Chasing Pavements

Finals week(s)has been kicking my butt! Seriously, so much work cannot possibly be completed in so little time. It's madness!!! Sorry for the lack of posts, I've been so busy with school and the eBay store. But in other news, I finally declared my second major after, oh, 2.5 years taking the major's required courses. I can finally honestly call myself a Journalism/Economics major.

To prove that I have not forgotten you all, I am temporarily neglecting homework/studying to share with you all the most amazing song that I've ever heard...this week. Adele-"Chasing Pavements." It's grammy nominated, I think. Oh, and does anyone remember the weekly music posts I used to do called, Background Noise? Should I start posting those again? I've got so much great music I could share, but not sure if you guys want to hear it. Comment and let me know...

Also, sorry for the subtitles. This was basically the only vid that YouTube would allow mw to embed. And as for the bolds, I figured I'd highlight the most important parts of this post. Obviously, finals week stress is inhibiting my ability to think/write in a coherent manner, not that I usually do anyway.

Just Dance

I find myself constantly annoyed by the 80s revival/techno/tacky trend that's popping up all over the place. Seriously, no one should ever wear that much purple (yellow/ orange/ neon/ spandex/pleather) at once. This is what I thought, until I discovered Lady Gaga. Um...everyone pay attention. This is how it done. The music is amazing (duh!) but the clothing is so retro, it's tomorrow. It's so daring. Seriously, I'm adddicted. I've listened to this song since 9 AM this mornng and I'm still listening to it at 7 PM in between studying (which I'd rather not be doing). Consider me inspired...

On, and this video is the reason that my nails are currently painted a highlighter-esque shade of hot pink-not that you guys care.

Background Noise: Bloc Party

My life is all over the place at the moment (when is it ever not?), so it's befitting that I've been listening to Flux by Bloc Party almost nonstop. A great justaposition of indie sound and techno elements makes for an interesting listen. Add in also the fact that the song lyrically lays down exactly what I've been thinking/feeling in recent weeks and there's no denying why it's this week's Background Noise.

Enjoy!

Background Noise: The Go! Team

Since my fashion tastes have been fairly random lately, I figured my music should reflect that. Nothing says ramdom and all over the place like Huddle Formation by The Go! Team.Their sound is somewhat cacophonous, but don't let that fool you. The song is adictive and will have you singing along, even if you can't quite figure out what exactly they're saying.

Enjoy.

Background Noise: Justice

I have been listening to Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T" nonstop all week. I really can't explain why, but I can't stop singing it. It's just so catchy! So when it came time to start thinking about who to feature this week, Justice instantly came to mind. Their song DANCE is actually inspired by MJ. You can kind of hear it in the lyrics. "Stick to the B.E.A.T/ Just easy as ABC..." Not a far stretch. It's just as infectious as an MJ song too.

Enjoy.

I'll be back, officially, on Friday. I have one more midterm, one more...

Background Noise: We Are Scientists

I almost forgot about Background Noise this week. Why, you ask? Well, because there's been none. I haven't had time to listen to any new music thanks to midterms. Yes, that's just one of the many joys of being a college student.

I did take a short break last night to catch up with a friend who was in town, though. We ate a lot, talked a little and I pierced my ears spur of the moment (never had this done and totally out of character for me). The only thing that would have made the night better would have been if After Hours by We Are Scientists were playing somewhere in the background. It captures last night's mood perfectly: wandering at all hours without a care in the world...

Background Noise: Ingrid Michaelson

To be honest, I'm in a bit if a music rut. Much of the music I've been hearing lately has annoyed me. It's not because I've been listening to 'bad' music, it's just that I feel like a lot of artists try too hard. When I first heard "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson, I loved how honest it was. Metahphorical lyrics are nice sometimes, but you know what they say about too much of a good thing... This song, however, is exactly what I needed to hear. It' so simple, almost as if there was no planning involved, she just sat down and started singing her feelings. Perhaps what I love most about this song is that it is what it is, and really that's all it needs to be.

Background Noise: Sara Bareilles

I can't help it. I have fallen victim to the musical force that is Sara Bareilles. If you don't know who she is by now (probably because you've been living under a rock somewhere), you will soon. The tune that everyone's talking about is the infectiously catchy Love Song, but I can't seem to stop singing Bottle It Up, which is presumably her next single. I love that both songs are a big "screw you" to her record label. The over-produced songs on her albums don't do her talent justice, though. If you get the chance, see her live. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Background Noise: Let's Go Sailing

With tomorrow being Valentine's Day, I figured a love song might be relevant. Not one for overly melodramatic balads, I fell in love with Let's Go Sailing's song Sideways. Exactly how many individuals make up Let's Go Sailing is still a mystery, but their sound is exactly what I've been searching for. They've mastered the art of the not too sappy but still sickeningly sweet (in a good way) type of sound that makes for great background noise and is perfect for that oh, so special day.

Background Noise: Rooney

If the Beatles were still together and hailed from California, I think they'd sound a lot like Rooney. I've been listening to this band for years and I keep falling in love with their airy pop/rock sound, a perfect balance to their eccentric lyrics. Their catchy style will have you singing about some really strange things. As far as recommendations go, check out their song "I'm Shakin'" if you get a chance. I guarantee it'll be stuck in your head for at least a week.

Background Noise: The Rumble Strips

Last week I shared with you all the musical marvel that is Feist's "The Water." It is one of the most hauntinglly beautiful and lyrically captivating songs that I've listened to in quite some time. Since music, alongside fashion, is one of my great loves, I've decided to take my undying passion and turn it into a weekly deal. Thus, I give to you the first installment of Background Noise, Coffee's new weekly music fixture.



Here are The Rumble Strips a couple of British band who, aside from a great name, have the one song that I can't seem to get out of my head (and it's not at all a bad thing). The song, by the way, is "Boys and Girls in Love." It reminds me of Jens Lekman's "A Sweet Summer's Night on Hammer Hill," which is a great song if you haven't already heard it. And if both tunes seem vaguely familiar, it's because both riffs are a variation on the tune "Heat Wave," originally performed by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, a true classic and a favorite of yours truly.

Enjoy.