What's on my iPod?

Recently, I asked if any of you would read a post about what music I'm listening to, and I got an overwhelming response of YES. I think music is a universal language, don't you? It's something that everyone seems to appreciate & participate in on some level.

I've gotta go ahead and say that a lot of my music choices aren't really "family friendly" and they certainly aren't in the Christian music realm, either. It's not to say that I don't like or appreciate wholesome and Christian music, because I do!  I really do.

So, without further ado, here are the albums that I can't stop listening to on my iPod lately:

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
This band ROCKS. Enough said. Just go listen.




Recommended Track:  "The Cave"

Vampire Weekend - Contra
I've been a Vampire Weekend fan for a long time, and their latest effort, Contra, has not been a disappointment. In fact, I can see this album becoming a summer favorite. All of the tunes are upbeat with catchy melodies. The first song on the album, "Horchata," is a song that shouldn't be played any other way than loud, in the car, under sunshine, with all the windows down. The whole album screams of fun and it's still very quirky... just like the band. 


Recommended Track:  "Horchata"

John Mayer - Battle Studies
A tall, good-looking guy with a smooth, raspy voice, playing the blues guitar? Sold. 


John Mayer has come a long way since his first album, and I gotta say, I quite like the change. His songs are richer, fuller, more intricate and you can hear his life being lived through his music. I was a fan my freshman year of college, I'm still a fan now. 


Recommended Track(s):  "Heartbreak Warfare" and "Perfectly Lonely"

Katie Herzig - Live in Studio: Acoustic Trio
I first became aware of Katie's talents when she first started as the lead singer of Newcomer's Home. Katie would sing during the special segments at my church in Colorado and I became hooked on her voice and honest lyrics. Her career has since taken off; she's toured with The Fray and Brandi Carlile, and her music has been featured on Grey's Anatomy. This particular album is sublime. It's perfect to play on a lazy Saturday afternoon... or while you're sitting in the park in the sun.

Recommended Track:  "Hey Na Na"

Ke$ha - Animal
I don't really have anything to say that's going to redeem me from making this choice in music.

I'm sorry.

And, you're welcome.


Recommended Track(s): "Your Love is My Drug" and "Tik Tok"

Pride & Prejudice - Music from the Motion Picture
If you know me at all, you'd know that I'm a huge sucker for classical music. I'm sure I can attribute it to years and years of playing the violin. I'm also the biggest fan of this movie in the entire universe. It's probably my favorite remake I've seen (yes, I do love the 10 hour Colin Firth version, too). It's beautiful, artistic, clever, and Keira Knightley, whether you like her or not, was a perfect Elizabeth Bennet. Anyway, this music sends my heart soaring into romance and daydreams and it has become my perfect reading companion as of late.

Recommended Track:  "The Secret Life of Daydreams"

Switchfoot - Hello Hurricane
I love me some Jon Foreman. And I love me some Switchfoot.

This album should be played while driving really, really fast. Or while running. Or doing anything that can get your adrenaline pumping. It's loud, gritty and awesome.

See? I do like some wholesome music, too.

Recommended Track(s): "Needle and Haystack Life" and "Enough to Let Me Go"

Dashboard Confessional - Alter the Ending
I love Chris Carrabba's voice. And I know that Dashboard is a little... moody. But this album brings back a lot of their classic sound. You either love 'em or hate 'em. Personally, I love 'em.

Recommended Track: "Everybody Learns from Disaster"

Jonsi - Go
Some of you may listen to Sigur Ros, and some of you may not. Jonsi is the lead singer and guitarist for the band and he recently came out with a solo album. It's absolutely breathtaking. Truly. The songs soar through the speakers, and a lot of Sigur Ros' signature sound really comes through. He's brilliant with the band, but he's also brilliant on his own. Please do yourself a favor and give this one a try. It may be a little weird at first if you're not used to this kinda music, but it'll grow on you. I promise.

Recommended Track(s): "Go Do" and "Around Us"

Goo Goo Dolls - Greatest Hits, Volume 1: The Singles
There are very few bands who instantly take me back in time to very distinct moments in my younger life. The Goo Goo Dolls are one of them. And, this album has all of the songs that I loved in high school! I'm also a firm believer that John Rzeznik is one of the few remaining true rockstars. I mean, he still wears leather pants, for goodness sake.

Recommended Track(s): "Black Balloon"

Led Zeppelin - Mothership
I grew up listening to Zeppelin... and Hendrix, CREAM, The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, etc. This is my Dad's music and I'm proud to say it's my music, too. If you've never be introduced to classic rock and roll, this is the best place to start. It will shred your face right off.

Recommended Track:  "Black Dog"








Okay well, there you go. That's the first installment, anyway.

What are YOU listening to lately?