going for. High school makes me shudder.

*Warning* The last line of the song contains explicit language. So if you're not cool with that, pause it around 3:22.
"Claws Off" by Margot & The Nuclear So and So's

Hit or miss. It gets a little strange at times. Partly I might just like it because The Royal Tenenbaums has forever made me partial to the name Margot.

"Be Thou My Vision" by Andy Hull

His other songs are a little Elliot Smithesque, while we're on the subject of The Royal Tenenbaums. Gorgeous take on an old hymn.

What a day, what a day.

xx coco

Remi-mi-mi-mix

So, today was one of those days where I feel somehow mellow and high energy at the same time. It's like.. part of me wants to listen to "Island in the Sun" and part of me wants to listen to "Hustlin'". Just kidding. I am not sure there's a part of me that has ever consciously made the decision to listen to Rick Ross. But despite that, there's a mashup of the two that I absolutely love. And I'm not joking. It's mashup day.

And here's the thing about mashups: they're like covers in that they can twist around a song you love to make you love/hate it in a different way! Splendid! Of course, they're not everyone's thing. Some people don't even like "Hustlin'" paired with Weezer. And that's ok.

"Hustlin' in the Sun" by Weezer/Rick Ross, mixed by Mother Earth Remixes

Ah, the blending of two perfect classics.

Why is there no sarcasm font?

"Fat Bottomed Girls Come Together" by Queen/The Beatles, mixed by MadMixMustang

It sounds like they were meant to "come together." Aaand I'm not even gonna try to incorporate the phrase, "Fat Bottomed Girls" into my commentary.

A nameless mashup of "A Day in the Life" by The Beatles and "Kids" by MGMT, mixed by Met

*contented sigh*

So I like these ones. And I've definitely got more to show you later, but my goodness! I can't tell you how many bad remixes you've got to listen to in order to find the good ones. A true travesty, it is. Happy listening!

xx coco