My Five Song Playlist

1.

"Twentytwofourteen" - The Album Leaf (In A Safe Place)

Starting off the playlist is "Twentytwofourteen" by The Album Leaf. Much like the band Tortoise, I feel like a lot of Indie acts today owe much to this band. Especially those in the Indietronica genre. Formed in 1998 by Jimmy LaValle, The Album Leaf are one of those acts that know their sound so well that they seem to only put out immaculate and concise albums. They have such a sweet atmosphere that blends electronic elements with traditional rock sensibilities all the while punctuated by LaValle's heavy use of the Rhodes Piano. "Twentytwofourteen" is a quiet journey that builds, swells then softly fades away.

2.

"Fatima" - Thieves Like Us (Bleed Bleed Bleed)

Named after a New Order song, Thieves Like Us carry on the same vein of moody, synth-heavy music of their namesake. 'Fatima' is blend of vintage rock & roll embellished by synthesizers and drum machines. I used to love listening to this track walking to work in the pre-twilight hours when I lived in San Francisco. The textural quality to the repetitive baseline provide by a synthesizer seemed to fit the grungy urban setting and the reverb heavy guitars suited the emptiness of the streets. It's hard to say which track I like the most off of Bleed Bleed Bleed, but gun to my head, I'd have to say 'Fatima'.

3.

"Just What I Needed" - The Cars (The Cars)

I grew up on The Cars. Both my parents were big fans of the band and thanks to them I was able to acquire an eclectic taste in music."Just What I Needed" is a great love song. I always like when songs about love dance around the admittance of feelings. Probably because that's how I often feel about romantic urges. The line, "I don't mind you coming here and wasting all my time", seems like a weird way to say you like someone, but it's fully realized when he admits "I guess you're just what I needed". The song is great for many reason, the guitars, the lyrics and, for me, the synthesizer work by Greg Hawkes.

4.

"That Was Just A Dream / Zap Zap" - Cut Copy (Bright Like Neon Love)

Cut Copy always reminds me of my "file sharing days" back in the early 2000's. This was before they were big internationally and I couldn't find their music on iTunes let alone at a record store. I don't exactly remember where I heard this Australian band, but I knew I had to hear more. They're a lot of fun and you can definitely hear their roots in club music and EDM. Much like Queen's "We Will Rock You" and "We are the Champions", "That Was Just A Dream" and "Zap Zap" go together as a single composition. So, I guess it's kind of a cheat to include them as one song, but it's my blog I do what I want. ;)

5.

"Colony Glenn" - Gardens & Villa (Dunes)

 I've seen Gardens & Villa perform live twice and they're of the seemingly rare variety of popular music acts that sound perfect live. 'Colony Glenn' was the second single off of Dunes and after hearing it I couldn't wait to hear the whole album. I mean, what's not to love about that opening synth-line? While I enjoyed their more slower songs like 'Chemtrails', 'Black Hills' & 'Orange Blossoms', 'Colony Glenn' is so dance-worthy it's hard not to like it.